(I've started editing the novel. If there are still grammatical errors and such, please don't hesitate to say it. I'm up for any improvements for the novel.)
"Young Master"
Hearing a voice from the outside, I immediately answered.
"In a minute,"
Fixing my attire while letting my disheveled hair as it is, I hastily moved towards the end of my room. This day is a very special one if I'm trying to follow the context of the book.
The day I would meet 'him'.
Opening the well-crafted door, I was greeted by the butler who was giving me a warm smile. Even so, someone who has a keen knowledge of this novel would not likely get attached to this man.
Smooth white hair that is properly trimmed and ocean-like eyes. Wearing formal butler clothes and the monocle hanging on his right suit. Excluding a calm demeanor and sometimes being called 'old man' in this novel.
Klein Heisender
A well-known assassin who was currently working with my father, who didn't know whom he hired. Everyone would tremble if they knew the real person behind that calm and warm smile.
Well, the story depicted that Klein quit being an assassin, and when he was on the verge of death, being chased by bounty hunters, my father saved him and that's when Klein has sworn loyalty to the man.
'Yeah, it was that time when 'him' and Klein fought outside of these castle walls because the two knew the person on their front was powerful and wanted to see if they are enemies or allies. After the battle, the two confess to each other as if they had come to an understanding, Thus, the assassin became a comrade of 'him',"
Stupid reason with stupid results. As if the author just has to force something to make it happen.
"Young master, what are you standing there for?"
Snapping back to reality, I smiled wryly before following Klein's back.
As we walked leisurely, my eyes wandered around the place. Beautiful paintings plastered on the wall, large windows that are wide enough to see the view outside, and polished wooden floors which are so bright due to their cleanliness that you could even see your face on them.
'His' depiction of this place is exactly the same as what I was seeing right now.
'Right… this is a real one, huh.'
I can't help but think about it again and again after I transmigrated to this body a week ago.
I don't know what to feel about this phenomenon. I didn't hate or love my life back on earth and I wasn't glad or sad about this, so for this to happen to me sure feels unreal.
Nevertheless, I set all those things aside and moved on thinking 'If this is real, I have to adjust,'
"Here we are,"
I was so engrossed in looking outside of the window while indulging in my thoughts that I forgot I was walking together with the butler Klein.
Looking at the big door in my front, I would meet the family of this body. Of course, I knew them since I took quick glances from time to time but this is the day when I would see clearly and eat with them at dinner.
Well, I couldn't do it last week since I was busy accepting the reality on my front.
"Here we go…"
Muttering in a low voice, I entered the dining hall.
…
Noelle Portnner. 18yrs old.
Son of the wealthy Duke Verl Portnner
This was the body I transmigrated to.
Above average looking face with no special features or hidden talents. He is just the firstborn son of one of the richest people on this continent.
A complete nobody.
He had two siblings. One was a male who goes by the name Drake, the second son, and one is a female named Lori. Both are exemplary people and their situation in the novel at the future is unknown.
Sadly, the mother of this household had died giving birth to Lori who is still loved by Duke Verl.
These four people, including me, are eating at one long oval table. It sounds lovely on the outside but there's tension built around these people.
It's suffocating even for a nobody like me.
"Noelle, you will go back to your school in the next two weeks. Since it's a long trip, you should depart next week with your siblings,"
Drake on the left side and Lori on the right flinched upon hearing it while on the other hand, I remained calm and put on the stoic expression I could muster.
"I'll be with them on the trip, is that what you are trying to say, sir?"
"That's indeed the case,"
Chewing another meat from my plate, I replied, "That could be arranged,"
Raising a brow while looking at me, Verl responded with a hint of surprise, "Thought you would make a fuss about this matter,"
Right, I remember this very scene clearly since this is the first chapter of the novel /Unyielding Hero/
By now, that 'person' would be listening outside of this room.
Verl organized this simple matter so that 'guy' could have a gist of who 'he' will be guarding just by hearing the manner of his tone and words, at the same time, his attitude towards the simplest matters.
Verl wanted to have 'him' get the first impression of me. Maybe he wanted to relay that the talk circulating around is true.
But today, I wanted to create a different impression of 'me' and not hear the word 'trash', 'scum', and 'vermin' from his mouth when we're on a trip.
