With everyone settled, a comfortable silence stretched over the room as they began eating their respective meals.
The clinking of utensils against plates was the only sound for a moment, until Lorien's mother glanced at Adressa. Noticing the maid's strained expression, a teasing smile danced on her lips.
"Lorien," she began, her tone light but playful, "Adressa looked like she was about to burst a vein. Did you torment her again?"
Adressa stiffened, her expression freezing as though a rock had just struck her. Despite her best efforts to remain composed, a faint, frustrated frown formed on her face.
She's spoiling him too much, Adressa thought to herself. Still, a small part of her couldn't help but feel happy. At the very least, they seemed to enjoy the simple bond of a mother and her only son.
"No, dear mother, I didn't," Lorien replied smoothly, chuckling. "I just think she's getting stressed because of her age." Adressa glared at him but didn't comment.
His mother raised an exaggerated hand to her forehead, feigning dramatic offense.
"If she's old, then what am I, young man?" she asked, her tone overly theatrical, though a hidden smile tugged at her lips.
"Don't worry, Mother," he said musingly, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Your eternal beauty will remain forever!"
She laughed softly, shaking her head.
For someone of her status, she had quite the sense of humor.
"How very generous of you," she quipped, a gracious smirk curling her lips. "Of course, you take after me, so consider yourself lucky."
True, he thought. Even though he didn't really take care of himself, he did understand her implication.
His brown eyes, though not striking, carried a certain warmth. His dark blonde hair, slightly tousled and often left to its own will, framed his face into a charming image. His fair skin bore the faint touch of someone who spent just enough time outdoors, giving him a healthy complexion without being overly tanned or pale.
He wasn't breathtaking by any means. It was just the kind of look that didn't demand attention but left a decent impression on those who cared to notice.
After all, that's the experience I want, Lorien concluded silently. A life meant to be calm for now needs a body to match.
Across the table, Alissa—who had somehow become the unofficial stylist for everyone in the manor—scoffed audibly, her disapproval impossible to miss.
"With all due respect, madam, that boy doesn't take care of himself," she said, crossing her arms firmly. "It's just wasted potential." Her sharp brown eyes lingered on Lorien's face, scrutinizing him with a frown that carried equal parts of disappointment and frustration.
Lorien glanced at her briefly but remained silent, his expression unreadable as he continued eating.
His mother, on the other hand, chuckled softly, clearly amused by the exchange.
There was a playful undertone in her voice as she replied, "Thank you for your insight, Alissa. Rest assured, I'll reprimand him accordingly."
The faint glimmer of humor in her tone didn't go unnoticed, and her gaze flicked to Lorien, who suppressed a sigh. This wasn't a battle he had any intention of fighting.
"If you're stepping into the ring, Mom, I might as well give up." Lorien sighed in defeat, raising his hands in mock surrender.
Barts, who had been quietly observing the conversation until now, gave him a pitying look, while Adressa and Alissa exchanged triumphant glances, their heads held high like victors of some grand battle. Adrena, ever composed, simply smiled and kept her eyes on her plate, not bothering to join in their unspoken cheering.
The conversation shifted to lighter topics as Lorien indulged in small talk with his mother and the three maids. They laughed and bantered, the warm atmosphere briefly easing the weight on his shoulders.
Eventually, Barts pushed back his chair and stood, the quiet scrape of wood against stone signaling his departure. Straightening his jacket, he turned to Mrs. Velmont and gave her a respectful nod, his expression resolute.
Probably has business to take care of, Lorien thought, paying little attention to the butler's movements.
Barts played a vital role in keeping the household afloat. As the Velmont family's representative, he and Lorien's mother handled nearly every interaction beyond the manor's walls.
But his contributions didn't just end there. Barts was also Lorien's combat trainer, teaching him everything from the physical techniques of swordsmanship to the strategic nuances of historical battles.
