Mushoku Tensei — Chapter 126 - Roxy, Love — Heartbreak

What does it feel like to become a mother? I can't quite put it into words.

Every day I watch my belly slowly grow bigger. And honestly... I'm a little scared.

But Rudeus is here, just like always. That hasn't changed. He still gives me that same steady, absolute sense of safety.

"Rudeus~"

"Hm? Does Roxy want something to eat?"

He's always like this now. Maybe it's because I'm pregnant, the moment I open my mouth, he assumes I'm hungry.

"I'm full from earlier. Come here."

A little wheedling was all it took. Rudeus sat down at the edge of my bed.

My belly hasn't gotten big enough to keep me bedridden, not exactly. But moving around really is inconvenient, so I spend most of each day lying here anyway.

"Roxy, what's wrong?"

"Can't I call for you without there being a reason?"

"Of course not."

He answered, then reached out and gently touched my belly.

His hand is so warm. So gentle.

"Can you feel anything?"

"Hmm... maybe a little? This one might be a handful."

"Good."

"Why would you want a handful?"

"Mmm~ I just do."

"Then let's hope the child obliges."

As he said it, Rudeus pressed his ear against my belly.

Mm...

We've been close in every way imaginable, but this still makes me a tiny bit flustered.

"Do you think it'll be a boy or a girl?"

"I hope... a girl."

"Eh~ Why? When Eris was pregnant, didn't you want a boy?"

"Because if it's a boy..." He trailed off. "Well. I don't want to see a cute little creature who looks like Roxy turn out to be a boy."

"Pfft — hahahaha, honestly, Rudeus..."

At dinner, Rudeus sat between Sylphiette and me, spooning food into our bowls every so often.

I stared at the mountain of food piled in front of me and felt a little tired just looking at it.

Pregnant women need a lot of nutrition, I know. But honestly, I'd rather be snacking...

Well. That's what husbands are for.

"Rudeus~ I want something different~"

"Hm? Roxy-sensei."

That gave me pause.

He was actually being serious.

"Wh... what?"

"I caught you sneaking leftovers last night." His tone was calm, matter-of-fact. "So today I had the maids prepare something completely different from usual. New flavors — don't you like them?"

The moment he said it, I felt both maids' eyes land on me at once.

Their cooking really is wonderful, it is...

"Rudeus..."

"Hm?"

"The maids cook beautifully, they really do... but... I just want snacks..."

The second round of pleading finally did him in.

He reached over and touched my cheek softly.

"If you get hungry in the middle of the night, wake me up. I'll make you something. Don't go eating leftovers."

"Mm mm mm!"

He turned to the maids.

"From now on, don't keep leftovers. Once the meal is over, toss them."

"Yes, Master."

Honestly... he's just worried I'll sneak food again.

After that, Rudeus gently fed me the little snacks we keep at home, one by one.

They weren't anything special, really. But they hit the spot in a way the meal couldn't.

Dinner sits too heavy when I eat too much of it, the nausea creeps in fast. But these little sweet-and-sour things? No problem at all.

"Rudeus~"

"Hm?"

"Ah~"

I opened my mouth. He placed a snack inside.

And I closed my lips around his finger.

Oh.

Sweet. It must be from all the snacks he's been feeding me.

"Rudeus."

"What now?"

"I love you."

"Me too. More?"

"No — I want to wash my hair. It's been days. You haven't touched it at all lately..."

"You're pregnant. Everyone says it's better not to wash too often."

"But you won't touch it anymore!"

"Honestly..."

Rudeus reached out with a sigh, and I immediately said,

"My hair hasn't been washed in days. Don't touch it."

He stopped. Blinked. Then let out a slow breath and laughed.

"Fine, fine... I'll go heat some water."

"Mm mm mm!"

It's not that I needed to be pregnant to have Rudeus take care of me.

But carrying his child, I feel his gentleness more deeply now. His love too.

I'm so happy.

➤ Next: Sylphie, Love — What Was Lost