Francesca carried me into the grand dining hall, a space where morning light streamed through high, leaded windows, screaming luxury.
It was full of people. Some familiar, most not.
And of course, with my baby eyes, I scanned the room and the first thing to catch my interest was two other women seated at the long table.
Hmm? Who are these two?
Oh, wait. Don't tell me… more wives?
I squinted, assessing them. They were beautiful, of course, but not in Francesca's league.
Seriously, dried plum, what were you thinking? Were you blind? Did you run out of options?
And of course, at the head of the table, was the infamous "dried plum" himself—Lord Garius. He wore his usual stern expression, the kind that could make grown men cry.
Ehehehe~ you pipsqueak. Sitting there like a king. What's with the face? Still trying to make up for being boring?
I averted my eyes after noticing his face had suddenly become too scary. So I looked around, and my gaze landed on five other children scattered around the long table. All older than me, from toddlers to pre-teens.
I caught snippets of conversation between Francesca and one of the other women… ah, forgive my insolence… Mama's co-wives~
Two of these kids were my real siblings, the oldest and the second born. Great. I had direct competition for the dried plum's limited affection.
The other three… hmm… Half-siblings, huh? Really, old man? Spreading your seed like a farmer planting crops. And with them? I mean, Francesca is leagues ahead of these other two women, so what gives?
One of the half-siblings, a boy of six or seven, noticed me and made a face. "Is that the new baby?" he asked loudly, pointing.
"Yes, he's Javier," Francesca said sweetly, adjusting me in her arms.
"He's so small…" a girl with pigtails chimed in.
Small? Small?! Listen here, you little gremlin. I'm a baby. What do you expect, a giant?
The chattering died instantly when the dried plum at the head of the table cleared his throat.
"Mm… Everyone, take a seat and eat your breakfast properly."
Whoa… he really has that aura, huh?
Francesca sat gracefully, keeping me in her lap as maids began serving. She leaned close, her whisper warm.
"Don't worry, Javier. Mama's here to protect you from all these big, scary people."
Big scary people? Mama, I'm more worried about being stuck in this circus. Just take me back to my catfolk and elf mamas, please.
I sighed inside, resigning myself to the chaos.
Well… I guess this new life isn't as bad as I thought.
Francesca chatted and cut into her breakfast. I began to wiggle in her lap, twisting side to side, making little fussing noises.
"Javier, honey, don't move so much. Mama's trying to eat," she said, holding me steady.
Oh, no, Mama. That's the whole point. Let's make this inconvenient for you.
I leaned back suddenly, forcing her to adjust. Then I lunged forward toward the table.
"Javier!" she laughed.
That's when it happened. The target of my plan. Ehehe… she cannot run from me now~
"Liana," Lord Garius said, stern as ever. "A word."
Liana approached him, bowing gracefully. "Yes, my lord."
Before Garius could say anything, Francesca smiled and glanced at Liana.
"Liana, could you take him for a bit? It's hard to eat while he squirms," she said, extending me toward her.
Liana blinked, glancing at me in surprise.
Ah~ Liana. What's with the surprised face? Eheheh… You've fallen right into my plan~
"Yes, madam," she said, reaching for me.
The moment she held me, I started my usual antics, reaching for her breast, tiny hands tugging at her uniform.
"Young master," Liana gasped, cheeks flushing. "No, you can't… stop!"
"Oh, Liana," Francesca laughed softly. "If he's insisting, you could always do what Meira does."
Liana froze. "But, madam…"
Francesca smiled. "It's alright. He won't stop until he's satisfied. You're the head maid. I trust you completely."
Liana's eyes darted between us before she sighed, her composure barely intact.
"As you wish, madam," Liana said, bowing gracefully.
Ohhhh!… I win!!!!
But before I could savor it, Francesca spoke again, her tone shifting to that sweet, unshakable authority.
"Liana," she said, smiling sweetly, "why don't you take Javier to your room? You can breastfeed him there, in private, and ensure he's taken care of properly. From now on, you're responsible for him."
Liana's eyes widened the moment Francesca said that. "Madam, are you certain? I have other duties…"
Francesca waved a hand, cutting her off.
"The other maids will handle them. Your only priority is Javier."
Liana hesitated, glancing down at me.
Don't fight it, Miss Liana. Fate has chosen you. You're officially promoted to my full-time caretaker now… my second elf mama.
"Yes, madam," Liana finally said, bowing her head.
"Take him, and make sure he's well-fed and clean. Bathe him, change him, whatever he needs. Just focus on him," Francesca said with a smile before continuing her breakfast.
Liana cradled me gently, like the treasure I was. Her face was calm, but I saw the slight wrinkle in her brow.
Oh, Miss Liana, don't worry. I'll make this fun.
"Understood, madam," she said softly, turning toward the hall.
She carried me to her room. I let out a small, triumphant giggle. She glanced down, eyes narrowing.
"You seem very pleased with yourself, young master," she murmured.
Oh, I am. You have no idea~
Her room was simple, elegant, matching her refined demeanor. She placed me carefully on her bed.
"Now," she said, hands moving to her uniform.
Oho~ I could get used to this.
Liana settled me on her lap, serene but slightly flustered. She adjusted her uniform, every movement deliberate.
"Alright, young master," she sighed. "Let's get this over with. Though you should know, nothing will come out."
She unbuttoned the top, revealing her full, round breast, pale, flawless skin so smooth it seemed to glow, tipped with a small, pink nipple. Her cheeks flushed a soft rose, a rare crack in her stoic mask.
I was stunned… to see such beautiful skin.
She… she's different from the others.
Slowly, she cradled me closer, positioning me against her chest. Her movements were gentle but firm, one hand supporting my head as she guided me toward her breast. I could feel the warmth of her skin, the softness beneath my cheek.
She allowed me to latch on, her breath catching slightly as I did. Her other hand came up to steady herself against the bed, fingers curling into the covers.
( End Of Chapter )