It was almost overshadowed by what I had been thinking about for a long time. I can't believe I got stuck in that name so quickly. I looked at Dominic and declared, "I want to name Fat Man, 'Lois'."
After saying this, I suddenly thought about Isaac. The final baby name should be decided with Dad! I clapped my hands, stood up, and said energetically, "We'll tell Isaac the name of our 'Fat Man.'"
"That's how it is."
I was startled by the low-pitched voice that rang in my ears and looked at the door. Was I too immersed in naming? It seemed that I didn't even know who was coming in. Isaac said again with all his might, "'Lois,' I think you have a pretty name."
He smiled and understood the point of our conversation. That's how my son's name was decided to be Lois. It was the beginning of real parenting. It took longer than I expected to come up with a name, but I was a little scared because parenting was unimaginably difficult. But I didn't have to go through hellish parenting. Because...
...Because Isaac declared that he would be in charge of childcare.
"I took a leave of absence today."
"Yes?"
"Parental leave."
Isaac's words made me look stunned. It seems to be a concept that does not exist at all in this world, but parental leave.
"...Will the Master of the Mage Tower take parental leave?"
"Yes, I have approved it as a three-year leave."
No, what is this? If you were the owner of the Mage Tower, it would be the role of overseeing almost the entire Mage Tower, but can you be away for three years? In fact, while I was taking care of myself and resting comfortably, it was natural for the nanny and Isaac to take turns raising the child. While he recovers his health, it will be difficult to take care of Lois. But now, thanks to the magic potions Isaac made, the health foods that Dominic saved, and the best doctors in the empire, I have been reborn as a complete health constitution. Nevertheless, Isaac cherished me as gold and jade.
"It's dangerous, Mel."
"Yes? What's dangerous?"
"Open the window. I heard that if you get a lot of wind, you can get gout."
In a weather where there is no wind at all because of the ventilation, I am in better health than before thanks to you... However, Isaac's expression was too serious to say that. To be honest, I was comfortable, so I nodded tremblingly.
By the time he got used to such daily overprotection, Isaac declared that he would be in charge of childcare.
"Babies are cute to look at, but hard to take care of. A weak person like Mel can't do it."
"I'm strong."
Isaac touched my wrist as if he couldn't do that.
"...It's too thin. If you hold the baby with this hand, it might break."
"That's it."
"Besides, young babies don't stay up for long. I don't know, but you have to sleep deeply. I'm still weak."
...What kind of person does Isaac see me as? He seemed to think that he was a weak person who would fly away if he hit him, but he couldn't refute that opinion. His forearm seems to be two or three times my size. When I was speechless, Isaac seemed convinced that the initiative of the conversation had passed to him, and Isaac said, citing parenting books as a basis.
"In addition, the parenting book 'The Beginning of Paternal Love' says that it is more effective for fathers to be in charge of childcare."
"Still, it's a little bit until I take a three-year leave."
"It is said that Rasmus will take care of the magic tower. He is a talented person."
Seeing Isaac speak in a natural way makes me even more suspicious. Rasmus must have agreed with that, right... For some reason, I feel like I can hear auditory hallucinations in my ears that make Rasmus scream.
"Mel, you're at an important time in business right now."
No matter how much I thought about it, it was a perfect word, so there was no basis to persuade him. Isaac didn't tolerate my hesitation and ended the conversation neatly.
"Naejo, you will be able to do well. You promised me that you would do well."
I was like that, whether it was domestic or external help, day or night. I remembered what I said when I proposed, and I felt a little embarrassed. But I believed that and got married. After thinking about it, I nodded.
"...Okay. I'll help you too."
For the time being, it was decided that Isaac would be in charge of childcare only until the child was older.
Thus, a few months have passed since Isaac, a new father, began to take charge of childcare. The fat land, or rather, Lois, grew up so much that I didn't even know it, and I was satisfied with our couple. Although I was working hard in the stationery store business, I was also in contact with Lois every day as Lois's mother. In particular, it was a common event for me, Dominic, and Isaac to gather together for lunch and then gather in the baby room where Lois was staying.
