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[hr][b]Terauchi Temple[/b][hr][sub][@PaulHaynek] [@The Irish Tree] [@Restalaan] [@Crowvette] [@Rezod92] [@Enkryption][/sub]

[url=https://youtu.be/hZV88azRb8c?si=6DuZCn_i7LXhWB3o]Shizuka paid no notice to Takeshi coming up from behind him, nor did pay any mind to his words. Instead, he along with the other present taskforce members, would see Shizuka's face twisted into a truly comedic and dumbfounded expression. His left eye twitched continuously and his mouth hung open as though his jaw went limp.[/url]

He finally began to speak after it seemed his brain was finally able to process the information given. 

[color=royalblue]"Your Lordship, I fail to grasp how you can be so [i]calm[/i] about this!"[/color] He snapped at Takeshi. [color=royalblue]"Allow me to understand this: In the span of half a day, you and 'Alice' hit it off, develop a romance, make love, AND now you're suddenly [i]pregnant?[/i]"[/color] He said, turning to Kerry. [color=royalblue]"They say that love can blossom even on the battlefield, but apparently you decided to take that poverb literally."[/color]

Shizuka held a hand to his face, pinching his nose and grunting with ire. [color=royalblue]"I feel you can attest to being that we're in the middle of a war with death around every corner, it's not the ideal place to nurse a newborn. And you certainly can't be allowed to sortie in that state in good conscience. YES I am aware of the differences of mamono biology and culture but it's the PRINCIPLE of the matter!"[/color] His annoyance and shock died down for a moment as he trailed off in his mind. He thought about [i]that[/i] time briefly. One could argue that it was different from this current situation: Carroll needed help, and at that moment, Shizuka was the only one would could reasonably provide it. 

[color=royalblue]"I can't imagine why Alice thinks that having a wedding in the middle of a bloody conflict is an acceptable idea, but then again I've never really understood what goes through that girl's head in the first place. But, nevermind that now. Since she apparently has interest in taking on the Heavenly Strike quest, I also agree that should be the main focus. I think I may tag along as well, as I'd like to see the fruits of everyone's training."[/color] He began to slump down over by a stone bench on the side of one of the pagodas. 

[color=royalblue]"But, right now, I need some time to rest. I also haven't eaten anything all day..."[/color]

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The Sisters were also present for the news, and also had invitations materialize above them, catching them and inspecting the contents. Atsuha giggled at Shizuka's reaction while Hinami showed excitement at the prospect. 

[color=7bcdc8]"WOW~! Kerry-san going to be a mommy? That's wonderful! Congratulations! Have you thought of a name for the baby yet? Oh, oh! Can I name it? Pretty please?~[/color] Hinami said, showing a childish glee at the revelation. 

[color=9e0b0f]Teehee~ It's nice to see our stone-faced captain is capable of making such cute reactions![/color] Atsuha mused. 

[color=9e0b0f]"I offer my congratulations to you as well, Kerry-chan."[/color] She said to the hornet lancer. [color=9e0b0f]I, for one, think it's lovely that you and that Alice-san have allowed love to blossom through these troubled times. [sub] Even if I'm alittle jealous that you already have a baby on the way...[/sub] Ahem!"[/color] She shot a look at Skarsneek, but quickly turned back to Kerry.

[color=9e0b0f]"You know, dearie, I wouldn't mind being a bridesmaid for the event. Provided Alice-san approves.~"[/color]

[color=7bcdc8]"What's a brides-maid?"[/color] Hinami asked cutely.