The scent of iron filled the air, heavy and metallic. I could taste it on my tongue, thick and cloying. My eyes fixated on the crimson stains that adorned my trembling hands, like macabre art painted in hues of violence.

It wasn't my first encounter with blood. No, being in that line of work, I was a humble man who had grown all too accustomed to its presence—its haunting familiarity. But this time was different. This time, instead of being the familiar crimson out of my clients' targets or the red one out of me when some steps of the job went wrong, the sight of this color sent shivers down my spine, causing my hands to quake with an uncontrollable tremor. I kept doing so until at some point in the recesses of my mind, I realized this was a dream, and as I did it allowed me to seamlessly pull myself out of it.

As I slowly emerged from the depths of my not-so-pleasant dream, my consciousness returned to the realm of reality.

"What's this again, I'm having flashbacks, now?" I muttered to myself, half entrancedly, reaching into my face, I felt dampness cling to my skin like a second skin. Sweats had soaked through my clothes in my sleep. "Just for how long have I been dreaming of that?"

A bitter chuckle escaped my lips as I surveyed the mess I had become. the words dripping with self-deprecation. Wiping it with the back of my hand, with a weary sigh, I pushed myself up from the bed,in spite of my muscles protesting the sudden movement. I glanced around the dimly lit room, the faint glow of dawn filtering in through the curtains.

At least it didn’t wake me up in the middle of the night, that’s at least one good thing, I thought wryly, trying to see this in a more cheerful light.

Just as I was doing so, a soft knock echoed through the room, breaking the silence like a crack of thunder. I turned towards the door, a sense of resignation settling over me like a heavy blanket. "Enter."

As the door creaked open, a young servant entered the room, her eyes filled with reverence as she greeted me, "Good morning, My Lady."

I acknowledged her with a nod and a faint smile, returning the greeting with a simple "Good morning."

"How are you feeling today, My Lady?" she inquired.

"Great," I replied, attempting to brush off any signs of discomfort.

But as she approached closer, her eyes widening at the sight of my drenched state, she couldn't help but question further, "My lady, are you alright?"

"I am, I just sweated a lot this morning," I assured her, though the concern etched on her face didn't dissipate.

The maid hurried to the window, lamenting softly, "My lady, it's summer. If you felt hot, you should've opened the—" She caught herself mid-sentence, correcting her words, "You should've summoned me. I would've fanned you all night."

"All night?" I echoed, impressed by her zeal.

"All night should it be," she declared fervently, flinging the window open wide. With the dawn's light came a gentle breeze, filling the room with a refreshing coolness.

"Mph, is that so," I murmured, feeling the tension ease from my shoulders. "I need a bath, Ane," I declared.

"I'll immediately get it ready," Ane responded promptly before hurrying off to attend to the task at hand, leaving me once again alone in the room.

Savoring the gentle breeze drifting in through the window and finding solace in its caress, I made my way to the room's balcony, which opened out onto the mansion's sprawling backyard. Well, to be fair, it wasn't just a mansion; it was a chateau of a grandeur that surpassed mere opulence. And it was where I, in this current incarnation, resided.

It had been eleven years since that fateful day when I awoke to this new incarnation, eleven years since I begrudgingly accepted my fate: To be a girl. Again.

To be reborn as a girl, time and time again, was a truth I struggled to reconcile with. It wasn't the fact that I was now a girl that troubled me the most; rather, it was the realization that I would forever be confined to this form, never again experiencing life as a man.

I should have accepted that by my fourth incarnation but clinging onto my pride as a "man" I have consistently quelled any doubts that arose within me. I have to admit I was very good with mental gymnastics but even then with each subsequent rebirth, the truth became harder to ignore and even run away from.

There was something inherent in my being, in my very soul, that condemned me to this cycle of female reincarnation. As to what it was, I figured I'd have to wait until the death of this current vessel to even attempt to unravel the mystery.

I might sound like I'm complaining excessively about my condition as a female, but in truth, after that many incarnations, I've reached a point where I have to admit, albeit uncomfortably, that I have more memories of being a girl than of being a man. Tragic, truly tragic, but it speaks volume to how little difficulty I faced in adapting to my current lifestyle as a girl. Especially considering what this incarnation has brought me: wealth, riches beyond measure. While I've been unable to break free from the cycle of reincarnation that always reincarnates me, a manly man as they come, as a female, I have at least managed to break the cycle that condemned me to always be born into poverty.

After years, decades and soon centuries, I was finally born into a rich family—a noble family.

This afforded me perks that I can't deny have made this incarnation not only easier but also smoother. So, in truth, I have nothing substantial to complain about, save for one small detail—the identity of the noble family into which I've been born.

