Chapter 11 - The Troubled History

It's been a day since the incident that occurred in the bedroom. My mother is still recuperating in her bedroom alongside with Seraphina...

In my own childish bedroom, I just lay on top of my bed, with my hands extended, with a dismayed expression on my face, only staring at the ceiling as I continued to ponder about what to do next.

I managed to prevent the death of Isabella Blakesty...

I know that is something I chose to do for my own selfish reason. But I can't help but wonder... what will happen to the original storyline?

"Nothing will happen."

A sudden voice resonated throughout my head as I my body flinched.

"No need to be startled, showing you those memories made me somewhat weak to the point of me unable to manifest my physical appearance, so I'm currently recovering inside your rings."

"Isn't that... dangerous?"

"No need to worry. Until I recover, I will just lay dormant without hindering your body. But because of this, our minds link together, letting me read your thoughts a bit."

"A bit?"

"Yes, a bit. I'll try not to pry into your privacy."

I place my hand near my heart for a minute, only to continue staring into the roof once more. I closed my eyes as I put my arms on top of my eyes and sighed for a bit.

"... What do you mean when you said nothing will happen."

Azar didn't respond for quite a while. I didn't mind the silence since I expected him to not answer the question."

"... This "storyline" that you keep speaking about... True, it might've been the original destiny that the people in this world once experienced. But in the end, it is just a single strand of countless intertwined fates in the world. Destiny and fate are a complicated mixture filled with strands of the past, the present, and the future. When a single variable, like you, appears. It completely alters fate."

"I see... does that mean that even if I were to follow the original strand of fate like in the story, my presence itself will change it either way?"

"Simple way to converge it. Like I said in the beginning. This world is yours to live to the fullest. Being able to experience a different life that you couldn't before and create new and precious memories. Trying to follow the original path defeats the whole purpose of you being brought into this world."

I move my arms away from my eyes. I couldn't help but smile for a moment.

"Even if you say that, I would've done what I though was best, regardless of the original storyline."

I put both of my hands on the bed to balance myself up.

"I already saved my mother. I'll continue to protect the people close to me in this life and create new precious memories and emotions-"

I stayed silent for a bit. I closed my mouth before looking down on the floor. My expression showed a disdain and sorrowful emotion as I remembered the painful memories once again.

"Create new memories and emotions that I can share with them, when I meet them again..."

Silence filled the room momentarily. But this silence puts me at ease. There is no need to comfort someone like me, who couldn't even show a single true smile to them...

There was a sudden knock on the door, then the door opened as someone entered the room. A young girl with deep brown skin and long black hair tied up in a ponytail with brown eyes. A vertical scar near the edge of her mouth and wearing a black robe.

I stared at her intently while putting my guard up against her. Throughout my time in this world, I have never seen her in this manor before. Her presence here feels suspicious, but even then, what can I do by myself if she is truly a threat?

But despite her seeing my obvious suspicion of her, she gently closed the door and bowed slightly before standing straight up again.

"Greeting, Young Master. I am Nila. Since Mia is currently being treated, I will temporarily take her place as your personal maid until she is fully recovered."

She stood there in silence without saying anything else. A sweat began to drop from my cheek as we continued to stare at each other without saying anything.

"... Excuse me- "

"You can call me by my name, Young Master."

I stood there silently once again. Her way of speaking... is quite straightforward despite being in a place that requires you to show respect and sincerity.

"Okay then... Nila, right? Is there a reason you suddenly came here...?"

She stood there silently for a bit, then she made a face as she remembered something.

"Ah yes, I almost forget."

She cleared her throat and closed her eyes as she put both her hands on her back, as if the message she was about to say was of importance. I can't help but disregard her suspicious nature that she showed earlier.

"His Grace has relayed a message for you: Lysander. Once you are feeling well, please come to my office. I wish to discuss some personal matters with you."

I stood there thinking. Is he going to question my actions? I guess that is to be expected... All the things I've done is far from what a normal child, or person, would do...

"I see... I'll head there immediately then. "

I got down from my bed and gently dusted my shorts. Nila just stood there silently until I finished, she opened the door for me, and we began to walk down the corridor towards the office. I sheepishly walked behind her before my curiosity began to pique.

