After everyone had calmed down a bit, I first thanked Zena from the bottom of my heart, and then I hugged Lefi, Leila, and Nell, who’d been helping her, and of course, Lew too. We’d only been snacking up to this point, so since it was getting late, we made a small meal, ate, took baths, and went to sleep. Zena also stayed the night.
Then, the next day arrived.
“Gosh, Riu, you’re just so adorable!”
“Indeed. She certainly takes after both you and Yuki, Lew. Her eyes resemble his, but her mouth is exactly like yours!”
“You’re so right, Lefi! Then there’s the ears and tail, and her black hair! Goodness, she’s just too cute!”
“I couldn’t agree more, Nell. I’m looking forward to caring for this child.”
“Riu! It Big Sister Shii! Big Sister Shii!”
“Big...Sister En is here too. Remember that. Big Sister En.”
“Hey, no fair, girls! Riu, Big Sister Iluna’s here too!”
“Gah ha! Riu will have many names to remember. Best of luck, wee one.”
“Aha ha ha! Well, she has a large family. All right, I’ve decided! When she grows up, I’ll teach her swordsmanship so she’ll be able to protect herself!”
“Then I’ll teach her magic.”
“Hmm, then I... I... Argh! At this moment, I deeply resent my lack of skills!”
They spoke in hushed tones to avoid waking the sleeping baby. I chimed in just as quietly.
“All right, folks, I totally get how you feel, but I need you all to calm down.”
Everyone was completely smitten. I genuinely understood why they were acting like this. I mean, she was super-duper cute. But at this rate, they’d just stare at Riu and keep chatting for hours. The wraith triplets were still buzzing with energy, spinning around and around above the baby. Girls, you’re making me dizzy, so cut it out when she wakes up, yeah?
“Look at you, already so popular, Riu. And why wouldn’t you be? You’re just so adorable.”
Lew seemed to be thinking the same thing as me. Even after a night’s sleep, she still looked a bit tired as she lay next to our sleeping daughter. However, the joy on her face was real, and just seeing it warmed my heart and made me happy too.
“I can’t thank you enough, Zena. You were a lifesaver for them both.”
“Not at all. People’s happiness, and their expressions when a child is born... For this old woman, being able to witness that is what makes life worthwhile.”
She smiled gently. What an amazing woman.
“Please take care of us again when Lefi’s time comes.”
“Of course. You’re in good hands.”
And then, Riu, who’d been sleeping soundly until now, suddenly started wailing.
“Oh dear. Lew just fed her, which means the little dear must need her nappy changed. Let me show you how to do it.”
“Thank you.”
From there, Zena taught us step by step how to take care of a baby. Everyone was gung ho about getting it right, watching her intently. As for Riu, now that she was free from the source of her discomfort, she quieted down and went back to sleep.
Ugggh...so presh. This cuteness is seriously dangerous. Hear me and be amazed, for this child is my daughter!
“Oh yeah, I have to let Lew’s parents know. And... Snap, gotta show her to Rir and the others!”
We’d already told the pets that her birth had gone well, but we’d left them waiting in the meadow area. I had to let them know they were free to go back to their lives... But maybe I’d let Rir come inside. I’d introduce her to the others later.
Shouting that I’d be right back, I left the living room to dismiss the other pets, then came back with only Rir.
“Rir, this is Riu! Spoil the crap outta her, yeah?”
He stared at her for a second, then sniffed her. That was when she woke up again. She whapped at his nose with her little hand and laughed, squealing unintelligibly. Well, to be more accurate, it looked like she was laughing, but either way, she definitely liked him.
“Tee hee. It looks like she likes you too, Lord Rir. She’s definitely my child!”
“Grr! Damn you, Rir! You got her to like you so fast!”
Do I need any more proof she’s part of the Werewolf bloodline? I think not...
“Rgh...”
“Now, now. Don’t get angry, my lord. She’ll understand that you’re her papa soon enough.”
Grr... When she gets a little older, I’ll dote on her so much that she’ll say, “I love you, daddy!” Although I will have to be careful not to overdo it, or else she’ll end up saying, “Daddy, you’re annoying!” instead.
“Gah ha! Yes, your blood indeed runs deep in this one. Rir, you must take good care of her.”
Lefi chuckled cheerfully.
Expression serious, Rir growled his reply of, “I will be sure to protect her.”
I couldn’t wait to watch her grow up and become her own person.