NOVEL NEXT Chapter 223
The head of the Clausewitz Family has recently encountered unprecedented difficulties.
“Nephew! Nephew! I want to see my nephew! Hiiiing!!”
The Empire’s greatest knight, feared by enemies to the point where she was nicknamed the Sword Demon.
Despite being the youngest at home, Kaya Clausewitz, a grown woman, was currently flapping around and whining, “I want to see my nephew!!”
If the Duke and his wife hadn’t intervened, she would have dashed straight to the Duchy of Neomes in no time.
She would have probably spent the entire day just staring at her little nephew, who hadn’t even opened his eyes yet.
I know for certain; being my daughter, I understand her better than anyone. She’s quite the handful.
“Hang in there, Kaya. Your nephews were born just a few days ago. I’ve told you many times that both the mother and the babies need time to recover.”
“But!!”
“The Princess and your nephews would want to show their best side. For that to happen, someone has to wait and be patient.”
Fortunately, Kaya has outgrown her old tantrums.
Moreover, after going through the war, she’s matured to a degree, even if not completely.
Despite her burning desire to see her nephews, she understands the importance of restraint.
She knows that rushing to the Duchy would only be seen as impolite.
Even though the thought of her nephews right in front of her makes her go “Uugh!” she barely manages to hold back.
She can’t afford to be hated by Kael, Isabelle, or her nephews.
But then again, what can she do? Her long-awaited nephews have finally been born, so she can’t help but want to see them.
And to top it off, they’re twins! It’s such a pity that they won’t resemble Kael’s childhood self.
Still, she wants to see them. Because they are her nephews, Kael’s children. She wants to cherish and love them.
“Just a little longer, Kaya.”
“Yeah. Mom’s right. If we wait a bit longer, they will officially call for us soon.”
“…Understood.”
Feeling like she couldn’t wait any longer, Kaya suddenly dashed off somewhere.
Later, I learned that she’d rushed down to the training grounds and swung her sword a thousand times.
She was probably trying to wear herself out to avoid doing something reckless.
“…Kaya has matured quite a bit, after all.”
The Duke and Duchess of Bertier Empire commented, a hint of regret apparent in their expressions.
While they were indeed trying to stop their daughter, they too were feeling anxious.
If Kaya had stubbornly insisted a bit more, they might have had no choice but to follow her.
Seeing their first grandchild. Not just one, but twins. The joy in the family had doubled.
How beautiful and lovely those small, delicate souls must be in this world.
Finally, we have become grandparents! How wonderful it will be to hear those words.
*
The news of the birth of the Neomes princesses stirred not only the Duke’s household but also the Imperial Family, who were beside themselves with joy.
Not just one, but two children carrying the glorious blood of the Imperial family.
Both mother and children were healthy, and there were no ominous signs.
In fact, reports now coming in suggested it could be a good omen.
Given the situation, it would be hard for the Emperor, upon hearing of the royal grandchildren’s birth, to remain passive.
Immediately, he took it upon himself to spread this joyful news to all nations in contact with the Empire.
He also stated his intentions to hold a royal banquet to celebrate the birth of the princesses and to wish for their health.
The Empire, with its indispensable dominant status on the continent, was making such an announcement.
To make matters even more notable, the princesses were the daughters of the Empire’s greatest strategists, who had led victories in all corners of the Empire.
In this case, saying “Oh, we will just send our congratulations” would be diplomatic suicide.
[b][All members of the Nobogord Demon Council sincerely congratulate the Empire on the birth of the Neomes princesses. May the Divine clear away all challenges that lie ahead for them!][/b]
Nobogord, having already sent hundreds of students to the Empire, was the first to extend their congratulations.
Moreover, all the members of the Demon Council themselves celebrated under their names.
Such a rare occurrence had surprised even the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Indeed, it made perfect sense from Nobogord’s perspective.
Setting aside the matter of students, they had the most extensive connections with Kael.
If they remained silent when Kael had become a father, it would mean giving up their best advantage.
Moreover, the Empire wouldn’t take kindly to such silence, necessitating every effort to express their regard.
