‘Am I really affected this much?’

Lotte found himself alone in the clearing they used to train, with Saul having already left.

The only thing he saw was his and Saul’s sword dropped on the ground. Was he that dazed and shocked that he didn’t notice him leaving?

Their battle had ended with Saul’s sword stopping upon touching his skin.

Saul used to be flung away with a full powered swing from him, due to the difference in their physique.

Gradually, he started from being able to endure hits, to deflecting it. So when that happened he destroyed Saul’s sword with sheer force. But even that force started to be redirected and dispersed. The technique taught to that guy does wonders.

He once tried to copy Saul but it felt suffocating. The style of countering someone and deflecting strikes only worked when he was dealing with a stronger opponent like Byrne, and Byrne relied on finesse and technique more rather than force.

Trying to counter and disperse the strike of someone with such fine control is a fool's errand. He reckoned that it would be perfect for someone similar to him, someone who uses explosive strength. So when it came to Saul, he took advantage of his relentless stamina.

Attacking until Saul dropped onto his knees tired from their spar, he had counted it as a victory every time, but if Saul possessed the same strength and stamina like him? He wasn’t so sure who’d be on their knees.

Furthermore, Saul learned an annoying footwork. Luckily he still hasn't thought of using it to dodge. He didn’t know why or maybe Byrne was just waiting for Saul to realize its use himself.

He envied the techniques Byrne taught to Saul. He envied this special character he found. He wondered how much more he’s going to be surpassed when they grow up.

‘It’s all because of that technique.’

Saul would receive private guidance from Byrne from time to time. Since it was a technique unique to Saul’s family, he was excluded from learning it. And as Byrne said, it didn’t suit him.

It was fine. Once he got out, he just had to find one on his own. Or maybe, he can pioneer a new technique. In those cases, the protagonists he knew already had something as a basis and foundation for their new technique.

Although he didn’t know if he will be fortunate enough to do the same, at least, he was familiar with the process.

‘It’s pointless to stand around here.’ Usually he would train right after their spar.

But this time, he was going to take a vacation.

All in preparation for his journey.

***

“Thank you for all the guidance.” With a sincere bow, Lotte faced Byrne. Yesterday was the last day of their training and his role as instructor.

To think that years ago he was just an old man the villagers told him to steer clear of. Training with him was definitely hard, but training by himself was even harder without any direction to follow but his own ideas.

Even though he hadn’t learned secret techniques like Saul, he learned many more about this world, and strengthened his foundation.

“So… Does this make you my master?” Lotte asked, lifting his head up with a smirk.

Like always Byrne stared at him with that stern gaze. But for the first time in two years, Lotte found the old man sporting a smirk in his face.

“… I don’t deserve that title. All I did was create a blank slate.”

“A blank slate you say? I’ll take that as a compliment I guess?” In a way, that description suited him. Someone with an outrageously trained body without any style to speak of. Just speed and power.

“Indeed. You can take it as such.”

‘A monstrous blank slate.’ Byrne had those exact thoughts in his head. Even though his greed to train Lotte and see him wielding his swordsmanship was appealing, he had to hold back. A much better mentor with suitable technique out there would definitely find Lotte.

‘Should he make it out, that is.’ Byrne thought of the final hurdle the boy would need to pass before making it outside. Unfortunately he had no words he could offer.

“I, too, express my gratitude to all the aid you gave to Saul. Had it not been for you, he might not have broken out of his shell sooner.” Byrne remembered when Saul came asking for his tutelage, to his revealing of identity. Lotte had instigated Saul by showing him how weak he was at the time, which led to wanting to grow stronger.

He also took care of Saul like a real brother. It might be natural to him as someone who had three sisters to take care of.

Byrne would have never known that the kid they saved was not a bastard but a true child of his lord. His resolve to take up his blade would never come to pass too, had he not met the lost and alone young miss.

Just like how he pledged his blade for his old friend, it's now time to do that same for the young miss. He could not bear the thought of swearing fealty to the other kinslayer years ago, hence he left instead.

It will never turn the household back to how it used to be, but aiding the fall of the kinslayer's reign will be the final redemption he could give himself with his remaining years.

“Oh you, it's no big deal.” As if too proud of himself, he puffed his chest and lifted up his chin. “Are you guys leaving soon too?”

