"What do we do? What do we do?! Wh-wh-wh-I've never been a grandpa before!"
"Sit down already, you fool! Do you think I have experience being an aunt... Wait, no, this is just speculation; it might not even be true. Why panic like that?!"
Theresa smacked Siegfried on the head with her Cross, knocking the ironheaded man flat onto the ground. She then bit her thumb, pacing back and forth while deep in thought, her brows furrowed.
Over these past few years, Siegfried had often seemed somewhat dazed, and only recently did Kiana finally overcome her reservations enough to call Theresa "Auntie." Both were still navigating the complexities of parenthood.
The possibility of Kiana being pregnant undoubtedly presented another monumental challenge to these already clumsy parents.
"No way!"
As Theresa paced back and forth, she kicked Siegfried, who was still dazed on the floor, with a stern expression on her small face.
"Snap out of it! Is this time for you to sit around like a dumbass?"
"Theresa, whatever you say, I'll follow your lead!"
"First, we need to subtly probe Kiana to confirm the situation. If it's true, we must urgently consult Zeke about pregnancy care! Kiana is a Herrscher, and Zeke is an anomaly among anomalies—there's no telling what consequences such a pregnancy might have. Additionally, since Kiana wants to keep it secret for now, we must respect her feelings and be cautious not to blurt things out recklessly... Aiya, listen, as dense as you are, just don't meddle further. Otherwise, I'll smack you dead with Judah!"
"Yes, yes, yes! You're right; I'll do as you say!" With his mind blank, Siegfried hastily got up, nodding repeatedly without any objections. In his eyes, Theresa, their only decision-maker at that moment, was truly a saving grace, a little angel!
And so, this little angel accompanied by her beastly follower ventured into the living room.
"Kiana, try this pancake—I've been proofing the dough for days!"
"Mmmf mmmf... So good!"
"Big Sis Kiana, have some chicken soup too. Slow down; don't choke."
"Okay, okay! Hmm... This soup is delicious as well~"
In the living room, with her friends eagerly feeding her, Kiana's cheeks puffed up like a little hamster's, constantly bulging from all the food. Her bright eyes curved into crescents with delight.
Her companions beamed at her fondly—this affection transcended appearance and age. The sight of Kiana happily enjoying her meal was irresistibly endearing.
Watching this scene, Theresa and Siegfried exchanged satisfied nods. Seeing Kiana so joyful made many worries seem insignificant; isn't that what every parent hopes for?
Now, their only lingering concern remained the elusive Young Lady—the true identity of Kiana they sought, unseen.
Regardless, witnessing Kiana's contented enjoyment brought them immense satisfaction and comfort.
Then, Theresa subtly nudged Siegfried and gave him a meaningful look.
Theresa cleared her throat discreetly.
Siegfried hesitated before responding, "Uh... roger that!" He flashed an OK sign, standing rigidly still, his gaze fixed on Theresa as she approached the dining table.
"Oh... Is Kiana eating?"
"What else would she be doing? Would you care to join us, Auntie? Let me tell you, Mei and the others make the best meals in the world—well, except for Zeke's cooking, of course!"
In the bright and futuristic office, Zeke stood before a cluster of floating screens, suddenly frowning.
"Hm?"
Upon hearing the rest of Kiana's sentence after her exclamation, his brow smoothed out as he nodded approvingly.
"Not bad, she knows what's up."
Zeke's lips curled upward, and he returned to work.
Of course, this wasn't surveillance; it was merely that whenever something unusual occurred with Kiana or specific keywords were mentioned, Icarus would promptly report it to Zeke—nothing more than that. Just pretend there's no spying involved here, okay?
At the dining table, upon hearing Kiana's praise, both Seele and Raiden Mei, who had prepared the meal, beamed with delight.
Theresa eyed the chicken leg offered to her but firmly shook her head. "No thanks, I'm not hungry. Speaking of which, haven't you been eating more lately?"
"Huh? Really? I guess...I suppose so. Maybe it's because my workload suddenly increased?"
"Sss!" × 2
Theresa and Siegfried, who had been listening attentively, both gasped.
Workload suddenly increased?!
Theresa composed herself, cleared her throat, and continued, "Ahem! Speaking of which, I've noticed you seem quite tired and sleepy lately. Is everything alright with your health?"
"Well, nothing too concerning, just feeling a bit overwhelmed recently. Can't help being drowsy... It's all Zeke's fault, hmph!"
Kiana finished chewing, a blush creeping across her cheeks as she recalled their nightly bedtime stories, inevitably stirring feelings of shyness.
"Sss!" × 2
The emotional turmoil within Theresa and Siegfried intensified, causing them to inhale sharply once more.
Once again suppressing her emotions, Theresa feigned calmness and asked, "By the way, eating so much like this, do you ever feel nauseous? Should I prepare something sour to help settle your stomach?"
"Ah? No worries, I can eat anytime, anywhere. But mentioning something sour... hmm, I suddenly do crave a tangy flavor now!"
Ever since Kiana's physical deficiencies were addressed, Zeke relaxed many dietary restrictions, leading Kiana to indulge heavily in various rich meats and hearty meals. Without Theresa's mention, Kiana might not have thought about it, but now she felt a sudden desire for something sour to cut through the richness.
"Note it down: something sour."
"Yes, My Lord!"
Icarus promptly made the notation and began adjusting tomorrow's menu accordingly. Zeke remained engrossed in his paperwork without even looking up.
"Yikes!"
Theresa and Siegfried gasped again, instinctively recoiling.
This time, Theresa stayed quiet for a moment before cautiously probing with more questions, to which Kiana gave half-hearted responses.
Later, Theresa and Siegfried discreetly huddled in an empty corner outside on the balcony.
"Tiredness, drowsiness, craving sour foods... It matches most of what I researched during Cecilia's pregnancy. And her subtle reaction—both complaining yet contented—when mentioning Zeke seems to confirm it! Could this be real?!"
"Gulp!" After delivering her somewhat stunned analysis, Theresa couldn't help but swallow nervously.
Siegfried took out a cigarette, lit it up, and began puffing clouds of smoke.
"No big deal, right? Just that Kiana might be pregnant? Hmm... Why does this cigarette taste strange?"
"Because you're holding it upside down, dummy!"
"..."
The cigarette fell from Siegfried's hand onto the ground as his expression swiftly shifted from calm indifference to one of panicked disbelief.
"Theresa! Help me, I'm going insane!"
"Calm down! Don't forget, Kiana doesn't want anyone else knowing yet!"
Theresa pulled out Judah and smacked it hard against Siegfried's head to halt his hysteria.
Siegfried lay sprawled on the floor as Theresa stepped firmly on his head, gazing up at the sky, lost in thought.
I do have experience with prenatal care, but Kiana's situation is unique, vastly different from Cecilia's. First, I need to discuss this with Zeke. Until then, let's keep this idiot under control; we mustn't upset Kiana's mood!
In that instant, Kiana's already exalted status soared even higher within Theresa's heart, while correspondingly, Siegfried's insignificant presence diminished further.
With determination, Theresa grabbed one of Siegfried's legs and dragged him away from the living room.