It was the most absurd, hilarious, and aggressively endearing thing she had ever heard.
"So, you see, My Lady," Gallahan said, his eyes dancing with affection. "When the Duke walked into that orphanage... a place filled with crying, terrified children... and you, a tiny, chubby-cheeked toddler, waddled up and hugged his leg?"
Gallahan spread his hands in a gesture of absolute defeat.
"He didn't stand a chance. It was a critical hit! His brain said 'tactical bait', but his heart said 'Must protect the small, fluffy creature at all costs!'. Why do you think he immediately bought you strawberries? Why do you think he let you turn Imperial tax documents into paper ducks? The man is utterly, hopelessly compromised by cuteness!"
A bubble of pure joy erupted in Seraphina's chest.
She threw her head back and laughed.
It was a loud, clear, musical sound that chased the last lingering shadows of tragedy from the grand library.
