Night had fallen, the luminous sky was clear of clouds and the distant bright stars shined brightly.

In a dense forest, the crickets sang their noise bringing the usual ambience of the green luscious forest but that pattern of nature being broken apart by the rustling leaves, there was a tree in a certain area that moved unusually, and it would suggest that a critter was taking refuge from the chilly dawn.

Suddenly the rustling came to a halt, as the sounds of footsteps neared the forest.

“Have you—Ha! Seen that rat yet!” A man wheezed as he caught his breath, the beads of sweat rolling down his cheeks were beginning to pour even more.

“No, but the trail he left is still fresh, he couldn’t have gone that far. Let's search the whole forest in the meantime.” There were two men, garbed as guards, their weapon of choice in their possession—A baton that emits electric shocks upon impact.

They pointed at the trees with their flashing lights, hoping to get a reaction.

However, the trees were silent, the only noise it made was the leaves dancing against the howls and gusts of wind.

The slightly moist grass wet their boots, soaking their socks. One complained while the other ignored him, but their patience grew thin as they searched every trunk.

It took only five minutes for one to finally have an outburst.

“Where the hell is that fucker! I can’t stand this dump any longer!” The wheezing man shouted as he kicked a dead trunk out of the way.

“Can you shut the fuck up! You bitching around won’t help!” His partner in crime shouted back at him, and thus they began to argue.

“Hah! I know it’s in the dead of night, but can’t we just use the hounds instead of relying on your dysfunctional nose.”

“Oh, you’re an animal fucker now? You fucking bitch! Besides, they’re all busy dealing with the insurrection within the slave quarters. Warden is gonna be pissed if we asked for his help just to catch one fucking rat.”

A branch suddenly snapped; they both turned their heads to the source.

“Fuck. That scared the crap out of me not gonna lie…You know, on second thoughts, why don’t we just make up a report?”

“—And they call me the lazy one.”

“This fucker! If you want, go ahead! I could care less if you get eaten by a prowler!”

A low growl alerted them, they turned around at the direction of where it came from and saw nothing but that didn’t mean they would let their guard down.

A threat unseen is far more dangerous than that is seen.

“You have your gun with you right?” The sensible one whispers to the wheezing man.

“Of course not! We were only deployed to capture back an unarmed escapee.”

The low growl turned into a snarl, the clicking noise from its tongue becoming more apparent.

Like a predator, it circled around the two while blending in the night and with it, the cricket’s stopped their tune as if to add to the suspense.

“If only you didn’t jinx us—

“Shut up and focus!”

They looked attentively at their surroundings with their backs against each other. Their batons at the ready, a deathly grip and a guarded stance to face the unseen threat.

Awoo!

The two slowly looked at each other, both scared to the core by the howl.

“Wanna book it?”

“Sure, let’s tell the warden that a mutated prowler killed that twerp.” Both of them nodded at each other before slowly backing off, their light steps carried them almost to the entry point, but a rustling noise made them stop on their tracks.

Their hearts pounding loudly, and their faces drained of color.

Something popped out of a tree, the silhouette of a head under the moonlight dangled like an ominous figure that sent waves of terror within their core.

Petrified, they tried to move but a slight shifting noise under their feet made thim halt.

“Fuck.” Both of them cursed at the same time then—

—Boom!

The two were gone, obliterated to ashes, silence completely engulfs the forest.

After a couple of minutes, the noisy crickets were back.

With a rustle of leaves or two, the head that popped out was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a young scrawny kid jumped out of the tree and onto the mushy ground.

His face and body were covered in mud and leaves, the blank and sharp look pierced the ground of where the two were.

“Serves you right, fucking pieces of shits.” He wiped off the dirt on his face, breaking off his camouflage.

His clothes were soiled by the mud he applied but he could care less about it.

As he looked at the ashes of the ones who kept him in that place. He couldn't help but feel a myriad of emotions, ranging from emptiness to indignation.

Finally, after three grueling years, he along with some other kids his age managed to escape but that didn’t mean things went overly well. Among the rag tag of kids that gathered the courage to flee, only five out of twenty managed to successfully cross the boundary.

Most of them died when preparing the plan.

‘That riot tactic by that weirdo was a good diversion.’

His legs gave out and he slumped down against a tree.

