A Princess’s Quiet Worry and the Gentle Storms of Night
The glad tidings of Sylvia’s pregnancy brought joy and blessings to all of Akio’s town. He watched her daily with tenderness as she grew more radiant in her new role as a mother-to-be, while the other wives, each in her own way, supported her and eagerly awaited the birth of new life.
Yet amid that happiness, one carried a small, quiet worry in her heart—Celestina, the third wife. She truly felt blessed to be Akio’s wife, but since hearing of Sylvia’s pregnancy, she found herself increasingly restless and uncertain about her own place in Akio’s nightly life.
(Will I ever… be able to bear Akio-sama’s child as well? But my body is so small... Could I really give him the kind of satisfaction he deserves…?)
Akio was always gentle, assuring her he would wait until her heart was ready. But as she saw Sylvia’s joy at becoming a mother, her own wish for a tangible bond between herself and Akio grew stronger.
At last, she sought Sylvia’s counsel in private.
“Sylvia-sama… I fear that I am not of true service to Akio-sama… regarding, well… our nights together…”
Sylvia, hearing her hesitant words and seeing her troubled face, smiled warmly.
“Celestina, you have nothing at all to fear. Akio treasures your pure heart and the depth of your love for him above everything. Size of body is a trivial matter—what matters most is that your hearts are joined.”
She then took Celestina’s hand and gently placed it upon her own slightly swelling belly.
“There is no need to rush. Just as with this little life, miracles come to those who love. If you trust in Akio, and in yourself, and nurture the time you share, the day will come naturally.”
The warmth from Sylvia’s womb and the love woven into her words brought tears to Celestina’s eyes. What stirred within her now was no longer impatience, but a quiet, hopeful faith in the future.
Meanwhile, Akio’s vigor—renewed by the blessings of this world and the devotion of his wives—was borne mainly by Kina and Leonora, each in her own way.
Kina, with her boundless energy and beastkin instincts, gave herself wholeheartedly to Akio’s passion. To her, their nights together were pure joy, a blissful time to have him all to herself. Yet even she, with all her stamina, sometimes found herself overwhelmed by his bottomless vitality.
“H-Hubby… I-I can’t anymore… You sure you’re human? You’re like a bear!”
Even when she collapsed first, she slept soundly in his arms, her face full of happiness.
Leonora, by contrast, was another story. Her knightly training had given her strength and endurance to match and sometimes even surpass Akio’s. She met all his desires sincerely—and at times, boldly—until it was he, not she, who yielded first.
“Akio-dono… shall we continue? As your knight—now your wife as well—it is my duty to answer all your wishes…”
Though her words were composed, the light in her eyes told another story: deep affection and quiet pride in fulfilling her husband. Akio felt it keenly.
Sylvia’s pregnancy, Celestina’s growth of heart, Kina’s fervent devotion, and Leonora’s steadfast love—all these threads wove together in Akio’s “nest of love,” each night nurturing different shapes of affection. The bonds of the family grew ever more intricate, ever richer.
And though the mystery of Akio’s restored vigor remained unsolved, one truth stood clear: in this world, with his beloved wives, Akio had found a happiness both deep and true.
What do you think about this chapter?
