Preparations for the Spring Parade were complete, but the festivities didn't start right away.
I had actually received a confidential request from the dragons to postpone the event. The reason was that Rusty was close to giving birth. I was certainly worried about her myself, and if she went into labor in the middle of a parade, it would cause all sorts of chaos.
A child was coming into the world. Since we wanted to welcome the newborn in a celebratory atmosphere, the parade was put on hold to wait for the birth.
However, this was a private arrangement between me and the dragons. It was a gesture of consideration to ensure that the delay didn't put unnecessary pressure on Rusty. Therefore, I had to relay the postponement to the rest of the village using a different excuse.
I couldn't think of a good cover story on my own, so I consulted Zabuton. At her suggestion, we announced that the parade was being pushed back due to her own personal circumstances. I wondered if the villagers would accept that, but it turned out to be fine. I was relieved.
I owed Zabuton a debt of gratitude, and I wanted to express my thanks in a tangible way. I decided to cook a special meal for her. Urza and the others offered to help, which was a welcome surprise. Aegis, the phoenix chick, and the Sake Slime were also full of enthusiasm.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but please, keep it within reason."
Even the Fairy Queen showed up. I told her I would make sweets for her separately and that she should wait over there for now.
Zabuton mentioned that meals are better enjoyed with a large group, so the food was served during dinner. Since the number of people helping with the cooking had grown, we had no trouble with the quantity.
The dragons, who had been holding a continuous banquet, also joined us for dinner. In fact, it seemed their banquet was being "postponed" while the parade was on hold. One of the reasons was that Hiichiro and Gral had complained, saying, "It’s boring because you adults do nothing but drink sake."
Incidentally, Hakuren was properly looking after Hikaru and Himiko, the guests of honor who had sparked the banquet in the first place. Perhaps it was because Raimeiren wasn't interfering as much as she had with Hiichiro? Or maybe Hakuren had learned by observing Raimeiren's parenting style? If so, then Raimeiren pushing Hakuren aside to dote on Hiichiro must have served a purpose after all.
Parental love is a complex thing.
Still, while Hakuren was the eldest daughter, I wondered if she had ever looked after her younger siblings. Given her personality, she seemed like the type who would dote on them.
"Hm? What is it, Draim?"
He whispered that his sister had been called the "Sharp Holy Sword" behind her back.
Well... if it's a holy sword, isn't it supposed to be sharp?
Regardless of Draim's stories, everyone agreed that Hakuren’s personality had mellowed significantly since she moved to the village. To say it was because she met me would be far too conceited; a relaxed farmer’s life simply must have suited her temperament. That was a good thing.
While I was making the rounds of the fields, I received a report that Rusty’s labor had begun. Moments later, I was told it was a boy.
A boy!
Since a "destined partner" hadn't appeared like they had for Hiichiro or Hikaru, I had assumed there was an eighty percent chance it would be a girl, but a boy it was! Regardless of gender, he had been born healthy. I was truly grateful.
As I headed toward Rusty's room, a thunderous voice reached my ears. I assumed it was the newborn's cry. It echoed throughout the entire mansion. He certainly seemed energetic.
The voice was a bit too loud, though...
Wait. It suddenly went silent. Did something happen?
I sprinted into Rusty’s room, only to be struck by a massive cry. A sound that loud carried a literal physical impact. I was sent tumbling across the floor.
"Ahaha. I’m using magic to keep the crying from leaking out of the room."
Lu, who was already inside, explained as she closed the door. Apparently, the magic wouldn't be effective unless the room was sealed. She handed me a pair of earplugs.
"Thank you."
So the sudden silence had been Lu's magic. That was a relief.
On the bed, Rusty was soothing her newborn son. As expected of a mother, she wasn't letting the crying get to her—though I noticed she was also wearing earplugs. The Devil midwives, who were similarly equipped, informed me that both mother and child were perfectly healthy. It looked that way to me as well, which finally set my mind at ease.
Just then, Draim entered the room and was promptly blown back by the force of the infant's cry. Graffaloon managed to endure it, though. That was impressive; it must have been the power of a grandmother's love. She had also shown good judgment by not bringing Lananon along.
"Lu, give those two some earplugs."
I also suggested we move Rusty and the baby to a suite with two or three doors and have multiple layers of soundproofing magic applied. It would be a problem if the crying shook the mansion every time a door opened. Stopping the crying altogether would be the best solution, but I couldn't ask the impossible of a newborn. Crying was a baby's job, after all.
I signaled the High Ogre Maids, and they understood my intent with just a look. Excellent as always.
Now then, since Rusty’s delivery had finished safely, it was time for the Spring Parade. Tomorrow would be too sudden, and I was sure Rusty would want to participate. Since dragons recovered quickly after childbirth, maybe ten days from now would be appropriate.
I decided I would check in with Rusty in about five days just to be sure. Until then... I think I'll help the others make more earplugs.