Zenith pov
I am Zenith Greyrat formally known as Zenith Latria the second Daugher of Latria family. I used to be perfect millis Lady even though. I didn't have my second birthday yet. I was mom favourite. And the first place on millis school above my classmates and friends always the centre of the praise. to mom that's to be expected as lady from the Latria household the biggest and the most important noble house in millis.
At first I liked being complemented here and there. And our huge library in the house makes every day enjoyable from the fairy tales stories to the heros stories. But my favourite ones was of course the romance ones. (Yes, I always wanted to live a great love story and to be able remember it).
But, that's will never happens if anything that's impossible. Because I'm a Latrian Lady. In our family the men always becomes knights and women are married for alliances. Years passed. and I was already on my last school year when mom suddenly said.
"Zenith after you finishes school you are getting married." (Yes, I am almost adult. But, that's not what I wanted. I want to have love story to be Remembered not just a noble marriage to man I don't even know how he looks like). "Huh"
"I am preparing a marriage between you and the next head of big noble fami.."
"I REFUSE!" that's the first time ever. I refused mom's orders.
"What did you just say?" mom said with a glare.
"I said. No, I refuse to be married like this." As I finished my words I felt an intense pain on my face. Mom had slapped me. And she slapped me very hard. (I felt tears forming in my eyes).
"Then, you are under house arrest. You are not allowed to leave your room. And your books will be taken from you." As she said that she gestured the maids to prepare a lock and take books from my room.
" . " I didn't answer my brain just couldn't comprehend what's going on.
Suddenly, I found my self locked on my room without my books. Without anything. The only thing left was the window from the second floor that have the view of the garden. Suddenly, I heard knocking on the door.
"Leave, I want to be alone" I shouted
"It's me Zenith, I am Therese." (my youngest sister just came Therese a six years-old girl and my favourite on the house. And I think the feeling is mutual).
"What do you want Thereese? If you want me to go out. And say 'sorry'. And accept whatever mom is saying. Then, leave. Because, you are wasting both of our time. I DON'T WANT TO TALK TO ANYONE ANYMORE NOW GO. AND LEAVE THEREESE!" (You know what. I am not sure. Why, I was so mean and I was screaming on face of my youngest sister who isn't the blame in at all. If anything. I am sure she came to calm me down and talk with me. So, I don't harm myself). But I was frustrated. and needed a victim for my frustration.
I just heard cries. And Therese left me alone. And after sometime, I thought of my escape plan. I wrote a farewell note. And jumped out of the window at night breaking my legs then healed them with intermediate healing and escaped not looking back. I escaped searching for my love story. Which, I found one. Not the one I wanted. But, I got married with love.
Before Rudeus birth.
I expected everything to be easy. I got job as a healing doctor at village clinic. (In the village Paul's cousin made us settle in). I worked there till my third trimester. Also, Lilla was helping us on the house very nicely. (She is our new maid and she appears to have a history with Paul which I feel I wouldn't like to hear). So, I left things as it's between them without asking about it.
The birth itself wasn't hard. The problem what happened next. After the birth. Rudeus, my boy, and my son, he was dead.
I was heartbroken and was about to cry. But, Lilla didn't waste time. She ran pushing me to reach him. And started to do strange movements on his chest to get him to breath. And after some time he started to breathe a very weak and hurt breath with agnoy. It was something isn't supposed to happen. (both that Rudeus my boy is somehow breathing and the other is he is a newborn and breathing with agnoy something a kid isn't supposed to feel).
he was breathing a weak breath. But, still he was breathing. Suddenly, she started shouting explaining to me what, I'm supposed to heal him non-stop. if, I wanted him to live. While I was proceeding to heal him I realised he started to lose his colour gradually. Because, he can't breathe. And he was suffocating. My normal healing was just delaying the inevitable. And I was too scared to chant intermediate one and found him dead while I was chanting.
Suddenly he opened his eyes very weakly. And he was trying to make a sound which wasn't audible. So, I healed him again and again. Just to be hear a very hurt moan that's was barely audible. When, I finally chanted the intermediate one he cried. This cry improved the whole room mood. Then, I processed in nursing him. (It's good he is healed. I don't think, I can cast anymore healing for the day. I almost suffered mana exhaustion).
When I thought the problem is resolved. I found the next day Lilla calling me as hard as she can. From the room Rudeus in. When, I entered. I found him blue and dying from suffocation. And if Lilla was late for one more hour. He was probably going to be dead.
