The Next Day....
(Michael's POV)
"Hwaa-"
I woke up with a yawn, blinking at the morning sunlight that's streaming through the window.
i stretched my arm.
I'm free.
The blanket cocoon that was my cage is gone. I looked down at myself. The blankets were loosely draped over me now your normal, non-constraining blankets.
Mom must've unwrapped me while I was sleeping,after I gave up trying to escape for fifteen minutes and just passed out.
Her technique is truly unbeatable.
Must be due to her training.
I stretched, feeling properly rested despite the brief imprisonment. And also had sighed about unable to gain any information.
And probably any attempts in doing so will be clearly rejected. Though I was both optimistic and pessimistic.
Meanwhile the door soon opened, and Mom peeked in with a smile.
"Good morning, tesoro!"
"Morning, Mom."
She walked in, already dressed for the day. "How did you sleep?"
"Good," I said, then gave her a pointed look. "Though the blanket wrapping was a bit much."
Mom just smiled innocently. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Mom."
"You were very sleepy,so i had to make sure you were snug and was very-very secure."
"I was trapped."
"Safe and sound," she corrected cheerfully.
I sighed. There was no winning this.
"Can I know what you all talked about last night?" I asked hopefully. "About the ice doll? About Lavinia?" I also activated my cute eyes mode.
Mom's expression softened immediately when I asked with my cute eyes mode.
But she then shook her head gently.
"When you're older, tesoro."
Fuck.
The classic 'when you're older' dodge.
Parent cryptography at its finest.
But fine. I could accept that.
For now. I'll try to get the information from dad, when he's drunk. Though i don't know if he can get drunk considering while he does often drink wine i never see him drunk.
"Come on," Mom said, gesturing toward the door. "Breakfast is ready. I made waffles."
My entire mood shifted instantly.
Waffles.
MOM'S waffles.
Any lingering frustration about being kept in the dark evaporated immediately.
I'm a foodie.
I can't help it.
Heck if i don't eat i got easily angry and
Even in my past life as a scientist, I'd eaten constantly stress eating, celebration eating, 'the experiment worked' eating, 'the experiment failed' eating. And somehow, miraculously, I never got fat.
Good metabolism, I guess.
Or divine intervention.
Either way: waffles.
I was out of bed and heading downstairs in record time.
----------
Later, After Breakfast
----------
(It was very enjoyable mom also had cooked some sausages, biscuits,eggs,and some pastries that dad had made yesterday)
I stood at the park, moving my legs, waiting.
Mom was nearby sitting on a bench with a book, reading but definitely watching me.
Whether for my safety or because she wants to meet the girl I mentioned, I'm not sure.
Probably both.
I glanced at her, then back at the tree where I'd first met Lavinia.
Mom's definitely in protective mode.
Which makes sense considering the whole giant ice doll thing.
I thought about Jeanne briefly, with her back in France.
Wonder how she's doing.
Probably playing video games.
Or eating cookies.
Hopefully both.
Meanwhile, in France...
Jeanne sat cross-legged on the floor of her room, controller in hand, intensely focused on the screen.
She was currently doing a mid-combo in her favorite fighting game when-
"Achoo!"
She sneezed suddenly, nearly dropping the controller.
"Huh?"
Her sneezed caused her character to get hit by the enemy,and nearly killing her character. She immediately mashed the
buttons to recover.
"Jeanne?" her mom called from the hallway. "Are you getting sick?"
"No!" Jeanne called back, sniffling. "I'm fine!"
That was weird.
Why did I sneeze?
She shrugged and went back to her game.
Somewhere, someone was probably thinking about her, probably Mickey.
Meanwhile Charlotte was confused on her daughter suddenly sneezing, but when back to cleaning the house.
Back with Michael
I was still waiting when
"Michael!"
A cheerful voice called out, and before I could react, a blur of blonde hair rushed toward me.
Oh no
HUG INCOMING !!!
Lavinia crashed into me with a hug, wrapping her arms around me tightly.
Why....why am i always being hugged.
Jeanne for example always hugged me....well more of tackling me.
(Jeanne would proceed to sneeze again in France and it caused her character to get killed)
Mom often scooped me to do a near backbreaking hug.
Is this a curse?
Did I anger the God of Personal Space?
