Risphina's Twilight, The Forgotten Gender - Chapter 30:

The days passed, at the Estragon estate, and with each day Isadora and her friends’ bodies continued to grow. It was becoming ever apparent that none of them were going to miscarry.

Isadora didn’t know how to respond as she easily passed her longest blessing without miscarrying. All signs pointed to her pregnancy taking hold. And her appetite and cravings for every type of food hadn’t slowed down either and was starting to show. Her once flat stomach was now round and full, and her breasts were getting larger and more tender. Her hips were continuing to widen, and her waist was starting to thicken. Her baby bump was getting more noticable by the day, which frustrated the knight. Her finely tuned body was getting softer, but a part of her was starting to enjoy the changes. She couldn’t explain why, but she felt a sense of pride and fulfillment. Her maternal instincts were kicking in, and she was in a constant struggle to hide it.

Usually, when a woman got a blessing to stick, her friends would go on doing what they anyways wanted to do. Like going on quests. She would have hated going through a whole pregnancy alone, but that was the thing, she wasn’t alone. Her entire adventure party was just as pregnant as her.

Tessa her former scout, now second maid, as living her best life at the moment. Sure she had to clear some things here or there as part of the protections to keep her from getting pulled into the church’s convent. But since she was pregnant, she was pampered more than she’s even been by the Baroness orders. She works between three to five hours a day, then she just lounges about with Isadora eating whatever she wants and sleeping to her hearts content.

Mel, the priestess of Ydolem, Radiant Goddess of Light, had it the hardest. She was a woman who didn’t like taking advantage of a noble’s hospitality. So she still does her nightly prayers and does some light training with her staff. But the cravings for savory foods was making her break her vows of moderation. But she was still holding strong, that is until the midday meals. She ate more than any of them, but she was always hungry. But she still did her duties as a priestess to the best of her abilities.

Bethany was in the middle, she enjoyed living a life of leisure, but she loved being active, like Isadora. And her training with her sword was getting a little more difficult with her growing assets and stomach. At least practicing her crossbow was unaffected.

As for the Baroness, she was over the moon. She was finally able to brag to all the other noble houses that her line would continue. Not only was her daughter pregnant, but so were her friends.

“Good morning, my beautiful daughter. Have you slept well?” Elizabeth asked as she walked into the dining room with a wide smile on her face.

Isadora had to fight the urge to punch her mother so bad. It was like Elizabeth was rubbing it in her face with a fake sweet tone. It was something she didn’t realize her mother could pull off. But her hormones made it so much harder to keep her anger in check.

“Can I please have some coffee, Katrina? Black. And lots of it,” Isadora asked as she rubbed her temples.

“I’m afraid not, dear,” Elizabeth said as she sat down at the head of the table. “Too much caffeine can make a child too hyperactive. Only herbal tea for you.”

Isadora could only look ahead of her with a look of frustration. She didn’t dare her mother’s presence or she feared she wouldn’t be able to control her anger. The Baroness had a smug look on her face as she saw her daughter’s frustration.

Katrina, Isadora’s personal maid, had to hold back a giggle as she poured a cup of herbal tea for the pregnant young noble. She had been with her mistress since they were children, and she had never seen her this angry before.

For Isadora, it wasn’t about not being able to drink alcohol or caffeine whenever she wanted, or not being able to go adventuring for about nine months. It was the fact that she didn’t like the idea of caring for a child when she wanted to do so many more things in her life. Plus, it wasn’t going to help when her mother eventually parades her around like an exotic monster, and she had to endure the envious or jealous stares of the nobles. Not to mention having to raise a baby. But for some reason, she felt a sense of warmth and love for the child growing inside her. She didn’t know why, but she was starting to feel a strange sense of attachment to the baby, even though she didn’t want one.

Also, it didn’t help how much Tessa was enjoying her pregnancy so much that she was exploiting her own family for all it was worth. She was having a ball with how much she was being pampered. Even the staff was pampering her like a noble. She had no shame.

