Months fled as if only a few days had passed. And FitzChivalry was still nowhere near wake as he struggles to fight his sleepiness as he possessed a body of an infant, or so a baby. Nor does the silence that slithers into the empty halls of the mansion, enveloping Lawrence, comfy and warm, help him achieve wakefulness. It was peaceful.
Each night he would listen to the lullaby sung by Estella. Sometimes tales and a couple of histories and events, even basic information to confirm his identity and family. He was born in another body, a prince's at that, nourished by Estella, who took down her position as Arch Countess - supposedly a high rank in nobility - just to support a neglected prince like him.
"Lawrence, are you awake?" she asked above Fitz's crib. Tall and elegant, her hair was blonde and straight, with beautiful honey-brown eyes. She sparked an overwhelming beauty despite her humble appearance.
Lawrence wanted to reply. But his mouth failed to interpret the words in his mind calling, 'Angel from above. Thank you for caring for this ill boy.'
"My beautiful Prince." Estella giggled and brought Lawrence onto her arms.
Now Fitz's wakefulness brought him back to reality as to questioning himself what had become of him and how. Lawrence sinks into his thoughts, 'Months ago, I ventured into war only to return to die. And Arthur, that fool, killed me, who trusted him. Why? Was it because of the dishonourable rumours I failed to acknowledge? But we both knew how useless lies were.
'That leaves me thinking... I had not confirmed what the rumours were about before I obliterated in the cabin, so it never bothered me. Perhaps it reached and bothered Arthur? I never got a chance to understand and learn the rumours since every time I return to the palace, I would stay hidden in libraries. Reading a book or two. A bookworm, the librarian grandma called me. Who died in the hands of my most trusted fellow. And here I am now, for some reason, waking in an unfamiliar place with language I didn't understand, supposedly in a body of a prince.' he paused his thoughts as he sees Estella leans closer with a bottle in her hands.
She smiled, "Here you go, my Prince. A bottle of milk to satisfy your little stomach." handing the small bottle to Lawrence, as he made no movement opposing the bottle nearing him. He took it willingly and chugged the milk into his mouth.
He, then again, continued his trail of thoughts. 'This foreign language I did not understand seemed nonexistent in my previous life, nor does these people resemble any humans I've encountered before. It was more likely for me to have been reborn into another Era or perhaps another world. Then would it mean I was reincarnated?
'But how? That question remains unanswered. The power of Mana only possessed the capability of increasing one's strength, vigour, or speed. There was no mystical about it. Only did it serve as a powerful ability with the sword. To clarify, it had no capability of transferring my consciousness into another body, as if I was reincarnated or transmigrated. Perhaps it was a miracle done by a prophet?' he paused, sighing, 'Why bother? I am here now, aren't I? Treated best by Estella," he nods at himself, giggling.
Estella rubbed Lawrence's giggling cheek, "Do you like the milk, Lawrence? I'm glad you enjoyed it." she said.
She focused her gaze towards Lawrence, this time caressing his hair, "You look like your mother, with that snow-white hair and thick lashes that highlights your beautiful ocean-blue eyes." her eyes were gleaming with admiration but mixed with sadness.
Then, just then, Lawrence saw the glimpse of her sadness and recalled the faint memories just as soon as he was born. 'People from the nobilities gathered to see for themselves the child of the beloved concubine, my mother. And when she died after bearing me, I was tossed and neglected like a scrap of metal from a rusty machine. Not even my father, whom everyone adored, protected me, yet he had the guts to not aid miss Estella with even at least just a couple of maids?' there was a pause.
'I recall some whispers of who was curious of my name, although long ago I didn't understand the language, I was now familiar with it. Thanks to the alphabets that miss Estella sings each night and afternoon. My name is Elijah Lawrence Xavier Kingsley Royale Sage. Quite long, and surely will torment me if ever I was sent for education. Was I to write a long name for honour? That, I blame my father.
'I hear that St. Apple Villa is in isolated land near a forsaken village away from the city. Was I not named a prince? I thought they lived in palaces with a handful of maids! Perhaps even those titled "Prince" meant no significance when your father does not value your existence, nor does it have power without a mother who seeks engagements to society to strengthen their political power and find supporters for his son. But isn't this quite nice? Peace and silence. I longed for this life, and I'd rather live my life like this than go back to living as FitzChivalry.
