Part 1 - Restless
It has only been a few months since I found myself in this world. It's easy for me to pretend to be a helpless baby, mostly because I am. I can't be left alone—so instead of taking me to wherever Sylphie was going with Lily and Christina I was left home.
Aisha looked after me while she went around and cleaned the house. I know she is a maid, but she is good. I guess this is what a life revolving around one thing looks like. Even though I'm just watching, it is oddly entertaining. Much better than listening to my own thoughts and replaying old memories—Nope. Not thinking of my old life today. Just focus on the maid as she does one of her many responsibilities.
From time to time, I caught Rudeus peering from the doorway, but he hasn't stepped a foot into the room, was he busy with something?
While I lay in my spot observing Aisha, I moved my tiny nubs and attempted to make a fist. The motion is right, but I had no control over the force I used. Kicking my turkey thighs excuse for legs was the same. It was either zero percent or kicking like a mule
While I was moving my limbs that felt like a sock filled with meat and bones, I made a noise. Aisha giant mischievous grin loomed over me. Her lips moved but I didn't quite understand what she said. I did understand she mention something about "hungry", but I didn't think Roxy was home? I don't think Eris is home.
Then it clicked, and I immediately dropped my arms to show my disapproval. Yeah, this body was hungry but that whole act is embarrassing, and beside I know she can't feed me. I would have to wait.
Then the whole world moved against my will, she was lifting me up. I could only accept my fate; I closed my eyes as I felt her warmth on me. Something was off—She was holding me, but I was close to her face.
I struggled to move my head to look at her, she was looking at me with that same grin as before… I quickly turned my face away from her. She was messing with me wasn't she.
She started to rock back and forth, soothing me. It was a super effective move. The darkness was settling in.
BOOM
Then there was the clattering of footsteps, getting louder with every second. I snapped my head to the origin of the noise. Who would be bold enough to attack this house?
A rush of red came dashing around a corner. Coming barreling straight at me. No at Aisha!! I could feel the impact as it reverberated within her. Only by taking a step backwards, she regained her balance.
A second then ten but nothing more happened. I gathered the courage to look down and saw a smiling face peering up. Despite it looking in my direction, I knew it wasn't meant for me but rather the woman holding me.
"Ars, please don't go running off like that"
A voice rang out as the clicking of a door followed it. That was Roxy, she must have just gotten done with work. Ars wasn't in school yet so he must have just gotten done with training or something. He removed his arms around Aisha and apologized to Roxy as she made her way around into the room.
The distance between Aisha and Roxy shorten; I felt the sensation of defying gravity as Roxy cradled me in her arms. I can get used to plenty of things but that isn't one of them.
"He wasn't too much of a handful?"
"Nope, He's easy. Nothing to worry about. He Just sat there and played with his own limbs like he always does"
Aisha cheerfully responded to Roxy question. Roxy gave a gentle but tight smile in response, as she stared at me.
Hold up, she makes it sound like I'm a troublemaker or something?! I was always on good behavior.
Part 2 – Shame
Looking back, I've always seen Roxy as the studious type. Someone who always had a book close by. However, you wouldn't have guessed that she'd be an attentive mother.
That is fine and all but right now she is attempting to do her motherly duties, and I am finding it hard to not to focus on such an act. But that man over there staring.
Breast feeding is exclusively a baby thing. So, I constantly find myself in a predicament whenever this body gets hungry.
So, why must you stare so intensely at me. What's with that weary expression? Is it pride as a father?
My will can only last so long, please look away. I endure what I can to avoid this as much as possible. Still, even I, don't' want to starve before I can really enjoy this new life. There are so many things I want to do. At least let me live long enough to use magic.
Rudeus, my dearest father. You only have yourself to blame if you get mad.
—I've fallen. Given in to this body's instinct for survival.
A nervous Roxy shifted her body away from Rudeus's gaze. As if shielding little Roro.
"Rudeus… you're staring again. You know how much he hates that"
"No, that wasn't the reason why I was staring" It was the reason why he started staring at her chest though.
"I was just thinking that he's gotten so big" he wore a thin smile.
As if in protest Roxy came to Roro defense.
"He's not. He's small and adorable."
Her eyes met Roro as she rubbed his back. Letting out a small noise of protest himself Roro then proceeded to reach for his head, as he was stifling his cries.
Before I knew it my head was splitting. It happened after I saw the smaller Roxy, I know it's Lara, but what was she doing. Another cry escaped my mouth.
Rudeus shot up but froze in thought.
"Lara d-did you just try to talk to him?" Lara didn't respond, it was hard to see her head bob through my hazy vision.
"Did he say anything?" It was almost as if he was asking a loaded question. Even I felt something in the air. They were hanging on her every movement, waiting for her answer. When her head moved horizontally, something in Roxy gave.
