Their names were finally settled.
High Elf Ria’s son would be Lilius.
Lize’s son, Rigul.
Raffa’s son, Ratte.
And Ann, the High Ogre, named her son Torain.
The High Elf children were named by their respective mothers. I sensed a particular attachment to the first letter of each name, as if it followed some cultural tradition or rule.
As for Torain, his name was the result of a long consultation between me, Ann, Dos, the Demon King, and Shiso-san. The names Ann initially proposed to me were nearly impossible to pronounce. To put it simply, they were a jumble of harsh, voiced consonants and complex, diminutive glides. My first impression—and I felt terrible for thinking it—was that they sounded like the names of demons from some chaotic circle of hell.
I was fully prepared to love my child, but I felt those names might be a bit much, so I asked her to reconsider. Unless knowing a child's true name carried some mystical risk of death or forced submission, I thought something easier to call out would be better.
However, I struggled to come up with an alternative. Or rather, I had a few ideas, but none of them satisfied Ann. When she smiled a bit sadly and said, “I understand,” in response to my suggestions, I knew I had to go back to the drawing board. I didn't have enough confidence in my own naming sense to force my choices on her.
In my desperation, I ended up consulting the Demon King, who happened to be nearby. That might have been a mistake.
“You would ask the Demon King, but not me?” Dos grumbled.
“I can join in too, right?” Shiso-san added.
With Dos and Shiso-san jumping into the fray, a long list of names was compiled. The conversation devolved into a deep dive into naming conventions, auspicious omens, and the names of legendary figures from history. In a way, those three were even more enthusiastic than Ann and I were. I could understand it from Dos and Shiso-san, but the Demon King’s fervor was a bit surprising.
“Father has never been allowed to name his own children before…” Yuri explained, which cleared everything up.
Eventually, the list was whittled down to three final candidates. The final decision was made by drawing lots in front of the Shrine of the Great Tree. The logic was that since the glowing statue of the Creator had made the choice, no one could complain.
Before the draw, Ann and I double-checked the three names. We were happy with any of them, so we proceeded. I was the one to pull the paper.
The result: Torain.
The Demon King threw his arms toward the heavens, his face a mask of pure joy.
“I believe the names that weren't chosen this time are quite excellent as well,” Dos said. “I would be pleased if you bestowed them upon your future children.”
“The same goes for me,” Shiso-san agreed.
“Yeah. They’re good names. I’ll do that.”
If the mothers allow it, I’ll use the names Dos and Shiso-san came up with for the next boys to be born. Based on how things have been going, I’m sure there will be plenty more eventually.
“Ria, Lize, Raffa... sorry about that. For being so preoccupied with Torain.”
I apologized to Ria and the others for being completely absorbed by Ann and Torain’s naming process for a while.
“Not at all,” Ria replied. “Dos-sama and the others were involved, after all. It was only natural.”
That was true, but I still felt a pang of guilt.
“Please, do not worry,” Lize added. “More importantly, thank you for allowing us to name our own children.”
Compared to Ann’s suggestions, their choices were much more familiar and easier on the tongue.
“And...” Ria straightened her posture while cradling Lilius. “As I have mentioned many times before, please allow me to raise my son as the future leader of the High Elves.”
“Yeah. Just as you wished, Ria.”
“Thank you very much.”
“Lize, Raffa. Your children will be raised according to your wishes as well.”
The two of them bowed their heads. This was a measure to ensure that if boys were born, they would not threaten Alfred’s position as my successor. Personally, I thought it was far too early to worry about such things, but Ria and the others had agonized over it throughout their pregnancies.
While they wanted boys for the sake of the tribe, they were worried about the political implications. Therefore, they had set up safeguards. Ria's child would be raised to lead the High Elves in the Village of the Great Tree, regardless of gender, and Lize and Raffa’s children would be raised as his assistants.
I didn't think it was necessary to map out their entire lives before they were even born, but on this point, the High Elves wouldn't budge. Perhaps I was the odd one for not caring about inheritance and status. I wanted to raise my children as equally as possible, but maybe that mindset just didn't fit this world.
Well, I decided not to overthink it. I would just focus on giving them all equal amounts of love. They had just given birth, so their emotions were likely heightened. I’d try talking to them again once things settled down. I’d also need to consult with Lu and Tia. Raising children wasn't a solo endeavor.
