I decided the I was going to watch over the baby, but I’m not entirely sure how to do that. Frankly, I’m not interested in bringing success to some random kid that I know nothing about. But it seems to be a key part of completing whatever task this world assigned for me and moving on. So, I guess I can put some effort into it.
The baby reached 2 years old, though it’s hardly a baby anymore. Cassius now has slightly less chubby, yet still chubby cheeks. His silver blue hair has grown out just enough to call it a hairdo, he has big eyes that are the same color as his hair. He is walking around and is fair to call energetic. His sentences are somewhat coherent and usually just call for attention, though he occasionally has fully thought out ideas.
I’ve never really been around kids in my life so I have no clue how he is supposed to develop, nor am I sure how to even describe his development.
But one thing has happened, one big thing over these past few months. That is his language skills. I am now able to comprehend what Marcus, Claudia, and Julia are saying. There are more people in the house, but I’m not interested in any of them.
The maid Fabiana has my interest too because she’s hot. But she never really says anything interesting, just acknowledging orders.
Anyways, I’ve learned Marcus was a former soldier, he seems to be a strong one too. That is because of his swordsmanship, I’ve seen him train plenty now because Cassius loves to watch it and he moves like no human I’ve ever seen before. He is agile, strong, and clever in his mock battles with Julius. If I had to describe it, the combination of the strongest athletes of my world into one man. He also seems intent on raising Julius and Cassius into soldiers like him. He spends a long-time training Julius every day and has a satisfied look on his face when Cassius runs around the yard.
Marcus is also a pious man apparently; he says a prayer before every meal out loud. Claudia doesn’t pray with him, but Julius does. I realized the times when he looks off to the distance is when he talks war stories with Julius. Marcus seems to have complicated feelings about war, as he will tell tales of defeating strong opponents alongside warnings of the cruelty of man.
I personally dislike the stories, whenever he talks about his wounds or killing a man I imagine seeing it or it happening to me and it causes me to squirm. Cassius can’t comprehend the stories yet, but when he talks about magic or a cool technique the boys’ eye light up. Though, mine do too.
Magic huh, perhaps this is the force that is controlling me. I dislike the thought of someone or something using magic to control my life. Though I can’t really draw conclusions on this yet.
For the record I have tried using magic on many occasions, however, I don’t seem to be capable of it. Cassius is, but I will get back to that later. Julius seems to have some skill with magic, according to Claudia its nothing exceptional.
I’ve learned that Claudia is apparently an extremely skilled mage. I’ve never seen her cast magic, but when she teaches Julius, it is extremely detailed and easy to understand, also she is constantly reading books and papers written on magic when in the study.
Cassius doesn’t seem to like the study, not only does he dislike sitting around for so long, but he doesn’t understand what Julius and Claudia are talking about. So, he tends to lay down and watch the fire. I would prefer if he wasn’t so close to it, but Claudia seems fine with it so it probably is.
Claudia has silver hair and eyes, and whenever Marcus needs to make a decision regarding administration of his territory, he consults her. Marcus seems to be the lord of the territory we are in, should he be spending all day teaching his kid swordsmanship? Well, it’s not likes here all the time, but I’m still kind of concerned. Anyways, Claudia is extremely knowledgeable on not just magic, but all other matters in this world.
Julius is an extremely dedicated swordsman, and while he may doze off in magic class, he seems willing to put effort into learning it. He also practices swordsmanship and studies other subjects. Frankly, he is a hard worker. He has pure blue hair and silver eyes, with a muscular build for his age. He is about 11 years old now and in my world he would probably be an athletic prodigy.
Welp, that’s all I really know about them for now, anyways, there is something more important happening today. Something that has not happened once since coming to this world. Something so shocking, it will disturb you to the very core. After 2 years trapped in this estate, seeing nothing but the walls and the garden we are… going outside.
What is the discord moderator’s nightmare is mine fantasy. For you see, I am curious about what a city looks like.
I mean, it’s an ancient historical city, we are going to the capital no less. This is what boys have wet dreams about when they aren’t thinking of women. Anyways, we are taking a two-week carriage trip starting in a day or two, I’m pretty excited.
…
The first day of the trip is here, the carriage is high quality, though that is to be expected. The atmosphere is weird, but not abnormal. Claudia had Cassius on her lap doting on him, Julius is holding back carriage sickness, and Marcus is on guard keeping an eye out in every direction. The captain of our territories guard named Brennos is the one drawing the carriage. I don’t see him too often, but he is definitely a good guy.
I was not disappointed by the town. It is not very big by my American standards; about the size of an average town in the US. The buildings are made of stone, concrete, brick and wood in an open style. The buildings all had ways to close windows and doors but no one chose to… does crime exist here?
The roads are bumpy, but cars in my world were bumpy too, not that I ever got my license. I wonder what he is on guard for, maybe there are bandits in this world? Or maybe magical beasts or demons.
My imagination is running wild, what boy wouldn’t be excited for a fantasy battle? Well, I’m probably no good for me to think like this, the less danger Cassius is in the better. If this carriage ride ends with no fights that’s all the better for me.