But I hugged her back anyway, because she looked so happy.
"Hi, Lavi," I said, smiling.
She pulled back, grinning. "You came again!"
"Of course I did. I said I would."
"I know, but..." Her smile faltered slightly. "Most people don't keep their promises to me."
Ouch.
Right in the feelings.
"Well, I do," I said firmly. "Always." (Sometimes )
Her smile came back, brighter than before.
Behind her, the ice doll stood silently tall, imposing, watching with those six hollow eyes.
I glanced at it, then back at Lavinia.
"How was your morning?" I asked.
"Good!" she said. "I had breakfast, and then I came straight here because I didn't want you waiting too long."
"I'm glad you did."
She looked back at where the doll stood, then back at me. "She's here again."
"Yeah," I said, looking at the towering figure. "She's... big."
And creepy.
But also kind of protecting you, I think.
Which is good?
Lavinia nodded quietly. "She always appears. Especially when I'm upset or scared."
"Does she... do anything? Or just watch?"
"Just watches," Lavinia said softly. "She's never hurt anyone. But no one else can see her. Just me." She paused. "And you.".
Right.
I can see supernatural things apparently.
That's... concerning.
But also useful?
"Hey, Lavi," I said, "I want to introduce you to someone."
"Who?"
I gestured toward the bench where Mom was sitting.
She'd already put down her book and was walking over, a warm smile on her face.
"Lavi," I said, "this is my mom."
Mom knelt down to Lavinia's level, her expression gentle and kind.
"Hello, Lavinia," she said warmly. "It's very nice to meet you. Michael's told me about his new friend."
Lavinia blinked, looking between me and Mom, a bit shy suddenly.
"Um... hello," she said quietly.
Mom's smile widened. "You're very pretty, dear. And Michael says you're from Italy?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"How wonderful! I'm from Italy too,Northern Italy specifically near Florence."
Lavinia's eyes lit up slightly. "Oh Michael did mention about that"
"Really ?"
"Yup "
Meanwhile soon Mom reached out and gently patted her head. "It's lovely to meet one of Michael's friends."
I watched the exchange, feeling oddly warm inside.
Mom's good at this.
Making people feel welcome.
Then I noticed Mom's eyes shift just for a moment upward and to the side, toward where the ice doll stood.
Her expression didn't change, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes.
So She can definitely see it too.
Of course she can.
She's Mom.
And her family apparently has knight bloodlines and she's married into a magical family.
So... yeah. She probably knows what's going on.
The doll as usual didn't react.
Just stood there, silent and still.
Mom turned her attention back to Lavinia, smile intact.
"Lavinia, dear," she said, "would you like some ice cream? There's a lovely shop just down the street. My treat."
Lavinia's eyes went wide. "Really?"
"Of course! Michael loves ice cream, and I'm sure you do too."
"I do, but..." Lavinia hesitated. "Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother-"
"Nonsense," Mom said firmly but kindly. "It's no bother at all. Besides, any friend of Michael's is welcome."
Lavinia looked at me, uncertain.
I nodded. "Mom makes the best decisions. Trust me."
She smiled shyly. "Okay. Thank you."
Is Mom trying to bribe her?
With ice cream?
Actually, that's a solid strategy.
Ice cream is universally effective.
It tasty and heal a broken heart....well not physically, like went you get rejected by someone or like your facing problems.
Mom stood and offered her hand to Lavinia.
"Come on, both of you. Let's get something sweet."
Lavinia took her hand, looking happier than I'd seen her yet.
The three of us started walking toward the ice cream shop.
Behind us, barely visible to anyone else, the ice doll followed.
-------
At the Ice Cream Shop
------
The ice cream shop was small but charming, with pastel-colored walls, checkered floor tiles, and a display case full of colorful ice cream tubs that made my mouth water just looking at them. (I'm a foodie)
Mom led us to the counter, already pulling out her wallet.
"Alright, you two," she said with a smile. "What would you like?"
I pressed my face against the glass, scanning the options.
Chocolate chip... cookies and cream... mint... oh.
There.
"Chocolate chip ice cream with Oreos, please!" I said, pointing at the tub.
And Yeah the Oreo company, Mondelez International exist here, heck practically nearly all the companies from my previous life exist here and yes that includes the mouse aka Disney.
