Chapter 7: First word

Words : 1059 Updated : Sep 20th, 2025

Chapter 7 of "Reincarnated Into A World Of Elves As The Only Man" begins with suspenseful moments: Chapter 7 - First word When Elysia returned from the Council meeting later that evening, her... Don’t miss it!

Chapter 7 - First word When Elysia returned from the Council meeting later that evening, her mind heavy with political concerns from the Thornvale negotiations, she paused at the nursery door. The room was quiet, lit only by the soft glow of enchanted crystals that mimicked the gentle light of dusk. Naia had fallen asleep on the plush carpet, her azure hair spread out like a fan around her peaceful face. And there, sitting perfectly upright beside her, was Eren. Not reclining. Not crawling. Sitting with his back straight, legs folded, watching the door as if he had been waiting for her. His eyes tracked her movement with that unnerving focus that sometimes made her breath catch. 'Welcome back, Mother,' Eren thought, observing the surprise in her eyes. 'Long day at the office?' "Where is Lyra?" Elysia asked softly, moving into the room with the silent grace characteristic of the royal line. Eren simply tilted his head, unable to answer verbally but thinking, 'Probably off panicking about my little fire trick. I'm guessing she hasn't found you yet.' As if summoned by the thought, hurried footsteps approached the nursery. Lyra appeared in the doorway, her normally composed features flushed with agitation. When she saw Elysia, relief washed over her face. "My lady," she began, then noticed sleeping Naia and lowered her voice to a whisper. "I've been searching for you. Something has happened—something impossible." Elysia's gaze darted to Eren, who met her eyes with what could only be described as a look of smug satisfaction. "What has happened?" Elysia asked, though a part of her already knew. "Eren," Lyra said, her voice trembling slightly. "She... she conjured fire." Elysia closed her eyes briefly. "You're certain?" "I saw it with my own eyes, my lady. A flame, hovering above her palm. Naia witnessed it too." Elysia moved to where Eren sat, kneeling before her child. "Show me," she whispered. 'With pleasure,' Eren thought. He focused, and the tingling sensation returned more quickly this time. Within moments, a small flame danced above his tiny palm. Elysia's face paled. "Extinguish it," she commanded softly. Eren closed his hand, and the flame disappeared. "This changes our timeline," Elysia said, rising to her feet. "The Council cannot know. Not yet." "But my lady," Lyra protested, "fire magic in the royal line—it's unprecedented. The traditions, the prophecies—" "I am well aware of the prophecies," Elysia cut in, her voice sharp. Then, more gently, "We will speak of this later. For now, take Naia to her chambers. I will tend to Eren myself tonight." After Lyra had carefully gathered the sleeping Naia and departed, Elysia lifted Eren into her arms. "You continue to defy all expectations," she murmured, carrying him to the window. The moons had risen, casting silver-blue light across the forest canopy. "What am I to do with you?" 'How long am I gonna keep this?' Eren thought. 'Sorry, I can't keep this a secret forever.' As if sensing his turmoil, Elysia pressed her forehead against his. "If only you could tell me why you're here, what purpose the Fates have in mind for you." 'I wish I knew myself,' Eren thought, suddenly feeling the weight of his situation. 'I'm just making this up as I go along.' --- The following morning brought sunshine streaming through the crystal windows of the royal quarters. Elysia had taken Eren to her private chambers for the night, unwilling to let him out of her sight after the fire incident. She woke to find his space in the bed empty and sat up with alarm. A melodic giggle drew her attention to the center of the room, where Naia sat cross-legged on the floor with Eren opposite her. "Say 'Naia,'" her daughter was instructing patiently. "Nai-a." "What are you doing?" Elysia asked, sliding from the bed. Naia looked up with a bright smile. "Teaching Eren to talk! She's ready—I can tell." "She's far too young for words," Elysia said automatically, though she knew the statement had little meaning when applied to Eren. "No she's not," Naia insisted. "She understands everything. Watch her eyes when we speak—she's following every word." Elysia approached and knelt beside them. "And has she said anything yet?" "Not yet," Naia admitted. "But she will. Come on, Eren. Say 'Naia.' I'm your favorite sister, remember?" 'Bold claim,' Eren thought, amused. 'But I like your spirit.' Elysia watched with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. If Eren began speaking now, months before it should be possible, it would be yet another sign of his unnatural development. Yet her motherly pride couldn't help but hope to hear his first word. "Perhaps she'll say 'mother' first," Elysia suggested, unable to keep a competitive note from her voice. Naia rolled her eyes. "Everyone expects babies to say 'mama' first. But Eren's special. She'll do something different." 'You have no idea,' Eren thought. He looked between them, considering. Speaking would certainly make communication easier. He'd been trying to formulate words for days now, testing the limits of his underdeveloped vocal cords. His adult mind understood language perfectly, but his infant body was still catching up. He decided to try. Concentrating on shaping his mouth correctly, he focused on the simplest sound he could manage. "Ma..." he said, his voice small but distinct. Then he stopped, leaving the word unfinished. Both Elysia and Naia froze, staring at him with wide eyes. 'That wasn't what I meant to say,' Eren thought, surprised. He'd been aiming for something else entirely, but his instinct had betrayed him. "Did she just—" Naia began. "Say it again, little one," Elysia urged, leaning closer. 'Brilliant,' Eren thought dryly. 'Of all the words, that's the one I manage? First impression ruined. Fantastic.' Naia was practically bouncing. "Come on, Eren! Say my name next!" 'I'd rather attempt alchemy with my bare hands,' Eren thought, but he focused again, determined to regain some dignity. This time, when he opened his mouth, no sound came. His body wasn't ready to cooperate again just yet. Elysia, however, was already smiling. "She is truly extraordinary," she murmured. Naia pouted. "That doesn't count. She only half-said it!" Eren sighed internally. 'This is gonna be a long childhood.'

Chapter 7: First word

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