"Young Master, may I enter?" came the soft utterance, a girl's voice that gently intruded upon my solitude. Hastily, I closed the leather-bound tomes sprawled across the polished table before me.
"Certainly, you may," I responded, clearing my throat with refined poise. The girl, with her short, chestnut tresses and a maid's uniform, presented herself before the table, where I sat with a gracious bow.
"Pray, what brings you here, Stella? Has anything of importance occurred?" I inquired.
Stella, the maid who dutifully served the Asteria family, seemed hesitant as she replied, "Nothing of great significance, Young Master. However, the lord requests your presence in his chambers, without delay." Her eyes remained fixed on the floor, avoiding direct contact.
(Father has summoned me, presumably to announce my impending departure.)
"Is that all, Stella?" I inquired further.
"Yes, Young Master. I shall take my leave now," she said, bowing again before departing the room.
Once alone, I rose from my seat with measured grace, returning the book I had been engrossed in to its place on the bookshelves. Meandering thoughtfully, I halted before a portrait featuring five individuals.
The subjects in the painting were none other than my mother, (Amelia Van Asteria), my father, the head of the Asteria household, (Duke Edward Van Asteria), my elder brother, (William Van Asteria), and my elder sister, (Eleanor Van Asteria). Lastly, there was me, or rather, the soul I was reincarnated into, (Charles Van Asteria).
It had been quite some time since I entered this illustrious family through my birth. Initially, adjusting to this world had been perplexing, as I retained memories from my previous life. Yet, as time passed, I grew acclimated to my new existence.
However, one peculiarity persisted—a revelation that this world was fashioned after a novel I knew intimately. "The Cursed Witch and the Holy Prince," a captivating shoujo tale that had brought joy and anguish during my former days on Earth. Its captivating plotline and enchanting characters had ensnared my heart.
Unveiling my connection to this novel had not been immediate. Only upon scrutinizing the kingdom's names and historical records did I recognize the uncanny similarities between this world and the one portrayed in "The Cursed Witch and the Holy Prince." Though reluctant at first, I could not deny that I had been reincarnated into the world of my beloved novel as a relatively unknown entity.
Indeed, I had taken the place of Charles Van Asteria, a character not present in the original narrative. Furthermore, the Asteria family, my own kin, had no mention in the novel's pages. Curiously, my father, Edward Van Asteria, held the esteemed title of Duke in the kingdom known as "Starlight," a name all too familiar from the novel. It lay adjacent to Vanaliza, where most of the main characters resided, and would eventually be embroiled in a war with three kingdoms.
Yet, the most perplexing aspect remained—the inexplicable existence of the Asteria family, a family entirely absent from the novel's plot. The enigma of their presence in this world continued to elude me.
In essence, I am a mere nobody – a conclusion I reached after only a brief period of reflection.
But am I content to be reborn into my favorite novel? The answer is a resounding yes. To witness the world of one's cherished tale materialize before one's eyes is an unparalleled privilege.
(Oh dear, I forgot that Father awaits my presence.)
Without delay, I set forth to my father's chamber.
As I approached the doorway, a young woman with flowing red hair and deep azure eyes emerged. Her gaze locked with mine as she walked toward me.
"Charles, Father has been awaiting your arrival for some time. Best hasten, or you may come to regret it," she remarked, before passing me by.
Ah, she is my elder sister, Eleanor Van Asteria – seemingly unfriendly without any apparent cause.
Proceeding forward, I knocked upon the door, and upon Father's invitation, I entered to find him seated, studying a piece of parchment.
Unhesitatingly, I took my seat opposite him and awaited his words.
"I have set the date for your departure to the Vestoria Magic Knight Academy," he revealed.
A smile graced my lips upon hearing the news. Yes, the very academy where the principal and side characters convene, and where vital arcs play out. As a fervent fan of this novel, the prospect of attending the same academy as these beloved characters overwhelmed me.
Allow me to clarify, however, that my intention is not to embroil myself in the tale's narrative. Instead, I wish to observe this magnificent story unfold before my eyes.
"Thank you, Father. I am sincerely grateful. I shall endeavor to bring honor to the name of the Asteria family within the esteemed Kingdom of Vestoria."
Father regarded me closely before releasing a sigh and speaking again.
"Charles, are you certain you wish to attend the Vestoria Magic Knight Academy? Would it not be wiser to enroll in the National Magic Academy of Starlight?"
(Ah, here he goes again.)
You see, there is a peculiar trait about Father – he loves me dearly but struggles to express his emotions in a conventional manner. Yes, that is precisely it.
(My dear son, how could you leave me alone? I shall miss you. Why do this to your father?)
Such thoughts, I know, occupy Father's mind, hidden beneath his stoic facade, a visage I have come to know so well.
"Father, I have made a firm and resolute decision to attend the Vestoria Magic Knight Academy, renowned as the finest magical institution in the entire realm. I wish to support you, Father, and be anything but a burden – striving to grow as strong as my elder brother. I implore you, do not insist upon my attending the National Magic Knight Academy."
(Oh, my word. I was not aware of the depth of my son's love. I ought to apologize to him. But how can I do so?)
"I-I apologize, Son. I did not realize the magnitude of your aspirations."
"Pray do not fret, Father. Your understanding means the world to me."
(Success! Hehe) I chortled inwardly.
Emotional manipulation has long been effective with Father, for he cannot bear to witness any sorrowful expressions upon his children's faces.
After a pause, Father resumed speaking.
"Now, let us discuss the reason for your summons. I have liaised with the officials of the Holy Kingdom of Vestoria and secured two positions at the Magic Knight Academy."
"Two positions, Father? Is someone else from our kingdom attending?"
"Ah, I neglected to inform you of that. Your sister shall also attend the academy alongside you."
"What? But why? Is she not too old to partake in academy life, Father?"
"Charles, she is merely a year your senior. She expressed a desire to join you at the academy, and witnessing that you, too, shall attend, I granted her request. Moreover, this way, I shall find solace knowing that you both are together."
"But, Father..."
"No objections, Charles. Tomorrow, you and your sister shall depart the capital and journey to the Kingdom of Vestoria. I have already made all the necessary arrangements. Now, return to your room and prepare yourself for the lengthy voyage."
...
Back in my room, I slumped into a chair, loosening my body. It ached from the earlier experience.
What causes this ache, you wonder?
(Flashback)
"Before you depart, come here, Charles. Allow me to bid you farewell with an embrace."
"Father, I am not leaving today. Should you not save this for tomorrow?"
"Charles, how dare you disobey your..."
Before he could finish, I rushed to him, enfolding him in my arms.
He halted, saying nothing, instead gently caressing my head.
"Take care, my son. Be on your best behavior, and ensure you return home safely."
Everything was proceeding swimmingly until he, too, reciprocated the hug with a strength that left me gasping for breath.
(Flashback ended)
Hmm, well, now that I have successfully achieved my primary objective, all that remains is to reach Vestoria and encounter the principal characters.
Gazing up at the ceiling, I couldn't help but marvel at how my life has taken such a dramatic turn after that novel. An opportunity to immerse myself in unparalleled enjoyment has been bestowed upon me.
And I intend to savor it to the fullest.
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Charles Van Asteria (Illustration)
Eleanor van Asteria (Illustration)
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