“Indeed, preferably before you do.”

“Really? You can’t stay for longer?”

“I’m afraid we can't.”

“It’s gonna be my coming of age though… there's going to be a celebration.”

“Congratulations. I will make sure to relay that to Saul and tell him to visit in advance.”

“You really can’t? I’m cooking for everyone though…”

“… Unfortunately, time is of essence. The young lord's potential won’t sit around and develop itself.” Even Byrne had tasted how well Lotte cooked his food, but the secret technique he could teach Saul was incomplete. Their journey will be needed because of that.

A journey to their own homeland, the place, where the complete knowledge of said technique is retained.

“I see. That's all then.” He sighed giving up on making them stay longer. It was a shame since he wanted to go all out that day for these two. They would see a new world of flavors of all the unhealthy recipes he had in mind.

“Where’s Saul by the way? Is he in his room?” Lotte turned and headed towards Saul’s room. He was already familiar with doing this, since sometimes Saul has a tendency to oversleep.

Just as he was about to reach for the door a hand stopped him from doing so. There was only one person who could do that without him sensing it.

“The young lord is currently resting. I’ll be sure to tell him to visit you, so you can excuse yourself now.” Byrne had this usual stern gaze but with a tinge of threatening aura.

“O-oh. Okay.” Maybe he went too far with pranking Saul? Byrne used to not care at all what I did since I never really did anything harmful…

“Ah wait. Tell him I said congrats. I don’t know if you were watching but he won against me yesterday, you know?”

Byrne had a faint smile on his face as he shook his head, “It’s better to tell him those words yourself.” He said, seemingly sure that Saul will visit Lotte on the following days.

“… Alright then. Make sure I’m there to see you guys off before leaving okay?” Even though he knew that the world he went to was a novel, he couldn’t help but feel some attachments. The seven years he spent here really contributed to that. Why did he even have seven years to spend before the chapter starts?

In a village he couldn't leave too. Luckily, he's now somewhat equipped with the strength and training he went through.

Without anything else to say, he left the manor without looking back. Next time would be the last time they see each other.

***

A week has passed, and it's the day before his departure.

The week he spent was nothing eventful. Ever since they stopped training, he hasn't been able to see Saul since then. He had to admit, he somewhat missed their passionate spar.

His daily exercise was halted too, since he decided that the time for vacation is ripe. After training so intensely for so long, he figured he deserved a brief moment of respite.

But now, in front of his humble abode stood the person himself, Saul. With new clothes and a ‘real’ sword strapped to his waist. It came from one of his collections that he traded with Rugner just a while ago. It was the sword recommended by Byrne, saying that it's the most suitable one for Saul.

He called it an Estoc, a sword that looks like a rapier with a thin blade. While Saul parried and countered his strikes a lot, most of his attacks were thrusts and his footwork technique was excellent for speed and dodging.

Sizing up Saul with his gaze, he recalled that this is his first time visiting on his own, “Hey there, I think it's the first time you’re visiting on your own, junior.”

“Hmph, I just wanted to see if you’re taking your loss well.” Unaffected and having spent most of her time bickering with Lotte while they trained, she had learned to match his snarky remarks with ease.

“Oh? Well, as you can see, I’m still stronger than you. I will admit your win though.” He stepped towards Saul, who eyed him warily, unsure of what he was about to do. Then with a smug grin, he continued, “But, it's one win out of seventy-nine loss, junior. You still have a long way to go.”

He looked down at Saul, who, despite standing a full head shorter, had managed to close that gap during their last match. It was impressive, really though he would never tell Saul that.

With Lotte’s smiling face drawing closer, Saul felt his face heat up.

She scowled, pushing him away, “Ugh, I’ll beat you as many times as you want in the future, so just wait.” Saul clasped her necklace for a brief moment feeling the power stored within. The past few days, she’d been accumulating its power in order to sustain its ‘disguise’ longer and much more complete.

It was for something she wanted to do before they left.

“Bahaha! Alright, I’ll look forward to that!”

Sometimes Saul felt like Lotte laughed like an old man, just like right now. He always had a noisy and boisterous laughter whenever he found something funny.

