His days in this world are relatively normal. Nothing special, nothing hectic.
He woke up, got a bath, ate breakfast, read a book, ate lunch, went out for a walk, exercised, had dessert time with Nasharis, worked out a bit, got a bath, had dinner, read books again, and went to sleep.
All of those were done every single day. Zera may visit him occasionally, but she is still an empress who has a duty to be fulfilled. So she can't always be with him.
Sometimes he was scolded because he exhausted himself too much—by Riri, of course. She always nags at him to stop running around that fountain. He's just being as stubborn as always.
At least he managed to lose weight a bit. He is so proud of himself. He almost sobbed when he saw the change in his physique, even though it was not that obvious in front of the mirror.
"Is it here?"
"Yes, I'll knock on the door right now."
He just nodded.
Today was slightly different. He was called by Helenis, his now older sister. It has almost been three months since they last saw each other. She is busy studying at the academy this year; that's why.
Helenis Kirstafall is the firstborn and first princess of the Dradgim Imperial Family. She is thirteen years old and has been enrolled in the academy for five months now. She was often in the academy because the academy has its own dorm for students, but she would sometimes come home, like once a month or not at all, depending on her mood.
That is also a reason why it is hard for them to dine together. That one time is a special case because this kid, Michaelis, is injured and has 'lost' his memories.
Let's not talk about that anymore.
He could say, based on their interaction in the dining room three months ago, that Helenis appeared to be a mischievous girl. She always finds a way to tease Asteric, maybe because Asteric is easy to tease. He does not look like that at first glance.
Whoever has the guts to tease an emperor anyway? His firstborn is just more bold than anyone else.
Knock. Knock.
"Your Highness Princess Helenis, His Highness Michaelis is here."
The reply from inside came in an instant.
"Come in."
Riri opened the door for him, and he walked inside.
Looking around this big room, no, this is a study. There are several shelves full of books. A desk and couch in the middle. This room was decorated in purple, from the ceiling to the carpet on the floor. There are also some ornaments in the cabinet, and trophies were also lined up in the cabinet.
Wow, she has won many competitions. What competitions does she participate in?
"Greetings, Your Highness Imperial Crown Prince."
He saw an old lady with a neat bun bow at him. She is holding a book and a long stick. There is a blackboard behind her, and on the blackboard, there is some writing.
"Are you in a class right now, sister?"
He looked at the blond teenager, who was now wearing thin glasses. She motioned for him to come at her, and he just followed as instructed.
When he was near her, he could see she was sitting on a table with a book open in front of her.
'History.'
"I am, but it's almost done. You can wait for me here."
He just nodded and took a seat next to Helenis. The old lady, whose name he knew just now as Martha, continued her class.
He thought these kinds of things would be taught at the academy, so why did Helenis come home and have a private class with Martha?
Does she not feel suffocated by studying all the time? She should just rest when she is at home.
"Haha, I can rest later, Micha."
He flinched and looked at Helenis. Does he say that out loud?
Helenis looked at him and smiled.
"This will be taught when I enter my second year at the academy; it was too long to wait. So, I decided to advance my studies a bit. I'm thinking about an early graduation."
'So she wants to skip grades? That's great too. She must be smart then.'
"But you need to rest too."
She ruffled his white hair. His hair has gotten long; he should cut it soon. His bang had reached his eyes.
"I will. We'll do something fun after this. I want to hog you all the time for today, so be prepared."
He just blinked at her. He was not used to having someone pamper him like a child, even though many had done it to him since he woke up in this world.
It feels good, actually.
Martha did not stop her teaching, even when he and Helenis were talking. He could see that Helenis paid full attention to every word Martha said.
It is a history class. He always heard that people always get bored and sleepy when they are in history class.
But he loves history.
"From this year to the year 938, the population of beast people has increased significantly. They had been building their own population on the land that I previously stated. On the North Land, where the cold land is located, that is where most of the beast people came from. King Davis built a large mansion that led to a small village to be a safe place for the beast people who would immigrate to Dradgim again."