After healing him with normal healing just to stabilise his state. Untill I can chant intermediate one. When I finished like his body had returned to live. He pooped and cried hungry at the same time.
While we was taking care of him paul stormed into the room. With his terrifying speed like our adventuring days. When he was fighting monsters. And he was carrying his sword in his hand. (I suspect he was in middle of his village patrol round when he heard Lilla screams).
Lilla after that explained to us that he is suffering from being born as stillborn. Before she revived him. But because she didn't do it perfectly. He will suffer for quite some time. That's the case if his lungs wasn't damaged by her in the process. When, she was pushing his chest. She apologised for failing to help in the birth the right way. We just shrugged it off by saying if she wasn't around we wouldn't know what to do and he will be left to die. (Millis, I can't understand this woman is she is too preserved and stoic it makes me remember mom a lot).
She also said if the stroke of bad luck continues. And she hit his lung while she was doing that strange movement to revive him. He will have 1 of 3 futures awaits him. Either he will heal over time. That's the case if he is strong and healthy or he will suffer till he get treated by saint class healing magic or higher. (preferably king class one). Or the last choice is he is being weak and we don't heal him he will suffer for the rest of his life.
The days continued the same thing happens daily. With the only differences is Lilla every day putting more and more distance between her and Rudi. (She definitely knows something and she doesn't want to talk about it).
Until one day after some months of repeated loop Rudi started crawling a very happy and energetic crawl. Until, he suddenly stops not even after 3 meters he stops and breaths heavily. (Oh Millis even crawling will be hard on his weak body this boy definitely don't deserve this).
When I heal him these days after he started crawling his body became better not cured but better. Now he can be good for 5 days without my healing magic. (The problem at this rate he won't have a good childhood it's a good thing at the time people don't have memories until they became at least 3)
After the healing he usually smiles like he is trying to ease me. (Like he is understanding everything but that's impossible he is still my cute little baby). He usually tries to crawl away to explore the house but his heavy breathing problems holding him back.
And days continue by broken paul who wanted healthy son to become swordsman like him. But that's will never happen at this rate it will be only a dream but him being healthy adult will be our hope.
Just when my mood was going down again he give me the best gift I could ask for he called me 'mom' in middle of my happiness I jumped celebrating and screaming just to find Paul with used diapers on his head. (I had to hold the urge to laugh it was going to be like pouring oil on flames). Then like he wanted to calm him down he called him 'dad'.
For a moment I thought Paul was lost expression or something but what happened was he was celebrating jumping like madman and screaming happy words. After, some time thinking Rudy deserved the suffering we suffered for him.
Days continued. Until, Lilla demanded a meeting. (Which is worrying considering her character).
I hope it's a good thing.
Paul pov
Well, I am Paul Greyrat formally known as Paul Notos Greyrat. My life as noble man failed miserably for 3 reason. (people)
Firstly, I don't like the nobility even for a little bit. Their you find people smile in front of each other faces ehile trying to stab the other on the back. And there where your biggest enemy is your family. So I eloped the house after my mother died. And if want to describe the biggest reason for that will be Philemon Notos Greyrat but for real he deserves not just spot for him. He is literally part of all of them.
He was telling the maids to make rumours around me by repeating all of my past mistakes and bad deeds everyday so it appears I'm doing it daily. At the same time they were only saying his good deeds. And comparing him to my mistake. Making him appears as an angel. And I'm as some kind of demon.
Secondly, I used to be what dad calls a 'sex deviant'. So, dad not wanting to waste his time according to him. And trying to fix the problem by talking to me and and try to solve the problem. He picked the easy and simple solution. And he put me on house arrest me. So nobody can take advantage of me. And he was preparing Philemon to be the head after him. Which I wouldn't mind. Until I learnt the only way he can be head while I was alive is I have to be kicked out of the household. So Philemon pressured me to do bad things and at the same time he was pressuring father. So, father can put me on a forever house arrest where I can suddenly be found dead. Before, this I escaped the house losing the Notos name. But, not before breaking Philemon's disgusting face beyond recognition.
Thirdly is Valentina Notos Greyrat. My mother, my protection wall and my escape. From the harsh noble world to her notorious love. To me she was my only safe side or the painkiller I was taking to survive some how. And she died because Philemon delayed father from getting healer doctor for her. Untill she became a lost cause. Then, he made me the blame. So, he can fuel father to follow what ever he says about me.