As I gazed out into the morning light, I cast a glance back into my room. An emblem adorned one of the walls, a simple white sword, upside down—the sigil of the Weiß family.

It was a family with which I was not only familiar, having encountered them in several incarnations before, but also, by a twisted irony of fate, the very family I was born into this time around.

Lost in thought for a couple of minutes, the door once again suddenly opened, with the same servant girl entering, announcing, "Your bath is ready, my lady," a peignoir-like robe in her hands.

"Alright," I replied, accepting the robe from her and promptly changing into it before heading straight for the bath she had prepared.

She followed, asking, "My lady, would you like your breakfast in your room or along with everyone else?"

"Is there a reason for me not to have my breakfast in my room?" I inquired, casting a glance at the girl behind me.

"None today, I believe," she responded. But I will later inquire if his Grace, your grandfather, wants you to join him for breakfast."

I didn't add anything, simply acquiescing to her answer and headed for the bath.

After a much-needed bath which by the time I finished, my breakfast was already waiting for me in my room. I leisurely ate and once I was done immediately changed myself, preparing for the rest of the day.

By the time I was done, it was already about that time of the day people in my old world called 8 in the morning. I realized that if the original me or any of my early incarnations, who didn't get to experience such a lifestyle, were here and saw the lifestyle I was leading, they would most likely mock me for living like a princess. And while I would be a little embarrassed, I wouldn't blame them. After all, I was, technically, a princess—a fact that came with its fair share of life-changing perks and annoying obligations that I would like to dissociate myself from. But unless I wanted to draw unwanted attention to myself, I had to, despite my pride as a formerly manly man, behave much like a princess.

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That being said, I didn't just accept this new masquerade of princessly life as what my life is and forever will be. In my own covert way, I was fighting back. And what I was dressing for was one such way. Dressed in a knight training outfit, I walked with Ane, my faithful servant following behind, through one of the Weiß family's castle's many corridors.

"Are my creatures ready?" I asked.

"They are," she replied. "Sir Justaff received a shipment yesterday, and he's been working on them since then to be ready for you today, my lady."

"Good," I nodded.

"He even told me to say that he even has a surprise for you today."

"A surprise, huh?" I mused, wondering what kind of creature and what race and evel that surprise might be. Upon reaching an intersection where the corridor I was walking in met with another corridor, I came to a halt, causing the girl behind me to nearly bump into me.

"My lady? Is there some—" she began, but halted mid-sentence as she heard the approaching footsteps that finally became audible from the other corridor.

The most prominent footsteps that could be heard were rapid and closing, suggesting that the person causing them was running through the corridor. Sure enough, the one responsible came into view, a small silhouette suggesting his age was no older than five.

"Stop running around; you're going to hurt yourself," cautioned a female voice loudly. But the admonition fell on deaf ears as the boy not only disregarded it but also seemed to relish the challenge. With carefree laughter, he twirled around while running, only to abruptly halt upon noticing our presence from the intersection of the two corridors.

Caught off guard, the sudden halt had the comical effect of sending him tumbling to the ground with an audible thud.

"Young Lord," exclaimed voices in gasps, while others called out, "Cleon!"

"I told you so! That's what you get for—" remarked a young girl, barely three years older than myself, as she hurried to his side, followed closely by two more women.

One, dressed plainly like Ane, indicated that she was a servant, bearing the marks of experience etched upon her features. This contrasted with the regal elegance of the other woman, whose lavish attire made her look like a princess, though she wasn't. She wasn’t a princess, it was the first girl who clearly inherited most of the latter's features, save the black hair which she instead inherited from our "father", who was.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" the woman in plain dress asked.

The boy shook his head.

"Thank God."

"Good, let this be a lesson."

As they helped the boy to his feet, their gaze followed his, still fixed onto us, allowing them all to finally notice our presence which had thus far gone unnoticed.

Since I’ve been noticed, I decided to approach the group now staring at me. In a few strides, followed closely by Ane, I arrived before them. As I did, the servant promptly adopted a bowing reverence to greet me, just as did Ane towards the woman standing before me and her children.

"Good morning, Mother," I greeted, with a smile striving to be as warm as possible. Staring at me from where she stood, her gaze met mine. As I looked up at her, she held a stare that seemed partially apprehensive, partially questioning. The woman nodded, acknowledging my greeting, so I proceeded to the girl who looked practically like a copy of her mother, "Good morning, Big Sister," then to the little boy standing on the other side of his mother, "And to you too, little brother."

The sight of the three of them standing next to each other looked like one of those tragic royal paintings that can be seen in museums or movies. After casting a glance at their mother, who motioned a nod at them, the elder sister greeted, both on her behalf and that of her little brother, "Good morning, Sister."