“Lotte… Um, we’re about to leave.” She looked straight at Saul and uttered those words.

At that he froze. “… You guys really can’t wait huh?” He knew that they had a goal to achieve but he honestly felt that their farewell was a bit cold and heartless.

“No! That's not it! I just… Come with me.”

“What?”

“… Just for a bit. Walk with me before we leave”

“Huh?” At first he thought that he was being recruited by this ‘young lord’ as Byrne usually referred to him. But then, a walk? What is he, a kid? And letting him walk him? Is this a pet walk?

Lotte’s mind was spiraling into strange thoughts when Saul grabbed his hand and dragged him around.

In the end he smiled and chose to stay silent. Maybe this little friend was just too embarrassed to say he wanted to spend time with his senior.

They walked around the village, with Saul still holding his hand. He could feel the bruises it had but it was softer than he imagined.

‘Unlike my hands.’

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

His hands by this time were riddled with rough calluses. He somewhat envied Saul who already trained for two whole years but still had a smoother palm.

Some of the villagers greeted them as they walked around. They didn’t speak to each other, and just let their feet take them where they pleased.

A tree at the top of the hill stood tall. But what used to be lush and full of leaves was a shadow of its former self. It wasn’t the season where it bloomed leaves and flowers unfortunately.

“Huh, this is my favorite spot. I never took you there, right?” Lotte looked around in nostalgia. He hadn’t been there for quite a long time now. Maybe half a year? He forgot about this place when he started feeling pressured by Saul.

“Usually it's full of leaves and flowers all around. A shame its not there right now.” He kept talking, not minding that Saul had not answered him. After a while he noticed that there must be something in his mind.

“Junior, is something bothering you?” He still called him the same old junior which Saul seemed to have acknowledged.

Saul shook her head, with a worried tone he looked at Lotte, “Not me. You. Are you going to be fine?”

‘He must be asking whether I’ll be fine leaving on my own.’

“Of course. Who do you think I am? I beat your ass seventy nine times.”

Ignoring the last sentence, she seriously pondered, “Even so… What about your sisters? Your family?”

Lotte was more than willing to listen to Saul most of the time, but this topic had come up from his father, to the villagers and to the village chief. He was tired of hearing it again and again.

With slight irritation he scowled, “… Where is this coming from all of a sudden Saul?” He was averse to answering those questions. As he had already made up his mind and spent so much time for that moment.

It used to be something he feared, leaving this village that is. But he could never forget the person he used to be. He still wanted to go back to the life he used to live. He couldn’t bear the thought of staying here in this village, growing old and safe just because he didn’t want to get caught up in whatever situations the novel’s story will plunge him into.

“I mean, it’s peaceful here Lotte. You… You’re different from me.” Unlike her, Lotte didn’t have anyone to take revenge to. He just wanted to go outside. That was all.

‘Different? Ah…’

Lotte had an unpleasant premonition where the conversation was going. Was this the effect of growing closer to Saul?

“What do you mean? Tell me straight Saul. That way, I can understand you.”

When Saul heard Lotte’s voice she started feeling nervous. Somehow, his tone and demeanor were heavier and she knew the reason why.

Thinking back, it was always Lotte who made Saul angry, albeit only with harmless pranks. He neither meddled with her decision or tried to stop her. They rarely had any problems with each other, because Lotte was one sidedly keeping their relationship that way.

“Lotte.” For the longest time there was something she wanted to ask Lotte. Before she knew it, Lotte had become somewhat a part of her life too, “Can’t you stay here?” She finally let out the question she wanted to ask for quite some time.

“Ah?” Lotte never expected that question to come out and confront him. Furthermore, it's from Saul. He would understand if it was his father, a random elder in his village or the village chief but…, “Well, you know me and my answer to that.”

He stretched out both hands to his side as if proclaiming something grand and gave an exaggerated shrug, “It’s impossible! Ahahaha!” A loud and almost historical laugh came out from him.

Contrary to his laugh, he felt annoyance rise deep within him that was slowly turning into anger.

‘This guy too? What’s with everyone in this village telling me not to leave?’

‘Then what, should I pretend the seven years I spent preparing is a joke and live a mundane life here?’

‘Should I forget that I am from earth and is forced against my will to be in this novel!?’

