Months have passed since that unforgettable night, and since then, the changes in their household have been visible, especially in the store.
Although the flood of customers hasn't slowed, they're welcomed by a new sight: Motegi's eight wives, the store clerks, now no longer wear the scandalously skimpy, modified maid uniforms. In their place are new, modest, and normal maid outfits with skirts that fall below the knee and sleeves a touch longer.
And of course, there's a reason for this.
At the always hectic toiletries section, Pinna watches over the customers dash from shelf to shelf, scooping up soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, deodorants, and sanitizers. A kindly older woman pauses beside her, resting a hand on her arm with gentle concern.
"You shouldn't be standing so much, dear."
Pinna dips her head sincerely.
"Thank you for your consideration."
With that, Pinna lowers herself onto the chair beside her with one hand coming to rest over the round swell of her abdomen. Her fingertips move in small, slow circles as she continues to observe from her seat.
At the rowdy masonry section, Chantal strides toward a stack of tiles, wanting to reach for a heavy slab... until a group of familiar masons step in with raised hands.
"Whoa, whoa! That one's ours, Chantal."
She blinks and laughs awkwardly, hand pausing mid-lift.
"Ah! Ahaha... right. Force of habit."
"Let the men do the grunt work today!"
"Thanks, guys."
With that, she steps back and watches them take over as her hand gently rubs her noticeably round belly.
At the weapons section, Manas holds up a pair of shining axes, offering them to a young adventurer. But he stiffens, worry flashing across his face.
"Ah! Be careful, ma'am, your belly..."
Manas lifts her brow in mock astonishment.
"Worry not, good sir. 'Tis thy coin purse that ought suffer concern... for these axes are without peer in all the land."
But then, she smiles softly.
"Yet thy words are noble, and thy heart well-meant. For that, I thank thee."
"Y-Yes, ma'am."
At the ceramics section, a noblewoman stands quietly, admiring a glazed eagle figurine.
"Look at how majestic it is…"
Kimberly approaches with a hand resting gently over her belly.
"Does it… catch your eyes, noble guest?"
"Yes. I'll take three."
"Understood. I shall… have them wrapped... with care…"
At the gemstones section, Lilith's right hand gently slips a polished jade into a flustered nobleman's palm, who comes to buy a gift for his pregnant wife, then sighs sultrily as her left hand rests on her round belly.
"Mmm~… I do wish my man was as generous as you~…"
The nobleman swallows hard, flushed and entirely unsure what to say.
At the precious metals section, Brunhild bows deeply with one hand atop her rounded stomach.
"Thank you most kindly for your patronage."
The nobleman returns the bow with respect and leaves, cradling his newly purchased 3.2-ounce gold bar in hand.
At the woodworks section, Salacia, who is sitting on a chair, raises her arm from a table beside her slowly, leaving behind a shimmering, damp imprint in the shape of her forearm. The nobleman across from her stares, entranced.
"Do you like it, gentleman~?"
"Yes! Very much!"
Salacia giggles warmly as her hand glides to her belly, fingers gently stroking the curve with pride.
"Fufufu~... it's so nice to hear you like my service~..."
Being the shortest among the wives, Salacia's small frame tires more easily than the others during pregnancy. But in return, her already moist skin becomes even more dewy, boosting her "damp imprint" branding to new levels.
At the kitchenware section, Yomogi is already surrounded by a familiar cluster of eager housewives as she lifts a compact new device.
"This is called a kitchen scale. It shows how much your ingredients weigh. Just place them here, and the needle will point to the amount. It's a must-have for your kitchen."
"That's really cool!"
"It's really good for cooking!"
"I want this!"
Despite her pregnancy, Yomogi moves with ease because her body remembers what to expect, which is why she's more energetic than the others.
At the counter, Motegi handles payments and change as usual. And tiny Puck sits proudly on his shoulder, chirping delightfully at every customer as Motegi calls out.
"Kyuu!"
"Next one, please."
And just like that, Motegi's pregnant wives continue to shine along with the store that rolls on just as busy and alive as always.
LUNCH TIME
**********
When the last of the customers filter out, the girls lock the doors, and we all head upstairs. As we walk, I glance around at the swaying bellies surrounding me.
"Everyone okay?"
Chantal gives her stomach a tiny pat.