To be frank, at that point, I already felt bored with their presence, so I considered taking my leave. But realizing that could come across as insensitive, I decided to add, glancing at the boy who almost cracked his skull open a little less than a minute ago, "I noticed you tripping earlier. You shouldn't run like that in corridors; it's dangerous. You could've hurt yourself very badly."

I was about to continue, suggesting having him checked for hidden injuries after his fall when his mother wedged herself between me and her son. "He understands," she asserted firmly.

Staring at her, I couldn't help but internally roll my eyes.

Lady, what are you protecting your child from me for? I won't eat him. He's by far my favorite half-sibling. For the time being.

Feeling already fed up with this conversation that felt like it had been dragged on far too long for my expandable energy for socializing, I said, nodding, "I see," before declaring, "I'll be taking my leave then. I'll be in the backyard for training should anyone need me. Have a good day," I greeted before promptly taking my leave, heading in the direction they had come from.

I had only taken a few steps when I heard "Mother's" voice calling me, like she rarely ever does. "Faye."

"Yes, Mother?" I said, turning around.

"Your grandfather... during breakfast, your father mentioned that your grandfather had requested your presence."

"He did?"

"Yes," she nodded, "so... once you're done with your training, it would be best if you visit him."

"I see... Understood. Please tell Father that I'll go see Grandfather this evening."

Seeing that there was nothing else she had to convey, I took my leave for the castle's backyard, a corner of which served as my training ground. Standing there alone in the middle of a fenced-off area was a tall, bald, and ironically bearded man. Surrounding him were large, sturdily sealed wooden boxes. Upon noticing my arrival, he curtly greeted me, "Good morning, MiLady. Early as per usual today, aren't we?"

Completely ignoring his poor attempt at jesting, I walked up to him, closing in on the box from which noises belonging to living creatures could be heard. "Is this the surprise Ane said you were talking about?" I asked.

The man chuckled. "You really don't like wasting time, do you, Milady?"

"Do I look like I do?"

"Certainly not," he replied.

The man, whose age neared fifty, was garbed in the attire of a warrior. A sword hung at his waist, while several daggers were strategically placed at various points on his chainmail, lending him an air that was both medieval and undeniably fierce. Yet, it was his smile, perhaps the most sincere to be found in the chateau, that softened his otherwise overall barbaric appearance.

No longer intent on wasting my time, Justaff led me and Ane to a corner where a lone, equally imposing wooden box sat. As we approached, Justaff positioned himself next to the sturdy container, his hand reaching for a chain that emerged from a small hole on the top. A muffled but potent reaction emanated from within, hinting at the restless nature of the creature confined inside.

"What's inside is unlike anything I've shown you before, milady," he warned, "so if you could please step back a few meters," he requested firmly, wrapping the chain around his arm.

Not being stupid enough to challenge his caution, I nodded and took a few steps back to a safer distance, my gaze remaining fixed on the ominous box, my heart pounding a little in anticipation.

With deliberate care, Justaff approached the box, his hands gripping the chains tightly. He glanced at me, seeking confirmation, to which I replied with a determined nod. On that nod, he pulled, and the lid creaked open, revealing... nothing. At least, not initially.

As an anticlimactic silence settled, a low growl echoed from within the box, answered by several others from within their respective boxes. My attention momentarily flickered towards the other containers when suddenly, the creature—a wolf-like black-hided hybrid, that distinguished itself from a regular wolf by an extra set of eyes—leapt forth, charging at us.

However it didn’t even make it past two meters away from its box, that it was abruptly halted in its charge by the collar around its neck connected to the chain firmly held by Justaff, who already began reeling the creature back into its box.

Though I anticipated such a reaction, Ane, my loyal servant, didn't. Caught off guard, she stumbled backward and fell.

"Are you alright?" Justaff inquired, before I could ask.

"I'm fine, I was just taken by surprise," Ane explained, attempting to stand but struggling to do so due to her shaking legs. Without a word, I reached out a hand to assist her.

"Thank you, my lady," Ane said gratefully, accepting the help. "And I apologize for that display..."

"It's alright," I assured her. "You may leave if you wish," I said, glancing at the creature, barking, clawing in our direction, trying to get to us but unable to due to Justaff's grip onto the chain.

But Ane was adamant. "I'll stay, Milady," she declared stubbornly.

Come on, don't be stubborn.

"Very well, but I'll be having my lunch here today, so perhaps… it would be best if you go get it ready for me yourself. I’ll be expecting mine earlier than usual."

Ane glanced at Justaff who nodded, agreeing with my suggestion, then said, "I understand, my lady. I will take care of it then," she said with a bow before departing, leaving Justaff, the crates, and the bound wolf-like creature behind.

"So, these are my new training partners," I remarked, turning to Justaff. "What kind of creatures are they, and what level?"