By the end of November, Mylene was approaching her seventh month of pregnancy. After my collapse, Sebas had been paying much closer attention to me. He and Rita agreed not to tell Mylene about it, sparing her the worry—a decision I deeply appreciated.
Today, Doctor Milo had just finished examining Mylene and was discussing her condition.
"The baby seems to be developing very well. You've started to feel some kicks, right?"
"Yes," Mylene said, her smile soft. "They started last week, and now they're happening more frequently."
"Excellent. That's normal. You'll feel them even more often in the coming weeks."
"Understood."
Milo smiled approvingly. "Your overall health looks much better as well. A healthy mother is always a good sign for a smooth birth."
"Excellent!" Mylene beamed, then glanced in my direction and gave me a warm smile.
"The due date is in February," Milo continued. "There's still time, but I'll start preparing the medical team soon to make sure everything goes smoothly."
Mylene nodded, but then her hand suddenly moved to her belly. "Oh?"
We all froze for a moment as she winced slightly.
"It's kicking again..."
Relief washed over the room as everyone realized it wasn't anything serious. Mylene called us over with a smile. "Come feel it, everyone."
Excited murmurs filled the room as people took turns placing their hands on her belly, marveling at the little life growing inside her. I couldn't believe how something so simple could make everyone so happy.
"Alexio, come too," Mylene called softly.
I approached her and rested my hand gently on her belly.
"Oh! Did it get excited?" Mylene giggled. "It seems like it knows its big brother is here."
"It does?" I asked, tilting my head with an innocent expression, which made everyone chuckle.
Maybe it's trying to run away... After all, if things go the way they did in the original timeline, I'm the one responsible for her death.
Still, as I kept my hand there, something nagged at the back of my mind. The kicks… something felt off. If I'd been any more sleep-deprived, I would have missed it entirely. But now that I'd noticed, the uneasy feeling wouldn't let go.
"Isn't it... too low?" I muttered under my breath.
"Alexio?" Mylene tilted her head, confused.
The kicks were lower than they should have been. If the baby's feet were that low, then the head must be higher up... which meant... No... it can't be... a breech position?
"Alexio? Is something wrong?" Mylene asked, her tone shifting with concern.
Damn it! So this is what went wrong... Even with the best doctors, she didn't survive. Was this the reason? A breech baby?
I wracked my brain, trying to figure out how to say this without being dismissed outright. Even with everything I'd learned, I was still just a child. What doctor would take a diagnosis seriously from someone like me?
I knew what a breech birth meant—if the baby comes out feet-first, the head can get stuck during delivery, causing complications that could endanger both mother and child. And the umbilical cord... Damn it, think!
I glanced around the room and saw the curious, concerned faces of those watching me. I have to say something.
"Aren't the kicks a little low?" I asked, trying to keep my tone innocent.
The people in the room exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what I was getting at.
"Alexio?" Mylene's voice was soft, confused.
I tried again, this time a little more direct. "If the kicks are down here... wouldn't that mean the baby's head is up there? Doesn't that mean the baby might be upside down?"
Doctor Milo placed his hand on Mylene's belly, giving me an amused smile. "Hmm... I believe everything is normal."
Normal?
I clenched my fists. Damn it, this guy! Does he not realize how serious this is?
"But if the baby is upside down, isn't that dangerous?" I pressed. "Wouldn't it be better to double-check?"
Milo chuckled, brushing off my concern. "Don't worry, young man. Those could be punches too, right?"
Punches?!
He's joking. He's dismissing me because I'm just a kid. I could feel my frustration boiling over.
"I read in a book that sometimes babies end up in a backward position," I said, trying my best to sound like an innocent child offering a suggestion. "And it's dangerous. Shouldn't we check to make sure?"
Milo patted my head with a condescending grin. "Amazing! You can already read?" he said, ruffling my hair. "But don't worry—it's all fine."
He's patronizing me... Damn it, this idiot!
"It's okay, little one," he added with a wink.
I slapped his hand away without thinking, causing the room to fall silent. Everyone stared at me, shocked by my sudden outburst.
"Alexio..." Rita whispered, stepping forward to calm me, but I wasn't done.
"At least call another doctor to check!" I insisted, my voice sharper than I intended.
"I'm the best doctor in the region, kid."
