Shinko Port is situated to the east of Kyo. Although it was close to the sea, due to the recent construction of several ports in the south and intentions to move the nation’s trade centre towards the south, the once bustling port was gradually showing signs of decline. The dock, once a hive of activity with ships unloading cargoes from distant lands, now witnessed a gradual decline in its vibrancy. The bustle that once characterized the port's atmosphere dwindled, replaced by a subdued ambiance, the faint echoes of its former glory lingering in the air like whispers of a forgotten era.

The docks, now sparsely populated, bore the marks of neglect—empty berths that were once occupied by ships from various corners of the globe, now stood as silent witnesses to the changing winds of commerce. As the echoes of the port slowed, nature gradually blossomed.

Seagulls freely soared, no longer bothered by those detestable sailors. Despite the reduced economic activity, the residents found a certain solace in the newfound tranquillity. Life, though slightly altered, retained its charm. The essence of the town remained intact, its idyllic beauty accentuated by the slower pace of existence. Streets that were once bustling with merchants and traders now exuded a more serene ambiance, inviting leisurely strolls along their cobbled paths.

The slight reduction in income was evident, but it didn't diminish the town's appeal. The Emperor had long exempted taxes for the port and life remained peaceful for the residents. In fact, it took on a more picturesque allure, drawing the attention of occasional affluent visitors seeking serene havens for retirement. The once industrious docks now became a scenic backdrop, admired by those who sought the charm of a quieter life. The residents easily adapted to this new rhythm, finding a subtle contentment in the simpler pace of life. The change in the town's fortunes brought forth an unexpected tranquillity, preserving the essence of its beauty while offering a new allure to those seeking a respite from the bustling world.

Despite its beauty, due to its distance from the capital city, there weren't many court officials who settled here. Barely anyone in this idyllic town had any remote affiliations to the royal court, except perhaps the old lady who lived in the courtyard in the west of the city.

It's said the old lady is the mother of the Count Sinan in the capital, who chose to retire here. It was common word in the kingdom that Count Sinan had the ear of the Emperor. Most officials, who were not of noble bloodline, were dispatched to the different counties and states for a number of years and only the rare few were summoned back to take up court positions. Most respectable officials never made it back to the capital and spent their lives governing their respective counties and states. Amongst them, Count Sinan was an exception. He wasn’t dispatched out of the capital after his appointment and was allocated in the Finance Ministry where he rose swiftly in the ranks. He was a legend amongst the people, and a commoner brought up by a widow, who managed to change his life and rise into the ranks of the new nobles. The old lady of the courtyard was by association highly revered, her story intertwined with her son’s success and her dedication for nurturing her son through adversity became an inspirational tale that earned her widespread acclaim within the community.

But children didn't understand these matters.

It was another fine-weathered day, like any others, the air was alive with a gentle, salty breeze that whispered through the town. The sunlight danced upon the cobblestone streets, casting golden hues that painted the buildings in warm tones. Men congregated at the waterfront taverns, their laughter and camaraderie mingling with the distant cries of seagulls wheeling overhead. Children revelled in the day's freedom, their laughter and playful antics filling the air. Some chased each other along the shore, their bare feet leaving imprints in the soft sand.

Further down the cobbled streets in the east of the city, a group of teenagers gathered outside the back door steps of the courtyard, their bodies pressed closely together, each vying to hear a little better. Above the steps, was a boy, about four or five years old.

Upon a closer look, it was quite an interesting scene. Turns out, these teenagers were all listening to a child who was only four or five years old talking.

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With tousled hair framing his cherubic face, he exuded an effortless charm and a radiant smile that seemed to draw everyone's attention. His bright eyes sparkled with enthusiasm and his voice carried confidence and charisma beyond his years. His tiny hands gestured animatedly, emphasizing the key points of his tale. Each word he uttered carried a sense of wonder and excitement, painting vivid images in the minds of his eager audience.

Heaving a sigh, the boy gestured the ending of his story, his chubby hands dancing in the air. 'So, Simon walked to the wall and found a ladder there. So, step by step, he climbed up and found the door, then pushed it open...'

'And then?'

'Then? Well... of course, he returned to the human world.' The little boy pouted, seeming quite impatient that the older boys around him would ask such foolish questions.

