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“Have you been learning notation, Lars?” Lisle asked his 8-year-old half brother, Laramie, or Lars for short. Lars nodded eagerly.

“Yes! I know where to press the keys now.”

“No wonder you’re doing so well,” Lisle praised him, patting his head and ruffling his mop of black curls. “Come on, let’s do this a couple more times, and then we can take a break.”

“Okay!”

The song, ‘Mary had a little lamb’, continued to play in the music room. Not too far away, the second wife of Marquis Deveraux was having tea as she watched this heartwarming interaction between her son and her husband’s late first wife’s second son. She was astounded, as she had always dreamt of the day when Lisle would finally accept her and Laramie into the family. It was just unfortunate that it had to happen after Lisle’s near-death experience when he drown.

Three months ago, Lisle fell into the estate’s lake and nearly drowned. He remained asleep for a couple of days, and when he woke up on the third day, he became an entirely different person. He claimed that experiencing death first hand really changed his perspective.

However, the truth was far more complicated than that.

Lisle Deveraux was one of the antagonists in the otome game, Courtly Thorny Roses. His role was to harass the heroine throughout, belittling her at every chance he would get, even if it meant making enemies with the Heroine’s love interests. However, halfway through the game, he was murdered. Nobody knew who did it, but it didn’t matter. Lisle deserved it.

Why?

It was because Lisle was a little shit.

Former 35-year-old music enthusiast knew how much of a shit stain the original Lisle Deveraux was, because his niece would ridicule the character nonstop and complain about how annoying Lisle was in the game. In the game, there was an option for the heroine to investigate the circumstances of his murderer, but his niece had refused, claiming that the culprit did them a favor by smearing away the stain off from the face of the earth. Harsh.

Unfortunately, music enthusiast was now Lisle Deveraux, and he didn’t feel like dying a second time, especially not for some psychopath who bullied everyone, including the 2nd wife of his father and his youngest half-brother.

Lisle promised himself that he would behave, fix his crude reputation, and just play music now that he had more time for himself compared to his previous life. Moreover, spending time with Lars and teaching him how to play the piano, had scored him bonus points in his father’s eyes. His father hadn’t said anything demeaning to him since the first week after the drowning incident.

When the session was over, they joined the Marquess for some tea and snacks. Lars happily munched on the macaroon.

“It still amazes how talented you are in many instruments, Lisle, especially the piano! Why have you never shown us your skills before?” The Marquess asked.

Lisle shrugged his shoulders. “I stopped when my mother passed away, and I haven’t practiced since then.”

The Marquess stared at him in wonder. “ So it’s been four years since you last touch an instrument? You must be a genius to pick them up so quickly and easily.”

“You’re praising me too much, mother. It’s as simple as writing a letter,” he told her. “Even if you haven’t picked up a pen for years, you’d still know how to write.”

Her face brightened with delight when he called her mother, instead of Marquess.

“What’s a pen?” Lars asked, blinking curiously.

Lisle coughed. “I meant to say a quill.”

“By the way, Lisle, I read the book you recommended to me, and it’s absolutely amazing! I finished it last night!” The Marquess exclaimed.

“Isn’t it? And wait, didn’t I lend you the book two days ago…?”

“It was a very good book. Oh, I hope the sequel comes very soon.”

Regardless of how good it was, Lisle thought it was strangely coincidental that there was another book that seemed almost like Harry Potter, but not quite. He couldn’t help but notice the similarities between the Briar Rose’s parents to Harry’s. Not only that, but the author of the name suspicious. Lady Bridgerton? Like the Netflix series?

Perhaps…could it be?

Maybe he’s not the only one that reincarnated in this world?

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

“Angie! Dear sister, what are you working on now?” A curious Benedict Steele approached the young lady at the workbench, innovating a contraption unlike anything seen in their world.

“I am trying to make a camera.”

“A camera? What can it do?”

Angela paused from her work as she faced her brother that had now reached her height. He’s gonna be really tall when he gets to high school—-um…the academy.

“I’m currently working the beginning stages of it, but basically, this device can take still-life pictures of a moment.”

“Still-life pictures of a moment?”

“Yes, like…” Angela trailed off for a moment, thinking on how to explain it to her little brother. “Imagine this. You know how papa hires painters to make our portraits?”

“Yes…?”

“Well, with this device,we can have our portraits taken in just one second!” Angela explained with excitement.

Benedict’s blue eyes widened in astonishment. “Really? In just one second?”

“Yup! Although the pictures will be about 4 by 6 inches small, the quality of it is like looking at your own reflection on a polished mirror!”

“Wow!” Ben exclaimed in awe. “How soon do you think it will be completed, sister?”

“Not anytime soon. Maybe in a month or two?”

“…Sister, that is really soon!” Benedict remarked with conviction.

Angelica tilted her head, slightly taken back. “Is that so?”

