“H-huh, die? Die?” Iris's mouth opened and closed like a fish,” Wait, are you being serious right now?”

Wilhelm nodded with a bitter expression as if he was enduring some kind of painful thing, and the atmosphere turned unusually serious as Wilhelm continued.

“Yes, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you until now. The thing is, I, I have seen my own death through the dreams.” Wilhelm said as he looked at his trembling hands, clenching and unclenching it.

Iris’s eyes widened and she started to speak with a determined expression.

“Wait, it is just a dream and just a possible future right? Then that means it can be chang-.”

“Changed…Huh.” Wilhelm spoke, his face lowered to the ground as if just saying the word brought massive pain. Iris’s mouth shut at that but she continued with a determined expression.

“Please, don’t give up. I promise you, I shall help you change whatever death or stupid fate out there that is going to get you. Remember, I am the Hero, so tell me about that location.”

“Damn, if the hero said so then I guess things are going to be fine huh~.” Wilhelm said with a grin on his face.

“...Huh?”

“Hahaha! Gosh, look at your face now! Hah, Well, I guess my acting is just that good. Did you think I was going to say stuff like you can’t change the future and stuff? Of course, it could be ch-Ack! Ah, wait, stop throwing things!”

Wilhelm dodged a book that flew at his face, in that split moment Iris grabbed a quill and threw it at him. Wilhelm dodged that as well and the assault continued as Iris screamed out.

“You! I really believed you, damn it! Your joke was too excessive, you fool!”

“Wait, well, I guess it's excessive but now we are even right? In the first place, you are the one who started it!”

Iris’s hands stopped moving as he said that before she glared at Wilhelm and sat back down while crossing her arms. Anyone could tell that she is now in a bad mood.

“...So, why the hell had you come here?”

“Well, I was serious about investigating a place, in the dreams that is truly the place I died so I want some information about it.”

“Wait, you weren’t joking about that part?”

“Nope.”

Iris's eyes frowned as she thought before asking.

“What is the location?”

“Axelane County. The one in the North.”

“The north, alright, I will investigate them.”

“Thank you~. Our Iris is really kind isn’t she?”

Iris’s mouth twitched as she glared at Wilhelm.

“If you’re done could you please leave? Shoo shoo.”

“Gosh, if you say so, then I have no choice. Especially after seeing how much you care about m-.”

Something was about to fly towards him so Wilhelm exited and closed the door with great speed.

***

A few days passed by in the Felles Mansion. Wilhelm just ate, trained with Iris, talked with her, and slept. What made Wilhelm surprised was that Iris trained a lot harder than he had expected. Since she was lazing in the Emerald Palace, he thought it’d be the same even in her house, but turns out that’s not the case. It reminded him that talent alone won't bring you much if you don't work hard.

He also tried to read through the books he brought from the ruins of the Spiritual Lab but there wasn’t any other important information so it disappointed him.

Eventually, the time came when the engagement party that was held in the Felles Family commenced. It was an unofficial party that only included some members from the Crown Prince Faction and close Allies of the Felles Family. It’s supposed to be small, but it didn't feel that way to Wilhelm.

“Hello, Your Highness, my name is-”

“You look a lot more handsome than the rumors, as expected of-”

“You truly are the most worthy of the next emperor-”

Words filled with honey came at him from all directions as crowds of nobles came to him all trying to gain his favor. Wilhelm’s jaw and mouth started to hurt as he tried to respond to every single one of them. Since these were nobles who would become Wilhelm’s allies, he couldn’t just ignore and be rude toward them, after a while, however, he had no choice but to excuse himself to an empty corner since his mouth hurt.

“Gosh, my mouth hurts,” Wilhelm mumbled as he tried to massage his mouth. It didn’t have any effect whatsoever though.

“Oh my, you shouldn’t say such a thing, Your Highness.” Iris walked towards Wilhelm with a graceful smile, the corners of her lips lifting up just enough to be polite, yet underneath that graceful demeanor, Wilhelm could tell that she was enjoying herself, seeing him like this.

“Happy to see other people’s suffering aren’t you?”

“My, whatever do you mean?” Iris said as she flicked open her fan to cover her mouth. The fan had a symbol of a sword embroidered with stars around it, which is the symbol of the Felles Family.

“Gosh, seeing you act so gracefully like this makes me shudder.”

Wilhelm shuddered exaggeratedly towards her as if he was disgusted. Iris’s eyes twitched and as she was about to open her mouth, a guest appeared. He was a middle-aged man and had light blue hair and light blue eyes. His appearance reminded Wilhelm of the Original Wilhelm’s mother, who had the same color of hair.

‘Which meant that he is-’

The man bowed in front of Wilhelm.