“Well, slept great, Baroness,” Tessa said as she yawned and stretched her arms over her head. Her breasts were now twice the size they were when she came here, and they were straining against the fabric of her nightgown.

“Oh? Looks like you’ve grown a bit since yesterday,” Yvette, Isadora’s grandmother, said with a sly smile. She was sitting across from Tessa, and she was enjoying the show. The Dowager was always a bit of a troublemaker, and she loved to stir the pot.

“Oh? Have I? I hadn’t noticed,” Tessa said as she looked down at her chest with a playful expression. She then looked at the other ladies at the table and gave them a sly smile. “Well, I don’t like to disobey orders from my Baroness. I got to make sure my kiddo is healthy and strong,” she said and she patted her round belly. She was wearing a loose-fitting nightgown, and her belly was on full display. It was round and firm. She looked like she was in the beginnings part of her second trimester, even though it had only been a week.

Tessa has been having a lot of fun with her new found curves and she had an excuse for her laziness. The former scout turned maid, didn’t have any royal blood in her veins, but she was treated like a princess by the Estragon staff. But the best part was that it was thanks to her best friend, who was still grumpy about her situation.

‘Goddesses, I love this! I’m eating like a queen, and everyone is waiting on me hand and foot. Maybe I’ll try to have a second child after this. If I get this kind of treatment from the Estragon’s, then I wonder what kind of treatment I’ll get from the royals. I could get used to this,’ Tessa thought and she was trying to hide her own amusement. ‘But I’m not getting too fat. I want to keep my figure after the baby is born. I have a reputation to uphold, after all.’

Isadora, Bethany, and Mel all were glaring at the cocky blonde as she was enjoying her pregnancy a little too much. They were all feeling a little envious of Tessa’s carefree attitude. They were all feeling a little overwhelmed by the changes in their bodies, and they were all trying to make sense of the strange feelings that were coursing through them.

“You do realize when your give birth to your child, all this pampering will end. Right?” Bethany said as she was trying to sound serious, but she was also trying to hide her own embarrassment. Her own breasts were also getting bigger, and her new maternity blouse was starting to feel a little snug around her chest. And her brown hair wasn’t only growing longer but it had a healthy shine and curls she never had before. Her new pants was starting to get a little tight around her hips and butt, and she was starting to feel a little self-conscious. But she was also starting to feel a strange sense of pride and fulfillment.

“We’ll see about that. But for now, I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts,” Tessa said and she took a sip of her herbal tea.

Mel whispered in Isadora’s ear, “How is Tessa the one to be in the best spirits? She was the one who said she never wanted to have kids. You would think she of all people would learn some humility for her actions.”

Isadora couldn’t agree more, but her cocky blonde-haired friend was just like that. Tessa would always find a way to turn a situation to her advantage, and she was always looking for an angle. But the red-eyed noble couldn’t help but feel a little envious of her friend’s carefree attitude.

“Maybe someday she will… When that will be is only a matter of—” Bethany was cut off by a loud growl that came from her own stomach.

GROOOOWL!

Bethany’s face turned bright red, and she quickly tried to cover her stomach with her hands. She was not expecting that, and she was starting to feel a little embarrassed.

“Someone’s hungry,” Tessa teased and she poked Bethany’s side.

“S-Stop it! I-I just… haven’t had anything to eat yet,” Bethany stammered as she tried to push Tessa’s hand away. She was not used to her stomach growling so loudly.

“Then you’re in luck! Because the chefs have prepared a feast for you beautiful ladies,” Miss Esther said and she entered the dining room with a cart full of food.

Miss Anna and Miss Katrina help the older maid bring in the food. The aroma of roasted meats, fresh bread, and savory pies filled the air, and they could all feel their mouths watering. They had all been feeling extra hungry lately, and the smell of the food was making their stomachs growl even louder.

“Wow! Um… My Baroness? Is there a way for me to become adopted by you?” Tessa asked as her eyes were wide with delight. The food looked delicious, and she was starting to feel a little weak in the knees. The thought of all that food was making her feel a little dizzy.