[b][With such a joyous occasion in the Imperial Family, there could be no greater happiness. The three kingdoms of the East—Burgai, Kaden, and Polrand—joyfully celebrate this momentous event!][/b]
Next, the three kingdoms of the East came forth to congratulate the birth of the princesses.
Upon further inspection, it’s clear that there may be a bit of tension from their past war dealings with Kael.
Truthfully, they had suffered a significant defeat due to his strategies.
However, if you put it into perspective, they should ultimately hold an uncomfortable relationship with the Empire as well.
Claiming them as invaders is a flimsy argument when they’ve gained so much from their ties with the Empire.
Additionally, during the Dedorant War, they fought alongside Kael’s Imperial Army.
Within that context, any negative feelings evaporated thanks to Kael’s efforts to take care of them.
Now, they were more concerned that they might appear fonder towards Kael than the Empire.
[b][God loves the Empire, which protects the order of the continent, and surely favors the Chief of Staff, who has achieved brilliant victories in such sacred battles. Once again, congratulations on the smooth delivery.][/b]
The Holy Kingdom had already scored points by holding a prayer meeting for Isabelle’s safe childbirth.
Along with them, various kingdoms in the South sincerely communicated their congratulations.
Especially, the newly risen Kingdom of Benito even sent congratulatory gifts through a delegation.
[b][The Liberator of DeGale, the Savior of Ross Tanika. We extend our congratulatory wishes as the news of the Chief of Staff’s newborn daughters reaches the western kingdoms!][/b]
Finally, the last to celebrate were DeGale and Ross Tanika, who had only just escaped from the depths of hell due to the Empire and Kael.
If they were to remain silent on such a joyful occasion, they’d be the worst of knaves.
More than anyone else, they sent passionate and heartfelt declarations of congratulations and promptly dispatched a delegation.
“…Looking at this, it seems like the birth of the princesses is being used to showcase the Empire’s might even more.”
How much concern must the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have to feel this way?
If they weren’t careful, they might come across as exploiting the births of the daughters and offend the Chief of Staff.
Imagining such a scenario sends shivers down my spine. I foresee a future where they would be caught and hung upside down by military officials.
Even if they could endure it, they might face a collective lynching from the battle-hardened soldiers who revered him.
No need to look far, just the scholars who tried to check the Chief of Staff were promptly buried.
In every sense, socially and literally. (Fortunately, they were rescued just before being buried alive.)
Thus, this should never appear to be an intentional act.
To prepare for any eventualities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to inform the Chief of Staff about this situation.
*
It’s a good thing I bit my lip. Had I not, I would have let out a strange sound.
Even now, numerous gasps are escaping my lips, “Aaaahhh!”
Our princesses, soundly sleeping in their mother’s embrace. Ah, I suppose they should be called the princesses now.
“Kael.”
“Shhh. You’ll wake the kids.”
“It’s alright. They’re still sound asleep.”
However, concerned they might actually wake, Bel handed our children over to the maids.
Ah! I want to see them just a little longer. Just looking at them sleeping melts my heart away.
“Focus. You wouldn’t want to see what Kael’s face looks like right now, would you?”
“What am I looking like?”
“Like you could burst out laughing and say something silly at any moment.”
Bel’s expression was a bit strange as she said this. She’s smiling, but her smile looks a little peculiar.
I can tell well enough from all the time we’ve spent together. It’s not just my imagination.
“What’s wrong? You look a bit off.”
“Huh? Oh, it’s just that twins have been born.”
“And why is that a problem?”
“Though it’s mostly faded now, there was a time when twins were seen as an ominous sign. Some believed the children split their lifespan at birth, while others saw it as proof of sorcery.”
Upon hearing Bel’s words, I reflexively dismissed that as nonsense.
What’s wrong with twins? It just means gaining another beloved family member for life!
“Don’t take it so seriously. I used to think that way too, but things have changed now… Kael? Kael? Where are you going?”
“I’ll be right back. It won’t take long.”
I had been questioned by the Ministry of Education. They asked if there were any words from the author I wanted to include at the end of the autobiography.
At that time, I hadn’t had anything specific to say, but now I certainly have something.
Twins were once seen as a sign of misfortune? Well, I shall bury that very notion itself.