Despite how the sun was relentlessly dispersing light and heat in all directions. Its scorching, searing heat effectively dispatched by the draughty breezes carried over from the surrounding meadow. The perfect weather allowed numerous flocks of majestic rainbow colored pigeons to gracefully sweep across the tranquil, clear blue skies. Rendering the awkward silence of the mansion fragmented by their collective chirps: A melodious symphony of soothing harmonies.
...
...
Meanwhile, inside the living room, Kazuma released a nervous cough to break the stillness.
It was time.
"Let the house meeting commence! Darkness please go ahead first."
Darkness cleared her throat as she gave her script a final glance before delivering her weekly report.
"Ahem, this week, Megumin and I have participated in five kill quests and have collected a total of one million Eris each. We will be contributing two hundred thousand towards the house and the remainder is for our personal usage. That is all I have today."
As Darkness gingerly made her way to her seat, she noticed how Kazuma's head was bowed with a darkened expression written all over his face, playing with his thumbs in an effort to distract himself from what seemed like fear.
...
The next to take center stage was Megumin.
"Well, I did the laundry four times this week and I think we should re-organise the laundry duties!"
Megumin declared in angst as she threw her arms outward. However as she stole a glance at Aqua, Megumin was reminded of the situation at hand.
"Well, but I guess some people require more rest than others. This issue can be put on hold for now..."
...
Darkness eagerly spun her head at Aqua, tapping her on the shoulders.
"Aqua, its your turn!"
...
"Right, we worked part time jobs and collected our paychecks of four hundred thousand Eris each. Its not a lot but we would be giving one hundred thousand for..."
Darkness upon realizing something amiss, spontaneously bursted out with lethal excitement, causing Kazuma to jerk upright in distress.
"Aqua whats that?!"
Darkness was pointing the the glimmering golden article on her ring finger, causing bright flecks of pink to rise across Aqua's cheeks as the memories of last night wavered back into her mind.
Megumin snickered at Aqua's reaction before glancing at Kazuma, giving him both a smug look and a thumbs up.
This man's done it.
Aqua relived that night's experience with Kazuma, allowing a strange but pleasant adrenaline to work its way into her system, making Aqua's lips naturally curl into a wide grin.
She shot her palm out towards Darkness, coercing her back into her seat.
"Yeah please be patient!.. I was about to get to that juicy bit!"
...
Heaving a deep breath to compose herself, gathering as much confidence as she could to break the news.
"Kazuma proposed to me last night. And I accepted it!"
Oh this is so embarrassing...
"OH MY GOSH! CONGRATULATIONS!"
Darkness sprung forward, applauding loudly for Aqua's newfound blessing.
"What did you guys do before we all became an official a party? This proposal is all too sudden, was there a secret ongoing relationship I was not aware of?..."
Darkness felt that something was amiss, Aqua seemed slightly more bloated than usual.
Did Aqua gain weight?
"Aqua! What did you eat recently? It seems as though you had gain weight!"
...
"Haha...no no no no no no..."
...
Aqua looked away from Darkness in an attempt to mask her embarrassment.
"I am pregnant."
...
...
"OH MY GOSH! CONGRATULATIONS!"
Darkness approach Aqua and took her hand, shaking it with adrenaline coursing through her veins.
...
"I guess ... That makes Kazuma the father right since he proposed to you?"
Before Kazuma had the chance to speak, Darkness already tumbled her way to him, grabbing his hand and shaking it with ferocity.
"OH MY GOSH! CONGRATULATIONS!"
This girl is too crazy for her own good!
...
Darkness's curiosity got the better of her, bombarding Aqua with countless questions.
"How does it feel to have a baby inside you? Good? Painful? Can I touch it? What happens if it kicks you?"
...
Kazuma narrowed his eyes at Darkness, pointing at her accusingly.
"I thought you would know... Weren't you pregnant with my child too? After all, you said it so casually in front of your own father..."
Kazuma could see Aqua flinch a little at his comment.
"Er...When?"
Baka she is hopeless!
Darkness spun her head back to Aqua, placing her hand gently on Aqua's abdoment. Her gesture catching Aqua completely by surprise.
"Wait what are you?"
...
"Aqua tell me how does it feel?"
...
"Er, it isnt all that pleasant. Mood swings, weird tastes in foods, cramps, sickness. Thankfully as I am a Goddess, these problems won't affect me one bit!"