“I greet Your Highness.”

“Hello Count Brixxane, have you been well?”

The Count smiled.

“Hahaha, I have been extremely well especially as of now.”

“That’s great.” Wilhelm smiled. Count Brixxane is his most stalwart supporter after the Felles Family. Though they were not in the 4 Great Nobles, they were by no means weak. They have a long history of defending the Western Border and always managed to create excellent paladins. Especially the current Count Brixxane, who is rumored to be even more talented than his father.

“So this is the rumored fiancee?”

Count Brixxane made eye contact with Iris. Iris bowed while pinching the hems of her skirt.

“My name is Iris De Felles. I am lucky enough to be the partner of the Crown Prince of this Empire.”

“Haha, what good manners. The Archduke raised you well.”

“Not at all,” Iris said with a smile.

They chatted a while before the Archduke came and left with Count Brixxane perhaps to discuss the future plans the Archduke said before. Wilhelm and Iris exchanged pleasantries with other nobles until the party finished.

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Wilhelm was extremely exhausted after the party, and the next day he immediately went home. After a journey of a few days, a familiar palace came into sight, Wilhelm got off the carriage and stretched his body.

“Home sweet home!”

In the past, the Palace felt like some stranger’s house but recently it had started to feel like a true home.

“You look happy, Your Highness,” Abraham said.

“Yes, I sure do.”

His stay at the Felles Mansion was great, but it was like staying at a hotel while this palace truly felt like his home.

‘I gotta check on Gaius and Claire after a while.’

When he was thinking of such things, Wilhelm could see someone running towards him. Abraham stepped forward in front of him, but he soon backed off after seeing who the person was. The person was wearing a butler suit.

It was Hendrick.

“Hendrick, why are you running?”

“Huff, huff. Sorry, Your Highness. I just thought I should show you this as fast as possible.”

In Hendrick’s hands is a luxurious parchment paper, signed with a golden dragon symbol. It was the symbol of the Heinberg Empire. Only the royal family can use this symbol.

‘But who would call me at this time?’

Wilhelm was confused, but after seeing the name of the one who called for him, everything clicked.

‘Emperor Charles Von Heinberg.’

It was Wilhelm’s father.

Wilhelm frowned and read the contents of the paper. Simply put, the paper is a letter of summoning to him. It wanted him to immediately go to the Heinberg Imperial Palace, which is the Emperor’s dwelling.

‘Why would he call me though? Usually, he wouldn’t care about what his children do unless they died or something.’

Wilhelm thought for a moment before he shook his head. It is useless to speculate without any information. It would be better to just go there immediately like the letter said.

Immediately after that, Wilhelm departed in a carriage. It was not a far journey since the Heinberg Imperial Palace is quite close to the Emerald Palace. After all, they are in the same city. Wilhelm got off the carriage and took sight of The Heinberg Royal Palace which was even more luxurious than the emerald palace Wilhelm lived in. Intricately carved walls, golden plated chandeliers, luxurious carpets sewn with red and gold linings, and many more.

‘Gosh, it’s like they are advertising how rich they are.’

Perhaps it's the pride of the strongest Empire in the World but it was something Wilhelm didn't understand.

Wilhelm went inside the palace and the servants guided him until he arrived in front of the room where the Emperor’s Throne was located. Abraham was not allowed inside, so he waited in front of the throne room while Wilhelm went in alone. The two guards guarding the door opened the door for Wilhelm and inside a man was wearing a brilliant red robe, with a golden crown on the top of his head, he had the same blonde and blue eyes as Wilhelm, and he was sitting on a throne. Despite already being in his 40s he looked young, too young to be exact.

‘This guy didn't have any elf blood so how the hell does he still look so young in his 40s? I would’ve believed him if he said he was 21.’

Although Wilhelm was thinking of silly things like that, he didn't show it and instead bowed his head.

“I greet the Emperor.”

“Raise your head.”

Wilhelm raised his head.

“I heard that you have gotten engaged with the Felles’s Heir.”

‘So he called me for that.’

“Yes, I did, Your Majesty.”

“To think you managed to be chosen by the Marriage Vow. It is impressive indeed.”

“Thank you for your praise.”

“Now no one will dare to question your legitimacy as the Crown Prince anymore.”

Wilhelm had to keep his face from contorting.

‘Yeah, right like hell it will happen.’

Wilhelm knew just how vicious the two other princes are especially the damned 2nd prince.

‘Emperor Charles is described as a great emperor but not a very great father. Perhaps that’s why he knows so little about his sons.’

That lack of interest and knowledge about his sons is the primary reason why the 2nd prince was able to kill the Emperor in the game. Wilhelm scoffed in his mind.

