Chapter 38

The 21st century in his previous world was such a time when the entertainment industry peaked. Actors, idols, musicians, content creators and other artists rose in numbers quickly.

But there were many who left as quickly as they came.

Once they became celebrities they forgot about the people who put them on that pedestal.

A single mistake that disregarded the sentiment of a fan was enough to start one's downfall. Perhaps it was only in their downfall they realised that the power they had wasn't their own.

Higher the position they had, the greater the fall.

As an introvert who spent most of his time studying and working, Noah never paid attention to any kind of social ladder nor did he take the time to build interpersonal relationships.

It wasn't that he was socially incapable, it was just that he was too focused on other things.

It sounded funny to say it was difficult to talk to a person in the 21st century when telecommunication was so easy to access but that was his reality.

With only a single goal in mind, Noah unknowingly trampled on the trust and favour of his friends.

Although Noah still hadn't regained all his memories, he vividly remembered how his close friend stuck a knife in his back in his final moments.

Each time he thought about it, he could feel the pain in his back as if it was cut once more.

Although he wanted to deny fault at first, he soon came to accept the fact that his ignorance was the same as betrayal.

'Back then, I valued something which I didn't have more than what I did have… This time I need to be different…'

In his previous life, if he was told that he was the heir of a billionaire, he would probably quit his job and enjoy his life lavishly. But now, when he was actually the heir of a dukedom he didn't want anything to do with it.

Being a Prince meant that his life wasn't his own. There were going to be people who relied on him and people whose lives could change based on his decision.

'I am not interested in the throne but I don't want my family to be hated or to hate me.'

"Noah? Are you okay?"

"Yeah… just wasn't expecting something like this."

"I'll talk to the publishers. How can they write such conspiracies? Noah, you don't have to worry about such things. They are just conspiracy theories written by people with too much free time."

"Yes, dad…"

|—— Win the hearts of the ducal territory

|— A Prince loved by the citizens can never be outmatched. Win the hearts of the citizens in your territory to pave your road to glory.

|—Quest Clear Condition: Gain the confidence of 75% of the population in the ducal territory for you to be fit for the throne. Once this quest is accepted, citizens' trust in you must not fall under 5% of the maximum achieved confidence percentage.

Current status: 1.12 % of citizens of your territory feel that you are a good fit for the throne.

|—Time Limit: No time limit

|—Quest Clear Rewards: +10 all stats for every 10 percent increase in confidence. +1 charm stat for every 1 percent increase.

|—Quest Failure Result: -50 charm. -30 other stats.

Accept / Decline ?

Even after resolving himself to work on winning the trust and confidence of the people, Noah was sceptical about whether to accept this quest.

At first glance, it looked like an easy way to get stat points, but looking at the quest's clear condition clearly, he felt otherwise.

'Even if I gain 74%, the moment I make a mistake and lose the confidence of just 5%, it will qualify as a quest failure.'

'Then comes the question, what kind of mistake can lead to what percentage loss. What is the population and size of the ducal territory anyway?'

As Noah continued to remain silent for the rest of the breakfast, Trish couldn't help but kick Edwin under the table before signalling Wilhelmina to watch over Noah.

After Trish and Edwin left, Noah went straight back to his room. Turning on his laptop, Noah started searching for psychology books, adding books to the cart one by one. But before he could hit the buy button, a long slender hand reached out to prevent him.

"Ms Walker?"

"Young Prince, what are you doing?"

"Just browsing books."

Taking the laptop from his hands, Wilhelmina proceeded to read the titles.

"The Human Mind. How to Read Minds. Understanding Body Languages. Psychology books? I had a feeling the young Prince would do something like this. Hmm… Why is there Art of War here as well?"

"Backup. I mean, uh.."

"Young Prince, you do not have to be bothered by those newspaper articles. The ducal house has its own enemies and I am willing to bet one of them pulled strings to put a stain on your image. Of course, if we leave it as such, it will remain. The only way to change it would be by personally taking action."

"Yes…"

"Prince, the ducal house isn't so weak as to let a few conspiracy theories harm it. There is no need to worry. As for the psychology books, if your intention is to make friendly ties then they might not help you. If you want to change the mindset of the people you need to start with a person. And if you are unsure of how to talk to a stranger, start by interacting with the strangers at your home."

"What?"

"Prince, do you know how many people work at the mansion?"

"30? I am not sure…"

"Why do you not know?"

"There was no need… ah.."

"Prince, I think you have a good personality. I am sure you would be able to form close relationships with anyone if you talk with them. It just takes some time and effort. Those books might help you come up with a pattern or some sort of formula to make relations, but they will always be just business-like. If you make a mistake it's alright, learn from it and mend it."

"I see… Thanks…"

Taking the laptop back Noah cancelled the purchase.

'Accept quest: Win the hearts of the ducal territory.'

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As the remaining few weeks passed, Noah slowly built relationships with each of the staff in the mansion including the knights.

Although it wasn't a very close or deep bond, Noah felt he successfully made the first step towards it.

"Mina, have you made sure everything is prepared?"

Closing the car trunk, Wilhelmina answered Trish.

"Yes, your highness."

As it was finally time for Noah and Emilia to leave for Enid Academy, the family and staff gathered at the porch to say their goodbyes.

"Noah, if you ever feel sick, contact Dr Clara. Once her papers are approved, she will be with the medical staff at the academy to support you. If anything happens, go straight to Clara or your sister, okay?"

"Yes, mum."

"Call every day."

"Yes..."

"I will keep a watch on him, when I can mum, so don't worry." Emilia came to rescue Noah before Trish started to recite the rest of the conditions Noah agreed to previously.

After a final family hug, Noah entered the car with Emilia, starting their journey towards Enid Academy.

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A/N:

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Happy Reading,

Kamui