Lavayla instinctively extended her arms toward Vai.
"I'll carry him again—"
But Shalika shook her head gently.
"Do not worry. I can continue carrying him."
Lavayla hesitated immediately, her gaze falling to Vai's peaceful sleeping face.
"…Are you sure?"
"Yes," Shalika answered calmly. "Completely sure." Then, after a slight pause, she added,
"And whenever you are busy, I can take care of him for you as well."
Lavayla blinked rapidly.
"What? No, there's no need for that."
"You will become occupied soon once preparations for building your home begin," Shalika explained reasonably. "You will not always be able to watch over him constantly, and Mirek will also be occupied. I can care for him during those periods."
Her expression softened slightly.
"Please do not refuse."
Lavayla looked visibly conflicted.
Part of her immediately wanted to reject the idea outright.
Not because she disliked Shalika.
Actually… it was the opposite.
Shalika was reliable, gentle, and calm.