I wanted to be a good father, but that didn't mean forcing my own ideals on everyone else was the right move. My internal image of a father was based on a monogamous household. It might be completely useless in my current polygamous situation. In fact, my perspective might even be detrimental. I wanted to take things slow, but child-rearing was a serious business where one couldn't afford to be careless.
As for the childcare arrangements, there wasn't much for me to do. Lilius, Rigul, and Ratte would be raised in the High Elves' homes. I suggested they stay at my mansion, but they declined, saying the children might get the wrong idea about their status. I tried to argue that living with their father was important, but I was overruled. Since a comfortable environment for the mothers was the priority, I didn't push it. I’d just have to make frequent visits.
Since Torain was the son of Ann, the head maid, he would be raised in the mansion. I was about to suggest a room near mine, but it was decided he would stay in the High Ogre Maids' quarters.
It felt a bit lonely, though I knew I could just go see him whenever I wanted.
“When it comes to child-rearing, it’s best to follow the mother’s lead as much as possible,” Dos had told me. Since Shiso-san and the Demon King said the same thing, I didn't fight it. Still, I hoped they’d come to me if they needed anything.
I showed the newborns to Alfred and Tiselle, but they didn't seem to quite grasp what their new siblings were yet. Even if they had different mothers, they were brothers. I hoped they’d all grow up to be close.
While I was doting on Torain, I saw Kuro watching from a distance with a lonely look on his face. I handed the baby back to Ann, sat on the floor, and called for him. Kuro trotted over happily and flopped down beside me.
“You don't have to hold back, you know. You're family too.”
As I stroked the lounging Kuro, Yuki came over and lay down as well.
“Hahaha.”
I patted them both. In a way, I had been with them longer than almost anyone else. Of course I treasured them.
Just as I was thinking that, I felt a nudge on my back. I turned around to find a sea of Kuro’s offspring waiting their turn.
“O-only for today, okay?”
Petting them all turned out to be quite the workout.
Ten-odd years later.
“Lilius. The South is ours. Torain swept the field.”
“Impressive as always.”
“Well, he had Master Daga and Master Gluewald with him. He’d better produce results with that kind of backing.”
“You sound awfully high and mighty. Could you have done the same?”
“Hahaha. Are you actually going to give me a command?”
“Everyone has their own strengths. Sorry, but I’m not irresponsible enough to hand an army over to you.”
“I know I’m not a commander, but you could be a little nicer about it.”
“You shine brighter on your own than you ever would leading a legion. You are the Ambush King of the Forest, after all.”
“I really hate that name. ‘Ambush King’? It sounds so... cheap. There has to be something better. Like ‘Jet-black Magic Bow’ or ‘Wave of Chaos’...”
“Yes, yes. Be happy with the name Ratte that our parents gave you.”
“Muu.”
“Well, small talk aside. Now that the South is settled, we’re pushing West. Go help Rigul.”
“Hmm? Master Gratz is over there, isn't he? Do they even need me?”
“That was a direct request from Master Gratz himself. He said he wants to hear more about that tactical theory you drafted.”
“He’s quite relaxed for being on the front lines.”
“That’s just how Master Gratz is. It’s also true that Rigul asked for backup. Having someone who can move independently like you won't hurt.”
“I prefer thinking things over at a desk, though.”
“We don’t have enough manpower to let you pick and choose. We expanded our territory too quickly by being so flashy at the start.”
“Hahaha. That’s because Master Makura and Master Uno were so enthusiastic.”
“I almost felt sorry for the enemy.”
“Exactly. I’ve sworn never to cross Master Makura or Master Uno.”
“Me too... though there are a lot of people we can’t cross.”
“Hahaha. Let’s try not to count them. It’ll break our spirits.”
“Speaking of us... do you know what the three of us—me, you, and Rigul—are called by the enemy?”
“Other than Ambush King of the Forest? No clue.”
“Apparently, they call us the Abyssal Death God Brothers.”
“Hahahaha! What a grand name for a bunch of timid brothers like us.”
“Right? Well, be careful out there. Don't die.”
“Yeah. You too.”
I woke up from a strange dream.
A dream where my children were at war. They seemed to be doing well, but for a parent, it was a total nightmare. I have to make sure that never becomes a reality.
I’ll need to expand the fields so they never feel the need to go out and fight to earn a living. I want my children to do their best as farmers...
No, I shouldn't force them. I should listen to what they want to do...
“Um... Village Head? The children can't even speak yet. Maybe career counseling can wait until they're a little older...”
The dream had driven me to act a bit strangely.