'Anytime now…'
Five whole minutes passed as the sound of utensil and chewing were heard. By this time now, Verl would make a move by bringing down his fork and knife before looking in my direction.
"Noelle,"
As if I didn't mind it, I continued to eat the delicious meal in my front before replying with a quick glance, "What is it, sir?"
"I've heard about the trouble at school. For that, I've acquired someone who could be called a 'guard'," Verl paused, "Those who tried to bother you, he will be there to protect you so rest assured,"
He shifted his head to the side where the entrance door of the dining hall is located before solemnly speaking, "You may come in,"
Me and my other two siblings shifted our attention to the door, revealing a quite handsome man entering.
He had a strong physique judging by the outline of his clothes with those sharp gazes that could make everyone shiver if they take a longer look. Adding his black hair, his charms only increased even though it wasn't properly tidied. He excluded the careful and serious demeanor.
He was the main character of the novel /Unyielding Hero/
"This man's name is Isaac Natepory. From now on, he will be at your side,"
Nodding my head once, I tried to maintain my stoic expression as I mused inwardly, 'Is that really quite handsome like the description in the novel had said? That's a goddamn gorgeous person!'
Tak—!
"Pleasure to meet you," Isaac spoke with a mixed warm and emotionless tone with the former clearly not directed to me but to my other two siblings.
As for his indifferent tone, it was obviously directed at me. He even glanced in my direction and gave me a look of disdain.
Well, even though he would be the one guarding me, his attention was evidently directed at the other two.
…At least hide your displeasure.
"Hope you do your best,"
The pleasantries and introduction to each other soon came to an end the family dinner was on the point of finishing when I spoke up and everyone's attention was on me.
"Right, sir. I have something to say,"
Before Verl could even open his mouth, I let out a faint smile and continued, "Regarding the school situation, I think it would be best to have Isaac here guarding the siblings instead,"
Raising both my hands up, I gave the warmest smile I could ever muster before continuing, "About the school, I quit,"
As if I dropped a bomb into this table, the duke and the two siblings were frozen in their places.
Did they not hear it?
Letting out a small cough, I clarified and repeated my intentions, "About the school, I want to drop out,"
…
Whoosh—!
For some reason, the air felt dangerous. As I walked through the hallway with Isaac behind my back, he was letting out killing intent with no intention of hiding it.
I mean, I completely understand.
Ford Institute.
One of the prestigious schools on the continent with only a 10% percent of acceptance rate. If you had a connection, one might be able to enter but it would cost an astronomical amount of money to do so.
But on the other hand, it gives certain gains like forming a connection with other nobles and aristocrats. Even learn very proficient magic spells, skills, history, ruins, and swordsmanship.
It is an elite school in a simple sense.
As to why I quit it? Well, I wouldn't want to waste my one year being cramped in that place since that was the only time when I could do things before the Anomalies comes.
After it came… that's when the knowledge of the novel /Unyielding Hero/ came to stop since… that's the end of Volume 1!
"You are being reckless. Do you know how much the Duke received after your declaration of quitting? And here I thought you would say something good for the first time,"
"…"
I didn't reply.
On the other perspective, it might sound right. I have no argument with that matter and could only suck it up. They have their own visuals and I also have mine.
There's no need for a fight. I completely understand.
"You actually meant it?"
"I am. Do I look like I'm joking?"
"Well… maybe? Your face is a whole joke so…"
'This guy…!'
I can't help but put on an annoyed smile as I looked at him. He looked back, unfazed by the sudden gaze before I retracted mine.
My annoyance instantly disappeared and was only filled with fear in that simple interaction.
Damn main characters…
"So, what are you planning to do now? You quit and now what?"
Right, what's my plan exactly?
Well, I don't want to be part of the main character's group, on the other hand, I might die if I was left out since to ensure survival, I have to be close to him.
That's why I gave the 'not so bad person' impression earlier in the early stage of the dining hall but after that… well, I don't know.
I'm a complete nobody on earth and transmigrated into a complete nobody character whom I assumed dead in future scenarios.
"My plan huh…"
If there's a plan I could do to prepare for the inevitable…
My lips curled upwards.
"I planned on sucking the duke's wealth dry,"