NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4 ♪Yann
Chapter 4
♪Yann
“Happy first birthday!!!”
So, I turned one year old.
Surrounded by my parents and all the servants, the celebration was a huge, chaotic event. At this point, it had nothing to do with me anymore.
“It’s been a quick year, hasn’t it? Kids sure grow up fast.”
“Yes, dear. He can stand with support now, and also…”
“Ah, the spirit magic! Our son is truly remarkable. He can use it at a level comparable to an average adult, just by playing with blocks! Our son is indeed a genius!”
That’s what my parents are saying, but to be honest, I think they’re just being overly doting.
This ridiculously extravagant birthday party is a bit much, isn’t it? These beautiful parents of mine.
I jabbed a tiny fork into the sausage in front of me, brought it to my mouth, and chewed it.
I recently started transitioning away from baby food.
The joy of chewing food…
“Master Jack, you have some food on your face.”
The twin-tailed maid, who took care of me, wiped my mouth thoroughly.
Having grown accustomed to life as a baby, I didn’t resist.
Since she regularly changes my diapers, there’s no point in being embarrassed about something like this.
“Anelli, you’ve taken good care of Jack for this entire year.”
When my father said that, the maid called Anelli waved her hands modestly.
“Oh, it was nothing! I didn’t do much…”
“No, you’ve made things much easier for both my husband and me. This is a good opportunity, so we intend to give you some paid leave.”
“What…? R-really…?”
“Yes. You should go see your family.”
“Thank you so much! But…”
Anelli looked at me and smiled softly.
“It wasn’t really that hard. Master Jack is…how should I put it…very dear to me as well.”
She gently touched my cheek.
It felt a bit ticklish, and I couldn’t help but smile.
My father laughed heartily.
“Our son is quite something. At this age, he already knows how to charm women.”
“Hehe. I just hope he won’t grow up to be the kind of man who makes girls cry.”
“It’s alright! I’ll make sure to keep an eye on him!”
Anelli puffed out her chest and said this, causing another burst of laughter.
For now, I let myself forget everything and surrendered to the laughter that enveloped me…
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“Master Jack, it’s time for our walk.”
The day after the birthday party, around noon, Anelli picked me up from my bed.
Our daily routine included walking around the mansion with her carrying me.
Anelli poked my cheeks and chuckled.
I’m glad you’re enjoying this, but it’s a bit embarrassing, Anelli.
Anelli left the mansion and walked through the gates.
When she greeted the gatekeeper, he greeted her back.
The Leiber family mansion is located near a forest.
Anelli walked along the path towards the forest.
“Master Jack, I’ll be on break starting tomorrow.”
As she walked, Anelli spoke as if to herself.
“I plan to spend time with my family. It’s been so long since I last saw them…”
Anelli’s face looked a bit lonely as she said this.
So, despite not being able to talk, I reached out and gently touched her face.
“Are you comforting me? Master Jack, you really are good with women.”
Anelli smiled and said,
“But it’s okay now. It was a bit lonely before, but from now on, we’ll be together all the time.”
Did Father notice that she wanted to see her family?
As expected of an earl, you probably need to be able to do that to be entrusted with an estate.
As his son, I’ll have to learn to do the same eventually.
Under the arching branches, Anelli walked while carrying me.
A breeze blew, and the sound of rustling leaves spread.
“The wind feels nice.”
Occasional patches of sunlight filtered through the leaves, warming me.
It’s probably spring now.
Based on my experience from this past year, this region has distinct seasons.
It was cold not too long ago, so it must be spring now.
My birthday is likely around the end of winter or the beginning of spring.
…Oh no. I’m getting sleepy.
Being a baby means getting sleepy quickly. It’s quite a hassle.
Even if there’s something I want to think about, my thoughts get jumbled…
…I can’t. I’m too sleepy…
“Hmm hmm hmm…♪”
I hear humming.
Perhaps because she’s in a good mood before her break, Anelli seems happy.
But this melody…I fe
el like I’ve heard it before…
…Did Anelli sing this before…?
In my hazy consciousness, I listened to her humming…
“Hmm hmm hmm…♪”