“But my, I didn’t expect to see the young master look so healthy,” Althea remarked, her voice warm and genuinely surprised. She took a sip of her tea, her eyes scanning me with a hint of care. “Your complexion is much better now, and you’ve even developed some muscles.”

The soft clinking of teacups filled the air as I sat opposite Sister Althea at an outdoor café, the sun casting gentle rays over the city of Romer. Yes, a cafe existed in this world. Arcane Crown didn’t really care about mixing some modern things into this medieval magic setting.

The scent of freshly brewed tea mingled with the aroma of baked goods from the shop’s nearby ovens, creating a soothing atmosphere. Lilian stood just behind me, her gaze flickering toward the trays of pastries and fruit tarts on display, though she tried to act uninterested. I caught her eyeing a particularly tempting piece of honey cake, but she quickly looked away when she noticed me watching.

“Ah, yes, indeed…”

It seems I’m yet to regain clarity in all this body’s memories.

Turned out, I’ve met this Sister before. Quite a few times, actually. It was odd why her name hadn’t immediately triggered a stronger recollection, but when she mentioned the drunk-road accident, I finally placed her.

Althea had been one of the many healers who had treated me during my weaker years. While she couldn’t cure my chronic illness, she was always there to patch me up whenever I injured myself. Recently, when I passed out and cracked my skull and Sir Rashid al-Faris brought me back home, it was she who had rushed to heal me.

So she knew me, that was why she was surprised to see me, moreover when I looked so healthy that she couldn’t recognize me for a few seconds. Now that she knew it was me, she was smiling kindly. “I’m glad. How did this happen though? Did you find a cure?” she asked curiously.

I offered her a polite smile, “Yes, that incident caused an… [Enlightenment] for me.”

Althea’s eyebrows lifted in pleasant surprise. “Enlightenment, you say? That is… incredible. No wonder why you’re so healthy! It’s clear you’ve come a long way since the last time I saw you.”

What a pure person, I noted. I wasn’t expecting her to be this transparent and childishly kind. We exchanged small talk for a while, Althea slipping into the familiar role of a concerned doctor, asking about my health and habits. That reminded me of my old doctor. I replied in kind, and for the next few minutes we had a light chat.

At some point, I decided to cut to the chase. "Sister Althea," I began with a serious tone, "I was wondering... Can you sense my life expectancy?"

Her teacup came to a halt in mid-air, and she looked at me, puzzled. "Uh, your lifespan? Why would you ask such a question?”

I wished she’d just answer my question, but she had to ask for details instead. I forced a casual shrug, hiding my desperation. "I am just curious, really. Doctors used to say that my disease shortened my life. And I’ve heard that certain enlightenments can extend one’s lifespan, so I wanted to know how my lifespan is.”

Althea’s expression softened into a reassuring smile. “There’s no need to worry, young master. If you’ve gained enlightenment, it’s likely that your weakened lifespan has indeed increased. Unfortunately, sensing lifespan isn’t within my capabilities, so I can’t give you a precise answer.”

I nodded, trying to hide my disappointment. So that’s another dead end.

Still, I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away – I had something else to ask. “In that case, I’ve heard rumors about an alchemist who can see lifespans,” I asked, carefully watching her reaction. “Someone who lives in the Wraithwood Forest, near the Carlstein border. Do you know anything about him?”

Althea’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a frown of concern. “I have heard of him. He’s called the Forsaken Alchemist. They say he was once a brilliant alchemist, but… he’s said to have lost his mind, young master. Seeing the final days of everyone around him drove him mad. I wouldn’t recommend seeking him out. Many churches also classify him as a heretic.”

Her words were a warning, a genuine one at that, but I couldn’t afford to be deterred. Since many churches classified him as a heretic, it meant he was a real person. “Thank you for the advice, Sister Althea. I’ll be careful.” I excused myself, standing up from the table.

Althea rose as well, her concern visible in her eyes. "Take care of yourself, young master," she advised, her voice gentle. "You have been through a lot, and I’m happy to see you finally doing okay. So please reconsider visiting the alchemist; I advise highly against it."

I nodded and offered her a small smile. “I appreciate that. And thank you for everything.”

With that, we said our goodbyes, and I turned toward the shop’s counter. As I passed by the trays of pastries, I caught Lilian’s eyes flicking toward the honey cake once more. I raised an eyebrow, deciding something.

Since I had a proper lead this time, I didn’t feel like I was on the edge as much. I should slow down a little. A light smile tugged at my lips as I picked up a piece and handed it to the shopkeeper, purchasing it along with a few other items.

When I handed the honey cake to Lilian, her eyes widened in surprise, embarrassment creeping up her cheeks. She was ashamed that I’d noticed her interest in food, during duty no less.

“Stop acting like that,” I said, keeping my tone casual as I handed her the small package. “Enjoy your feast, little beast.”