"... May I ask what your job in the mansion is...?"

She continued to walk quietly before answering my question.

"I... you'll soon know when we get to the office."

The office is on the opposite side of the mansion from where we are, so it's going to take a few minutes to get there, longer considering my walking speed. But the woman in front of me is considerate enough to walk peacefully and slowly so I don't tire easily.

She continued to walk until she momentarily stopped.

"Young Master... I know this may be sudden. But can I ask you a question?"

I looked up at her, still facing forward, she shifted her head, so her eyes met mine. Her brown eyes suddenly glowed and shimmered.

"Hmm...you... What are your thoughts about killing another human being?"

Killing. That is a foreign concept to me. The terminology stems from the act of a living beings death caused by the instance of one other living being. Philosophically, the act of killing is immoral. But I can't really put my finger on it...

"... I can't say... I just think that killing is preventable under the given circumstances..."

Yes... I can't put my finger on it...in the past, every action that humans did, I always questioned on why they were done, and for what motive. But yesterday's event changed that perspective. When I was fighting that girl, I continued to aim at her heart and head.

I was trying to kill her to protect my mother.

"The idea of killing may seem brutal... but in the end. I guess it's controversial. But those who kill out of glee... I truly put disdain on."

"Hmm... I see..."

She crossed her arms and closed her eyes for a moment of contemplation before speaking again.

"I was informed that you played a crucial role in not only protecting Her Grace, but also Mia... we ran an autopsy on the magic swordsman girl that you faced. We had to see what power she gains from the pill she consumed and the after-effects of consumption. Many of the injuries caused by you where... how can I say it? Fatal. As if you were planning to killer her personally, but instantly."

She turned around and stared right into my eyes. Funnily enough, I have been in similar situations, so the current cold atmosphere doesn't really... bother me as much.

"Once again, I would like to ask another question: Did you intend to kill the girl?"

I put both my hands forward and stared at them. The magic I used; most were designated to be used to kill. I know that, but I continued to use them. My only reason is to protect, nothing more, nothing less.

I closed my eyes, still holding my hands in front of me.

"It may have been a selfish, but I knew that being naive would have cost someone's life if I didn't have the intention to kill her. But it only extends there. Killing, itself, it's a cruel punishment that I will only rely on if other solutions fail to protect those, I care about..."

Nila stood there surprised at my response. After a few moments of deliberation, she suddenly kneeled in front of me, her eyes still meeting mines while showing a small smile.

"I will not lie. I thought long and hard about the type of Young Master I will have to serve in the future. A spoiled one, a meek one, or one that looked down upon others with power and violence. I was prepared to leave the estate with my brother, even if it meant breaking my promise with His Grace."

She gently placed her hands on my shoulder.

"I'm glad to see that you're not any of the bad images I had depicted. Your answer told me a lot about what type of person the Young Master is. Someone rational yet kind. Killing is sometimes needed in this world. To eliminate the threats. To eliminate those who commit wrongdoings. But it is also something that can be avoided if necessary. This may be a hard topic, especially for a young child like you. I honestly can't believe I asked a question like that to a young child... but your response assured me the future of the estate."

She looked down to the ground while still kneeling.

"I entrust my life and honor to serve you as my future master and ensure your safety above mines."

I stared at her when she said those words. I couldn't help but smile. But still...

"... Thank you, but you don't have to risk your life for me..."

She lifted her head and showed a smiled at my words.

"It is my duty, Young Master."

I could only continue to stare at her with slight discontent. But even though her choice of words is questionable, I feel like I have more people that I can trust and lean on, like Mia...

"Wait, what happened to Mia? Is she okay?"

Nila stood up and then looked outside the window as she scratched her cheek before closing my eyes.

"That young girl, despite facing burns and injuries, is doing much better than expected... Her burns are severe since it was caused by magic, but she is recovering well."

I let out a relaxed breath after hearing those words.

"That's good to know."

Nila began to walk towards the office once more, while I accompanied her alongside. After a few minutes of walking, we soon reached the office. A guard in a black and red uniform with a sword at his waist stood outside the door. We approached the door and the guard bowed towards me and Nila.

