บท 3: Chapter 2 - Growth
It should be around six months since my awakening.
Ever since I could move, I've been preparing for this. Slowly exercising my limbs so that one day I could explore this place.
I can finally crawl!
As soon as I made the discovery I couldn't wait to show it off to Clarissa, so this morning when I woke up and she was standing before my crib, I put my plan into action.
Usually in the mornings she likes to play with me, and although it's still embarrassing for a 36 year old to pretend to be a baby, whenever I see how much it means to her there's no way I can let her down.
Though I'll never admit that I might be slightly enjoying her pampering.
As soon as she was done and was moving to leave, I got on all fours and started crawling towards her, trying my best to look at her with pleading eyes as if to say 'Don't leave yet'.
When Clarissa saw that, she squealed in delight, her left hand covering her mouth whilst her right was pointed at me, and immediately called for Annette. As the brunette maid dashed into the room, looking flustered as if she had sprinted here, she shouted,
"Mistress Clarissa!", in a panic.
When Annette saw my mother wasn't in any danger, she calmed down and looked towards where Clarissa was pointing.
I felt like I was a model on a catwalk as I strutted around in my crib on all fours, trying to look as cute as possible.
Speaking of which, I still don't know what my new body looks like. All I can tell is that I seem to have inherited my father's fiery red hair, and my mother often comments on how I got my emerald green eyes from her.
In these kinds of settings mirrors are usually supposed to be expensive, so I don't know if a small baron household would be able to afford one. If they could, they certainly wouldn't leave it in a baby's room.
Luckily my efforts seem to have paid off, as I could see from Annette's face that she was struggling to hold herself back from taking me into her arms, not wanting to break her stoic facade. Clarissa on the other hand had no such qualms, and immediately rushed over to pick me up, lavishing me with kisses.
"Oh, my sweet little Cain! You're so cute! When did you learn how to crawl hmm? Have you been hiding it from mommy?", she said in her baby talk voice.
Please stop mother, I can feel my cheeks burning.
Meanwhile Annette looked at Clarissa with a jealous expression in a place where she cant see. Don't worry my sweet Annette. I'll conquer you with my adorableness one day!
As Clarissa was pouring her heart out and Annette stood there staring enviously, a series of footsteps quickly grew louder as they approached the room we were in.
"Clarissa, are you alright? I heard screaming."
It was my father, Abraham. He looked like he hadn't slept in a while as his face was marred by dark circles below his eyes, and a messy short stubble spoiled his handsome face.
If I had to guess how old my parents are, I'd say they were in their early 20s. If they were back on earth, I'm sure they'd be famous for their looks. With Abraham's strong jawline, broad shoulders and sleek yet muscular body, and Clarissa's dainty figure and well endowed assets, they looked like a match made in heaven.
"Oh, Abe, isn't it wonderful? Our son already knows how to crawl!"
Hearing those words, I saw his face visibly relax as he turned to look towards me with affection. His eyes curled up into crescents as he slowly digested the meaning of her words. He moved towards us and held Clarissa and myself in a warm hug.
"Of course it's wonderful! As expected of our son, no doubt he's a genius."
As he planted a kiss on Clarissa, he took me from her arms and rubbed his face on mine, the rough bristles from his unshaven beard rubbing against me.
Sensing my discomfort, Clarissa quickly took me back as she reprimanded Abraham, "Stop it. Can't you see he doesn't like it?"
Looking dejected, my father apologised, but not before being all lovey-dovey with Clarissa some more.
"Sorry Cain. Anyway, if everything's alright here I've still got a lot of work to do."
Seeing his expression as he left, I couldn't help but feel bad for him.
'Don't worry father, I'll make it up to you', I promised.
----------------------------------------------------
After that my mother decided to let me out of the crib so that I could get more exercise by moving around the room. Right now though I'm facing a dilemma. How to get out.
As a baby that's barely learned to crawl, a doorknob that should normally be a simple thing to reach is currently a mountainous obstacle I have no hopes of overcoming. At least not on my own.
As I sit here pondering, the handle is turned with a *click* and I tilt my head up to see Annette looking down at me.
This is my chance.
I fight back my inhibitions and hold up my arms, begging her to pick me up with the cutest face I can muster.
Endure the shame, Cain. This is for the greater good!
Understanding the message, she lifts me up and places me in her arms. Not wasting any time, I point towards the door.
"What's that, Young Master? You want to go outside?"
In my elation I'm about to start nodding but quickly stop myself.
What would she think if a 6 month old baby could understand what she was saying?
Instead I repeatedly point until she gets it, "Alright Young Master, let's take a tour of the house."
Yes! I did it. All my hard work is about to pay off.
We enter the corridor and I take in my surroundings. As we exit, I notice my door is at the far end of the hallway. The floors are covered in a maroon carpet, mahogany coloured doors line the passage and there are what looks to be railings placed further down on the left, leading to stairs which separate the east and west wings. This must be the top floor.
As we go through each of the rooms, we finally arrive at the one I've been hoping to visit the most. The room is lined with shelves stacked to the top with books bound by all kinds of covers.
"This is the library Young Master. Here we keep all the books like the ones your mother reads to you at night."
Having stories read to me every night was actually very beneficial. I was able to connect the words I understood to the words written in the book, and so I've been slowly but surely learning how to read.
She takes a lap around the room as she explains what each shelves' purpose is as I quickly try to scan the titles of every book I see, hoping to find the one I'm looking for.
'Where is it? There must be something here that can tell me about magic.'
She's almost done walking around and there's still no sign of anything related to magic.
We're almost back at the door but still nothing.
Wait. What's that?
I can see it, 'Elementary Guide to Magic and Runes'
I practically leap out of Annette's arms as I lunge towards it, causing her to jump in surprise with a "Kyaa" and almost drop me.
That was close.
"Jeez Young Master, don't scare me like that."
Sorry Annette, I'll apologise later. Once I learn how to speak.
"You want this book? But it's a very boring one you know."
Relentless, I keep pestering her until she gives in.
"Alright Young Master, I'll let the Mistress know that you want to read that book for tonight."
Success. I let out a sigh of relief.
We continue our tour of the house, but my mind is occupied with thoughts on magic.
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