She just apologized as she hugged me closer to her. Not only apologizing to me but to Rudeus as well.
"I'm sorry Rudy, I'm a failure. Roro has the same defect as me" Though her tears and sobs, Rudeus moved closer to her and started to rub her back.
He pulled some weird faces and whispered something into her ear. Whatever he said I felt the tension in her arms loosen up. Then he locked his face with hers.
Okay, real smooth there Rudeus. I'm just going to look over there. I don't get it though. What defect? I feel just fine.
Part 3 – Secrets
A few days passed and somehow this body attracts dirt like…well like a magnet. I could spend a few hours in one spot and BOOM I need a bath.
I do consider myself a modest person. In my past life I'd usually keep to my own. So, I'm not used to other cultures traditions, such as group baths. Historically I understand the reasoning behind them.
I'm currently craning my neck to stare up at the ceiling not just for my dignity but for those in here as well. However, in my brief glimpses of fright when the bath water reaches my ears I spot Rudeus.
He's no help. Judging on where his eyes are staring at. Hey, don't mind me, it's not like I'm drowning here.
Even if I was, Roxy wouldn't allow that to happen. But even she noticed him gazing at her. It's been like that for a while. But it doesn't go farther than that.
Bath time is dealt with, and the kids got ready for dinner. However, the air around the table felt a little off. It must be "that" night then.
Later that day, after we were fed, Roxy was getting us kids to bed. I couldn't help but recall the atmosphere around the table today. As I faintly heard certain noises echoing throughout the house. Roxy's red face also confirms my suspicions. It was "that" night.
Roxy pretends not to hear anything, but she did visually tense up when a few words rang out.
"Get Pregnant" or "It isn't over yet" or "and this… this is to go… even beyond"
Okay I might have made the last one up, but he is quite loud.
Her face went a deeper shade of red. While staring at her feet I vaguely heard her speak.
"Rudy…" she grabbed at her night robe and peered at the source of the sound. "…I'm sorry Sylphie"
If only I could speak, I'd tell her that she should just go. It's kind of depressing seeing her act all indecisively. She just quietly tucked herself into bed.
Lily and Christina were here as well but they are out like a log. Those two would rotate out to the others.
Why does he got to say some weird things, and was that Japanese? Hearing all that makes it hard to look them in the eyes.
Wait? What is Mama Zenith doing here?
She has vacant eyes, but I know she is aware of her surroundings but it's too hard to look at her. Especially knowing what could have been. In another timeline she could of awoke fully aware but instead…
Zenith reached out for me. Picking me up with such precise movements that you would think she was fully aware. She stroked my head softly and swayed from side to side.
W-why? D-did she just? I know Mama Zenith could read memories. Does she know I'm not from here?
As if in response to my worries embraced me closer as she sat down on a nearby chair. Before I knew it the room filled with golden rays, illuminating Zenith with a heavenly glow.
Part 4 – Time
When you really think about it what is progress to a baby? Is it walking? Maybe talking. I don't think so—Maybe it's… not needing anyone. Everything a baby does leads to them eventually gaining their independence and setting off on their own.
These are the types of thoughts that cross my mind as I lay on my backside staring up at my adversary. Allow me to go back in time and explain how I've landed in such a pitiful state.
This small body has now been able to crawl, and I've been taking full advantage of that. With this new ability of mine I've been going on expeditions—I still haven't left the house, I'm not insane.
I explore the lands I know, but even still there are dangers to be aware of. For instance, my current foe is some kind of wooden golem. Which has sprung a surprise attack on my soft head, leaving me in the state I find myself in now.
Oh! Don't believe me? Why is there a wooden golem attacking me within the Greyrat's house? Good observation, but there is a simple answer to that question.
I made it up.
I'm Bored.
I've just been staring at the ceiling for a while now… and part of this table. I would like to say it's part of my intensive training… but it's not.
Out of frustration and boredom I tossed and turned my body but all that amounted to was scratching an itch on my back.
Uuugh… juuust move.
Why does this body refuse to do what I want? I can picture it clearly in my mind. I really didn't want to bring out my secret technique.
"GhaWaaah" wait a few seconds "Waaaaah" It leaves a sour taste in my mouth, but I have things I want to do today.
Oh, I hear footsteps!
It never fails, what type of heartless person would ignore a baby cry. Oh, this confident stride, lack of hesitation, it could only be one person. The man of the house.
I always feel so protected when I'm within their presence. Like even if Orsted himself broke down the door and came at me I knew she would protect me.
I respect Eris, once she has a goal it's hers. Nothing phases her. Rudeus just doesn't have the same air about him. But why is she just staring at me?
"Gahwa?"
I let out a questioning cry, but she just huffed at me, D-did she just really huff at me?
