It's the custom here for a new mother and her children to stay and rest at home for the first three months. Except for immediate relatives and close friends, people generally don't come by to visit. It's proper to leave time for the family to recuperate.
All hats are off after the newborn pasts 3 months though. Then a grand celebration is typically held, something like an unveiling party for the child. It sounds a lot like the 1st full month celebration in my own culture. It must take longer in this non-modern world with its infant mortality rate... Well, that was a cynical outlook.
Anyways today is our 3-month celebration party!
All the household and everyone has been very busy preparing for this day. So much so that the maids are beginning to relax around me again. After another rolling escape where I almost reached the stairs, the entire staff basically had me on 24-hour lockdown.
My impressive rolling speed is still well talked about among the household staff. This is my crowning achievement to date.
It also serves as an alert to keep their eyes out for an escaping baby. If it's not the usual maids or the stern heads then it seems the rest of the staff don't mind letting me roll around a bit.
"Oh look! Is that her?"
"Well unless the younger one learned to roll too then I'd say yes"
"Shouldn't we...uh stop her? Or call someone over?"
"Just a little, as long as we bring her back safe. Oh, I always wanted to see the famous escaping young miss."
"Doesn't she get dizzy?"
See a little bit of mischievousness is fine. Most people can relate. When I feel that's enough rolling and exercising for the day I sit up somewhere open and easy to be spotted. Then I'm promptly brought back to my room to the relief of my maids. As long as Ms. Gerta doesn't find out then they're safe, thus no one tells her.
"What's this I hear about our little Rosalia? Spotted in the second laundry room?"
But she somehow does find out more often than not, amazing resources Gerta. Truly a terrifying woman. Even I feel pressured and I'm not even the one being scolded, at least not yet, I should think up some countermeasures against Gerta's infamous ear pulling before I get there myself.
While it's our party today, as babies Lilyanne and I don't need to do much if anything at all. Young children never do, these parties are always meant for the adults. With our family status, I'm sure the turnout will be huge.
So our day has been about as normal as it usually is with some extra sleep to ready us for the eventful evening we have set up downstairs.
When the hour approaches we're dressed up in brand new matching dresses, or well-baby wraps? Cloth? Whatever these things are.
Over the month Lilyanne has been eating and sleeping well and has long reached the weight of a healthy baby. While previously I felt miffed by being called identical to her when she looked like a little red monkey, now she's an adorable cherub. Her sleepy eyes shine a golden hazel while her angelic brown mop of curls has a slight reddish tinge to them, she's truly our good-looking parents' child.
I've seen no mirror or reflection of myself so far but it's rather easy to imagine what I look like with my twin sister here. If not for our expressions and nature the maids would have no way of telling us apart. I try to make it easier for them, it's rather obvious when we're awake.
We've been switched bassinets in our sleep more than a few times already. Next chance I get I should try messing with our parents. I suspect Father may be the easier one to fool.
After we're dressed up and presentable, we're carefully brought downstairs for the first time. Not that I can see much in the basket they put me in, safety first after all. When they finally open the lid it's to the great hall. While I have my other self's memories it still mesmerizes me. The ancient architecture is astounding and many of the decorations look right at home in a fine museum.
Lilyanne and I are laid next to each other right at the head of the hall in a large bassinet I've never seen before. In such a gorgeous place I feel as if we're the main display of the museum. Which isn't incorrect considering the nature of the event.
Mother and Father are already there decked out in stunning couple's formal outfits of satin violet-blue and white. My vision is getting clearer lately though still pretty blurry half the time.
"I can hardly believe it's their 3 months already, oh they look so wonderful."
"Yes, they've fattened up considerably, especially Lilyanne! I expected it from Rosalia but, nature works in amazing ways."
Again father has an annoying mouth, how did he ever get a lady to marry him like that? I have no idea how Mother isn't bothered by it. But soon the flow of guests comes trickling in and my attention is focused on them.
For the most part, it's very dull. I've been trying to listen in as best I can but it's all a repetitive pattern of stuffy introductions, congratulations, and the occasional business talk. Then there's the annoying gawking as if these people have never seen a baby before.
"Oh, they're like a little pair of dolls!"
"What beautiful children you have, I expect no less from Lord Frederick and our Lady Maria."
"What angels! Oh but which one is which?"
"Yes, which one is the dawn- ahem excuse me."
Fortunately, there is a line so we're not bombarded all at once by visitors. My mood is getting crankier with each new visitor and I can only stand a certain amount of bullshit pleasantry at a time. I would just take a nap and blackout to all this annoying chatter but I'm eavesdropping. You never know what info could be useful after all.
What I'm listening for is primarily who is who, their positions to my parents, and more importantly how they treat me. Word had already spread by this point about the details of our birth, of the twins born between midnight of the new year.
Not everyone is so superstitious but more than enough are, besides it makes good gossip in a place with no internet. Or movies, or...okay a lot of things. Entertainment is going to be an issue for me huh?
