It's been a week since I first tried using magic. The first time, I fainted and didn't wake up until the next morning.
When I finally did, the first thing I did was check whether my magical aura had returned—and thankfully, it had. That meant my mana had recovered as well.
After confirming that, I tried a few more times using the same method—trying to guide my mana to conjure fire. But each attempt ended the same way: I'd lose focus midway, and eventually, my magical aura would start to fade. My energy would drain so much that I could barely stay awake for even a minute afterward.
Once I tried it to do in morning, the result was the same. But when I woke up later that night, I clearly saw my mother sitting right beside me, with Elise nearby and my father also present, all of them looking worried.
That's when it hit me—what I had done earlier had made me pass out, and they must have been worried sick.
Guilt washed over me. I hadn't thought things through. I didn't consider the consequences of my actions, and now I'd caused a mess that I couldn't undo.
I couldn't even bring myself to apologize—only feel sorry that they had to go through such a heavy, exhausting day… all because of me.
So, I promised myself to put these experiments on hold for a while. I also wanted to take some time to think things through—figure out exactly where things were going wrong.
...
More importantly, my second mother and brother are arriving today, and I could already feel a noticeable shift in the atmosphere.
From what I'd heard, my second mother is especially strict with the staff—and seeing the maids and butlers rushing around, I could tell that wasn't an exaggeration.
They were darting through the manor, meticulously cleaning every corner with practiced urgency. It was as if everyone was on high alert, working with sharp focus and not a moment to spare, determined not to leave a single thing out of place.
I can't help but feel sorry for them—once my second mother arrives, they might not get much chance to rest anymore.
But it's their job, and I believe they are well-compensated for it.
And one more thing—maybe I shouldn't keep calling her my second mother. Her name is… Anneliese, right? I should call her Mother Anneliese. I don't want to make it seem like she's not truly part of the family, as if she's just an extra. If I want her love, then I should offer mine first. I know I can't speak yet, but I can start practicing, even if it's just in my thoughts for now.
I'm also, excited to meet my big brother—as I've never had one before. In fact, in my previous life, I was a big brother to my half-siblings, but my stepmother made sure they saw me as nothing more than a nuisance, and because of that, they treated me like a stranger.
I don't want to be like them. I want to form a real bond with him, even if we're only half-siblings. I want to be a good, loving sometimes mischievous little brother.
And I don't think my Mother is like my stepmother from my previous life. She's much more than that—she's kind. I truly believe she'd be happy to see us grow closer.
...
Putting these thoughts aside for now, I'm in Elise's arms as she carries me somewhere—I'm not sure where we're headed, but she seems to have a purpose in mind.
After passing through several corridors and rooms, she finally stopped in front of the drawing room entrance and knocked politely before stepping inside.
The room was as well-mannered and elegantly noble as ever. I saw my father seated in a single armchair, while my mother sat on a two-seater sofa placed just to the right of it.
They are dressed in the most noble and elegant attire I had seen them wear so far—just like the ones Elise had put on me before bringing me here. It must be because Mother Anneliese is coming home.
As we stepped inside, my mother looked at me. "Oh, look—if it isn't my little baby, you look so cute," my mother said as Elise slowly began to walk toward her.
"Serenia, but I have to say— with this outfit, he look like a handsome nobleman," my father added with a proud smile.
Elise stepped closer to my mother and gently placed me in her arms. My mother took me, kissing my forehead tenderly before holding me close against her chest.
Elise stepped back and positioned herself beside my father. Then, my mother asked, "Elise, what's the progress on Lady Anneliese's arrival?"
"My Lady, Lady Anneliese will be arriving here in any moment," Elise reported.
"Great—now, my little baby, if you're wondering why everything in Everhart Hall feels different, it's because your other mother, Lady Anneliese, is arriving today." My mother said to me with a smile.
"And don't forget about your big brother, Aurelian ," She added.
Hm... so my big brother's name is Aurelian. Feels like I've made a little progress in getting to know him. I can't wait for the day I can act like a proper little brother—cheeky, mischievous, but full of love.
The door creaked open, and the sound of footsteps pulled me back to reality.
I turned my gaze toward the entrance, curious to see who had arrived. As the figure drew closer, I could see that it was a woman.
She had blonde hair and a pretty face, carrying herself with noble grace. Her elegant dress was perfect, not a thread out of place—and by her side, a maid held a young boy with same blonde hair color.
