Chapter 153 - Episode 148: Daily Life in the Arqvist Territory ⑤ The Wives' Case
The Arqvist Territory Women's Association, for which the attendant Mai serves as the person in charge, is an organization unique to this territory that could likely not be found in other regions of the kingdom.
In reality, it is a mutual aid organization for the women living in the Arqvist territory; women of an older generation listen to the worries of younger women regarding childbirth, child-rearing, and other aspects of domestic life, providing advice and assistance.
Furthermore, they have regularly conducted activities to create opportunities for interaction between other residents and the women of new settlers who may feel anxious after moving in.
In the Arqvist territory, where many have drifted in as refugees and lack the parents or relatives they would normally rely on for domestic matters, this Women's Association serves as a great support for the women.
"—Alright, this is the midwife assignment chart for this week. I'll leave the notifications to you."
"Understood, I'll go right away."
The Women's Association is an official organization granted an activity budget by the Lord Noein, and it now even has a building that serves as a small office.
Watching the resident woman helping out leave the office to handle the notifications, Mai, having finished a stage of her work, let out a sigh and sat in her chair.
In the territorial capital of Noeina, where the population is increasing and the average age is young, there are always several pregnant women, and babies are born when they are born, whether it be midnight or early morning. Normally, one would call a midwife through connections such as parents, but since most women here have no such connections, it is the Women's Association's job to create shifts so that those with midwifery experience can rush over at any time.
"Mai-san, thank you for your hard work."
The one who offered tea to Mai was Gina, who had her infant daughter, Sasha, carried on her back.
The Women's Association is operated primarily by the person in charge, Mai, and the wives of the attendants, Gina and Michelle; during the day, it was arranged so that at least one of these three would always be stationed in the office.
"Yakov-kun is such a good boy. I wish our Sasha would grow up to be as well-behaved and refined as he is."
As Gina spoke, she looked toward the corner of the room at Mai's son, Yakov, who was quietly playing and drawing a picture. On the days Mai came to work, she brought him to the office like this.
Yakov, who would turn three this year, was quiet and clever for his age, even in the eyes of his mother, Mai.
"It'll be fine. If it's the daughter of Radley-san and you, I'm sure she'll be a good girl."
"I hope so... for now, though, I'm worried this child might pick up that man's somewhat coarse way of speaking."
"Ah, that is certainly... yes."
Mai agreed with a wry smile to Gina, who spoke with her hand against her cheek, looking troubled. She didn't want to see Sasha—who had been born with a lovely face that didn't resemble her father much (which was a shame for Radley)—speaking in a manner like, "Yep, no problem here."
While the two of them were in full bloom with idle chatter during their work break, the office door opened.
Standing at the entrance was Bart's wife, Michelle.
"Michelle, you're supposed to be off today... did something happen?"
Mai asked, becoming worried by Michelle's face, which looked happy yet somehow on the verge of tears.
"...Um, a little while ago at Selfers-sensei's clinic, I was examined with an appraisal magic tool, and..."
Michelle spoke with her eyes glistening. Appraisal magic tools are common in hospitals and clinics, and they can investigate to a certain degree of detail whether the body is normal, and if not, where and what kind of abnormality or change exists.
"And then, they told me I'm pregnant... that I'm pregnant with Bart-san's baby...!"
"R-really!? That's wonderful!"
"You've been working so hard! Congratulations!"
As Michelle reported with a smile while finally bursting into tears, both Mai and Gina rushed over to offer words of celebration.
Having had a lightning marriage with zero days of dating, Michelle and Bart had enjoyed a sweet honeymoon period for a while, but since the latter half of last year, they had been striving to have a child.
However, due to Lord Noein's promotion in rank, Bart's work as the person in charge of foreign affairs had become busy, and because he continued a life of being away from home for one-third to one-half of the month, they had been troubled that results were not easily achieved. It was only natural that she would instinctively weep upon finding out she had successfully conceived.
"So, around when will the baby be born?"
"Um, last month the appraisal couldn't tell yet, and it was found this month; apparently, it usually shows up on appraisal from around the third month of pregnancy... so if all goes well, I think it will be around September or October."
"I see... that's great. Bart will be happy, too."
"Y-yes. I want to tell him soon. He's currently outside the territory for work, and I think it'll take another two or three days for him to return..."
Michelle gave a wry smile, looking a little disappointed.
"Oh my, then you're alone at home right now. If you feel lonely or anxious, come over to our place for a meal. You can even stay over if you like."
"That's right, it'll be better for the baby in your tummy to be somewhere lively with people rather than being alone. You're always welcome at our place too."
"Gina-san, Mai-san, thank you so much. Please let me do that."
Just as the three of them were sharing the joy of Michelle's pregnancy, Mai happened to look at the open office entrance.
And there, Matilda was standing without anyone noticing. Gina and Michelle also noticed and looked over.
"...No, I am not here to report a pregnancy."
""Pfft!""
"We know without you telling us. Don't tell jokes with a straight face."
Gina and Michelle burst out laughing at Matilda, who had delivered that surprise attack with her usual expressionless face, and Mai responded with an exasperated look. Matilda had dedicated her life to Noein, and since children cannot be born between humans and beastfolk, it was impossible for her to come to report a pregnancy.
"With my ears, I could hear the conversation outside; congratulations, Michelle... Also, this is the original purpose of my visit, but I have come to deliver the signed document copies from Noein-sama."
As she said this, Mai stopped Matilda, who was attempting to leave quickly after placing the documents.
"Wait a moment, Matilda. We've had fewer chances to see each other lately, so since you've come all this way, have some tea. We happened to be on our break."
"...But."
"What, were you told by Noein-sama to return quickly?"
"No... on the contrary, I was told that if I meet Mai at the office, I may take it slow for a bit."
"Then take advantage of Noein-sama's kindness. Noein-sama won't run away even if you don't hurry back."
"...Then, just one cup of tea."
By the time Matilda nodded, Gina had clattered over two additional chairs, and the four of them immediately entered into a light tea party.
Glancing at the sight of them in full bloom with chatter, Yakov, who had been playing and drawing on a handheld-sized blackboard in the corner of the office, gave a small huff through his nose.
No one knew that he was slightly exasperated, thinking that women are always, always so noisy.