There are those who believe we're blessed or something at this point, especially Lilyanne. It's annoying but I stay awake and bear through it.
I'm also waiting for when that man finally arrives.
When he does come into the room it's obvious by the excited whispers, the hush, and lull, and then by the thunderous applause. Gramps is here.
"Papa you've made it in time!"
"Of course Maria, how could I miss the celebration for my precious granddaughters."
After a hug from Mother, he scoops us both in his arms. The only one with the audacity and position to do so. Thank goodness for that. I'd definitely cry my lungs out if all guests were allowed to pick me up as well.
"Thank you all for coming tonight. It is with my long-awaited pleasure to welcome my first grandchildren, not one but two, to this world!"
The crowd bursts back out in applause as he waves us in an undignified manner into the air. In this position, all that's missing from this scene are the wild animal features and the Circle of Life playing in the background. Maybe a dramatic height to lift us from too.
Heehee the old man is rather like the baboon, it's fitting. No one can possibly suspect the real reason for my laughter.
"It has been a blessing, everything that we have been given from the Goddess. But this...I had never expected to have children, let alone grandchildren. Thank you, Maria, for being born, for being the light in my life and bringing these little gifts to this world."
Mother is not the only one tearing up if the sounds of the crowd are anything to go by.
I want to snort but even I'm affected by the tone in his voice.
The night continues as expected. The lines of people to see us is never-ending, it reminds me of a famous art exhibit and how you see more of people's heads than the actual art itself. Genuine well-wishers, social networkers, grampa's admirers, and even curious children all have their turn looking into our cradle.
One toddler of a brat even dared to poke my cheek, to which I let out a very displeased cry.
"Whoa careful, what if it bites your finger off!"
"Babies that small don't have teeth yet dumdum."
"It's kinda cute."
The laughing brat and his friends are rushed off by Gramps humorously. At this point, I'm quite exhausted over entertaining all these people. Lilyanne has already knocked out a while ago and is softly snoozing by my side.
"I think that's enough for our girls for the night! Everyone, please continue the festivities!"
"Papa there's no need for you to take them to bed yourself."
"Yes, father the servants are already prepared, no need to trouble yourself. "
"Maria, Frederick, please I insist. Any moment I can spend with my grandchildren is no trouble at all."
"Ah of course then."
I'm nearly nodding off when he takes us in his arms and carries us off, far gentler than earlier in the evening. As tired as I am I struggle to stay alert. He's much faster than the servants, the trip back up to our room was considerably quicker.
I observe how he softly strokes my sister's cheek then her hair, as he sets her down.
"As innocent as my Maria, no even more than her. Sweet Lilyanne, nothing will hurt you...I swear"
And then he turns to me, the soft foolish look in his eyes sharpening instantly. There he is, there's the stranger I first met.
"Did you have fun?"
I'm frozen, how does one respond to that? It would be safer to play dumb, my body is beginning to shut down from exhaustion anyways. It's not just an excuse.
"I look forward to what you'll have to show me little one. I'm not your enemy if you don't make me one first."
Ahhhhhhhhh who talks in such a way to a baby!? I'm mentally cursing and screaming behind tightly shut eyes while all this suspicious baboon does is laugh.
"Remember you're one of mine now too. I won't let anything bad happen to you either. Not if I can help it. But the rest depends on you?"
How can I trust that? How can I trust such a dangerous character? But I don't have much of a choice but to take him for his word. Well, I suppose there are worse ways to die, the past Rosalia would know.
Once again I'm lulled and fall into a deep sleep in his steady embrace. That's a sign of acceptance right?
---
I don’t like this grandpa but it’s not like I know the past of this old man. Thanks for The chapter.
Yeah... he's clearly full of sh*t otherwise I doubt she would have died the first time around.
He f*cked off without even a word the first time around and left everything to fate so I see no reason to trust his word.
Something unexpected probably happened but still he could have left some clues as to what...
Ha~ there goes my expectations for an awesome grandfather/daughter duo with memories or a past no one knows.
Wow okay.
The only way I can tolerate his horrible attitude to a baby is the thought that perhaps he does not view her as a child and is treating her like a suspicious element that could bring danger others, and is therefore opting a cautious attitude.
I always thought it was interesting, most protagonists claim or think that they want 'freedom'. However, sometimes what they want more is acceptance and friends to be with. That's why even though they may claim a certain goals, they acquire new ones called responsibilities.
Hence, villains are generally those that deprive the MC of their 'freedom', intended goals, new goals, or foist upon them their own goals and agendas.
Grandpa seems to be of the in the way of intended goals villain or a meddlesome guardian. The ML will be the obstacle or actively working against the MC's personal goals and probably responsibilities (her twin most likely).
