Every little movement helped me train my body coordination. I continued to work hard for weeks, feeling myself improve little by little.
Strength: 1→ 2
Dexterity: 0 → 1
"My handsome baby is so active these days," my mother said one morning.
She ran her fingers through my hair as I leaned against her chest.
"When you were born, you used to be so quiet I thought you would become the child who only kept to himself."
We were sitting in the tea pavilion in the eastern garden of the mansion.
It had open wooden walls and long white curtains that fluttered with the breeze.
My father was off somewhere doing work—probably something loud—and for once, the place felt peaceful.
The sun wasn’t too harsh, the wind was mild, and the scent of tea leaves hovered in the air.
My mother had taken the day off like she did most of these days.
She had mountains of documents piling up in her study. Soon, she would have to return to work.
But she had made a promise to stay with me until I grew up a little more.
"I know I have to start working soon," she said, hugging me. "But mommy doesn’t that to be separated from her handsome baby boy."
Her warmth, her voice, and her presence always settled something in me. It allowed me to relax around her.
"I’ve invited a friend over today. We used to be close when we were younger, before the marriage and even after that. She has a daughter too, just a few months older than you.
"She’s a lively girl. Maybe you two can become friends."
Right. Friends.
I wasn’t in the mood for acting though.
Before long, her friend arrived.
A tall woman with light brown hair tied into an elegant twist, and a pair of sharp amber eyes that sparkled whenever she laughed.
She wore a deep red gown with golden embroidery and moved like someone used to attention.
"Lyra," she said, smiling as they embraced gently. "You look just good in those clothes."
"You’re too kind, Elira."
So, that was her name. Elira Vonn, I learned.
Vonn as in Vonn Gold Dealers.
They were a big company that owned several gold mining operations and trade lines across the world.
Goldsmiths, jewelers, and high-end businessmen. Even I had heard of them in my past life.
’Strange. I don’t remember Vonn family being close to mom and dad.’
’And I don’t think these people were the CEO of the company in my last life.’
Elira settled down with mom for their tea.
They chatted like old friends catching up after a long absence.
I was still in mom’s arms, bored and listening.
Elira had her daughter in her lap too. A round-faced girl with big brown eyes and chubby cheeks. She had a little golden pin clipped into her hair.
Seris Vonn.
I watched the mother daughter duo with apprehension. I listened to every word, every detail.
Yet the longer I listened, the more something twisted in my chest.
If they were so close... where were they in the last life?
Where were all these "friends" when my parents died?
I didn’t remember the name Elira Vonn. I didn’t remember her face either.
She was never there. Not at the estate, not during the funeral, not after.
I frowned.
If they were such old friends, how could I not recall her at all?
While the mothers talked, Seris kept staring at me.
Her eyes didn’t wander, or even blink much.
They stared at me with pure focus.
I didn’t respond. I was used to being watched by adults, house staff, and especially my parents.
Then she lifted one finger and pointed at me.
"Play." Her voice was soft, but determined.
Both mothers looked at her, startled for a second.
Mom blinked, then looked down at me.
"Oh? She wants to play with him?"
Elira smiled warmly, adjusting Seris in her arms. "Looks like it. She’s usually shy around other children. This is the first time she did this."
I sighed inwardly. Not again.
Playing was just acting. And I’d done enough acting in past months to last me a while.
But before I could protest—even with my limited range of baby grunts—the decision had been made.
They placed us down on a soft mat spread out beside the table.
It was thick and smooth, clearly imported fabric.
Seris was the first to crawl toward me.
She was a few months older, and it showed. She moved confidently. Her limbs were quite coordinated. She wasn’t faster, but more stable.
One of her servants came over, bringing a small chest.
Inside were toys.
Blocks, rings, shapes with holes. Some wooden, some metal, some plastic.
They were clean, polished, and expensive-looking.
Seris reached in, pulled out a cube, and held it out to me. Her face was oddly serious, like she was making an offering.
I wasn’t interested. I glanced at it, then away.
She tried again, this time placing the toy in front of me. She picked up another and mimed banging them together.
’Not today, kid.’
She persisted in her efforts. I sighed.
Mom was looking at me with expectations. She wanted me to make a friend.
As much as I hated it, I moved.
I had to pretend to play. But then something caught my eye.
She reached into the chest and pulled out a different toy. It was round, small, with a golden surface.
My body froze.
’Is that... gold?’
Yes. The toy was shaped like a mini crown. Decorated with gold accents. Nothing over-the-top, just enough to make it shimmer.
The Vonn were really rich, if they gave a toddler a toy embedded with real gold.
But their richness wasn’t what got me.
My gaze remained locked on the gold part of the toy.
’It’s not fake, right?’
My heart beat faster. It had been months, since I had been searching for this.
Gold.
A precious metal used as jewelry.
A Mana Stone, that could be converted into Mana.