Chapter:3 Surprise

EMPIRE: CAPITAL CITY

(NEAR THE SLUMS)

"Leo, come out and play!" the kids shouted, standing at the door of our house with expectant faces.

"Not today, guys," I said, leaning against the doorframe with an exaggerated sigh. "My health's not so great. You all go ahead and play without me."

"Aww! But you promised to teach us a new game today!"

"Yeah! You said it'd be fun!"

"Not today," I replied, holding up a hand. "I'm really not feeling well. But tomorrow, I promise! I'll show you all something amazing."

"Promise?"

"Promise," I said with a smile that hopefully hid my annoyance.

"Okay, see you tomorrow, Leo!"

"Bye, Leo!"

As the kids finally scampered away, their excited chatter fading into the distance, I let out a deep sigh. My hand, which had been waving them off, dropped to my side like a dead weight.

What on earth had possessed me to teach those little devils games from my previous life? Tag, hide-and-seek, and even hopscotch. They were my undoing.

"It's all Mom's fault," I muttered to myself, crossing my arms. "If she hadn't insisted I 'socialize' with the neighborhood kids, I wouldn't be stuck playing ringmaster for these little goblins. Now they won't leave me alone!"

It's not that I hate kids. Really, I don't. But interacting with them isn't exactly my idea of fun, especially when I have to pretend to be on the same mental level as toddlers. The only time I don't feel like some odd loner is when I'm hanging out with Mom or, occasionally, Dad.

Speaking of which, my physical development is… well, normal, I guess. At three years old, I'm about three feet tall with a wheat-brown complexion. Spending time outside has given me a few spots of acne—yeah, acne, at three. Life really doesn't give you a break, does it?

But enough about me. I had to prepare for something big today. It wasn't just any day—it was Mom's birthday.

"Leo, what are you doing outside?" came Dad's voice, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Oh, great. Talk about timing.

"Nothing, Dad," I said innocently. "Just got back from the playground. Why are you home so early? And… what's with all the food?"

Dad grinned like a kid with a secret. "Heh heh, it's a surprise! Come inside, let's go."

Rolling my eyes (internally, of course), I followed him inside.

"Honey, we're home!" Dad called out as he kicked the door shut behind him.

"Welcome back!" Mom's voice floated from the kitchen. She walked out moments later, drying her hands with a cloth. When she saw the bags of food hanging from Dad's arms, her eyes widened.

"Happy birthday, honey!" Dad declared, his grin growing even wider.

Mom froze for a second, her face a mix of astonishment and joy. Then she practically launched herself at Dad, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.

"You remembered," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Of course, in this world, birthdays weren't celebrated like they were in my old life. There were no cakes, candles, or parties. Most people just marked the occasion with a modest feast, and only once every five years.

Today, Mom turned 20, which, in this medieval world, made her a young mom—but hey, that's normal around here. People usually marry by 15 and have kids by 16.

It was weird at first, but I've gotten used to it. Different world, different rules, right?

Anyway, Mom was over the moon with Dad's effort. To his credit, he'd redeemed himself a bit after the gambling incident. Yep, Dad went through a phase last year, where he got a little too friendly with the local gambling den. He lost a lot of money, and Mom made sure he regretted it. I'll never forget the look on his face when she banned him from the bedroom for a whole month.

Good times.

While Mom hugged Dad like he was a hero returning from war, I seized my moment. Quietly climbing onto the dining table, I pulled out the pendant I'd bought months ago with my own pocket money. Carefully, I reached over and placed it around Mom's neck.

The cool metal startled her, and she turned around in surprise. When her eyes landed on me, standing proudly on the table with a cheeky smile, her expression softened.

"Happy birthday, Mom!" I said, my voice bright.

Her hands flew to the pendant. She stared at it, her lips trembling slightly as tears welled up in her eyes.

"You… you bought this for me?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"Yup," I said, trying to sound casual.

Two months ago, when I bought that pendant, she thought I'd just wanted it because it was shiny. She had no idea I'd been saving it for this moment. Judging by her reaction, the surprise was worth it.

Mom scooped me up in her arms and spun me around, laughing and crying all at once.

"You're the sweetest child ever!" she exclaimed, holding me close.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Dad standing there, his mouth hanging open like he was trying to catch flies. The look on his face when Mom hugged me instead of him was priceless.

To make matters worse for him, I couldn't resist smirking just a little. My expression practically screamed, Gotcha, old man!

Dad groaned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Really, Leo? You couldn't have given me a heads-up? I would've gotten her something better!"

I shrugged, feigning innocence. "Guess you'll have to step up your game next time, Dad."

Mom, still holding me, giggled at Dad's sulking. Finally, she kissed my forehead, set me down, and beckoned both of us to the table.

"Come on, you two," she said, her voice warm. "Let's enjoy this feast together."

The three of us sat down to a meal of roasted meat, fresh bread, and all kinds of treats Dad had brought home. The house was filled with laughter and the scent of delicious food.

For a family that didn't have much, it was the perfect way to celebrate.