Lucien sat in silence, processing everything the mysterious book had told him. He couldn't accept the fact that he was transported into this body, simply so he could do someone's job. It reminded him of his past life.
Just when Lucien thought a new beginning awaited him, he still had to be a slave to someone.
Although he had a reason to work for someone else like a slave in his past life, in this life, he didn't have any major reasons to do the task given to him.
And, he didn't want to waste it by dying again, or slaving himself for someone, and doing the work of others.
Despite his new life, he didn't truly believe such a life was possible. Although he was wealthy, quite handsome, and held status and power, he was also weighed down by responsibilities.
Someone was after his life; he had a reputation that would do him no good, and worse of all, he was the next in line for the throne.
'Fuck it all…'
Lucien fell back on his seat, as if all the energy he had, had been sucked out in a matter of seconds. As if mandatory, he put his hand over his face and massaged his head for a moment before speaking.
"Fulfill my destiny, you say?"
He said, then added:
"What exactly is the destiny, your god, your owner, or whatever he is, meant with those words? What exactly is my destiny?"
The book fell silent for a moment.
"Well, I'm not exactly sure myself. But I believe destiny is tied to the heart—it's something shaped by our own choices. When someone says, 'I'm destined to be a hero' or 'I'm destined to defeat the villain,' it's their own will guiding them. So in the end, I think you're the one who knows your destiny better than anyone else."
Lucien stared motionlessly at the mysterious book for a while.
"That's true. But honestly, I am not so sure about my destiny myself."
He paused, then added:
"I feel in my heart right now the need to survive, overcome, and live a peaceful and quiet life. I yearn for a life like this, even though the possibilities are vague. However, I don't think this is the destiny that your God, or whoever he is, meant, isn't it?"
"Who knows? Honestly, I have difficulty understanding him myself. So who knows, perhaps you will uncover it for yourself as you navigate this world."
Lucien leaned forward.
'This damn book hasn't given me any straightforward answers, and I don't think he's planning to.'
'Since he isn't giving me the true answers to my questions, perhaps I should get to the point.'
"You said earlier that you were sent here to guide me and help me, right? So, what exactly are you capable of?"
Hearing Lucien's question, the book's annoying tone returned.
"I'm glad you finally asked! Well, to start with it. I am a book that holds vast knowledge from all around the world. Think of me as an all-for-one book."
Lucien lifted an eyebrow.
'Oh? This book is more useful than I thought. Well, his personality is one heck of a flaw though…'
"Hey, I can tell what you're thinking."
The book said with a neutral tone. If it had a face, he probably would've had a blank expression while saying those words.
"Huh? What are you talking about? I was thinking about how amazing you are!"
Lucien said with a persuasive tone, causing the book to fall into silence. Lucien couldn't exactly tell if the book was angry or not, but he could strangely feel a dominating aura from it.
Lucien could somehow get the reason why. Perhaps the book was probably looked up to where he belonged. A book that holds vast knowledge from all around the world, which has its unique personality, couldn't just be found anywhere, even in a strange world like this.
And Lucien talked to it like some guy he just met in a bar.
'But still, it would be a lie to say I ain't amazed. With the book with me, my journey would probably be less hard.'
'However, I am curious about how much knowledge he truly holds. He said he was an all-for-one book. Does he mean that he knows all the things that are written in books?'
'Kind of reminds me of AI back in my world…'
Lucien wondered with his eyes.
'Hmm, let's see. What kind of questions should I ask? Something that would be useful for me. I already received all the information I needed through Lucien's memories, so I don't really have any questions regarding how this world works.'
'Maybe I should just discuss my next move with him? He has a strange personality for sure. But, I'm sure he knows better than I when it comes to this kind of thing.'
Lucien focused his eyes on the mysterious book in front of him.
"Hey, Mr. Book."
Hearing Lucien's voice, the book faced itself towards Lucien, as if throwing a curious glance at him.
"Huh? What's up with the formalities?"
Lucien stared at the book with a soft smile and said:
"I realized my mistake, forgive me for earlier. I thought that, since we were gonna spend more time together, having a bitter relationship wouldn't do good for either of us. Why don't we take this time to get to know more about each other? What should I call you, Mr. Book?"
The book went silent for a while as if looking at Lucien with a strange expression.
"Forgot about the formalities, it's creepy if it comes from you, honestly. Also, you can call me Sage. It's what they called me back when I was still in my hometown."
"I see, Sage. I have another question."
The book threw a curious glance at Lucien once again.
