Of course, nothing was quite that simple.

A week had passed and though his parents and even some of the villagers who were rather curious and invested, including the elderly feline priest with the strange laugh, further testing yielded no success. At best they were able to take advantage of the anti-gravity on the cottonfluff. Given there were so few villagers there, they really couldn't do it too quickly, but all the magically-inclined adults began to spend their spare time coming together to pool their mana and assist in creating extra crystals.

After all, the more crystals they had, the more cottonfluff could be enchanted.

Originally it was just Rou being amused at the idea of being able to float around on his feet but after busting his ass from getting off balance and worrying his overprotective mother, they began to think of other applications and eventually realized they could help reduce the weight on various things for those who were carrying. But largely the amount of cottonfluff required for all that would have been enormous. But, no dam was built in a day, and neither was a stockpile of inverted darkness crystals or a dedicated cottonfluff farm.

As it were, though, Rou was the first one to benefit from things. Not only had he 'discovered' this, but he also asked the old lady to whom the book originally belonged get her share before others. That, and as she was old, the weight reduction would certainly help in the day to day.

Rou's share?

Cottonfluff-fiber gloves, belt and shoes. Accessories, sure, but it allowed him to hop around like he was weightless and with them on both his hands and feet, he was largely able to stop himself from getting a bloody nose again like with the first tumble.

Also no more crying.

Despite his mental age, the child's body was still very much what it was. While he had assimilated fully by this point, certain things were instinctive. Like crying from falling face first. Quite embarrassing, that.

In his free time he read more and more of the book but didn't really have the privacy to actually /study/ it outside of repeatedly reading it over and over. It's not like he even knew how to write yet, so what would his parents think if he suddenly started trying to take notes and keep a research journal of his own with his understandings and such? Should he just… tell his parents? Not like there's some rule against it. But how would they feel? How would his mother feel? Had he like… replaced their previous child and instead it was him now?

–

"Aether, are you there?"

"Hm? What is it dear?"

Rou spoke aloud instead of in his mind for a change.

"Is Affection available?"

"...well, yes, she is, but she's still rather upset with you. What did you need?"

"Well, I was just wondering, when I came to this world… what happened to the soul that was previously in this body? I was considering the idea of letting my parents here know about the reincarnation and all, but… I realized that it's possible their actual childs soul might have been displaced."

Aether seemed thoughtful. "Well, no, not exactly. It's hard to explain the details, but even I can elaborate on the basic process. See: Originally, we would just stick those few souls that were ferried over by the gods of your original world into bodies that were freshly adults. But the problem was their souls and bodies were so misaligned that often times they simply died shortly after because they didn't have the opportunity to assimilate. Instead after that, we tried reincarnating them into freshly born babies but it was actually incredibly disturbing mentally and emotionally for the poor things. Imagine, going from an adult to a helpless baby, unable to control your bladder or instincts, but being mentally aware enough? Absolutely awful."

"Mm…" Rou shivered, happy he didn't suffer that.

"So eventually we settled on taking a piece of the reincarnated soul and depositing it into an unborn child so the soul could develop briefly and still be whole - well, whole in part so to speak - and that eventually once the soul part and soul whole reached a point of combination we could join them. It's a little different for everyone of course, but in your part, you were joined to the piece of your soul once again when your host body was a bit over three years."

"Aha!" Rou was happier to hear that. "But… host body?"

"Right, right, your mother was infertile from a young age after suffering a rather grievous injury. I won't go into details, I feel you should hear that from her one day, but… we gods allowed her to bear a child, you, as you needed a host and it would have been a blessing for her. It worked out either way. So you shouldn't feel overly concerned about taking away something so precious to her. If anything, because of your needs, she was granted the chance to be a mother. …of course, we probably should start asking, but… actually, that's a good point. We should start asking from now on. Sure, a surprise is lovely, but… anyways, I'll let Affection know I answered your question and that you're trying not to piss her off anymore, okay?" Aether ended in an amused tone, offering to play peacemaker.

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

"Perfect, thank you. And could you let her know that I thought she had a very beautiful tail and that's why I chose to make my future tail extra fluffy like hers?"

"...you're a bit too clever for your own good. Anything else you want me to ply her with?"

The kid thought about it while sitting on his roof, seemingly thoughtful. "Can't think of anything that wouldn't annoy her even more. But perhaps you can ease her punishment if it's still ongoing? She might have a temper but I still trust her not to actually hurt me or anything. I'm guessing she clearly had no idea what effect it would have on me, right?"

Aether wasn't there but one could imagine her nodding. "That is the case, but rules are rules. We gods are not allowed under any circumstance to physically interact with mortals. Though she got around it accidentally through the system we put in place, it still caused you to physically be ill. She has to be punished. It is not simply our rule, it is an existential rule that I will not go further on. It is there for a reason."

"Very well, but… I was the one who was harmed, are you saying I have no say in the matter?"

"...if you insist, I will bring your petition before Creation. He was a bit surly about it but he is also fair."

"Thank you Aether." Rou offered a wave, "At the end of the day she's still kind of my only friend here that I can talk to. I'm not even mad at her about it. I'd rather have her around than feel like I got 'justice' for what took place. Can I just like, preemptively sign away any right to complain to avoid anything like this in the future?"

