"Argus!" "How is it?!" Newgate, despite his towering bulk, almost stumbled over himself trying to lower his voice as he hurried over.
"Brother," Argus greeted with effortless calm, seated in the lounge chamber of the central villa. "No need to panic. Everything's proceeding smoothly. Both mothers are stable, and the babies are on their way."
"Good, good!" Newgate let out a breath that shook the nearby curtains and gently set Artoria down.
"Father! Father!" Artoria cheered, dashing into Argus' arms.
"Hm~" Argus caught her easily, cradling her with a rare softness. "So? Did your uncle deliver your teacher safely?"
"Heeheehee~~ He did!" Artoria giggled.
"Good. You'll begin your training soon." He lightly tapped her nose as she beamed. Meanwhile, Newgate leaned heavily against a pillar, arms crossed but fingers drumming anxiously.
In the hallway, Hiroshi, Doma, and young Jozu waited respectfully. Doma was the first to speak.
"Lord Argus. Lady Serena. Congratulations on the upcoming additions."
"We've brought fruit baskets and warming broth from the kitchens," Hiroshi added with a modest bow. "It's not much, but the crew wanted to offer something."
"Where's the babies?" Jozu piped up.
Serena chuckled, her eyes gleaming. "Soon, Jozu. They're almost here."
The boys then moved to entertain Artoria, gently tugging her toward the garden terrace. There, the 'princess' presided like a queen.
"Uncle Doma, tell me the one with the Sea King again!"
"Again? That makes six times this week, your highness," Doma laughed, but he obliged.
Time crawled. Half an hour later—
"Husband. Big Brother." Serena's serene voice floated through the hall as she approached with Dr. Kureha striding beside her. The ancient yet razor-sharp woman lit a cigar before even speaking.
"Well, you're officially a father of three, Argus," she said bluntly. "Both deliveries were clean. Mothers are resting. No tearing, no bleeding, no fainting. Unlike last time with your dragon-spawn."
She blew a smoke ring in Artoria's direction.
"You—little monster—nearly gave me a heart attack just Months ago. These boys? Eh. Textbook cases."
Newgate erupted.
"Gurararara~~~ So good! So good! Two more nephews! More blood! More family!"
He barreled into the delivery wing, shoving the doors open with a laugh and a booming voice.
Inside, Argus found both Sally and Shella resting, faces pale but radiant with maternal pride. He nodded in silent approval. No matter their talents, no matter their destinies—they had borne new life for the family. That alone demanded respect.
Two newborns, bundled neatly in silk, looked ordinary—no runes, no dragon's cry, no warping of the air.
Artoria's birth had been different. A storm. A phenomenon.
These two? Healthy, strong, perfectly normal human babies.
And that was fine.
System Interface: [Many Children Are a Blessing]
—Bloodline Analysis Complete—
Name: Edward Gawain
Birthdate: March 15, Sea Circle Calendar 1469
Talent: B-Level — "The Sun Looked at You"
Potential: B+
Resonance Trait Unlocked: Increase Charisma to a family member.
Name: Edward Agravain
Birthdate: March 15, Sea Circle Calendar 1469
Talent: C+ Level — "Iron"
Potential: B
Resonance Trait Unlocked: Increase Physical Durability to family a member.
—Sub-Family Feature Activated—
> Sub-Family Units: Designated by proximity and emotional bond. Trait Resonance applies across all eligible members.
Edward Family Tree:
Edward Argus (Patriarch)
Serena (Primary Wife)
Sally (Consort)
Shella (Consort)
Artoria (Daughter — S+ Tier)
Gawain (Eldest Son — B Tier)
Agravain (Second Son — C+ Tier)
—New Generation Strength Bonus: +3% Growth Rate to all descendants due to increasing blood density.
Argus nodded at the data.
Not bad. Not exceptional. But reliable.
"So... Artoria, you have two little brothers now," he said.
"They're not as shiny as me!" she declared with childlike pride.
"No, they're not," Argus agreed. "But they're yours to protect. And someday, perhaps to lead."
Artoria stood straight, puffing out her chest.
Outside the villa, music erupted.
Drums. Bells. Cannon salutes.
Totto Land was celebrating.
From the docks to the spice markets, flags flew and wine spilled.
The birth of two sons meant much more than lineage. It meant stability. Legacy. Power.
Hiroshi raised his cup beside Doma.
"To the Edward family!"
"To the new brothers!" Doma added.
Jozu hoisted a piece of meat in tribute.
Newgate, now seated between Sally and Shella like an overgrown golden retriever, patted each on the shoulder with enough force to bruise a boulder.
"You two did great. Strong! Brave! That's how Edward women should be! Gurararara~~"
Sally giggled weakly.
"You're shouting right in my ear, old man."
Shella added, smirking, "And crushing my shoulder."
Newgate flushed and eased off. Argus looked on with mild amusement.
"Another day, another generation," he muttered.
Serena leaned in.
"And one step closer to building a dynasty in this world."
Argus looked at his family—flawed, chaotic, and burning with promise.
And he smiled.
(CHAPTER END)