𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐈𝐃 | tcf x wmmap

four

Content Warning: This chapter contains strong language that may be offensive to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

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Cale had learned quite a lot. Credit to Felix's endless chatter.

He now knew he was in an empire called Obelia. The name sounded majestic, yet to him, it was just another confirmation of the absurdity of his situation.

Being in another world was disconcerting, no matter how much he tried to downplay it.

He wasn't even entirely surprised by the revelation of being in another world, but still, it filled him with a sense of dread. The unfamiliarity of his surroundings, the strangeness of this new life-it was all, well, too much at times.

Cale recalled Felix's fervent descriptions of Obelia-the vast, sparkling capital city, the grand palaces, and the intricate politics that governed the empire. The sheer scale of everything in this world seemed daunting, and the more he learned, the more he realized how unprepared he was.

Perhaps he was worrying too much? His previous companions were strong-overpowered, even. They could handle themselves, he was sure. But that didn't stop the anxiety gnawing at him. He didn't want to be seen as irresponsible, not even bothering to worry about his comrades.

But dwelling on that wouldn't help.

He still needed to grow up in this new life.

After all, it would be a very, very long time before he saw his companions again.

Cale ignored the sudden ache in his chest.

He was used to it by now, that his current body was, well, less than ideal.

'I need to get stronger,' Cale thought, more to convince himself than anything else. 'I can't rely on anyone else here. Not yet.'

The other information he had gathered seemed irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. He didn't need every detail about this world, just the major points:

Another world. Can't go home.

That was that.

Cale took a deep breath, steadying himself. There was no point in getting worked up over things he couldn't control. He had survived worse, and he would get through this, too, right?

'Time to to nap.'

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"Father, don't you think Cale is a bit too quiet for a baby?" Felix's brow furrowed in concern as he peered over Cale's crib.

Cale froze. Fuck. Was he supposed to cry more? He had never truly interacted with infants before. How was he supposed to know how a baby should behave?

"I've already spoken with the physician. He assured me that there was nothing wrong with Cale. It simply seems that he is just a naturally quiet and content baby." the Duke replied, addressing Felix's worries.

Felix mulled this over for a moment, then abruptly moved closer to Cale's crib, leaning in with exaggerated enthusiasm.

"Cale, say 'hyung'!" he encouraged in a cheerful, sing-song voice, his face hovering inches from Cale's.

Cale couldn't help but deadpan at the scene unfolding before him.

So in this world, 'hyung' is also used to address an older brother, huh?

The ache appeared in Cale's chest again.

'This body is definitely not well.' Cale thought with irritation. 'Just my luck to reincarnate into a sickly baby.'

"Son, he's only five months old." the Duke added, a note of exasperation in his voice as he looked at Felix.

Felix's enthusiasm dimmed slightly, but he persisted, "But Father, babies should start making sounds by now, right?"

"Felix," the Duke said more firmly this time, "the physician has assured me that Cale is perfectly fine. He's simply a quiet baby. Give him time."

Cale resisted the urge to roll his eyes. 'Seriously, what kind of family have I landed in?' An overzealous brother and an overprotective father. Just great. If only they knew who he really was inside, they'd probably lose their minds.

Felix finally backed off, and Cale closed his eyes, hoping for a moment of peace. All he wanted was to figure out how to navigate this new life without unnecessary drama. But with a family like this, it seemed drama was inevitable.

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