"There's no mistaking it, the oasis has grown," Ragna reported.
That must be the result of my impregnation. It can't be a coincidence. Should that be the case, then it can only be a good thing.
At the same time, I'm conflicted about it. It turns out that I have a way to increase my land full of life in the desert, but I can only do it by being impregnated. It's stupid.
I unconsciously held my abdomen. It hasn't expanded yet, but I can tell that a life is already growing inside it. It's only been two days since Ragna had sowed his seeds into me, so it will still take time.
"What should we do, lady Rhea? It has expanded three times its size, so it will become even more noticeable in the desert. Like my tribe, we'll certainly have visitors coming to us now."
"Hm. Let's have your tribe move in here."
"You'll allow us to live here?"
"Is that a problem?"
"Not at all! That would be a dream come true for us!" Ragna eagerly replied.
I should feel even safer with all the lion men around. They only number a few, so they should have no problem sheltering in my larger oasis. There's practically no downside in taking them in.
"I'll clear up some space and help you and your men build a few huts."
With my magic to control trees and the earth itself, I can make them a flat base and help them build their homes there.
"Thank you so much, my lady! Although my tribe is already deeply indepted to you, you're still planning to give us more."
"Don't take it for granted and continue to dedicate yourself to me."
"I will! And my men too!" with one knee on the dirt, Ragna replied.
Crossing my arms, I looked down on him and harrumphed.
Sigh. I can feel myself becoming more commanding than before. I was reluctant to take a haughty attitude at first, but it now feels natural to me.
I'm slowly turning into a sassy brat...
Feeling concerned, I turned around to the direction of my tree.
"Ah! Before you take your leave," Ragna called me back. "Lady Rhea, are you really? Are you really now carrying my child?" he nervously asked.
"Yes. I can feel a life growing in me. It's your child."
Hearing my confirmation, a subtle but distinct smile formed on Ragna's snout. He seems truly happy. It might be from the fact that he would soon become a father, or it's because of the assurance his beastkin race would continue into the future.
"How long do your women carry a child?" now that we're on the topic, I curiously asked.
"For up to seven months, my lady," he apologetically said.
"I see, then I'll probably give birth within two or three months."
Like how I'm able to know I'm now pregnant without a doubt, I can somehow tell how long my gestation time would be.
"That quick?" Ragna muttered in surprise.
"That's too long," I inwardly complained.
But considering it's a lot shorter than what's normal, I should be glad.
"So, do you prefer a boy or a girl?"
Once again, I'm only asking out of curiousity.
"Hm," Ragna cupped his chin. "I think I would prefer a boy better. It's my dream to train a young lion man and make him a stronger warrior than myself."
"That's understandable. But remember, your child would be my child too. I won't tolerate your poor treatment."
"Of course!"