"Young Master, Lady Nila. His Grace is waiting for you inside the office."

The guard opened the door to us. I fixed my posture as this is the first time my father has called me to his office. Shortly after, we walked in. Inside the office, I saw my father standing near his desk, talking to some familiar people.

There were six people in the room alongside him. He was talking to Leo and Veda, while a blonde hair guy with a farmer hat was happily talking with another guy that looked exactly like Nila.

A red hair girl in a nun outfit was sheepishly talking to... Mia?

As the door closed, everyone turned silent and faced us. Mia expression brightened as she hurriedly walks towards me and carried me in her arms.

I feel confused. Nila told me that she was still recovering from the burns in her hands.

True enough, when I looked at her hands that were carrying me, they were still bandaged up. I quickly began to squirm in her arms so she could let me down and not worsen her injuries.

"Let me down! Your hands are still injured, does it not hurt?!"

"Awe... the Young Master cares about me! Don't worry, it should be safe to carry the adorable Young Master in my arms!"

"Please worry about yourself more, Mia!"

She continued hug me tightly in her arms while I continued to squirm, but shortly enough I gave up since I thought that I would worsen her injuries if I continued to squirm when her arms were on me. I stared at Veda, who was smiling at the sight, to see if she could do something about the situation. She understood and began walking towards us and then placed her hands on Mia's shoulder.

"Now now Mia, you know better than to bother the Young Master."

She looks at Veda with a glare before sighing.

"Fine..."

She gently puts me down. I looked at her hands, all covered with bandages. I could only continue to stare at her hands that were injured with a guilty expression.

"... Are you really okay...?"

Mia gently smiled.

"It's fine. Most of the fatal injuries were healed thanks to Priya. You don't have to worry too much, Young Master."

"Priya...?"

The red-haired girl quickly stammered as she began to walk towards me.

"T-that is my name, young master."

I walked towards her before bowing. She suddenly flinched when she saw me bowing.

"Thank you, Priya. If not for you, I don't know what would've happen to Mia."

Everyone had a surprised face once they saw me bow down to her. Mia continued to look at me with a guilty expression as she scratched her cheek.

"Gosh... you're making me feel guilty now, Young Master..."

Priya began to shake her hands in front of me as her face showed confusion and panic.

"I-It's alright!"

She sheepishly grabbed and tightened the wooden stuff that she had near her and looked slightly away as her face began to blush.

"I-It is my duty as the Head Priest to take care of the injured. M-Mia's burns were caused by powerful fire magic, s-so healing magic was only able to heal her injuries. B-But in a few weeks, she should heal."

Her words continued to stammer as she continued to get nervous in front of me.

"Wait... if you're the Head Priest, then does that mean you healed me to when I was injured...?"

She shyly nodded at my response.

I walked towards where she was facing. Our eyes met as she began to panic once more. But I let out a smile.

"Thank you, Priya, once more."

Her composure became more relaxed as she heard those words. She let out a smile.

"It's my pleasure, Young Master."

A cough was let out by my father, who was observing the situation at hand. He began to walk towards us and soon stood in front of him, his arms crossed as he showed a serious expression.

"Lysander, I have to tell you something."

I fixed my posture and showed a serious expression.

"Yes, Your Grace?"

"I need to tell you that... huh...?"

His face showed a bewildered expression while Mia, the blonde person and Veda began to laugh with Nila trying to look the other way while holding her laughter, and Leo sighing. Shortly after, the man that looked just like Nila walked towards us with a stoic expression in his face.

"Your Grace, I suggest trying to look less... intimidating? The Young Master may have thought you called him for a formal matter that needed him to act professionally when he saw how you acted just now."

I tilt my head at his words. Is he not going to question my actions so far?

My father coughed a bit with a blush on his face. The blonde man then walked next to the brown hair man and smiled before my father began talking once again.

"Right... Though the topic is partially important since it is deciding your future, I called you here to gain your approval."

He knelt and placed his hand on my shoulder once again, having a more relaxed expression on his face than before.

"I know that you have some things you wish to hide. I understand. But given the circumstances, it is time you received formal education in both knowledge and magic. Normally, you would begin your formal education around the age of six or seven. But..."

