Chapter 6: Plans For The Future

"Alright, that's all for today. You can go home."

Jasper nodded in acknowledgment, impressed by Theodore's perfection.

"Tomorrow, we'll be diving into the History of the Leclair Family, as well as the Leclair Etiquette."

I bowed my head slightly and left the room. I sighed inwardly. Due to my personality (Perfectionist), I couldn't make small or minor mistakes. I had to be completely perfect.

Sometimes I wonder if I even have control over my body due to my personality. It feels as if I have become a game character.

I'm tired.

It was a tiring day. I wanted to slump my back, but it had to remain straight and dominant. I walked down the hall. As soon as I arrived on the first floor, there was utter silence.

It was still 4 p.m., so many of the office workers were leaving. Their eyes were set on me, but I didn't feel awkward or shy. Instead, I felt proud and authoritative.

The crowd immediately made way for me as I walked along. The guard opened the door as I left the building and proceeded to my car.

I entered and cozily sat as the driver immediately started the journey.

I am inside the (Rose of Thorns).

I have already become an unknown character; even the Leclair family wasn't included in the original game. It must have been my choice of duke and naming the character that created a suitable background for myself in this world.

But, it isn't too bad. I'm born into one of the four main ducal families.

Although the Leclair wasn't supposed to exist, due to my influence, this world automatically created the Leclair Dukedom.

If I had chosen a king, would they have made me a child of another country?

From this thought, I wondered if the game would insert me into the royal family of this world or entirely create another identity. But, since this world created a dukedom that wasn't originally in the game, I deduce that the world doesn't interfere with the original families and storyline. Instead, it adds an anomaly.

But it's quite strange.

Although (Even-Tempered) helps me calm myself, I can't help but worry. Although I know the ending, it took me over 500 tries just to complete the game, and it wasn't even a perfect ending that I achieved.

For now, I have prior knowledge of the upcoming disasters that will loom over this world, which means I have a slight advantage.

"Young master, we're here."

I opened the car door. I was too immersed in my thoughts to notice that I was home.

"Thank you. Have a good night."

I entered the house, my eyes skimming Marie, who was standing at the stairs holding a towel.

"Welcome home, Master."

Marie handed me the towel.

"I'll take a bath."

I held the towel and went upstairs to take a bath. I turned on the warm faucet and submerged my whole body.

"This is exactly what I need."

A relaxing bath to calm myself.

The system opened when I turned three; of course, I was shocked, but that was soon replaced with happiness.

But right now, I'm beginning to feel tense. I never thought I would actually reincarnate into that damned Otome game. If I had known sooner, I would have started training as soon as I opened my system.

The problem was, I didn't have much news of the outside world.

Since we lived far from the city and had no contact with the outside world, it was to protect the children from the harmful outside world. Each child of the Leclair family lived far away or in a large estate.

Even though this house looked like nothing, it was equipped with over ten protective spells and weapons.

Not only that, but even the servants had graduated from military or the Tower Institute.

However, the reason for being cut off was not only due to the Leclair family rules but also because of the other wives keeping me in check. Although I don't have a mother, the reason was their wariness of one another.

I may be the youngest and far off from the succession line, but those women who are cautious of anyone would even point their weapons at me if needed.

Marie's relationship with the outside world was cut off, and I had no one to turn to for obtaining information, they really want to nip me while I'm still growing.

Splash.

I splashed my face with water.

Right, for now, I can't dawdle. I have to try and gather some strength.

In the storyline, exactly five years from now:

A portal will open in the central square.

One character's death will start the calamity of this world.

The Duke of Kinsworth's youngest daughter will die from the onslaught.

The Duke had four daughters. Although they were side characters, each had an important role in the game. The Duke was very fond of his youngest daughter due to her sickly body, when she died, the calamity began.

The Duke couldn't bear the grief of losing his beloved child and ended up mentally crippled for the rest of the game.

What I have to do is prevent the death of that child. I have already played the game, and out of 500 tries, I managed to save her 50 times. In those fifty times, the difficulty began to decrease.

Thus, my primary goal is to save that child.

But currently, I lack the sufficient strength. So, for now, I have to gather my strength.

"I have to finish my two-year study with my tutor."

I need to speed up my studies with my teacher to enroll at the academy as soon as possible.

Knock. Knock.

"Young master? Dinner's ready."

"Oh, go on ahead. I'll finish up here, Marie."

I stood up, put on my bathrobe, dried my hair, and went to my room to change. I put on my pajamas and headed downstairs to the dining room.

I sat at my seat and began eating with Marie.

"How was the tutoring, young master?"

"Alright."

I replied nonchalantly. Tonight's dinner was salad. Although I wanted to complain or ask Marie to change the menu, my body would cleanly accept this kind of food. I think it's trying to tell me that it would be unrefined to complain about food.

I put down my utensils as I finished eating.

"Marie, what's the minimum age to enter either the Magic Tower Institute or the Military Academy?"

"Pardon?"

Marie stared at me, confused.

"I'm asking about the minimum age for the two academies."

"Oh, umm, normally children would start at seven, young master. That's a ripe age for learning."

I nodded and asked once more.

"Would they approve of a child entering at the age of six?"

"I—I'm not so sure, young master."

I sighed and wiped my mouth with the napkin.

"Thanks for dinner. I'll go to bed."

I stood up and left the dining area as I proceeded upstairs to my room. As I entered, I went into the bathroom and brushed my teeth. I flossed and checked my teeth. After ensuring everything was clean, I proceeded to bed.

I tucked myself in.

Knock. Knock.

"Come in."

"Young master, would you like me to read your favorite fairy tale book?"

Marie entered the room, holding a small book.

"Yes."

Marie took a stool and sat beside my bed. She caressed my forehead and began reading the contents of the book.

Although it feels a bit strange to be read a story as a grown man, it has become my habit to listen to Marie's stories. Her calming voice lulls me to sleep.

…

"And they lived happily ever after."

Marie closed the book, her gaze fondly looking at the sleeping child. She stood up and kissed his forehead.

"Good night, young master. Sweet dreams."

Marie smiled gently, closed the door, and left the room.

She proceeded to her quarters on the first floor. Marie took a quick shower, put on her nightly gown, and rested on her bed.

"Does the young master perhaps?"

Her thoughts drifted back to Theodore's question. She was conflicted and curious about why the young master had asked such a question. She wondered if the young master wanted to enter the academy already.

She chuckled, imagining the feeble young boy holding a wand or a sword.

"He's still too young. I think it was just a baseless question."

She dismissed her thoughts and stretched her arms.

"I should go to sleep. Another fruitful day tomorrow."

She yawned and dozed off.