TBATE - The Second Son

Chapter 2: A Little Learning

AUGUSTUS LEYWIN

I guess it all makes sense now, why gauntlets were hanging on the wall, why there are no convenient tools for hunting, why we have no electricity, why my brother was so eager to read books and train. I guess reading all those books before would help me as I can apply the knowledge I can retain in this world.

Existential thoughts flood my mind as I consider why I reincarnated. For what purpose am I here? Am I just lucky? Was I destined for something greater? Would I face lots of hardships in the future?

I then suddenly felt nauseous, interrupting my thoughts. I forgot that I was being breastfed. I'm already full to the point of vomiting so I should stop. Soon after I finished, the door at the entrance swung wide open. My father and brother enter the room, visibly sweating after their training. My brother went to mother and father picked me up, swung me around, and tossed me upwards. Is it me or is it just my body adjusting because I am terrified by the height he threw me, and also nauseous but I held back on vomiting. As soon as he caught me, I immediately threw up at him. Serves him right, that would teach him to not play with babies after their meal. Now I feel sick and need to nap, so much for my plan today, guess I'll do it tomorrow then.

The next day came and my mother brought me outside for the first time. The town seemed packed, with so many stalls on the side. The stalls sold different types of magical goodies which could only be found on fantasy-like worlds such as this one. People walk around wearing armor and carrying weapons ranging from all sizes. I guess they're adventurers? The houses here seem well-built, they don't look that shabby and are not made up entirely of wood and hay. I guess the infrastructures here are advanced. I wonder how magic and science compare, but because in most fantasy books, science and magic cannot both have improvements and evolution unless in the far future where it would be considered as science-fiction. My mother, seeing me look at my surroundings smiled at me and asked "did you have fun, my little august?" I tried to make a sound to agree with her question and she seemed delighted. How nice, to have a mother that smiles with such radiance. My lips slowly formed into a smile and I smiled genuinely at my mother.

A few months later, as soon as I'm able to crawl, I followed my brother to the study. I tried to understand what the symbols mean but I cannot comprehend them. My brother looked at me with a warm smile but his eyes told a different story as he observed me trying to comprehend the contents of the book he is reading.

"Do you want to read?" he asked. "Mhm", I replied. I sat beside him as he picked up a book different from the one he was currently reading.

ARTHUR LEYWIN

I have been observing my brother ever since he was born. He has father's ash brown hair and mother's brown eyes, contrasting my auburn hair and deep blue eyes. He seemed like a normal baby at first, but ever since he was able to stay awake for longer periods, he would try to gain control over his body, like I had been doing before. I don't know if he followed me here because he wants to read books or if he just wants to follow me. I guess, as an older brother, it is my responsibility to teach my younger sibling what I know and this could serve as bonding time for us both.

I guess I would read the book about Dicathen to him. I then read the contents of the book to him. "Dicathen, the continent which is compromised of the three major kingdoms namely: Elenoir, the Elven kingdom in the north, which is home to many trees and elves. It has large forests layering it. Next is the Kingdom of Darv down south, the vast underground kingdom of dwarves; and finally, the kingdom of Sapin which can be found on the west of Dicathen. Humans can be found at Dicathen. Now, at the west resides the beast glades." I could see him focus more as he smiled faintly. "The Beast Glades houses lots of dungeons and beasts, in order to contain them, the three kingdoms set up an Adventurer's guild where adventurers dive into dungeons and hunt beasts, where they find treasure, or get rewards from hunting beasts. In the three kingdoms, there exists a monarch system, where kings and queens rule each kingdom and nobles help the royalty rule. The title of a royal is passed down from successor to successor." I stopped there and he looks amused about all the information I just said. Does he even understand what I've said?

Mom then came over to us with a warm smile and said that it would be August's sleep time. He reacted with a smile and crawled to where mother was.

Mom then picked him up and asked me a question. "How is it, being an elder brother?" with the charming aura she has. Dad is definitely lucky to have her as his wife. Soon after, mother left with August, I was then left alone and I continued to read the book I was reading. Brother huh, I would definitely impart him with the knowledge and skills I possess, If he wants to. As an older brother, I would definitely be a good role model for him to follow.

ALICE LEYWIN

How cuuuteee, I can't stop grinning after seeing my little Art reading a book to little August. Maybe, August would pick up some of Art's habits. Should I read him bedtime stories? Maybe I should since he was all happy when Art read a book.

I really can't help but worry that Arthur would go on to being an adventurer since Reynolds trains him. I wish that August wouldn't follow so I wouldn't have to worry too much. I hope both of them would live life without much trouble. As their mother, I would do my best to educate both of them to lead respectable lives.

Alright! I would tell August bedtime stories so he can sleep well. Maybe this would stop him from crawling around too much. "August, do you want mother to tell you stories?" I said with a questioning look. He made some cute noises and nodded approvingly as he smiled brightly. I could almost say that his eyes shone like stars. Maybe he likes literature and would later develop reading as a hobby. Well, all I can do right now is tell him stories, it's up to him eventually if he would grow into liking literature.