The door closed without a word. Howard didn't give a single instruction, let alone any attention. To him, my job was done the moment I was thrown into this room. He didn't care if I fell asleep, starved to death, or even suffered a rat infestation.
And to be honest, I don't mind.
At least, for the first time since I opened my eyes to this new world—I was alone. No whips, no shouts, no orders to obey.
I swept my gaze across the room.
Dirty. Dusty. The smell of dampness mixed with the scent of old ink and rotting wood. Bookshelves towered along three walls, some collapsed, some bearing the weight of ancient manuscripts nearly destroyed by time. In the corner was a long table covered in graffiti, dried ink hardening on its surface.
This room… isn't a bedroom. It's a laboratory. A research room.
They put me in a room they'd forgotten. Maybe because I was too close to death. Maybe because there were too many secrets they couldn't understand. But for me—this was the beginning.
"If this world wants to make me a slave, then they have made a big mistake by giving me a private library."
I started moving.
I brushed off the dust. I stacked the salvageable books. I closed the broken window, repaired the air gap. It wasn't long before this room transformed from a dumping ground into a nest. My headquarters.
And when night fell, I started reading.
night
My eyes scanned the pages. I searched for clues, for loopholes. In my previous life, this was what I'd done before infiltrating a large criminal organization: understand its structure. Identify its strengths. Memorize its weaknesses.
The first book talks about the history of the continent: Long ago, Astralis was ruled byRaja Arkin Valenoor, a legendary figure who is considered the most just leader in history. Under his rule, all territories were under one banner. The people prospered. Law was enforced with equal force of the sword and the heart.
But all that ended when Arkin died.The death of one king, gave birth to five greedy rulers.
The nobles were divided. Each took its own territory and closed the borders like a child refusing to share a toy. The united kingdom turned into afive great powers:
Halrik, in the west — a region of primeval forests, rich in rare woods, herbs, and wild animals. A symbol of the power of nature.
Kaelmoor, in the east — a sea of sand and storms, but harboring riches in the form of expensive fabrics and spice trade routes.
Zerenth, in the north — a frozen world full of icebergs, mines of stones and precious metals are their lifeblood.
Lyssia, in the south — fertile land, a major source of grain, vegetables, and livestock. The food hub of Astralis.
And in the midst of it all:False youth, the king's inherited land. Now small in territory, but great in influence—possessing everything the other four realms had, yet hated for it.
One continent. Five ambitions.
I kept reading. Studying their monarchical structure, the nobility system, and of course: the Redvers family tree.
Redvers.
The name that haunts me now. They are Viscounts, a middle-class noble who hold a small but strategic territory in eastern Lyssia. Their family head: Derick Redvers.
The genealogy book states that the Redvers family has existed for five generations. But it was Derick who brought the name to its peak. He was a warrior during Lyssia's heyday, renowned for achieving 6th Circle Mana.—an incredible feat for a non-magician warrior.
"6 Circle... and that was in his prime. Meaning if he could still fight, I wouldn't stand a chance against him right now."
My head was starting to adjust. This wasn't the modern world. This was a world ruled by mana, and magic was the true currency of power.
Magic and Mana.
In this world, magic isn't simply inherited by blood, but rather something that is cultivated and cultivated. All humans possess a mana core—a small point within the body where energy gathers and circulates.
However, there are clear differences between wizards and physical-based fighters.
Mages perfect mana control to create magic: elements, illusions, barriers, and so on. Meanwhile, knights or martial artists use mana to strengthen their bodies, increasing speed, strength, and endurance.
The circle itself represents the maturity level of a person's mana core. The higher the circle, the more complex the magic or martial arts techniques they can perform.
"8 Circles… that's the level of the Lysian king himself. If Derick is at 6 Circles, that means he's at the level of a general. I… am nothing."
But I'm not the type of person who gives up just because of numbers.
Morning is approaching.
I rubbed my eyes as the sun began to filter through the small window in the ceiling. The pile of books in front of me was starting to thin. But one question lingered:
"Where's the book on magic and martial arts training?"
I've combed through almost every shelf. There are notes on politics, economics, even war tactics, but none of them cover mana training methods or basic magic forms. It's as if those sections are... hidden.
Or maybe… too precious to leave in this room.
I leaned back in the old chair and closed my eyes.
"It doesn't matter. If I can't find it here, I'll look for it."The meaning will be later."
The only advantage of my current status is that… I'm a nobody. Andno one paid attention to the nobody slave.
And that will be my biggest advantage.
Morning arrived without incident. For the first time since I'd been in this mansion, there were no screams, no blows. Only Howard's footsteps, silent, cold, but also… calm.
I stared at him closely, searching for any signs of hidden anger. But today, his expression was completely neutral. Perhaps because he knew who we were about to meet.
Howard didn't say much. He just tossed me some more appropriate clothes, signaling me to get ready.
Today… I will meet the princess Redvers.
If my memory from last night's genealogy book serves me correctly, the Redvers have three children—two sons and one daughter. The first child, Rico, is sixteen and the official heir. The second child, Bram, a year younger, is known to be more reserved. And the youngest, Aderyn Redvers, is the only daughter in the family… and the same age as me—at least in this body.
Howard quickened his pace as we arrived at a finely carved ivory door.
"Be polite," he muttered without looking up. His tone was calm, but it didn't hide the pressure.
Ironic. This person never forgets to scold me, but also never consistently hits me. It seems true, it's just two-faced—sweet in front of the noble, cruel behind the back.
But I'm not much different either.
I'm just a player who wears a different face for every stage.
Howard knocked on the door, then bowed deeply as it opened.
"Good morning, Miss Aderyn," he greeted in a soft voice and a forced smile. "As per Master Derick's orders, I have brought you a… slave."
I also bowed.