Aether snorted, "No, but even if there were, I /highly/ suggest you never try."

"I understand your point but even so, it makes me rather sick to my stomach to feel like others are getting punished on my behalf despite me not even having a say in the matter. Especially her."

"...very well, Rou. I hope your kindness doesn't come back to haunt you one day. Affection isn't the type despite her bluster, but that leniency is very dangerous." and the connection was immediately cut.

–

Affection stared at Aether as she floated there in the void, Aether's body just a nondescript energy being without any defined body. Higher-dimensional beings like them could still interact with each other despite the lack of a low-dimension body to reside in, but Affection always did fancy more defined bodies.

Opposite them was Creation, who was just a loose blob of energy that didn't even have a vague body shape.

"He said that did he? Mm… very well. It is a bit unusual for low-dimensional beings to pity us. Is he sound of mind?" Creation mused curiously.

"I believe he is. While I doubt he would have been remotely as appeasing if Affection looked like a giant spider, given his adoration for cute, fluffy animals… he genuinely doesn't blame her, and wants her about because he considers her a friend."

"Hmm hmm hmm." Creation chuckled at the notion. "How funny, how very funny indeed. Affection, you may go. But do count your blessings. If he had not petitioned for your sake, your castigation would have lasted quite a while yet. Probably until his lifetime passed if I had my way. Though Aether granted the two of you a pair of titles to tease you, if by some miracle he does manage to bridge the gap? Your union is to be arranged unless he has no desire for it. Do you wish to disagree?"

Affection had /very/ mixed feelings about everything, but that question instilled an almost primal fear in her, tail tucking and ears wilting as she quietly responded with a simple, "No, I abide your decision." as if trying to remain far mousier than her fox-like nature.

"So be it. Your fate is tied to him. You'd best hope nothing comes from the ripples. And that no further ripples arise from your actions, inadvertent or otherwise."

The warning from Creation terrified Affection who was by comparison a baby to their elder age.

Aether stood there quietly, as it wasn't her place to say otherwise.

Once Affection fled to try and recover her composure, Aether said gently, "You're a bit too soft-hearted. As much as I love her, I am surprised you did not heed my insistence otherwise."

Creations orb-like energy body rippled and he gave another soft, "Hmm hmm hmm." of laughter before adding, "She is pitiable in her own way, accidentally breaking a taboo as she did. Besides, she could use a friend. She clings to you like a mite."

–

Notice:

Creation smiles upon you.

Perk Gained - [Subject to Creation's Whims - This is bookkeeping.]

Perk gained - [Redemption Ticket - Save a high-dimensional being from punishment once. At discretion of Creation.]

Perk gained - [Extended Lifespan - Natural lifespan doubled. Sometimes even the Gods need a friend. Stick around a while longer.]

Perk adjusted - [Healthy Body] -> [Immaculate Soul - Upgraded version of Healthy Body. Your body and soul have achieved a state of unity. Your body will always naturally conform to your souls belief in it. While far from invulnerable, live freely child, and worry not.]

Perk gained - [One-time Luck - Consumable luck, can be used as desired, but only the once. Use it well.]

Constitution: G - 1+ to G - 1+++

Status Removed - [Locked by Aether]

–

Rou, who was at that point laying on the roof and staring at the clouds, seemed quite confused before suddenly feeling equally nervous.

"...all that because I didn't think she should be punished like she was? …well, okay. Thank you I guess."

It was all a bit much. Sure, he came off as a bit spoiled, but he was still a normal person. This was a lot to take in!

Though the soft 'thank you' that sounded in his mind, very much Affection's voice, did make him relax a bit. 'But I still think you're an asshole for using my name as cover.'

The kid laughed at that only to hear as an addition, 'Don't do it too often.'

"Sure, sure." Rou then added playfully, "But since we are betrothed now, shouldn't we be free to use each others names as we like?"

Affection didn't respond at first before finally cursing, "Fleas upon you."

–

Rou was distracted by seeing his father suddenly leap up from the ground onto the roof and walk over to sit besides him. "We'll be leaving soon, if you still wanted to come with me to the city?"

Dominic reached over to rub on Rou's soft head, the boy nodding, "I want to go."

"In that case, come along. Go spend some time with your mother before she gets all weepy and I'll get everything packed. We can head out before long. But it's a long trip, so don't expect it to be over quickly."

"Mm…" Rou mumbled and hopped down, floating to the ground. They'd measured out just enough of the enchanted cottonfluff about him to account for his weight that let him sink like a balloon - slowly, safely, and free to leap around as he liked.

–

After being treated like a hug toy by his mother and smothered in kisses and food for the journey and a few more kisses and hugs, Dominic finally rescued him from his moms confines and asked, "Want to stay on my shoulder, or atop my pack? I need my arms free to avoid us getting smacked in the face by stuff if the need comes up."

Rou thought about it before jumping onto his pack and landing there. Dominic handed him a simple rope to hold onto and off they went. Slowly at first but picking up speed as he waited for Rou to get used to it, and once he was sure Rou wasn't going to fly away, the wind-inclined Dominic began the journey to the capital.