“Hahaha, you say some funny things Saul… Haah.”

‘Different eh? Yeah, unlike you I’m real and…’ He had to stop his thoughts right there. He felt like something might snap if he went any further. Knowing and seeing the people in this world kept reining that emotion.

He knew that the person facing him right now is a kid. Strangely enough, of all people to make him feel this way, who knew that it would be Saul.

He even had those genuinely concerned eyes look on his face. But just staring at those eyes right now boiled his blood.

‘What does this kid even know? Wait, when I provoked him, he probably thought of the same thing…’ Only now that their situations were reversed. And Saul was genuinely trying to convince him without any lies.

‘I shouldn’t have told him why I train.’ It was inevitable to open up the topic when they had idle time together. Without anyone as a companion or peers to talk to, unknowingly, he was in the same situation as Saul.

He took a deep breath and tried to calm down first. He had to remember that Saul is just a character…

No, scratch that. Saul is a living and thinking being with a mind of his own.

“Lotte, I’m serious! I have Byrne to protect me, but you-“ By this point her voice had turned hurried, trying to come across her intentions to Lotte.

“Saul. That's enough.”

“But, your sisters! What about them?”

“Father will be there. Why do you suddenly want me to stay here?”

“… I’m scared. I’m worried. I don’t know what will happen to you because you’ll be alone!”

“Then ask Byrne to take me with you.”

“N-No! You know why we can’t!”

“Hah, then just worry about me. I’m definitely leaving after I turn fifteen. Just so you know, father already gave up preventing me. Only the chief and the villagers oppose me. As for my sisters… I’ll miss them but I have to go.”

Until now, he still hasn't figured out why they had to be triplets. Not that he was complaining though, they were cute and like real sisters to him. He would do everything he could to protect those three.

“It’s not just because of freedom. I have to leave for my own survival. For the village’s survival. I don’t want everyone here to be stuck forever.” While the reality is that he needs to leave this place in order to find a way back home and to not implicate the villagers with the storyline should tragedy come looking for him.

The entity that sent him here, while not hostile, was looking for entertainment. And what kind of entertainment did those kinds enjoy the most?

‘Struggle. Overcoming difficulties. Sometimes just straight up seeing someone fail and then lose interest.’ He shivered once again at the realization he had buried deep within his memories. He knew too well how ‘they’ are always depicted as selfish in the novels he read.

He was also sick of living here. He just couldn’t. It might sound shallow as it seems but, he’s sick of his peaceful daily life, waking up to tend to the land and animals and then basking in the sun.

The world out there was so much bigger than this small village.

Saul just stayed silent. She gave up changing Lotte’s mind. It was just an attempt that she hoped to somehow work. But now all that's left is… Her other plan.

Lotte impatiently looking around started to head past Saul, “Are we done here? If we are, I'm leaving.” The last moments they were left with were rather unpleasant but it is what it is. Saul was trying to meddle too much.

‘I guess its the consequence of growing closer to him.’

Not only did it made Saul meddle with his decisions, it even made him angry. Angry that someone he had camaraderie with would say something he didn’t like to hear. As ridiculous as it sounds, he found Saul’s company special before he knew it.

At first he thought he was going to establish a connection to a character for information and discard it later, but before he knew it, they had become close with each other. He hadn’t even asked about what really happened in his past.

‘This turned into a failure huh. I’m actually friends with a kid?’

Maybe his mind digressed with his age as he grew up. He had read about those side effects of transmigration or reincarnation on some of the novels he read after all.

Just before he passed by Saul, he was stopped again.

“What now?”

“If I can’t persuade you then… For the last time, come with me.”

“Sigh. Okay.” They’re not going to see each other ever again anyways. At least it seemed unlikely until he was somehow involved with the storyline.

This time Saul no longer held his hand. Lotte silently followed as they walked. They went past the village once again.

“… Once we leave, we’ll head back home. Only for a moment though. We need to leave after taking what we need.”

As they went on Lotte kept silent while Saul rambled, telling him of their plans when they leave.

“Byrne said it’s going to be a long journey. And a dangerous one, since people might notice my hair.” She twirled her tied up hair and played with it. Usually it would be longer but right now her disguise was in full effect.

