Leon's POV.
It's been approximately one month and two weeks since I reincarnated, and today's my birthday. Or rather, it's the original Leon's birthday. I don't know. I'm so confused about what is happening to me.
On one hand, I feel this strange excitement, like I'm finally on the edge of something new, something that could shape the future. The future that's mine now. This life is mine, right? But on the other hand, it feels like I've stolen the life of the original Leon.
How can I celebrate the day that marks the birth of someone who isn't me, but is at the same time part of me? My mind keeps twisting itself in circles trying to figure it out. His memories, his experiences—they're all there, living in my head like a second skin. But they aren't my own. Can I truly call this life mine when I didn't earn it?
As I look at myself in the mirror, I wonder: who am I now? The one who's reborn, or the one who's been forgotten?
I'm currently in a fitting room, trying on a suit my new mother bought for me. At least, not yet. I'm still standing here, staring at the clothes on the hanger like they're some sort of riddle I need to solve. Taking a deep breath, I start removing my clothes and slipping into the suit.
The fabric feels smooth against my skin, lighter than I expected but oddly constricting at the same time. It's a gray suit paired with a black tie—formal, but nothing too extravagant. Yet, as I glance at my reflection in the mirror, I feel a twinge of regret.
Done!" I mutter to myself. "Now, let's see how I look."
I turn fully to face the mirror, and the image staring back at me makes me pause. The suit fits perfectly, tailored to match my build, but the contrast between the gray fabric and my silver-white hair is glaring. It draws too much attention. I look like someone trying way too hard to stand out.
I sigh, running a hand through my hair as if that'll somehow make it less noticeable. Why didn't I pick a darker color? Something like black or navy blue would've been a smarter choice.
I shake my head, feeling the familiar pang of self-doubt. "I'm such an idiot," I mumble under my breath, my voice barely audible over the hum of the store's air conditioning.
I stared at myself in the mirror; To be honest, I feel strange right now, like I was excited about something that didn't feel earned.
After finishing with the suit, I took one last glance in the mirror before stepping out of the fitting room. My palms were clammy, and my stomach churned as if I was about to walk onto a stage. It's just a suit. Why am I so nervous?
The moment I stepped into the main store, I spotted my mother waiting near a rack of dresses. Her eyes lit up the instant she saw me, and a warm smile spread across her face.
"Well, don't you look handsome!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands together. Her enthusiasm only made my heart pound harder.
I shuffled awkwardly, acutely aware of the other customers in the store. I could feel their eyes on me—stares that lingered just a moment too long. My throat tightened, and I resisted the urge to bolt back to the fitting room.
Why are they all looking at me? My silver-white hair felt like a beacon, drawing every pair of eyes in the room. I clenched my fists, wishing I'd gone with a darker suit or, better yet, stayed invisible altogether.
"Um… do I look okay?" I asked hesitantly, my voice barely above a whisper.
My mother tilted her head, frowning slightly. "Okay? You look stunning, darling. But why are you so tense? Relax!"
Easier said than done. From the way people were glancing at me—some with curiosity, others with faint smiles—I could tell something was up. Is it the suit? My hair? My face? Every possibility raced through my mind.
I swallowed hard, forcing myself to straighten my posture. Just smile and get through this.
"Your mom is right, Lord Leon," the woman behind the counter said with a warm smile, giving a thumbs up. "You look amazing!"
I managed a weak smile, grateful for the compliment but still feeling uneasy under the collective gaze of the store. Everyone nodded in agreement, including my mother, who beamed with pride.
Sometime later, just when I started to relax a bit, the door to the fitting room area swung open. My younger twin sister, always full of energy and confidence, stepped into the room like she was walking down a runway. Her outfit was a contrast to mine—a vibrant dress that seemed to shimmer under the store lights. Her smile was infectious, drawing the attention of everyone around us.
"Uhhh. .. Big brother Leon, what's wrong? Do I have something on my face?" Sophie asked me. I shook my head.
I patted Sophie on her head, she seemed to calm down a little.
"You look beautiful, Sophie." I chuckled, caressing her silky, silver-white hair that resembled mine. She began to ease up, smiling shyly.
"How much for them?" Mother asked, a warm smile spread across her gently face.
"Hmm... Let's see. About 10,000 Noars equals four gold coins!"
My mother reached into her purse, her delicate fingers pushing aside a few odds and ends. The soft rustling of fabric and a faint clink echoed as her hand brushed against the coins inside.
"Just a moment," she said warmly, her attention focused on finding the right amount.
The gold coins jingled as she pulled them out, their polished surfaces catching the light. With a graceful motion, she placed them on the counter. "Here you go," she said with a polite smile to the shopkeeper.
I stood silently by her side, watching as the shopkeeper nodded appreciatively and began counting the coins. The sound of them hitting the wooden surface—soft and metallic—was oddly satisfying, a small reminder of how different this world was from my old one.