“Hey! What did you say?!”

“I’m joking,” I evaded her punch, while people around us gasped in shock that a maid dared to raise her hand at her lord, the infamous Iskandaar no less. I threw the cake in her mouth, diverting her focus, and walked away from the café.

The streets of Romer City bustled around us, but my mind was already moving toward somewhere else. It was time to leave Romer again. To the Wraithwood Forest.

****

When we eventually arrived at the estate, the familiar sight of towering stone walls and elaborate gates did nothing to relieve the strain in my chest. I needed to meet with my father to acquire his permission before I could go. Lilian waited outside the Count's office as I entered through the door.

I found the Count in his study, hunched over a pile of paperwork. The room was dimly illuminated, as the heavy curtains were drawn shut to block off the afternoon sunlight. Long shadows were cast on the glossy floor. The faint scent of ink and parchment could be smelled in the air, while books adorned the walls.

He looked up as I entered, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. “Oh, Iskandaar.”

“Father,” I bowed lightly, “I need to go to the Carlstein Barony,”

For a moment, he just stared at me, his eyebrows rising in surprise. He hummed, "...I was just about to tell you the same thing. So you've heard of the news?”

“What?” I blinked in confusion. He wanted me to go there too? What news?

He hummed thoughtfully, leaning back in his chair. “Seems like you haven’t. We- well, just you since it's an event for young nobles. You have received an invitation from the Carlstein family. It’s Nebula’s brother’s 18th birthday, and you’re invited.”

Ah… that explained his reaction. I hadn’t been aware of this event, but it seemed the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

A trip to the Carlstein Barony was exactly what I needed, and now I had a legitimate reason to go.

However, something surprised me. She has a brother…? Ah right, that stepbrother of hers. Thankfully it was not a Vampire.

“Well, that settles it,” I said, a sense of relief washing over me.

This would make my journey easier—no need for excuses or elaborate plans. And I'd also get to take some knights with me since this was a noble status thing. With the knights, I can venture into the Wraithwoods and find the alchemist without worrying about danger.

My fathers expression grew more focused as he looked at me. "You appear ready to leave. Is there anything bothering you Iskandaar?"

I casually brushed it off with a shrug. "Oh nothing important. I just felt like it could be beneficial to build connections with the Carlstein family after my recent progress."

The count's lips curved into a small smile. “Indeed. I’m sure Nebula will be pleased to see you in better health. So, make sure you represent our family well.”

I nodded, while my head was already busy planning the details of my journey. I turned to leave, but as I reached the door, my father’s voice called out once more.

“Iskandaar.”

I paused, glancing back at him.

His expression had softened, his stern gaze giving way to something more genuine. “Be careful,” he said, the words simple yet laced with a father’s concern.

I offered him a small but reassuring smile. “I will, Father.”

With that, I left the study. The door closed behind me softly.

Upon entering the corridor, I saw Lilian positioned just outside, her countenance displaying a blend of inquisitiveness and apprehension. The subdued illumination emitted by the sconces enveloped the gleaming tiled flooring, creating a comfortable and soothing ambiance throughout the passageway. She looked up at me, her crimson eyes reflecting the flickering light.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

“Did he give permission?” she asked, head tilted in curiosity, her big red eyes staring into me.

I nodded with a faint smile on my lips. “Yes, he did. Everything’s in order. We’ll be leaving for the Carlstein Barony tomorrow morning.”

Lilian’s shoulders relaxed slightly at my words, and she fell into step beside me as we began walking toward my room. The silence between us was comfortable, the tension that had gripped me earlier now dissipating into something more manageable. As we walked, I decided to lead the conversation into something lighter.

“How are you managing here?” I asked, glancing at her out of the corner of my eye. “Been a few weeks. This must be a pretty big change for you, coming from a forest to this environment.”

She seemed taken aback by the question, her brows knitting together in thought. What, she thought I didn’t care? “It’s different, I guess...” she admitted after a moment. “But I’m managing. A lot of stuff changes for real, but the head maid is helping me get used to it.”

I nodded, appreciating her honesty. “Is there anything you need? Anything you’re lacking?”

She shook her head. “No, I’m fine. Everyone’s been… well, they’re not unkind. But some of them look at me strangely. I get it, though. I’m not exactly what they’re used to.”

Her words made me frown slightly. “Is anyone treating you harshly because of your features? No way. Racism in my house?”

Lilian quickly shook her head. “No, no, not really. A few people seem wary, but no one’s been outright rude or mean. I think they’re just… curious. Perplexed that a demi-human is working alongside them. They’re not rude.”

I gave a slight sigh of relief. "Good. Please let me know if someone causes you any difficulty. You are now a household member and my personal maid. Anyone mistreating you is insulting me, and I will not accept it."