"But I read that most beast people came from the South. It is because the South is more hot and easier to find food than the North. There is also where King Tenol the Third found water sources and managed to secure a plan for twice harvesting a year. That is also why there are not many people and beasts living in the North because it is too cold to even gather supplies and harvest."
He chimed in before he could stop himself. Martha looked at him without a smile, like a strict teacher, before she replied.
"What His Highness said is true. However, I have not finished explaining yet, Your Highness. The village built by King Davis was a failure because beast people did not come from the north anymore after news spread that most living creatures couldn't live on that land. And may I ask, what modification does King Tenol the Third make after he finds the water sources, Your Highness?"
Without a delay, he replied with enthusiasm.
"Oh, he built a dam—not big; it was a small size at first because he was still creating a blueprint for the best dam structure to be built with his friend. His friend is a talented smith who could build anything, like swords, houses, and even jewellery. That's why they put their brains together to build a sturdy dam and managed to do that after years of brainstorming."
"Very well, all you said was true, Your Highness."
A small, unnoticeable smile appeared on Martha's face.
"May I ask, did you read a book with the title 'Rising of Dradgim: New Evolution', Volume 4, written by Heldigard Manas?"
Oh wow. He found one!
"Yes! Did you read it too? I can't let go of the story about the friendship between King Tenol the Third and his friend. They were enemies at first but became friends after they graduated. Their conflict and rivalry were circulated in the academy and even after that! There is even a book written solely to tell the whole story about those two! I like how the book goes into detail about what King Tenol the Third and his friend have been doing, like some sort of competition. It was fascinating and weirdly comforting! What did you like about the book, Martha?"
He looked at Martha with shining eyes. It was his first encounter with someone who had read a book he had read before. It was hard before. But when he finally found someone, they always avoided talking to him, and he didn't know why.
This is the first time someone has asked him if he has ever read any books! He wanted to share everything he had read with Martha and did not care if she was eight times older than him in any way. Because reading always brings him joy, and more so if others want to share their thoughts with him regarding the books.
"Yes, I love to read it. Moreover, I have read the book three—no, five times now. I also like their friendship, and I bought all the volumes of the story about King Tenol the Third, 'Rivalries and Friendship; Tenol and Swiss'."
Martha spoke in a more relaxed manner than he did. Every time he talked, Martha's smile became wider, and her eyes looked amused.
"Even volume three?! I tried to find it everywhere in the library but couldn't find it. You're so lucky!"
"Ahem! Ahem!"
Martha and Michaelis looked at their sides. Helenis was looking at them with an amazed look while leaning her face against her hand.
"Should we end the class early for you two to talk about the book? It looks like Micha found a friend, who is my teacher. Sadly, he won't have the time to spend with me today."
Helenis made a sad face and pouted. He came back from his enthusiasm and began to panic slightly.
"Ah no no. I'm really sorry for interrupting your class, sister. I'm sorry, Martha. You should finish first; I'll wait on the couch over there rather than here."
"No, I should apologize, Your Highness. I got carried away. Well, I think it is better to end class early today. Her Highness seems eager to spend time with His Highness since she also can't pay full attention in this class from the start."
"Hehe, you got me there, Martha."
Helenis grinned after getting caught red-handed.
"Of course. You keep glancing at the time. Let's continue our lesson next time. Also, Your Highness the Crown Prince."
He looked up at Martha shyly. Now he is finally aware of a genuine smile on her serious face.
"I'll send volume three of the book to you if you want."
"Really?"
"Of course."
"Then, thank you very much. You are very nice, Martha."
"Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness."
He smiled gratefully before Martha walked away from the study, leaving Helenis and him in the room.
"So, let's go out. I don't want to be stuck in this study now. Enough history for today. Let's go!"
"Hn!"
He nodded, and both of them walked out of the study hand in hand.