Yes, I wasn't cut for nobility in the first place. But, my supposed called brother is the reason to make it everyday a living hell to me. He is the biggest reason I hate nobility. And my only link to it now is my cousin and my friend Philip who didn't want to help me at first. But, when uncle Sauros came and made him change his mind. Philip put me as knight for Buena village.
The truth, I don't blame Philip for not wanting to deal with his uncontrolled cousin. Who happen to be the original head of now enemy clan. When he is suffering on his own. To him I am just unnecessary nuisance. But, still I owe him one.
He put me a knight. on a very peaceful village. With 4 Asuran gold coins salary every month. With, a big house in the middle of the village. (The salary is for me and the watchtowers guards who I should put in the future because the last knight died fighting monsters in stampede along with all the watchtowers hunters).
When, I reached the village and talked to the villagers it made me remember. Why, I left nobility six years ago. And lived on the slums for a year. Then, as an adventurer for five years. They welcomed me very nicely. Then, the oldest reeve Mr Smith. (Who was the deputy chief of the village declared me the new cheif).
He was the vilage elder and leader of council of the vilage and also he was the strongest out of the 7 reeves. He treated me like a proud father who's taking care of his own son. He made me love the village and the villagers.
With his kind treatment to me. He made me remember Rudd my friend from the slums and Mary anne. Both had helped me in everything back then. And took care of me well. Especially, When he Introduced me to the gang from the slums. he introduced me as the gang new boss. The only difference they treated me as friends. While, Mr Smith is akin to a proud father he sees me as a son.
The first thing I did as knight was a quick hunt on the monsters whom infisted the fields. Then, built the house of Bragg. (he is one of the reeves who wanted to settle down with his family). Then, solved the very shy elf-hunter problems and asked him to be on of the watchtowers. (For 2 silver Asuran coins). Which he accepted. And he become my best friend in the village and I think the feeling is mutual.
With this, I solved all the village visible problems in a month. But, I realised all the other reeves treated me with caution and most of them treated me with extraordinary respect. So, I went for Mr Smith to help me. He told me that's the reeves are lower than slaves to nobility. (Which from my name they all assumed I was a noble).
And to make matter worst he told me in near village the knight who had nobility bloodline give orders to all the reeves to be castrated. So, they can focus on their work only. But, the truth he only wanted to humiliate them. So, they have to respect him more.
Then, I asked him to clarify that I'm different from the other knight. And I asked him to stop calling me 'Lord Paul'. So, it will help a lot with the tension and with this I became friends with all of the reeves. Especially, the young boy Pete who was 13 year old but had a great potential in the future because of his strength.
Also Zenith worked at the clinic gaining love. And support. From all the villagers. Because she works as healing doctor. Not because of money. But rather than that to help the village and the villagers. Who, don't have another healing doctor. All of that while she was in her second trimester of pregnancy.
Also, when I posted work for maid job appeared in front of me Lilla who cames as maid and midwife.
(She was the last person I suspected to meet again with. Especially, after all what had happened because of me).
She had came more professional and stoic. Than how she was at her father dojo. (If all goes right with the birth I have to apologise for her properly).
I told her that she will work for me and Zenith and taking care of the house for 3 Asuran silver coins. She give me one of her new pocker fake smiles. And agreed. (I really should apologise for what I did for her at her father Augusta's dojo).
The time ran fast here Zenith reached the 3rd trimester. And stayed home and made a garden for herself. And started decorating the house. To enjoy her time home.
during The birth
The birth was quite easy for Zenith at first. But, when she finished we realised. The kid, our son he is dead. (Stillborn). Me and Zenith were heartbroken I was about to cry and throw the tantrums. (I think Zenith was the same). Then Lilla proved to me once again why she was the star student at her father dojo. She always took her job seriously and diligently jumped pushing Zenith. To start do some strange moves to the kid. to make him breath and have pulse.
Then, ordered Zenith to spam healing him. After what seemed forever to us the kid opened his eyes weakly and breathed hard hurted breath with agnoy. Then, when Zenith healed him again he made a very weak sound of pain. When Zenith used X-Healing he started to cry normal cry of pain this cry made all of us relieved that he had survived.
