Hearing this, Leonide looked thoroughly delighted and laughed softly.
"But are you sure you're okay? You're not overdoing it?" Damien asked.
"Yeah, I'm used to the work, and you praised me, so I'm fine," Leonide replied, grinning.
"Well, in that case, you deserve even more praise!" Damien pulled him close, ruffling his hair with affection.
...Wait. Did he say I "praised" him? This is the first time I've complimented him, right? Maybe he just misspoke.
"So, does that mean your work for today is finished?" Damien asked. Since Leonide had said he was done, Damien wondered if one of the others would be taking over soon.
"Oh, no, not finished—just on break! From now on, each of us will take turns working from morning to night, one day at a time," Leonide explained.
"Got it. Well, I'll be counting on you for the whole day, Leonide."
"You can count on me!" Leonide replied, giving a victory sign.