Oooh. I see. Fine I'll do this myself then. Moving my legs one way and my arms the other I doubled my efforts.
It must have been due to my irritation that even Eris didn't help me, but I managed to right myself like a flipped turtle.
With stars in my eyes, I wanted to rub this victory in her face. But when I glanced back, her face was tied in a wide smirk. Stop nodding your head like you did anything. Why do I feel my face heating up? This isn't fair, why am I embarrassed?
Eris scooped me up like some kind of squishy luggage, carrying me with her to the living room. Where I saw Ars and Seig listening to someone I haven't seen before.
She had long grey hair with red eyes, and—Dog ears.
Real ones, that were drooping from the top of her head accompanied by—a fluffy tail.
My heart climbed into my throat.
This was real. A real dog girl.
I need to touch them.
Eris dropped down next to her. I was able to catch the tail end of her conversation.
"I'm telling you, it wasn't my fault, if they would just listen. like, fuck"
She puffed out her chest like some kind of champion, that act did grab Ars attention. So, she was bragging and lying in the same breath. To kids no less.
"Oh, right. Eris! There's this adventurer everyone's talking about."
Her ears twitched. Her eyes sharpened.
"She's strong. And she's got a real attitude. Like-."
Sieg tilted his head.
"Attitude?"
"She keeps rejecting us! Like she's too good for us, like, fuck."
"…ahh"
She was acting all haughty. Eris is literally petting her like a pet dog. She's just a lap dog.
Part 5 – Learning
Part of my morning routine is that I check on the kids. Nothing was out of the ordinary except I couldn't find Roro. Lilia reassured me that Rudeus was the same when he was younger. But it still makes my heart beat strangely.
I didn't want him to cause any kind of trouble for the others. It wasn't fair. He wasn't doing anything wrong. He was just curious.
He was a quiet boy, but he does make a fuss when left alone. He likes being around people. He was more needy than his sisters, but he got that from his dad.
I moved from room to room, searching the places he normally lingered, but came up empty. —no sign of him watching Eris train. He'd taken to observing Lilia or Aisha cook these days, often enough that I'd gotten used to wiping his face clean afterward.
When I poked my head through the doorway, I spotted Sylphie instead. She sometimes spent time here, but I was still caught off guard. I made for a quick retreat.
Sylphie must have seen me as well. She wore a tired smile as she spoke.
"Looking for Roro"
"Y-yes, I think he's on one of his little adventures, sorry" I meekly peeked back into the kitchen. I was thinking of another spot he could be hiding at when Sylphie broke me out of thought.
"Oh, that boy" she let out a gentle chuckle "always causing you to worry"
Her hands reached out for me, when did she get so close? She raised my hand in hers and my eyes naturally looked in Her's.
"Roxy" Sylphie said softly. "It's not a bother."
My throat tightened. I could only nod.
"I'll help you look, though I think I know where he was"
I tried to protest since she looked like she was in the middle of something, but Sylphie insisted. She led me to the study.
I couldn't think of a reason why he could be here of all places? But there he was, looking at a book.
Seeing Roro like this I had a realization. Am I even a good mom? My smile couldn't stay up; I can't give them anything that someone else couldn't give them.
- Roro-
—Having a house filled with people speaking a language you don't know does make one learn it faster. But even that has its limitations.
Which is why today I searched out the holy grail of information. The study room. It's filled with all kinds of stuff that would surely help me get a better grasp of this world.
No doubt these books are expensive, so I nabbed ones closer to my level. Nothing costly would be left near the floor. I couldn't tell what they were about. Context clues were far and few, but there were plenty of illustrations.
I got to wrap this up before someone spots me here, I can't let this wealth be restricted from me.
As I was getting ready, I felt my spine prickle. Someone was glaring at me. I slowly swivel my head to face who found me. My heart plummeted into the ground.
Two people found me.
Shit! I've spent too much time here. What to do? What can I do? They caught me. In the study. With a book.
Think—
I thought I saw a few of the other kids go in here before, was I not allowed? I don't have any defense to be here then.
I took a deep breath in and let it out.
…I stood out too much; I'm going to be punished. My head dropped.
I accepted my fate as Roxy slowly approached me. This is it. She put her arms around my sides and lifted me up, away from those books.
She then nestled me close to her. Sitting down on the floor, setting me on her lap and pulling up the book.
This is off… wasn't I in trouble?
She positions the book so I could see it better, flipping to a random page. She pointed to a word then moved her mouth. Repeating it again.
My heartbeat settled as I understood what she was doing. I followed her instructions and pointed to the word and said it.
Yeah, it didn't sound the same but that didn't matter. Whenever I did, her somber expression slowly brightened. She even squeezed me a little tighter. I didn't know why but it made me feel happy.
My heart felt lighter as we spent the rest of the day reading this book.