When the birth finished and Zenith went to sleep. I went to Lilla to apologise for what I did to her. And asked her about how flute and Augusta were doing. She said they are fine and she already forgot about what I did. (A very bad lie. It was one of my worst mistakes). So, I apologised again saying what I did isn't that simple. She just smiled one of her real smile. Then, a twisted one. Where she told me. I'm supposed to celebrate my son's birth. And forget about the past. And by celebrating I'm must eat his birth cake.
(She knows will how to take revenge she know how I hate sweet things and love munching meat & crunchy food and harsh food).
She brought the Asuran cake she made. (The cake is kind of traditional cake for celebrating).
The cake was all squishy and very sweet I chocked very hard many times and. Tried my best not to vomit. And she didn't bring a single drop of water. she had a very twisted smile till I finished the cake. Then, she brought water.
After that, next day I was doing the morning village rounds when I heard Lilla screaming calling Zenith by her name. When I heard her I came running as fast as I could reaching the room to find Rudeus waa suffocating and Zenith had already healed him and he is know a wellbeing.
When we left the room Lilla explained the situation to us. He will suffer for sometime if circumstances are good and if they are bad he is going to suffer for the rest of his life. If he isn't healed by strong healing magic.
When she told me that I remembered mother illness and Mary Anne they both were very ill. Like Rudy I hope he lives healthy life.
I was heartbroken my hope always was for my son to be a better person than me. (ideally in swordsmanship too but that's impossible now).
(So I decided if he wasn't fine by the time of his first birthday I will go ask uncle Sauros for help).
The days became repeated loop for Zenith and Rudi where he wakes-up crying from pain and she heals him. After she do his body starts working and he poop and be fed then sleep for the day.
After, 5 months of repeated loop Rudi started crawling and he was very fast and energetic for young toddler but his illness always gets better of him he can't move 3 meters without stopping to catch his breath.
But he got better gradually and I feel he will be okay. (He is my son after all).
Then, after 10 days Zenith screamed and jumped celebrating I was going to ask what happened to find a used diapers with poop fallen into my face and hair.
I got annoyed and frustrated with what's happening when I was about to demand an explanation the best one came to me Rudi my wonderful son called me 'Dad' I got really happy with his word I think I can understand Zenith happiness.
2 days ago, after Zenith went as usual hugging Rudi very tightly and demanding "Mom" from him almost every minute since he talked. Then, Lilla give her the harshest comment I that I wanted to say in her place. But she beated me in saying it before me. Because, she treat him very wrong way. (I'm not jealous).
What Zenith did was quite the opposite of what Lilla said by hugging Rudi even tighter than the usual and demanded Mom again then thanked her for the advice. I think she didn't understand what Lilla said because that's very wrong. (I'm not jealous).
Yesterday, Zenith came after she sent Rudi to bed. She was deer jumping and she hit Lilla in the way breaking Zenith's plate but she didn't seem to care. She came kissed me then said to me that Rudi called her "pretty!" And she came to rub it in my face. (I'm not jealous).
trying to appear unfazed that's Rudi called her pretty I answered with. "When we have a daughter I will make her call me handsome." I said it with fake smile. (I'm not jealous).
Today while we were in middle of dinner Lilla out of nowhere demanded family meeting.
"Master Paul, Madame Zenith there is important matter we need to talk about."
I hope it's nothing dangerous.
Rudeus pov
I woke up very early and very refreshed. (Don't get me wrong the pain is still there but it's weaker than the usual because of the healing magic on me).
I got down from the crib. And crawled my way out. To start the day, and to search for the people of this house. As usual I found mom and dad flirting. (Can they for a moment think anything other than that).
I know when they enter this mood they will never notice anything around them. At least I think they will stop if I told them that I know I will remember what were they doing in front of me.
(after five minutes think. I don't think it's a good idea to say to them your son is reincarnated person and also thinking about it only my soul and knowledge is what I have with me but the rest are normal kid I think).
Crawling near Lilla as usual. Our column of the house. Without, her I think the house will fall after a minute in hands of the two young couple.
As usual the moment she realises my existence like she saw satan. She either flinches, or gasps, or jump scared, or even make a fast scream. I am starting to think. I am turning into assassination moving doll. Because her scare of me maybe, just maybe I should ask her and try to know Why she is so scared of me? At first, I know she was afraid. I would die at any moment. Now what?
