After that, I gave Perugius one more greeting and left the audience room.
It had been decided that I will go towards Nanahoshi's lab in order to listen to her difficult explanation.
"......"
When we were walking through the corridor, I was suddenly caught by the hem of my clothes from behind.
It was Sylphy.
She was looking down as usual and murmured "Rudi" with a faint voice.
I silently gave the signal to the others to move along with my eyes.
I stopped and everybody went away; now with just the two of us, I turned around and put a hand on her shoulder.
I gently hugged her slender body so as not to crush Sieg.
"Rudi......sorry, for things. I became slightly anxious. After looking at the green hair, I recalled the old days and pondered what to do after this. I was thinking that maybe this child won't be blessed by others......"
"It can't be helped. Anyone would become anxious. Even I forgot about thinking up a name for him."
"Yeah......In addition to this, you were constantly going on trips with Roxy and Eris recently, right? That's why I thought 'Will I have to protect this child alone'......."
"There is no need for that!"
When I forcefully denied it, Sylphy was surprised for a moment, but then became shy while laughing.
"Yeah. I know. I knew. Sorry."
"Ah, no, it's fine even if you don't apologize....."
"I just became a little weak."
Sylphy gently stroked Sieg's hair.
Sieg had been sleeping for a while now. I wonder when he slept.
"But it's alright now. For some reason, I was relieved after watching you just now. You said that you will seriously protect them."
Was there a relief factor somewhere within the me a few minutes ago?
It was a grand fruitless effort after all; I declared that I intended to train a kid even if it was impossible. I think it was the figure of a fool who gave out a halfhearted answer....
Anyhow, Sylphy was feeling clear-headed.
"Um.....Sylphiette-san."
"What is it, Rudeus-san?"
"Is it alright to get angry at me because I forgot about the naming of our child?"
"Eeeh......but I'm not really angryyy.......if I were to name something, anxiety or despair would be more appropriate.
Sylphy said while scratching behind her ear.
That face wasn't gloomy anymore.
What she's saying was awfully stirring my heart, but at least it's the usual Sylphy.
".......Ah, I see, it would had been better if I had gotten angry. Let's see, I'll get angry next time. It's no good if you forget about me and our child!"
"Understood."
I was scolded with a 'No!' [9]
At any rate, looks like it's fine now.
Work and children.
It's difficult to manage both at the same time.
If the situation calms down a little after the matter with Gisu gets settled, then I want to look after the kids a bit more.
"Well, should we go then? You have to help out Nanahoshi too."
"Ah......now that you mention it, what did she tell you in the end?"
"It's a secret."
Sylphy laughed shyly.
I returned a smile, caught up to everyone, and started walking.
Along with Sylphy.