"Huh? Where am I?"
I felt warm and cozy, but my vision was blurry. My body felt small, and I couldn't move my arms or legs.
"Are you hungry, Javier? Don't worry, Mama will feed you now."
Javier? Who's Javier? I wanted to ask, but suddenly my mouth was on something soft. Warm, sweet liquid filled it.
Wait… is this… breast milk?
My mind raced, but my body acted like a baby. I couldn't stop sucking.
I can't be a baby… This is crazy…
The woman holding me laughed softly. Her voice was kind and calming. "Is it good, honey? Drink all you want. Mama will feed you until you're full."
Her words left me both comforted and confused.
Mama? What's happening? Why can't I talk? Why am I acting like this?
Then she smiled, a big, warm smile that made her look beautiful.
I wanted to scream, but all that came out was a gurgle. My baby body didn't care about my confusion.
"Ara, so cute," she said, kissing my forehead softly. "Don't worry, Javier. Mama will take care of you. Muah!"
Her kiss warmed me inside. For a moment, I forgot the fear and confusion.
Who is she? Why am I here with this beautiful woman?
I looked up at her, feeling frustrated, amazed, and helpless.
I needed to figure this out.
After the feeding, she began to hum a soft, soothing lullaby. Her voice wrapped around me like a warm blanket.
Her voice… it's so comforting.
She smiled down, eyes tender, and for a moment all my panic melted away.
Honestly… I wouldn't mind if she kept taking care of me forever. She's gorgeous. Ehehe…
"Madam, let me take over," a firm voice interrupted. "Lord Garius requests all his family at the dining table."
The woman, my mama, pouted, lips forming an exaggerated frown. "Ehhhhh, but I'm taking care of my honey bun here," she said in a spoiled tone, cradling me closer.
Honey bun? Well, I guess I'm fine with that…
"Madam Francesca, Lord Garius is calling," the voice insisted.
Curiosity got the better of me. I turned my head toward the sound. Another woman stood nearby, dressed in a maid uniform.
Eh? No, wait! Don't let her take me! No! Lady! No! Tell that fatty to scram! Shoo, shoo!
Francesca sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. But I want him back as soon as I'm done. Understood?"
"Yes, Madam."
Ehhhh? No, wait! Beautiful lady! Mama! Francesca! Don't let her take me!
Despite my silent protests, Francesca handed me over. Her soft warmth was replaced by an efficient, clinical grip.
Ekkk! This is a downgrade! A serious downgrade! No offense, maid, but… give me back my beautiful Mama! Please!
The maid held me close but moved with purpose. I tried to squirm, but my baby limbs wouldn't cooperate. My only weapon was my cry.
"Uwaaaaa!!!"
She flinched slightly but kept walking.
I'm crying for help here! Francesca, don't leave me! Save me! Take me back!
Francesca chuckled lightly, glancing back. "Ara, Javier, don't fuss. Mama will be back soon. Be good, okay?"
Her smile was radiant. She gave a little wave before disappearing out the door.
Ekkk! She's really leaving me! This is betrayal! How could you!?
The maid cooed, trying to soothe me, but it only made me protest harder.
Francesca! Come back! I don't want to be left with, this! Somebody save me!
As she cradled me closer, her stern demeanor softened. Her smile grew wide. too wide, and her face loomed above me.
"Oh, you're just the cutest little thing!" she squealed, voice overly sweet and high-pitched.
Wait… why are you leaning in? What are you doing?
Before I could brace myself, she planted a big, sloppy kiss on my cheek.
Nooooo! Get off me, you fatty maid! No! Mama! Help! Somebody! Ekkkk!
"Muah! Muah! Muah!" she cooed, showering my face with kisses.
Blerghh! Ew! Disgusting!
I screamed inside, wiggling uselessly.
Another kiss landed on my other cheek, then my forehead.
"Who's my sweet little baby, huh? You are! Muah, muah!"
Stop it! I'm a grown man on the inside! This is torture! Francesca, where are you? Save me!
Ewww, so gross! Why is this happening? I didn't sign up for this!
But all that escaped my lips were pitiful cries.
"UWaaahhh!"
The maid laughed lightly as she rocked me. "Oh, so fussy! Don't worry, little Lord Javier. You're safe with me."
Safe? SAFE!? I'm being assaulted by slobbery kisses! Mama, come back! Ekkk!
Get your hands off me!!!
I screamed in my mind, though all that came out was a pitiful wail. My tiny fists flailed against her chest.
Damn this stubborn maid!
Completely ignoring me, she smiled wider. "Oh, such an adorable baby!" she said, leaning in again.
No! No, no, no! Another wet kiss hit my cheek.
"Muah!"
Disgusting! Ewww! Someone save me from this maid!
She walked toward the dining hall, bouncing me gently. Instead of mercy, she kept peppering my cheeks.
"Muah! Muah! Oh, Lord Javier, you're just too precious!"
Too precious for this! Francesca, where are you?
No!!!! I'll take anyone at this point. Just make sure they're beautiful! Ekkk! Save me!
Just when I thought it couldn't get worse, another voice cut in.
"Marita, you shouldn't keep kissing that baby like that. Let me take him."
The maid stopped. I turned my head, as much as a baby could, to see who spoke.
A young woman stood there, dressed in a more elegant maid uniform, expression calm but faintly amused. Neatly braided hair and sharp features hinted at a no-nonsense attitude.
"Oh, but he's so cute, Miss Liana! Just one more kiss!"
I screamed inside.
NO! No more! Get me away from her before I lose my mind!
"Marita," Liana said firmly, "Lord Garius wouldn't be pleased if he saw you manhandling the young lord. Hand him over."
Marita pouted but reluctantly held me out. "Fine. But you'll see! He loves my kisses."
No, I don't! Who told you that!?
Liana took me with practiced grace. Her grip was secure but lacked Marita's slobbery enthusiasm.
"There you go, little Lord Javier," Liana said softly. "No more slobber, I promise."
Finally! Someone with sense!
As Marita walked away, mumbling about "adorable babies not appreciating her love," I sighed in relief, internally, of course.
Thank you, Liana. You might not be Francesca, but you're a thousand times better than that kissing nightmare.
(End of Chapter)