The scenery outside of the carriage is peaceful, fields of wheat, olive, grape, and pasture spread across the land. The hills fail to conceal grand mountains to the north, clouds sprinkle the sky, occasionally blocking the sun, only for the sun to free itself again.
It’s probably just because it’s the first new thing I’ve seen in 2 years, but it’s beautiful. My eyes wander to Cassius, still on his mother’s lap, eyes shining and locked onto the scenery. I couldn’t help but crack a slight smile at the cuteness.
AH STOP. Don’t start liking this kid that’s not even yours. I know exactly what attachment will get me. I have to look over the kid because it’s my job. There is no point going any further than that.
Camp was made once the roads were decided to be unfit for travel. Marcus let his guard down and got a few hours of sleep in the carriage near the end of today’s trip. Two tents were set up, a tent for Marcus and Brennos. Then a tent for Claudia, Cassius, and Julius. A fire was made, and rugs were set up beside the tens.
I didn’t feel like staying in the tent so I sat by the fire where Marcus was staying awake to guard. The orange flames gently illuminated his muscular silhouette, he wore a black and gold tunic, sandals, and kept a long sword at his hip. Brennos sat by his side for now.
“Nothing so far huh” Spoke Brennos.
“More likely than not we will get to the capital without attack. But you can never be too careful, especially when word is out about the journey.”
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“How do you know?”
“Summons from the king upon arrival, I only told my father.”
“With how many enemies you have I guess being cautious is a must. But I doubt anyone is foolish enough to oppose you with frontal means. Declaring war on you would be declaring war on the entire army. Not even the king can stand against you directly.”
“It’s the fact that no one will stand against me that scares me. In a head on confrontation, I cannot be bested, but my family on the other hand.”
Marcus stared at the tent. It seems like a lot is on his mind, but alongside that is a burning determination.
“The War of the Yevenies took everything from me. My father, mother, sisters, my friends, everything and everyone was lost. I became a monster, someone who belongs alongside the demons of hell, not men. I pushed everything and everyone away, convinced that human connection would only mean pain. That solitude and emptiness seemed as if it would continue forever... until I met Claudia. That woman collected the ashes of hellfire, and made something beautiful, sharing it all with me.”
He was left all alone…
“My family is the only thing that makes living in this world worth it. I will do everything it takes to protect them, be it god or devil as my opponent.”
He spoke quietly, almost inaudible from the crackles of the campfire.
He obtained something beautiful after losing it all huh…
Suddenly, I don’t feel like listening to this story any further. I enter Cassius’ tent and fall asleep soon after.
…
The next week passed just like that; however, Julius seems to be training hard in the morning and at night. I know why, like me he heard his father’s conversation. I bet to a child who never pondered the idea of death, such a conversation would invoke true horror. The idea that someday his beloved brother and parents could be taken from him.
Aside from that, the days were a monotonous long haul. I never thought about how boring travel must have been. Though that is just for them, for me who has been spending his days watching a baby grow up this is peak excitement.
Just like a release of my favorite anime, this scenery has my complete and undivided attention. Except instead of big titties and violence, this view is of goats and sheep… Truly magnificent.
Jokes aside I could definitely say I enjoyed the journey more than being at the estate. At the halfway point there is a town called Irrylia. it’s a city of similar size to Actium, the city where Cassius is raised. The key difference is the size of the market.
The city of Irrylia exists at the crossroads of all the other paths to the capital from the northeastern territories. It is therefore a hotspot for traders, While there was one large river on the path already, this river marks the halfway point of the journey and is truly large, making for a good supply of fish and clean water.
The city has one aqueduct that only brings water to the center of the city, but that is enough to meet the most basic drinking water needs. As such many of the residents travel outside of the walls every few days to enter a bathhouse, leading to large foot traffic across the walls.
There exist a few commercial bathhouses in Actium, but those are private owned and therefore charge a few of a couple Cleia. I have not yet established a currency conversion to USD for the Cleia, but it’s a goal. It would seem a meal for a commoner in this country costs about 2 Cleia, so I would say 1 Cleia could be worth 2-4 USD, they are relatively close in value.
The fact of the matter is that bathing can not explode as a culture as it has here because it costs money that could hardly be spared. Though it could likely be worth the money for Actium to build one, a cities sanitation can greatly improve economic outcomes. Healthy workforces can increase productivity and good city life can attract new residents. I seem to be rambling, but you get the point.
I personally could not see myself enjoying a bathhouse, the idea of a bunch of dudes seeing me naked makes me squirm. I feel like that is definitely an environment I could be bullied in, though every environment is already one I can be bullied in.
It wasn’t long before we reached the city center and the estate found there. The lord of the land was there, he was named Livius Carbo. Among the lords of the region Carbo is the most famous, not only for his wealth, but for the histories he has published.
It would seem he leaves all the administration of the provinces to his subordinates so that he can learn history all day. Honestly seems kind of reckless to just trust other people to do all of your work for you, but it seems like it’s going ok.
We were scheduled to meet with him tomorrow because it’s a custom to greet your child to those who have supported you. Marcus told a story to Julius and Cassius about how Livius saved his life during the war, and therefore they needed to respect him. Cassius did not understand what he was talking about, but Julius seemed determined.
