บท 188: I'm not snacking, I'm meeting the staff

The sound of giggling children reached her ears, and she glanced over her shoulder to see her son running towards her and holding out a wooden sword.

"Mother!" Luka declared brightly, brandishing his toy weapon proudly, "Father and Uncle are teaching me how to fight!"

"I see." Isabelle replied simply.

"What are you doing today, Mother?"

She frowned and shook her head slowly, "Busy. Lots of paperwork. Maybe another time, okay?" She patted him on the head before standing up.

Luka pouted. "But you said we'd play today! Can't you leave the paper?"

Isabelle shook her head firmly. "Absolutely not." She squeezed her little boy's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry. You have lots of family who loves you. Your father will always be here with you."

"Always? No matter what?" Luka asked seriously.

She nodded solemnly. "Always. Without fail."

"Good..."

His expression brightened a touch.