Reina of Hanneau (English)

AN ALARMING SUGGESTION

“Oh my! This is truly a delight. Nothing like the peaches we have back in Haran.”

Helen exclaims in glee as she continuously bites pieces from her fruit. She is not putting an exaggeration. It is honestly, the tastiest peach she ever tasted. Perhaps the different temperatures and soil in the mountains contributed to its wonderful produce. 

“Indeed. But Helen, you shouldn’t indulge much. Do you want to have a stomachache?” Ryouta takes his wife’s hand, hoping she controls her appetite.

“Boo. Wet blanket,” Helen pouts in the complaint.

Reina giggles as she watches her parents quibble. It is entertaining watching them stuff those slices one after the other. Her father is obviously enjoying them too but can get hold of his greed. He probably doesn’t want to gas some awful smell later on if he eats too many.

“Your husband seems very busy,” Ryouta comments, looking in the garden.

After preparing more tea and snacks, Mitsuei took his leave to continue working. He said he wanted them to have a more intimate moment as a family, so he decided to leave. 

He is almost done with the painting anyway. So more or less, he would be back soon. 

“Yes, he is making a crib for the baby. I’m even surprised that he brought this up on his own,” Reina smiles with pride. 

She's glad her parents are here to see how hardworking her husband is. Mitsuei's actions seem to have convinced even her father.

“Then I shall see how durable that piece of furniture is.”

Blinking profusely, Reina can only watch her father walk away towards the garden. They have all the doors open so Reina and her mother can see the happenings outside the dining room. 

She sees her father approach Mitsuei, but her husband seems too absorbed to notice another presence near him. 

“Looks like your father is starting to like him.”

Reina looks at her mother, who is smiling at the odd pair. She looks like she is enjoying the view before her. But who wouldn’t? It truly is moving to see two people, who used to antagonize each other, act more calmly.

“We can hope. But Mitsuei and father are strangely alike. When I was teasing Kayomi to a boy, he acted exactly like, father. He erupted like a volcano.”

Helen laughs heartily after hearing Reina’s story. “Well, sweetheart. Men would always appear strong in front of everyone. But deep down, they also get lonely. Thus, they will always hate other men who dare to take their daughters.”

Reina laughs along with her mother, imagining a lonely Mitsuei. He would be adorable pouting like a kid on one corner, but then, it is unlikely to happen. 

They both observe their husbands once more in the distance. Whatever their topic is, they seem to be enjoying it as well. Ryouta goes around, carefully examining the furniture. Looks like he has taken a liking to her husband’s new hobby.

And her theory is proven the moment her father and husband returned to the dining room. Mitsuei goes to the sink to wash his hands while Ryouta excitedly tells Helen his plans.

“Remember the spare woods we have in the backyard? I think I can build some swings for the children. Or a small house for them to play in.”

“Calm down, darling. We can plan all of that one at a time,” Helen giggles after seeing the enthusiasm on Ryouta’s face. 

“I can also help you with that, father,” Mitsuei walks into the dining area, wiping his hands dry. 

“That is after when Reina gives birth,” Ryouta replies.

“Of course.”

Mitsuei sits beside Reina, asking her if she is alright. He also brushes off the strand of her hair that got drifted by the wind.

This sudden gesture is alarmingly overwhelming for her. Her heart wasn’t prepared to accept such concern. She can’t help but turn beet red like some young lady in front of her crush. 

She has been trying her best not to understand the troubling emotions inside her. She doesn’t want to jeopardize the current status of their relationship. It is good enough for her. But if Mitsuei keeps acting like this, she can no longer get a hold of her feelings. 

She now realizes that she is slowly falling for him. 

“Isn’t that sweet?” Helen interrupts, grinning from ear to ear. “Anyway, sweetheart. I can see that you are handling pregnancy well. But I still want to know if you are okay?”

Reina is too stunned to notice her mother’s concern. All her focus went to her heart, trying to hold off the emotions to show on her face.

“Regarding that, mother. She seems to be worried about something. Sometimes, I would catch her silently staring into nothingness,” Mitsuei responds, seemingly ignorant of Reina’s current issues.

Mitsuei calls her attention, slightly shaking her to encourage a reply. 

