The inn's infirmary was bustling with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. James paced back and forth, unable to sit still as he awaited news of his wife Linda's delivery. Despite his immense power, the anxiety of becoming a father again never failed to unsettle him.
"She's going to be fine," his father, John, assured him from where he sat, trying to appear calm. "Just sit down and wait for the good news."
"I know, Father, but I'm still anxious and nervous. After all, that's my wife and my unborn child in there," James replied, his voice tinged with worry. The thought of Linda in pain and his child's impending arrival filled him with a mix of fear and anticipation.
John chuckled softly, glancing at James with understanding. "He's a boy," he said suddenly.
James paused in his pacing, looking at his father in surprise. "What?"
"What Gramps meant," Jack chimed in with a grin, "is that Mother is giving birth to a boy."
James nodded, his expression softening. "Oh, I know. Mom told me."
John chuckled again, a twinkle in his eyes. "Just wanted to inform you in case you didn't know. We'll have to wait a little longer for her to safely deliver the baby."
At that moment, Adams arrived with Cresil, who he had dragged along when he caught the demon heading for the red light district. The room's atmosphere was relaxed, with everyone but James seeming at ease despite the ongoing labor.
Cresil looked around, scanning the room for the women of the group. "Where are the females here? I can't see them."
The others exchanged looks, taken aback by Cresil's apparent lack of concern for Linda's condition. Even the twin elves looked at him, wondering why he hadn't inquired about Linda's health or the progress of the birth.
Cresil, noticing the scrutiny, shrugged. "What? Why are you all looking at me like that? Is it because of what I asked? Come on, I was just curious since I didn't see them, that's all."
Adams sighed, shaking his head at the incubus's single-mindedness. "You should control your womanizing habits when it comes to the women around us, Cresil. Some are taken or eyed by one of us, and two of them are married."
Cresil raised his hands defensively. "Yes, boss. But I was just curious, really."
As the conversation continued, Anderson approached Adams with a matter of business. "Adams, I heard about a potential land suitable for what you intend to do, but the problem is, it's going to be auctioned."
A frown appeared on Adams' face. Why was everything about auctions in this cultivation and fantasy world? He considered his options: buy it off before the auction date or send someone in his stead. He glanced at Cresil and Jack, a plan forming in his mind, and smiled.
"Cresil and Jack, can I have a moment with you both?" Adams asked, motioning for them to join him.
Jack approached reluctantly, clearly disliking the idea of working with the lustful demon beside him, but for his mother's sake, he obliged.
"What is this errand, boss?" Cresil asked, curiosity piqued.
Jack sighed but remained attentive. "What do you want us to do for you?"
Adams appreciated their willingness, especially Jack's. "I need both of you to attend an auction for me."
Cresil raised an eyebrow. "An auction? What for?"
Adams explained, "Anderson and Awar have other commitments, and I'll be assisting them. So they're unavailable, but you two are free."
Jack glanced around, trying to find an escape. "What about Gramps? He can attend the auction instead of us."
Adams shook his head. "He has his hands full too."
Jack let out a reluctant sigh. "Alright, you got us. I'll go with him this time, but if he misbehaves, I'll have to ditch him," he said, pointing a thumb at Cresil.
Cresil scoffed, folding his arms. "Look who's talking, the mischievous one of the group."
Adams watched the two, knowing their bickering was inevitable but also understanding that they shared more similarities than they realized.
Just as he was about to intervene, the door to the birthing room opened, and Jessica emerged, cradling a tiny, crying baby in her arms. The sight immediately drew everyone's attention, and all eyes turned to James.
"Mother, can I?" James asked with trembling hands, joy evident in his eyes.
John chuckled, his voice teasing. "With your hands trembling like that, do you want the baby to fall off your hands? Bring him to me, and I'll decide the name of my grandson."
Linda appeared in the doorway, looking exhausted but radiant after a brief rest. Jessica had healed her, and John had given her a bit of his blood, granting her regenerative abilities to speed up her recovery.
"Like you named the rest of my children," Linda teased, shaking her head. "You want to name him something that starts with a 'J' again, right?"
John nodded enthusiastically. "What's wrong with that? We all have names starting with 'J', including you. You should change your name from Linda to Jinda. Kind of impressive, isn't it?"
Linda sighed, rolling her eyes affectionately. "What am I going to do with you, old man? Whatever. You're not the one naming my child this time. He will be the one. We owe him that much."
Everyone turned to look at Adams, who seemed oblivious to the conversation until Mabel nudged him.
"What? Is there something on my face?" Adams asked, feigning ignorance.
Mabel rolled her eyes. "Stop acting dumb, will you?"
Linda smiled, holding out the newborn to Adams. "I wanted you to name my son."
Adams considered the request, thoughtfully pondering names for the newborn. After a moment, he spoke up.
"What about... Jameson?" he suggested, grinning as he saw John's face light up. "As in the son of James, a befitting name for one."
John beamed, delighted by the choice, while Linda sighed, knowing she couldn't escape the tradition of 'J' names.
"As expected of the boss," John praised, nodding approvingly. "You have a great naming sense, just like this old man here. How about you name the next child Jessica and I have?"
Adams laughed, feeling honored. "It will be my privilege to name your child."
Mabel and Jessica exchanged incredulous looks. "Great naming sense, my foot," Mabel muttered.
Jessica shook her head, determined. "Who said we're having another child? That's never going to happen."
Mabel and Jessica's simultaneous retort elicited laughter from the group, lightening the mood.
Awar, who had been lounging lazily nearby, yawned and stretched. "Alright, since everything is fine and sorted out, the mother and the child need some rest."
Everyone knew Awar's statement was an attempt to disperse the crowd so he could nap. His antics drew more laughter, and gradually, the group began to disperse, leaving Linda and her newborn to enjoy some peace.
A/N
This is my discord link, still working on it though 👇👇👇
https://discord.com/invite/dmYKfbnNV6