He closes his mouth and looks at me with a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"... I wish you don't continue to hurt yourself, like the last few days, with magic."

He lets out a small smile on his face.

"I know how intelligent and mature you are for your age. But I still worry about you. You tend to take risks for others. Nevertheless, that is what makes you who you are."

He stands up before looking down on me once more.

"Though, it is up to you if you wish to start your studies early. I do not wish to force you to do anything you dislike doing."

My choice...

From my previous life, learning has been something I have done to understand the world that never accepted me for who I was. Teaching me how to comprehend everything around me. I thought no matter what, it was something I just did for my own sake, to continue to live with worth...

But learning new things in this world, in this body, with people who accept me for who I am. Using this new profound knowledge with the hope of protecting those around me. I want to try it.

I showed a determined expression while fisting my hands up, just like what a normal child would have done.

"Yes, Father. I wish to learn!"

He lets out a smile before gently putting his hand on my head and ruffling my hair.

"I see then. I will make some arrangements to interview and hire educators and arrange a place in the mansion to have your classes. I will also have to schedule your classes. It might be difficult at first, but I hope that wish to continue despite the challenges"

He begins to walk towards the door. I could only turn my body around as I saw him opening the door before he stopped and turned his head around.

"... For now, I wish for you to stay with these seven people. They may look... peculiar, but I promise they are the most trusted people in this mansion. I must talk with your mother about some... things, so forgive me for leaving you here despite having you walk all the way here."

I shook my head.

"Don't worry, Father. I know how angry Mother can be when she's left in the dark."

A cold sweat runs through the duke's face as he forced a laugh out to calm his nervousness.

"Your indeed correct... I'll take responsibility. So just enjoy the feast I prepared for you all"

After saying those words, the door to the office opened closed as he left towards where Mother was. I turn my body around and look at the people in front of me once again. Nila took a step forward from where she was then extended her hands towards the two unknown men.

"My apologies, Young Master. Let me introduce you to them. The blonde hair individual in front of you is called, Qadir. He is the sole gardener in this mansion."

I shift my gaze towards him, he has big muscles while his eyes shimmer a delicate mixture of green and purple.

"The person next to him is my twin brother, Nilo. He works alongside me with surveillance around the dukedom or any orders under His Grace."

Nilo tilted his head a bit before putting both his hands over his back and looking the other way.

"I told you that your assumption was wrong. I bet you even nagged at him with that foul mouth you have on you."

Nila eyes twitched a bit before letting out a sinister looking smile.

"I'm sorry Young Master, I forgot to mention that these two people are in a relationship."

Nilo quickly looked at her while showing a bashful expression, while Qadir just stood there as if it was true.

"Stop saying nonsense! We are not a-"

"Then let me ask a question then: Where were you this morning? I knocked on both of your doors this morning only to find the room empty. Both of you showed up an hour later as you tried to sneak in, thinking no one was noticing you."

"Did you spy on me?"

"Oh goodness no, I was just coincidentally laying on one of the empty trees as I rested for a bit before coincidentally seeing you trying to sneak back in."

Nilo mouth quivered as if he was found out while Nila had a victory smile on her face. Everyone continued to watch the spectacle as if this were a normal everyday thing.

Qadir took a step foward and crossed his arms over.

"You have the wrong assumption, Nila. Though we did sneak out, it was for a permittable matter. We were assigned to gather information regarding yesterday's events and to see if any escaped and began to spread rumors exposing the event that happened. We sneaked in to ensure confidentiality."

"E-Exactly!"

"Ah yes, I remember you being assigned such a task. But I thought you were assigned that immediately upon we removed the threats? I know it is a tedious task, but it should not have taken an entire day considering both of your capabilities..."

A drop of sweat formed in Qadir cheek.

"Even so, we had to ensure everything was clear. Even if that took longer than what was expected of the mission."

Nila sighed at his remark.

"I know you're always going to be on his side, but don't you care about him rejecting the relationship? You really should stop spoiling him and just be open about it to everyone."

Some sparks began to intertwined as Nila and Qadir stared at each other. Nilo continued to hide behind Qadir, making it more obvious of their relationship between each other.

