By the end of July, Mira had been pregnant for exactly two months.
Rhodes quickly noticed that his wife's tastes were changing almost by the day. One day she wanted vinegar-braised beef, the next she craved spicy fish soup, and the day after that she complained that the fish tasted too fishy.
Keeping her properly fed turned into a full-time operation, and both Rhodes and Elfman were run ragged.
The moment Mira voiced a craving, Rhodes would fly out to buy ingredients and teleport straight home through the gate.
Meanwhile, Elfman would frantically study recipes, grab whatever ingredients were needed, and cook on the spot.
Mira kept insisting that she was only mentioning things casually and that they did not need to go to such lengths, but neither of the two men ever got tired of it.
As for Lisanna, her only duties were taste-testing and keeping her sister company during meals.
One thing worth noting was that Elfman's recent obsession with cooking and constant concern for his sister meant he had barely gone out on dates.
As a result, Evergreen had come by twice.
She claimed she was visiting on behalf of the Thunder God Tribe to check on the pregnant woman, yet she spent far more time in the kitchen with Elfman than at Mira's side.
No one in the household minded.
From time to time, Rhodes took Mira to Porlyusica for checkups, asking carefully about any unpleasant symptoms.
The answer was always the same. Everything was normal. Most discomfort should ease by the following month, and light exercise would be fine.
Nutrients should be supplemented, but not excessively, or the baby might grow too large for an easy delivery.
Rhodes memorized every word and still tried to coax extra recipes out of Porlyusica.
In response, the door of the tree house slammed shut, and a book flew out the window, smacking him squarely on the forehead.
Rubbing the sore spot, Rhodes still called out cheerfully,
"Thank you!"
The days passed quietly, ordinary and peaceful.
Until one morning, when Mira came to Rhodes with tears in her eyes and said that her two favorite dresses no longer fit.
"The red one and the black one?" Rhodes was not surprised. Both had tight waists, and this day had always been inevitable.
"Mhm." Mira gestured helplessly. "If these two won't button, then a whole bunch of clothes become useless."
All Rhodes could do was comfort her.
"It doesn't matter. With a face that gorgeous, anything you wear will still be stunning."
Mira sighed. She understood the logic and had already prepared maternity clothes, but the moment still stung.
Rhodes hugged her, then helped her pack away the too-small outfits and pick replacements closest to her usual style.
After she changed, he casually rubbed her belly.
"I can't even see any change yet."
Mira replied,
"That's why I actually want it to show more right now."
"Why?"
"The sooner the baby grows, the sooner I can go back to normal."
Rhodes paused.
Perfectly logical, but wanting to give birth at two months was dangerous thinking.
For some reason, Mira put her hands on her hips, puffed out her belly, and strutted forward two steps.
"Should I walk like this from now on?"
Rhodes laughed.
"Great idea. Everyone will clear the way for us."
She rolled her eyes.
"Don't they already?"
Rhodes grinned.
"Aim that eye-roll at our dear little brother."
With Elfman escorting them, very few people failed to step aside.
Mira puffed her cheeks.
"I'm going to beat him up."
Work continued as usual, and the guild gradually reverted to its natural state as a den of slackers.
After working nonstop for most of the month, everyone had saved up some money, so even at month's end, no one felt like going out.
The weather was scorching, and the guild hall made the perfect refuge.
Makarov finally remembered what he had meant to ask and spoke up.
"Rhodes, the Grand Magic Games ended nearly a month ago. I was going to ask you…"
Sensing danger, Rhodes immediately sidestepped and wrapped an arm around Mira.
"Is there anything you feel like eating today? I can fly anywhere and be back before lunch."
Mira blinked, glanced between Rhodes and the guild master, instantly understood the situation, and smiled sweetly.
"I believe His Grace's fief near Corandum Town raises sheep and goats. How about some goat milk?"
"No problem," Rhodes replied without hesitation.
"I'll personally watch them milk it. Guaranteed fresh."
"Hey…"
Makarov's face darkened. Since when had this brat learned such shameless tactics?
"Oh, Master, you heard her," Rhodes said cheerfully.
"I'm off to the Kingdom of Joya. We'll chat when I'm back."
With that, he vanished in a streak of blue light, heading straight for the duke's estate.
Makarov instinctively reached out, looking every bit like a tragic lover left behind.
Mira covered her mouth, barely holding back laughter.
Makarov let out a long sigh.
"Could you talk some sense into him?"
"I couldn't possibly, Master," Mira replied in a gentle, hesitant tone."As a wife, how could I interfere in my husband's affairs? If His Grace gets angry and divorces me, what would I do then?"
Makarov paused.
"Leaving probability aside… would he dare?"
"Who knows?" Mira rested a hand on her belly and gazed at him pitifully.
"And even if it doesn't go that far, if we argue over this, it will still end up being your fault."
"I…"
Makarov sucked in a breath, spun on his heel, and stomped away.
Fine. He was not going to argue with a pregnant woman.
When Rhodes returned carrying a full pail, Mira was already pouring out her minor grievances to Bisca.
Bisca, the seasoned veteran, offered her advice calmly.
"Don't sweat the small stuff. As that belly keeps growing, bigger worries will come."
For a brief moment, Rhodes was tempted to dump the goat milk over Alzack's head.
Come listen to what your wife calls advice.
"You really went and bought it?" Bisca asked, stunned after hearing Mira's instructions.
"Of course," Rhodes replied.
"Porlyusica said dairy is good for her at this stage."
Mira sniffed, then pinched her nose.
"It smells strong."
"A quick boil will fix that," Rhodes said as he headed into the kitchen.
"The farmer said simmering it with almonds makes it taste great."
Naturally, Mira was not about to drink half a pail by herself.
After boiling it, Rhodes shared the milk with Asuka, Carla, Wendy, and Romeo.
Kids needed calcium while they were growing.
Wendy cradled her large cup of "Brother Rhodes's love," sipping happily, her expression a little dreamy.
"It's hot and smells so good."
Happy missed out entirely, having gone on a job with Natsu and Gray and not yet returned.
Rhodes suddenly frowned.
"That's strange. Giant boars are tough, but it's been a whole week. Even accounting for Natsu insisting on walking everywhere, they should have been back by now."
...
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