Timber

Things have been smooth these past few days.

Eugene kept himself inside his dormitory to continue his study about magic and around that time the dormitory head would knock on his door to check on him and bring some food to share.

Because he came back to the academy in advance, this new dormitory head had no idea about his reputation in this academy unlike in the past when he arrived in the academy the second week after school started which gained a bad reputation for the dormitory head as she also starts hearing things from other students who came around warning her about his temper.

That is probably also the reason why this dormitory head always eyed him in the past.

But come to think of it, it wasn't actually that bad.

Dainty, the new dormitory head didn't do much to him and just always correct him.

Mouth is harsh but eyes are gentle and full of care.

Too bad he's blinded and gets annoyed every time he was reprimanded even though it's for his own good.

"I'm really stupid huh."

Carefully wearing his tie, Eugene stood in front of a full-length mirror.

It's time.

The school officially started today.

He's nervous but at least he already knows what to expect. But one thing that made him happy now is that he will meet Timber again.

Timber was timid and weak when he was just a child, but because of his influence, Timber changed, making his brother hate him, as Timber no longer relied on anyone to live.

He wanted to be by Timber's side knowing that Timber's mother would soon die and he wasn't able to do anything to change the fate that would befall his friend.

After all, he's the dangerous one existing.

"Because you killed him."

A black aura forms in a human form, hugging Eugene from behind while smiling evilly.

"The only person who trusted you and accepted you were killed by you."

Eugene lowered his gaze and continue to ignore the voice inside his head.

He fixes his clothes in a slow manner before turning around...walking toward his study table.

He didn't bother to bring books as he only plan to sleep in class.

Eugene, no matter which world hates studying the most unless it's something that caught his interest. That's why even after going back to the past, he had no plan to become an academic master whatsoever.

What's the use?

People won't believe his achievement and would just suspect him of cheating anyways, so be it.

He can just go around and show his strength, not his brain.

Hiding the magic book he brought from home, Eugene exits his room and sighs before walking out of the dormitory, ready to face the starting line of his misery.

——Eustoma Royal Academy is a school that covered everything.

From the military, magic, music, art, and research & development department, it's a long list that caters to one's talent.

Eugene plans to attend the military department once he graduates so he must pass the upcoming 'selection' to make that happen.

Well, it's not a problem since he already passes the selection in his past life but his vessel is his major concern due to the fact that his soul is still incompatible with his body causing him to weaken and be out of control sometimes.

After all, his soul travel in light years and had grown powerful.

With his small vessel, there is really no way he can regain his previous abilities.

That is also the reason why he is eager to study magic as his alternative defense.

Raising his head to look at the sky...

Eugene gulped in nervousness.

"What to do, I'm still hopeful and blinded with expectations despite everything."

Recalling his parents' and siblings' faces...he sigh and shook his head, taking a step toward the middle school building.

The academy's gate is wide open, welcoming the students' arrival. Nobles go to their classroom immediately as their servants are the ones who will put their things in their room dormitory. while those scholars hurriedly headed to the dormitory so that they can arrive at class on time.

Eugene who is now walking in the hallways instantly became the center of attention as everyone stepped aside to make a way for him while murmuring and looking at him with unpleasant expressions.

Some looks so used to it, while others still couldn't bear him.

"It's the second Shradinza."

"Hurry, don't stand in the middle!"

Eugene lowered his gaze and couldn't help but get embarrassed by such a treatment.

Is he really so unruly that almost everyone he sees would refuse to meet his eyes and glare at him? Ah~ how nostalgic is it to be feared when in those worlds he transmigrated into...he's like trash being blown by the wind and put in different bins by different people after picking him.

But even so, the latter is still better.

After all, being trampled is what he is used to.

He rather...be thrown after use, at least in those times, he is aware that he has value.

Because now, he feels like being feared is like being mocked by people who will make you think you're above and can control those who are below when in fact you're just a clown being looked upon because you are amusing them as they watch your joke.

So annoying.

——"Ah? Eugene?"

Eugene froze when a familiar voice reached his ears.

He immediately turn around and saw the person he wanted to see. However, he couldn't rush toward Timber and cry in front of him while apologizing, especially not in the crowd full of hostility towards them.

"T-Timber."

A beautiful boy with a pair of zircon brown eyes grinned and walk towards him elegantly with a proud expression, making Eugene's expression soft...full of pampering...and guilt.

Guilt.

He is guilty of killing the only person who believes him.

So to make up for his sin, he wanted to do everything for Timber, even if it means being stepped on.

As long as Timber wished for one thing, he would comply and heartfully serve him his whole.

Just so, he could cover the hollow in his heart which was dug out and buried with Timber of the past.

"Looking at you, did your brother annoy you this whole vacation?"

"Ah~" chuckling, Eugene's eyes bend in crescent.

"Instead of asking about my brother, how about you asked if I miss you?"

Timber's eyes widened and he immediately stepped back while looking at him with disgust.

"Goodness Shradinza, I already said to refuse to marry you in the future."

Eugene makes a sad expression, "Why? am I not enough?"