"Honestly? Working with a big belly's kinda fun, actually, Motegi-kun. Makes everything feel like a gentle challenge."
Kimberly and Pinna rest their hands just above their rounded bumps with warm smiles.
"It does feel... a little heavy… even though... I didn't move much... today, Motegi-sama. But… it's comforting..."
"My stamina output has decreased by approximately eighteen percent compared to pre-pregnancy. However, the drop remains within acceptable operational range."
Manas laughs with wonder, and Brunhild agrees.
"Methinks 'tis a curious thing, mine king. I feel more energetic than before, and yet, I find myself wary of that very sensation. I would not let mine spirit carry me to reckless ends."
"Indeed. The more I move, the more… delightful it feels. And yet, that delight only reminds me to be cautious, my Lord."
Lilith also giggles as she rests a hand on the curve of her hips.
"Mmm~... I adore working like this, honey~. There's something wickedly satisfying about being all round and radiant, while still getting stuff done~..."
"Good to know that. Yomogi, what about you?"
Yomogi then gives me a confident smile.
"Don't worry about me, Motegi-chan. You know better than to underestimate Mommy Yomogi."
"Hahaha! Yeah, you're right."
Then, my eyes shift to the last person.
"You okay, Salacia?"
Salacia is breathing a little heavier than the others.
"I'm okay… just need to catch my breath a little, darling..."
"You can rest after this, okay?"
She hums and leans against me for a brief second.
"I will, darling..."
Honestly, now that all eight of them are pregnant, they've started giving off the same soft, nurturing glow Yomogi always had. It's captivating but also a little dangerous because now, Yomogi isn't the only one with that warm, maternal pull, as they all have it.
Also, back when they were still in their first trimester, I kept the shop open only until noon. But now that they're deep into their second, they've all insisted on returning to full-time work — double shifts with lunch break in the middle, just like the old days.
And honestly, this is the first time I've ever seen a pregnant woman work before, not even in Japan. But once I know it, I can't help but be amazed by how strong women are in ways men can't even begin to understand.
As we reach the second floor, the girls settle around the table, each of them lowering themselves into their seats as Puck hops up to them. As I'm just about to head into the kitchen, I turn back to one person.
"Drink water, Salacia!"
"Of course, darling~! Thank you for caring~!"
With that, she lifts a jar of water on the table and pours it into her glass, sipping obediently. And then, I finally slip into the kitchen.
Ever since my wives got pregnant, I've been diving deep into pregnancy nutrition, and obviously, Yomogi's been my go-to for everything baby-related. She told me what's important: whole grains, meat, leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, and plenty of water. Coffee, alcohol, and raw foods are out. I also added a few extra things to the banned list myself, like fried foods, oysters, mackerel, and soda.
Then, I swing open the fridge and begin pulling out what I need, including a glass jar of my homemade canned salmon, made from Oserin's freshest catch, obviously.
In a wide mixing bowl, I add the salmon and start breaking it up gently. Then come the finely diced celery, a spoonful of mayo, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a touch of zest, salt, and pepper. I stir them all, combining just enough without mashing everything.
Next, I pull out a massive loaf of Heiligeichen's whole wheat bread, cutting it into eighteen full pieces and carving out two small end pieces just for Puck.
Finally, I start assembling — lettuce down first, then tomato slices, a few rings of red onion, and a generous scoop of the salmon mix on one side of each pair. The last bread slices go on top, pressed just enough to hold everything together.
Once done, I plate them up, place them on trolley, and carry them over to the dining table.
"Lunch is ready, everyone! I make salmon salad sandwiches today."
I serve each one of us a slice on our plate. The moment my wives take their first bites, a harmonious chorus of delighted hums fills the room.
Yomogi takes a big bite and lets out a warm hum.
"Mmm! This is so delicious, Motegi-chan!"
Chantal nods as she chews.
"I'm just glad I can still eat fish while pregnant! Would've sucked if I had to give that up, Motegi-kun... hehehe..."
Kimberly and Pinna give the same verdict as they swallow.
"I don't know... why… but our meals... have felt… healthier... ever since... the pregnancies... began, Motegi-sama…"
"The flavor balance is optimal — creamy, fresh, and lightly acidic. Nutritionally, the salmon essentially provides fetal development. Combined with fiber and raw vegetables, it is satisfactory for myself and the fetus, Master."