Ben nodded firmly. “Groundbreaking Inventions like these usually take artificers years to create! But sister, you’ve been making all sorts of inventions that work perfectly right from the start, so instead of a work in progress, it’s a final draft! It’s as if you already have the entire blueprint finished in your head!”

“Hahahaha…! Your flattery is too much, Ben!” Angelica could only let out a nervous laugh. Benedict’s speculation wasn’t far off from the truth. As a former 45-year-old electrical engineer, Angelica possessed knowledge and skills that made her creations relatively easier to bring to life in this fantasy realm.

In this world, magic was the prominent source of energy, volatile yet limited. The power potential depended on the gemstone, as each contained a certain amount of mana. For example, a diamond could retain its magic for up to three generations. Crystals, while also possessing magic, didn’t function like batteries. Instead, they were akin to blank command screens, waiting for an artificer to fill them with code, similar to Python or JavaScript. Angelica had a background in computer science, so she found manipulating crystals much easier than working with modern-world equipment, though the language was different.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Overall, the camera Angelica was working on would only take her two weeks to complete. However, she had other commissioned projects that demanded her attention. Currently, she had received a request to create several blenders, including one specifically for grinding coffee. The first blender was made for a restaurant called Heroes Restaurant, which she initially dismissed as a coincidence. But now, another client, Duke Monette, wanted three blenders, a coffee grinder, and a coffee roaster for a coffee shop that was yet to be named. Angelica couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about these clients, but her father insisted on prioritizing their orders. Successful completion would earn her a generous bonus, allowing her to purchase more materials.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Benedict offered, despite being only 13 years old. He had proven himself to be a capable inventor but lacked the vision and inspiration to create his own projects.

Still, Angelica didn’t doubt that his brother would one day invent something amazing.

“Hmm, yes! Why don’t you take over one of my projects?” Angelica suggested. “This one may appear simple, but don’t be fooled. It can become complicated if the keys aren’t adjusted correctly.”

“Keys?” Benedict questioned, curious about the project Angelica had in mind. She had numerous ongoing projects that were temporarily put on hold due to commissioned work.

Angelica moved away from her desk and rummaged through a chest until she found a scroll labeled with the correct project. She handed the scroll to Benedict, who read the label aloud:

“Typewriter?”

“Think you can manage?”

Ben unrolled the scroll and after studying it for a few seconds, a gleam sparkled in his eyes as he looked back up at his sister with excitement.

“Yes! YES. I would love to try this out if you let me, sister!”

“Go for it, then!” Angelica said, reaching up to pat his head. “Take your time, okay? There’s no deadline, but it shouldn’t take you more than 3 months.”

“I’ll finish it in less than 2 months!” he insisted.

She waved her hand dismissively. “Like I said, no deadline. Just have fun with it, and don’t hesitate to ask for advice when you need it, okay?”

“Yes! Thank you!” Ben took the scroll and ran off to start his new project.

Once Benedict was out the door, Angelica turned to a different desk, away from the camera, and faced the pinned blueprints on the wall depicting the coffee grinder, drip-roaster, and toaster oven.

She rolled up her sleeves. “While I’m curious about what these are for, I better get to work. Design is also important. I’m not familiar with espresso machines, but making a pot of coffee? No problem.” She paused for a moment, then let out a pitiful sigh, chiding herself. “I really need to stop talking to myself aloud.”

•❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅•

“Here are the rest of the reports you’ve requested.” Charles, the exemplary butler of the ducal Monette household, placed a small stack of papers in front of the new young master who would soon have his succession and inherit the title of Duke at a very young age of 15 years old.

“Thank you, Charles. Also, please prepare some milk tea for me.” Julius ordered.

“Milk tea, sir?”

“Yes. Add two spoonful of honey to the hot black tea and then pour in some milk.”

“I will do as you command.” Charles said, bowing his head, before leaving to prepare the tea.

Once the door closed, Julius began looking over the reports that he had requested from a reliable third-party source. They contained the results of a one-week investigation into the businesses that the previous Duke Monette owned.

It had only been two weeks since Julius killed his own father by pushing him out of the window. However, he had to quickly uncover any corruption that could threaten foundation of his family. While Julius had envisioned himself leaving this country and exploring new lands, he was only 15, and his younger half-brother, Lucas, was only 13. As much as it was a hassle, he needed this ducal inheritance to support his little brother and give him the good life. And perhaps, when he’s older, Julius can pass own his title to little brother.

In the beginning, Julius had been reevaluating his household’s finances as well as reviewing his vassals, just to gain clear understanding of their abilities, character, and loyalty. So far, they were never truly fond of the previous duke, and they were relieved that Julius had taken the mantle. While it’s reassuring that their loyalty was certain, something interesting caught his eye. Angelica Steele, daughter of Count Steele, and one of his loyal vassals; she was the one who invented a machine called the blender. A device that was capable of blending any fruit, vegetable, or chunky soup into a creamy texture.

