A Flat-Chest Believer Reincarnated in a World Where Women with Small Breasts Aren't Treated as Women ~ I Ended Up with a Flat-Chested Harem. - Chapter 59

Selena and Lasha had grown accustomed to life at the Gustique estate, and winter was nearing its end.

Risty’s baby was actively kicking inside her belly, showing just how healthy it was. In three days, the baby was scheduled to be delivered via cesarean section.

The decision to perform a cesarean wasn’t because of any complications. Among high-ranking nobles in this world, cesarean delivery was the norm. In fact, both my sisters and I had been born this way.

The reason was straightforward: with Holy-attribute magic, cesarean sections were safer.

Purification eliminated the risk of infection, and wounds could be immediately closed with healing magic, leaving virtually no scars. While there wasn’t the advanced anesthesia of modern Earth, making it less comfortable, it was still manageable.

Preparations for childcare were complete. Clothes made from soft cotton were ready, and experienced retainers and staff were on hand for support.

So, while there was a sense of anticipation and some unavoidable anxiety, the days had been calm.

…Until just a moment ago.

“Your Majesty the Former King, Prince Stain, welcome to Remilba.”

Father bowed deeply. Even he, ever composed, had a faint twitch at the corner of his mouth.

“Ah, sorry for the sudden visit, Marquis Gustique. But you know, if I’d sent word ahead, you’d have gone to the trouble of preparing some grand welcome. Didn’t want to burden you.”

While training in magical combat with the retainer mages in the garden, I was suddenly greeted by the sight of Former King Damian van Rolique. He’d come, it seemed, to celebrate the impending birth of his great-grandchild. Following behind him, Prince Stain wore an apologetic smile.

The other day, when the doctor confirmed the scheduled date for the cesarean, we had informed the royal family via letter. I had thought it might prompt Princess Felicie to come bursting in, but instead, here was His Majesty the Former King. And with just three guards in tow.

“My apologies, Marquis Gustique. The King Father and the Former King Grandfather suddenly said, ‘Alright! Risty’s giving birth. Let’s go to Remilba!’ Queen Charlotte managed to stop my father by reminding him of his political duties, but…”

While the Queen had managed to reign in her husband, claiming, “You’ve got affairs of state to handle,” she couldn’t hold back the Former King, who insisted, “I’m already retired.” Thus, Prince Stain was dispatched as his chaperone.

Prince Kefin was probably too busy, and Princess Felicie would’ve only made things worse, so Prince Stain seemed like the logical choice.

Still, would that “troublemaker” really stay put?

“Was Princess Felicie alright?”

“She screamed about wanting to come along. Brother Kefin barely managed to restrain her. It was a close call. If we hadn’t caught her before she got on Marsphy, she’d probably be here now.”

The Rolique royal family is as free-spirited as ever.

Well, both Former King Damian and King Leogalza possess the rare combination of “hating war but being incredibly strong in it,” which inspires loyalty despite their eccentricities.

“Let me guide you to Risty.”

When Risty saw her grandfather and younger brother, she looked both exasperated and genuinely happy.

◇◇ ◆ ◇◇

Risty sat on a sofa while Damian, Prince Stain, and I gathered around a table.

Before us were bowls filled with clear, light-brown broth, pale yellow noodles, braised pork, and boiled spinach. In other words, soy sauce ramen.

When Former King Damian had suddenly appeared, he declared, “Don’t worry about food. There was a tavern that looked like it served great meals on the way here. Let’s go, Stain.”

Father, his face twitching in distress, and Risty managed to convince him otherwise by saying, “We were planning to serve experimental dishes for dinner tonight. Please join us.”

And so, here we were.

Using a fork, I scooped some ramen into my mouth.

Not bad. The broth was excellent, and while the noodles weren’t up to Japanese standards, they were passable.

“Oh! This is delicious!”

Former King Damian expressed his delight. It seemed to suit his tastes, which was a relief.

“This broth is indeed excellent.”

Prince Stain also praised the soup.

“Yes, it’s tasty. You can really tell it’s made with plenty of ocean ingredients.”

Risty seemed equally pleased.

However, this soup was incredibly expensive due to the abundant use of seafood. If I wanted to realize my dream of a street food village, this wouldn’t do. I’d have to try pork bone broth next.

“By the way, Folca.”

“Yes, Your Majesty the Former King.”

“Your movements during combat training in the garden earlier were excellent. You’ve improved even further. I don’t think I could beat you anymore.”

“Your words honor me, but I’m sure I still have far to go to match Your Majesty.”

No, seriously, how could I surpass someone who once charged into the enemy center as a decoy and survived? Well… maybe I could win in a one-on-one duel.

“Don’t be so modest. As you age, it’s comforting to see the younger generation surpassing you. And when it’s your granddaughter’s husband, it’s even better.”

Former King Damian’s voice was genuinely joyful.

“But I still can’t beat Risty.”

“Neither can I.”

The Former King laughed heartily, and Risty smiled softly in response.

“Oh, the baby’s kicking.”

