True God In Another World (Tensura x Tbate)

chapter 2 - older brother duties {Rewritten}

Rimuru POV

You know what's funny about being a three-year-old? Watching your twin brother try to act all sneaky while obviously being as suspicious as a slime in a weapon shop. (Trust me, I would know.)

So get this - Art, my "younger" brother by two whole minutes, finally started crawling. But instead of heading for toys or food like a normal baby, this kid makes a beeline straight for the library. And what does he do there? Starts meditating! I mean, who does that?

<<Master, you're one to talk about being suspicious,>> Ciel chimes in with her usual sass.

>>Hey, at least I waited to show off my abilities,<< I mentally respond. Though watching Art manipulate mana like he's been doing it for years is pretty impressive. Either he's some kind of super genius, or... well, let's just say it takes one reincarnated soul to know another.

Life here is pretty chill compared to my previous gig. No paperwork, no diplomatic meetings, and definitely no dealing with whiny demon lords. (Looking at you, Guy.) The technology's pretty basic - we're talking medieval fantasy basic - but after running a whole nation, it's kind of nice to just focus on being a kid.

<<You seem to be enjoying the simple life, Master.>>

>>Can you blame me? Look at how cute our parents are!<<

Speaking of parents, Mom's been on this mission to get us talking. She's constantly chattering away, telling us stories and asking questions. I could totally join in, but I'm waiting for Art to start first. Don't want to steal his thunder, you know? Plus, it's kind of adorable watching Mom try different tactics to get us to speak.

Dad's stories are the best, though. This guy's got some serious adventure cred - tales about beast tamers, dangerous missions, and my personal favorite: how he met Mom. According to him, it was love at first sight at the Adventurers Guild. According to Mom? He stiffened in front of her as he asked her out. Honestly, both versions sound perfectly in character.

<<Master, you're smiling again.>>

>>Of course I am! This is what having a real family feels like.<<

And it's true - this peaceful life, just being a kid with no world-ending threats to deal with? It's pretty amazing. No offense to my previous life's family (Veldora would probably cry if he heard me say that), but there's something special about experiencing childhood properly this time.

But lately, I've been noticing something about Art. Sometimes, when he thinks no one's watching, he gets this look - the kind I used to see in the mirror back when I was Mikami Satoru. That lonely, distant expression that screams "I've got baggage from another life."

<<You're worried about him.>>

>>Yeah... I am.<< I watch Art pretending to sleep in our shared bed. >>Maybe it's time for some brotherly bonding.<<

After making sure our parents are asleep (their synchronized snoring is kind of adorable), I roll over to face my brother.

"Hey, Art, you awake?" I whisper, channeling all my previous life's diplomatic skills into this one conversation. Time to see what's eating at my little brother.

Arthur Leywin POV

You know how sometimes your thoughts just spiral? That's me right now, staring at our bedroom ceiling like it holds all the answers. One moment I'm thinking about training techniques, the next I'm remembering scattered fragments of a life where I was King Grey. Fun times."Arthur, are you awake?"