Damn it. No second opinions here—of course that would offend him. What do I do? What do I do...
I glanced at Mylene, who was watching me seriously, trying to understand what was going on. I couldn't let this go—it would be dangerous if they discovered something was wrong during the birth. Damn it... why do I have to be stuck in this child's body? No one trusts me!
"It's okay, little guy," the doctor said with an indulgent smile. "I know you're worried about your mother, but trust me—I know what I'm doing."
No, you don't! You irresponsible, arrogant old fart!
I felt panic bubbling up, desperate to make them understand, when Mylene suddenly spoke.
"Sebas?"
Sebas stepped forward without hesitation and placed a hand on Mylene's belly. No one found it strange—Mylene trusted him deeply, and he was more of a father figure to her than anyone else. He carefully felt for a moment, his expression unreadable, before turning toward the doctor.
"He is right," Sebas said.
For a moment, I felt my heart sink, thinking Sebas was agreeing with the doctor.
"The kicks are too low," he continued, his calm voice carrying weight. "Wouldn't it be better to have another doctor take a closer look?"
Wait... what? He was... agreeing with me?
The doctor shifted uncomfortably. "Mister Sebas, I don't think that would be necessary—"
"Why not?" Sebas asked, cutting him off.
"Why?" The doctor faltered.
"There would be no harm in getting another opinion, right? Or is your pride too big to allow it?" Sebas's voice was steady, but the edge in it was unmistakable.
The doctor bristled. "Hmm?!"
The room fell silent as Sebas stared down the doctor. Despite wearing a butler's uniform, his commanding presence—and his stature—were undeniably that of a warrior.
"It's just a child's opinion," the doctor muttered. "Moving so many people because of that seems unnecessary..."
How proud can one man be?
Sebas stepped forward, his gaze never wavering. "Just a child's opinion?" he repeated coldly.
Then, with deliberate calm, he continued. "In his almost four years of life, Alexio has never been wrong about any observation he's made. If that child says Miss Mylene might be at risk, I'll move as many people as necessary, or risk your fragile pride, as many times as it takes."
Sebas... he really...
The doctor paled. "...Understood. I'll arrange for a specialist in reversed births to examine her. Would next week be acceptable?"
"Tomorrow," Sebas replied firmly.
The doctor swallowed hard. "Understood..."
With that, the doctor left, his arrogance shattered. The tension in the room lingered, and everyone exchanged uncertain glances—even Rubens looked slightly stunned.
Sebas bowed deeply. "I apologize for my audacity, Mr. Rubens. I simply couldn't doubt Alexio's word after witnessing all that he's capable of."
Rubens shook his head. "It's fine. I agree with your actions. Even if that doctor had refused, I would have sought another opinion myself after hearing what Alexio said."
Sebas straightened. "Then my actions were unnecessary."
Rubens gave a slight smile. "Not at all."
Mylene chimed in with a warm smile. "I feel the same way. Even if the doctor hadn't listened, I would have asked for another specialist—or several—just to be safe. If Alexio says something is wrong, it's worth taking seriously. I can't risk the baby's life on pride."
My chest swelled with relief and gratitude. They really believe in me...
All my effort—every sleepless night, every desperate attempt to make them listen—was worth it after all.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Sebas Cortez's Perspective
Alexio never ceases to surprise—and terrify—me. This boy is something else entirely.
I first began suspecting something strange when Chef Morris mentioned that Alexio had started ordering odd meals to bring to Mylene. He had supposedly found a book that discussed a condition called anemia—a term I had never heard of before. After reading the book myself, I was stunned to realize the symptoms described matched what Mylene had dealt with since her youth.
What shocked me even more was the speed of her recovery. After following Alexio's recommended diet, Mylene's condition improved remarkably. She looked healthier, had more energy, and no longer complained of dizziness.
A three-year-old had diagnosed a condition that no doctor ever identified and treated it with precision. That alone would have been enough to astonish anyone—but the truth went far beyond that.
One day, when I entered Alexio's room to bring him his meal, I caught him trying to hide something again. My curiosity got the better of me this time.
"I see that young master is reading another extremely complex book today," I said with a small smile.
"It's always good to have knowledge in different areas, isn't it?" Alexio replied smoothly.
"That's true, but the young master seems to pay a lot of attention to medicine," I observed.
