Women's Struggle

The world Raphael had been reincarnated into was slowly revealing its complexities, though the weight of his current life pressed upon him daily. It was a world teetering between tradition and revolution, a land with distinct hierarchies of power and influence. As the days passed, Raphael grew increasingly aware of the gender-based discrimination that permeated this society, especially the plight of women being used as political tools. It was as if the entire structure was built to oppress and control, and Raphael—now reborn as Asha—found himself trapped in that very system.

His understanding of the language, etiquette, and societal expectations grew with each passing day. The system, now at level 2, was more talkative, quietly feeding him necessary information whenever he asked for it. ["Master, the customs of this world differ greatly depending on region,"] it would say, explaining which phrases were formal and which would be considered rude or inappropriate. It also helped him mimic proper speech patterns and even the subtle body language expected of someone of his status.

The early lessons in magic, guided by the system, had also begun. Magic in this world was practical and heavily regulated, woven into everyday life, but only accessible to a select few. Raphael watched from the shadows, absorbing everything like a sponge. Floating goods, conjured water, and enchanted tools were everyday occurrences. It fascinated him how something so wondrous could become so mundane, but he knew there was far more to magic than simple tricks. He could feel it.

Through quiet observation, Raphael learned more about his mother, Lady Cerys. She had been an envoy from a distant northern kingdom known for its deep knowledge of arcane arts. While he had few memories of her, he often heard the servants and maids speaking of her in hushed tones, almost with reverence. "The Duchess was special... gifted, they say," one of the maids once whispered. "A true master of magic, and from a powerful foreign land, no less." This information stirred something in Raphael. He wondered what his mother had planned for him before her untimely death. Had she known of his fate, or of the powers he might possess?

The discrimination in this world was becoming clearer, especially for women. Raphael realized how limiting his current gender would be in such a society. The system's analysis of societal structures painted a grim picture: women were largely viewed as bargaining chips in political alliances, their value measured by their beauty, family status, and the number of heirs they could provide. This realization weighed heavily on Raphael. His entire existence in this world would be shaped by these constraints unless he found a way to rise above them.

One day, while being paraded through the estate's gardens, Raphael saw him: Prince Alistair, the crown prince of the kingdom, surrounded by advisors and guards. His presence was commanding, his posture straight and confident, his every movement deliberate. The rumors around the court whispered of his cunning, ambition, and the mysterious air that surrounded him. From what Raphael had learned, Prince Alistair was a pivotal figure in the kingdom's future, destined to bring great change—whether for better or worse was still unclear.

Their eyes met for a fleeting moment. Though still an infant, Raphael felt something in that brief gaze, a recognition of sorts. Alistair's eyes lingered on him, a flash of curiosity crossing his face before he was drawn back into conversation with his advisors. The system chimed in, confirming what Raphael already suspected. "Prince Alistair—key player in this world's political structure. High intellect. Strong magical affinity."

The more Raphael learned, the more he understood that navigating the politics of this world would be just as dangerous as any physical confrontation. He would need power—not just the magical kind, but the political and social influence required to survive in such a treacherous environment. His strategy was forming, but the execution would be delicate.

His first step was learning more about magic. The system was already helping him practice in secret. Small things—like moving objects or generating small bursts of energy—became exercises he performed daily. It was nowhere near enough to challenge anyone of real power, but it was a start. Each spell, each movement, taught him more about how magic worked in this world. He absorbed everything like a student hungry for knowledge, and he knew that the system would continue to aid him in his pursuit of power.

In the shadows of his father's estate, Raphael honed his skills and gathered information. His father's neglect gave him freedom, and the system was his silent teacher. Every interaction with the world was a lesson, and he was learning fast.

But Raphael knew that magic alone wouldn't save him. His position in this world, trapped by societal expectations, was tenuous at best. To survive, he would need to play the long game. He would need to gain influence without drawing attention. And for that, he needed allies—and enemies who underestimated him.

Meeting Prince Alistair had been a turning point. There was something about the prince that felt important, and Raphael was determined to find out what. He suspected that the prince was more than just a figurehead in the royal court, but time would tell.

For now, Raphael would continue learning, continue growing, and continue hiding his true strength until the time was right. In the end, this world's discrimination, politics, and power struggles would either destroy him—or he would rise above them all.