I tug at Nila's robe to draw away her attention and let her calm down for a bit before looking at them again.

"I don't understand what is happening. But I give my blessing to you two."

Qadir smiled at my words while Nilo just continued to look away while looking embarrassed. Nila gently placed her hands on my head and patted me with a smile on her face.

"It's all right Young Master. Despite my brother's rejection, their relationship is widely known to us. I truly don't understand why he insists on keeping it a secret..."

Nilo just sighed as he just gave up on the situation. I understand that the concept of same sex relationship in this novel is not a posing problem, but is there a reason as to why he doesn't want their relationship to be widely known?

Mia, who for some reason had popcorn in her hand... walked towards me with a bright smile on her face.

"It's time for you to eat, Young Master. Shall we head to the servant quarter? That is where we decided to have the lunch that His Grace provided us at."

"Can I...?"

"Of course you can! His Grace allowed it just know, didn't he?"

I let out a smile. This is the first time I am having lunch with people that I truly see as close friends.

"If you don't mind then... can I have lunch with you all?"

Veda and Leo nodded their head with agreement while Qadir put up a thumbs up, Nila and Nilo smiled with agreement, while Mia continued to stand there with a bright smile in her face.

"Let us have a feast, Young Master!"

I nodded my head with a bright smile on my face, nodding with excitement.

✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦ . 　⁺ 　 . ✦

We all sat down at a long wooden table filled with countless food and drinks of various kinds. I continued to sit near Mia as I drank through the wooden cup filled with juice. Despite offering me juice, I suspect that their drinks are not juice, but alcohol.

Why? Because Mia is currently asleep in her chair, her head on the table as she has a disoriented expression on her face. Everyone else is the same.

Nila, who I thought was a serious looking person when I first saw her, is currently arguing once again with her brother, Nilo, over trivial matters such as who can eat or drink the most. But despite the argument, she continues to have a bright smile on her face.

Despite Nilo initial rejection of the relationship between himself and Qadir, he continued to hug Qadir affectionately as his state of mind was unstable. Qadir, who has a high alcohol tolerance, smiled while hugging him back.

Priya personality had a complete one eighty. She began to argue with Nila after Nilo continued to ignore her while being affectionate with Qadir. Leo tried to meditate but soon enough joined the argument after being called by a boy who had not entered puberty yet by Priya.

Veda sat on the other side of where I was and continued to drink the alcohol on her wooden cup. Our eyes met. She adjusted her tied up blonde her before she closed her eyes and responded.

"Quite rowdy, isn't it?"

"I don't mind it. I have never experienced such a thing before, so I cannot help but continue to admire this sensation of being part of a group."

Veda smiles before opening her eyes again.

"I genuinely enjoy moments like these too. Being with these people, having fun, and letting our true self run wild. I can never thank His Grace for such an opportunity."

I look at her when she said those words.

"What do you mean by that?"

She drank from her cup and then gently placed it down before looking into my eyes once again.

"It's a long story... but His Grace rescued us."

She looked at the unconscious Mia.

"You may not know this. But Mia is my daughter..."

I couldn't help but show a surprised look. Veda smiled on when she saw my surprised face.

"Though not my biological child. I rescued her when she was still a baby. I discovered her when I was walking through the forest and saw her abandoned. I could not leave her behind, so I vowed to take care of her..."

She closed her mouth for a moment. She looked hesitant to speak, but she resolved to say the following words to me.

"I was born as a Half-Vampire. I never knew who my parents were. All I can remember was being alone in an empty forest, with no one by my side... I spent countless decades alone in the forest before I met Mia. I took care of her like she was my own child..."

She looked at the wooden cup in front of her with a bitter smile on her face.

"It was around six years after I met Mia. We lived in a wooden house that I built for Mia. During that time, rumors circulated that a Vampire lived in the forest near a village. Vampires are feared as dangerous creatures, and sure enough they began to hunt us down. To the point that many swords master of the fifth ring and higher began to hunt us down. I was weak at the time, so all I could do was run while I carried Mia in my arms, comforting her that everything was going to be all right..."