Kazuma rolled her eyes at her statement.
Yeah right, throwing your mood swings at me every chance you get...
Darkness was elated at her reply, letting a new sense of euphoria smash her like a train wreck. Her head to bounced around accompanied by a face littered with mad blushes. All the while drawing pleasure from her inner masochist.
"All that torturous pain racking up within your fiber of your being, almost makes ... Me want to have a... Child of my own."
No not another one!
...
With the meeting finally adjourned, it was back to the daily grind for everyone.
This time around however, the cafe was jammed pack with people, unlike the likes of which Kazuma has ever seen before. Apparently, word around Axel relating to high quality black coffee travels fast. The business and nosiness being the direct success of his result was something that Kazuma was not fond of in particular: He had to entertain an endless number of coffee orders, which would also mean that the cleaning would be much more troublesome after the closing hours. Occasionally, the thought of returning to the field would edge its way into his conscious. After all, killing monsters and exchanging their carcasses for monetary rewards were actually exciting, profitable and not as stress inducing as opposed to being a barista.
Most of all, the business of the crowd prevented Aqua from conversing with Kazuma over the coffee counter as often. Something he missed dearly despite their short time here.
...
"Woah Kazuma, great work!"
Kazuma turned around only to be greeted by the manager of the cafe. A plump man that was no taller than Kazuma himself, however he appeared old enough to be Kazuma's father, bearing little hair and dressed like an 18th Century English aristocrat. Introducing himself during brunch service came as a bombshell for Kazuma, his mere presence prompting him to jerk upright at attention.
"Damn my luck to be caught slacking at a time like this!"
...
"Haha! At ease young one. I am hear only to deliver good news to both of you."
...
"Both?"
Kazuma's question was answered by a worn-out Aqua crashing weaving through the dense crowd of the cafe. Upon noticing the manager presence, Aqua straightened herself out and gave him the most pleasant smile she could muster.
"Hi sir! You look great today! I hope you have been fine..."
Kazuma glared at her in annoyance, Aqua and her pretentious personalities rising up once again.
"Hoho, I am alright thank you for your kind concern Aqua. Anyways, this week you will receive our payouts earlier along with a bonus of five hundred thousand Eris each."
"Nine hundred thousand this week?!" Both of them exclaimed in unison.
The manager did not say anything further, instead pulling out two envelopes from his coat pocket and passing them to Aqua and Kazuma respectively before making his exit through the back of the cafe.
"Enjoy the rest of your day here, if you can HAHA!"
Aqua and Kazuma beamed at each other with exuberance.
...
Finally, with the departure of the final customer. Work was finally done for the day.
"Thats quite a sum for a mere part time job... Wonder what am I going to use it on?"
Aqua pondered aloud, hoping that Kazuma would give her a suggestion.
...
"How about we go on another holiday."
...
"Thats great! We should tell the others as well..."
...
"No, I meant you and I... Only"
...
"Huh?"
Kazuma only chuckled at her clueless response. His hand gingerly enclosed itself around hers, enjoying the feeling of her skin on his fingertips that left behind a warm lingering sensation.
"Does it hurt that much for you to spend more quality time with your future husband?"
...
"It wont be fair to the rest? They would be working while we are having fun?"
...
"Its just a short getaway, anyways they can take their vacations once we are back."
...
"Anyways, lets go visit the Hot springs!"
...
"No..."
She gripped onto both Kazuma's hands, bringing them both up to Aqua's chest as though trying to bribe him. Her rosy cheeks puffing up with widened shimmering cerulean eyes, begging like a pitiful puppy she thinks she is.
"PLEASSEEE!"
"No I don't want to be chased around by weird cultists again. Especially when I have to face their goddess everyday..."
...
Did I cross a line?
...
"WAAAAHHHH KAZHUMMAAAH..."
Kazuma gently rubbed her index finger against her lower eyelids, wiping away the moisture and flicking it aside.
"This goddess! Anyways, I have a better plan."
"Fine... I am all in ears..."
She pulled away from Kazuma, crossing her arms and pouting in annoyance.
This girl and her mood swings are getting out of hand!
...
A familiar voice rang out from behind, causing Aqua to twitch in irritation.
"Aqua sama! I have been looking all over for you!
Looking behind, I saw an exhausted Mitsurugi bending over as he caught his breath. He was holding out his arm; The same contract from the cafe this time between his fingers.
"I was hoping you would reconsider..."
...
