I'm now one year old. Over the past few months, I've gone through several developmental milestones. I have some teeth now—not many, but it's a start. That means I can begin eating softer foods, like crushed fruits and vegetables, which is a welcome change for me.
My hair has also started to grow a little. I looked at one of the mirrors in the mansion—it's the same color as Calhoun's. I also have green eyes, like him.
And the best part about growing up? I can finally start walking a bit. It's not much yet, but I can manage a decent distance. My parents have also begun encouraging me to walk more and more. Since walking was second nature to me in my past life, I might be able to pick it up faster than most kids. At least, I hope so.
Over the past few months, I've been trying to use magic. It took me a while, but since last week, I finally figured out how. Magic is basically based on imagination and focus. I'm still not good at it, but I want to practice hard and get better. I've only been using water magic.
To be honest, I'm scared to use magic. What if I unlock my hidden potential and end up destroying our mansion? What if my family disowns me because of it? How am I going to survive? Imagining that prospect sends a chill down my spine.
Nowadays, Hilda takes my hand while walking, rather than picking me up. I have my struggles with stairs, but it's very fulfilling when I clear that challenge. It definitely helps that Hilda is my biggest cheerleader. The hard part is that Hilda now accompanies me to the toilet as part of training me. I can't say "I know all of this" and do it on my own, and having someone there while you do the deed is quite embarrassing. Nevertheless, I should make a formal complaint about the plumbing in this area being underdeveloped.
After that, I was taken to the bath by Hilda, who helped me bathe. I've gotten used to the fact that Hilda seeing me naked. Being a noble and all, you don't bathe on your own unless you are at the academy because you can't take servants there with you. You have to be 13 to enrol in the academy. The academy is just a convenient place for nobles to expand their social circles, and commoners find job opportunities under the nobles. Sounds like a whole lot of hassle. All of this is what I heard from Hilda when she told her story of how she met Silvia, who was two years her junior at the academy.
Apparently, Silvia was a badass with the sword. She was already better than 3rd-years in her freshman year. Coming from the Hildebrand line of swordsmen, she was head and shoulders above most people. The Hildebrand family head—or rather, my grandfather—heads the military. Seriously, my mom is a much bigger deal than I thought. I should be careful not to make her mad; I don't want to be at the forefront of something so deadly. If she married Calhoun—does this mean he is also super strong? He doesn't look so strong. Maybe he's mage who battles from the backlines. If they're like a super family do they expect me to be super strong and politically involved? I'm already felling quite sick.
After the bath, I was taken to another room where Silvia and Charlotte were having tea.
"Mama," I called out to Silvia.
Unfortunately, I can't use more difficult words because I might pronounce them wrong. I don't want to embarrass myself by speaking incorrectly.
"Si!" Silvia looked at me with a bright smile.
Charlotte rushed over and picked me up enthusiastically.
"Si…!" she called me endearingly and started kissing me all over my face.
"Mama Char, it tickles," I said, trying to resist.
"Seriously, Char, you need to learn how to control yourself. Cal and I love your free spirit, but what if someone sees you outside the family acting like that? Think about the Elwood family's reputation," Silvia interjected.
"You say that, but what if Si starts hating you because you act stoic all the time, Silvie?" Charlotte shot back.
And it seemed to hit Silvia hard.
"Th-That's..." Silvia stuttered. Her face turned pale.
"I will never hate Mama," I had to say it.
Hearing that, Silvia's face lit up again. She must have some trauma regarding the subject. What if it triggered a physical reaction? I don't want to be skewered because of this.
"Si…" Silvia called gently. I could feel her love for me in her voice—it was genuine.As Charlotte said she's always stoic and strong but deep inside Silvia is as much of a mother as anyone. It's natural for a mother to feel this way toward her child. At least, I want to believe it is.
That's why I feel guilty—for lying to her. Am I even truely her son?
Before I start remembering my mother from my past life, I tried changing the subject.
"Where's Papa?" I asked. A simple question— all parties involved have vested interest in the topic. Nice going, me.
"Your papa is away for a few days. He has gone to the capital to discuss some important matters," Silvia replied.
"It's lonely without Cal here," Charlotte added.
"Certainly," Silvia murmured with a hint of a blush.
How in love are these two with him? Seriously, my dad is a smooth operator.
Seemingly still thinking about Calhoun, Charlotte picked me up and muttered,
"Si... Do you think Mama Char will be a good mama?"
What's this— is she pregnant? Her face looked anxious. Is having children that much of an anxious thing? I never thought about it. It's just that the prospect of having a child never even registered to me in my past life. I wish I had known more, because something about her being sad didn't sit well with me. I didn't have a concrete, adult answer— only an extremely childish one.
"I think Mama Char is a good mama," I said with every honest bone in my body.
Hearing my answer made Charlotte beam with joy. Yes, that's right.
This is how Charlotte should be. This is how she always will be— always smiling besides Silvia.
As I was having these thoughts, I could see Silvia in the corner of my eye smiling at us. It was the first time I saw her smile like that.