Chapter 2: Traces of the Past
Mornings at the Everia mansion always start with a flurry of activity. Servants walk back and forth, making sure every corner of the mansion is perfect. But to Eric, who now has the mind of a 38-year-old man, the hustle and bustle feels more like a ghost from his past.
He sat in front of the large mirror in his room, observing his young, carefree face. In the past, this face was often decorated with arrogant smiles and disdainful looks. But now, he saw someone who had to bear a heavy burden to change his destiny.
A knock on the door distracted him. A young maid named Lara, who used to be one of his loyal servants, opened the door with her head bowed.
"Young Master Eric, breakfast has been prepared. Duke Alaric requests you to join us immediately," he said in a soft voice.
Eric nodded. "I'll be right there. Thanks, Lara."
The waiter looked surprised by his politeness. Eric realized that he had never thanked any waiter in the past.
"This little thing... even this little thing can change everything."
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Family Breakfast Table
In the main dining room, Duke Alaric was already seated in his majestic chair at the head of the table. Leon and Celeste had also taken their places. A plentiful meal was served on the table: toast, fresh fruits, and warm soup.
Eric walked in with a calm step. All eyes were on him, especially Leon, who narrowed his eyes as if trying to read Eric's intentions.
"You're late," Leon commented matter-of-factly.
Eric smiled a little, but didn't reply. He took his seat and began to eat quietly. Eric's unexpected response made Leon frown.
"There is something we wish to discuss," Duke Alaric said suddenly, breaking the silence. "In two weeks, there will be a grand meeting of the kingdom's nobles. I want you to be prepared."
Leon raised an eyebrow. "A grand meeting? Is this about the rebellion in the eastern region?"
Duke Alaric nodded. "Yes. The King has requested a report from each Duke. The Everia region must make a strong impression. This is our chance to show the strength of our family."
Celeste cut in, her voice firm. "If that's true, then we have to make sure our report is perfect. We can't let the other families find a way to bring us down."
Eric watched them talk, trying to understand the dynamics from a new perspective. In the past, he would have easily dismissed this discussion as unimportant. But now, he knew how crucial this meeting was.
"That meeting... was the beginning of the downfall of the Everia family."
Eric remembers it clearly. In that meeting, the Everia family lost their credibility because the report was inaccurate. The failure became a laughing stock, and their enemies began to move to destroy them from within.
"But this time, I won't let that happen."
---
Practice in the Arena
After breakfast, Leon took Eric to the Everia family training arena. The arena was where the family heirs were trained to become strong leaders, both physically and strategically.
"You look calm this morning, Eric. What happened?" Leon asked in a mocking tone.
Eric looked at Leon with calm eyes. "Maybe I'm just beginning to understand the importance of my responsibilities."
Leon chuckled, his voice full of sarcasm. "Your responsibility? Don't joke. Father is the one who bears the real responsibility. You are just an heir who is protected from all the harsh realities."
In the past, comments like these would have angered Eric. But now, he just looked at Leon with a gaze full of determination.
"You're right," he said softly. "But I'm going to change. You'll see."
Leon was silent, probably not expecting that answer. He gave a small nod before saying, "Then show me. We'll start with sword training."
Both of them took wooden swords and entered the arena. Eric held the sword awkwardly, trying to remember how his young body moved. On the other hand, Leon looked confident, swinging his sword elegantly.
"You haven't trained in a while, huh?" Leon taunted as he attacked.
Eric stepped back, trying to avoid the attack. He knew that his young body was not as strong as his old one. But his years of experience as the Martial King allowed him to read Leon's movements with ease.
"I don't need strength to defeat you, Leon. All I need is calm."
In one swift movement, Eric dodged Leon's attack and countered, knocking his brother's sword out of his grasp. Leon was shocked, but Eric knew that this victory was just a small step in a long journey.
---
After practice, Eric sat under a large tree near the arena. He stared at the blue sky, his mind filled with plans to change his family's destiny.
"I don't just have to protect this family from enemies outside. I also have to unite Leon and Celeste's hearts."
He clenched his fists, his determination growing stronger.
"The Everia family will not fall this time. I will make sure of that."
Eric sat down more quietly, letting the wind blow against his face as if trying to calm his inner turmoil. He knew that, despite his strong determination, the task ahead was far from easy. Leon and Celeste, his half-brother and half-sister, were not easy people to work with. Moreover, the rivalry within the family had been going on for a long time, and neither was willing to back down from their ambitions.
"Leon is too arrogant, and Celeste... she's calculating. I have to find a way to make them believe."
Eric looked up, watching the sun begin to set on the horizon. That day, he felt a heavy burden on his shoulders. But behind it all, he also felt a little hope. The regression to the past gave him a chance to fix the mistakes he had made.
"If I can change their hearts, maybe we can unite. Not just for the family, but for this kingdom."
With steady steps, Eric stood up and headed back to the family mansion. A new plan began to form in his head.
"Tomorrow, I will talk to Leon and Celeste. There is no more time to hesitate."
Before he went inside, he looked up at the sky once more, as if hoping that a greater power would help him navigate this path full of obstacles.
"I will make the Everia family rise, no matter what."
After calming his mind, Eric decided to meet his father. He walked down the long hallways of the Everia mansion, where his childhood memories were etched into the cold walls. Every step felt heavy, but he knew that this conversation could not be postponed any longer.
Eric stopped in front of the large wooden door that led to his father's study. He knocked gently, then heard Duke Alaric's deep voice from inside.
"Enter."
Eric opened the door carefully. Inside, the Duke sat behind a large desk covered in documents. His stern face looked a little tired, but his sharp gaze still radiated the authority of a leader.
"Eric," Alaric said without looking up from the documents in his hands. "What brings you here tonight?"
Eric stepped inside and closed the door behind him. He stood a few steps away from the table, trying to calm his pounding heart. "Dad, I want to talk about our family."
Alaric finally put down the documents in his hands and turned his full attention to his son. "Continue."
Eric took a deep breath before starting to speak. "The Everia family is on the verge of collapse, Father. The relationship between me, Leon, and Celeste is getting worse. I can't just watch this happen."
Alaric leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Eric. "And what do you want to do?"
"I want to unite this family," Eric replied in a firm voice. "I want to prove that we don't need to bring each other down to maintain our positions. If we continue like this, the Everia family will lose its power, and I won't let that happen."
The Duke was silent for a moment, studying his son's expression. "Noble words, Eric. But are you truly ready to do it? Uniting this family is no easy task."
"I know," Eric said, clenching his fists. "I know it won't be easy, but I'll do it. Whatever it takes."
Alaric nodded slowly, his smile thin but meaningful. "You've changed a lot, Eric. If this is the path you want to take, then you have to prove yourself. Start by building Leon and Celeste's trust. Without that, your efforts will be in vain."
Eric nodded. "I understand, Dad. I won't let you down."
"Good." Alaric picked up the document on the table and handed it to Eric. "This is a report on our territory. If you want to prove yourself as the heir, you must understand your responsibilities. Start here."
Eric accepted the document with both hands. His father's stern yet hopeful gaze gave him a new spirit.
"Thank you, Dad," Eric said sincerely before turning and leaving the Duke's study.
Outside, the night was getting darker. But for Eric, that night was the beginning of a long journey to fix his family's fate.
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