Lost in the pages of an ancient book, I found myself on a carriage headed towards the Duke's house for a marriage meeting. The uncomfortable ride made my rear end ache, but I persisted in murmuring the words of the ancient text. Suddenly, I noticed that the sky had grown ominously dark, although I knew it wouldn't grant me any superpowers.
Carefully draping a delicate lace gown, fit for royalty and adorned with intricate details, over my shoulders, I felt its ethereal beauty embrace me. The sunlight filtered through the carriage windows, causing the dress to shimmer as it gracefully cascaded down, creating a mesmerizing silhouette against my body.
While I hadn't yet acquired any mystical powers, I sensed progress in my recent training. After each session with the ancient book, a flickering light would dance inside my mind, accompanied by a wavering vision. It seemed as though magic or an aura was starting to affect me. Today's training had been particularly meaningful, deepening my connection with nature as I passed through the forest.
Despite the mental strain of reading and transcribing the ancient text, it felt as if my mind was being sharpened against a sturdy tree trunk, purging distractions and awakening my dormant powers. It was a logical and purposeful training regimen. However, my vision now blurred, almost as if I had a cerebral concussion.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
Descending from the forest with an ethereal grace, as if I were floating through the air, I suddenly noticed shimmering lights swaying in the distance. They appeared numerous and enigmatic, as if beckoning me towards them.
"C-, Could this be... magic?" I wondered, excitement coursing through me.
The lights approached with incredible speed, confirming my suspicions. It was magic! Finally, I had discovered a mystical power!
But before I could fully revel in this realization, the knights guarding me shouted, their voices filled with urgency.
"Protect the princess!" or "Ambush!" I couldn't quite discern. In the blink of an eye, arrows ablaze with fire descended from the sky towards me.
Oh crap!
Bandits? No...
Fear and helplessness consumed me as I realized I had no means to defend myself. Sitting there, I cursed my brother for being so afraid of me, despite my rejection of the throne.
I perceive the scent of smoke lingering in the air, seemingly present everywhere around me. A sharp pain pierces one of my eyes, as if it were ensnared by an arrow. Simultaneously, my body is engulfed in a burning sensation. In this wretched state, I find myself seated, resigned to await an imminent demise, inflicted upon me by a volley of arrows. It fills me with deep shame, for I was once destined to rise as an overlord. The floor beneath me is stained with my restless blood, while flames voraciously consume my being.
In that final moment, I yearned for my dormant magic to save me, but it remained elusive and unattainable.