Chapter 3: Into the Lion’s Den
Maid Sofia trembled, her hands clenched at her sides. "His Highness has only just awakened after two weeks in a coma. Can he not be given more time to recover?"
The royal maid standing before them remained unfazed, her expression stern. "It is His Majesty's decree. The twelfth prince must attend at once. His condition is irrelevant."
Ethan suppressed a cough, his body still frail, but his mind was sharp. His golden eyes met the royal maid's without wavering. "I will meet the king."
He then turned to Sofia and ordered, "Help me up."
With great care, Sofia supported him as he slowly rose to his feet. His legs wobbled, unaccustomed to movement after weeks of dormancy, but he forced himself to stand tall. He would not appear weak—not in front of the servants, and certainly not before his father.
Locking eyes with the royal maid once more, he repeated, "I will meet the king."
With that, the three of them left the chamber.
As they walked through the vast palace corridors, Ethan's eyes wandered. Soon, his gaze fell upon an open training ground where knights clashed with relentless intensity. Their swords struck with such force that sparks flew, their movements sharp and disciplined. Sweat dripped from their brows, yet their focus never wavered. He had seen combat before—had even wielded power in his past life—but witnessing this firsthand was different. The sheer intensity of their training left him momentarily stunned.
This world… it belongs to warriors.
Then, further ahead, another sight caught his attention. Beyond the knights' training grounds, robed figures stood in formation, chanting incantations. The air around them shimmered as torrents of fire, ice, and lightning erupted from their fingertips. The very ground trembled beneath their power.
Knights and mages… Ethan finally understood. I have been reborn into a world of magic and swordsmanship.
He continued walking, his mind brimming with newfound realizations. He needed to know more. "Sofia," he spoke, his voice steady but quiet, "tell me about this kingdom. What is my position within it?"
Sofia hesitated for a moment before answering. "Your Highness, we reside in the Holy Drakos Empire, one of the strongest kingdoms in the world. Our kingdom is unmatched in military power, with both an elite order of knights and a formidable council of mages. We control vast lands and are bordered by the Dark Forest—a cursed region where the twelve Legendary Monster Mountains stand. Powerful beast races, including the beastmen, elves, and dwarves, were once born in the Frosted Lands beyond. However, many have since settled within the kingdom's borders, living under our rule."
Ethan absorbed this information carefully. This world had a rigid hierarchy of power, one that extended beyond humans alone. He needed to understand where he stood in it.
As they passed through another corridor, something unusual caught his eye. A young beastwoman with silver ears and a fluffy tail walked by, her expression vacant. Around her neck was a shimmering collar, a stark contrast to her otherwise noble appearance.
"What is she wearing?" Ethan asked, frowning.
Sofia glanced at the girl before answering without hesitation. "She is the slave of the eleventh prince, Your Highness."
Ethan's fingers curled into a fist. Even within this grand kingdom… there is slavery? Even within the palace?
Noticing his expression, Sofia quickly reassured him. "It is normal in this kingdom, Your Highness. Slaves here are not mistreated. They are not forced into hard labor or punished cruelly. Instead, they form magical contracts with their masters, ensuring absolute loyalty even in dire situations. Only those above the age of twelve may enter such contracts."
Ethan turned to her, his thoughts still heavy. "How old am I now?"
Sofia smiled slightly. "You will turn twelve in two weeks, Your Highness. You will receive your own slave before your birthday."
Ethan remained silent, his heart conflicted. He had been a ruler before, had wielded influence and power, but never had he owned another being. His past life had been built on strength, not on control through servitude.
Before he could think further, they arrived before a massive set of ornate doors. The royal maid stepped forward and knocked.
A deep, authoritative voice echoed from within. "Enter."
As the doors slowly creaked open, an overwhelming aura of dominance filled the chamber.
Ethan took a steady breath and stepped inside.