"Hmmph, it is not polite to make a goddess wait while you take your own sweet time. I am sorry Mitsurugi but I am not interested anymore!"
Mitsurugi could only look at her with pure devastation written all over his face.
"But but..."
"Spare me the excuses, the goddess will no longer respond to your redundant queries, now if you would excuse us..."
I actually felt bad for the knight for once, you are enjoying this aren't you Aqua...
As she brought up her arms her chest to cross them, A glimmer on her ring finger caused by the reflection of the sunlight caught his attention.
"Aqua? Who gave you that? Never mind, I think I know the answer"
Kazuma could tell that Mitsurugi was exasperated, frustrated from confronting a seemingly unending series of unfortunate events. As all the pieces finally fell into place, his voice stooped to a real low with traces of disappointment.
He brought forth a compilation of questions, causing Kazuma to flinch in disgust.
"Why choose him of all people?"
"Wasn't he the guy that brought you out of your dimension and screw your life over?"
"We want you to return to your throne, are you saying that he is more important than your responsibility as a goddess."
...
"It does not make any sense... "
The next movement by Mitsurugi broke the camel's back, it was the last straw.
Mitsurugi daringly advanced towards Aqua and forcefully took her hands in his. Unlike the previous occasions where Aqua would kick up an abusive tantrum, her fatigue that was settling in from her work and pregnancy only rendered her immobilized with fear. This was the same warrior that took down a dragon, his tall and intimidating figure was indeed a sight to behold.
"I am capable of protecting you Aqua more than he could ever hope to do."
...
...
Kazuma was furious.
He had never experienced such strong emotions in his life.
It felt as though everything that Mitsurugi pointed out shattered every living fibre in his being.
It was only fair to repay that transgression dearly with burning vengeance.
...
"Have you spoke enough yet. If this is about me then just confront me about it, but don't you dare touch her."
Aqua worriedly looked at Kazuma, his malicious expression adding on to the immense fear that she herself was already experiencing.
"Kazuma..."
"You... I still remember the time you destroyed my important contract printout at that cafe. Thing is Kazuma, you are just slowing down Goddess Aqua's journey against the Devil King. Unlike you, I intend for Goddess Aqua to be happy by helping her restore her rightful throne. Thus, the fact that I am much more capable than you largely remains unchallenged..."
Mitsurugi was tired of Kazuma's cheap tricks, its about time he confronted Mitsurugi like a man.
...
Kazuma simply dropped his seriousness expression, giving off a deadpanned look before breaking into a casual shrug. He followed it up by approaching Mitsurugi and started patting his shoulder plate, much to his confusion.
Geez this guy sure is clueless...
...
"Alright, you can have her."
"HUH"
"Hey Hey wait what? Kazuma?"
Aqua was beyond hysterical, while Mitsurugi's mood took a complete new direction. With now what looked like pure joy etched all over his face.
"I mean after all, Aqua is a truly one of a kind Goddess, surely you will never find someone like her? Sigh I guess I have to kill myself, impregnate Eris and start all over..."
Aqua vein popped at Kazuma's sarcastic, sickening comment.
"How dare you even say such a thing you NEET, trash zuma...If I wasn't so tired I would have pulverized you..."
Needless to say, the insults were endless. Much to Kazuma's weird contentment.
At least she treasures me now more than ever before...
...
Meanwhile, a perplexed yet elated Mitsurugi eagerly caught Kazuma's attention once more with a shoulder tap.
"What are you trying to say man?"
...
Kazuma turned to him with a deadpanned expression, speaking nonchalantly with his pinkie comically digging his right ear.
"I mean, all you need to do is pretty simple really: feed her alcohol on an everyday basis, tolerate her whimsical nagging and arrogant outbursts, public tantrums and nuisances, her violent behavior and vulgar tongue and of course the tendency to screw up your quest progression in a multitude of ways thought unimaginable..."
Half of Mitsurugi's smile had already turned into a frown, his body beginning to shudder at the sudden enlightenment.
HERE COMES THE KILLING BLOW!
"Lets not forget one simple thing..."
...
The next three words sent Mitsurugi into what seemed like a sea of despair. Adding further salt to the wound and Kazuma's own sadistic pleasure, he made it a point to articulate each word concisely.
...
"Aqua is pregnant."
...
"HUH? You gotta be kidding. There is no way a goddess like Aqua would let people like you defile her."
