It had been two weeks since the chaotic sleepover, and Leon was finally beginning to feel like things were returning to normal. That is, until the morning started with a familiar voice.
"Wake up, wake up, Leon!" Sophie's voice pierced through the fog of sleep.
Leon groaned, pulling the blanket over his head, hoping it would drown her out. It was too early to be disturbed by Sophie.
"Sophie, it's too early..." he mumbled, his words muffled by the blanket.
But Sophie was relentless. She yanked the covers off with a playful smirk. "Come on! Don't you remember what today is? Don't tell me you've forgotten!"
Leon blinked in confusion, trying to shake off his grogginess. His sister's excitement made him feel like he was supposed to know, but his sleepy mind was still catching up. He hadn't seen her this happy since Daniella came by.
'Oh, he forgot that...' Sophie thought, her eyes lingering on Leon. Her playful demeanor faded as a flicker of sadness crossed her face.
"Are you alright, Sophie?" Leon asked, his voice softer, noticing the sudden change in her expression.
She quickly nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, but Leon wasn't convinced.
He hesitated for a moment, then shrugged it off, figuring she'd tell him if it was really important. He got up from his bed and made his way to the bathroom, the feeling of having missed something still nagging at him. After his bath, he found Sophie waiting by the door, her usual bright energy restored, as they headed to the dining room togeth
Their parents wasn't up yet, so Leon and Sophie ate their breakfast by themselves, keeping each other's company.
"Happy birthday, big brother Leon!" Sophie said wishing him a "happy birthday" nervously.
"Ohh, is that so? Happy birthday to you too, Sophie." Leon replied to Sophie, his face filled with confusion at the fact that Sophie was wishing him a happy birthday.
'Ah, so today is my birthday? Or rather today is the original Leon's birthday... But why didn't I know that? This emphasized what my mother said when I just woke up in this body' (Leon)
Leon thought to himself, remembering the time when he woke up in this world. It had brought back some memories of his old life.
'So he forgot about it... (Sighs)' (Sophie)
Leon and Sophie finished their breakfast in companionable silence. Afterward, Leon decided to check on his parents. His footsteps were quiet as he made his way to their room, his careful movements in the early morning hours.
When he gently pushed the door open, the sight before him was both familiar and unexpected. His mother lay curled up with his baby sister, the toddler nestled snugly against her chest, tiny hands clutching the fabric of her mother's nightgown. Both were fast asleep, their faces calm and serene in the soft morning light.
But something felt off. His father's usual place beside them was empty, the blanket neatly folded as if it hadn't been disturbed all night. Leon frowned, his brow furrowing. It wasn't like his father to leave this early—or without saying anything.
'Where is Father? He isn't here.' (Leon)
"Good morning, mother. Where is Father? He isn't here." Leon asked his mother enquiring about his father's whereabouts.
'It's Leon, he must not find out about it. I gotta come up with something, to not ruin the surprise!' (Sarah)
"Uhhh, your father is attending a very important meeting with the Emperor, in the Imperial capital," Sarah responded to Leon's question nervously.
But Leon knew that his mother was lying, due to his fast experience with his old parents. At least he wasn't going to tell her about his reincarnation, or the old him.
"Oh really, didn't Father just come back from a meeting last week?" Leon mumbled to himself while scratching his head.
"Okay!"
Leon kissed his mother and baby sister left the room, and Continued his training with his sword instructor.
"Thank you for the training, teacher."
"Hmm."
They bowed to each other in respect at the end. His training had been grueling since his reincarnation, though his instructor had toned the intensity a bit.
Sometime later, Leon, Sophie, and their mother and baby sister prepared to go out shopping.
While they were waiting in the vast compound, a sleek, black car resembling a Mercedes Benz drove in and came to a stop right in front of Leon.
His eyes widened, and his jaw almost hit the ground at the sight of the luxury vehicle. In his mind, he had expected a world with a medieval-style transport system. He never imagined such advanced technology would exist in this reincarnated world of his. The unexpected sight brightened his day.
They hopped in the car and drove off. While driving Leon looked out through the window and was blown away.
"Where to, Lady Sarah?" The driver asked.
"Uhh, take us to the most popular and expensive clothing store!" She answered the driver.
The vehicle rolled off, driving out of the Blaze family estate. As they headed toward the city, Leon gazed out the window, taking in the vast forest that surrounded their home. The sky was a brilliant blue, and the sun shone brightly overhead. To his surprise, the road was paved.
When they entered the city, Leon marveled at the medieval-style buildings and the cobblestone streets. They stopped in front of a clothing store, where mannequins were displayed outside. However, these mannequins looked eerily lifelike, almost as if they could come to life at any moment.
"Oh wow!"
Sarah led the children into the store, leaving the drivers outside.
Once entering the store, they were greeted by a woman standing behind the counter.
"Welcome, how may I help you?"
"Yes, can you please get us the most expensive clothes you have?"
"Yes right away, madam."
The woman went into a room in the back of the store and returned minutes later holding some clothes. She placed them on the countertop.
"Here. You can try them on if you want!" The woman exclaimed, "If so please follow me."
Sophie picked up a dress that matched her and followed the woman, not wanting to feel left out, Leon grabbed a random suit and followed after.
Meanwhile, at the airport, three teenagers dressed in the military uniforms of the Empire's esteemed academy stood in line, waiting to check in. Two were boys, and one was a girl.
Brandon Blaze, the eldest sibling and a highly skilled swordsman at the Military Academy, is 17 years old and well-known for both his talent and his family's influence. Standing at 5'9", he has brown hair and eyes, his muscular build complementing his Military Academy uniform. Despite his popularity with the opposite sex, Brandon is betrothed to his fiancée and is the heir to lead the Blaze family and take control of the territory.
James Blaze II, 14 years old, is a student at the Military Academy, aspiring to become a magician. He has blonde hair, striking blue eyes that complement his light skin, and a handsome face. James is also quite popular with women of average height. Among the other nobles, many believe he should have been the next in line to inherit the Blaze family fortune, rather than Brandon.
Alexandra Sylvia Blaze, 12 years old, is studying at the Military Academy and dreams of becoming a magician. She has long blonde hair and striking blue eyes, which her mother inherited, and a graceful figure that attracts many suitors eager to ask for her hand.
They only had to stamp their passports and make their way to the jet their father sent for them.
"So what did you buy for the twins?" Alexandra asked.
"Nah, I didn't have the chance," James responded, his hands holding tightly onto his backpack.
Brandon just smiled, as they entered the jet.