“Don’t push your luck, Tessa. Just eat your food,” Elizabeth said and she was trying to hide her own amusement. She was happy to see her daughter and her friends enjoying their meals, and she was starting to feel a little nostalgic when she was pregnant with Isadora. But she was the only one of her friend group to get pregnant at the time. They were all envious of her, and they all wanted to be in her shoes.

The maids placed the food on the table, and the pregnant women quickly dug in. They were all starving, and they were all starting to feel a little weak in the knees. The food was delicious, and they were all savoring every bite. Tessa and Bethany were practically drooling, and even the more reserved Mel was starting to eat like there was no tomorrow.

Isadora tried to keep her composure, but the food was too good, and she was starting to pick up her pace after her third bite.

Elizabeth waited for her daughter to get half way her meal before bringing up some pressing matters. “Now that you have gotten over your worst hurdle, my dear. We need to talk about your future,” she said and she looked at Isadora with a serious expression.

Isadora stopped chewing, her fork halfway to her mouth. She had a feeling her mother was going to bring this up, and she was not looking forward to it. “What about my future? I’m pregnant, and I’m going to have a baby. That’s my future for the next nine months.”

“Oh, Isadora… You know what your mother means,” Yvette said and she took a sip of her tea. The old Dowager was always the one to mediate between the two, and she was going to do it again. “Your pregnancy is a blessing, but you also have a duty to your house and to the kingdom to show the other nobles of the court that House Estragon is a strong and prosperous house. And that means you need to make an appearance at Lady Vayna’s coronation party.”

Isadora’s face fell, and she put down her fork. She was not happy about this, and she was starting to feel a little angry. “You’re joking, right? I thought it was going to be a quick in and out thing. Not a whole party.”

“I was willing to entertain that idea of you miscarried, Isadora. Now that it seems that the blessing has taken, and quite strongly I might add, it would be an insult to not attend,” Elizabeth said and she was trying to sound reasonable, but her tone was firm. “Vayna is going to be the next queen someday, and you are a noble lady of a respected house. You need to build connections with the next generation of the court.“

Isadora’s eye was starting to twitch. Vayna and her never got along, even during their academy days. Vayna was a skilled water mage and was more about appearances and parties. Isadora was the opposite of her in nearly every way. Isadora loved doing the hard work of fighting monsters and demons. Her prowess with wielding enchanted weapons and her swordsmanship was well known throughout the kingdom. The two butted heads a lot as Vayna would mock her for her “commoner” interests. While Vayna’s friends would tease her for being a “imbecile” for focusing on training with a weapon than on love, which was a bit ironic for this world. Vayna was also not the most gracious of losers, and she would often get angry when she lost a match against Isadora. So it was a sore spot for the red-eyed noble.

“Can’t I just send a letter? A gift? Or something?” Isadora asked, her mind racing for an excuse.

“You, young lady, will be wearing that lovely dress that Miss Alicia has made for you. You will be there, and you will all be on your best behavior. Do I make myself clear?” Elizabeth said and she was not going to take no for an answer.

The young noble’s shoulders slumped in defeat. She knew when her mother put her foot down, there was no arguing with her. It was a battle she was not going to win.

‘Ugh! How can this day get any worse—”

“Now, now. Sit up, Isadora. Slouching is unbecoming of a lady of House Estragon,” Elizabeth chided, her smile unwavering. “Besides, you and your friends will be the center of attention. All the high-born ladies will be green with envy at your glowing complexions and your… bountiful figures.”

Isadora’s eye twitched again. She was not used to being the center of attention unless it was about her combat prowess, and she was not looking forward to being a spectacle just because she’s pregnant. The thought of all the prying eyes and the whispered comments was making her feel a little sick. Or it would have if her damn cravings didn’t get in the way.

‘Seriously? Now she wants me to be a show pony? This is a nightmare. I’m going to have to put up with Vayna and her cronies for an entire evening. And all these stupid hormones are making me so hungry all the time. I swear, I’m going to punch someone. I hope it’s Vayna.’

