"It's been three days since I arrived in this world. I've been learning about it from my maid, Beatrice. I've also discovered that, in the eyes of the world, the second son of the duke is dead. Yes," Kael thought, frustrated, "they don't consider me dead, but they act like I am."

"But does it bother me?" Kael continued, his thoughts turning cheerful. "No, it doesn't matter at all."

Suddenly, Kael heard running footsteps approaching.

"Master Kael, your grandfather has come to visit you, and he wants to see you now. Please come down as soon as you are ready," Beatrice said urgently, her voice deep with concern.

"Grandfather? Now that's a surprise. How does he know about me? As far as I remember, no one was told that I am alive. Well, whatever," Kael thought. "Okay, I'm coming," he called out loudly.

In the hall, an old man, aged 60, was waiting. He was a towering 6'5" figure with a muscular build, sporting a full silver-gray beard and short hair. His piercing blue eyes were partially obscured by a jagged scar running diagonally across his right eye.

"Hi," Kael said softly. It was the first time he was seeing a family member. His heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the old man.

"So, you are my grandson, the second son of my son," said the old man in a high-pitched voice.

"Yes," Kael replied, still staring in surprise.

"I am Victor P. Aran, former Duke of this nation," said Victor.

"I know his name. He was one of the supreme-level swordsmen in his prime, hailed as one of the strongest swordsmen of his time, and even today," Kael thought.

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"That stupid brat, doing this to his own son. I guess I'll have to teach him a lesson soon. Pack your bag and come with me," Victor said, his voice filled with anger and frustration.

"Wait a second, I don't think I understand any of your words. Pack my bag and go with you? What's all this? Go where? How can I go? My parents will never allow it," said Kael, confused and loud.

"Permission? Parents? Who are your parents, boy? Have you ever met them? Don't argue with me. Just come with me. I can still take care of my grandson on my own," said Victor sternly.

"Sorry to interrupt, Master, but what should I do?" asked Beatrice.

"You, you're not needed anymore..." Victor began but was interrupted by Kael.

"No, you can't. Beatrice has been with me since my childhood. I won't go without her," said Kael firmly.

"Fine, she can come with us," said Victor, conceding.

"Thank you, sir. I will go with Master Kael as you wish," said Beatrice.

"One hour, and both of you should be ready. Now go," Victor commanded loudly.

"Okay," they both replied.

One Hour Later

"A large horse carriage with a noble emblem was waiting for us, along with a handful of soldiers. This was my first time leaving the small house in the countryside. I still remember the first time I wanted to go out," thought Kael.

Flashback

"Beatrice, I want to go out for a walk. Can I go?" Kael asked in a soft, childish voice.

"No, Master, you can't go outside. It's not safe for someone your age," said Beatrice, trying to convince Kael.

"Unsafe? In this lonely countryside?" Kael thought skeptically.

"Oh, how can I tell him that people appointed by his father are out to kill him if the news spreads that the second son of the Duke of Valorhaven is still alive?" Beatrice thought, her mind disturbed.

"Something's not right here," Kael thought.

Present Time

"I still remember it. I was an orphan in my previous life, but at least I was free. In this life, it's even worse. I've never seen either of my parents in this life or the previous one. Why? Why am I even here if I don't have parents, even when I do? No, I will never forgive them," Kael thought, frustrated.

"Let's go," Victor announced.

"Okay," replied the group of soldiers and the horse carriage driver.