After spending a relaxing period at the Risner household, we returned to the royal capital, swaying along in a carriage with Patrick-san and the others.
""We're home!""
And as soon as we arrived in the capital, we headed straight for the Ruven mansion.
"I've been waiting for you~ Welcome back!"
Since I had informed them of our arrival date, Rebecca-san was there to greet us properly, embracing Allen and Elena in a heartfelt reunion.
"Allen-chan, Elena-chan, it looks like you had a wonderful time."
""Yeah, it was fun~""
I think this every time, but it really feels like a scene from a real family.
"Welcome back to you too, Takumi-san."
"I've returned. —Uh?"
"Yes, you too, Takumi-san."
Rebecca-san was now holding her arms out wide toward me.
This is… she's asking for a reunion hug, right? But honestly, that's hard to accept.
""Tei-yaah~""
"Eh!?"
"Fufu, welcome back."
"... I'm back."
Suddenly pushed from behind by Allen and Elena, I stumbled toward Rebecca-san. I quickly adjusted my posture so I didn't crash into her, but I ended up falling right into her arms, in a full hug situation I had been hesitating to accept just moments ago.
"... Allen, Elena, that's dangerous. If I'd lost my balance, Rebecca-san could've been hurt. You must never do that again."
"Your face is all red, Oniichan~"
"Oniichan, you're embarrassed~"
"... Stop teasing me."
Seems my face has gone red.
Rebecca-san may be around the same age as my mother, but she looks incredibly youthful. Hugging a woman like that… of course I'd get embarrassed.
"Fufu, becoming mischievous little rascals, aren't you?"
""Ehh~?""
"Oh my, trying to play innocent now."
""Ehehe~""
… They've always played harmless pranks, but they're getting bolder.
Looks like I'll need to start cracking down a bit more.
"Harmless, playful pranks are fine, but you mustn't do anything dangerous or mean, okay?"
""Okaaay~""
… Thanks to Rebecca-san's gentle warning, I'd like to believe they'll stick to lighthearted mischief only.
"Come now, let's move to the sitting room. Tell me all about your travels. Or are you too tired?"
"We're fine!"
"Let's talk!"
Deciding to leave the prank situation under observation for now, we headed to the sitting room to share stories of our journey.
"By the way, have you brought home any more adorable little ones?"
""You see! It's on hold for now!""
"On hold?"
Once we settled in, Rebecca-san's gaze shifted to the pastel rabbit I had brought in a basket.
"One of the knights who traveled with us wants to adopt it, but he lives in the castle dormitory. So we're planning to negotiate whether he can keep it there."
"My, my, that sounds lovely. Pastel rabbits are adorable and soothing. I understand why the knight would want one. I hope the negotiations go well."
""Will do our best!""
The kids won't actually be the ones negotiating… or maybe they will?
Though, in their case, it'd be the classic "pretty please" with those puppy-dog eyes.
"Fufu, do your best, alright? So, I heard you even made it as far as the Regilus Empire~"
""Made it?""
"Oh, sorry, I meant to say you went there."
""Yeah, we went! And you know what… —""
I had sent letters with a general report of our travels, but there were plenty of details left to share.
Allen and Elena happily launched into their storytelling.
"I heard Takumi and the others are back?"
"Ah! Wald Nii!"
"Rosalie Oneesama too!"
As the kids were happily chatting with Rebecca-san, Wald-san arrived with Rosalie-san.
"Wald-san, Rosalie-san, we're back."
""Waaah!""
"Is it a little brother?"
"Or a little sister?"
"Hm?"
As I greeted them, Allen and Elena suddenly rushed to Rosalie-san and hugged her—while saying something strange.
"Hmm? Ah! I see now! Wald-san, Rosalie-san, congratulations."
"Takumi, what are you talking about?"
"Huh?"
I realized Rosalie-san seemed to be pregnant, so I hurried to offer congratulations, but Wald-san just looked confused.
""A baby!""
"Hah!?"
"Eh?"
"Oh my!"
As Allen and Elena revealed the baby news, Wald-san, Rosalie-san, and Rebecca-san all froze in shock… apparently, they hadn't noticed yet.
Judging by the size of the baby's mana, I'd say the pregnancy has been progressing for a while. Maybe there hadn't been any morning sickness?
"Takumi, are you certain Rosalie is pregnant?"
"Yes, I can sense the mana, so I'm pretty sure."
"...! Get the doctor! Call a doctor!"
Wald-san bolted from the room, shouting to summon a doctor.
"Umm… Rosalie-san, please have a seat for now."
"Yes, thank you very much."
"Honestly, Wald-san dashed out in such a panic. He should've been concerned about Rosalie-san first. —Rosalie-san, congratulations. How are you feeling?"
"I did feel a little anemic some days, but otherwise I've been perfectly fine… I truly hadn't noticed."
"In that case, now that you know, take extra care of yourself."
"Y-Yes, of course."
Seems she's barely had any noticeable symptoms.
"I've arranged for a doctor!"
"Good grief, Wald-san. That's important, but shouldn't you have prioritized checking on Rosalie-san first?"
"Eh?"
"Where's your concern for Rosalie-san?"
"Ah! R-Rosalie, th-thank you. And… please, don't push yourself from now on."
Wald-san returned quickly but was immediately scolded by Rebecca-san.
Looking slightly sheepish, Wald-san sat beside Rosalie-san, held her hand, and expressed his gratitude.
… His cheeks and ears were red; he looked a bit flustered.
""Wald Nii's embarrassed~""
"...!"
Allen and Elena immediately teased him.
I decided to pretend not to notice, but the kids weren't going to let him off the hook.
"Wald Nii, you're going to be a daddy."
"Y-Yeah…"
"Is it a little sister? A little brother?"
"Y-Yeah…?"
"Allen, Elena, if Wald-san's your big brother, then his child would be your nephew or niece."
""Is that so?""
"That's right."
If Wald-san's my big brother, then his child would be my niece or nephew, too.
But considering they call Rebecca-san "grandmother," it's a bit complicated… though there's no changing that now.
If I based it all on Rebecca-san's position, Wald-san is their uncle, and his child would be their cousin. But that would mean Allen and Elena are my children?
Yeah, better not overthink it.
In any case, it's wonderful news right after returning home!