The beast-like growls and howls died down as soon as his back hit the trunk, he was tired and the miniscule mana he had was all used up in that one spell.

It was thanks to that grimoire he managed to steal that he learned that simple illusion spell.

Staying up for two entire days without any food and only relying on the muddy water for quenching his thirst would certainly leave him in bad shape.

He wanted to run.

Beyond the boundary lies a stream that leads to the city in which he calls freedom, but the path was riddled with land mines.

The same contraption that just killed the guards.

He wanted to run but he was too tired and weak, his illusion spell took a toll on his body and mind.

While contemplating what to do, his eyelids were starting to get heavier.

No matter how much he fights it, what happens next is inevitable.

Soon he succumbs to it.

----------------------------------------

I woke up while groggily rubbing my eyes open, then I looked at my windows beyond my desk.

The sun hasn’t risen yet which means I’ve woken up in the early hours in the morning.

It was the same feeling whenever I woke up back at my shabby apartment, the comfort of having a roof above my head and the coziness of a warm room definitely brought that sort of nostalgia.

But just as the nostalgic feeling hightens up, the thought of what I’ve dreamt about suddenly brought it down to the ground and I couldn’t help but feel sullen.

I pushed off the chair and stretched my arms as if to shake it off yet that didn’t seem to do anything to improve my mood…

It’s not normal for me to dream, most of the time I just blank out whenever I sleep. Like turning a page on a book thoughtlessly, that was how I experienced it, but then again, I’m not a normal person.

Unlucky as I was, the dream I encountered was nothing more than a nightmare that reminded me of the horror I went through.

But in this instance, it was nothing more than a recollection of a past memory.

—That is how I should treat it, yet there was something behind it that made it so unsettling.

Perhaps because it was also the first time that I killed a sentient being without any shred of guilt or remorse that I felt a bit gloomy.

It was, after all, a reminder of what I was capable of when pushed at my upper-most limits...

I tried to steer my mind away from it but no matter what topics I forcibly conjured up in my head like thinking about formulas and what not. That scenery and the heavy feelings it came with still continue to haunt me and I could only slump against my chair as I looked up at the ceiling.

That memory was supposed to be of triumph, of how I finally escaped that damned place, yet why did it always bring me a sense of discomfort and frustration?

Sighing, I closed my eyes and let my mana flow despite my clouded thoughts.

This method always works on suppressing those distractions.

After I meditated for a bit, the tingling and odd sensation warmed me up like drinking a hot coffee in the morning and that dark cloud that hung around my mind was veered away to the back of my mind.

Or at least, I don’t feel that strong sense of negativity.

I didn’t feel winded anymore, but that method always takes a bit of time.

Still, with my body wide awake now, I opened the windows and the cold morning air hit me with a cool feeling which is oddly satisfying.

Then I looked at my desk.

Falling asleep on piles of paper was becoming common for me nowadays, just like how I used to back at the Institute…

From research papers about methodologies and technologies to integration of spells and practical applications—It was mind-boggling how much time I’ve wasted on those papers that I didn’t even take credit for thanks to that shitty professor.

Not like it matters anymore.

Still, it’s an unhealthy habit but as long as I get some sleep, it’ll be fine, I guess.

I heard that you actually don’t need exactly eight hours, six is optimal or so I heard and then again, it’s not like I need that much rest and besides, I’ve been through worse.

Well, in my previous life at least.

Passing out while working might be bad for my health but it’s not like I’m overdoing it.

Of course, that’s my opinion but if Hellen or god-forbid, my mother was to see me like this. I’m sure they’ll have a heart attack and maybe give me a scolding or two.

I wouldn’t actually do this without a good and valid reason, I’m not that reckless.

After all, yesterday's revelations made me realize something.

I am not alone, and that had me worried about a lot of things which is why I pulled an all-nighter after the tea party with the crown prince.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Back in my previous life, the concept of reincarnation was heavily influenced by religion. The cycle of rebirth according to the karmic statuses of an individual was always a given; if you were a piece of shit then you’d be reborn as a literal piece of shit, if you were a good person that always helps others then you would be reborn as a higher form of being or so they say.

What goes around comes around.

So then, why did a low life like me get reincarnated into this kind of life?

I wasn’t a typically good person that goes out of his way to help others, I was more of an asshole to most of the people I met even back at that nun’s mansion, I didn’t have any particular redeeming qualities either.

