"…Today's news—Our brave soldiers—zzzt—have begun to reclaim almost the entire southern cities—zzzt—from the grip of the ruthless rebels we once knew as—zzzt—the Royalists."
"Oh, what wonderful news! With this, the Royalist resistance will soon disappear from our glorious Kingdom of Felsburg!"
The voice from the old radio crackled intermittently, filling the room with static hums between transmissions. If, in my previous life, this was considered an outdated radio, then in this world, this device still seemed to be the primary tool for spreading news.
The man who cheered upon hearing the news was the person who, at least in this world, was called my father. He looked so enthusiastic that he seemed to forget he was holding me on his lap.
Yes, that's right. He was holding me—and there was no mistake about it.
I still don't fully understand what is actually happening. Every time I try to process the situation, my mind becomes even more blurred, overwhelmed by deep drowsiness. Like a newborn baby… which, in fact, I am. No matter how I look at it, I am indeed just a baby.
It has been six months since I found myself in this body. And honestly, it has been an incredibly boring experience. All I can do is lie down, sleep, and occasionally cry just to maintain the image of a "normal baby."
However, one thing is certain—this world is not entirely unfamiliar to me. Looking at the clothes worn by my parents and some technologies like this radio, I can conclude something. This world resembles the early twentieth century or at least the mid-twentieth century. However, it is very unlikely that this is the late twentieth century.
"With this series of victories—bzzt—The Erzregen wishes to convey something to—zzzt—the loyal citizens of the Kingdom of Felsburg."
Paul tensed.
I could feel his grip on my stomach tighten.
From being full of enthusiasm, he now fell silent. His eyes were fixed on the old radio. I had seen this expression before. Respect. Loyalty. Anticipation.
This idiot… he seems to have forgotten that he is holding a baby girl!
This was not the first time I had listened to the radio with this man. And at the very least, I was grateful for that. Little by little, I began to understand the state of this country.
It seems this nation has just gone through a major political upheaval. The previous king had been overthrown by a faction led by his own nephew—a man named Prince Reinhardt, who now proclaimed himself as Erzregen, or the Supreme Regent of the Kingdom.
I don't know whether he rejected the title of "King" for propaganda purposes or for some other reason. But one thing was clear: this move only increased his popularity.
"Listen, my loyal people—zzzt—this victory we have achieved together is not—"
Then, suddenly—
Click.
The radio went silent.
Paul frowned, looking confused. I briefly wondered if there was a signal disruption but soon realized that the radio hadn't turned off by itself.
Someone had turned it off.
I lifted my head—as much as I could with this baby's body—and saw a woman standing near the radio. Straight black hair, bluish eyes.
Inge.
My mother in this world.
"Oh, Paul, is it wise to let Erina listen to such broadcasts?" she asked, her tone irritated.
Paul. The name of this foolish man. He was a member of the paramilitary unit directly established by Reinhardt. He was supposed to be sent to the southern cities to help suppress the Royalist resistance. However, that plan was canceled because it coincided with the week of my birth. With Inge's persuasion, Paul finally took six months of leave. And this was his last week.
"What are you talking about? Look at how calm Erina is. It's as if she's really listening to the radio broadcast! Maybe she's a genius!"
"She's only six months old, Paul. Besides, she has been very quiet since birth, and that actually worries me."
"No need to worry. Didn't the people at the health center say she's a healthy girl?"
What do they expect from me? I can't possibly pretend to act like a normal baby. Just imagining it makes me cringe.
"Instead of just staying at home, why don't you take Erina for a walk? She's old enough to go outside now. And isn't this your last week?" Inge suggested.
Paul nodded slowly. "Hmm… that sounds like a good idea."
Oh, finally! I can get out of this house and escape my boredom!
"Oh, Paul, look at Erina! She looks so excited!"
"Wow, you're right! This is the first time I've seen her show this kind of expression!"
Damn. I got too excited and unconsciously made an unnecessary expression. How embarrassing.
After that, Paul handed me to Inge while he prepared in the bedroom. Not long after, he came out wearing his paramilitary uniform. His jacket was dark blue, with two pockets on the chest and several royal emblems. His black trousers matched the uniform, and he wore a black Feldmütze-type cap.
"Is that really a good idea? Wearing your service uniform?"
"What's there to worry about? In fact, it's safer this way, isn't it? With this, no one will mess with us."
"…Maybe you're right."