Though I don't know if this Disney will screw up the star wars sequel let's hope not,but that's basically asking politicians to do their jobs as the servant of the people.
Meanwhile Mom chuckled. "Of course you'd pick that one."
"It's the best one."
"If you say so, tesoro." Mom said with a skeptical look, hearing my opinion.
She turned to Lavinia, who was looking at the display with wide, uncertain eyes like she had forgotten to being offered choices.
"What about you, Lavinia?" Mom asked gently. "What flavor would you like?"
Lavinia hesitated. "Um... strawberry?"
"Strawberry it is." Mom smiled warmly at the employee behind the counter. "One chocolate chip with Oreos, one strawberry, and one vanilla bean, please. Large cups for all of them please."
Large cups.
MOM.
I LOVE YOU.
The employee nodded and started scooping the ice cream.
I glanced at Lavinia, who was staring at Mom with an expression somewhere between surprise and gratitude.
She's not used to people being nice to her anymore huh ?.
That thought made my chest tighten.
Well, she's got us now.
We'll fix that.
A few minutes later, we were sitting at a small table outside the shop, each of us with a generously-sized cup of ice cream.
I dug in immediately, savoring the rich chocolate and crunchy Oreo pieces.
Hwaa...
Heaven.
This is actual heaven.
Lavinia took a cautious bite of her strawberry ice cream, then her face lit up.
"It's really good!" she said, smiling.
"I'm glad you like it, dear," Mom said, looking genuinely happy.
I watched Lavinia eat, her expression pure joy, and I couldn't help but smile.
She deserves this.
Simple happiness.
Just being a kid.
Mom was watching too, her expression soft and warm like she was looking at both of us with the same affection.
Is she... adopting Lavinia mentally?
Because it kind of feels like she's adopting Lavinia mentally.
Then Mom pulled out her phone.
"Hold still, you two," she said, already angling the camera.
"Mom—"
Click.
She took the picture before I could protest.
"Perfect!" she said, looking at the screen with satisfaction. "You both look adorable."
I sighed, but I was smiling.
Parents and their photo obsessions.
Though... I guess it's nice.
Having memories.
Lavinia looked surprised. "You took a picture of me?"
"Of course," Mom said, showing her the screen. "You're Michael's friend. That makes you part of our memories now."
Lavinia stared at the photo.
Her and me sitting together, ice cream in hand, both smiling.
Her eyes got a little shiny.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Mom reached over and gently squeezed her hand. "Anytime, sweetheart."
I took another bite of ice cream, letting the moment settle.
This world is weird.
Not mom comforting Lavinia.
I'm not an edgelord afterall.
I'm talking about something else, technology.
I'd noticed it before, but it hit me again now.
Technology here was slightly more advanced than it should be for this time period.
The first iPhone came out in 2007 in my old world.
But here? I'm pretty sure smartphones have been around a few years earlier than that.
Which means this world's tech timeline is shifted forward.
Probably because of a an alternate event that may have happened here or maybe just alternate history.
Either way convenient for me. I don't want to remember when i had to use a BlackBerry ( Yes i did use one and even an iPhone 3G... When i was a kid and was using my original dad's phone)
Mom was happily eating her vanilla ice cream while chatting with Lavinia, asking her gentle questions about where she lived, what she liked to do, if she had any hobbies
.
And Lavinia shy at first was slowly opening up, answering with more confidence each time.
Mom's really treating her like a daughter already.
Which... honestly, I don't mind.
Lavinia needs this.
A few meters away, standing perfectly still near the edge of the sidewalk, the ice doll watched us,she as often was only staring.
I glanced at it.
Wait.
Is it a 'she'?
The doll's form was feminine, it's basically wearing a dress, elegant posture, even the way it stood felt... graceful? In a creepy, unnatural way.
Okay, fine.
'She,' then.
The ice doll is a 'she.'
I'm still scared and horrified of it
But...feel less threatening now that I know she's not going to attack.
Mom seemed to notice my gaze drifting and followed it briefly her eyes flicking toward the doll for just a moment before returning to Lavinia.
She definitely sees it too.
And she's keeping calm.
Which means she knows what it is.
Or at least has an idea.
For now i just enjoy the ice cream.
After a while, Mom set down her spoon and looked at both of us with a warm smile.
