Chapter 3 - More than just a child

Four years have passed since I was reborn in this world.

My memories of my past life are still clear, but in this world, I am Sota, the youngest son of a noble family. I have a mother, a father, and an older brother, Shiro. We live in a small villa, far from the heart of the kingdom.

My life here is quiet. Peaceful.

But I know it won't always stay this way.

It's still too early to search for answers. So, I spend my days like an ordinary child. I play. I laugh. I pretend to be clueless.

But inside me, a desire grows to become stronger. I can't stay a child forever.

Shiro runs ahead of me. I chase after him, my small legs carrying me as fast as they can.

"You're too slow, Sota!" he calls over his shoulder.

I press my lips together. "Just wait!"

He laughs, dodging skillfully as I reach out to grab him. My heart pounds, my lungs burn, but I refuse to give up.

Then, Shiro stumbles. Just for a brief moment, but it's enough.

I leap forward, stretching out my arms, and tag him on the back.

"Caught you!" I shout triumphantly.

Shiro falls into the grass and turns to me with an annoyed look. "That wasn't fair!"

I drop down beside him, watching the beautiful sunset.

It's nice here.

"Shiro! Sota!" Our mother's voice calls out. "Come inside, dinner is ready!"

Shiro and I get up and head toward the dining room. "We're coming!"

The table is set with steaming bread, warm stew, and fresh vegetables. Shiro and I take our seats. Our father sits across from us while our mother pours water.

Shiro excitedly talks about our day, how much fun he had. I listen with only half an ear.

My gaze drifts to my father.

This is my chance.

"Father?" I ask in an innocent voice.

He raises an eyebrow. "Yes?"

I grab a piece of bread, acting as if my question is casual. "What's it like outside our village?"

My father pauses for a brief moment. He wasn't expecting that question.

"There are many kingdoms," he replies calmly. "Some are wealthier than others."

I nod slowly and ask, my expression turning serious, "And… are there monsters out there?"

My mother stiffens. Shiro looks up, surprised.

My father sets down his utensils. "There are wild animals in some forests. That's why one must be careful."

"I don't mean animals." I say slowly. I'll have to be more direct. "I mean… demons and things like that."

The room falls silent.

My father looks at me for a long moment, then leans back. "Children shouldn't concern themselves with such things."

A vague answer.

I lower my gaze, pretending to focus on my food.

But I've seen enough.

He knows more than he's letting on.

By the time dinner was over, it was already late, so Shiro and I went to our rooms. I put on my pajamas and climbed into bed. The day was nice, but my thoughts were elsewhere.

So demons do exist.

But why did Father react that way? Why didn't he want to talk about it?

I stare at the ceiling until the door opens.

Shiro steps in, also in his pajamas. His expression is serious.

He sits beside me on the bed, crossing his arms. "What was that at dinner?"

I try to laugh, but it comes out forced. "What do you mean?"

He gives me a sharp look. "Those questions. Why do you care about what's outside our land? And why demons? That's not like you at all."

I have to be careful. "I was just thinking… Maybe we'll travel one day. I want to be prepared."

Shiro eyes me skeptically. Then he sighs and ruffles my hair.

"You're really weird, Sota."

I chuckle softly.

He stands up, walks to the door, but pauses for a moment. "Sometimes, I wonder what's going on in your head."

Then he leaves the room.

I pull the blanket up to my chin and close my eyes. If only you knew, Shiro.

The next morning, I stand in the garden, watching Shiro. He grips a wooden sword in his hands, his feet planted firmly in the grass. Our father stands beside him, giving him instructions.

Shiro raises the sword. Then he swings.

His strike is precise, clean, powerful.

My heart beats faster.

I can't look away.

"Father," I say suddenly.

My father and Shiro turn to me.

I take a few steps forward. "Can I try?"

Shiro laughs. "You're too small."

I glare at him. "I'm not!"

My father watches me for a moment. Then he reaches into the weapons rack and pulls out a smaller wooden sword. "Here."

I take it. It's heavier than I expected, but I hold on tight. My father smirks. "Show me what you can do."

I try to get into a stance or at least, what I think is a stance. My father shakes his head and steps behind me, adjusting my arms.

Then he lifts his own wooden sword.

"Attack me."

I take a deep breath and charge forward.

My swing is uncoordinated and weak.

"Too slow." My father blocks it effortlessly.

But I don't give up.

I keep striking again and again. And every time, he parries with ease.

After a few minutes, he lowers his sword. "That's enough for today."

I breathe heavily. My arms tremble.

I expected more.

The goddess said she influenced my birth to increase my chances of success.

But when it comes to swordsmanship… I don't see it yet.