Chapter 393: As Long as You’re Safe
"Because we promised, remember? You’re the one who told me to watch over the children. And I agreed, didn’t I? Even when Lian and the others become old grandmothers, I’ll still be watching over them."
Compared to the long lives of demons like Albe, a human lifespan would probably pass in the blink of an eye.
"I’ll do my best as Lian and the others’ big brother, even if I can’t take away all of your worries, Qiong Xing."
"Thank you, Albe."
Qiong Xing truly was blessed.
Having people who supported him like this was a genuine stroke of good fortune.
"But don’t forget. You are one of my precious family members too, Albe. I’m happy that you’re willing to work so hard, but don’t push yourself too much. If you collapse, I’ll cry, you know."
"Isn’t that a bit dramatic?"
Albe laughed as if collapsing was no big deal, but Qiong Xing reminded him that no one ever knew what might happen, so it was better to be careful.
...
"Lian... could you go call Papa Leander for me?"
"Okay, got it. Papa Leander!"
Feeling unsteady on his feet, Qiong Xing decided this might be a little serious and asked her to fetch Leander.
He had been in the middle of doing laundry, but after stopping and lowering himself to the ground, he found himself unable to get back up.
"Qiong Xing!"
Leander came running over almost immediately.
With Leander’s help, Qiong Xing was carried back to the room.
"I’m sorry. I’m feeling a little dizzy..."
Before he could finish speaking, a wave of nausea surged up.
He covered his mouth and tried to rush toward the toilet, only for Leander to scoop him up into his arms.
"It’s fine. If you feel sick, just let it all out."
"Ugh...!"
As Leander rubbed his back, Qiong Xing felt guilty for making him deal with this, but the continuing nausea filled him with unease, and he allowed himself to rely on him.
The warmth of Leander’s hand wrapped around his right hand felt comforting and reassuring.
Although he could not say for certain, he was already six months pregnant with Leander’s child.
Up until now, he had experienced almost no symptoms of morning sickness, so the sudden onset of nausea left him confused and worried.
"Sorry I can’t take your place."
Qiong Xing wanted to reply that it was fine, but he could not manage the words.
Deciding that could wait until later, he continued vomiting until the feeling passed.
Whether minutes or hours had gone by, he could not tell.
He simply kept vomiting until, at last, the nausea subsided and he collapsed weakly.
He felt somewhat better afterward, but even lifting a hand felt exhausting.
Leander rinsed out his mouth, carried him back to the room, and before Qiong Xing knew it, had even changed him out of his soiled clothes.
What a remarkably capable husband.
"Leander..."
"It’s alright. I’m here, so tell me anything you need."
"Yes. Thank you."
The hand still firmly holding his felt reassuring, and Qiong Xing gently rubbed his cheek against it.
Perhaps that eased his anxiety a little, because Leander let out a relieved breath and softly stroked his hair.
"That was quite a surprise."
"Yeah. But thinking about it now, nothing had happened for so long. I let my guard down."
Aside from occasional light dizziness, he had not experienced severe morning sickness like he had with the twins, so he had been living almost as usual.
It was not Leander’s fault.
Qiong Xing had simply been too unaware of his own condition.
"That just proves the baby is healthy. They must take after you."
"Really? If they’re causing this much worry, maybe they take after you."
"I don’t like that. I want a child who takes after you, Leander."
Even though he knew such things could not be chosen, there was no harm in wishing.
"...I see. As for me... I don’t care anymore."
For a moment, Qiong Xing worried that Leander had become reluctant about being a father, but Leander seemed to notice the concern in his expression and immediately shook his head.
"I don’t mean it like that. It’s not that I hate the idea. As long as the baby is born safely and you’re alright, that’s enough for me. Boy or girl, it doesn’t matter. As long as both of you are safe."
Seeing Qiong Xing weakened by the nausea had made Leander realize that things like whether the child was a boy or girl were insignificant.
"Either way, they’re my child. They’re our precious child. There’s no way I wouldn’t love them."
"That’s true. But... I still want them to take after you."
"You’re so stubborn."
Leander smiled wryly at Qiong Xing’s refusal to budge.
"Because I love your blue eyes. I love your beautiful black hair, your large and strong body, and your kindness. I love everything about you, Leander. That’s why I want our child to resemble the person I love so much."
"...You’re such a fool."
Leander laughed even as his eyes grew misty.
When Qiong Xing reached out toward him, Leander helped him sit up and pulled him into a tight embrace.
There were times when Qiong Xing envied that strength, but more than that, it brought him comfort.
The certainty of those arms, the unwavering strength that promised never to let go, filled him with happiness.
"Wanting a child to resemble the person you love isn’t strange at all, is it? I don’t think you’re much different."
"Maybe not. Still, hearing you say that makes me happy. It reminds me how much you love me."
Leander’s arms tightened around him as he spoke and Qiong Xing quietly relaxed against his chest.
He then hugged Leander tightly in return as Leander rubbed his cheek against the top of his head.
He was no longer young, but even now, being able to lean on someone like this brought him genuine comfort.
"Leander, kiss me."
"As many as you want."
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