From the perspective of Elise, formerly Eric

"Barbara is calling for you."

One lazy afternoon in the girls' dorm, sipping tea, my roommate Clara summoned me. Despite our strained relationship, it seems she's not cruel enough to ostracize me completely when it comes to official matters.

Barbara has been a mentor to me, teaching me makeup and the ways of womanhood. Due to my initial indifference to grooming, she took it upon herself to help, and now, I can pass fairly well as a girl.

Even though I'm not well-liked among my peers, the upperclassmen, including Barbara, have taken a liking to me regardless.

"Senior, what's up?"

"Do you want to come see the baby with me?"

"Uh, sure."

Since I owe her a lot and it wasn't an inconvenience, I agreed to accompany her.

"Are you familiar with the on-campus childcare system?"

"Yes, somewhat."

At Miravenia Magic Academy, where male and female students are paired up, some pairs engage in adult relationships, leading to pregnancies and births during their studies.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

In this country, which once nearly collapsed due to low birth rates, student pregnancies are encouraged. Female students who give birth receive free daycare services and subsidies from the government.

"I had a baby in my sophomore year. I usually have to attend classes, so I leave my child at the daycare, but I think it's important to show a parent's face."

The daycare was located in a separate building within the campus.

"Hello there."

"Ah, Barbara! Welcome. Nicola is just reading a book."

"Can he read already?"

"It's a book with animal names. He seems to like the zebra."

We chatted about everyday life.

"Nicola, look who's here!"

"I wonder if he recognizes me as his mom," Barbara said nervously.

Guided by the caregiver, a little boy in blue toddled over. Seeing Barbara, he smiled and stood up.

"Mamma!"

Barbara's face softened as she embraced him.

"I'm so glad he recognizes me."

She gently stroked his little legs.

"I've been so busy with studies, I was afraid he wouldn't recognize me..."

"Children know their mothers, especially when there's love," the caregiver reassured her, tears welling up in her eyes.

After witnessing such a tender scene, we headed home.

"He was adorable, wasn't he?"

"Right?"

Our conversation naturally flowed with girlish empathy.

"Well, that concludes your sex education from me. Good luck."

"Sex education? What do you mean, 'good luck'?"

"Making babies."

"!?!"

"You don't have to look so shocked. I've heard about you and Akira. It's about time you two took your relationship to the next level."

"No, it's not like that! I just helped him to improve his social standing."

We are both men; this is a complete misunderstanding.

"Did you know there's a magic spell in the school that measures the intimacy index? Yours is at 85, and most couples who surpass 90 end up together. There's a 95% chance you'll have Akira's children in the future. It's almost certain."

Such words make me see Akira more as a potential partner than ever before.

But I'm really Eric.

Someday, I'll return to being a man.

A future as a mother is impossible for me.