A week had passed, and the preparations for the Mourning Sun Festival were complete. The town of Arlecia glowed with the warm light of countless candles placed before every house and building, their flickering flames casting a serene radiance against the overcast skies.
The streets stirred with early morning activity as townsfolk wrapped themselves in thick layers, bracing against the brisk autumn chill. Clouds hung low, heavy with the promise of winter's approach, while a steady breeze carried the earthy scent of fallen leaves through the cobblestone streets.
---
In Arlecia Castle, Seth sat before a tall mirror as his attendants diligently attended to his attire. His crimson eyes studied his reflection with quiet curiosity, though his expression betrayed a faint unease.
When did this body take on such an otherworldly appearance? he wondered. These crimson eyes… they remind me of the vampiric figures from the movies I watched in my past life.
The servants moved deftly, ensuring every detail of his ensemble was flawless. His outfit was nothing short of regal. A tailored coat of deep midnight blue hugged his slender frame, its silver embroidery catching the faint morning light. At his collar rested a striking crimson jewel, encased in delicate metal filigree. On his left ear hung a sapphire-blue earring that matched the sapphire cufflinks on his sleeves, their polished surfaces gleaming softly with every movement.
Once the servants were satisfied with their work, they stepped back, bowing deeply before leaving the chamber. Alone now, Seth leaned forward, studying his reflection with a faint smile.
Never in my past life did I imagine wearing something like this. Fine clothing, precious jewels… What a strange life this has become.
Rising from his seat, he gestured toward the door, signaling for Royfield to enter.
---
Royfield stepped into the room, his composed expression unchanging as he took in Seth's appearance. Behind him followed Claire and Clark, though their reactions were far less restrained. Claire froze mid-step, her wide eyes revealing her astonishment.
How have I never noticed how striking he is? she thought, her mind struggling to reconcile the image before her. Lord Arlecia looks more like a prince from a storybook than a baron.
Finally, she found her voice, though it wavered slightly. "My lord, you… you look very beautiful," she stammered. "Have I been blind all this time not to notice?"
Seth chuckled softly, his crimson eyes glinting with faint amusement. "You've only just realized this now? Somehow, I feel offended. Perhaps I've been overshadowed by someone else." Claire blinked, startled, before breaking into soft laughter.
"My lord, that's not what I meant!"
Seth's smile softened as he added, "You look beautiful as well today, Claire. That dress suits you."
Claire blushed, bowing gracefully as she placed her hand over her chest in gratitude. "It's all thanks to you, my lord. I was planning to wear my work attire, but then I received this dress as a gift from you. I'm truly delighted."
"I'm glad you like it," Seth replied warmly.
His gaze shifted to Clark, who stood silently behind his sister. Unlike Claire, who had quickly recovered, Clark remained frozen, staring at Seth with wide eyes. His expression betrayed a mix of awe and unease.
Claire, noticing her brother's reaction, smirked mischievously. With a teasing glint in her eye, she stepped closer and gave him a playful smack on the rear. "My lord," she teased, "I think my brother has fallen for your appearance today. To think he's just as stunned as I was!"
Her laughter filled the room, and even Seth allowed himself a soft chuckle. Clark, however, flushed a deep shade of red, his embarrassment evident as he stammered, "I… I apologize for my rudeness, Lord Arlecia. I didn't mean to stare. It's just that I saw…"
He trailed off, his words faltering mid-sentence.
Seth tilted his head slightly, curiosity flickering in his crimson gaze. "What did you see, Clark?" he asked, his tone calm but probing.
Clark hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor. "It's nothing, my lord," he murmured after a pause, his voice barely audible.
Seth sighed softly, sensing Clark's reluctance to speak further. Deciding to let it go, he leaned back in his chair and said, "Very well. Apology accepted."
Royfield and Claire stepped forward, ready to brief Seth on the day's events. Claire began first, her tone steady yet tinged with excitement. "The charity event will take place in the Town Square, my lord. It will also mark your first public appearance since your recovery."
Royfield continued, his voice calm and measured. "The event will open with your speech, followed by the distribution of supplies to the townsfolk. These provisions are intended to help them through the winter. It's an important gesture—both practical and symbolic."
Seth nodded thoughtfully, listening intently. "Understood," he said. Then, after a brief pause, he added, "And the monument I requested? Is it ready?"
Royfield inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Yes, my lord. Everything is prepared, including the monument you asked us to construct. It will be unveiled during the festival."