“An impressive deed deserves a reward. Do you have anything you want?”

“...”

Wilhelm thought for a moment and responded.

“I can’t think of anything right now. Would it be okay to postpone my decision?”

“That is fine. You can leave now.”

“Thank you.”

Wilhelm turned around and left the room while Abraham began to follow him.

‘I thought he called me to discuss the engagement but to think that he just wanted to reward me. Well, it's a good thing for me.’

He needed to think about what to take from the Emperor.

‘I guess I should take a Holy Artifact or something since the Saint would only come in when I'm in the 2nd year.’

As Wilhelm was thinking about this, he saw a person with luxurious clothing, red hair, and red eyes. Wilhelm’s face almost contorted in disgust, but he barely managed to control it.

“Heya brother, it’s been a long time ain’t it?”

“Why are you here?”

The 2nd Prince of the Empire, Julian Von Heinberg, is a man who acts like a charlatan on the outside but is undeniably vicious on the inside. Driven by his inferiority complex, he betrayed the Empire, joined the Thalion Cultists, and caused the deaths of many.

‘He is the one who will kill all the royal family and cause mayhem to the whole empire while also being the main person who instigated Wilhelm’s death with the Thalion Cultists, and yet he acts like this…How disgusting.’

Wilhelm glared at Julian.

“Hahaha, how cold. It’s been a long time since we last saw each other. Can’t we just talk to each other without any reason?”

“If you don’t have any business with me, I will just go.”

Wilhelm walked forward, ignoring Julian, but Julian stopped him.

“Ah, wait wait, don't be like that. Let’s talk a little.”

Wilhelm then turned around with arms crossed.

“Man, you are really cold. Well, I just wanted to ask something. Is the rumor about you getting engaged true?”

“Why should I tell you that?”

“Of course, it's to congratulate you in advance! What gift do you want me to bring?”

Wilhelm almost scoffed. He says this, but Wilhelm is sure he is enraged on the inside. It was one thing if he hadn’t joined the Thalion Cultists but by this point in time he would’ve already worked with them and committed many atrocities to other people.

It was also not limited to the civilians. When the Original Wilhelm was a child, the 2nd prince would frequently send assassins and poison him, not to try and kill Wilhelm, but to break him down bit by bit, under the anxiety that his next food would be poison, and that when he slept he would be greeted by an assassin.

Thanks to it, the Original Wilhelm developed insomnia and anxiety about food. Yet the 2nd prince acted like he had nothing to do with them, and since he is great at destroying evidence, he was not caught until now. And the worst thing he did was…The killing of Wilhelm’s mother which broke the Original Wilhelm and made him live like a machine full of nihilism. Of course, it was just suspected killing, but the game had confirmed it indirectly.

Wilhelm gritted his teeth, he felt heat rising up, threatening to burst out from him. Was it because he had Wilhelm’s memories? He was a lot more emotional than he thought. He was about to just walk away but he had a great idea.

‘Why don't I try pissing him off?’

It was honestly pointless, but it would satisfy Wilhelm.

Wilhelm smiled like a saint.

“My brother, to think you are going to bring me a gift. This Wilhelm is delighted to the heavens.”

Julian flinched, but he still smiled like the frivolous character he was playing.

“R-really, it makes me glad when you are happ-”

“But you see, rather than a gift I would rather see you engaged with someone else as well.”

“Huh? Engaged, why?”

“Why? I am about to be engaged with the Felles Family, you know? Which means it’s practically a guarantee for me to become the next emperor.”

“C-congratulations. But what does that have to do with my engagement?” Julian was still smiling frivolously, even though he must be boiling with rage on the inside.

‘Funny bastard, at least his self-control is admirable.’

Wilhelm walked closer to Julian. Julian flinched, but he didn’t move and just stayed there. Just from the 2nd Prince speaking, Wilhelm could feel boiling rage coming from the depths of his stomach. Was it the remnants of the Original Wilhelm? Moses didn’t know, he was just a guy inside the Crown Prince’s body. Therefore, he was like a tenant.

‘And a tenant has to pay rent.’

“Gosh brother, what I'm saying is you better be engaged before I become emperor-.”

The Original Wilhelm probably wouldn’t see him take revenge, Moses didn’t even know where his soul went. Therefore, it was pointless.

But even if it is pointless, he still wants to ease some of the Original Wilhelm’s rage, sadness, and grief. Even if it's just their remnants left on the Original Wilhelm’s body. Wilhelm whispered into Julian’s ears.

“Unless you want to become a concubine like your filthy mother.”

And to do that, he would pay the rent by plunging the 2nd Prince and the other Thalion Cultists into the depths of hell.