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Chapter 4: A New Life Begins… as a Baby!?
"Hey! Hey hey hey! WAIT—what are you doing!?"
Mickey's panicked voice echoed across the room as he jolted upright—only to freeze.
In front of him stood a young woman dressed in a maid's uniform, holding a small pair of pants. She looked startled, but calm.
"Sir," she said gently, "I'm just changing your pants."
"WHAT!? You're changing—my pants?!" Mickey exclaimed, then caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror beside the bed.
His eyes widened. His jaw dropped.
"AHHHHHH!! WHAT THE HECK! Why do I look like… a BABY!?"
The maid tilted her head slightly, giving him a confused look. "Sir… you are a baby. You're four years old."
"W-What!?" Mickey blinked rapidly. "Ohhhh… Right. I got reincarnated…"
The maid, unsure how to respond to his odd behavior, asked gently, "Are you thinking something, young master?"
"Uhh—no, no. It's nothing," Mickey muttered, trying to compose himself as his tiny hands gripped the soft blankets.
Just then, the large wooden doors creaked open. A noblewoman in a flowing lavender dress entered gracefully, her golden hair glowing under the morning sun. She walked straight to Mickey and wrapped him in her arms.
"My sweet little baby~ Why is it so noisy in here?"
Mickey squirmed in her embrace and asked carefully, "Who are you…?"
She blinked, then laughed softly. "Oh my poor baby, did you have a nightmare? I'm your mother, Caroline."
Right… Mickey thought, This is my new mom in this world… She seems really kind.
"Sorry, Mom," he said with a sheepish smile. "I had a bad dream."
"Oh you precious thing," she said, patting his head. "You should've come and slept with me then!"
Mickey chuckled nervously. "It's okay, really…"
Caroline suddenly beamed. "Oh! And guess what, Mickey! Tomorrow is your Blessings Day!"
Mickey tilted his head. "Blessings Day?"
Caroline placed a hand over her heart. "Yes. It's a sacred day when every child turning five receives their Crest—a magical mark given by the gods that determines your future potential."
"Woaaah… I'll get my crest tomorrow?" Mickey whispered, excitement rising.
"That's right," Caroline said warmly. "And also, your personal magic instructors are waiting outside. It's time to begin your training."
Mickey's eyes sparkled.
"Let's go, Mom! Take me there quick!"
As Caroline laughed and guided him out of the room, Mickey clenched his tiny fists with determination.
A new life. Magic. Crests. This world is already full of surprises… and I'll face them all, one step at a time!
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