“Elizabeth, dear. The girl is going through a lot. Maybe you should go a little easy on her,” Yvette said and she was trying to reason with her daughter. But it was no use. Elizabeth was determined to make her daughter’s pregnancy a public affair, and she was not going to let anything stand in her way. Especially with Queen Myrathis Phyrrane coming to visit her niece’s party.

“The Queen will be there, my dear,” Elizabeth said and she looked at Isadora with a stern expression. “And you will be there to represent House Estragon. Do you understand?”

Isadora sulked as she picked up her fork and continued to eat her food. She was not happy about this, but she knew she had no choice. She was going to have to put up with Vayna and her friends, and she was going to have to smile and pretend that she was enjoying herself. It was the part of being in a noble that she hated. Everyone had to put up a charade to humor the others. For what? To possible get a better standing in the court in ten years? She didn’t care about any of that. She just wanted to be left alone. To be an adventurer and protect people from monsters and demons. And if she did have to attend a party, she didn’t want to hide behind a frilly dress and be a socialite. But she was pregnant now, and she had to do what was best for the kingdom. Such was the life of a noble.

“I don’t like it! Not one bit…” Bethany grumbled as she was finishing her third helping of the roast potatoes.

“I don’t care if you do like it, and stop sulking like child, Isadora. You’re 22-years-old. So, start acting like one… You need to use this as an opportunity to strengthen your bonds with other houses. You will be the Baroness someday, and you need to learn how to navigate the political landscape of the kingdom,” Elizabeth said and she was trying to be the stern mother that she always was. But she was also trying to hide her own excitement. She was going to have a grandchild, and she was going to make sure that her daughter was going to be a great mother and a great leader. ‘She’ll thank me someday. Just like how mother taught me.‘

Bethany, Mel, and Tessa could see the frustration on their friend’s face, and they were all feeling a little sorry for her. But they were also a little excited about the party. They had never been to a royal party before, and they were all curious to see what it was like.

“What will we have to do at the party, Milady? I… I don’t want to cause a scene or say the wrong thing. My family has always been common folk. I wouldn’t know what to say,” Mel said and she was starting to get a little nervous. She was a priestess, and she was used to dealing with the sick and the injured, while fighting monsters during quests. But she was not used to dealing with nobles and their strange customs.

“Don’t worry, Mel. You’ll be fine. Just be yourself, and everything will be okay,” Tessa said and she was trying to reassure her friend.

Mel and Bethany both slowly glanced over at Tessa with a dubious. Their friend was up to something and they both knew it.

“Spit it out, Tessa,” Isadora said as she put her fork down. She knew Tessa was up to something, and she was not in the mood for her games. Not after hearing she had to go to that stupid party.

“What? I’m just trying to be a good friend,” Tessa said and she tried to look innocent, but the sly smile on her face gave her away.

Bethany whispered to Mel, “We better keep an eye on her. She’s definitely going to try and steal something from the Duchess’s estate… Or worse…”

“Hey!? I am no thief!… But I don’t mind a little charity from other noble houses that wish to help a poor commoner who was blessed by the Goddess,” Tessa said and she looked at Elizabeth with a hopeful expression. She was not going to pass up an opportunity to get some free stuff from the nobles, and she was not going to feel guilty about it.

Elizabeth rolled her eyes and said, “You will be on your best behavior, Miss Tessa. That includes your hands... Feeding you and housing you is one thing. But getting you out of the dungeons is another. Do I make myself clear?”

Tessa’s smile faded, and she nodded her head. She knew that the Baroness was not joking, and she was not going to test her patience. She was already getting a lot of free stuff from the Estragon estate, and she was not going to risk it all for a few shiny trinkets.

“Fair enough… I will be so good that I will be a saint,” Tessa said and she tried to look innocent again, but no one was buying it now.

“I’m sure you will,” Elizabeth said with a sigh and she looked at Yvette. The old Dowager just shrugged her shoulders and took a sip of her tea. She was used to Tessa’s antics, and she was not going to let them ruin her morning.

