Chapitre 18: Mutated Genetics
~~ Author Note ~~
https://discord.gg/6PBf4ccNCT
Hello, readers.
If anyone is wondering, one of the guests at Scáthach's is Nero. She'll appear soon.
As always, I hope you enjoy the chapter.
~~ End Author Note ~~
***
"Eh..." Shiro blankly stared at her father's face.
'Of course, she would detest having a sibling,' Semiramis sighed and thought to herself.
Shiro's face brightened as she hugged her father. "Shiro's really going to be a big sister?" She asked excitedly.
Dianthus chuckled lightheartedly. "Yep, you sure are. You're going to have an adorable little sister."
"Wait," Semiramis interrupted their joyous mood. "You're fine with having a younger sibling take your father's attention?"
Dianthus looked offended at Semiramis' words. "Why would my attention be taken. I'll give all my children the affection they deserve," he harrumphed defiantly.
Semiramis smiled wryly. "I didn't mean that you would ignore any of them."
"Of course, I wouldn't ignore any of my children." Dianthus affectionately rubbed his daughter's head. "Besides, you're earlier question is pointless. My little princess has always wanted a younger sibling. Isn't that right, princess?"
"Umu! Papa's right," Shiro's tail swayed happily as her father rubbed her head.
"Shizuko could not conceive after Shiro's birth due to an injury she had received," Dianthus said. "She recommended I take another wife so that we could have another child, but I had refused."
"So you were stubborn back then as well," Semiramis mused. Now that she understood Shiro's stance, she noticed something strange that Dianthus had said. "How are you so sure our child is going to be a girl? It's too soon to tell."
"That's because it's impossible for my offspring to be male. I've devoured many different beasts and lifeforms, which caused my genetic composition to warp." Seeing the confusion on Semiramis' face, Dianthus shrugged and continued speaking. "I met a woman who was an expert in many fields of biological studies. She was interested in observing my mutations, so I allowed her to. One of the observed mutations was that I couldn't pass on male genetics."
Semiramis was dumbfounded. "That's quite something, but I suppose it doesn't matter too much."
Dianthus sat down once again and placed his daughter back on his lap. He gestured for Semiramis to sit next to him as well. Once she had snuggled up against his side, he began to speak again. "Honestly, it's for the best that I have no male offspring."
"Hmm," Semiramis hummed as she glanced at the little girl who was nodding off once again. "Why is that?"
Dianthus continued to rub his daughter's head, lulling her to sleep. "My kind is naturally hostile towards the same gender. Those feelings can sometimes even apply when dealing with our offspring. This trait is more commonly seen in males and occasionally appears in females. It seems to relate to the mentality of desiring to be the pack leader. I'm not certain if the mentality exists in me or not."
"Is that what caused a rift to form between you and your father?" When Semiramis glanced towards his face, she saw that his expression had darkened considerably. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up."
Shiro's ear twitched when she no longer felt the comforting sensation of her father's hand. Dianthus' face returned to normal, and he resumed brushing his hand through her snow-white hair. "No, you're fine," Dianthus sighed. "I'm sure that's a small part of it, but there are a few, much larger, reasons."
To say that Semiramis was curious is an understatement, but she didn't wish to darken his mood further. Especially at this time when they should be celebrating her pregnancy. Instead, she again snuggled against his side and changed the topic of conversation. "I've fully repaired the girls' souls."
"Hmm," Dianthus raised an eyebrow. "They seemed fully healed the last time I visited them, though. Are you sure you just now finished?"
"Fufufu," Semiramis chuckled into her hand. "I suppose I can't hide it from you."
"So, I'm guessing that you've taken a liking to the three of them," he mused.
"Yeah, I have," the goddess confirmed. "They're good girls with talent to spare. As long as they find a concept that works for them, they'll become true goddesses quickly. Not to mention they're pretty cute as well. Don't you think so as well?"
Dianthus nodded. "I could certainly tell that they are very talented."
"That's not what I was asking you," Semiramis said and pinched his cheek. "Don't you think three of them are beautiful?"
"Haha," Dianthus dryly laughed. "I suppose they have their charms. I'd say once they are fully mature, they'll be drop-dead gorgeous. However, I think you should find out their opinion before pushing them towards tying the knot with me. They may still be attached to someone in their previous life or wish to forge their own path."
"I'll keep that in mind." Semiramis resisted the urge to laugh at his words. He didn't realize that he had caught their interest during his prior visit. The number of questions each girl asked about him has increased substantially recently.
They rested in silence for some time, just enjoying the other's presence. The only sound was the rhythmic breathing coming from the girl sleeping on Dianthus' lap. Semiramis sat up upon remembering another matter she wished to bring to his attention. "I forgot due to the news of my pregnancy, but Scáthach contacted me recently."
Dianthus flinched slightly upon hearing her name. "I see. What did she say."
Semiramis smirked. "She said that she's looking forward to seeing you again. Scáthach noted that she's itching to spend some quality time talking about why you left. Also, she's annoyed with some guests that are also staying in her residence waiting to meet you again."
"Tell her I'll visit soon," Dianthus said.
Semiramis shook her head. "You know, the longer you put it off, the angrier she'll be."
With a sigh, Dianthus said, "I know."
Feeling his daughter shift on his lap, Dianthus decided that it would be better to allow her to rest on her bed. He stood up with his daughter in arms. "I'm going to put her to bed, then take a bath to relax. Do you want to join me?"
Semiramis smiled mysteriously. "I think I'll pass this time. Have fun in the bath."
Dianthus was confused about what she meant but shook it off and walked away. After laying his daughter on her bed and covering her up, he headed towards the large open-air bath and began to disrobe.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone