While I was thinking about it...
Suddenly, Zenith moved.
"Hm? Madam Zenith?"
She suddenly moved without warning, almost like she was sleepwalking, and grabbed Lilia's hand.
She seemed to be putting in a lot of strength, since Lilia was stumbling while being dragged along.
Zenith's destination was Sylphy.
"Err... Zenith, san?"
Sylphy seemed confused.
Zenith took Lilia's hand and gently placed it on Sylphy's shoulder.
As if she were trying to ask Lilia to look after Sylphy.
As if to say she would be alright on her own, so Lilia should stay behind.
"You, madam...!"
Lilia's eyes were moist.
This is the strong will that Zenith sometimes shows.
Everyone in the family noticed how she shows it whenever her children or grandchildren are involved.
Rather than having Lilia take care of her, Zenith wants her to take care of Sylphy and the child that will be born. [3]
Everyone understood.
"I understand."
Lilia wiped the tears from her eyes, and nodded at Zenith.
Her face showed that she no longer wavered.
"Aisha!"
"Y-, Yes!"
Lilia called out to Aisha, whose mouth was agape.
"In my place, take care of madam Zenith, and safely escort her to the Latreia house. I will not permit selfishness!"[4]
"...... Yes!"
Aisha was lost for a moment.
She probably doesn't want to go to the Latreia house.
But she isn't a bad child that can say 'no' in this situation.
"Rudeus-sama, for this, thank you in advance."
"... Yes, it's no trouble."
If Lilia is watching over her, Sylphy will definitely be fine.
I strongly believe that.
I can do my job in the Holy Kingdom of Milis without worry.
"Sylphy."
"... What, Rudy?"
However, there's one thing left to say.
Something very important.
"I love you."
"Yeah. I love you too."
Sylphy stood up, and gently put her arms around my back.
I buried my face in her hair and hugged her without squeezing too tightly.
"Our child's name, I'll keep thinking."
"Yeah, let me know when you return."
Sylphy laughed shyly.
Ordinarily, I would be uneasy.
However, Lilia is with Sylphy.
She's my dependable second mother.
Then, after hugging Roxy and Eris, we departed.