Chapter 167 : And thus, their love took shape
For the past three days following the wedding, the newlyweds spent their time together.
As a way of nurturing their undying bond.
That was the idea the Titi put into Shin’s head.
This was most likely a marriage custom established among the spirits, and Shin spent those three days with Reno in the small castle at the top of Enyunien
Then, the morning of the fourth day came.
Shin was running through the Great Tree of Enyunien.
After passing through the same place countless times, he vigorously opened a door.
Then the forest of books appeared before him.
At the far end of the tree rows was a shallow spring of water. There was a large lotus leaf floating on it, and Reno was lying on that leaf.
As soon as he heard that she had collapsed, Shin immediately ran here.
“…Are you all right?” (Shin)
Shin rushed to her side.
“Yes, thanks to Cenetello.” (Reno)
Reno’s body was wrapped in a faint green light. This was the healing light of Healing Fireflies Cenetello.
“…I heard that you suddenly collapsed. Did something happen?” (Shin)
“No. I don’t know why I fainted. I’m having Enyunien investigate the cause. Although, maybe I’m just so happy to be married to you that I got a little overexcited…?” (Reno)
Though she kind of seemed to be in pain, Reno smiled.
“I hope it is nothing serious.” (Shin)
“Everything’s fine. I’m sorry I made you worry.” (Reno)
Shin grabbed the hand Reno extended to him.
“I shall remain by your side until you are healed.” (Shin)
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ve already held you back long enough. Right, Enyunien?” (Reno)
When she called out to him, his hoarse voice echoed throughout the forest of books.
“…Hmm, I am not sure how to explain your condition…” (Enyunien)
“Is she sick?” (Shin)
Enyunien didn’t answer Shin’s question immediately.
“…This is an unprecedented occurrence. However, I am the Great Tree of Education. When it comes to spirits, I know mostly everything. Although…” (Enyunien)
The Great Tree of Enyunien groaned as he seemed to be racking his brains.
“It’s alright. Just tell me for starters. What’s happening to me?” (Reno)
When Reno asked, the Great Tree of Enyunien meekly answered.
“…Well, you see… Reno-sama, it appears you are pregnant…” (Enyunien)
Reno’s expression turned blank.
“…Pregnant…?” (Reno)
“Yes. I have no doubt about it.” (Enyunien)
“…But, who is the father?” (Reno)
“I can feel the magic power of a demon. This must be the child of the Spirit King.” (Enyunien)
“No way…” (Reno)
Stunned, Reno stared at Shin’s face.
His expression was the same as usual, but considering he didn’t respond to the news right away, he was probably feeling shaken.
“…But I thought procreation between spirits and demons was impossible…” (Reno)
“Yes. I believed so too. However, spirits are born from the rumors and legends spread by humans and demons. Depending on the spirit’s nature, it may not be surprising if they possess a body similar to that of a demon or a human…” (Enyunien)
Enyunien groaned, as if ruminating.
“However, this is most amazing. This may be the very first time in the long history of spirits that a half-spirit, half-demon, with half the blood of a spirit and half the blood of a demon, is born…” (Enyunien)
“…I see…” (Reno)
Reno looked somewhat ecstatic as she said that.
“Reno-sama, it must be because you are now carrying a half-spirit, half-demon in your body that you fainted.” (Enyunien)
“What do you mean by that?” Shin asked.
“Spirits arise from rumors and legends. In most cases, they arise from widespread rumors and accurate legends, and are fully grown upon their birth, but in the case of a half-spirit, half-demon child, it seems to be different. Because half of its body is that of a demon, its source as a spirit is strongly influenced by it. Its source is being shaped by a small rumor newly created.” (Enyunien)
It had only been three days since the newlyweds’ first night, and even if Reno did get pregnant, the child in her belly should not even be a fetus yet. Normally, its presence should be so faint no one would even notice that she was pregnant. And likewise, the rumors and legends of the spirits were pretty unclear.
“Will it be born safely like that?” (Reno)
Reno gently placed her hand on her own belly.
“The rumors and spirits of your baby are currently too weak. Even you, Reno-sama, cannot tell what its rumors and legends are, correct?” (Enyunien)
Reno nodded slightly.
“At present, it is connected to your womb. Just as demon fetuses receive nutrition from their mother through the placenta, your source has now become the source of your child. I presume you collapsed as a result of your magic power being taken away all at once.” (Enyunien)
“Then, what about the child in my belly?” (Reno)
“I don’t think it will die. However, a demon’s body cannot remain inside a womb forever. I suspect it will be born in about ten months and ten days. If you do not figure out its rumors and legends by then, or if you do, but then they die out, then the child will not have long to live…” (Enyunien)
Contrary to Shin, who had a stern look in his eyes, Reno smiled.
“I’m so relieved.” (Reno)
“…Why is that?” (Shin)
“Because I have ten months and ten days. With this much time, I can figure it out. I’m the Great Mother of All Spirits, discerning the nature of my children is my specialty.” (Reno)
After ruminating for a moment, Shin asked again.
“Even if you do manage to find its rumors and legends, can you keep them from vanishing?” (Shin)
“It’ll be fine. I’m sure I can work something out. It’ll be a little difficult because of the wall, but I’ll make it work.” (Reno)
Reno slowly stood up.
“You know. Shin.” (Reno)
After getting off the lotus leaf, Reno paced slowly.
“How do you suppose this happened?” (Reno)
“…I have no idea.” (Shin)
A green book on the ground grew stick-like limbs and walked to Reno.
It waved its hand up and down, as if to tell her to sit down.
“I thought this was thanks to you. I was convinced that you left this baby with me so I wouldn’t feel lonely.” (Reno)
Reno crouched down and reached for Lilan. The Book Fairy tore out a page of its own and handed it to Reno.
A glimmer of light flew across that page for a moment.
“It’s like a miracle.” (Ren)
“…Things like miracles never happen. They are always something we have to work out with our own hands.” (Shin)
“Well, you’ve worked a miracle. The love that blossomed here made that miracle happen.” (Reno)
Reno smiled at Shin, who stood by his side.
“No matter what happens, I will definitely take good care of it. Because this child is the love you gave me, Shin.” (Reno)
