The next morning, the three of them get dressed and go down to have breakfast, Liza walking a bit stiffly, it stings a little, but 100% worth it. I'm glad it went so well, it was definitely a good idea to ask Maylene for help. My body feels so light and my heart feels so full. I can confidently tell that this is love, not just lust. My mother said it took a long time to fall in love with my father, but it seems I was a goner from the get-go.
They join Mali, who's already eating with Maya. Mali hands the baby over to Maylene who sits down and immediately starts breast feeding. Ren sits and watches Liza as she awkwardly tries to sit down. Ren, feeling awkward to ask, "em...are you ok?". Liza, "I'll be fine, it doesn't hurt that bad, just a bit of a sting. It shouldn't take long till I'm back to normal".
Ren feels very awkward being the cause of her discomfort, "well...sorry". Liza, "hm? Why are you apologising", everything went perfectly, didn't it? Ren darts his eyes around nervously, "why?". Liza looks at him questionably. Maylene interjects, "well, he's certainly big enough to warrant a bit of pain on the first time. Most women can't say they've had the same experience".
Ren has a coughing fit in response to the sudden declaration. Liza, "oh, that's what you meant. You were worried about being the cause of the pain? That's sweet, thank you, but you really don't have to worry", I thought he was apologising because we didn't do something right.
Ren, that's right, but you've got my intent wrong! A woman's first time is meant to hurt most of the time, isn't it? Is it something different here? "em...is it not meant to hurt on the first time or something?".
Maylene, "hm? This is the first time I've heard of it. Is it like that in your world?". Liza, "wha? I'd feel so bad for the women in your world if that's true. This is just stinging a little, not pain". Ren, oh...it seems like less and less of what I know applies to this world, "well, I can't say for certain but I've heard it enough that it's probably true to some extent". Maylene and Liza make conflicted expressions at the statement, poor women.
Liza, "that sounds awful, but I see, that's why you were confused earlier. It seems our difference of culture can show in the most unexpected way, but I don't know what's different so I can't tell you". Maylene, "just tell him as they come up, not like you can do much else".
Liza, "that's probably best, or we could spend hours explaining everything in the hopes of finding something different". Maylene turns to Ren, "make sure to ask her, even about the smallest thing. You don't know if you're doing something wrong or breaking the law if you assume things based on your standards". Ren, "I'll ask. I've already suffered enough anxiety from it".
They finish their meal, Ren eating what he can of the subpar food that's he's not used to, and it's time for the group to part. Maylene, "it's been fun, but I've got a fiancé...unfortunately. I'd be in trouble if I broke that off". Ren, she says whatever she wants, doesn't she.
Liza, "thanks for everything you've done, for me and for Ren". Ren, "really. I don't know what I would have done if I didn't meet you guys". Maylene, "probably some other women". Ren doesn't know what to say to that, nor does he want to reply to it. He just sighs.
Maylene beckons Maya over to her. Maya runs up behind her mother. Maylene, "we're leaving now sweetie. Say goodbye to them". Maya sticks her head out and waves at them. Liza squeals, "kyaa, so cute". Maylene smiles, "isn't she? You'll have your own soon enough".
Ren filches at the remark. Liza, "I know, I can't wait", it's a dream I never thought would come true, but now that I know it can, and how good sex can be, it's only a matter of time. Ren freezes solid, WHAAAAAAAAAT? Em, excuse me, but I think it's a little to early for that! I know I said I'd have a few to myself, but this has to be too fast. I'll have to talk to her about it.
Maylene, "they're truly precious. Now, about the affair. I-". Ren cuts her off, "enough about that already. It's a no. I might consider if you get permission from your husb-, fiancé", not that any man would give permission.
Maylene's face brims with enthusiasm, "REALLY? Don't forget those words! Better leave before he changes his mind", as she takes Maya by the hand and starts running to the carriage, he might make an exception because he's a hero.
Ren just stands there, dumbfounded. He turns to Liza, "there's no way I'd actually happen, right?". Liza, "hmm...not normally, no. Not unless it's with someone of higher status. Your not well known yet, but you are a hero. She might...will most likely receive permission, allowing the family to build close relations with you for the future". Ren, "oh...I see", I really know nothing of this world. It seems even my sarcasm can have adverse effects.
Mali waves to them as she passed by in the carriage. They wave back. Once the back of the carriage is in view, Maylene waves at them. Ren gives a wave with an awkward smile. Maya pops her head up and waves. Liza squeals again. Ren, ...did she say anything this entire time? Like, even the baby cried...or did it? I never heard it crying during the night even though Maylene was with me...best not to think about it.
Liza, "right, first order of business, shopping". Ren is caught off guard by the sudden change of pace, "em...ok?". Liza, "we need to get you gear for travelling, like a backpack, flint & steel, etc. You also need clothes. Yours are a bit strange and you only have one pair".
Ren, "strange? I don't think it's too far off from your outfit". Liza, "mine is styled after a past hero. He employed a designer and it's style was passed down among roy-, no, never mind. This style has also been copied, but women are mainly known to wear dresses, so you won't see it outside of soldiers training, but it's not super rare if the person can afford it".
Ren, "oh...I see. Makes sense if there were past heroes. Are you a soldier?". Liza, "I'm in the top 5 strongest people of this country, but not a soldier". Ren, "really? Amazing". Liza, "I get that a lot. Let's talk while walking", as she moves off.
Ren, "about talking. There's something I wanted to talk you about. It's about the thing you said earlier, the 'you can't wait' for you own child". Liza turns her head to him, "what about it?". Ren, "aren't we going to defeat the Demon King? Shouldn't we hold of on the kids", I know I've been pretty reckless, but I was only a virgin until recently, so what can you expect? I'll need to be more careful from on! And I'm only in high school...was, was in high school, too early.
Liza, "no, it's the opposite". Ren, "the opposite?". Liza, "were going to fight the Demon King. Wouldn't you want to leave at least one kid behind in case we die?". Ren, caught off-guard, "oh...well, I guess...yeah, you're right", curse you, logic! This never happened in anime...because it wasn't reality!
Liza, "besides, you said you haven't even used magic yet. Wouldn't the time you spend training be the best time for me to have a kid?". Ren, "ah, very good point.", I really don't have a leg to stand on, do I?, "But aren't we...I dunno, a bit young for kids?".
Liza, "being an adult can be too early?". Ren, "well, isn't there anything you'd like to do with your life before making a serious commitment like that?", you may be an adult here, but I was in high school until a few days ago. Everything is happening so fast!
Liza, "do with my life?", she stops and looks at him in the eyes, "defeat the Demon King and have children". Ren has no more excuses that he can muster up, "I see…you certainly are trying to accomplish those", I'm backed into a corner with no way out. The only option is to bite the bullet after playing one last card!, "If you have everything set out, like a house, stuff to properly take care of the baby, etc. Then I have no objections", my victory. Liza, "you don't need to worry about those. My mother will be ecstatic. She'll want to be there every day". Ren, "oh…ok", figures.