Despite Mitsurugi's constant protests against the situation. His face showed signs that suggested otherwise, his complexion turning pale accompanied with uneven breathing. Adding on to the fact that he has yet to have a glance at Aqua's abdomen.
With his inner demons taking over, Kazuma wanted to induce onto Mitsurugi more than just mere anxiety issues, Kazuma was wishing for him to experience a full fledged heart attack. Rolling his eyes in amusement, smiling menacingly as he slowly sealed Mitsurugi's demise.
"As you can see from her increased belly size, Aqua will eventually give birth to my child which I would have a large chunk of responsibility over. Unless of course if you were ever so kind to take on child support in my place, I don't see why not?"
...
"Sksksksksksk! That was pretty mean of you Kazuma. Sksksksksk!"
Aqua was losing herself to her laughter, so much so that she could not even walk properly much to Kazuma's disdain. Fortunately for her, Kazuma being the kind gentleman he had always envisioned himself to be, eventually cave in to Aqua's demand for a piggy back ride home.
Aqua planted a soft kiss in the crook of Kazuma's neck much to his surprise. Kazuma spontaneously turned around, only to catch a glimpse of Aqua's blushing face.
"Anyways... That's your reward for protecting me from that Mitsurugi creep I guess..."
"Hmm its not that bad, next time I will start charging higher rates for piggyback rides."
"KAZZUUUMAAA YOU PERVERT. YOU SHOULD BE COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS AS I AM GRACIOUS ENOUGH TO LET YOU RUN YOUR PERVERTED HANDS ON MY THIGHS!"
Thankfully much to Kazuma's luck, with dusk had already settled across the horizon, the streets were void of people. Hence no one got to pick up Aqua's embarrassing outburst.
...
Kazuma plopped an exhausted Aqua onto the couch before laying down next to her. However it wasn't him to just leave her alone without getting some form of retribution for breaking his back. After much consideration, he eventually allowed himself to cave in to his inner demons once more, leaning his head on her bare lap as a makeshift pillow, taking a breath of Aqua's aroma emanating from the exposed regions of her smooth, cream colored skin, moving up his hands to play with Aqua's long cyan locks of hair: Silky and fine to his touch.
...
"Aqua?"
Aqua opened her tired cerulean orbs upon hearing Kazuma's soft call, only to be held captive by Kazuma's forest green orbs. Their heads separated by mere distance.
"Hmm?"
Kazuma raised an issue to Aqua, causing her eyes widen in astonishment.
"Can you start wearing underwear?"
She was instantly awake, giving Kazuma a dead, cold, condescending glare while bringing up her index finger to poke his cheek repeatedly.
"Huh?! So that you can finally stop looking at my beautiful godly ass? Pervert...NEET..."
Kazuma responded to her childish antics with a mischievous smirk written across his face.
"Why do I need to look when I had already defiled it without you knowing?"
Unfortunately, his comment earned him a sharp pinch on his cheek, which he cried out in pain as the result of it.
Okay in all seriousness.
"No on the contrary, I get a little bit annoyed when there are random male passersby just staring at your ass in all its glory. Or at the very least wear some pants or extend your skirt at the tailors would be a decent touch."
...
"Alright, I will get it done tomorrow. But I will only listen to you because you are the husband of a goddess, got it?"
Kazuma released a satisfied grin at her over-the-top comment.
"Yea sure..."
...
"AWWW! what a heartfelt declaration by Aqua herself."
Two distinct but familiar voices cooed in unison, breaking their moment.
Damn Megumin and Darkness.
...
Kazuma climbed back upright from her lap, evidently vexed by their abrupt interruptions.
"What have you two girls been up to today?"
However before Kazuma could continue his conversation, Megumin had dumped a few catalogs onto his lap. The suggestive cover pages rendered Aqua and Kazuma's immobilized, though their eyes were fixated onto the cover images, the amount of new information was too much for them to comprehend; Effectively overwhelming their thought processes. Everything was moving too fast for them to even follow.
On the other hand, Megumin and Darkness were beaming with pride at their discoveries, filling up the silence with joyous remarks.
"Since you two are engaged, we had the liberty to find some resources to push your relationship a step further."
Darkness clasped her hands together, as though unable to contain her excitement.
"That's right! Its your marriage!"
(AN: Shorter chapter due to the high key events that had happened recently, stay tuned for more updates. On another note, this story would have a total of ten chapters before the end. Just a heads up! :D)