Already, Julius suspected that he may not be the only one who had transmigrated into this world. He decided to put Angelica to the test and requested several equipment that a Starbucks Coffee Shop would need. He didn’t have much expectations, and wouldn’t hold it against the count family if they cannot produce such items, but somehow, he knew this Angelica could very well succeed. Once she did, then his suspicions would be confirmed true.

Knock, knock!

“What is it?” Julius called out.

The door opened slightly, and the guard standing outside poked his head through.

“Your Grace. Lady Catherine wishes to speak with you.”

“Send her out.” Was Julius immediate response.

“Julius!” He heard the banshee screech from the other side of the door.

He let out a frustrated sigh. “Nevermind. Let her in.”

The guard threw an apologetic look to him before he opened the door and a womanly figure dressed in elegant garments strode right, pushing the armed guard aside.

She walked with clacking heels until she stood across his desk with her arms crossed and her folding fan, covering her lips. Her eyes filled with contempt.

“What do you want, Catherine?” Julius asked with disinterest as he picked up the report to resume reading.

“You had the servants move all my belongings to the ‘folly’ in the back of the estate! Not only that, but you’ve cut off my allowance to mere pocket change!”

“Yes, I did. I believe you’ve loitered and played with our finances long enough that it’s time you learn some moderation, Catherine. Be glad that your ‘pocket change’ is equivalent to the yearly tax revenue of a Baron family, and not a commoner. As for the bedroom, that room is no longer yours or father’s; it is mine.”

“No it is not!” Her cheeks flushed with anger. “It will be yours when you succeed your title, and until then—”

“And where is your title exactly?” Julius demanded. “You were never married to my father. That is why you are only Lady Catherine, and nothing more! But I am the Heir Apparent! You are nothing, do you understand?”

She bit her bottom lip before yelling, “You cannot do this to me, Julius! I am still the mother of you and Lucas!”

His blood ran cold and the temperature in the room dropped several degrees down to 0 Celsius. Catherine’s breath became visible in the frosty air as she wrapped her arms around herself, glancing back at the young master, who was now giving her a murderous gaze. If looks could kill, she would already be on the ground, gasping for air.

Slowly, Julius stood from his seat, causing her to take a step back. He contemplated whether or not he should throw her out the window too. But, alas, she is still Lucas’ mother.

He took a moment to breathe and the coldness in the room lessened.

“You never were, and never will be my mother.” Julius declared.

Catherine tried to speak, but his piercing glare silenced her.

When she no longer responded, Julius called out, “Guard!”

The doors opened and the guard at his door came in. “Yes, Your Grace?”

“Show her out of the mansion. She has her own new living arrangements now, and it isn’t anywhere here in this property.”

“Right away, sir.”

“You can’t do this to me, Julius.” She said as the guard began to drag her out of the office. “Julius! JULIUS!”

Her shouts and protests continued down the hall as Charles returned with freshly brewed tea before closing the doors behind him.

“Charles. Make sure to inform the entire household that Lady Catherine is no longer welcome on the property. Her home now is the folly at the back.” Julius instructed.

“Of course, Your Grace. I’ll be sure to inform everyone.” Charles said as he finished pouring the milk and tea, placing the cup on his desk. “It’s quite chilly in here, Your Grace.”

Julius sat back down and picked up his milk tea. “You can leave now, Charles. I’ll call you when I need you.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

As the old butler started to exit the room, Julius stopped him again.

“Wait. What are Lucas’ plans for this evening?” He asked.

“Young Master Lucas has no plans for tonight, Your Grace. Not that he had informed us of any.”

“Good. Inform him that he and I will be heading out to dinner at 7,” Julius said.

“Where will you be going out to eat, Your Grace?”

“Heroes restaurant.” Julius had been curious about that place for sometime now. The name just couldn’t be a coincidence now, could it?

“I’ll be sure to send a messenger and see if we can still secure a reservation.”

Julius nodded. “Please do. Thank you.”

“It is my pleasure, Your Grace.” And with that, Charles exited the room leaving the young master to work.

Once the butler was gone, Julius set his tea down and raised his right hand. With a simple thought, a tiny blizzard of snow swirled around in his fingertips.

He had only realized this gift a couple of days after he had regained the memories of his previous life. Apparently, having ice powers was a generational hereditary trait on his mother’s side. He had yet to inform his maternal family of this discovery, because they had lost contact over the years, almost as if he had been abandoned. Still, the threat of retaliation from them prevented the previous duke from abusing him. Julius should be grateful, but that only allowed the previous Duke to take out most of his frustrations on Lucas, if not Catherine.

Julius sighed. What a toxic home this once was, and no doubt, it was going to take a long while for Lucas to recover. Thankfully, Lucas still young and had time to enjoy his youth. As long as Julius remained attentive on his little brother’s physical, mental, and emotional health, Lucas should hopefully recover from his childhood trauma.

Hopefully. One step at a time.

That’s why they would be dining out tonight, even though Julius secretly hoped to meet the proprietor of the restaurant.

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