Chapter 16: Settling In

As Caleb's mother listened, her eyes moistened and she turned to look at Caleb. She went on ahead to check every part of his body to make sure he had no injuries hidden from view.

"I'm fine, you don't have to worry too much", Caleb assured her with a smile. But she only cried more. She pointed out, "You don't even address me as mother anymore. Don't you remember me?" 

Caleb's heart ached to see the woman break down before him. He had to console her multiple times to calm her down. "Mother...." Caleb began, looking directly into the woman's eyes. "...I'm fine. Nothing will change the fact that you gave birth to me, even if I don't remember." He muttered close to the end. 

The mother nodded while wiping her tears away. She turned to the butler who had been standing in the distance all this time, "Alex, call for the healers to take a look at Caleb's condition. Meet us in his room." Alex received her instructions and rushed to carry them out.

The duke stood there silently observing everything. He sighed and then said, "Selina, Caleb will be fine. He just needs time." He said placing a hand on her right shoulder. Selina nodded vigorously. She took Caleb's hand and led him to the estate, taking him to his room.

Duke Zane followed behind them silently. They made their way through the hallways to the private quarters. They reached his room after a few minutes of walking. The bedroom was adorned with the finest silks, tapestries, and furnishings, all bearing the ducal colours and insignia. An enormous four-poster bed, draped in shimmering curtains, dominated the space. In the corner stood a magnificent wardrobe, its doors inlaid with intricate arcane runes.

Once again, Caleb was impressed with what he saw. His mother led him to sit on his bed while checking him more. She was still not satisfied with the previous examination.

Getting a hold of her hands, Caleb reassured her again, "I'm fine; really. Don't stress yourself about nothing." As touching as this was, Caleb was finding the care suffocating. He was starting to feel bad about everything.

Selina understood she was overdoing it and stopped. Duke Zane instead said, "Selina, this is why I didn't tell you before. You worry too much and over nothing. Caleb is fine. Even without his memories, he is still here and that is all that matters. You have all the time to tell him about himself" 

Selina listened to her husband and nodded in understanding. Not long after, a knock was heard.

"Come in," Selina responded. Alex opened the door and entered. Behind him was the main healer of the estate. Selina immediately called her over to quickly examine Caleb. "Crescent, examine Caleb and see if anything is wrong with him."

At this point, Caleb and the duke sighed tirelessly. The woman was stubborn as hell and until she was satisfied, she was not leaving him alone.

Crescent proceeded with her examination. She first exchanged pleasantries with Caleb before using her magic on him. Caleb just allowed her to do what she must. If bearing this was all that was needed to calm down his mother, then by all means.

After the examination, she turned to Selina and informed her of her results, "Ma'am, there is nothing wrong with Lord Caleb. He has never been healthier." Crescent said, before stepping back. 

Caleb breathed out a sigh of relief and stood up. "You see, I'm perfectly fine. So you can stop worrying now." Selina nodded and instructed Crescent and Alex to leave them.

"So what now?" Selina asked. Caleb looked at his parents and proceeded to tell them of his plans. 

"I want to relearn everything that I need to know. About this world, the races, the kingdoms, everything." He paused briefly before looking at his father. "And if it's possible, I'd like to have a room for research purposes. Also, my combat abilities may still be there but I'd like to not rely only on instincts and muscle memory to fight."

The duke and Selina took in everything and nodded. Everything Caleb mentioned made sense. He, however, didn't understand why his son would want a lab. Only pure mages usually use those. 

"Very well. You can find all the information you need in the library. I'll assign a helper to aid in what you need and the lab will be ready by tomorrow." 

Caleb acknowledged his father's words. Selina chipped in at this point, "Will we see you at dinner? Or would you like to rest and eat alone?" 

"I'll join you for dinner, Mother. Just send someone to inform me when it's ready. Right now, I want to settle in." Selina and the Duke nodded and Selina made her way out. She noticed her husband stay behind, probably because he still had something to say.

After the door was closed behind her, the duke focused on Caleb and informed. "When you are ready, I'll tell you about the mission that led you in this condition. I've also sent word to the royals about your situation."

Caleb was curious about what mission got Caleb killed. But he already had plans and decided to find out about it when he needed to. Finishing his piece, the duke exited Caleb's room. 

Left alone, Caleb collapsed on his bed while thinking, 'Now that I'm settling in, it will be easier to do all the research I need to understand my abilities and hopefully pick up new and novel things.' 

He had taken quite a look at his system and noticed some other functions he had missed. He didn't know if it was a joke or something like a tribute to who he was. But the system came with an inventory and inside of it was a white lab coat. He did plan on wearing it though. He kind of liked the look.

"Starting tomorrow, I'll start my plan. And once I'm done with it, I can start exploring this world with no fear." Caleb said quietly to himself.