She walked up beside my mother and glanced at her, then briefly at me without saying a word. Instead, her eyes shifted toward my father.
"My Lord, it's good to see you in good health. I trust Everhart Hall has been well in my absence." the women said.
"Yes, My Lady Anneliese. It's good to see you in good health too," my father said, addressing her by name—Anneliese. So, she is my second mother no I mean mother Anneliese.
"It's good to see you again, Lady Anneliese. I hope the trip wasn't too tiring," my mother also greeted her.
But mother Anneliese turned toward my mother and said, "The journey was fine, though I imagine my presence here isn't entirely welcome to you, Lady Serenia."
"Why would...," my mother began, but she was cut off by my father.
"Lady Anneliese, I think you shouldn't say such improper things. It's a good occasion to see you again—why would Serenia not be welcoming?" my father said before my mother could respond.
She gave my father a sharp look—but said nothing. Instead, she turned to the maid, took the young boy from her arms, and sat down beside my mother with a composed yet stiff expression.
My father didn't pay attention to her stiffness. Instead, he looked at the boy in her arms and asked gently, "My little boy Aurelian, are you okay? Did you have good times with your grandfather?"
The boy—my older half-brother—gave a small nod, his eyes calm and observant, as if he understood perfectly. Man, big brothers are awesome... Even if I'm technically older than him—but hey, let's not count my previous life age here.
My father looked pleased at that, and my mother said to him, "Edric, he understands quite a lot now. He's grown so much these past three months."
But I don't think Mother Anneliese liked that. In a polite, yet firm tone, she said, "Aurelian, you should answer your father properly. At the very least, you should have said, 'Yes, Father.'"
"But Lady Anneliese, he's doing well, and he's just a year and a half old," my mother gently interjected. "It's okay—he nodded, didn't he?"
"Sorry, but I don't want my child to grow up disrespecting his father like you, Lady Serenia," she said in a sharper tone. "Calling our husband by his name—how improper. You should address him as 'My Lord.'"
"Well, I didn't expect much from you to begin with,"she added, her voice colder now. "And I suppose your boy will grow up to be just like you.
And with that, she glanced over at me. I could feel the hate in her stare, as if she had already decided who I was before I even got the chance to prove otherwise. So much for starting a good relationship—well, not with this body that can only watch in silence.
But, Again my father interject before situation get more dence. "Lady Anneliese, you know I gave permission to be called by my first name. You can call me Edric too—there's no disrespect in that."
But this time, my mother Anneliese chose not to stay silent."My Lord, it's kind of you to offer that we call you by your name, but as your wives, we mustn't. Doing so would only damage the reputation of the Everhart name."
"Alright, I understand what you're saying. Let's leave it at that. Still, I'm fine with you and Serenia calling me Edric."
"Fine. I know you've never stood by my opinion, but... congratulations on the baby, my Lord—and I suppose to you as well, Lady Serenia.
If our meeting is done, I'll take my leave and get some rest. And, my Lord, in case you've forgotten—it is my turn tonight. I'll be waiting for you."
"Yes, I didn't forget," my father replied calmly.
But me? I didn't know how to react. That last part… it was more than anything I'd ever heard from my mother. She never talked like that—never so direct, so sharp and bold.
"Rest well, Lady Anneliese." My mother said with a smile.
But Mother Anneliese didn't respond and quietly left the room.
I think it's going to be really hard to make her love me. More importantly, it feels like I'll have to change her mind about hating me first—only then can I even hope she might come to love me like my mother does.
I looked at my mother who looked sad and hugged her to comfort her.
"Oh, my baby... I don't know how, but I think you know me better than anyone else—and you're always ready to comfort me with your hug."
"And don't worry—Lady Anneliese isn't a bad person. She just takes noble formalities very seriously. But there's nothing wrong with that. She loves your father deeply, and anyone who cares for Edric… I can't help but care for them too."
Hearing that, I felt a little more at ease. At least now, I could guess the family wouldn't fall apart over this.
Ha… Today's going to be a tough one for everyone, huh? But I guess we'll get used to it.
As for Mother Anneliese… she doesn't seem to bear any ill will toward us—but she doesn't show much affection either.
Well, I'll just have to wait until I can speak… and when I do, I'll change her mind about me and my mother. So that this family can stay strong—till the very end.