In the morning, he awoke with a flood of new memories. He recalled Elizabeth, the woman mentioned in the journal, and how the original Lucian held affection for her. Their shared moments came rushing back... Dinners, study sessions, their late night walks, where he would wait for her near "Trolm Street, house number 11" often involved her sneaking out to meet him.
Elizabeth's weekdays were occupied with 'school,' refining her etiquette and business knowledge.
In Lucian's memories, she was always an enchanting presence, wearing elegant clothes. She was just 18, a young lady who took pleasure in dolling herself.
Her petite face wore a pale color, with large, blackish gray eyes. Her lips were small, and her slightly larger nose added a charming touch. Elizabeth often applied a subtle hint of red around her eyes, and she never parted with the black necklace original Lucian had gifted her. A black thin chain with a circular centerpiece.
Standing at a mere 164cm, she possessed a delicate frame. Her long, black, curly hair fell halfway down her back, with locks framing her face on each side.
Lucian sensed an ache in his heart and said.
"Why did my heart ache at the thought of her? I think I love her, even though I've only seen her once, just now."
From the moment he arrived in this strange world, each day he felt himself becoming more and more like Lucian. This transformation wasn't unwelcome, as he had never experienced love on Earth, and now he was filled with positive feelings.
However, one question lingered.
What would happen to me when I regain all of his memories and emotions... Will I still be me?
His mind shifted to the man he had killed. Only now did he start to wonder about the man's identity.
Lucian called out for Selena and asked.
"Who is that man, I deserve to know." Yet, this time silence greeted him.
After waiting for an answer and receiving nothing, he got up, heading to the bathroom. There, he took a cold bath, using a container to pour water over himself. Once refreshed, he returned to his room and changed into clean clothes. Finally, he went to the living room and found Henry sitting there.
It's crazy that I have to carry on as if nothing happened last night. I literally took a man's life in this house, in my own room.
"Morning."
"Morning brother." Henry replied.
Lucian took a seat on the sofa and turned to Henry.
"How was your night?"
Henry's face lit up with excitement as he replied.
"It was amazing. I went over to Victoria's place after work. I changed my clothes and freshened up while she was busy in the kitchen. The meal she prepared was outstanding. I'm really looking forward to seeing her again."
Lucian could sense his brother's upbeat mood and couldn't help but tease him.
"Brother, are you in love with her?"
Henry quickly composed himself, his expression turning more stoic, as if he always had to be the strong, dependable figure.
"Not yet. I just think she's a good person."
Lucian smiled faintly, rising from his seat and heading to the kitchen. "Would you like some coffee?" he asked.
"Yes," Henry replied.
Lucian ignited the gas stove, the flames dancing to life. He set a pot of water to boil and prepared two cups. Carefully, he poured the coffee from the glass container on the counter into the cups. As the water bubbled and steamed, a rich, inviting aroma filled the air.
In search of an ashtray, Lucian scoured the kitchen drawers. At last, he found one and carried it to the living room table.
Returning to the kitchen, Lucian took the two cups of coffee in his hands as he navigated back to the living room, setting them down on the table.
Henry looked at him with a puzzled expression but refrained from commenting.
As the coffee cooled to a drinkable temperature, Lucian retrieved a cigarette and lit it.
Henry once again looked at him, this time with an even more bewildered expression. He asked, "Since when did you start smoking?"
Lucian, realizing he'd made a mistake by smoking in front of Henry, nervously replied, "Just yesterday."
Before Henry could respond, Lucian changed the subject. "So, what's the date today?"
"It's the 1st of August," Henry promptly replied.
Lucian froze, lost in thought. Last night was the 28th of July, I'm certain. How is it suddenly the 1st of August? Did I time travel? No, I don't think so. Last night, Henry was at Victoria's place and I was performing the ritual. This suggests that this world likely has 28 days in each month and one year would have 13 months, totaling 364 days a year , plus New Year's Day. If I'm correct, it also means that the month starts and ends on the same day, starting Sunday and ending on Saturday.
Lost in thought, he realized his cigarette was nearly spent, taking only a few last puffs before it died out. He extinguished it in the wooden ashtray.
They sat in silence, sipping on coffee that resembled cheap instant coffee from Earth.
Once they finished, Lucian remembered his task and asked.
"Could I borrow some money? I'd like to purchase a hammer and nails."
Henry placed a valling note ($10) on the table and said.
"We already have tools, including a hammer and nails, in the basement. But you can take this, maybe even use it on Elizabeth." he teased.
"And what's the occasion for tools? Finally deciding to get your hands dirty?"
Lucian, slightly embarrassed by the original Lucian's laziness, replied in a lower voice.
"Not exactly. I just need them to hang some artwork in my room."
Henry, taking the empty cups in his hands, said, "You go do that, and I'll make us something to eat."
"Okay." Lucian answered.
He then headed to the basement, glancing at the corner where he spotted some tools, along with a small wooden box containing nails. Retrieving the necessary supplies, he made his way back to the living room and carefully selected three paintings. Carrying everything to his room, he set to work.
Thump Thump Thump
The three bullet holes were now replaced with sturdy nails, and the paintings adorned the wall.
Phew... "I don't need to worry about this anymore."
Lucian descended the staircase, a delicious aroma of soup wafting through the air.
Two deep bowls brimming with soup awaited on the table. Henry sat, patiently waiting for Lucian to join him for the meal.
Lucian settled into his seat, and they began eating. Despite the piping hot soup, its flavor was so great that neither could wait for it to cool. They devoured it quickly, burning their throats and mouths in the process, tears welling in their eyes.
"This is good," Lucian remarked.
Henry remained absorbed in his meal, saying nothing. When they both finished, he finally spoke up.
"This is a recipe from Victoria."
Lucian silently praised the recipe, and together, they gathered their empty bowls and placed them in the kitchen. This time, it would be Henry's turn to do the dishes.
Lucian returned to his room, opting not to visit the hidden chamber since Henry was home. He pulled out his pocket watch and noted the time, 12:24. Delving into the history book, he uncovered intriguing details.
The kingdoms had established their borders long ago, though the exact date was unclear. Valoria, situated in the northeast, possessed the largest expanse of land. Luna, to the north, ranked as the second largest kingdom. Truss, positioned in the west, was somewhat smaller in comparison. Lastly, Wales, situated in the southwest, completed the quartet.
Truss and Wales, bordering the Sea of Ors, were known for their maritime endeavors, embarking on numerous expeditions and discovering many islands.
Valoria, while also having access to the sea in the northeast, didn't utilize it due to the high altitude of the terrain. Its domain extended through the middle and north, bordering Truss, Wales and Luna.
Surprisingly, there were no kingdoms in the south and southeast, and no one had attempted to lay claim to that land. It was rumored that the territory lacked prosperity, dissuading any potential settlers.
According to the book, the region remained uninhabited, characterized by untamed wilderness and diverse wildlife.
Lucian closed the history book, his curiosity piqued by the Kingdom of Luna. He wished for more detailed regarding it.
The awful reputation of the southern and southeast lands lingered in his thoughts.
Was the land that bad?
As he lay on his bed, Elizabeth occupied his mind, urging him to pay her a visit.
Before setting out, he thought about the worth of his valling note. It had significant purchasing power in this world. Given Henry's evident wealth, Lucian wondered why he hadn't hired cleaners or cooks, especially from the lower class, who might work for modest wages..