In fact, calling me a piece of shit wouldn’t be wrong.

The first time I murdered someone, I didn’t feel any remorse other than resentment.

And not many people would genuinely like me too if I were to honestly speak my mind, most of the time I’d have to tone it down a notch.

My thoughts are often critical.

Which is why it doesn’t make sense that a piece of shit like me gets reincarnated as a noble.

What did the deities even see in me?

A tragic life from start to finish? So, they decide to compensate me with another chance in life?

Bullshit. I’d rather go to the afterlife than live again in misery but instead I get to experience suffering once again.

Knock. Knock.

Who the hell could that be? It’s like five in the morning, wait—Why am I even guessing, there’s a clock on my desk.

The long arrow hand was on the upper left and the short one was on the upper right.

It was quarter to five.

“Young master, are you awake?” It was Hellen.

My eyes wandered to the state of my room, it was how it usually is.

Not that disheveled but not that tidy either—Wait did I think of Hellen as room service just now?

For some reason I found that hilarious though I managed to fight it off as I began to wonder why she’s up so early.

Most jobs back in my past life don’t even start this early, what is she—Scratch that, how did she know that I’m up already?

Instead of asking her immediately, I brought my act together and cleared my throat.

“Come in.” She came in with a tray. A cup and a small kettle were on it.

I take a glance at her face, “Hellen, how’d you know I was awake?”

“Young master, your window is open.” That explains it.

“Ah, I see. Thanks for bringing some morning refreshments. I appreciate it.”

The tray was set on a table nearby just beside my desk. Hellen poured me a cup and placed it on my desk, I took a sip of it and slumped up against my chair.

Wow, the tea is actually good or maybe I’m getting accustomed to tea in general.

Nevertheless, the development was to be expected. I've been drinking her tea so often that the bitter taste has become natural to me and if the flavor even shifts slightly, then it’d be off-putting making it unenjoyable.

It’s just like drinking an espresso. You order an espresso not because it's the cheapest thing on the menu but because it tastes great!

Hellen’s skill in making tea is great!

Of course, that would be what a normal person would have thought.

However, I was a broke-ass assistant back in my previous life, so in truth my opinion about taste of tea was just a notion that was reciprocated with thoughts of appreciation.

Sincerely, I thank Hellen for bringing great service.

As I consume more of the tea, the flavor becomes more apparent, it is different than usual and unlike before. It has a minty aroma, kind of like the herbal tea that the nun makes…

Experiencing another dose of nostalgia, I closed my eyes and took another sip.

It was similar but unlike the nun’s tea, it has a decent flavor.

“Young master, did you sleep well?” Suddenly, that warm and cozy atmosphere was getting uncomfortably cold.

Is it because I opened the window? Of course not, just one look at Hellen’s cold and strict expression suggests that I’m in for a scolding.

“I did have a good night’s sleep—In fact, I slept like a rock!” Acting all child-like by showing my enthusiasm, I stood out of my chair and put my hands beside my waist.

“Young master, there are dark circles under your eyes.”

Well, that is unfortunate, at least I gave it a shot.

I slumped down against my chair and gave a weary smile to Hellen.

Wait, is that why she brought refreshments? A fluttering sensation found its way to my heart.

Ha—I’m really bad at dealing with this feeling…

Seeing past that gaze of hers, I could tell that she was worried.

“I apologize for troubling you...I’ll try not to do it again.”

There was no reply, instead she came forward, caressed my face and put her forehead against mine.

I know what that action meant, and it made me feel ashamed of myself.

After checking my temperature, she let go and looked at me with sincere eyes.

“You don’t seem to have a cold…Young master, please refrain from exerting yourself again.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Smiling sheepishly at her, I got out of my seat after tucking away my notes to my right drawer just below my stationeries.

“The bath will be prepared shortly. I know it’s early, but I suggest you do so.” Ah, based on prior experience, what she said is not a suggestion.

It’s an order.

“Sure.”

There was no room for any more arguments.

My morning was hectic to say the least.

----------------------------------------

I looked at myself in the mirror and sighed.

Another day of wearing tight and stuffy clothes.

