Chapter 53
A full month had passed since Lucien’s extravagant birthday celebration. The days that followed had unfolded in a surprisingly tranquil rhythm, filled with the soft laughter of his younger siblings, the rustle of leaves in the Velebrandt gardens, and the occasional distant echo of knights training in the courtyard. Lucien had, for the most part, avoided pushing himself to investigate the nature of his awakened power. Though his mind occasionally drifted toward curiosity, he chose instead to indulge in the calm—a precious reprieve from the storm he knew was waiting ahead.
That morning, Lucien sat at a finely carved table of obsidian lacquer, enjoying a luxurious breakfast. Golden-crusted croissants laced with silver dust and drizzled with dew-honey from the rare Glacier Bees of the Northern Peaks rested on his plate. There were also slices of flame-grilled mana-venison, tender and soaked in a smoky crimson sauce made from sunberries grown under concentrated sunlight. A bowl of chilled snowmelon cubes sat beside it, shimmering faintly, each bite said to boost mana circulation.
He had just finished feeding his infant sister Amanda, gently patting her back as she cooed in his arms, her tiny fingers gripping one of his locks like it was the most important thing in the world. Emilien, meanwhile, was off with a few veteran knights, training under strict supervision. The boy had taken to the sword with almost stubborn zeal, no doubt wanting to be like his older brother.
After handing Amanda off to the nursemaids, Lucien strolled leisurely through the mansion’s opulent corridors, a dessert glass in one hand and a spoon in the other. The dish wobbled slightly with each step, a shimmering mana-jelly made from silvershade fruit and starlight petals. It glowed faintly in the sunbeams that pierced through the grand windows. Several maids passed him by, bowing respectfully while stealing glances. Their cheeks bloomed with color as Lucien returned their greetings with his usual polite charm.
He soon reached the estate’s famed garden, where stone-paved paths curved through hedges, flowerbeds, and elegant fountains. Towering bushes formed natural mazes, while blossoms of every shade and mana-signature glowed subtly with magical life. The gentle scent of lavender and manarose lingered in the air.
In the shade of two sprawling manawillow trees stood a large, cushioned swing suspended by silky ropes engraved with runic patterns. Lucien seated himself upon it, the swing creaking faintly as he pushed off gently with his foot. Sunlight filtered through the canopy of rustling leaves, dancing in golden specks across the swing and the boy’s silver hair.
He took a slow bite of his dessert, the chilled jelly melting against his tongue. It had a subtle sweetness—flavored with the nectar of frost-dappled starberries grown in the northern greenhouses, finished with the citrusy hint of golden duskroot. Refreshing. Light. Faintly nostalgic, for no reason he could name.
Lucien leaned back slightly, the swing creaking beneath him. A gentle breeze brushed his cheek. Above, the interwoven branches filtered the sun into a lattice of golden warmth and shadow. The air smelled faintly of dew, cut grass, and blooming narcissus.
He closed his eyes for a moment.
Four years and a few months had passed since his arrival in this world. At first, the memories of his past life—of being Kazuki—had been vivid. Too vivid. The pain of separation, the shock of reincarnation, the utter disorientation... all of it had stayed with him. But now?
He frowned faintly.