Her curious eyes widened somewhat at my statements, and for a brief time, she seemed unsure how to answer. Then a little smile pulled at the corners of her lips. "Thank you, young master."

We continued to stroll in silence for a while, the faint sound of our shoes taking us down the corridors. The home seemed quiet, maybe too quiet considering the stress I had been experiencing recently, but I didn’t hate it. There was relief in knowing that not everything was messy.

As we reached my room, I pushed the door open and stepped inside, Lilian following close behind.

…..

The evening air was cool as I packed my things. The sense of urgency that had clung to me for days finally eased, so I hummed and took it slow. With a lead in hand, the desperation gnawing at my insides had dulled, and I was feeling quite optimistic now.

I wasn’t rushing headlong into the unknown anymore—I had a plan. If I dropped dead before that, I’d just accept that as fate.

Lilian moved quietly around the room, helping me gather what I’d need for the journey. Now that the urgency had faded, I noticed some things about her. She had a habit of just… watching me. Even right now, she watched me closely, her gaze flicking between the items I packed and the expressions that crossed my face.

“You seem different,” she finally said, breaking the silence. “Better.”

I glanced at her, catching the curiosity in her red eyes. “Better how?” I asked though I had a good idea what she meant.

“Less tense,” she replied, tilting her head slightly. “Like you’re not on the verge of breaking something. You even chatted with me.”

A chuckle escaped me, low and relieved. “Hey, I wasn't going to break anything. That'd be embarrassing. And, well, I’ve finally got a lead, thanks to you. It’ll take a few days to get to the Carlstein Barony, so there’s no point in feeling so rushed. I feel fine now.”

Lilian nodded, her eyes studying me with a mix of understanding. “By the way, I didn’t know you had a fiancée,” she said, handing me a shirt that I put on the bag.

She must have overheard my conversation with the Count. Super hearing? I noted.

“I’m standing here today because I have a fiancée,” I decided to say, my voice quieter, more reflective.

“Oh,” she blinked in surprise. “She's that special to you? I didn’t think you’d be that loyal to a girl, considering the rumors.

“No, no, it’s not—” I began, but my words caught in my throat as an image of Munera Obsidian, Nebula’s mother, flashed through my mind. I stopped myself before I could say anything more, realizing that explaining the whole situation to Lilian would be more trouble than it was worth. If she knew that Nebula was an Obsidian Vampire, things would get complicated fast.

Instead, I shifted gears. “Don’t worry about it. Instead,” I said, trying to keep my tone casual, “if you meet any vampires at the Carlstein Barony, stay put, okay?”

“Huh?” Lilian looked at me, her confusion clear. “Alright, sure…”

The conversation ended there, and although Lilian still looked puzzled, she didn't press further. I was grateful for her silence, as it allowed me to focus on the task at hand.

The night fell quietly around us, and before long, the packing was done, and we retired for the night.

****

The following morning, the mansion buzzed with the usual activity, but I was already ready to leave for Carlstein.

I found this body's mother, the Countess, waiting for me at the mansion gates, her expression a mix of concern and affection.

“Iskandaar,” she called gently as I approached.

“Mother,” I greeted her, bowing lightly out of respect.

She stepped closer and gently cupped my face in her hands. Her touch was warm. “Your father said he warned you already, but I just wanted to tell you this myself. Remember,” she said, her voice soft but firm, “Nebula is your fiancée, and she’s a nice girl. Don’t cause trouble at her place, okay?”

Her concern was understandable, given Iskandaar’s past activities. I smiled at her, nodding. “I won’t, Mother. I’ll behave.”

The red-haired woman studied me for a moment longer, her gaze filled with the love and worry that only a mother could hold. I felt a little guilty. I was not her son, although I was slowly accepting all of Iskandaar’s identity as my own.

“Good,” then, with a small sigh, she let go, giving me one last affectionate pat on the cheek before I turned to leave.

I headed toward the carriage, waiting outside, where Lilian was already standing by. Our eyes met, and as I approached, I spotted a figure beside the horses standing around the carriage. They were the Knights who would be accompanying me on this journey.

And I recognized their captain.

Of course, it was none other than Sir Carlos. He was leaning against the side of the carriage, wearing a usual grin. “Morning, young master,” he called out, his voice full of the easy confidence I’d come to expect from him.

“Ayy, Sir Carlos!” I greeted him with a wide grin as he turned around. I pulled him into a short hug immediately. Somehow, that surprised him and the people around him.

It was a brief, impulsive gesture, but it felt good. When I stepped back, I could see the surprise on his face, quickly replaced by a hearty laugh. “Haha…”

“Our new 5th Ascension,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder. “You didn’t come to see me after you woke up?”

“Sorry, sorry,” Carlos replied, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. “I’ve been busy with training and, well, you know how it is.”

We chatted for a bit, the camaraderie between us lightening the mood. Sir Lucas was nearby too, and he joined in our conversation.