For now, they settled in an estate that Livius prepared for them. It’s significantly smaller than the one in Actium, but that is to be expected. There were also servants there to take care of them during their stay.
For the first time in the week, Marcus slept soundly, does he really trust this Livius guy that much? Claudia joined him immediately. Marcus and Julius were then led to separate rooms, but Julius chose to sleep with his brother and Cassius accepted it.
After dinner, the family went to pay respects to the fathers’ beneficiary. When I saw him, I got the impression of an old wise man. He had wrinkled skin, inquisitive brown eyes, a full head of white hair, and a small build.
There was one part of his behavior that stood out to a tremendous degree. His constant usage of magic, after entering his room, he put away his books with magic, pulled out a chair with magic, and poured water with it too. All without moving a muscle.
He wore a white toga, embroidered with golden thread. Sandals that were blatantly expensive, a golden wristband, and golden necklace.
“Welcome to my estate Marcus, I see your boy has grown quite a bit since we last met.”
“He is healthy and growing strong just as I have wished. I thank you for taking the time to meet with me. On this occasion I bring introduce to you my newest son Cassius.”
Claudia took Cassius’ hand and led him to the old man before them. She backed away after leaving him before Livius. The old man appraised him to a great degree, watching his every move, analyzing his facial expression.
“This boy will grow into a great man, I’m sure of it. Be proud Marcus.”
Huh? What is this guy talking about?
I mean, I don’t disagree per se, but can you really tell that by watching a 2-year-old doze off into space. Well, maybe this is a sign that the kid really is special.
Marcus did not really react to this news, but Claudia smiled warmly, and Julius had a look of pride on his face. I don’t know why but a warm feeling enters my heart to a slight degree. Though I choose to ignore it.
The discussion turns boring quickly, about various noblemen and relationships. There are also some war stories. The discussion moves from the study to the living room where the men take glasses of wine.
A beautiful girl walks in not long after. She has golden hair, green eyes, fair skin, and an alluring figure. She appears to be 19 years old and demure.
“I have arrived father” She says to the old man.
“Take a seat next to Claudia here.”
Hm, wait a second. Looking at the two of them side by side, Claudia definitely compares to her in beauty. Yet for some reason, I don’t find her attractive. Is this another aspect of shared consciousness?
Whatever, it doesn't really matter.
As the conversation progresses into the night, the conversation turns more serious. The fire starts to die out and light exits the room.
“The new king, what is he like?” Marcus asks.
“Quite eccentric certainly, but also strong. He is wise, knowledgeable, confident, and bold. Though, he seems to think war is on the horizon. The military is being built up as we speak, and defensive works are being erected. Measure to avoid war are not being pursued to a great extent.”
“If the king wishes to fight, then I will fight alongside him. That is certain. But my children shall take no part.”
“You will fight? Even if the king is a fool who fights pointless battles?”
“Watch your tongue when you speak of the king.”
“Still loyal to a fault huh? Not that I dislike that about you. But just as losing your children is a nightmare for you, your children losing you is a nightmare for them. Don’t think you can sacrifice your life without consequences.”
“I know dying on them is selfish… but it’s the least I can do to atone.”
The atmosphere grew heavy quickly after those words from Marcus and Claudia escorted Julius out of the room. Cassius stayed as he had no understanding of the conversation anyway.
In my old life I never could handle conversations like this. Come to think of it he is my age, what the hell happened in this guy’s life?
“If you wish to atone you need to stay alive boy. A dead man helps no one.”
“But if I continue to live at the expense of others, nothing will change.”
“That is merely your perception, in my eyes you have done more than enough.”
“Nothing will ever be enough.”
“What you have now is enough, you have a beautiful wife, you are raising children into good men. You defended your people from heinous threats, and you rule your land selflessly.”
“What do you mean selflessly?”
“I have heard the meals you eat of bread and oil. You have just two servants. And you have not updated your estate since inheriting it. Despite coming out of the war one of the wealthiest men in the country. What do you do with your vast fortune?”
“That is not fortune earned, it is blood money and plunder.”
“And where many men would spend that blood money on women and luxury, you give to the poor and needy.”
I wonder what I would have done if I won the lottery. No, I was left with quite a bit of money by my parents… could I have done what he did?
No, I have no obligation to do shit for anyone, this is his choice. What does it matter how I spent MY money. I mean, I obviously didn't ever have enough, considering I was technically homel-
My thoughts were cut off by the words
“Dad you’re cool! You help people like a hero!”
And those words caused a single tear to fall from his left eye, out of sight from Cassius, though Livius saw.
“Come on, let’s go to sleep.”
Like that the day ended and the family returned to the estate prepared for them. Marcus, still emotional entered the bath with his wife. Brennos put the kids to bed and left to patrol the estate grounds alongside of the security provided by Livius.
So, Marcus is trying to atone for the mistakes he’s made. This war that keeps getting mentioned seems to be an event that changed many peoples lives.
After a night of sleep, they departed. Livius saw them off with the parting words of ‘be well.’