'The wars I fought brought great news for people in my empire. They cheered and thanked me. But it felt ingenuine, I knew that. I knew they wanted me dead, just like Arthur. Yet had I not realized people spoke ill of me from afar? Behind? Was I a fool for allowing them to use me as a tool that serves his majesty, Arthur? Hah! Yes, I was. Much more than I could have imagined. And look where it had gotten me. Maybe the Gods pitied me that they blessed me with peace and warmth.' he finished his line, also finishing his bottle of milk.
And so, more months fled before he even realized it. He now could crawl and explore. He often sight-sees Estella as she does the cleaning around their Villa. Was he impressed? More than fascinated, for he had learned something unknown..., a power to control an element at will.
'Mother, Estella, produces water on her palm, floating, and has the ability that allows her to bend the water at her will. It was indeed strange and fascinating, for it had helped her greatly when it came to cleaning. I, too, was impressed, but no matter how hard I try to copy the movements of her hands, focus my gaze on her stances and postures, observe her lips if she chants, I still fail to possess the knowledge of how she does it. Or confirm if either it was magic or only a trick to entertain me while I watch her clean. Which one was it?' he thought, desperately continuing to observe Estella.
Often Estella peeks at the curiosity that sparked in Lawrence's expressions, sometimes found herself dazed at the observant attitude of Lawrence. Since Estella was sharp and wise, not to mention, never failing to understand a person, Estella knew that Lawrence would grow as someone recognized by all. She declared that if he had no confidence, she would help him grow it and let the world know what his capabilities were. She knew this because of Lawrence's strange behaviour. It was unlikely for a child to remain sitting for hours, only to watch his guardian clean. And move along as she goes. Estella knew of what he had routinely done and figured he was fascinated by her Inheritance, her magic.
Late at night, Lawrence climbs off his crib to explore the unattended Villa. Slowly and carefully going down the stairs and leaving out of the small pet doors. He sometimes enjoys the scenery of the night sky, but often Estella would find him at the same spot every time and bring him back to sleep. Nonetheless, it was not hard to make the small prince sleep. For he had not cried ever since he was a baby, not even once.
As more months flew by, their relationship grew. Lawrence sees Estella not as a nanny but as a mother. And Estella saw Lawrence less as a prince and more of a son. Moreover, Lawrence had adapted and learned the language and its accent by the passing months. Then a few weeks later, Lawrence made a sound, this time to utter a word so precious towards Estella.
"Mum," Lawrence called her. At that moment, joy flowed endlessly inside her. As she embraced Lawrence, tears started dripping over her cheeks. She was dumbfounded and happy. The embrace affected Lawrence as much as it affected Estella, for he had not been embraced ever in his life except for the man who betrayed him.
But best, peaceful days are bound to end at some point, right? A few weeks remained before Lawrence's first birthday. An event he did not want nor like, and that's all he needed to know. Estella would often mumble to herself, "Do I need to tell him? Nothing good will happen. I doubt those who will come to his banquet are there to greet him a happy birthday, as I am sure the company they want is his majesty." she often repeats to herself, sometimes close to Lawrence.
Then one day, she mustered her courage to face Lawrence and tell him of the upcoming event. "Lawrence, in your upcoming birthday, you-"
"I will meet father, right Mum?" before she could explain, Lawrence answered.
Left in awe, she asked, "How did you know-?"
Lawrence sat, his chubby thighs against the ground, "You would have wanted to inform me about my birthday, right? I hear mum often utter words to herself regarding that matter." his speech and accent were tangled. Just like how it's supposed to be for a young toddler when speaking. But little did Estella know that Lawrence purposely did it.
But even so, the grammar he vocalizes made Estella awe in admiration. "My sweet child, talented and respectful. I will see fit, great garments for your day. I will make you a prince as it is rightfully your title." she said, her eyes blazed with fire.
"But Mommy..., I prefer to stay with you if that's okay," Lawrence asked, his eyes blooming with innocence.
Estella trembled and jumps into excitement at the young lad's cuteness. She pinched his two chubby cheeks gently. "Of course, I would love that. But this is an occasion we cannot avoid, dear," she said.
"Then can you stay beside me during that time, mommy?" Lawrence asked, his eyes sought for endearment and love.
Estella's eyes glimmered, and tears started swelling up. She embraced the young lad and spoke, "Lawrence...," she sniffled, "Stay as you are. People will take notice of you. I'll make them pay attention!" she declared.
"Mommy. To have you by my side is all I need." Lawrence replied, embracing Estella back.
.
.
Will Lawrence stand tall in front of many people in his banquet? Or will there be an unfortunate event to occur?
Many thoughts flooded Estella, but for all she cared, the hug they shared was more important.