Even Lorien couldn't help but wonder where Barts had gained such expertise. There had to be a backstory behind his mountain of knowledge. Whatever it was, it was enough to earn the respect of the strongest necromancer Aurelium had ever known.
Even if, in this universe, I don't seem to have existed, he thought grimly.
His exploits—his conquests, his victories—had all vanished from history. Barely forty years had passed, and yet there was nothing. No mentions in archives, no whispers in records. It was as if his life had been erased.
Lorien's thoughts spiraled, a familiar frustration brewing in his mind. But before he could delve deeper into his mind, he felt something—four gazes.
Looking up, he realized everyone at the table was staring at him. Barts was seemingly already gone, having vanished without a sound.
"Yes, Mother?" he asked, confused by their sudden attention.
His mother's face was lined with concern, her usual warmth clouded with worry. The three maids mirrored her expression, each watching him closely.
"I called for you three times," she said, her tone light but laced with anxiety. "Ignoring your dear mother isn't good, you know." She tried to smile, but it was clear she was uneasy.
Was I that deep in my thoughts?
"Everything's fine," Lorien said quickly, forcing a reassuring smile. "I was just thinking about something."
The tension in the room eased slightly, but his explanation didn't fully convince them.
Adrena spoke for the first time since Lorien had arrived, her voice soft and kind. "If you're not feeling well, I can make you some tea," she offered, her smile warm and sincere.
Her kindness always caught Lorien off guard, but he waved it off with a light gesture, determined to leave the room before more questions arose.
"If you'll excuse me, Mother, I have some things to take care of," he said, glancing at her with an apologetic look.
Mrs. Velmont studied him for a moment, her eyes searching his face, but she eventually nodded. "Don't keep me waiting too long," she replied, her tone carrying a quiet mix of humor and concern.
Lorien stood, pushing back his chair, and made his way toward the door, the faint weight of their lingering gazes pressing against his back.
Having stepped through the door, Lorien turned to the right and began walking slowly toward his room.
This world was a vastly different version of the one he once knew. So much of Aurelium's past, its dark history etched in blood, had seemingly vanished.
The brutal unification wars that had once torn the continent apart—gone. The countless insurgency groups that rose in defiance—erased. Even the horrific massacres the kingdom had been guilty of, swept away as if they had never happened.
Even the criminal underworld, the so-called shadow society that had thrived in chaos, was now almost moderate by comparison.
Normally, he would have been relieved by such a shift. After all, many of his past battles had been fought for justice and vengeance, avenging the countless innocents who had suffered under King Aurelium's brutal orders. But now? There was nothing. No scars of the past, no echoes of hatred or injustice tied to his actions. It was as if his entire life's work had been rendered meaningless.
He didn't know how to feel. Should he be grateful? Bitter? If everything had truly changed, perhaps there was no need to concern himself with the new king's rule. No need for grand crusades or vengeance.
And yet, something gnawed at him—a faint unease he couldn't shake. Something about this world felt... wrong. But for now, he put those thoughts aside. After all, he was barely ten years old. Decisions like that could wait.
Standing in front of his room, he paused, his hand hovering over the door handle.
Do I really want to head inside just to stew in my thoughts all day?
He hesitated, then shook his head. Ah, screw it. Let's get some fresh air.
The beautiful summer weather beckoned him, a rare chance to escape the confines of his mind. A smile tugged at his lips as he turned away from the door, an idea forming.
There was a giant village nearby, bustling with life. Why not pay it a visit again? It has been quite some time.
Grinning with sudden excitement, Lorien rushed toward the manor's main exit.
He passed through the once-grand white hall, its faded elegance still visible in the towering twin staircases flanking both sides. The massive wooden door at the far end seemed to call to him, promising freedom and adventure.
With a burst of energy, he slid down the polished railing, landing lightly on the red carpet below. He sprinted toward the door, his heart racing in anticipation.
Let's see what today's adventure has to offer!