In this world darker hues of hair were rarer on the outside. They were often associated with those with special bloodlines like nobles and royalty or clans. His own hair might be a product of that so he had to keep it in mind just in case.

“Ah, also, when I turned sixteen, he said that I’m going to Harun Academy.” Saul skipped ahead a few steps and turned to him playfully.

But Lotte gave no reaction despite seeing that. Not even a tease. In his eyes, Saul was just being the usual misleading character that he is. If it weren’t for the question and atmosphere earlier he would be playing along.

He was feeling immature at being angry with the kid. Even so he couldn’t help it.

“I do remember Byrne mentioning it.”

The imperial academy, located at the heart of the Regalia Empire. It's been on the list of places he needs to go as the protagonist, Arlen, has a high chance to study there.

There were other notable academies around the world too, named after their nations heroes, though. Of course there's a chance that Arlen might be in one of those. If that happens, things would get interesting since this novel's protagonist won’t be on the side of the empire

“To be honest I’m a little excited. Byrne said that if I want to fulfill my revenge, going into the academy, establishing myself there and gaining my own people will all be vital for me.”

“Byrne’s right. You’ll need all of that.” At this point Lotte had calmed down a bit.

“It’s strange. Before I couldn’t even think of my brother without crying and getting agitated. I went from feeling fear to being angry whenever I did.”

‘But with Lotte occupying my mind because he’s pissing me off, it became bearable. Enough to decide that I had lost my real brother.’ She took a glance at the boy behind her.

Lotte had grown significantly taller than before. At his age he’s probably gonna grow more. She wondered if she could still reach his head when they reached their twenties?

To Lotte’s surprise, they entered somewhere he rarely explored Deep in the forest surrounding the village. It could be said that he had literally scouted and mapped out the surroundings of the village in his mind. He tried finding ways where it's possible to climb or camp out in order to leave.

In the particular direction they went, it was one of his off limits places. It was the only known way that Rugner takes when he’s leaving. The one where Byrne came from and the path where the village chief's house is.

There was once a time he dedicated to get past this pathway. Only to be caught by the village chief regardless of the time he took this route. He wondered if the chief even slept. Ever since then he felt a little afraid of that guy. There was clearly something strange with him being able to do that.

Hence he decided to stop prying and considered the village chief as a type of risk that must not be provoked. Unlike Byrne who's still docile, the village chief had almost lost himself back then berating him for dreaming to leave this village.

They went past the manor where they sometimes spent the night together. And finally the training grounds where they last sparred.

“We’re here Lotte.” Saul stopped in his tracks and stared at him. Just looking at him made Lotte feel guilty with that pretty face of his.

“Why did you bring me here?” Not wanting to show his change, he tried to sound flat.

Saul only smiled at him sweetly. From behind a tree, Byrne appeared carrying a packed bag of belongings. His former ragged clothes were replaced by new and tough leather ones, obviously equipped for traveling.

“Byrne? You’re here too?”

“Have you said your farewell?” He said as he stared at the confused Lotte.

“Not yet.” She shook her head and walked as close as possible towards Lotte, “Can you turn around?”

“???”

“Please?”

“… Ok.” What can he do if his junior pleaded with him like that?

He turned around and felt a little nervous. Questions like what if they hit him unconscious popped up, or what if they suddenly take him into their journey?

All of those were quickly shattered and a warm embrace enveloped him from behind with an obvious smaller build.

“Saul!?” He wanted to break free but decided against it. He felt a little touched that Saul would be this attached to him by the end of their training.

Strange thing is… He was feeling something from behind that should not be there. Maybe it was just because of the leather clothes?

“Ahem. The young lord has something to give to you.”

“???” Why is Byrne suddenly talking for Saul?

“Don’t turn around no matter what.”

“… Okay?”

He felt light touch putting something in his neck. He realized that it's a necklace. Along with that is the strange feeling at the back of his mind, like there's something he’s about to realize.

“So it has come to this?… I understand.”

‘I wish I did too.’ Lotte figured that Saul was giving him that strange necklace. He had suspicions about its significance since sometimes it would seem to be anew instead of the usual rusty and old appearance.

But why give it to him? Why can't Saul talk? Is this some sort of play or prank?

