Chapter 1. Prince Lysander
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「At the age of 12, tragedy struck the royal family as the first prince, next in line to the throne, lost his younger brother, Prince Lysander. A playful escapade in the castle garden turned fatal when the elder prince's magic went awry, leaving a lasting mark on their family.」
『END.』
ㅡAnd so, my story concludes, Prince Lysander. Though mentioned briefly, his essence is etched in my memory. He was the younger sibling of the first prince, Lucius, casting me in the role of the second prince and the youngest scion of the Clover royalty.
That's the extent of what I know.
Following Lysander's demise, Lucius turned cold, callous, and distanced himself from magic, displaying indifference towards others. However, through the gentleness and compassion of the main female character, he slowly evolves into the ideal partner for her.
That's the gist of it all.
Therefore, I have to die. So Lucius can experience his lowest point before being comforted by the leading lady. What should I do now?
*Sigh*, remembering I have about four years before my tragic demise, I better do something...
At the very least, I should take action to avoid looking too desperate. I already perished once due to my own negligence...
I won't squander my second chance by hiding in my room and lamenting my bad luck.
Yes, I'll do whatever it takes to steer clear of Prince Lysander's death flag!
"Sir, sir?? Your Highness!! Prince Lysander! Are you okay?!"
The female servant caught up to me and continued patting my back.
I could feel the ache in my shoulders, a sign that she had been trying to snap me out of my reverie.
"Ah, forgive me. I'm fine."
All the servants surrounding young Prince Lysander let out a collective breath of relief as they quietly departed to attend to their tasks. Only a female servant remained, the one who had roused the Prince. She let out a long sigh, her racing heart trying to find calm among the lingering fear.
Although Prince Lysander was not her fallen child from the war years ago, every glance at the young prince seemed to mend the wounds in her heart, little by little. Of course, the young Prince Lysander remained unaware of the situation and gazed back at the servant with innocence, tilting his head to the right in a display of confusion. After regaining her composure, the servant, named Rina, gently took hold of Prince Lysander's small hand and guided him back to his room, offering advice, "Next time, Your Highness, please refrain from sudden movements like that, or you might fall and hurt yourself."
Prince Lysander nodded silently before turning his gaze towards the grand castle corridor, appearing magnificent in his eyes.
This woman servant is Rina. She is one of the attendants who specifically cater to Prince Lysander's needs. Like Prince Lysander, I know nothing beyond the memories of the young prince himself, who views Rina as kind and even considers her a second mother.
Back in his chamber, Prince Lysander obediently allowed Rina to bathe him, feeling a twinge of embarrassment at the ritual even though he was already thirty years old in seven year old body.
"Your Highness, have you forgotten what day it is today?" Rina's gentle voice inquired as she fastened the buttons of Prince Lysander's shirt.
"...what day is it?"
"Indeed, the prince's memory falters. Today marks the beginning of Prince Lysander's magical awakening, your studies, and combat training under the guidance of the chosen royal tutor," Rina explained patiently, a faint smile gracing her lips.
This was an excellent opportunity.
With no hint of possessing any unfair advantages from reincarnation, it was crucial for him to train rigorously and cultivate his innate talents. He hoped that things would turn out that way. Considering how strong Prince Lucius was in the game, it's only natural to assume the same for his younger brother, right?
After getting ready, Prince Lysander walked out of his room accompanied by Rina, passing by the line of servants along the corridor who bowed politely as he walked past. Prince Lysander responded with a warm smile, prompting the other servants to smile back, filling Rina with pride.
"Will I meet Mother or Father?" Prince Lysander inquired as he neared the throne room. Rina answered with a thin smile, "I'm sorry, Your Highness, His Majesty is currently out of town with Her Highness for a crucial meeting between the Clover Kingdom and the Balkness Kingdom."
"Is that so?" Prince Lysander replied, his disappointment evident.
Feeling a sense of melancholy (even though he truly wasn't), Rina attempted to comfort Prince Lysander by offering to prepare a sweet treat for him if he diligently followed all the exercises and lessons.
Bewildered, Prince Lysander simply accepted Rina's offer, inwardly relieved that he wouldn't have to face the king and queen...
In essence, his own parents.
Undoubtedly, as parents, they would promptly discern the presence of another soul within their child's body and swiftly eliminate me without hesitation— it was yet another ominous sign. Inevitably, I was destined to perish.
How disheartening, but hold on. I mustn't dwell on such sorrowful thoughts and must instead focus on strengthening Prince Lysander's physique and enhancing his magical abilities to match his brother's, ensuring he doesn't meet his demise in four years!
With unwavering determination, Prince Lysander strode into the throne room and came face to face with a tall man radiating an elegant aura. This man was Kain, a renowned soldier-wizard of the kingdom known for his immense strength.
Rina offered a polite smile and gracefully bowed to greet the magic instructor, Kain, on behalf of Prince Lysander, who stood silently.
Perplexed, Rina tried to get Prince Lysander's attention, but he remained fixed in place, meeting Kain's cold gaze as the latter returned the look with a hint of confusion in his icy eyes.
'What's going on with this child?' That was his thought.
...Kain.
I remembered him; he was also present when Prince Lucius inadvertently attacked Prince Lysander. In theory, Kain could have saved Prince Lysander's life, but he was actually a traitor aligned with the faction opposing the royal family.
ㅡAnd the very same man is standing in front of me already?!
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To Be Continue ?