A Day in the Life of Layla
Morning.
“Layla, it’s morning!” (Lyuu)
At a time just after the sun had risen, Layla’s dream-like consciousness rapidly emerged as she heard the voice of a colleague – or rather, a family member.
“Hmm… good morning… good morning!” (Layla)“Haha, Layla is adorable in the morning.” (Lyuu)
“…Shut up!” (Layla)
Her mind gradually became clear as she was teased by Lyuu, who woke up early and was in a good mood.
Layla was surprisingly weak in the morning.
Yuki and the others sometimes joked about it, saying that it was her only weakness. Layla was actually aware that she was weak in the mornings.
Even on days when she went to bed early, she would still sleep a little more than everyone else, so it was most likely just a difference between individuals.
“Riou and Sakuya…” (Layla)“Don’t worry, I just fed them, and they fell asleep again.” (Lyuu)
“I see… Lyuu, you’ve really grown up.” (Layla)
“Now that I’m a parent too, I can’t keep relying on Layla and the others!” (Lyuu)
Lyuu was an important friend, like a younger sister, and now she was a family member.
Layla knew well that her friend’s inner self had changed dramatically since she became pregnant.
They had been together since the first time Layla came to this dungeon – in fact, they spent most of their time together.
They haven’t really fought much, and they have always kept a certain distance between them, but they have certainly spent their days respecting each other.
That was why it was Lyuu who knew Layla best, and conversely, it was Layla who knew Lyuu best.
In that respect, it could be said that the two of them understand each other better than Yuki.
Layla was happy for her friend’s change, almost as if it were her own, and it was somehow deeply moving. In the resident observation diary that she has been writing since coming to the dungeon, she had been writing a lot about Lyuu recently.
The psychological changes that came with becoming a mother.
Layla wondered if she would also change a lot in character when she became a mother, just like Lyuu.
How much change would appear? She must definitely keep a record.
Children.
In the past, she would never have imagined having a child and raising a family.
However, now she could imagine a future in which she would give birth to and raise her own child.
She was now actively seeking that future for herself.
This change may be partly because she loved Yuki, but it was probably mainly because she felt a real sense of fulfillment in taking care of Riou and Sakuya.
Even though they were not technically her own children, she now felt as if they were her own children, and surprisingly, she was even able to put her desire for knowledge, which had been driving her, on hold.
She wondered if her mentor, Eldogalia, felt the same way when she was raising her and her younger sister, Emu.
“…Fufu” (Layla)
“What’s wrong? You seem in a good mood.” (Lyuu)
“Well, I was just thinking that I’m looking forward to today.” (Layla)
“Oh, that’s great! I’m looking forward to spending the day with Layla and everyone!” (Lyuu)
Layla smiled and got out of bed.
“Well, let’s get ready and start preparing breakfast. Lyuu, will you help me?” (Layla)
“Of course!” (Lyuu)
Layla quickly got ready and started preparing breakfast with Lyuu’s help.
◇◇◇
The recent lives of the residents of the dungeon revolved around taking care of Riou and Sakuya.
It was not like they were looking after them 24 hours a day, but it was only natural that they couldn’t take their eyes off them, or rather, everyone wanted to look after them, so naturally someone was always watching over them.
Layla was one of them.
“Peekaboo!” (Layla)
“Daa! Aa.” (Riou)
“Peekaboo!” (Layla)
“Aww, Aaa.” (Sakuya)
Riou was overjoyed, and Sakuya, although not to the same extent as Riou, was also moving his arms and legs happily.
“Haha, it’s interesting how their personalities start to show at such a young age.” (Layla)
They were both loved by their family and brought up in the same way.
From what stage did the difference in their personalities begin to appear? Was it the difference in the number of months between them, due to Riou being born first?
…No, it appears that there was a slight difference between them from the time they were born.
Layla wondered if it was because they have different mothers, or could it be that individuality started to develop from the moment they were born?
Layla thought to herself, ‘Fascinating… The mystery of human beings is encapsulated in these babies.’
As Layla was playing with the two, she realized that her husband – Yuki – was looking at her.
“What’s wrong?” (Layla)
“Well, I was just thinking how Layla’s peekaboo is so damn cute.” (Yuki)
“Please don’t tease me anymore.” (Layla)
“Haha, sorry.” (Yuki)
Yuki smiled and stood next to Layla.
“My children, this is Layla-mama’s precious peekaboo. Have fun!” (Yuki)
While feeling an inexplicable sense of happiness at the sound of the words “Layla-mama” she replied, “These kids also have a lot to deal with, don’t they? There are so many family members to remember.”
“I guess so. It’s probably a bit tough for these kids because we have so many family members. I’m looking forward to seeing who they’ll call first. Okay, Riou, Sakuya, it’s your dad, Yuki!” (Yuki)
“Aww, Aaa!” (Riou)
“Aww, uiii.” (Sakuya)
“Haha, it looks like they already know who their dad is. Now, let’s introduce their mommy, Layla.” (Yuki)
“Doh, uu!” (Riou)
“Uwa, aww.” (Sakuya)
“Oh, it seems like they already recognize you, too. Well, you are the one who takes care of them a lot! I have a feeling that Layla is the first name they’ll call.” (Yuki)
“If that’s the case, I’m happy about it, but I’d also feel a little bad for Lefi and Lyuu.” (Layla)
“Haha, that’s true. But even if that happens, there’s nothing we can do about it. This is just the way it is.” (Yuki)
And so, they spent the day looking after the two of them.