He then shivered and heard a whisper in his ear. It was a female voice. Strangely enough, he just knew that he heard it before, but the memories were nowhere to be found.

From that whisper, strange knowledge came to his mind. How to utilize the necklace, how to refill its power, and what are the conditions to use it.

One of the conditions was the user has to be someone precious enough to its previous owner.

Meaning that he was precious to Saul, that kid.

Once again his heart felt touched. He wanted to ruffle his hair at this moment. But whose voice was that whisper?

“In the Imperial Academy. Please… Let’s meet again in two years.” The voice from behind gave him a gentle push, “Please, be well. Goodbye.” The world slowed down as it all came to him. Saul’s memories in his mind had turned to normal. The memories that had been repressed returned and the Saul he knew in each of the moments they spent together became completely different.

He forgot to turn around for a while. The significance of this moment had to be considered or figured out.

When he came to a few seconds later, Byrne and Saul were gone.

As if they vanished in thin air.

He mustered up his courage or just didn’t care, but he ran forward with all his might. To no avail.

What came to view was the village chief's abode instead. And it was the last thing where he wanted to be right now. That place gave him a sense of danger that wasn't there before.

The time he needs to cross is upon him not until tomorrow. So he didn’t chase any further.

‘Shit. I was set up. For whom was this type of plot supposed to be?’

His mind whirled. This kind of development is usually reserved for a certain kind of character. A main lead. A main heroine.

Was Saul someone who’s supposed to be one? With this kind of backstory? What prompted her to show her true self?

‘Am I in someone who's a potential protagonist?’

That would be a pleasant surprise. But recalling the synopsis of the novel clearly stated that Arlen was the protagonist, a failed hero and awakener who transmigrates into a new body.

‘Did that entity make me a variable?’ he recalled the entity that sent him here because they argued.

If so, the goddess of this world won’t just let him be. The existence of theocracy means that a goddess is watching over this world. But nothing happened so far.

‘Maybe due to lack of interfering power? An oath? Or some other sort of restriction?’

Once again the lack of knowledge about the story stumped him. What was there and wasn't before was ‘him’ for certain.

‘Let's think about it slowly and calm down.’

While walking back he analyzed his own situation once again.

First, he formed a hypothesis on how the original events were supposed to go. With that kind of revelation from Saul it was safe to say that the seven years he spent there were for experiencing the backstory stage of the story.

An added extra that was not supposed to be there. At the point he came here, he witnessed his sisters being born, and his mother dying.

Why was he in that moment and not at the start of chapter one?

‘Significance.’ He didn’t know what, but there must be some meaning. A reason why it had to be that way. He was meant to experience his own, or this character's backstory.

Then becoming part of a major character and heroine’s backstory too.

‘Come to think of it, was that her real name?’

Well, since he called her as Saul, he would keep doing so.

‘She said to meet in the imperial academy.’ As if she was pleading too. It's a promise he could easily keep, since its one of his destinations.

The problem is.

He stole one of the main heroine’s hearts?

That was the best way to put it.

He was no stranger to developments like these. He had to admit, Saul will probably grow even more beautiful in the future and catch the protagonist's attention somehow. Or maybe the other way around.

But does that mean… He’s going to be in opposition to the protagonist?

‘Shit. Do I have to fight someone with plot armor?’ As much as he liked the plot armor of protagonists, he didn’t want to be on the receiving end of it.

It was still early in the night but he already wanted to sleep. All this convoluted information with nowhere to fit into was in his head.

As instant as the moment he thought about it, the countdown came into view. It had changed its color at some point. It was now blood red as if hinting at a grim future.

“Damn, please don’t do this.”

Surely, that entity will appear again right? He wanted to ask so many questions and maybe, ask for some freebies that could help him too.

Lotte came to a sudden halt. He had yet to enter the village, but it has come to his view. Some distance over, he could see a silhouette.

Some he hadn’t seen for a long time were standing there.

“Tonight's certainly a night to be celebrated.” The figure walked over, revealing a gentleman just past his middle ages. “Isn’t that right, Lotte?”

It was the village chief.

‘He really appeared at the right moment.’

As if the world is telling him that somethings up, a dangerous character was right before him.

‘Is this an ambush?’

“Chief…” he reached out for his waist instinctively, only to grasp thin air.