#979 Cause and Effect

All right, we’ve got some news to share now that it’s springtime.

Mostly good news, too...

So, Platy, take it away!

“I’m pregnant with our third child!!!”

That’s the gist of it.

How exciting!

After Junior and Norito, another little one is on the way!

New life being created and nurtured is just the way of the world.

In this sense, the circle of life on our farm is spinning just as it should!

Personally, I’m over the moon about our growing family!!!

“Even the mighty eventually fallsss.”

“It’s sad, but that’s war for yaaa.”

Even Junior and Norito are overjoyed to be big brothers.

That said, it’s fantastic news to start the spring with.

What a great way to kick off the year...

But wait a minute...

Good news in spring?

If we just found out she’s pregnant now in spring, that means...

The “event” happened a couple of months ago, right...?

So, what was going on back then...?!

“Oh nooooooooooo!!”

Christmas?!

Does that mean this baby is a Christmas miracle?!

Now that I think about it... I do remember doing something like that!

Leaving presents by Junior and Norito’s pillows, feeling accomplished and in high spirits, the with kids asleep... we decided to enjoy some couple time...!

So, um...

Does that mean Platy’s third child is...

A Christmas baby?!

The kind that gets conceived in December and born in October?!

Oh, wow... Me, the lone wolf who despises normies, did the most normie thing ever?!

“What’s wrong, Dear?”

Platy notices my odd reaction and looks at me with concern.

“Are you perhaps...not happy? I mean, it’s our third, so maybe it’s not as exciting...”

“No no no no no no no!!!”

Of course not!

How could I not be thrilled about a new life?!

Unfortunately, my solitary warrior angst made Platy worry.

Shame on me as a husband and father.

Celebrating family comes first, not my silly hang-ups!!!

“I’m happy! Really happy! The farm’s gonna be even livelier! Hahahahaha!!!”

Yes, I’m truly happy from the bottom of my heart.

Ruining it with personal fixations would be the height of foolishness.

I’ll let go of my stubbornness!

And celebrate this new life with a pure, joyful heart!!!

Just then, we had a visitor.

It’s Arowana, the Mermaid King.

What’s his business here?

“My wife is expecting too!”

Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!

Could it be... was it Christmas magic, too?!

“For now, she’s taking it easy and staying in the Mermaid Kingdom with my son, but I wanted to report to you first, Lord Saint! After all, it’s no exaggeration to say that we have you to thank for our next child!”

What does that even mean?!

I can guess, but I’m scared to ask!

Arowana leans in close and whispers to me.

“Christmas was the perfect time for strengthening marital bonds. The mood was perfect, everything flowed naturally.”

What?!

What do you mean everything flowed naturally?!

“To tell the truth, even Hendra and Lampeye’s family were visited by the stork. It seems the Christmas atmosphere was irresistible for them, too.”

Even Hendra and Lampeye?!

Christmas magic is too overpowered!

“The old man over there is old-fashioned, always wishing for a male heir. This time, they’re all celebrating, thinking it’s a boy.”

Such outdated thinking.

Hendra’s family already has a lovely daughter, Halfmoon. Why obsess over an heir?

What’s wrong with girls, anyway?

“The thing is, Hendra isn’t the eldest son, so even if he has many boys, it won’t matter much for the Betta family. The real issue is that Hendra’s brother, the current heir, Wild Betta, isn’t even married, let alone has kids. That’s why all hopes are on Hendra...”

“I-Is that how it is...?!”

Well, marriage is a personal decision...

Outsiders shouldn’t interfere...

“Actually, we need your help, Lord Saint...”

“Wh-What is it?”

“Next Christmas, could you invite Wild? Maybe the festive spirit will inspire him to get married and start a family...!”

What do you think Christmas is?!

Arowana?!

You’re putting too much faith in the holiday!

Christmas can’t just conjure up a boyfriend or girlfriend out of nowhere!!!

This is why Christmas Eve deals lethal damage to single people!

Do you understand what I’m trying to get at, Arowana?!

Santa Claus won’t just stuff a boyfriend or a girlfriend in your sock!!!

“Hmm, I see. Given the circumstances, maybe we’ll need to use royal authority to arrange a match for him.”

Yes, please do that.

Once he has a partner, if you still need the ‘Christmas effect,’ come back next year.

But seriously, Christmas isn’t for this!!!

“Well, I need to go now to check on my pregnant wife... Oh, one last thing.”

Hm?

What is it?

“My mother is also expecting. Please let Platy know.”

“Wait, what?!”

Arowana’s mother?

The former mermaid queen, Mahi?!

That means Platy’s mom, too!

Hearing the news, Platy’s reaction is...

“Oh, those two...! They’re still at it, even after having grandchildren?! What are they thinking?! I don’t want a sibling younger than my own kids!!!”

She has a very valid point.

So, Junior and Norito might have a younger uncle or aunt?

Is this also the Christmas effect?

No! Christmas doesn’t work like that!

Christmas is when those who’ve fallen to the dark side revel in the awesome power of the Force!!!

Someone, anyone, please tell me this isn’t true!

Just as I was thinking that, the Demon King dropped by for a visit.

“Thanks to you, Lord Saint, our family is growing!”

Not you toooooooo!!!

“Astres and Glasya are both expecting! Even though our heir, Goetia, is doing well, the more royals, the better for succession. Everyone’s thrilled!!!”

The Demon King has two wives and now they’re both pregnant? Is that even possible?!

It can’t be...Ahem. I better not say.

“And it’s not just us. Mamoru of the Heavenly Four is expecting his first child, and Olba’s wife, Batemy, is also pregnant! The Demon Kingdom is secure, all thanks to your Christmas miracle! How can we thank you enough?!”

Like I said, Christmas isn’t supposed to do that!!!

What’s happening here? Is this other world having a baby boom because of Christmas?!

Does Christmas solve population decline and save the world?

This world doesn’t even have a population problem to begin with!!!