Chapter 155: True Winner V


    “Whoa…”


    As sheid her heavily weighted body on the bed, Bertina let out a small sigh.


    Now, anyone could clearly see the state of her body.


    Her swollen belly made it clear that there was another life inside her.


    <em>‘Am I really going to be a mother? Really… here, carrying his child?’ </em>


    Even at that moment, the baby kicked, announcing its presence. Every time she felt that sensation, a smile naturally formed on her lips.


    It felt like she held the whole world in her hands—a feeling of happiness iparable to any jewel she had ever obtained.


    Feeling that joy once more, Bertina quietly looked out the window at the sky.


    “Now, it’s time for him to arrive.” She wanted to greet him at the entrance, but in her current condition, such an effort felt overwhelming. With concerns about the health of her child, she chose to remain calm, enduring the frustration.


    <em>‘Still… I never imagined you wouldplete this task so perfectly. Not only did you avert a crisis, but you also secured such tremendous profit.’ </em>


    As a merchant and as a woman bearing his child, she felt an overwhelming sense of pride.


    With these thoughts lingering, Bertina reflected on something that had stayed in her mind for a long time.


    <em>‘Will he ept it? He will, of course. After all, I am carrying his child…’ </em>


    While she was savoring the anticipation growing in the corner of her heart, suddenly—


    Knock! Knock!


    “…!”


    At that moment, a knock came from behind her. Bertina turned her head, and a bright smile spread across her face.


    “You!”


    “I’m here, My Lady.”


    The sight of him filled her with joy. Without hesitation, Bertina hurried toward him as quickly as her heavy body allowed.


    “Thank goodness… Truly, I was worried the entire time because the war was so intense. I am so relieved that you returned safely.”


    “I told you, I promised I would never leave you alone again.”


    With those words, Bahamut embraced Bertina’s body warmly.


    In his arms, she felt the certainty that everything had resolved without major problems. Releasing her gently, Bahamut looked down at her swollen belly, as round as a southern mountain, and said, “It’s grown so much… our child.”


    “Yes, the doctor said the baby should arrive in just a few weeks.”


    “Good. You’ve done so well.”


    Bahamut felt a surge of emotions at her words. Although he had known for a while that he would be a father, experiencing this moment firsthand brought a special feeling.


    <em>‘A child… I’m really going to be a father. I expected this, but it feels so different from anything I imagined.’ </em>


    A happiness unlike the joy of capturing enemies or earning great wealth swept over him.


    “What about the baby’s gender? I heard some doctors can determine that.”


    “Unfortunately, that’s not possible yet. I tried to find out, but only doctors in the Dragona Empire currently have the ability to use such mana-based methods. But we’ll know soon enough, so please be patient until then.”


    “Yes, I suppose that’s fine.”


    To be honest, Bahamut didn’t care whether it was a son or daughter. Still, he thought a daughter might be better—a smart, beautiful child like Bertina, someone he could adore endlessly.


    “Now that I’ve returned safely, shall we celebrate with a banquet? I stopped by the Holy Empire on the way back and brought some excellent ingredients.”


    “Yes, that sounds wonderful. Though I’ll refrain from drinking for the baby’s sake.”


    Just like that, Bahamut’s excitement for their soon-to-arrive child grew.


    Watching him, Bertina also smiled—though her smile held not only joy but also a subtle hint of personal ambition.


    ***


    At the Banquet.


    “Gulp, gulp! Ahhh, that’s the stuff!”


    Nemea downed a ss of wine with cheer, seatedfortably at the center of the banquet hall.


    Seeing this, Mergon turned his head slightly and took a timid sip from his own ss.


    “Oh, this is delicious. It looked odd, but it tastes better than I expected.”


    “This is quite good too. It’s called onion soup—apparently, it’s a popr dish in the Frank kingdom.”


    While Ken gravitated toward exotic dishes, Mino preferred simpler, familiar fare. As she observed herrades enjoying the banquet in their own ways, Echid smiled lightly before turning toward the two people beside her.


    “Everyone worked hard. I didn’t do much since I stayed here on guard duty, but I heard both of you performed brilliantly.”


    “In its own way, the rear lines were as important as the battlefield. Thanks to your protection, Tilda, we were able to fight safely. Thank you.”


    “Well, I hate to admit it, but that’s true. Great job.”


    Ophelia and Echid both expressed their gratitude for Tilda, who had protected the Beden Merchant Company’s headquarters in Schwyz.


    Tilda looked slightly embarrassed at the praise.


    “Thank you, but… if Bertina hadn’t been pregnant, I would have joined you on the battlefield. Honestly, I regret not being able to fight.”


    At her words, Ophelia’s expression grewplicated, and Echid cautiously asked,


    “Lady Bertina is pregnant? Then… the father must be—”


    “It’s Mr. Bahamut. Who else would it be?”


    Ophelia and Echid exchanged looks, realizing why Bertina hadn’t been present in Schwyz.


    Ophelia silently drank her strong liquor, while Echid gave her a concerned nce.


    “Are you sure you’re okay? That’s strong—it’s distilled liquor.”


    “I’ll be fine. Just… one drink today.”


    “Hahaha, yes, enjoy it. Today is a celebration—everyone made it back safely! Let’s drink and make merry!”


    “…Sigh…”


    Echid sighed as she watched Tilda talk freely. In this atmosphere, she knew saying anything would only make things worse for Ophelia. Feeling the same need for release, Echid tipped her own ss and took a deep drink.


    “This really is good… Expensive liquor lives up to its price.”


    “Drink, drink! Throw all your worries away! Let’s get drunk!”


    Between the two of them, Ophelia silently poured more liquor down her throat, trying to soothe herplicated emotions.


    She knew the truth, though.


    A woman carrying an unmarried man’s child…


    What could she expect from the child’s father? It was obvious.


    ***


    Later, face-to-face with Bahamut, Bertina spoke with a soft smile.


    “Will you do it? As the father of this child?”


    “Ah… a-are you serious?”


    Her words took him by surprise, leaving Mr. Bahamut momentarily speechless.


    Seeing his hesitation, Bertina’s voice softened with earnestness.


    “There’s no need to wait any longer. There’s no reason to hesitate. I want to start right after the baby is born… our wedding.”


    “… …”


    Caught off guard, Bahamut found himself at a loss for words. <hr>


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