In a study room similar to that of Aurora, Sophia was busy reading a book. Hajime was sitting on her lap as she flipped through the pages.
Countless other books were arranged all over the desk. The titles varied among the books but they each had one word in common: mana.
Being a child wasn't that fun for Hajime; he was a grown man in a child's body. He felt he should make better use of his time.
"Mom, what are floraliths?"
"Hmm, how do I put this in a way- ah I got," Sophia cleared her throat.
"My little boy, you remember the tales about elves and vampires that I told you when you were a baby, right?"
"Yeah?" Hajime tilted his head sideways.
"Well, Floraliths are kind of like them but unlike elves and vampires, they're real. They look like humans and think like humans but they grow from seeds. They're very important to the survival of humans."
"Why is that?"
"Because Floraliths have a different mana in their bodies than us. It's stronger and has more potential," said Sophia before she stared at the wall, her chin trembling.
"Why can't humans learn to use Floralith mana then?"
"It's not possible. Mana is part of a being's essence. It's an intrinsic property, one cannot change their essence even if they wanted."
"But they can bond with humans and then you can use their mana. These humans are called Floral Attuners."
"Are you a Floral Attuner mom?"
Sophia sighed heavily and shook her head no.
"Why not mom? Are you weak?"
"Hajime please, mommy isn't weak. It's just mommy wasn't lucky." said Sophia with tears starting to form at the corners of her eyes.
Hajime hugged his mother tightly.
"I'm sorry, I won't ask anymore."
"No no, it's okay. It's just that I'm a Nectarborn."
"What's a Nectarborn?"
"We can only use regular mana but we can't bond with floraliths."
Suddenly the door was sprung open. Aurora rushed inside with a small plant pot in her hands.
"Hey! I have the perfect birthday gift for you Hajime."
Aurora ran to the table and placed the pot down. Inside was a single sapling.
"It's an oleander!"
Hajime's face turned white and he started to sweat. He instinctively shoved his head backwards into Sophia boobs. As they both went tumbling down onto the floor, Sophia cushioned Hajime's fall.
"Wha— Ouch!"
Sophia yelped as her back hit the floor. She looked down at the child who was cradled on top of her breasts.
"Hajime!?"
"I'm sorry." Hajime apologized.
"Now why did you push mommy like that!?"
"It's just I-I-"
Hajime didn't know what to do. Should he tell his mother about his past life or would that only make things worse?
"You can tell me anything." Sophia said.
"I-It's just that I saw a picture in a book that said oleander is poisonous. A-And, and."
"Hajime, calm down. Don't get so worked up," soothed Aurora.
Aurora helped Hajime and Sophia up. She patted his head and handed over the plant to Sophia.
"I didn't mean to startle you. This oleander is perfectly safe. It won't harm you and it's still too young." explained Aurora.
Too young my ass, I was the one who died too young, thought Hajime.
"Are you sure mother?" asked Hajime, fidgeting with his hands.
"Positive. Besides, you're already six Hajime. I think it's time for you to step up your game. You can't cry like a little girl forever."
"Sure..." he said.
"Now why don't we take a closer look at this plant? Go on, touch it."
Hajime gazed closely at the slender leaves of the plant. It was a beautiful shade of purple, similar to that of Hana's oleander. But unlike the ones on earth, the leaf tips weren't jagged. Instead they curved upwards into fine points.
"How is it different from the pictures?" asked Hajime.
"She's your new baby sister!" said Aurora.
"Gyuhn," Hajime choked.
"She's a floralith?"
"Wow, I was just telling him about floraliths." said Sophia.
"Mhm, Tella told me to raise her and study her," said Aurora.
"Aurora, please don't address the Empress so casually."
"I'm a court scientist under her direct command, so I guess it's fine."
"Still...did she say anything else?"
"She mentioned something about Voragence but that theory has no foundation. Anyway, I'll figure it out later."
Sophia rolled her eyes and turned back towards Hajime.
"Any questions dear?"
'Voragence sounds like a totally friendly name. Nope'
Hajime shook his head and smiled.
"You're thinking of asking about the name aren't you."
"Um maybe."
Sophia kissed Hajime's forehead.
"You can name her when she's born."
"Okay. But what does Voragence mean?"
Aurora rubbed her chin.
"Hmm, I think it means intense possession? Intense obsession? Or was it intense craziness? I'm not sure darling but something with intense."
'Fuck, I'm doomed.'
"Hajime do you want mommy to teach you how to play Piano?" asked Aurora with a sparkle in her eyes.
Hajime felt a chill run down his spine. He glanced at the flower pot and he swore he could see the flower glaring at him.
"Y-Yes please teach me."
"Wonderful, I can't wait to spend more time with my sweet boy."
Sophia rolled her eyes and scooped the pot up.
"Best of luck Hajime, not even mommy can save you from her music." said Sophia
"Huh what do you mean?" asked Hajime.
Before the poor child could find an answer, Aurora pulled him out of the study and shut the door.
"So let's start with a scale," said Aurora.
Hajime and Aurora sat beside the piano.
"Mom, the piano is too big for me."
"It's okay, I'll help you."
Aurora lifted Hajime onto the piano bench and scooted next to him. She patted the ivory keys gently, causing a beautiful melody to ring out.
"Now follow my lead."
The next hour was absolute torture for Hajime. Aurora tried everything she could to teach him how to play the piano. No matter how hard he tried, Hajime always messed up. He pressed the wrong keys and broke the notes.
"Mom, I really can't do this anymore,"
"Well, practice makes perfect. Now start again."
"Mom please, it's useless, I'll never learn."
"Nonsense Hajime. Practice is the most important part."
"Fine," Hajime grumbled.
Aurora smiled and kissed his forehead.
"That's my little musician."
"This isn't my career mom. Can we go eat or play chess or something."
"Hajime, you're a smart boy. You can do this."
Aurora continued to encourage Hajime until finally, he broke.
"Aurora, he's tired. Why don't we take a break?" interrupted Sophia.
"Give him another minute. If he still can't do it then we can try again later."
"Please no more, my fingers hurt from pressing so many keys."
"Alright, I'm sorry. Maybe we should stop for today," said Aurora
"Yes, please."
"Okay, we can continue tomorrow."