The Countess watched us with a smile from the other side of the gate. Lilian also watched from a distance. Her usual curious gaze was a little brighter as she looked at the three of us. Finally, with all the preparations complete, it was time to leave.

Lilian and I got on the carriage, and it set off, taking us south toward the Carlstein Barony while the knights rode their horses around us.

The familiar landscape of Romer faded into the distance, and I felt a sense of purpose settle over me. I hope the birthday party won't take too long.

****

Nebula Carlstein sat in her private room in front of the beautiful, elaborately made mirror and looked at her reflection. She felt both comfortable and awkward looking at herself. The soft, dancing light from the candles lit up the room and made it feel cozy. The light also made soft shadows on the very complicated rugs that were hung on the wall. There was a soft rustling sound in the room that came from Nebula's maid carefully and slowly braiding her hair.

The maid’s wrinkled hands moved with practiced precision, but her observant eyes noticed the tightness in Nebula’s shoulders, the slight furrow in her brow.

She spoke softly in a voice full of worry. "My lady, you look upset. What's on your mind?"

Nebula stayed silent at first, but soon her eyes flicked up to meet her maid’s gaze in the mirror. For a moment, she wanted to dismiss the question, to brush off the concern as nothing more than pre-event nerves. But Nebula did want to talk with someone. And this maid, among the others in the mansion, was someone she trusted.

The woman had been with her since she could remember and before that with her mother. If there was anyone in this household that she could confide, it was her.

Nebula parted her lips, sighing. “I just... wish my fiancé wouldn’t come,” she told her in a whisper. "It wouldn't be wise for him to be here, Mirella.”

The maid, Mirella’s hands stilled for a moment, before resuming their task, more gently now. “My lady, you hate him that bad? Surely he couldn't be as bad as the rumors say,” she offered, trying to reassure her.

Nebula’s expression darkened, and she shook her head slowly. Her eyes observed her reflection. “Perhaps some of the rumors are exaggerated, but they exist for a reason. And it's not hate. He's not a bad person, I guess… But if he falls into a trap set by Lucien, it will shame not only him but me as well. Do you truly think Lucien invited him to his birthday party out of goodwill?”

Mirella frowned, her brows knitting together as she considered Nebula’s words. She had been in this household long enough to understand the complexities and the dangers that lurked behind every smile, every kind word. No, she had been here since even before that, when her Lady used to live here. “Do you believe this invitation was a ploy, young lady?”

“Oh come on, you should know better than me, you’ve been here for longer. To begin with, this was never meant to be a genuine invitation, I think,” Nebula replied. Her voice now was steadier, but the underlying tension remained still. “It’s a plan to humiliate me… My brother wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to undermine me in any way he can.”

The maid's fingers tightened around a strand of Nebula's hair hearing the last part, but she quickly released her grip and resumed her work with a gentler touch. "Does your fiancé know what he's getting into? Is he aware of your family dynamics?"

Nebula pressed her lips into a thin line. "Just a little. I told him about my stepmother, but he doesn't know about my stepbrother. He appeared sharp-tongued when I met him, but rumors say he's dumb. Not that it'd change anything. Even if he saw through any traps… his reputation alone could be used against him.”

They fell into a brief silence, the only sounds being the soft swish of fabric and the crackle of the candles. After a brief pause, the maid broke the silence again, her voice soft but probing. "My Lady, how should I treat him? Considering his reputation."

"Treat him with respect," she stated firmly. "But if he ever disrespects you, punch him." A faint smile tugged at her lips, though it didn’t reach her eyes. Nebula added, “You were like a mother to my mother, her last memory before she died… I won’t let him dishonor that.”

Mirella’s hands stilled for a moment. Her expression softened, filled with a warmth that was rarely seen in this cold household. “My lady…”

“And you are the only one who knows and… shares my secret,” Nebula said, her voice low. “Without you, I would be alone in this house.”

Mirella, her mother’s Vampire Thrall, smiled gently, her gray hair catching the candlelight as she nodded. “I am always here by your side, my lady.”

Nebula closed her eyes briefly, drawing strength from the presence of this woman who had been her constant companion, protector, and keeper of her most intimate secrets.

A sudden knock on the door broke the silence.

“Lady Nebula,” a servant’s voice called from the other side, “The Romani Family’s carriage has been spotted approaching the estate.”

Nebula's eyes opened slowly, and her heart sank as she sighed. She braced herself for what was coming. "So, he's here," she murmured, rising to her feet with a grace that concealed the messy feeling brewing within her.

She smoothed down her dress, her fingers trembling slightly. She felt nervous. Turning back to the old maid, she nodded, “Let’s go meet him.”

Mirella nodded, stepping back as Nebula made her way to the door. She had no choice anymore, but to face whatever awaited her…

Regardless of how humiliating it might be.