'Are you kidding? Won't Simon go and beat up that Hani...'

'Hani's dead.' Another boy chimed in.

'Yeah, won't Simon go and beat up that Hani's ghost? He was imprisoned for so many years.'

The boy shrugged, 'Nope.'

'Ugh! Boring! Sir Yuno, today's story isn't as good as the one from a few days ago.'

'What would you like to hear?'

'The Distant Journey.'

'The Tale of Elegance and Grace.'

'Ugh!' Yuno raised a finger to the older children around him, 'Violence isn't healthy, and treasure hunting everywhere isn't environmentally friendly!'

Suddenly, a furious voice came from the courtyard, 'Young master! Where did you go again?'

The children formed a circle, imitating his actions and raised a finger too mischievously. They collectively responded, 'Ugh!' then laughed gleefully as they dispersed and skipped down the streets.

With a wistful glance backward, Yuno stood at the threshold of the grand courtyard, his gaze lingering on the bustling crowd and the lively atmosphere he was leaving behind. His eyes, unusually perceptive for his tender age, sparkled with an intelligence and wisdom that seemed to surpass the years he had lived. There was a certain depth to his gaze, an old-soul quality that hinted at experiences far beyond his youth. His small hand rested on the heavy wooden door, and as he closed it behind him, there was a hint of reluctance, as if he longed to linger a little longer amidst the vibrant scene outside.

This was Yuno’s fourth year in this world. Over these years, he finally understood that he wasn't dreaming; he had truly arrived in an unknown world. This world seemed to be a pre-historic society, they dressed in long gowns, and lacked advanced technology. But yet, he understood the language they spoke and the wordings they wrote, although this era and kingdom didn’t coincide with any age of history in his memory.

His identity in this life was an illegitimate son of Count Sinan. As with most dramas involving illegitimate children from influential families, such a status was easily subject to the malice from other nobility and extended family alike. This was especially so for someone like Count Sinan, who just entered the ranks of new nobility, living in the capital, right under the spotlight. Count Sinan was also required to start a family with a proper wife and his existence marred the opportunities with noble ladies in the court. With Shuno’s mother passing on after his birth, the only alternative was to send him away to live with his grandmother in this port - a faraway serene port, far away from the capital and political struggles. But that also meant that it was inconvenient for his father to visit and he never met his supposed father growing up.

Over these years, he had gradually gotten used to his identity. Although typically someone with the soul of an adult trapped in an infant’s body, having to go through the stages of physiological growth all over again would have been an experience sufficient to drive a person over the brink of sanity, he was surprisingly patient with it. In fact, Yuno treasured the experience. In his past life, Yuno was a patient with severe muscular dystrophy and his condition deteriorated very quickly after his diagnosis, leaving him bedridden for years. While movement was still cumbersome for him and he struggled for nimble control of his muscles, that was still infinitely better than his previous condition. The years of being bedridden had trained his patience and his appreciation for the small things in life. While finding it strange to wake up in the body of an infant, it didn’t take him too much getting used to after he got over the initial shock.

Oddly, what he found most uncomfortable was his current name. When he was one year old, a letter arrived from the Count in Kyo, naming him: Yuno, alias Anzhi.

This name wasn't good; it almost sounded like an insult from his hometown back in the Jin Kingdom. But being a child, he couldn’t express his dissatisfaction in words yet – he hadn’t regained those muscles. The best he could do was muster a wail of disapproval.

In his past life, he spent much of his time in the hospital. While he could, he would often plead with the nurses to help him purchase DVDs or books to keep him entertained as he stay confined in these quarters.

Growing up in the courtyard, he knew that despite her frosty exterior, she doted and cared for him deeply. The servants of the house were duly respectful and he never received any abuse or mistreatment for being an illegitimate son. But the boredom and pain of having nobody who understood him, always gnawed at him.

Could he tell the maids that he came from another world? Could he tell the teacher that he could actually read already?

As if to prove a point, he often sneaked out of the courtyard to play with other children, telling them about movies and stories that he watched and read from his time whenever he had the opportunity. They were a reminder of his only connection to his previous worlds. These stories, these memories were the only proof he carried.