But today I was a little more nervous than usual. Surrounding Lois's crib, the three of us let out a painful moan. Among them, I was the worst.
"Oh, alas. I can't see it."
I stared at Lois's bed with concern. Dominic, who was standing next to me, also sighed.
"Me too."
Unlike the two of us, Isaac was silent. But he also looked nervous. I winked at Isaac and said.
"What should I do? Do you need to help us, Lois?"
"No, I don't. You have to make yourself successful."
"It's a big deal, it's a big deal."
I watched Lois with sweat in my palms. Lois was giving strength to his body. I was sad that I couldn't wipe my baby's forehead even though sweat was flowing from it. Dominic seemed to think the same way, holding a rattle in both hands and crying.
"It's really heartbreaking."
Isaac said quietly.
"It's just a flip."
Just flipping! I shook my head firmly and said.
"It's not just a flip. This is an innovation in flipping machines."
"That's right."
...Dominic and I, are you a bit of a fan? But my child is a genius... When I was immersed in a little regret, Isaac said softly:
"Yes, Mel. I'm turning it over now."
At last...! I watched the baby turn around and looked moved. Other babies have to turn over when they turn stones, but my baby is already!
"Genius, genius!"
So quickly, our Lois succeeded in overturning it. I applauded with emotion.
"You can walk now, right?"
"I'm going to run. You will be able to speak and read."
I heard Dominic muttering, "It's terrible, but it's not good... Anyway, I have a lot of complaints. But I know how to turn that plump mouth into a smile in one fell swoop.
"When the baby starts talking, you might call Godfather Dominic by name first?"
From now on, you only need to count days, two, and three seconds. And as I expected, Dominic dropped the rattle he was holding in his hand to the floor.
"...Ok? Was I my godfather?"
He pretended not to come over, pretended to be indifferent, but his eyes were already on the baby's plump cheeks. For example, he didn't seem to care about rattles rolling on the floor.
"I might say my name tomorrow. You should stay by your side, right?"
"...I flipped it today, but will I talk tomorrow?"
As if clearing the traffic of our grumbling us, Isaac said with a grin.
"No. I'll be with my dad the longest, so I'll say his name the fastest."
No, it's traffic control. I didn't expect you to say this. If you say that, Dominic must be...
"No way. My godfather is me! He will be the first to call my name!"
Yes, you're angry as expected! Dominic's eyes sparkled. His whole body was full of children, even a harsh life. But Isaac was not formidable either. He tilted his head and laughed.
"Yes, godfather. Dad is me. That's why I'll call my name first."
Dominic held the rattle rolling on the floor again in his hand and approached the baby. I began to be wary of what suspicious Dominic would do. And...
"Listen carefully."
Seeing the baby who had just succeeded in flipping, Dominic solemnly requested.
"Uncle Dominic, I love you. Try it."
"..."
Naturally, the baby just blinked his gentle eyes and stayed still. Dominic looked frustrated and leaned close to the child.
"Tell me, Godfather. And!"
No, is that the case...
"Because it's cute anyway."
No matter how you look at it, Dominic looks a little silly, but I couldn't help but burst into laughter. Dominic's piercing gaze stared at me.
"What, why are you laughing?"
I smiled broadly at Dominic and Isaac, and at the lovely Lois.
"Because you look stupid?"
"What? You bastard, Mel!"
"Oh, sorry, sorry! Just kidding!"
It's not stupid, to be honest, it's cute.
"Why are you laughing! You're messing around now!"
"Oh, no. It's because I like it."
Dominic was both stupid and good. I kept having a feeling that every day would be as happy as it is now, and I couldn't help but laugh. Maybe laughter is contagious?
Before I knew it, I turned over again and looked down at Lois, who was smiling, and thought. I hope I can be as happy as I am today for a very long time.