A Noble Start

The grand halls of Evandale Manor were abuzz with activity. Servants moved swiftly, attending to the needs of the Duke and Duchess. Outside, the sprawling gardens flourished under the careful hands of dedicated caretakers. It was a household steeped in wealth, power, and tradition. For Liam, it was his new reality.

At barely a few days old, Liam spent most of his time swaddled in luxurious blankets, cradled by his mother, or tucked safely in his ornate crib. He didn't mind; the luxury was a stark contrast to the life he had left behind. But being a baby had its drawbacks.

"I swear," Liam thought as he stared at the intricate carvings on the ceiling. "If I have to rely on someone to feed me and clean me for the next few years, I'm going to lose it."

[Patience, User,] Gacha chimed in, its tone as chipper as ever. [You have an exceptional opportunity to observe and learn during this formative period.]

Liam sighed internally. "Yeah, yeah. What am I supposed to do, analyze the architecture?"

[That would be a productive start. Evandale Manor's design reflects the artistic and cultural values of Aetherium's noble class.]

Liam couldn't help but chuckle. His system had a flair for the educational. "Thanks, Gacha. I'll be sure to catalog every ceiling carving."

[You're welcome. As a reminder, you have nine years, eleven months, and twenty-six days until full system activation.]

"Not that I'm counting," Liam muttered.

Despite his grumbling, Liam knew Gacha was right. He wasn't just reborn into any noble family—he was now part of the prestigious Evandale line. His father, Duke Reynard Evandale, was a towering figure in the kingdom, known for his military prowess and unyielding sense of justice. His mother, Lady Seraphina, was equally formidable, respected for her intelligence and grace.

It was a lot to take in, but Liam had one advantage: he had read Aetherium Chronicles. While the story had focused on the protagonist's journey, the Evandale family played a significant supporting role. He knew their strengths, their enemies, and, most importantly, the challenges that lay ahead.

The days turned into weeks, and Liam quickly settled into his new life. He observed everything around him, from the interactions of the household staff to the way his parents carried themselves. Duke Reynard was often busy, attending meetings and overseeing military operations, but he always made time to visit Liam and Seraphina in the evenings.

"You're going to be strong, my boy," Reynard would say, his voice a deep rumble. "A leader, like your old man."

Seraphina, on the other hand, was softer in her approach. She would sing to Liam, her voice a soothing melody that filled the nursery. "You have a bright future ahead of you, my little star," she whispered one night, brushing a gentle hand over his forehead. "But for now, rest."

Liam felt a pang of guilt at the affection they showed him. They had no idea that their son carried the memories of another life, or that he had a system quietly ticking away in his mind. He resolved to live up to their expectations—not just for their sake, but for his own.

One afternoon, when Liam was about six months old, a visitor arrived at Evandale Manor. From his crib, Liam could hear the distinct sound of boots clicking against the marble floor, followed by the low murmur of voices. He couldn't see who it was, but the tension in the air was palpable.

"Who's that?" Liam thought, curious.

[It is likely a noble visitor,] Gacha replied. [I recommend observing their interaction closely. Networking is a crucial skill in noble society.]

"Right," Liam said. "Because babies are known for their networking prowess."

Gacha ignored the sarcasm, its voice as cheerful as ever. [Every moment is an opportunity for growth, User.]

The voices grew louder as the visitor approached the nursery. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing a tall, imposing man in a dark cloak. His face was sharp, his eyes calculating. Liam recognized him immediately.

"Duke Alaric Rosethorn," Liam thought, his tiny fists clenching instinctively. "Of course."

Rosethorn was one of the most powerful nobles in the kingdom, second only to the royal family. In Aetherium Chronicles, he was a key player in the political landscape, known for his cunning and ambition. He was also the father of Elena Rosethorn, the female lead and Liam's future fiancée.

Duke Reynard entered behind him, his expression neutral but his eyes watchful. "Alaric," he said, his tone cordial but firm. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

Alaric's gaze flicked to the crib, where Liam lay quietly. "I heard the good news and thought it appropriate to offer my congratulations in person," he said smoothly. "A son and heir for House Evandale. A most auspicious event."

Liam's tiny heart raced. He knew this wasn't just a courtesy visit. Alaric never did anything without a purpose.

"Thank you," Reynard replied, stepping forward to stand protectively by the crib. "Liam is indeed a blessing."

Alaric smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "It is a fortunate time for both our houses. My daughter, Elena, has also shown great promise. Perhaps one day, our families will be united through them."

There it was. The suggestion of a political alliance, wrapped in the guise of a friendly visit. Reynard's jaw tightened, but he nodded. "We shall see what the future holds."

Liam lay still, his mind racing. He remembered this scene from the novel. It was the beginning of a long and complicated relationship between the Evandales and the Rosethorns. Elena and the protagonist would eventually fall in love, but not before navigating a web of political intrigue and personal trials.

As the conversation continued, Liam made a mental note to watch Alaric closely. He might be an ally for now, but he was not a man to be trusted.

That night, after the visitors had left, Liam's mother sat by his crib, humming softly. The room was quiet, save for the gentle crackle of the fireplace. Liam stared up at her, his baby eyes reflecting the flickering light.

"You'll have a lot of responsibilities when you grow up, Liam," Seraphina said, her voice tender. "But you don't have to carry them alone. We're here for you."

Liam's chest tightened at her words. He had been given a second chance, and he was determined to make the most of it. He would protect his family, navigate the dangerous world of Aetherium, and rise to greatness. But for now, he would listen, learn, and prepare.

"Don't worry, Mom," he thought, his resolve firm. "I've got this."

[Good attitude, User,] Gacha chimed in. [Nine years, six months, and twelve days until activation. Keep up the momentum.]

Liam smirked internally. "Oh, I plan to."