"Why do you sound so serious?"
Lucien went quiet for a moment, then finally spoke.
"You know, I was wondering. Are you a He, or a She? I assumed you were a guy because of your cute, but manly voice. But, I have to be sure you know."
'These kinds of things are sensitive back in my world, you see.'
"That's all? Well, to answer your question, I am kind of genderless. I am a book after all, so you can refer to me as either."
Lucien stared at Sage with a thoughtful look.
"Well, I guess it's my turn. But I'm pretty sure you already know my name. However, I would prefer it if you called me Lucien. I am Lucien now, after all. I find living as someone else strange, but I gotta get used to it. Especially knowing the fact that there is probably no way I could go back to my past life. Considering, I died in that world."
'Not that I am planning on going back.'
Sage went silent for a moment.
"You are more adaptable than I thought. I didn't expect much from you, honestly. But there must be a good reason why he ordered me to be with you."
He paused, then added:
"So, what exactly is your next move? Now that you are Lucien, you have to live like Lucien lived. You also have to live with all the obstacles he once faced. How are you planning on dealing with them?"
Lucien's expression turned serious.
"I am glad you brought it up before I did. Honestly, I am unsure of what to do. Which is why I want to ask for your help. So, hear me out, will ya? A structured criticism of my goals and plans would do good."
As he said those words, the book seemed surprised.
'The more time I spend with him, the more impressed I become. He is adaptable and does not act recklessly; instead, he thoroughly plans his next move.'
"Of course, share it with me."
Lucien's expression softened for a second.
'I expected him to be more annoying as time goes by, but he's submitting to my request pretty well.
'Well, not that I'm complaining.'
Lucien shared his plans, as well as the things he was concerned about. Such as, when would be the right time to act, considering that he still felt unwell? He couldn't remain stagnant for too long after all.
He was also unsure about how helpful his plan would be in finding a loyal knight of his own, as well as many other things.
Fortunately for him, Sage was with him. Making sure his plan was precise.
Lucien and Sage took their time discussing the things to be discussed. It took time, as their personality just didn't intertwine with each other. They would often argue, but the seriousness of the situation brought them back to the real topic.
Now, only one problem remains. Well, not for long, as Lucien remembered that he had a High-Grade Healing Potion hidden inside his drawer, which could heal him both mentally and physically.
Sage had initially suggested that Lucien rest for at least a day and request some aid. He was royalty after all, and the crown prince at that. So, he would likely receive the best treatment there is.
Lucien did agree to Sage's suggestion, however. He suddenly remembered that he had received a healing potion from his wife. Well, more like from Lucien's wife, but considering that he was Lucien now, it works either way.
It seems that while Lucien isolated himself in his room for almost weeks, his wife decided to take action by giving him the talking he needed, and ordered a maid to give him a High-Grade Healing Potion that personally came from her.
Although the words his wife gave him managed to move something in his soul, making him finally want to take action for his responsibilities once again, his knight suddenly went into his room and fooled him, getting him killed.
'How did I overlook this crucial memory fragment while processing my newly acquired memories?'
Suddenly, a somber expression formed on his face.
'Perhaps, Lucien loved his wife so much, he buried that moment not inside his mind, but deep within his heart.'
Although Lucien still had a hard time processing the rest of Lucien's memories, the feelings he had received were very deep and strangely easy to adapt to.
Lucien understood deeply how much the original Lucien loved his wife and how much despair he felt during his depression, struggling to recover.
It made him feel even more of a fool than he already was. He wished he could've done more for her, as well as for himself and the important people around him. Although the memories of it were vague, the feelings were deeply engraved in his heart.
Lucien released a heavy sigh as he stared at the drawer below his desk. Sage faced himself toward Lucien as if looking at him with a strange expression.
"What's up with that somber face?"
Lucien kept his eyes still on the drawer and said:
"Nothing."
The simple answer made Sage even more curious, but he paid it no mind, thinking that he was probably just reflecting on the past and slowly accepting things as they were.
Suddenly, Lucien opened the drawer, and there he saw a uniquely shaped glass bottle with red liquid inside. It spoke of luxury and quality, something that even wealthy people would have a hard time getting their hands on.
Then he grabbed the healing potion and stared at it for a moment.
Sage was startled and said:
"A High-Grade Healing Potion?"
He paused, then added:
"You had that the whole time?!"
Lucien moved his eyes toward Sage and said:
"Chill out, I only remembered just now."
He said, then added:
"Well, at least that makes it easier for us. I can take action right away."