Wow, my life is great. I still can't believe I ended up in some medieval fantasy world.
He hauled himself over the edge of the crib with all the determination his body could muster. At six months old, Azrael could crawl, speak a few simple words, and, obviously, he hadn't wasted a single day of his new life so far.
Each day followed a familiar routine. He spent the morning with his father, then returned home to listen as his mother read to him in the afternoon. And when both of them had finally fallen asleep, he would sneak into the library, to learn more about the world he now lived in.
However, today wasn't a typical day. The family's full-time maid was taking him into the nearby town to pick up ingredients for dinner. After all, there had been a quiet fuss around the house lately, extra cleaning and conversations about a guest coming for the evening.
I really wonder who it could be. Now that I think about it, I haven't met a single one of my parents' friends since I got here. Does my dad even have friends?
His mother carried him down from their second-floor bedroom to the front entrance of the estate, where the maid was already waiting. As they descended, he couldn't help but admire the royal purple carpet that lined the grand staircase despite the edges being stained.
"AHH—oh dear, help!"
She panicked as her legs gave out on the last two steps of the staircase. Thankfully, his father was there to catch her just before she could hit the cold stone floor, and Azrael landed safely in the palm of his other hand.
I guess those muscles of his are good for something after all.
"I'll carry my wife back upstairs! You take care of the little guy!"
Count Sonnenfall turned to the maid as he casually tossed Azrael toward her, fully confident she would catch him without a problem.
Are you serious? This musclehead of a dad.
He sailed through the air before being gently caught by the maid, landing in her arms like a soft bed. Or more specifically, right on her chest, which for better or worse made for a surprisingly comfortable landing.
"Be more careful! You brick."
Countess Sonnenfall said, smacking her husband lightly on the cheek as he carried her up the stairs like a princess.
Turning around when he was already nearly at the top of the staircase, a good twenty or so meters away from them, he raised his voice just enough to be heard.
"Have a safe trip! Bring back something tasty!"
Azrael caught a flicker of pain in his father's eyes, though he could only guess the reason. It was probably because of his mother, her body was far too fragile for someone so young.
"I'll make sure to take good care of Azrael, Count Sonnenfall."
Their maid, Toma, replied courteously to before making her way out the front door with Azrael in her arms. Behind them, his mother waved goodbye as they departed.
Toma and Azrael shared a particularly close bond. Still in her teenage years, she treated him almost like a younger brother. She was an orphan herself, taken in by the household several years earlier.
The walk to town took nearly an hour and a half on foot, but Azrael barely noticed the time pass. His attention was completely wrapped up in the wildlife surrounding the dirt trail.
Strange animals moved through the trees, unlike anything from Earth. Some looked like exaggerated versions of species he recognized, while others were downright alien. Even the insects were unsettlingly large, buzzing through the air with wings that hummed like low thunder.
"Waaah!"
What the HELL is that!?
His tiny mouth let out an involuntary screech. During his secret trips to the estate's library, he had read that the flies in this world could grow up to a meter in length. But this was his first time venturing beyond the estate, and reading about them hadn't prepared him to see one in person.
"It's okay, we're almost there. Look up ahead, that's the town right there."
Toma spoke with a calmness that soothed him, as the dirt road gradually gave way to a stone-paved path the closer they got to the town.
—I thought medieval towns were supposed to have walls or guards. I guess this world is really peaceful…
The outer areas of the town were lined with houses, most of them three stories tall. The ground floors typically served as shops, with living spaces above.
For such a small town, it was surprisingly lively. Shoppers and merchants filled the streets, and the people all seemed happy and friendly. The roads were clean, free of garbage or any unpleasant smells.
This seemed to be thanks to the influence of magic. While the world was medieval in terms of technology, its hygiene and everyday conveniences were surprisingly advanced.
They continued deeper into the town, which likely held a few thousand residents, until they arrived at the central marketplace.
Stalls lined the heart of the town in neat rows, while some sellers simply laid out carpets on the ground, displaying their goods in the open air.
Azrael's eyes locked onto a particular stall, a food vendor selling meat skewers. Boar, by the smell of it. Apparently, boars existed in this world too, and judging by the scent, they were just as tasty. His tiny hands instinctively reached out toward the sizzling sticks of meat.
Looks... so... tasty…
Toma noticed and brought them over to the skewer stall.
"I'd like two boar skewers, please!"
"Coming right up!"
Each skewer cost three bronze, which was surprisingly cheap and roughly the equivalent of three U.S. dollars in his old world.[1]
The skewers were cooked fresh in front of them. Juices sizzled as they hit the hot coals, filling the air with a rich, smoky aroma. The meat darkened at the edges, its surface crackling as it charred.
Mmm... unbelievably good.
He bit down with his toothless mouth, gums working eagerly. Despite that obvious handicap, he still managed to enjoy the plump, flavorful meat just fine.
I hope this peaceful life will last forever.
[1] 10 Bronze = 1 Silver
10 Silver = 1 Gold
10 Gold = 1 Platinum