Beside the door of my room, there stood a young female attendant. She was the one who took care of picking out my clothes today since Hellen was being summoned by mother. I looked stylish but in exchange, I had to sacrifice comfortability which I didn’t like at all.

I’m not one to be picky but it’s annoying to wear so many layers of clothing.

“I don’t think this suits me at all.” I complained.

“Head Maid Hellen told me it’s an important meeting between Young master and a member of the Royal family, it’s important for you to look your best.”

“It’s not even a formal meeting…The usual should be fine for the occasion.” She hesitated for a moment, but I gestured to go ahead.

“Hellen wouldn’t mind.” And there she goes off to my wardrobe which was in another room inside my quarters.

While she was picking out the clothes I usually wear whenever I get the chance to accompany my father, someone knocked at the door.

If that was Hellen or Sebas then they’d already announced themselves but even after ten seconds, not a single sound came out. I was getting wary, so I checked who it was by analyzing the presence, it was unfamiliar but the person behind the door didn’t seem threatening.

“Who is it?” I asked.

“I-it’s Hana from the Orstein family, I’m here to deliver a letter.” …Who?

“Orstein, you say.” I mutter while trying to recall anything about said family name.

“Uh, yes. My family’s estate borders the extended territory of Rodin’s at the southern coast.”

Ah. They were one of the vassal families father told me about, I was expecting something like this to happen since father told me about their sudden rise of curiosity.

“I see, you can come in.” When the door opened, I was greeted with a girl twice my age with short white hair and slightly tan skin.

She bowed at me before looking back at me.

“It’s a pleasure to meet the Young master August Rodin. I am Hana Orstein, the second daughter of Leed Orstein.” I nod in acknowledgement.

“Likewise,” Formalities aside, I didn’t really have much to say so I decided to cut to the chase. “So, what of the letter?”

“Yes, the letter is an invitation to Young master.” She said while handing me a medium sized letter with a yellow seal embedded with a crest.

I opened it right in front of her and read the message with my eyes. Just from the first paragraph alone, I could already tell what the invitation was all about.

“I would like to go but I’m quite busy next week.” In fact, I already cleared all my schedule in the next month even forgoing my studies all for the sake of meeting with the crown prince.

Because I have a strange feeling that we’ll be meeting more often.

I tapped at the desk with my finger and looked at her. She looked like one of those models I saw in the magazines back in my previous life, saying that she is beautiful would be an understatement.

Her frilly dress and short hair really backed that up, the color is also quite interesting.

“Is that natural?” I pointed at her hair.

“Pardon?” She was looking quite nervous.

“You’re hair.”

“Ah, yes. It’s a unique trait of the Orstein family.” I nodded at her, and she seemed to be at ease.

I folded the letter and placed it at my table, amidst that, the maid came back with another set of clothes but when she saw her, surprise was written in her face.

Oh, right. I forgot that I had soundproofed the rooms so that’s why she probably didn’t notice her…My bad.

The maid quickly bowed at the newcomer, the Orstein girl smiled sheepishly and acknowledged her.

I looked at the analog clock on my desk, it was almost time for me to depart on the carriage.

“Sorry to cut the conversation short but I have an important appointment with a member of the Royal family.”

“It’s fine Young master, it was not of my knowledge that you are preoccupied.” She had an understanding look.

“Tell the Baron that I’ll look forward to it next season.” She smiled at me and bowed before excusing herself to leave.

That was some first impressions…

Anyways, let’s see what the maid brought.

A white tunic with a black vest and black shorts.

“Can you fetch me a glass of water, I’m a bit thirsty.” The maid left after bowing and went for the door.

With a click, I was left alone in my quarters.

What I said was just an excuse, I needed to have some privacy in order to prepare my notes.

I opened the right drawer and fetched out the paper I took all night scribbling away. I take a look at it one more time before laying it down at the desk.

It was all about the notable events and history in my previous life but that’s not all, I still don’t trust that crown prince yet, so I have set up something if the meeting doesn't go well.

Insurance for the risk I’m taking.

----------------------------------------

“So, this is the grand library, it looks pretty neat.” I looked at the wide array of shelves that spanned across the entire hall. It was filled to the brim and not a single dust covered the books—Hell, not even a speck of deformity could be spotted, the atmosphere inside felt great too thanks to the open windows and indoor plants.

“Well, I used the library very often for my studies, so the place has been well maintained.”

