The Neighbor's Kid

The next morning, I was the first one up. I have my own room in this house, so I no longer have to share with Paulus. That makes me a little anxious. I’m always there to make sure he doesn’t get in trouble. 

Are the neighbors awake? Today, Dad and Mom will keep organizing our things, and tomorrow, Dad will start going to the shop to organize things over there. I want to know more about this world. It would be good to make some friends my age and see what things are like. This is the outskirts of the city, so houses have more space than the ones in the city. There is no division or fence between the land and the houses here. I want to get out, but I’m not big enough yet. I guess I’m going to practice some magic.

Two hours later, I hear dad and mom waking up. I have an urge to go see them. I wonder if this is a natural mechanism that babies possess. I’m also hungry. Next, I run to their room and try to get on the bed between them.

“Oh? Who is there? Ah! Who is this beautiful baby?” Dad grabbed me to hug and kiss me.

His torso is naked. He is so hot! Looking back at Mom, I see how Dad’s chest is bigger than hers. Too bad, Mom. I still like you!

“What are you looking for, smarty pants? Dad can’t give you milk, you have to come to mommy.”

That’s right! I’m hungry. I flew into her arms and grabbed those breasts with my mouth. Sorry, Dad, Mom is still the best, even if her chest is small.

“Careful little kitten. I love you,” Mom said while kissing me. “Chancho, neighbors will probably come to say hi today. How are you feeling?” Mom asked Dad.

“I’m good, you know how it goes, I’m used to it,” said Dad.

“Are you going to keep your routine?” said Mom.

“Of course, nothing is going to change. We have neighbors now. You will have more people around if help is needed. This sector is a lot safer than where we were living. I doubt any monster will get close here. Plus, I heard a patrol pass by at noon and night. Those are perks of living close to the city,” said Dad.

“You are right. I wish I could join a hunter’s guild. We could save on food from the hunt. I’m not interested in adventuring. However, I can do it from time to time,” said Mom.

“Cato is still too small, and you can’t bring her with you to the hunt. And there is no way Paulus doesn’t get in trouble by himself.”

“You are right, Paulus would be too troublesome to leave with the neighbors, and Cato eats a lot. She still needs to be fed from my breast and given food. She is going to be strong. I can feel it.”

I want to keep listening to their conversation, but I can’t… my eyes are closing.

What are all these people doing? Wow, the market is amazing. So much diversity! I want to know more. This image reminds me of something I can’t remember. I have seen this image before, but I don't recall where I saw it. Oh, that’s right… god talked to me… There were these different kinds of people when he was talking to me. In this white place, at a distance, I recall seeing large beings similar to each of the races, but more animal-like in appearance.

Mmm… I’m in my room again… stretch. Was that a dream? I remember my encounter with god and those people. I can’t get distracted. I’m supposed to have a mission. I want to know more about this world. We don’t have more books. I need to know about history, geography, society, and the organization of social structures, among other things.

It’s about to be noon, I’d better head out to see what all this noise I’m hearing is. Eh? Why does my cheek feel wet? There is baby drooling on my face! What is a baby doing in my bed? Wait, this baby has horns? It must be another race. Neighbors visiting? This is my chance. I need to investigate.

I try to uncover the baby from the blanket… It’s so cute! I wonder if it is a male or a female? It has white skin, black hair, and a small horn over its ears. It looks a bit smaller than me. Let’s take a pick, I need to know… mmm… more hair than usual… a tail! A small and thin tail. Oh, it’s so cute! Male or female? It’s a boy. Ah? His pee-pee is becoming bigger? Ah! He is peeing! No! Not in my bed!

“waaaaaaah waaaaaah waaah.” He started crying.

Let’s cover him a little before someone thinks something weird. Yep… I feel the warm… all warm and wet. I’d better fake I’m still sleeping. I’m sure Mom will bathe me.

“Marcus? Are you awake?” Heard a voice say.

“Cato, time to wake up.”

I immediately sit on the bed and take a look around. I’m annoyed. Who does this baby think he is? To come here, to my house, get in my bed, and pee in my bed sheets and get me wet! Marcus, is it? I gaze at the baby.

“I think you both need a bath.”

“I will take care of the bed.” Said the lady.

“Thank you, Eugina.”

Eugina is beautiful. She has a charming brown skin color, black long straight hair, just like Marcus. Black horns and eyes, a slender body like most people, and a bit taller than Mom.

Mom prepared water in the metal bath and warmed the water with magic. Took Marcus and me, undressed us, and threw us both in the water. Aaaah, warm water, so nice… I gaze at Marcus… Why are you here, too? He was waving his arms in the water without a care in the world. Mom uses a fluffy sponge with soap to scrub us. Eugina comes later and is standing by, talking to Mom. As soon as Mom finishes scrubbing me, I start pouring water on myself with a cup floating in the bath, while Marcus is still laughing and playing in the water. Okay, I have to admit, he is cute.

“Ah? Cato is very advanced for her age, no?” said Eugina.

“He he he… She is quite special. She lets me know when she wants to pee or poo, and she doesn’t cry without a reason. She loves listening to the stories of an old version of the introduction to magic book.”

“Ah? That’s strange for a 3-year-old. Even for an 8-year-old kid to be interested in magic.”

“He he he… yeah, that’s what I thought too. I didn’t have siblings growing up, but Paulus also told me how this is not normal. Should I be worried?”

“Worry? She might become an army general. The sky is the limit for strong people. There is nothing to worry about that. On the contrary, she is blessed by the deities. Why don’t we make a marriage arrangement? Marcus is the same age as her. Ho ho ho!”

Ah! Mom, you better not! What is this marriage arrangement thing? I’m a baby! Also, I’m never getting married! Say no, Mom!

“Mmm… Eugina. I see you think my daughter will have a good future. Maybe it‘s still too early to make a decision. Let them grow a little more.” 

Why do I feel like Mom is looking for the best investor instead of thinking about my feelings?

“Antonina, I promise I will raise the best husband for your daughter. Marcus will join the military and become a governor of a province.” 

“Okay, we will see.”