“Ah, perhaps he’s thinking, ‘I’ll surpass Great-Grandpa in no time!’ How exciting! I must live long enough to see it!”

“Or maybe he won’t be a fighter at all—maybe he’ll love music, like Stain.”

“Haha, if that’s the case, Mother and I can teach him together.”

Well, considering he’s Risty’s and my child, I feel like he’d be more likely to start minor fires in The Lab with Kudell than study music.

And, let’s not forget, this child is also Father’s grandson.

“If he’s inclined toward the arts, maybe he’ll pursue jewelry-making or something similar.”

“True! After all, he has Marquis Gustique’s blood. Let’s hope he has an affinity for Earth magic.”

The lively conversation continued, and the ramen got a bit soggy.

◇◇ ◆ ◇◇

Despite the minor commotion caused by the Former King’s visit, no major issues arose, and the day of Risty’s delivery arrived.

“I’m nervous. Mother-in-law, Folca, everyone… please take care of me.”

With a tense expression, Risty led the way to the delivery room.

Inside the room were Risty, a female doctor, a midwife as her assistant, my mother, our retainer Bennet, and me—a total of five people.

Bennet, a Holy magic user and mother of four, was especially reliable.

Risty sat on a bed equipped with restraint belts.

“Lady Risty, here’s an additional dose of pain reliever.”

The doctor handed Risty a cup containing a decoction of pain-relieving herbs. She drank it down.

“We’ll wait briefly.”

We quietly waited for the medicine to take effect.

The room was warmed by a fireplace, and the temperature was well-regulated. The water for the baby’s first bath was also ready.

“It should be about time. Let’s start with disinfection.”

Mother nodded and cast her instant-death magic across the entire room. This eliminated bacteria, insects, and questionable microorganisms like viruses.

She maintained the magic to ensure that even if someone coughed, any expelled pathogens would die instantly. This level of precaution was arguably overkill, but we’d decided to do everything possible for this delivery.

“Please adjust the bathwater temperature.”

“Got it.”

Using fire magic, I slightly heated the water. The midwife checked the temperature and gave her approval.

“Now, let’s confirm the procedure. Once the restraint belts are secured, we’ll make the incision, deliver the baby, remove the placenta, and immediately close the wound with healing magic. Lord Folca, you’ll assist with hemostasis.”

The healing would be handled by Bennet, while I used water magic to control bleeding. From my pocket, I retrieved a small sterilized vial of saline solution.

“Lady Risty, please lie down.”

Risty silently nodded and lay on the bed. The belts secured her thighs and torso to minimize movement.

Though she had taken pain relief, its efficacy was far below that of modern Earth’s anesthesia. I worried for her but focused on doing what I could.

The doctor readied a small knife.

“Lord Folca, are you prepared for hemostasis?”

“Yes, I’m ready.”

I uncorked the saline vial. Manipulating the liquid with magic, I prepared to coat the incision site and use it to stop the bleeding.

“Lady Risty.”

“Alright.” She bit down on a folded piece of cloth.

“Starting with the skin.”

The blade moved. I focused all my attention on the incision, using magic to cover the wound with a thin barrier of saline solution.

The blade moved several times, and soon, the baby was lifted from the incision. A newborn’s cry filled the room.

“Now extracting the placenta. Once done, proceed with healing.”

The doctor continued the procedure.

“Complete. Begin healing.”

Bennet activated her healing magic, and I withdrew the saline solution.

The process concluded as planned.

“Risty! Are you alright?”

“…I’m fine. I’ll use my self-healing magic as a precaution.”

Magic circles formed as Risty, the nation’s finest Holy magic user, cast a powerful healing spell, ensuring everything was in order.

Risty exhaled deeply as the restraint belts were removed.

I also let out a small sigh of relief. While I hadn’t been watching closely, I noticed the midwife bathing the newborn.

“It’s a boy. He’s healthy.”

The midwife spoke warmly. Sure enough, the baby had a tiny p*n*s.

This was Risty’s and my child. Crying loudly and wriggling its fragile limbs, it was full of life.

Wrapped in a white cloth, the baby was handed to Risty. Her abdominal wound had already healed, leaving only a faint, fine white line.

“My baby…”

Risty’s eyes glistened with tears.

I gazed at my child. Newborns are often said to look like little monkeys, and this one certainly did.

Tiny hands moved weakly.

…So cute.

It hadn’t hit me immediately, but a deep affection began to swell within me.

The baby’s delicate, matchstick-like fingers twitched. Adorable.

“No visible issues. Lord Folca, please inform the others.”

“Got it!”

I headed to the adjacent room where the rest of the family was waiting. Without knocking, I threw the door open.

Everyone—Father, Mother, my sisters, Grandmother, Former King Damian, Prince Stain, Selena, Lasha, Rita, and Mariel—turned to look at me.

“The baby’s here! It’s a boy! No visible problems!”

Cheers erupted. Former King Damian and Mariel, in particular, were overwhelmed with emotion, tears streaming down their faces.

And so, I became a father.