Suddenly, the village chieftess released the loudest sigh, her face lighting up with an enormous grin. She playfully nudged the village chief with her elbow and whispered in a low voice audible only to me and Thak, "You see, Ayla is going to be a mother. So, you better find me another personal servant because I won't continue to burden Ayla now that she's pregnant. Remember, it was your agreement." The mischievous smile stretched across her face, reaching from ear to ear.
The village chief responded with a nod and a reassuring reply, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it later." It appeared they had made some sort of wager or arrangement while we were away.
However, the revelation of Ayla's pregnancy wasn't the only news. With the test now complete and confirming that every woman I had fucked was pregnant, and some awaiting further confirmation, I approached my mother, who was seated near Grandma Vivian. I intended to inquire about the gloomy atmosphere that seemed to envelop them all, particularly Grandma Vivian.
"So, is nobody going to fill me in on what I missed while I was away?" I inquired, leaning in with curiosity. My eyes were fixated on my mother as she began recounting the events that unfolded in my absence. She delved into the details of how Grandma Vivian's test had stirred up a commotion, leading Aunt Greta to run multiple tests until the heartbreaking results were revealed- the baby was not alive.
As soon as my mother uttered those words, I swiftly raised my hand, motioning for her to stop. I already had a sinking feeling about what had transpired. Gazing at Grandma Vivian, whose eyes were filled with sorrow as she stared at the ground, I couldn't help but shake my head in disbelief. While it was true that women in this world could get pregnant rapidly, with fetuses beginning to develop within a matter of days, it also meant that fertility could be lost just as swiftly within a few years. I felt at a loss for words, but I mustered the question, "Are you okay?" directed toward Grandma Vivian.
She lifted her head to meet my gaze, and just as I anticipated a nod to assure me she was fine, she vehemently shook her head and uttered, "I... I'm not..." She shook her head once more, this time with greater conviction, and repeated her statement with a clearer voice, "I am not okay." Before she could continue, Grandma Derry interjected with a soothing tone, calling out, "Vivian..." in an attempt to calm her down.
However, Grandma Vivian interjected immediately, urging Derry not to intervene. "Don't, Derry, don't... When Celia's pregnancy became obvious, do you know how many sleepless nights I endured, hoping to experience any signs of pregnancy myself? I was convinced that Orion had released his semen inside me also. But... But..." Her composure began to crumble, tears streaming down her cheeks as she struggled to hold back her emotions. "Does this mean I won't be able to get pregnant again?" she murmured.
"Does it mean my w..." Before she could complete her sentence, Derry swiftly embraced her, gripping her plump cheeks and pinching them gently. "Shhhh... Don't say that, Vivian. Don't worry, everything will be alright, I promise," she reassured her, her voice tinged with concern and weariness. Grandma Vivian broke into desperate sobs, unleashing a torrent of tears that left me feeling helpless.
The only way to communicate and console her now was to wait until she had calmed down and was ready to talk.
Recognizing this as my only option, I shifted my focus to the surroundings, only to realize that everyone else in the room was also fixated on our emotional exchange.
Rising to my feet, I observed as the village chief took a step forward and declared, "Now that everything has been thoroughly checked and confirmed, I want all of you to return home, gather your belongings, and then come back to my compound. Greta will accompany you to the farm where the midwives and she herself will provide care until you are ready to deliver." His eyes darted around the room, pausing briefly on me before shifting to another individual. "Since this is the first time such a phenomenon has occurred in our village, it is crucial to closely monitor your pregnancies and ensure your overall well-being on the day of delivery. Please understand that this is for your own benefit and for the welfare of the entire village." He directed his attention back to me and added, "Orion, meet me later." With that, he turned on his heel and exited the room, accompanied by Thak. Meanwhile, the Village Chieftess eagerly approached Ayla's side, gently rubbing her stomach and placing her hand over one ear, as if trying to catch any faint sounds emanating from within.
I then decided to approach Aunt Greta, intending to greet her after a long time since our last encounter. "Good evening, Au..." I began, but before I could finish my sentence, she firmly grabbed my hand and pulled it downward, pointing her finger at me as if she couldn't find the right words to express herself. Finally, she sighed and said, "Just a few weeks since I last saw you, and only a few days after your awakening ceremony, and you've already managed to stir up trouble." She crossed her arms and shook her head wearily. "If only you had come to me immediately after discovering the potency of your semen, maybe I wouldn't be dealing with the headache you've now presented me with."
As Aunt Greta's frustration grew, she unexpectedly snatched my nose, twisting it painfully. "What am I even saying? I know you don't understand," she grumbled. However, she quickly shifted her gaze behind me, as if there was someone lurking there. With a smile back on her face, she refocused her attention on me and continued, "Once you're finished with them, you can come and lend me a hand in carrying some of the things I need to the farm." With that, she stood up and declared, "In the meantime, I'll be waiting for you outside," before exiting the room.
