MHHASCD 23

After leaving the spirit forest, we returned home.

“Oh—it’s already clean. Amazing.”

The broom had returned to its place, and the faint dustiness was gone. I had only poured a little magic into it before we left, yet the result was impressive enough to make me sigh.

“Your magic seems very compatible with the house, Lady Sheila. It’s even shinier than usual.”

“Really? I never paid much attention before, but magic really does have different qualities.”

“You truly don’t realize how remarkable you are. The guild will be competing for you soon enough.”

Even so, it didn’t quite feel real.

It was true that my recovery potions had been highly valued by the knights and the guild. When I restored the prices to their proper level, I wondered if they were too high—but with a child to raise, no amount of money could be considered excessive. I set aside my lingering guilt and chose what was fair.

“Do you think I’ll be able to make recovery potions here and sell them?”

“You’ll be fine. The sun’s still high. If you’re feeling up to it, I can show you the town.”

I looked outside. It was still bright.

My nausea had settled, and I wanted a proper medical examination anyway. Asti likely had his own matters to attend to, so it would be best to take care of things today.

“Then I’ll take you up on that. I want to see a doctor properly, and I’d like to know where the shops and guild are.”

“Then let’s go.”

Asti held out his hand. That familiar feeling—teleportation again.

“Wait, Asti. Isn’t there any other way to travel? If we rely on teleportation every time, I won’t be able to go anywhere without you.”

His eyes widened, then his face flushed red. He bowed deeply.

“I’m sorry. You’re right. I wasn’t thinking it through. Let me guide you properly. It’s just past the forest.”

He pointed toward the forest we had just left.

“I’ll explain the area as we walk. This place is commonly called the Spirit Forest. The spirit lord we met lives here.

“The town center lies beyond the forest.”

Asti’s family home was apparently a little removed from the town center.

Alstrail was less than ten years old, founded by the adventurer Alst and his companions. Seasoned adventurers who had crossed countless battlefields eventually sought peace here. Hearing the rumors, other adventurers and trainees gathered, and the town took shape.

Merchants came and went, shops appeared, a guild was established, and it became a hub for adventurers.

The Spirit Forest we were walking through was an introductory area, where beginner adventurers often took their first quests.

“My mother didn’t like the noise of the town, so she bought a large plot of land beyond the forest. She was a veteran adventurer and said money wasn’t an issue. She even planned to keep animals on the plains in front of the house someday.”

Wait—does that mean that entire plain belongs to Asti’s family?

A small sound escaped me before I could stop it.

“I mean, you don’t need to manage all of it. Just pulling the weeds around the house occasionally is enough.”

“Th-that’s a relief. For a moment I saw myself collapsing in a field while cutting grass.”

He laughed.

“The grasslands are visited by wild animals and harmless monsters that graze or play around. They won’t cause trouble.”

I relaxed at that. I wanted a quiet life for a while, and living peacefully in nature sounded ideal.

Between the Spirit Forest and the open plains, the lack of dangerous monsters was reassuring. As a supporter, I wasn’t skilled in attack magic.

Before long, we reached the town of Alstrail.

Houses lined the road near the entrance, and further in, the path opened into a lively plaza.

“First, the examination. This way.”

To the east were food shops, to the north clothing stores, and to the south a scattering of eateries.

The bustle rivaled the royal capital, full of energy and life.

As I looked around in fascination, my arm was gently tugged.

“Lady Sheila, you’ll get separated.”

“Oh—sorry.”

I realized I’d been distracted by all the unfamiliar sights. Asti smiled, half exasperated, half amused.

“Please watch your step. You’re not alone anymore.”

“You’re right. I’ll be careful.”

I really had been careless. With my nausea gone today, I’d let my guard down.

I softly rubbed my belly in apology. Somehow, it felt warmly reassuring in return.

“Here we are.”

Asti knocked, and a voice invited us in. Inside was a calm space with comfortable sofas.

“Well now, if it isn’t Asti. Have you come back?”

A middle-aged woman at the reception looked surprised.

“No, I brought someone to be examined.”

“I’m Sheila. Nice to meet you.”

The woman nodded knowingly.

“Welcome, Lady Sheila. What seems to be the problem today?”

“I’d like a pregnancy confirmation.”

Her eyes widened as she looked between Asti and me.

“Well—no speculation, Daria.”

“Oh—right. My apologies.”

After a brief intake, Daria led us to the doctor.

“This is my regular clinic. Injuries, illnesses—everything.”

“That’s good to know. I’ll come here if I’m unwell.”

Having one place for everything was a relief. In the capital, every symptom meant a different clinic.

Soon, we were called inside.

The doctor was a graceful woman.

“Welcome, Lady Sheila. You’re here for a pregnancy check?”

“Yes.”

“Please, sit.”

She placed a hand over my abdomen and murmured a spell.

“Well then—congratulations. You’ve just entered your third month. The child is healthy.”

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. Relief, joy, and unease washed over me all at once.

Could I really raise a child on my own?

Would the money be enough? What about support?

Sensing my anxiety, the doctor took my hand.

“It’s all right. Every mother is a beginner at first. I’ll teach you what you need, and we’ll help when things get hard.”

“Thank you.”

That simple kindness cleared away my fears.

I wasn’t alone.

I had this child, and I had people around me who cared.

And so, I began to believe that I could live here.