A faint smile played on Seth's lips. "Good," he said simply, his tone carrying quiet satisfaction.
With the briefing concluded, Royfield gestured for Claire and Clark to follow him out of the chamber. However, Clark lingered a moment longer, his green eyes still fixed on Seth. To him, the faint energy emanating from Lord Arlecia was unmistakable—raw and unrestrained, like a powerful current held barely in check.
What are you, Lord Arlecia? Clark thought silently, the question pressing heavily on his mind. But he said nothing, following his sister out of the room without another word.
---
The lord's carriage stood ready, its polished surface gleaming faintly in the morning light. Aiden waited patiently by the steps, his posture straight and formal. When the doors to the castle opened, his focus snapped forward.
Seth stepped out, and Aiden's breath caught. His lord looked resplendent, his noble attire emphasizing his striking features. For a moment, Aiden could only stare, captivated by the ethereal presence of his lord.
Quickly regaining his composure, Aiden placed his hand over his chest and bowed deeply. "Good morning, my lord."
Seth didn't immediately respond to the greeting. Instead, he stepped closer, brushing a stray leaf from Aiden's red hair.
Seth smiled faintly. "Have you been out here since early morning? This leaf was resting in your hair, and you didn't even notice."
Aiden straightened, his face heating slightly. Before he could respond, Seth's sharp eyes caught a slight imperfection in Aiden's attire. Without hesitation, Seth adjusted the fabric of Aiden's uniform, smoothing out the untidy folds.
"You look good in this new attire," Seth said with an approving nod. "Do you like it?"
Aiden nodded, his voice firm yet touched with gratitude. "I do, my lord. I heard it was you who designed this."
Seth chuckled. "I did. But Claire brought it to life. She worked hard to ensure every detail matched my vision."
Aiden turned briefly, his gaze flickering toward Claire, who stood behind Seth. She quickly looked away, avoiding his eyes. Seth, observing the exchange, sighed inwardly. They'll need to resolve whatever stands between them eventually.
"Let's depart," Seth said, gesturing toward the carriage.
---
When the carriage arrived at the town square, all eyes turned toward it. The crowd, already gathered for the event, shifted their attention to the ornate vehicle. Murmurs rippled through the gathering as the carriage door opened, and Seth stepped out.
The reactions were varied. Some stared at him in awe, captivated by his noble appearance. Others remained guarded, their expressions tinged with distrust or resentment. Still, a few smiled warmly, their gazes filled with genuine joy and hope.
Claire took the lead, guiding Seth to the stage at the center of the square. Seth's crimson eyes lingered on the monolith towering at the heart of the town. The structure was dark and imposing, made of a metal that gleamed like polished obsidian. The material had come from the treasure trove of the dungeon—a deliberate choice by Seth, though its purpose was still his to reveal.
Claire stood at the podium, her voice ringing clear as she addressed the crowd.
"Good morning to all the people of Arlecia," she began. "It is both an honor and a pleasure to welcome everyone here today. First and foremost, I extend my deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones during these difficult times. May their souls be guided to peace."
She paused, her tone steady yet heartfelt as she continued. "Today, as part of the Mourning Sun Festival, we are gathered for a charity event—a first for our town. Each family will receive support from Lord Arlecia's estate to help them through the harsh winter months. We understand the challenges this region faces, and it is our hope that this event will provide some relief and comfort to everyone here."
Seth listened from behind the stage, his expression thoughtful. Claire's poised demeanor and commanding presence reminded him of city representatives from his past life. She exuded professionalism yet spoke with sincerity, making him feel a tinge of pride.
As Claire finished her introduction, she turned and gestured toward Seth with a bright smile. "Now, before we begin, I would like to invite the lord of Arlecia himself to address us. Please give a warm round of applause to our lord."
Seth winced inwardly at her suggestion. Applause? He thought skeptically. That's a terrible idea.
Yet, as he stepped onto the podium, the sound of clapping and cheers erupted from the crowd. Seth's eyes widened slightly, his usual composure faltering. He had anticipated indifference—or even hostility—but the genuine enthusiasm of the applause took him by surprise.
He glanced over his shoulder at those standing behind him. Claire beamed proudly, and beside her, Royfield, Clark, and Aiden all wore encouraging smiles.
Taking a deep breath, Seth turned back to the crowd. His nerves melted away as he straightened his posture, meeting the eyes of the townsfolk with quiet determination.
Seth smiled, his voice steady and noble as he began his address.