By now, it was clear to me that Alexio had read every book in the library. His knowledge of reading and writing likely surpassed everyone in the household.
"Thank you, Sebas!" Alexio said cheerfully as I placed the meal on his desk.
But I couldn't let it go. The boy's exhaustion worried me too much.
"How many days has it been since young master last slept?" I asked, my tone firm.
"Hmm?" Alexio avoided my gaze. "What are you talking about? I sleep perfectly well every night."
"You were at the beginning of this book last night," I said, raising a brow. "And every time I come in, you hide whatever you're working on."
Realizing he'd been caught, Alexio sighed and revealed what he had been writing.
"'Exercise for a Safer Labor?'" I read aloud.
"Yes," Alexio confirmed.
"I always thought pregnant women needed rest," I said, puzzled.
"They do," he replied, "but short, controlled exercises can strengthen the pelvic region."
I didn't fully understand the term "pelvic," but Alexio pointed to his hip and continued explaining.
"This area. When a woman goes into labor, the pelvis expands to allow the baby to pass through. Strengthening these muscles helps the process and makes the birth faster and safer—especially for women with smaller hips."
I was stunned. How far ahead was this boy thinking? How much worry was weighing on him? He was only a child, yet he was planning and working tirelessly to ensure Mylene's safety. What was going on inside his mind?
"I see… well, if it can make things safer, then it's a good idea," I said sincerely.
"Hmm? You're not going to criticize me?" Alexio asked, clearly surprised.
"And why should I?" I smiled. "The book you found on anemia helped Miss Mylene. She's healthier and more energetic now."
"I understand," he said, nodding.
It was at that moment that I noticed something that sent a chill down my spine.
"This handwriting..." I whispered, more to myself than to him.
I handed the book back to Alexio, keeping my thoughts to myself. "I'd better let you get back to your work. See you later, young master."
"Right! Thank you, Sebas."
I left the room, my mind spinning. As I walked down the hallway, my hands began to tremble.
"That handwriting... it was his handwriting."
A three-year-old child had written a book filled with technical medical terminology, all to convince his mother to follow a treatment—and it had worked perfectly. How terrifying was this boy? How could he even think like this?
Alexio had been overworking himself for too long. Even a warrior needs rest. And yet, he kept going—reading, practicing magic, pushing himself to his limits. Today, he was so tired that he didn't even notice me enter his room. He sat there, reading a book while using healing magic on a fish—a feat requiring incredible focus.
When he passed out from exhaustion that night, I knew things had gone too far. I asked Rita to help prepare a meal, but I decided not to tell her everything. Partly because I didn't want to alarm her, but also because... I had grown loyal to Alexio. Somehow, I admired him. I didn't want to invalidate his efforts by forcing him to stop.
While he ate, I couldn't hold back anymore. I asked him, "Why are you trying so hard, young master? You have plenty of time."
He gave me a strange, thoughtful look. "It's not my time that's at stake. That's why I need to run faster."
Those words stayed with me. When I pressed him for more, he wouldn't say anything. Was he talking about Mylene? What did he know that he couldn't tell me?
Then, in late November, Alexio surprised me once again.
During one of Mylene's routine exams, the doctor assured us that everything was progressing smoothly. When Mylene felt the baby kicking, she invited everyone to place their hands on her belly. When Alexio did, his expression shifted. He froze as if realizing something.
After a few moments, he quietly said, "The kicks feel too low. The baby might be inverted."
The doctor dismissed him immediately. "Don't worry, little guy. It's probably nothing."
But everyone in the room exchanged uneasy glances. If Alexio thought there was a problem, it was likely true.
I confronted the doctor, insisting that we get a second opinion.
The next day, an older woman—one of the few female doctors in the city—came to examine Mylene. Mylene seemed comfortable with her presence. After a thorough examination, the woman confirmed Alexio's suspicion: the baby was in a breech position.
She recommended assembling a specialized team for the birth, and Rubens wasted no time hiring her and the necessary staff.
As the doctor explained the risks and preparations, I kept my eyes on Alexio. I watched the tension in his face ease, and for the first time in a long while, he seemed at peace. He trusted the doctor's expertise.
If Alexio was satisfied, I was too.
How much trust had I come to place in the decisions of a three-year-old?
This boy is truly terrifying.