After that, we left the store, our items in our hands. We hopped in the car, and drove back to the Blaze family estate, my new home.
Narrator's POV.
Sylvester was waiting for his older children's flight to arrive at the airport. He was waiting in his car. The thought of meeting his three eldest children made him feel excited for them to reunite with the rest of the family, and to celebrate the birthday of their siblings Leon and Sophie. Sylvester couldn't contain his excitement any longer.
'Leon and Sophie would be excited to meet their older siblings! I hope they remember them though... it has been some time since they've been home.'
'I hope they could arrive sooner... ' Sylvester thought, trying to fight the sleepiness from taking over.
Some hours later, his private jet landed at the Airport. And Brandon, James, and Alexandra walked out of the jet. They were carrying their luggage. To be honest, it's not classified as luggage. Because they were holding backpacks.
He got out of his car and walked towards his children. They hugged their father as soon as he reached them.
"Hey, guys. I hope you had a good flight?" Sylvester asked his older set of children while hugging them in tears of joy.
"Yes indeed. The flight was wonderful!" Alexandra replied to her father.
James and Brandon nodded in agreement with their sister... Sylvester gestured to the guards to take their luggage, while he showed them to their vehicles. And began their journey back to the Blaze family mansion.
It has been years since Brandon, James, and Alexandra, visited their family and their hometown. The last time Brandon and James visited was a year ago when Alexandra was about to enroll in the Military Academy.
Meanwhile, at the Blaze family mansion. Leon, Sophie, and their mother and baby sister had just returned from shopping. And entered the mansion behind their mother carrying Emily.
"Welcome back, sir Leon. Lady Sophie, and Lady Sarah!" The maids greeted them upon the manor.
"Thank you. Can you please prepare the children for this afternoon?" Sarah asked as she sat on the comfortable-looking Couch.
"As you wish!"
The maids bowed and took Leon and Sophie to their room. To be more specific the two of them dressed in different rooms, due to the obvious situation.
the afternoon, the twins were dressed and ready, and their mother, Sarah, looked elegant as ever. Outside, a royal carriage awaited, flanked by a police escort to take them to the birthday venue.
Leon stared in awe at the scene. The sleek carriage, bearing their family crest, stood out against the polished armor of the officers.
'Wow, this is amazing!' Leon thought. Who would've thought I'd be escorted by the police—in a good way, I mean? In this advanced world, a carriage still does the trick.
His sister, already excited, called out, "Hurry up, Leon!" as she climbed into the carriage.
The scene blew his mind. Seeing all those police vehicles, he only thought that the rich, royalty, and world leaders only got police escorts.
They rode into a huge compound of one of the Blaze family's other properties and stopped. A butler opened the door and the twins climbed down the carriage and entered the building, walking down a red carpet.
They were greeted by the Receptionist and was escorted down a elegant Corridor, before arriving at a huge pair of doors. The tension was high, and Leon's heart pounded in his chest.
Sarah pushed the doors open and they entered the dark room.
"Surprise!!!"
All of Leon and Sophie's friends and family jumped out from the shadows, scaring him almost giving him a heart attack. But Sophie was unfazed.
"Huh?"
'Huh? Is she even human? She's practically unfazed! How are we even twins?'
Sarah led Leon and Sophie to their table in the room. The room was well decorated, with balloons and other stuff. And the table had a cake on it, with decorations of things that they both liked.
Leon's POV.
Sophie and I were led to our table, at the end of the room with a cake on it– it was splendid. The room was filled with lots of people, both whom the original Leon knew and who Sophie knew as well.
We sat down at the table and the people proceeded to give us gifts, and wish us a "Happy Birthday."
Then Daniella came up to the table with a smile on her face. Sophie's face lit up upon seeing her friend.
"Happy birthday, Leon and Sophie! Here, I brought a gift for you." Daniella said as she took out something from her small bag.
She handed Sophie and me our gifts, and Sophie got up and hugged her. I couldn't help but smile knowing that Sophie had made a friend.... I'll just stay in the background, not to get in Sophie's way. Because I kinda stole the life of her real twin brother.
Sophie and Daniella began playing with each other, dragging me into their game.
"Yo, Leon. Happy birthday, dude." One of my new friends Jake came up to me, a guy who I met on the day when I also met Daniella.
"Thanks for the wishes, Jake."
Thus the birthday party went on, and Jake, me, Sophie and Daniella played. Until we got tired and had to return to the table.
I hope Mother and Father don't have any more surprises. By the way, why did he go to? Father didn't come to our birthday party. Did he travel to the Capital today? Or is he doing something more important than Sophie and I? Nah, he wouldn't do that!
This party is amazing! I can't wait to go to the military Academy, to be with Sophie and Daniella and all my other friends.
While everyone was engrossed in their things, the door to the room swung open. And four figures appeared at the door. And they entered the room.
"Huh?"
"Is that who I think it is?"
"Is it really them...?"