Timber's who is ridin' on his playfulness raised his chin and said, "I am too handsome, who else deserved me? Not even a Shradinza is qualified to have me!"

Yes, your look even makes your stepbrother...too reluctant to touch you, thus you are worshiped and kept in Rozans household...like a deity.

Staring at Timber with a wide smile, Eugene cleared his throat.

"We need to go, I wanted to sleep."

"Sleeping in class again? How envious~"

Eugene raised an eyebrow, "Why don't you sleep too?"

"Mother will definitely punish me again once she found out that I don't study hard. After all my brother always got the praise and opportunity, she also at least wanted me to be recognized so I could stand on the same footing with my brother as I am only a looked down illegitimate son."

Timber pouted, "I really hate it!"

Eugene purse his lips as his expression sank.

Timber's fate is no worse than his but suffered enough to lose his mind and go crazy.

There is nothing good in Rozans but he admits that Rozans are quite a cunning type. They knew when to attack and retreat, moving in such calculative observations prior to their advantages. It's no wonder he was also fooled in the past and wasn't able to save Timber.

In the end, to end his friend's suffering, he chooses to kill him.

Timber who cry on his knees and begged, readily accepted his fate.

Not asking for an explanation nor looking at him with hatred.

Desperation is all he has.

That's what makes him so sure that Timber wants death more than him and more than anyone at that time.

Thus, he bears all of Timber's stepbrother's hatred until his death.

"Come and hurry Eugene, we'll be late!"

Being dragged by his friend, Eugene came back to his senses and realizes that they were in the middle of the corridor and everyone's center of attention.

Ah...How embarrassing.

——Eugene and Timber arrived at the classroom barely on time.

Both didn't bother to observe their surrounding as they already guess what was in their mind. Timber who is used to grabbing chairs from anyone kicked the desk of the person who is sitting near the window under the pampering gaze of Eugene.

Well. Forget it, as long as Timber like that spot.

"Get off, I want that position!"

Timber looked at the boy who flinch with a smug expression but little did he know that the boy wasn't frightened by him but by Eugene whose dark eyes bore into him, full of warnings.

"Y-Yes. I-I'm sorry!"

The boy quickly grabs his bag and runs off making Timber happy.

"Look, he's so afraid of me!"

Eugene smiled, "Yes, my Timber is scary, who would dare to fight you?"

Just kidding.

With your beautiful face. no matter how arrogant you look, people won't get angry and just obeyed you. Just why Timber hasn't realized his charm? That others only look so frightened whenever he [Timber]moved because he...the infamous second child of Shradinza is standing behind him.

No wonder Timber is easily fooled.

Just what would happen if he's not present? Wouldn't Timber be bullied once he leave the empire and join the war?

He can't let that happen!

In this lifetime he must make sure that Timber would live a happy life!

No one, even Timber's stepbrother could destroy his plan for Timber! This is a chance given to him and even if he can't change his fate, at least he can save Timber and prevent him from suffering just like in the past!

Ah...So stupid.

What protect? You can just kill him like in the past so you will have no weakness!

Damn it.

The consciousness of his past life is getting on his nerves.

Eugene couldn't help but massage his forehead due to a headache.

He mustn't go back! His dark self should just stay locked deep inside his consciousness. However, it seems like the restriction that was cast on him by the heavens is slowly losing its effect which made him afraid...

...afraid that he'll not be able to control himself.

Those damn gods!

It was as if they were playing with him!

If only he is strong enough to kill the creator then he could finally die!

"Eugene?"

"Huh?"

Taken aback, Eugene looks at Timber.

"I'm talking to you! I said that we should sit now because my feet hurt!"

Eugene's lip twitched, "Go and sit."

Timber hummed and sat down with Eugene and start talking to each other about what happened during vacation while waiting for the professor.

Eugene didn't say it in detail and just focus on the positive side that he is studying magic which made Timber surprised and couldn't help but look at Eugene full of envy and admiration. Because he also wanted to study swordsmanship and magic but he had no talent and could only enter the music department after graduating.

"I wanted that too!"

"No, it's dangerous. You can just sing a song and play music, that's the safest for you."

"You are treating me as weak!"

"Well, you are."

"Hmp, bad Eugene, I won't talk to you!"

"Come on, I'll treat you to dinner."

"It's no use coaxing me with food!"

Eugene raised his eyebrow, "Do you want macarons or tiramisu?"

"Mont Blanc!"

Ëugene grinned, "I see."

"Ah?"

Timber's expression sank when he realized what he just said and pouted while crossing his arms and turning his back on Eugene, sulking at the corner.

Eugene just chuckled knowing Timber's mood.

So cute.

If only they weren't in the classroom then he would pinch Timber's cute fleshy cheeks so the little one won't feel bad about himself and think that he had no talent and is so unworthy.

Oh, Timber...

If only you knew how many are your admirers whenever you open your mouth and sing a song so sweetly. Then you wouldn't think that you're talentless and compare yourself to your stepbrother who was also hooked by your voice and music skills.

Be it now or then...

You don't need to make an effort just to be the center of attention.

You are already perfect.