GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 14.1: Binding

The soft creak of floorboards and the whisper of bare feet against wood broke his contemplation. Just then, Mari appeared in the doorway, her hair slightly tousled from sleep.

"Vel? You're awake?" she inquired, her voice gentle and a bit drowsy.

Vel turned, his heart lifting at her presence.

"Just trying to soothe her," he said, adjusting Lyra slightly in his hold.

Mari moved closer, her gaze shifting to the baby.

"Seems like you're quite occupied," she remarked, a faint smile breaking through.

Vel shrugged, a soft chuckle escaping him.

"It's nothing I can't manage."

"Guess I'm a middle child now," he joked, feigning exasperation as she carried the baby back to the crib.

Mari glanced back at him, amusement dancing in her tired eyes.

"You know I still love you, Vel. But she needs me more right now," she said softly, settling Lyra into the crib with practiced movements.

The baby stirred briefly before her breathing steadied. Mari's fingers lingered on the blanket's edge, smoothing it one final time.

"She's lucky to have such a caring big brother," Mari added, watching as Lyra's tiny fist uncurled against her cheek.

"Yeah, I know, Mom," Vel replied, moving closer to Mari. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and pressed his chin on her shoulder, feeling the familiar comfort of her presence.

Having a second mother after reincarnation felt strange at first. Giri's consciousness had wrestled with the concept, but Vel's instincts recognized the truth—she would protect him with her life.

The silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Maybe they were all feeling Landre's absence. She rarely came home anymore, swept away by her duties as a Saint. The realization hit him—soon, he would leave this house too. Halen had sent invitations for a farewell party to celebrate his departure for the Academy in Lona. Excitement and dread wrestled in his chest.

Mari turned slightly, her expression softening.

"Are you ready for the party?" she asked, her voice laced with a blend of curiosity and concern.

Vel hesitated. The excitement of the Academy loomed large in his mind, but the thought of saying goodbye tugged at his heart.

"I mean... it's just a party, right?" he said, trying to sound nonchalant.

But deep down, he felt the weight of leaving home, of stepping into a world that would test him in ways he couldn't yet understand.

He noticed Mari's gaze shift away, as if sensing the turmoil swirling inside him. Vel could almost feel the unspoken words hanging in the air.

"It's going to be okay," Mari said softly, as if reading his thoughts.

Vel nodded, but uncertainty lingered. With a gentle squeeze, he released his embrace and excused himself back to his room.

Next morning, at the breakfast table. Vel's gaze drifting over the spread of meat and eggs before him. The savory scent filled the air, yet his thoughts occupied a different space.

"You're going to need a new suit," Von declared, breaking through Vel's contemplation.

Vel blinked, a lump forming in his throat. The idea of being dressed up for a party seemed extravagant, and the notion of letting his parents buy something for him felt wrong.