“Come now, girls. You should finish up and get in a little exercise, before we make sure your gowns fit properly,” Yvette said and she tried to change the subject.

Isadora was not happy about the exercise, because it mostly involved walking around the estate a couple of times. It was absurd to call it “exercise” in Isadora’s view, compared to her training regimen. She could see Tessa and Bethany were not happy about it either. But they had no choice.

“What about our weapons training? Or maybe some sparring? My legs are starting to feel a little weak from all this sitting around,” Isadora said and she was trying to find a way to get some real exercise.

“Absolutely not! You are carrying precious cargo, and you will not be engaging in any strenuous activities. Walking is good enough for you. Now finish your food, and get ready for your walk,” Elizabeth said and she was not going to budge on this.

Isadora was about to argue, but her grandmother cleared her throat and gave her a glare that told her to drop it. The red-eyed noble let out a frustrated sigh and went back to her food. She knew that her grandmother was right. She just wished she could do more, she needed to stay active, and she needed to keep her body in shape. She was not going to let her pregnancy turn her into a helpless damsel in distress. Even if her body was getting softer and her curves were getting more pronounced. ‘Maybe I can do 20—No! 30 laps around the estate… Yes, that will work. I need to keep my skills sharp. Even if I am pregnant.’

After breakfast, the four friends went for their walk around the Estragon estate. The sun was shining, and the air was fresh. The estate was huge, and there was plenty of space for them to walk and talk. But for Isadora, she was moving at a pace that was nearly a jog.

“Ugh… And there she goes… Did any of you gals know how obsessed Isadora was before creating the Adventure party?” Bethany huffed as she was trying to keep up with her friend.

“She’s always been like this. She’s always pushing herself to the limit. She’s never been one to take it easy,” Tessa said and she was also trying to keep up with Isadora. Her legs were starting to feel a little weak, and she was starting to get a little tired. But she was not going to let her friend outdo her, even if she had to push herself to the limit.

“W-Wait! Guys! I may be in tune with Radiant Goddess Ydolem! But she isn’t known for her… Endurance. S-Should we be doing this while we’re…” Mel whispered and she was starting to feel a little dizzy.

Isadora stopped in her tracks and turned to face her friends. “Go at your own pace girls. I’ll walk and talk with you… After I get a few laps head start… to get my blood flowing.” She said as she took off again at a slightly faster pace. She was not going to let her pregnancy slow her down, and she was not going to let her friends feel sorry for her. She was still the same person she was before she got pregnant, and she was not going to let that change. ‘Grr! I’ll make a few laps and then walk with them. I just need to get my energy out... Then I can have chocolate—No! Focus!’

The pregnant friends watched as their friend disappeared down the path, her determined stride a stark contrast to their more leisurely pace. They were all feeling a little envious of her energy, but they were also a little worried about her. They knew that she was not going to take it easy, and they were not sure if that was a good thing.

“You know, I’ve never seen her so… determined before. I mean, I’ve seen her determined before, but this is different. It’s like she’s trying to prove something,” Bethany said and she was trying to catch her breath. The rogue was used to moving quickly and silently, but not while she was pregnant. Her body was changing, and she was not used to it.

“Prove what? That she’s still a warrior even with a baby on the way? That’s a stupid thing to prove. I’m happy to be treated like a princess. I don’t know why she’s fighting it so much,” Tessa said as she sat down on a nearby bench. Whatever need to compete with her friend was gone, and she was more than happy to take a break.

The voice of the old Dowager came from behind them. “Already taking a break, Miss Tessa? Come on! Get up and start walking. Trust me, you need to keep a strong base before giving birth. It will help when you push,” Yvette said and she was trying to get the pregnant women to keep moving. She had two children of her own, and she knew what it was like to be pregnant. She also knew that it was important to stay active during pregnancy, and she was not going to let them slack off.

Tessa’s face turned bright red, and she quickly stood up. “W-What would you know about—oh, right…” Tessa stammered as she remembered who she was talking to. She followed after her friends as they had the exercise session.