The crown prince passed a cup to me, after subtly checking it, I confirmed that it was indeed just a cup of tea.

Did I just suspect the crown prince of doing something shady? Obviously, since I’m a bit skeptical of him. There’s that lingering doubt of whether I could trust him or not, but the way things are going, I’m sure the ice I’m threading is getting thinner.

Should I take the initiative or not? I don’t think it’s a good idea…

He didn't have that much hostility yesterday but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Why don’t we drop the formalities.” He spoke in a language that the both of us understand and are familiar with in our previous life.

Nervously, I reply, “Sure, I don’t think we’ll get things sorted if we stay this way.”

“What should we tackle first?” I’m not that keen on starting the topic right away, if possible, I’d rather go with the flow to the one who I’m talking with.

He narrows his eyes at me then clasps his hands together,“Obviously I’d jump straight away to our identities but I’m a bit skeptical per say.”

The direction of the conversation is just as I expected.

“How about an icebreaker?” I suggested.

He had a contemplating look, so I continued to explain my idea further.

—To lighten the mood, why don’t we have a trivia quiz, we’ll take turns in giving each other questions.” After I said that, I glanced at his expression and noticed it softening.

I wanted to smirk but held it back, I needed to maintain my facade.

“Fine, I’ll go first.” He cups his chin and closes his eyes, his face that was deep in thought looked like the thinker.

Damn, what kind of trivia are you thinking about?

After waiting a couple of seconds, his mouth opens.

“What are the first ten digits of pi?” The hell? That’s such a curveball…

I’ll just recite what I’ve memorized in my past life.

“...3.14159265358979323—He gestured to me to stop.

“I said the first ten digits...” I grinned at him and immediately fired back a question, all the while observing his reaction.

“What’s the capital of the United States?” I throw a curveball as well.

“I don’t know, I don’t live there.” Well, that certainly checks out his mannerism and attitude.

No way an American could ever pull that noble act that well.

“What is the formula of the theory of relativity in regards to the collapse of an object inside a black hole?” The hell is he going with this? It’s like he’s trying to piece together what my profession was in my past life by asking me these questions…

Oh. I get it now. Realizing what he’s trying to do or at least assuming the motives behind his question, it made me a bit livid—Wait, was I not doing the same thing when I asked him my question? Wow, the sheer hypocrisy at that thought really resonates within this situation.

Even though we were having an icebreaker meant to lighten the mood, the atmosphere between us is getting heavier by the second.

Should I fuck with him for a bit?

“I’m no Einstein so I don’t know.” He narrows his eyes with a raised brow, I flash him a condescending smirk as it was my turn.

“If Peter piper picked a peck of pickled pepper then what did peter piper pick for the peck of pickled pepper?” The absolute confusion in his face was hilarious to look at, and for a moment, his demeanor was broken apart and all he could do was scrunch his face then he opened his mouth.

“What?” I repeated it again but he cut me off before I could finish it.

"It's a tongue twister, don't you know that?"

"Sorry, I'm not that familiar with the term 'tongue twisters'." The hell? Even a person like me back in my past life knows that it's common knowledge.

Considering that he knows how to act like a proper member of a royal family without breaking a sweat and the fact that he knows how to speak the language we are speaking so fluently means that he is—There was an inkling of speculation that suddenly manifested.

"No way…You're actually royalty?" I wasn’t thinking about it that much but I only blurted that out intentionally to see what kind of reaction I would get, it was supposed to be a slip of my tongue and with how natural I acted.

There was no way in hell he could tell that what I said was done on purpose…

Nevertheless, the tea cup in his hand stood still and the expression on his face became stiffer than usual. That was certainly a reaction.

But that doesn't mean it is what it is right? Surely it's not that obvious because if it was, then I should’ve become a private investigator in my previous life.

"For you to come to that conclusion…I guess I have no choice but tell you who I really am." He placed the cup with a bit of force and a thud resonated on the table.

I involuntarily gulped, and a bead of sweat trickled down my cheek.

Huh!? What the hell? I’m pretty sure I was spouting nothing but crap since I was getting fed up but what the fuck?

His body seemed to tense up as his gaze became sharper as if the words that will drop will change the very meaning of my existence.

“I’m Art Pendragon, the descendant of the once and future king.”