She closed her eyes.

"We were surrounded. They grabbed Mia away from and were about kill her. I reached out my hand and begged them to let her go, prayed for her to be safe. That is when His Grace came and saved us..."

She looked at me with sorrowful eyes.

"Despite being at the age of sixteen, his appearance let out a hint of animosity to anyone he deemed as an enemy. But despite that animosity, he offered me a place for me and Mia to stay and said that he could help me get the power to protect. Of course, I didn't reject him and took the offer. I knew that I could trust him, despite those emotionless eyes that he had before he met Her Grace..."

Her gaze shifted to where Nila was.

"Two years later after Mia and I began to follow His Grace when he saved those kids. They were around thirteen. Their village was raided, and they lost their parents and home. He took them under his wing and promised them the same thing he promised me: A place to stay and the power to protect each other from harm. "

Her gaze shifted to Qadir.

"Qadir... that poor young boy... He was the son of a farmer... A war broke out and unfortunately... the location of that war started in the place he grew up. He only had his father, but he died in the hands of soldier, who though that he was an enemy. His only weapon was a farmer sow in his hand. At the age of sixteen, he tried to survive in the war that he never intended to be part of, cutting down any soldiers that tried to kill him. He soon reached his limit, almost getting himself killed until he was saved by His Grace in the same battle that earned him the title; The Duke of Blood."

Her gaze shifted to Priya.

"A young girl who was raised in a cult. Her church used the followers as sacrifices, all in the name of God. The children raised were sold off to slavery for extra cash. But it was soon discovered by His Grace, freeing all the captives. But Priya wanted to be by the duke's side, saying that she would devote her life to protect the person who saved her from hell."

She finally turned towards Leo, and sighed.

"Leo... At the age of fifteen, he was found wandering in the streets with tattered clothes and pickpocketed to try and live. Though unfortunately, he pickpocketed His Grace one fine evening. Maybe it was because at that time, His Grace finally met Her Grace, but they decided to take him in and save him from the cruel world. Three years later, shortly after you were born, he became one of the most powerful mages in the Empire."

She looked up into the ceiling.

"Young Master. What do you think of the pitiful stories of us all?"

I sat there in silence. Everyone in this room has a history. A history of suffering and torment. But they were all saved by my father. I couldn't help but have a sense of respect towards him as he saved everyone and granted them a new path.

"... It's not pitiful..."

I look at them all from my seat, continuing to have fun, laughing and bickering.

"... One's past builds a foundation towards what one can become. Everyone here has suffered continuously, but you all wanted to continue to live despite everything that has happened."

I faced Veda as she continued to stare in the ceiling, but listening to what I was saying.

"Rather than pity, I can't help but admire everyone. All of you are worthy of respect. I may not personally know all the hardships that you have endured. But I know how happy you are now. I wish that this happiness continues for you all, because that is a gift you all deserve."

Veda froze for a moment before letting out a small smile.

Veda stood up, not long after everyone but Mia began to stand up one by one, walking towards me before they all knelt while looking down at the floor. Veda, who was in the middle, looked up at me from where I continued to sit with a bright expression.

"You truly are the child of His Grace..."

Her smile continued as she closed her eyes in a moment of silence before opening them again.

"I, Veda, swear upon my life to protect the Young Master from any harm. As the future Grand Duke, I wish you to accept us as your future retainers."

Everyone looked up with a smile on their face.

"In honor of His Grace, we wish to continue serving his lineage, and preserve this house filled with kind people like and Her Grace."

Everyone's eyes as they look up on me are filled with determination. I can't help but continue to admire such emotions coming from them as they see someone like me worthy to serve under. People who see me for who I am, they trust me enough to put their life out for me.

Though I wish not for them to risk their life, I am happy that they declared their intents to trust me in the future, by my side,

I let out a smile to their determined eyes.

"Thank you everyone, for trusting me. I hope to continue growing into a person worthy enough for such declaration, and hope to have you all by my side"

Everyone smiled and soon returned to their original seat as they continued their feast with a new celebration.

Mia, who continued to sleep on the table, mumbled something quietly with a smile on her face.

"... Young Master... I, too, wish to serve you..."