The weather that day was quite pleasant, and everything seemed to return to normal. However, Sana knew that the scene at Wall Maria was far from the same. Despite the many lives saved, the weight of the sorrow felt by those who had lost loved ones was unbearable. Just imagining the pain of losing someone close made her heart ache.
The sound of an infant's cry pulled her away from her thoughts. The child had woken up.
"Oh, you're already awake?" Sana whispered softly, taking the child into her arms to calm her.
"I think I should give her a name. It would be best to discuss it with the others," Sana mused. "Farlan is joining my team today. I'm not sure whether he's happy about it, but I think I have a good sense of his abilities. He'll be able to manage the financial side of things easily."
And she had a plan for their future as well.
Sana knew she was being somewhat unfair, but she couldn't help it. Everyone needed to think about their family's future. She wanted everyone to claim the patent because she didn't want any disputes once things settled down. If they didn't secure the patent, the so-called merchants would claim everything, and those who had poured their hearts into developing the technology would receive nothing.
She had always been like this—always thinking ahead. And if she could help everyone while securing her family's future, that seemed like the best option.
knock knock************
"Sana-san, Levi Heichou is here with Farlan Church and Isabel-san. They want to talk to you about something." Alisa's voice carried up from the stairs as she quickly turned to leave.
So, they were here. Sana needed to see them—she had something important to discuss with them, especially the name she wanted to give the child.
Sana goes downstairs to meet them. They were most likely here for Farlan.**
"Sana-san, the bulb isn't working. What's happened to it?" Alisa came running up to her, panicked.
"That's alright. What surprises me more is that it was still working. When I made it, I thought it would burn out after two or three tries. Don't worry, we'll make many more that will last longer. I'm also mindful of the environment, as there's no waste in a natural ecosystem," Sana explained calmly before sitting down to speak with Levi and Farlan.
"Oye, Sana. Farlan will be with you from now on. The formalities are all done," Levi announced, sitting casually on a couch, his legs crossed, not looking directly at her.
"Farlan will join my team. I already have a role for him in mind, but only if he wants to join," Sana replied, keeping her tone light. Another reason she insisted on him joining her team was so that Levi and Isabel would also visit her when they came to see him.
Why did she think that? Was she still not one of their family members?
"I'm ready to join Sana's team, as long as I don't have to go out there. I'm not as strong as Levi, but I want to stay with you all. I don't think I could survive out there," Farlan said, his voice heavy with the weight of experience.
"It would be great if you joined. I've been feeling a little alone, honestly. Also, there's something else I need to discuss with all of you. Would you mind coming to my room?" Sana asked.
"Me and Aniki, too?" Isabel asked, her usual cheerfulness absent as she looked at Sana.
"Yes," Sana confirmed.
After sending Alisa to Erwin for his signature, the group of them headed upstairs together.
"Listen up, everyone," Sana began once they were seated in her room. "I need to talk to you about something important. It's about her name. I want to give her a name, but I want to discuss it with all of you first. Oh, do you need water or tea?" she asked, trying to make them feel comfortable.
"Tea would be fine," Farlan answered, looking relaxed despite the situation.
With everything happening around Wall Maria, they had some rare free time—most of the higher-ups were occupied with the aftermath.
Levi's POV
What could he possibly contribute to suggesting a good name for a child? Levi didn't think he had the right to offer a suggestion.
The child was so adorable, but he couldn't fathom what it truly meant to be a parent.
How would Sana handle everything on her own?
Lately, something felt off with him. He found himself wanting to see her constantly. Was it just attraction? It felt as if he couldn't look away from her, and when they did meet, he found it impossible to make eye contact.
What was wrong with him?
", tea... Levi...?" Sana called, as if sensing his distraction.
"Ah, yes, just put it on the table," he muttered, inwardly cursing himself. Why would she like someone like me? he thought bitterly. She knows everything about me. Who would want to be with a criminal? My language alone is enough to keep her away. I've made all my decisions without consulting anyone, and I've always tried to hide my real self behind a fake pride. It would be better for her to be with someone like Erwin. Yeah, that would be best for her.
If it weren't for Erwin, they'd still be underground. Levi wouldn't have been able to provide her with anything close to a proper life. And now, Sana had become so sensitive—just one harsh word from him could make her cry. I never want to see her cry.
Sana, Isabel, and Farlan all looked so happy now. Levi was glad, but he also wished he could protect them from every hardship.
"Levi, what do you think the name should be?" Sana's voice broke through his thoughts. She was so happy, so eager to name the child.
"Alright, I have an idea," Levi said, standing up. "You all write the names down on paper and fold them. Then we'll shuffle them and draw one. But no weird names, alright?" He tried to keep it light-hearted.
Sana smiled and agreed.
"Wait, let me think," Levi muttered under his breath. He was still unsure what name to suggest, but something was stirring in his mind.
Everyone writes the names down on paper and folds them.*****
"Now, who's going to pick the chit?" Levi asked.
"Why don't we let her pick it herself? That seems fair. And she's already awake," Sana suggested, lifting the child into her arms.
It was clear to Levi that Sana had truly transformed into a mother. She had changed more than he had realized, but it was important for her. She had once been like him—quiet, reserved—but now, she expressed herself freely.
"Alright, one... two... three... go ahead and pick one," Sana said as she kissed the child's forehead.
"Let's see," she said, opening the chit. "The name she picked is 'Layina.' Wow, it's beautiful. Who wrote this?"
Farlan raised his hand shyly, and Sana smiled, her heart swelling with warmth.
Well, it seemed even the child didn't want Levi to name her.
Levi laughed softly to himself. I'm thinking too much.
"Sana, let's throw a party! Now that she has such a beautiful name," Isabel exclaimed, trying to make the child laugh as she played with Layina.
Levi looked at them all, his heart light. I hope they stay this happy forever. That would be enough for me.