There was a hint of hesitation in Inge's voice, but in the end, she relented.
"Alright, put the warm hat I made for Erina on her. Autumn is starting to set in."
Inge handed over a small black hat, similar to Paul's. Paul immediately put it on me. Sure enough, the hat felt comfortable and didn't make my skin itch.
"Alright, everything's ready. Time to go! Let's show Erina how beautiful our capital is!"
"Yeah, yeah, let's go."
With that, my journey to see the outside world in this unfamiliar place began.
**
After leaving the residential area, we finally entered a busier district, which seemed to be the city center. I was immediately struck by a sight that was both grand and unfamiliar. Towering stone buildings with large pillars and magnificent statues reminded me of early 20th-century European cities. Berlin? Paris? No, there was something different.
The streets were filled with people moving ceaselessly—women in elegant dresses and men in suits, workers in simple clothing, and little children running along the cobblestone sidewalks. The roar of steam engines from trains passing in the distance, the chime of tram bells, and the shouts of street vendors filled the air.
But even though the city seemed lively and prosperous, I could feel that something was off.
At the street corners, several uniformed men stood tall, their eyes watching the crowd with vigilance. Flags fluttered in every corner, bearing the emblem of the Kingdom of Felsburg and the symbol I recognized as belonging to Erzregen. Propaganda posters were plastered on the walls, praising the kingdom's victories over the rebels, while nearby, a weary-looking man sold newspapers with the same headlines.
This capital city was magnificent, I thought. But… for some reason, I felt like the city was holding its breath, waiting for something to happen.
"Isn't this a magnificent city, Erina?" Paul asked proudly, his voice filled with admiration.
In terms of architecture and grandeur, it was undeniable. This city was indeed extraordinary. But beneath its splendor, I could sense something else.
Only now did I notice that some people passing by seemed to be deliberately avoiding us—likely because of the paramilitary uniform my father was wearing.
Paul walked leisurely along the sidewalk, occasionally adjusting his grip on my body. His hands remained firm, but I could feel how he straightened his posture slightly whenever he passed someone. His uniform drew attention—not looks of respect, but of wariness.
I was still busy observing the towering buildings when suddenly, a loud voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Ladies and gentlemen! For a greater Felsburg Kingdom! For a brighter future! It is time to invest in our victory!"
A middle-aged man stood in front of a wooden stall adorned with the kingdom's flag. His suit was dark gray, with a small badge on his chest displaying the same emblem that fluttered all over the city. Above his head, a large sign read:
"Erzregen National Bonds – For Progress, For Prosperity!"
I glanced around. Some people quickened their pace, avoiding the man's gaze, while others hesitated before finally stepping forward.
"With just five Eisenmark, you can contribute to building a stronger Felsburg!" the salesman shouted enthusiastically. "Our armed forces are growing! New technology, new weapons—and you can be a part of this glory!"
Paul chuckled softly, then muttered, "Look, Inge, our country is becoming more modern. Little Erina might grow up in a golden age."
But Inge merely sighed quietly, clearly unimpressed.
"A golden age for whom?" she murmured under her breath, barely audible.
I watched as the salesman smiled whenever someone handed him money, giving them a thick piece of paper stamped with the kingdom's seal. National bonds. Propaganda neatly packaged as an investment.
Then suddenly, I heard a woman's voice—soft, sharp, filled with anxiety.
"I just bought one last week… They said if I don't buy again, I'll be listed in the registry..."
The atmosphere shifted instantly. The woman—a well-dressed mother—lowered her head as she spoke to the stall's attendant. I noticed how she handed over a rather large pouch of money.
The salesman still smiled, but there was tension behind his eyes.
"We all must make sacrifices, Ma'am. Everyone wants Felsburg to be strong, don't they?" he said gently, but there was an underlying pressure in his tone.
The woman hesitated. I could see her shoulders trembling slightly.
"Hah! Judging by her clothes, she must have been one of the Royalists. They must atone for their role in destroying the kingdom's economy alongside King Albert II."
Paul, of course, seemed indifferent. He simply continued walking, carrying us away from the stall. But as we moved further, I couldn't ignore the salesman's voice echoing behind us.
"For our glory! For our future! For eternal victory!"
I nestled my head against Paul's chest, pretending to sleep.
But I knew.
This capital city wasn't just waiting for something to happen. This city was being prepared for something far greater.