"Lilla... .. up" (I can talk naturally but I don't she is already too afraid by my speed of running and growing up. I think if she discovers everything. She maybe will declare me a demon and burns me). As usual the stoic woman flinches. before carrying me. (Well let's try something new). I gestured her to go out after she carried me.
"Can't do, young master you have to be at least a year old to be able to go out." well at least I tried. Then, I will ask for the usual.
"Hungry!" When I that she brought the same apple like fruit. (The same as yesterday. The only difference between it and the one I was eating on earth is it's milky from the inside).
And my brain for some reason loves it. (I hope it hasn't anything to do with mom and dad genetics).
She brought the fruit cut it as usual. But she did what I was afraid of. (Maybe I cursed myself yesterday by bringing up the idea). She started chewing the fruit and tried to feed it me. The French way. (I need to refuse fast). When she tried to feed me. I closed my mouth and shook my head.
She gasps understanding what I meant. (thank god). Then she cuts the fruit into small cubes. After that she smashed them with her hand. Before puting them in my mouth. So, I can eat them on my own.
"Young master do you happen to be a miko." I just rasied an eyebrow unintentionally. (Well let's play safe I will refuse). So, I shocked my head.
"Young master do you understand what's the word 'miko' means?" I just shooked my head. (This woman asks too many questions today, I want to ask too. but, I will leave it till. I'm older where I can talk without rasing any suspicions).
She just sighs then explains to me the meaning of the word which apparently miko means blessed child and people who are mikos are born with either of knowledge, (probably like me). {or/and} super powers (cool). {or/and} unexplained strength like the prince miko of shrione. (Aren't there one of them who can give others unlimited regeneration I need one like that to stop the pain).
But she also told me this power comes with a very big price. Losing freedom is the least of it. (Then I have to act like normal baby thanks for the undirected advice Lilla).
As they discovered they are mikos they lose their names. After that a high noble foster them where he uses them as a tool. And if the parents refused to hand them over they got executed. And some of the mikos are born without part of their characteristics. Or emotions. And it's an unspoken taboo of the marriages of female mikos. (Then I have to act normally no one will suspect me since I'm still acting like cute little over smart toddler).
I wanted her to close the conversation. So, I yawned. (Pretty bad mannered if you want my opinion. But, I need to brainstorm what I will do in the future). She just smiled and carried me to put me on bed. I wanted to ask obvious question where are the 2 blondes I didn't see them all the day. And when we were near of the rooms my answer reached me.
I got useless information of who has more stamina of the two of them. And who is submissive. And who is dominant. On their good time. If anything poor Lilla. And why in hell they are doing it in the afternoon. (I wish when I grow up I will forget this. Scratch that more better if they do it in moderation when I grow up).
Lilla putted me on crib. So, I can sleep. (Peacefully I hope). Then she left the room leaving me alone.
After 10 minutes of useless tries of sleeping. With, the hangover above my head I got the good idea of using healing magic to sleep maybe even train on the chantless one. After 5 minutes of trying to figure out how I did it last time and failing miserably. I just sighed then started chanting.
"Let the satisfying nourishment regain the lost vigor regaining the lost strength. Healing."
When I finished the chant. I felt electric pass through my body. Started from my liver. Moved to my brain. Then, to my arms. After, that my hands lit. A dim green light. (And is the electrical charge in my body is connected to nervous system I feel like it is the same but not at the same time not. Maybe, human body have a different structure in this world).
I felt the charge. And I also felt. What did this spell did to my left lung. Which, apparently is holed. I guessed from the amount of pain I feel from it. And the fact I'm not dead yet. It appears to be a small hole almost healed. But, this healing magic is too weak to make a difference. I have 2 choices. Either, continuing on trying to figure out chantless magic. Or, try the higher calibre first. (the intermediate one).
After 5 seconds the pain came back so it was deciding X-healing it is.
"Mother of merciful god heal this one's wounds and let the satisfying nourishment regain the lost vigor regaining the lost strength to stand up again. X-Healing." When I finished the long chant. I felt my electric charge moves. In a very fast speed compared to the former spell. And I felt very sleepy all of a sudden but the pain lessen by a lot it didn't touch the hole. but, the pain subdued. (Thankfully).
I started to feel very sleepy. almost asleep. but, I realised the door was slightly ajar. Not closed. (Not like I supposed to care now). and I felt asleep.