"So," she said, "where would you two like to go after this? We have some time before lunch."
I blinked. "We get to pick?"
"Of course." Mom chuckled. "This is a fun day, isn't it?"
I looked at Lavinia. "What do you think, Lavi? Anywhere you want to go?"
Lavinia paused, thinking hard, her spoon hovering over her ice cream.
"Um..." She looked uncertain. "I don't know. I haven't really... gone many places."
Of course she hasn't.
She's been alone and ostracized.
Probably hasn't had anyone take her anywhere fun in a long time.
Mom's expression softened even more.
"Well then," she said gently, "how about we go somewhere new? Maybe the bookstore down the street? Or the park again? Or we could just walk around and see what we find."
Lavinia's eyes lit up slightly. "Can we go to the bookstore?"
"Of course, dear."
I grinned. "Books it is."
Mom stood, collecting our empty ice cream cups and tossing them in the nearby bin.
"Alright, you two. Let's go explore."
Lavinia stood up, still holding her half-finished ice cream, and smilef
"Thank you" she said quietly.
Mom knelt down and gently cupped her cheek.
"You don't have to thank us, Lavinia," she said softly. "You deserve kindness. Not to mention who would say no to a cutie look you."
Lavinia's lip trembled slightly, but she nodded.
I reached out and took her free hand.
"Come on," I said. "Let's go find some cool books."
She squeezed my hand and smiled.
And together, the three of us plus one silent, watchful ice guardian headed toward the bookstore.
-------------
Meanwhile, after the bookstore...
-------------
We spent the rest of the day wandering around town.
Mom led us from place to place.
A small toy shop where Lavinia's eyes went wide at all the dolls and games, which mom proceeded to buy something for me and Lavi.
We then head back to the park where there were some ducks so we fed them some birdseed ( Afterall giving bread to ducks are dangerous).
Even a little café where Mom bought us pastries.
And through it all, Lavinia happily smiled.
She enjoyed it very much.
Mom watched her with warmth in her eyes, clearly pleased.
I don't know if Mom knows the full extent of Lavinia's situation.
I didn't tell her everything yesterday.
Just about the ice doll.
But Mom's treating her like... like she knows Lavinia needs this.
Needs kindness.
Needs to feel like a normal kid.
And honestly?
That's enough.
Now, as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, we stood near the edge of the park.
Lavinia noticed the time and her smile faded slightly.
"It's getting late," she said quietly, looking at the sunset.
My chest tightened. Since of course i
She doesn't want to go back.
To that house where no one wants her.
Where she's alone.
I was an adult mentally thirty-something years of life experience but even so, I was easily emotional on things.
Reading sad scenes in books, watching tragic moments in movies, hearing about people suffering it always shook me, I'm afterall only human, and hearing and seeing things like poverty, famine, makes my stomach churned out.
And not to mention being a scientist and an avid lover of history. Cause you to see many dark things.
And seeing Lavinia's face right now, knowing she had to go back to that cold, unwelcoming place...
Yeah.
That hurt.
Mom noticed too. She knelt down beside Lavinia, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"How was today, Lavinia?" she asked softly.
Lavinia looked up at her, eyes shining.
"It was the best day I've had in... in a really long time," she said. "Thank you. Thank you so much."
Mom smiled and pulled her into a gentle hug.
"You're welcome, sweetheart. Anytime."
I stepped closer and added quietly, "I'll see you again tomorrow, okay?"
Lavinia nodded, wiping her eyes. "Okay."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
We walked her partway toward her house though she insisted we didn't need to go all the way.
"I'll be fine," she said, trying to sound brave.
Mom didn't push, but she watched Lavinia walk away until she disappeared around a corner.
Then she sighed softly.
"That poor girl," she murmured.
I looked up at her. "Do you think she'll be okay?"
Mom looked down at me, her expression unreadable for a moment.
Then she smiled gently.
"We'll make sure she is."
-------
Later
-------
I was in my room, sitting on the bed and thinking about the day.
Lavinia deserves better.
Way better.
Considering that she's facing a lot of things.
Downstairs, I could hear faint voices,
Of Mom and Grandma talking.
I briefly considered sneaking down to eavesdrop.
Then I remembered the Cocoon incident.
Yeah, no.
