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[6:10 AM]
As the morning sunlight streamed through the window and gently touched my face...
YAWNNNNNnNnNnNnnnn
In a half-awake daze, I surveyed my surroundings, certain that yesterday's events were not a mere dream. Rising from the bed, I peered out of the window and caught sight of the Bloodwine estate.
Although the view from up here was undeniably refreshing, a sigh of disappointment escaped my lips.
Suddenly, a knock at the door and a respectful voice called out to me.
"Master Raven, are you awake? If so, please join us in the dining hall. Everyone is waiting for you."
"....." My mind preoccupied with thoughts of my mortality, I struggled to form a response.
"...you must be asleep. My apologies for disturbing you, Master Raven," the butler said, preparing to leave. "Yes... yes! I will be there in a minute," I managed to reply.
"Very well, Master Raven. I shall take my leave now."
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At the dining room:
"That brat dares to make us wait," exclaimed the woman with blonde hair and crystal blue eyes.
"Relax, Alexia," interjected the man with red hair and red eyes, none other than the Patriarch of the Bloodwine family.
He is also an SS rank awakener, known as "The Red Demon."
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Raven POV
"Ready at last. Let's make our way to the dining hall." As I strolled down the expansive hallway toward the dining room, I noticed a man with red hair, a woman with blonde hair, and a young blonde boy casting an annoyed glance in Raven's direction, along with a red-haired girl bearing strikingly similar facial features to Raven.
If memory serves me right, that's Patriarch William Bloodwine, renowned as one of the most formidable SS rank awakeners in the world. She must be the mother of the blonde-haired boy, Leon, and the stepmother of Raven and the red-haired girl, Chloe.
According to the novel, after Raven's demise in the duel with the MC, she appointed her son as the next heir and ruthlessly eliminated Chloe, ensuring her child's status as the sole heir of the Bloodwine family. Such appalling behavior.
Upon reaching the table, I respectfully greeted the lord, "I offer my respects to the lord and lady of the house."
"Hmm… This child seems different today. He appears rather composed and focused. Did something occur at the academy?"
"Take your seat, Raven," commanded the Patriarch in his authoritative voice.
As I sat down and began to eat breakfast, I sensed someone's piercing gaze. "…I thought as much. sigh Does Lady Alexia have something to address with me?"
"…" She simply averted her gaze to her food, finishing her meal in silence before leaving the table. "Did I… say something amiss? Is she harboring suspicions about me?"
Even within the novel, prior to Raven's demise, she held no fondness for Raven and Chloe; her sole desire was for her child to become the successor of the Bloodwine family.
After some time, the patriarch and the young blonde boy both finished their meal and departed from the dining table, leaving only young Chloe behind, gazing at me intently.
"…hm?" I met her gaze, unable to find a way to initiate a conversation… Just as I was about to speak, "…hi…
"…brother, …di…did something happen at the academy?" She inquired with a slightly trembling voice.
"You seem a little different today. You even greeted Dad and Lady Alexia," the perplexed young girl questioned Raven.
Oh no, is she suspicious of me? I need to act, but before I could utter a word, the young girl continued,
"I don't know what happened…but, I felt as if you were back to what you used to be," the girl remarked before departing from the dining table with a smile on her face.
I was slightly perplexed by her statement, when suddenly a memory surfaced in my mind. Ahhh Yes, Raven used to be a kind-hearted boy, but… everything changed after the tragic passing of their mother, Rosel. That event completely altered Raven.
…Why am I feeling melancholic thinking about this?
I should head to the academy now. As I exited the house, the butler had the car and driver ready to take me to the academy, and within 10 minutes, I arrived at my destination.
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As I approached the Academy of Sword and Magic, I sensed numerous hostile and negative gazes directed towards me, emanating feelings of anger and ill intent. These unsettling vibes accompanied me as I made my way towards my classroom. As I glanced around, I noticed that even the workers, cleaners, and staff members appeared frightened, angered, and annoyed by my presence, actively avoiding me.
With this, I was certain of one thing, regardless of his status as the heir of bloodwine.
Despite being from one of the most highly reputed families, his standing in the academy was lower than that of a poor commoner. As anger consumed me, all I could think was.
"Raven you.... BASTR...."
After a while, I managed to make it to my class. I quickly took a seat at the back to steer clear of any more hostile stares. As the class filled up, the lecturer arrived and began taking attendance.
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