Thankfully, Reina returns to her senses, now seeing three pairs of eyes staring worriedly at her.

She looks at them with confusion. She heard them talking about something earlier, but she was too preoccupied to care about the question.

“I told mother about you being anxious about your pregnancy,” Mitsuei answers.

“Ah! Yes, mother. Sometimes, I -ah- worry if I can deliver the baby properly. I heard several unpleasant stories from people. And knowing that we will never know the exact day the baby will arrive, makes me more anxious.”

“That is normal, Reina. All mothers have the same fear. When I was giving birth to your brother, I fainted right after he came out. It was so painful that I thought I wouldn’t feel my lower half for the rest of my life,” Helen recalls, laughing at the memory.

“Darling, you are not helping our daughter at all,” Ryouta murmurs with a disapproving look.

“I only want to lighten her mood.”

Helen grumbles, frowning at her husband. She seriously only wanted to cheer her up with that story. But truth be told, it was painful that time. But now that she remembers it, she can’t help but laugh at her exaggerated thoughts.

“But sweetheart. What is exactly bothering you?” Helen asks.

Reina suddenly feels uncomfortable. She didn’t think of sharing her thoughts and emotions with everyone so openly. She just figured she might overcome it all in the end. 

“Perhaps the pain. It's excruciatingly painful, according to everyone I've met. Labor is particularly unpredictable. And I'm not sure if I'll be able to push constantly while still in constant pain during the delivery.”

“The pain is part of our life. You can experience it anywhere and anytime. And all of us aren’t prepared to receive pain. But you know, sweetheart, the pain will pass. And when it does, you will be overwhelmed by the fulfillment when you overcome it,” Helen responds.

“But, mother. Just imagining how the baby will come out makes me cringe in fear. You said pain is inevitable, but not everyone can overcome it,” Reina argues, wanting to justify herself.

“Reina, you are a strong person. Don't doubt yourself. Stop feeding your fear with unnecessary thoughts. You have everyone’s support. Can’t you see how diligent your husband is? He is making things easier for you. I can tell because these chairs weren’t here when we last visited. He even made a crib for your baby. And when the day comes, I am sure he will be with you until the end,” Ryouta interjects. He had been itching to say something to end the dilemma.

“Sweetheart, your father is right. You should stop doubting yourself. And if it would make you feel better, you can always continue with your daily exercises. Eat right, and don’t forget to hydrate yourself. I can’t assure you that this will take away the pain, but it would at least strengthen you.”

Reina pauses for a minute, trying to process all her parents' words. It is annoying when people tell you to accept the pain when no one likes pain. She was hoping for some comforting words, but all she got was a lecture.

She can't seem to fully comprehend her parents' remarks, no matter how many times she repeats them to herself. Her fears had already engulfed her.

Helen clears her throat before, Reina’s hands. “Sweetheart, I know how scary it is to have another person inside of you. Believe me, I was scared too. Incredibly scared. Even during the delivery, I was cursing myself repeatedly, saying I won’t do this again. But then look at us, we have two best children in the world. It was like the pain faded away when I saw your faces. And it made me so happy to see you both grow up to be the kind of people you are.”

Reina is stunned to hear her mother’s sentimental talk. She rarely gets emotional as she wants the atmosphere to be always lively. And it moved her, knowing her mother is contented. She only hoped she could have done better. Lying to Helen and her entire family will be her greatest regret in her entire life. 

With that thought, she feels more guilty than ever. 

“Reina, people can’t overcome obstacles alone. We might that we are strong, but along the way, we get help from others even without realizing it,” Helen further adds.

“Precisely. And that is why your husband is here to help you. Being married means you need to be each other’s primary support. Isn’t that right, Sou Mitsuei?” Ryouta utters, shifting his gaze to the person beside her.

“Of course, father. Your guidance is also greatly appreciated. After all, experience makes a man wiser. I also hope to receive instruction from you and mother.”

Helen giggles, please with what she heard. “Don’t worry, Mister Mitsuei. You are doing great. I have nothing to complain about.”

Reina falls into silence, but her ears are actively monitoring her surroundings. Her mother was right. Mitsuei is acting like an expert. Perhaps he also did the same thing with his first wife.

“To make you feel better, my lovely daughter. How about I stay with you here until you give birth?”