Not risking that again.
I sighed and flopped back onto the bed.
I'll probably see Lavinia tomorrow.
--------
Downstairs - Giulia and Vivienne.
--------
Giulia sat at the dining table, hands wrapped around a cup of tea, her expression troubled. Vivienne sat across from her, calm but serious.
"Vivienne,did you spot anything suspicious around Lavinia today?" Giulia asked quietly.
Vivienne nodded. "Yes. I've been doing some investigation. Same for Edgar and Edward considering they're currently handling some other things"
Giulia's eyes widened. "Investigation?"
"I had checked into her status,"
Vivienne explained. "Her family situation. Her living conditions. I even visited the previous houses where she was staying with her relatives."
She paused, her expression darkening.
"They're under the influence of a spell."
"What?" Giulia nearly dropped her tea. "A spell?"
"It's a subtle one,very hard to even detect for most magicians" Vivienne clarified. "It amplifies their existing negative feelings that exist and makes it target toward her. It Makes them more dismissive, more cruel,and less caring. They were already inclined to reject her in some way, the spell just... intensified it."
Giulia's hands tightened around her cup. "Who would do that?"
"That's what I'm trying to figure out." Vivienne's eyes narrowed. "The spell is expertly cast. Whoever did it knows what they're doing."
She leaned forward slightly.
"Giulia, did you feel anyone watching you today? While you were with Michael and Lavinia?"
Giulia frowned, thinking back. "No. I didn't sense anything."
"That's because it wasn't a person." Vivienne's tone grew more serious. "It was a familiar. A magical construct designed for surveillance."
Giulia's breath caught. " A familiar ?"
Vivienne nodded her head
"Yes the person had likely sent a familiar to watch her,and i detected it when watching her going back home it's very clear they have been watching Lavinia from the beginning"
Vivienne corrected grimly. "No they're just watching the sacred gear, Lavinia is just the vessel that contains it and unfortunately that's the view of the person."
Silence fell over the table.
Then Giulia spoke, her voice heavy.
"I feel so bad for that girl. Her parents died,she's living with relatives who hate her, and now someone's..." She shook her head. "It's too much."
Vivienne's expression softened, but only slightly.
"About her parents actually" she said carefully. "I looked into their deaths."
Giulia looked up sharply.
"They died in an explosion at their workplace," Vivienne continued. "From investigation officially ruled an accident. But..."
"But?"
"There something wrong with their death,their timing is suspicious,their location. The lack of witnesses." Vivienne met Giulia's eyes. "I suspect their deaths may have been orchestrated."
"What?" Giulia's voice rose. "You think someone killed them?"
"I think," Vivienne said slowly, "that someone wanted Lavinia isolated,alone,and Vulnerable."
She leaned back in her chair.
"A Sacred Gear user especially a Longinus wielder is easier to manipulate when they have no support. No family. No one to protect them."
Giulia stared at her, horrified. "That's... that's evil."
"That's the sad reality of being a Sacred Gear user," Vivienne said quietly. "Especially one with a Longinus."
She sighed, closing one eye in thought.
"It's why I'm thankful my family never had one. It would be interesting, certainly. But the problems that arise... they far outweigh any benefits."
She paused.
Then murmured, almost to herself, "Though. I don't know why but... never mind."
Giulia looked at her, confused. "Never mind what?"
"Nothing." Vivienne smiled faintly. "Just a thought."
But internally, Vivienne's mind was racing.
I don't know why but i feel that the spell structure look very familiar to me.
Not to mention i have a bad feeling on who did it and why.
But if she really did it
Somethings really bad is going to happen with that girl.
She made a mental note to contact some of her relatives in the government immediately.
To help with some paperwork.
Because when a sacred gear is involved,and a Longinus at that.
Things always usually went pretty much south.
-----------
Yeah let's be honest, it's pretty clear Lavinia parents was killed,and her being hated was most likely in some way orchestrated or was made to make her isolated and easier to be taken.And a manipulation spell is practical in doing that.
Also good news it looks like your going to have two chapters this week. Considering i have been on a roll in editing my drafts and fully becoming good enough chapters.
The other chapter will be posted tomorrow
Also it's probably the best time that i post chapters during or near the weekends.
Ok see ya next time 👋
- AgentByteGOC