The Merchant and Tavern Master

Family Planning

"Since we spent the entire night together, and you received everything from me inside you, I can't help but be prepared. It's highly likely that you'll conceive a child!" I declared.

"I've come up with a plan, but I want to talk about it with you first since you'll be carrying the child in your womb. I want to be fully prepared to ensure a safe delivery and a secure future for our child."

Cordelia looked amazed, and her voice trembled as she spoke, "Takahiko, please listen to me."

"What is it, Cordelia?"

"Have you ever heard of the 'cleansing spell'?"

"No, what is that?"

She sighed. "Then, it's no wonder for you to react that way."

"?" I'm still confused.

"There is a spell called the cleansing spell that is typically performed by a priest or priestess to prevent unwanted pregnancies, you know?"

"!! What is that?!"

"This spell is often used in brothels, specifically on courtesans, for obvious reasons. If you cast it on females at most 5 days after the deed, the pregnancies can be prevented. I heard that it was originally developed during wartime to prevent germs infections in soldiers' bodies. However, it was discovered that the spell could also be used on female soldiers who had been brutally assaulted in war."

"I.. don't know such a spell existed." I was surprised by this new knowledge.

"Well, it's not widely known among the general population, but if you're a frequent visitor to brothels, you might be familiar with it. However, my point is that we don't need to rush into having children," she explained nonchalantly.

Somehow, I couldn't shake off a sense of unease. I felt a slight reluctance, although I couldn't pinpoint the exact reason.

"I understand your worry, but don't you also have dreams of building wealth to support your family?" Cordelia further elaborated, trying to address my concerns.

"..."

"I'm willing to postpone my pregnancies, so you don't have to worry about my body. Although I'm nearing the end of my prime, I would say I still have around five years at most to safely bear a child," she reassured me.

I have to admit, it was a bit relieving to know that I had more time to build wealth before starting a family.

"Besides," she continued playfully, "now that you know about the spell, we can enjoy our nightly activities without worries of unwanted pregnancies, don't you think?"

"You're right. Perhaps I've been too hasty. But I genuinely want you to bear my... No, our children when the time comes," I once again declared my intention.

"I know, dear." She hugged my arm, expressing her gratitude. "The past me, trapped in the brothel, didn't even dare to dream of having children of my own. But you have given me a dream to look forward to."

"Cordelia," I gazed at her with a gentle expression.

"That's why, please let me savor the time when it's just the two of us before we have our children," she said, beaming with a bright smile. I smiled back at her and stroked her hair.

"I understand, Cordelia. Let's talk about this again in the future. I also want to enjoy our time together," I replied, cherishing the moments we had as we walked.

We had breakfast at the Rusty Dagger, and Cordelia introduced me to the tavern master. Although we had seen each other before, we hadn't had a chance to talk. He had a sturdy build like Master from Goldkorb, but his body was marked with numerous old wounds, some of which seemed more severe. His bald head bore a large scar over his right eye, and there was a burn mark on the left side. I wonder what kind of history this tavern master has in his past. However, despite his rugged appearance, he exuded a genuine kindness that felt familiar to me when Cordelia formally introduced us.

As he heard about our relationship, his eyes lit up with joy, resembling a father's pride in his child. He grabbed my shoulder, his gaze turning intimidating as he left me with a stern warning, "Don't ever make her cry."

I declared firmly, "I will make her happy."