***

Elizabeth sighed as she saw what was happening outside of her window of her study. She didn’t want to go back to work, going through House Estrogin business and the new tax laws. She wanted to go out there and enjoy the morning sun with her daughter and her friends. But she had to work, and she had to make sure that her house was in order.

A knock came from her door. “Baroness? Are you busy?” a sweet, yet muffled voice asked from behind the door.

“I am, but come in anyway. What is it, Sister Qiona?” Elizabeth said and she tried to sound a little more cheerful than she actually was.

Sister Qiona entered the study with a intrigued expression. She was a woman in her late 40s, with short, brown hair and warm, brown eyes. She was wearing her usual red robes, and she was carrying a small, leather-bound book in her hands. She had a habit of chewing on the corner of her lip when she was nervous, and she was doing it right now.

“I just got an interesting report…” Qiona said and she looked at the Baroness with a serious expression.

Elizabeth looked at her House’s personal Priestess with a puzzled expression. She could tell that the Sister was nervous, and she was starting to get a little worried. “What is it? Did something happen with the church?”

“I haven’t heard anything from them yet. But it’s about Isadora or her blessing. I think she’s been effecting some of the other girls in the mansion,” Qiona said and she opened the book to a page that had a list of names on it.

“What about them? They seem to be doing fine,” Elizabeth said and she was starting to get a little impatient. She had a lot of work to do, and she was not in the mood for games.

“Miss Katrina… And the tailor’s apprentice, Jasmine, have been acting strange. Unlike the older maids. They’re more hungry than the rest of your staff. But what’s more strange is the tailor’s apprentice. She seems to be the one who’s been staring at Isadora’s belly with a look of… Longing. I think I saw her thighs squeezed together yesterday when she was delivering that dress for her,” Qiona said and she pointed to a name on the list.

Elizabeth’s eyes widened, and she looked at the list of names. “Jasmine? The mousy brunette? So what if she is staring at my daughter’s belly? She’s a young woman who is fascinated by pregnancy. I don’t see what the big deal is.”

“The ‘big deal’, my Baroness, is that I think her body would accept the Fertility Waters if she were to use the Divining Rod,” Qiona said and she looked at the Baroness with a serious expression. “I have a theory about your daughter’s ‘blessing’ but I need proof.”

“What proof? And what theory? Are you saying my daughter has some sort of magical aura that is making other women more fertile? That’s absurd,” Elizabeth said and she was trying to sound skeptical, but she was also starting to get a little curious.

“I’m not sure. But I think it’s worth investigating. I need you to give me permission to… use the confiscated Divine Rods and Fertility Waters,” Qiona said and she looked at the Baroness with a hopeful expression.

The Baroness’s eyes widened, and she looked at Qiona with a shocked expression. “What!? Are you going to force those two to go through the ritual? I don’t think it’s wise to do something like that without their consent.”

“It’s not what you think, my Baroness. I am not going to do anything… But leave two artifacts in a private room for them to stumble across. If I’m correct, then they will be unable to resist the call. And if I’m wrong, then no harm will be done. But I need your permission to do this,” Qiona said and she was trying to sound convincing, but she was also starting to get a little nervous.

Elizabeth was not happy about this, but she was also a little curious about what was happening to her daughter and her friends. It was still unheard of in this day and age to have this many girls getting blessed so close together. Let alone her daughter and her friends being pregnant at the same time. It was a miracle. And a miracle was worth investigating.

“Do it. But it needs to be their choice. I want no part in forcing them into anything. I also want you to keep a close eye on them. And you are not to tell anyone about this. Not even my daughter. Do you understand?” Elizabeth said and she was trying to sound stern, but her tone was a little softer than she intended. She was not going to let her curiosity get the better of her, but she was also not going to let this opportunity slip away.

“I will be discreet, my Baroness. I will get to it right away,” Qiona said and she bowed her head before leaving the study.

Elizabeth watched as Qiona left, and she couldn’t help but feel a little excited about what was going to happen next. She had a feeling that something big was happening, and she was not going to miss it. She went back to her work, but her mind was racing with thoughts about her daughter and her friends.