The grandpa is a controversial character as it's implied he knows something about the MC, however whether he knows what actually happened might be completely different. Is this foreign soul a demon, a witch, a criminal, ambitious, do they have untold powers or harbor malicious intent. I think this is what he means by don't mess with me and don't be evil type thing. He's just quite overt and blunt about it. I always hope that the MC even with the struggles they face find peace within themselves. Especially since the previous soul was quite troubled, I hope the current MC will achieve some happiness and find her own place.
Nope. Just don't. Excuses excuses. What about the first time then?
None of these people deserve to let the protagonist feel any sort of responsibility towards them and I hope she feels the same way.
@Sylvie When you only get this far in a novel it's hard to judge, you'd be surprised at the skill of various authors to make irredeemable characters sympathetic or at least more empathic from a readers perspective. However, reading on you may be right in the long run, but not necessarily for all the right reasons. CCmei has an intriguing ability with the pen, but her specialty is quite fascinating. I hesitate to mention more on such early chapters.
@Sylvie i do agree on your opinion but i remember reading in the first time he didn't actually neglect her
He was always kind to me in my memories. He spoiled and loved Lilyanne with a disgusting amount of affection but he was...alright. That man would still try to comfort me if I cried or was upset, that's more than I can say about anyone else in my depressing childhood. And he took us in when our parents died.
people always gave more intention to the one who ask for it (in the right way ofc) and rarely to those who need it. but yeah i agree that she have a horrible past life, i already tears up in the chp 1, and i'm sure i will cry buckets of tears later on these chapters. Neglection is never easy to bear, unless you simply don't care you will continue getting hurt, not physically but by heart
Both the father and grandfather have proven to be disgusting human beings. Worthy of being called filthy pond scum. Putting aside the father, who there is absolutely no hope for, the grandfather also has no excuse. You call that support? Then what about the previous life?
IF he really is/was a modern person before then why didn't he do anything when his granddaughter was being ignored for some mystical manipulative crap such as not being the chosen one. And even more wonderfully, the first thing he decides to do this time is to THREATEN her?
I hope he goes missing and just dies this time around too.
Im so close to dropping this story due to the blatant discrimination. With the father, grandpa and the guests
I know right? I feel so indignant at the way they treat the poor girl. If there was a normal baby in her place it'd be a wonder if she turned out happy and healthy instead of suicidal.
I'm pulling my own hair in anger right now but I'd much rather be pulling the father's or grandfather's hair. I won't drop it because of this but I will if the protagonist doesn't stand up for herself and just casually forgives them for all this.
She feels that this world owes Rosalia and I want to see her take what she deserves.
3. Not dying. Just try not to die. Avoid all red flags. Avoid all yellow flags. Let's just not die!
This is hilarious.
Also I feel like all these people don't bother to think that MAYBE what the grampa notices is that this is her second run. I mean he actually goes and says 'She's done this before, and she's not happy about it' and people still wondering what about the first life. Not to mention the fact that she said he was one of the few okay people in her first run. He still favored Lilyanne, but based on what Rosalia said, he cared for her when she really needed it.
I'm not gonna go saying the grampa's a good person, but he's not NEARLY as bad as everyone makes him out to be.
the newborn pasts 3 months
See a little bit
,
well-baby
well -- baby (dunno how to make the long line lol
We've been switched bassinets
She's in the palm of his hand, literally :P
Yea that old sh*t can get hemorrhoids... I really dont like him I feel sad for OG Rosalia...girl smash that old sht trash him show him the power of a reincarnator
it had once mention in the past chapter that the grandfather in her past life doesn't neglect her and instead comfort her but they don't really bond,
the grandfather is being like this because unlike in the past life, the current rosalia have memories of her past life, since he can guess it the moment he saw her, he's probably also a reincarnator as well, but instead of taking a wait-and-see or accepting stance he choose to be cautious and threathen her to keep her in check
rosalia said that he has that dangerous and merciless vibe so my guess is that he have been through a lot in his journey to be a hero, so with all that i'm not really mad at him, but it's also not because i like him, i prefer to adopt a wait-and-see attitude first and see what happen next before deciding now
@Dina I hate him because she's a baby... Hes threatening a tiny baby... I wanna stab him I've hated him from this moment, he's also the reason I dropped this story, I hate what he does to her, I hate how pathetic he acts, so reckless towards her and neglectful, I can't stand him... I'd wear steel capped boots and ... Well... Use your imagination...
I've gone up and down with him over the chapters sometimes I almost tolerate him... Other times I wanna stab ... The only character I have any love for... Is the mc, I used to love another character but he got tainted!! ... I hated the parents almost as much as that old man, but I started to gain tolerance to the Father... As for the mother she can gtfo... I'm neutral towards baby sis... as for the rest of the characters... They're mostly meh.. don't care...
The star of this story is the mc... Outshines everyone, shame that old fker ruined it for me lol....???????????????
Wtf who talks like that to a child. The clear favouritism is annoying. This gramps seem like a douchebag as well
from his perspective, he's not talking to a child, he's talking to an adult in the body of his grand daughter