4 A place called home

As I started to accept the fact that I was reincarnated in a different world my mood has started to become better. I started to smile more when my family comes to check up on me. Everything started to fall into place as I've accepted this new home.

However, there are things that are difficult to do in a body such as this. I can't run around as I only started to crawl. I wanted to learn more about this world and see how things go but my family only talks to me about baby talks and gibberish. The only consolation is my older sister who comes and plays with me after which she tells me stories. Most of her stories are about heroic knights and sword masters who save the day and get the beautiful maiden in distress. I guess wherever world you might be girls like the idea of having a knight in shining armor saving them. My sister's eyes would sparkle and she would wave her arms around as if trying to make a picture of her actions and words. I don't mind it as much since she looks adorable doing so. I appreciate the fact that she loves me and spends time with me each and every day. Although the stories she reads me are mostly picture books I also started to learn words and sentences that they use in this world.

Another problem that I encountered was my speech impediment. I do not know if it was a problem with my physical body or a psychological one but since the doctor that checked me said that everything about me physically was alright then I stopped thinking about it too much. My parents don't treat me differently even though I have this disability. As the so-called successor of the family, I thought it would affect my standing but my mother would always murmur gently and tell me everything would be alright no matter what. This made me feel touched, I might have suffered in my past life and have formed distrust against people but I can still feel if people are sincere.

Since I started to learn how to crawl they would always put me inside a crib, I had thoughts that this simple "cage" that they put me in could not impede the marvelous mind of a modern man since the only lock they put was a simple latch. However, I am ashamed to say that a simple latch has become a wall that I cannot surpass.

"Yes, that is right I cannot surpass it."

I did not consider the fact that I cannot reach it and add to my stumbling stance even if I try to climb and hold on to the wooden crib I just slid back down. I tried putting the stuff animals and pillows around me as stepping stones but they were way too soft and fluffy. Funny how things turn out this way, I could just sigh and wait for the day I can get out of here. Another thing that annoys me is how they would always come and pinch my cheeks like there is no tomorrow, you cannot avoid it no matter how much you resist. My mother would tell my father and sister not to do it so much but they would just do it when my mother is not around. I can't wait for the time that I can speak and tell on them, humph.

One last thing, feeding time has become so stressful for me. I was already a teen in my past life and could be considered as a young man so no matter how you put it, I am still not comfortable with breastfeeding. This has become one of my mothers' worries and she even cried when the first time I refused vehemently. I couldn't do anything about it since I don't want to hurt her feelings. I just can't wait for the day when my teeth come out so I can eat solid foods.

"Max look here, I got a new book from the library. I'm sure you will like this one too." My sister Alicia says in an excited voice while holding a picture book. From the looks of it, there is a knight on a white horse holding a sword in one hand and a shield on the other. He looked very valiant and handsome.

"This person here is a grandmaster knight who defeated this monster called basilisk." She put me on her lap as per usual while she flipped the book open. Her eyes were wide and cheeks blushing while talking about grandmaster knight Philip. She must be a fan, is this person still alive? I began to wonder.

"You know this person has been one of the pillars of our kingdoms strength. He is known far and wide with his accomplishments by helping the poor people in despair and protecting our lands from monsters and invaders."

I see, so this person is still protecting our lands. This gives me some understanding of this place. I can deduct that we are living in a place like the middle ages but with swordsmen and knights. I have no idea if this place holds magic but I was always curious since the day I saw those flickering stars in my consciousness. Since I have not been outside and I can only see the things around me then that is all I can think of at the moment. A soft couch with cushions, floor carpeted with an animal fur like feeling, there was no electricity but we do have lamps at night and the clothes look like what noblemen would wear. My family seemed wealthy but I still do not know our standing since my parents do not discuss things like that in front of me.

"Hey Max, when I grow up I'll be a grandmaster swordsman too. You don't worry about the future because big sister here will protect you." She puffed out her chest looking all proud of herself as she made this declaration. I looked at her wide-eyed with disbelief, I thought she would like to be the maiden in distress being saved by a knight but I never imagined that she would be the one who will do the saving. While I was still looking at her perplexed I heard a more ridiculous thing coming out of her.

"I am five now this year and father said that I can start learning the basics. I am so excited since father is getting a good teacher." She said that full of excitement and expectations. Seriously what is that old man thinking? I can't believe how progressive the minds of the people here are since this place looks like the Middle Ages I thought there would be discrimination against females but I was so wrong. On one hand, I was worried about my sister, on the other hand, I was actually relieved because she will not be bullied by other people if she knows how to defend herself in times of danger.

This also made me think of my future plans. I also decided to learn swordsmanship in the future so that I have the ability to protect myself. I promised myself that I would change and become stronger this time. I became excited thinking about the future too.

"So Max be good and sister here would not let anyone bully you." She said that and pinched both my cheeks as she stretched them wide while having that beautiful smile on her face.

It hurts, my cheeks must be as red as s tomato but I did not mind it that much this time. All I can feel were her warm feelings washing away the pain I feel on my cheeks.