Chapter 4. Trying to Remember

She sat still, thinking deeply and remembering every story she had read before. Then, she recalled that when Rayshawn was 28 years old, he had suffered a serious accident that nearly cost him his life. Rayshawn's near-death experience was caused by Garret's unexpected appearance while he was battling a fearsome Cursetalon. In this timeline, she's waking up in his body right after the Cursetalon incident.

And she remembered that in his 33rd year, Rayshawn would meet his end through decapitation, at the hands of the very woman he had viewed as a villainess throughout his life. She recalled how her sister, Sarah, had constantly informed her of this storyline while she was still known as Rayvenne Kaufman, whenever Sarah read the manga.

Rayshawn had clung to the belief that Garret would one day reconcile with him and restore their relationship, right up until the moment he was severed from his body and decapitated. But Garret never showed up, even until his final moments, breaking Rayshawn's hopes and dreams.

"Can you tell me what year it is? How old am I? 28?" She asked with a sense of urgency, her brow furrowed, feeling her head throbbing again.

The head maid close to her answered, "748: Fourth Month of the Year of the Black Moon."

"And yes, you are 28 years old, Ray," the woman who claimed to be her mother said, her eyes welling up with tears. This is the woman currently referred to as the Empress; she was the wife of the Emperor, Rayshawn's father. "And yes, I am your mother." As she carefully settled into the bed, seated, a group of female servants appeared. 

They're quick with their movements; when they see the crown prince trying to sit, they're quickly helping him. They placed numerous plush cushions behind his back to provide him with support. Rayvenne can still feel the pain in her torso and chest.

"Get me a mirror and help me stand." Rayvenne said to the maids:.

The knight standing guard in front of the door assists two maids in bringing the massive old oak wood mirror. They quickly set up the enormous mirror next to his bed. Then, the young priest extended a helping hand to the Crown Prince, offering his support. As Rayvenne rose to her feet, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. The mirror is as majestic as Rayshawn's figure, which is what Rayvenne thought when she saw herself in front of the mirror.

Rayvenne, who was known for her perfection and grace, carried herself with the elegance of a true lady. However, something peculiar happened: Rayvenne found herself in a body that didn't belong to her. This body actually belonged to a man named Rayshawn, and it was quite different from the one she owned before.

She can't help but be enamored with the scene in front of her as she stands in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. Rayshawn's body, sculpted and defined, seems to radiate strength and power. With a gentle touch, she runs her hand along Rayshawn's majestic, chiseled features, feeling the firmness beneath her fingertips.

"I'm a he, a male, a man." Rayvenne murmured.

His jet-black hair, with a curl in front of his forehead, cascades around his face, framing his features with an air of elegance. Yet, it was his eyes that captivated him the most—a mesmerizing shade of crimson, like two fiery orbs that held a mysterious charm. His jawline was chiseled and defined, giving him a strong and confident appearance. His nose, meticulously crafted, seemed to be a work of art, perfectly proportioned and adding to his overall charm. And then there were his lips—so thin and delicate that they appeared to have been carefully sculpted to perfection.

"Oh my Lord, I'm so fucking handsome, I can go straight with this guy." As he stood before the mirror, a soft murmur escaped his lips.

Rayshawn's eyes traced the contours of his face, appreciating the gaze that stared back at him from the mirror. He gently opened his white tunic, revealing an extraordinary sight. On his stomach, there was a set of perfectly sculpted abs—an eight-pack that seemed to possess divine perfection.

Mesmerized by his own features, Rayshawn couldn't help but continue to gaze at his face in awe. Sarah had been playing a game in her leisure time, and it was only fitting to portray him as the most attractive man in the entire Esgalduin Empire, as he was the epitome of masculinity.

His body was much better and ripped than that of Rayvenne's older brother, Matthias Kaufman. He was the only male heir to the throne of the Emperor of the Esgalduin Empire, the most powerful man in the empire, and the most handsome man in the empire.

As Rayshawn mustered up the courage to explore what lay beneath his tunic, a sudden realization struck him like a bolt of lightning: he wasn't alone. The presence of another being sent shivers down his spine, causing him to hesitate. However, curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't resist the urge to continue his self-examination.

As his hand made contact with his manhood, Rayshawn couldn't help but be taken aback by its size. It felt surprisingly big in the palm of his hand, causing a mix of shock and fascination to wash over him.

"Have you forgotten who you are, my son?" Observing his son's peculiar behavior, the Emperor furrows his brow.

"Yes, I'm having trouble with myself. However, I think I'll be fine." He smiled gently, giving a warm and spectacular view to whoever saw it. Rayshawn Elrod has never smiled since he knew Garret.

Rayshawn's quick gaze, accompanied by a warm smile, caught the attention of everyone in the room, making everyone startle. Simply because they had never met such a friendly or courteous Rayshawn before, the ones they had met before were nothing like the charming prince symbolized in fairytales.

Rayshawn's eyes softened as he looked at himself in the mirror, and a real grin spread across his lips. This was a major shift from the past, and at certain times, the arrogant attitude he used to have portrayed. Especially after he was getting close with Garett, the son of poor Baron.

The maids and servants, who had grown used to the Crown Prince's harsh words and authoritative behavior, were taken back by his unexpected compassion and friendly nature.

Anyone in the room could not help but be taken by the bright sight of Rayshawn's smile. For a moment, the air was filled with amazement and admiration, as if they were witnessing the Crown Prince's true soul emerge from behind his previous intimidating facade.