"Creak, creak..." The old wooden floorboards groaned beneath the sound of hurried footsteps running back and forth.
All sorts of people bustled about the manor, carrying basins and towels in their hands.
Soujuurou Shizuki in particular had already run back and forth no fewer than a hundred times, helping wherever he could.
In the living room, Yuan Shikai and the others waited anxiously yet patiently.
There were not many people here today, but every one of them carried considerable weight.
Outside, layers upon layers of guards had been stationed around the property, so tightly secured that not even a fly could get in.
The people bustling about inside were specialized midwives arranged by Lorelei, because today was Aoko's due date.
Although modern medicine was highly advanced, traditional mage families still preferred for something as important as the birth of an heir to take place within a heavily protected Magic Workshop.
And Alice's manor was undoubtedly the finest Magic Workshop.
The people responsible for the delivery had all been specially trained by Lorelei's family. Even Lorelei herself had been delivered by them. They were absolutely safe and reliable.
The guards outside were likewise among the Clock Tower's finest. Each had seen countless battles, and they were responsible for protecting the manor.
If enemies invaded, they would fight them with their lives on the line.
Although the major factions were currently enjoying a honeymoon period, so theoretically no one should come to cause trouble.
Still, it was better to be safe than sorry. Better a false alarm than letting a threat through the door.
With traditional medicine supplemented by magecraft, the child would most likely be born today.
Too many people had placed their hopes on this child. A child between two Magicians was a case that had never existed in history.