Salacia and Manas lean back with an equally blissful sigh.
"Haah~... I feel so much better after eating this, darling~..."
"Mayhap this be a simple fare... yet mine appetite hath little protest, mine king."
Lilith lets out a delighted moan.
"Mmmh~.... this sandwich is sooo good, honey~. I love it~..."
Brunhild chews calmly, then smiles.
"Pregnancy or not, your food never fails to satisfy, my Lord."
"Glad everyone's enjoying it."
Puck chirps from the corner of the table, nibbling happily at its tiny sandwich.
"Kyuu!"
Then, I finally take my own bite. Soft bread, fresh veggies, and tangy salmon are all melting together perfectly.
"This is delicious..."
They're right. Everything we eat now really does feel different. Cleaner, lighter, and healthier. I guess following all those dietary rules actually makes it feel good.
After lunch, we all drift into the living room and sink into the sofas together. Puck climbs onto my lap and curls up like a warm, living pillow. I start stroking its fur, slow and gentle, and it lets out a soft, delighted chirp.
"Kyuu..."
Meanwhile, my wives continue to nibble on something even though lunch is done.
Yomogi's got a glass of Misdaras' strained yogurt in her hand. She scoops a full spoonful and gently places it in her mouth, her eyes fluttering closed.
"Mmmh! Nothing beats Misdaras yogurt!"
Chantal's working through a small bowl of almonds, hazelnuts, Wallynuts, and Drupeshooter's pistachios. She throws a handful into her mouth, muttering with her mouth half full.
"Hhh... kinda tiring to chew, but I dunno why I just can't stop..."
Kimberly daintily holds a shiny, brown Heiligeichen's pretzel. Her bite is delicate, but she always pauses after every chew.
"This pretzel... is a little too... sweet. But every bite... makes me want it... more... and more. It's strange..."
Pinna chews on spicy cheese bites, repeating the same words like she's trying to convince herself.
"Still within consideration... still within consideration. The portion is within acceptable variance..."
Salacia savors a raw lemon wedge like candy, her eyes squeezing shut from the sour hit, then opening again with a pleased hum.
"So sour~... but soooo good~..."
Manas pokes her fork into a bowl of steamed broccoli and cauliflower. She stabs one of each, then chews slowly, expression slightly pinched.
"Verily... why do I eat these odd, plain vegetables? They appeareth not the tongue, and yet I cannot stayeth mine hand."
Lilith is working through a bowl of chips, munching with delight.
"Baked... fried... doesn't matter at all~. They're still sooo good~..."
And Brunhild lifts a quail egg from her plate and places it neatly into her mouth.
"This is just as good as it is..."
Ever since we returned to double shifts, I also gave them longer lunch breaks so they could have more time to rest, chat, and indulge in these little things.
Yes, these are their cravings.
Yomogi craves strained yogurt, Chantal's hooked on mixed nuts, Kimberly wants sweet breads, Pinna's addicted to anything spicy, Salacia keeps reaching for sour things, Manas is obsessed with broccoli and cauliflower, Lilith wants chips, and Brunhild always goes for quail eggs.
Yomogi told me that strained yogurt was her craving during her first pregnancy, so I guess it has returned to life now. Meanwhile, Salacia probably has the most textbook cravings of them all, just like what most pregnant women have.
But the most contradictory ones are Chantal and Kimberly. Chantal wasn't into snacking on nuts before, but now she polishes off a bowl every day. And Kimberly never let things get too sweet, but now she craves sweetness she would've once gently commented at.
Then we have Manas and Brunhild, who, until right now, still have no idea where their cravings came from.
As for chips, they're the usual snacks in this house, and I used to have them fried. But for Lilith's cravings, I've been baking the potatoes instead to make it healthier.
As for spicy foods... I still haven't figured out if Pinna has a high spice tolerance or not because she always reacts to every bite like she's running diagnostics. But one thing for sure is ever since she got pregnant, her craving for chilies has only grown. And she always mutters those same little reminders to herself about going overboard, which is cute for me.
Speaking of potatoes and chilies... I'm just thankful they both grow in our terrace garden since they don't exist in Acrusse after all. Yeah, think of it like they're native crops from this house.
And just like that, I let my wives continue enjoying their cravings before reopening the store soon after.