And there she was—Aderyn Redvers.
The girl stood not far from the window, the dim morning light touching the side of her face like a thin mist that refused to disappear.
Her blue-gray hair fell softly, part of it pinned back with a simple white ribbon. Each strand seemed to move with the absent wind—calm, but alive.
Her eyes, pale yellow like the flickering light of a dying lantern, stared out, expressionless. There was no anger there. Nor sadness. But something deeper… like someone who had learned not to show anything.
Her face was pale, symmetrical, too calm for a girl her age. Not because she couldn't feel, but because she had long since learned to suppress it.
There was a distance between us, not of space, but of the world he lived in. A world where words were not needed to refuse, and silence was a shield.
He looked at me straight in the eye.
"Your name?" he asked, his voice flat but deep.
I paused for a moment. This was the first time I realized—I didn't have a name in this world. My identity was still empty, unfilled, and I would answer honestly.
"I don't have a name, miss. You can just call me slave." I answered firmly, but still politely.
Aderyn nodded slightly, then introduced herself in a tone that was appropriate.
"I'm Aderyn Redvers. But just call me Miss."
In a moment, he signaled the servants to leave the room. Without protesting, they bowed and left, closing the door slowly. The room was quiet, just the two of us.
Aderyn's steps were slow but steady as she approached me. Her hand gently lifted my chin, her eyes studying my face closely.
"A slave… with a face like this. Interesting," he said simply, his voice steady, as if conveying fact, not praise.
I didn't react. As usual, reading the situation was more important than reacting to it.
Aderyn stepped back and sat on the edge of the bed, casually opening a book.
"Why did you give me a slave? I don't need one," he muttered.
He wasn't talking to me. It was more like he was throwing his heart out into the air. But I responded, still acting as I did.
"I don't know, miss," I answered innocently.
"Oh, I see?"
"Yes, my lady."
Silence enveloped the room for a moment. Only the sound of books slowly turning over could be heard.
Several minutes passed before he spoke again.
"What are you doing?" he asked suddenly.
I was surprised, raising my head slowly. "What do you mean, miss?"
"How long are you going to stand there?"
"A-ah… yes, sorry, miss."
"Sit there." He pointed to a chair in front of a small table, where a cup of warm tea and some sweets were placed.
I complied and sat down. Aderyn went back to reading her book, seemingly oblivious to my presence.
"Just eat that. I'm not in the mood today," he said curtly.
Chance!
I didn't waste the moment. I hadn't eaten anything since yesterday. Without hesitation, I picked up the sweets one by one and ate them slowly. The soft sweetness spread in my mouth, restoring some of my energy.
"Thank you, miss," I said sincerely.
He just nodded slightly, without turning around.
After a while, he closed his book and said flatly, "If you are finished, leave this room."
I got up slowly and bent down.
"Okay, miss."
Then I walked out, closing the door behind me.
Aderyn Redvers. The daughter of a noble family, calm, sharp, and too calm to be called a commoner.
I walked out of Aderyn's room. Her cold demeanor still lingered in my mind, but there was something in her eyes I couldn't quite place. Was it curiosity... or just boredom?
My footsteps were slow, cutting through the corridor filled with soft sunlight. But before I could return to my room—or rather, my exile—someone stopped me.
Howard.
He stood in the middle of the hallway, leaning lazily against the wall. His gaze was sharp and suspicious.
"Are you done seeing Miss Aderyn?" he asked flatly.
I bowed politely, keeping my face calm and a little awkward, like an innocent child who didn't understand the world.
"Yes... Miss only looked at my face for a moment, then spoke a little. After that... I was told to leave," I answered quietly.
Howard's gaze remained unchanged, but something flickered quickly in his eyes—disgust... or maybe envy. Then, a sly smile began to creep up the corners of his lips.
In his mind, I could easily guess what was on his mind:"That cold Miss Aderyn is interested in this slave...? If so, this could be an opportunity... If I can use this child, then I can get close to Miss... and if I get close to Miss, I can get more than just a position as the Redvers family's dog."
I stared at him, still wearing a reluctant expression. But inside, I was laughing.
Absolutely disgusting. I don't understand how such a petty person could be the secretary of a noble like Derick.
Howard grinned slightly. "Oh yeah," he said, as if just remembering something. "Mr. Derick asked me to show you to his office. So… be polite."
I just nodded slowly, then followed his steps towards the host's study.
Derick's room.
The door is open.
Behind a large, polished black wooden desk, a man sat upright with a cold expression. Stacks of documents were neatly arranged before him, and his hands moved with a speed that betrayed years of strategy.
Her dark red hair was neatly combed back, but it still fell naturally to the nape of her neck, giving her a controlled, wild look. Her eyes were sharp and focused, as if every movement had a purpose.
There was no pause in his thoughts. There was no gentleness in the way he spoke.
Derick Redvers. A father to the public. But behind closed doors, he's a commander.
Someone who thinks of the hundredth step first, before anyone else has a chance to speak.
Howard bowed slightly. "Sir, I have delivered this child."
Derick didn't answer. He just raised his hand slowly, signaling for Howard to leave.
Now, it was just me and him. The atmosphere in the room became heavy, filled with an invisible pressure.
I was silent, waiting with a straight face and a slightly bent body.
Derick finally spoke up.
"I looked for information about you. But... there was nothing," he said, looking me straight in the eye.
I just lowered my head, pretending to be scared.
"Good," he continued. "That makes my plan easier."
"Plans?" I asked, in an innocent and soft tone, like a child who didn't understand the meaning of the adult world.
Derick grinned faintly. "Be happy. Because starting today, you'll have a name. And status."
I remained silent. But in my mind, thousands of speculations were already swirling.Does he want to use me as bait? A spy? Or something even more sinister?
"I've taken care of everything," he continued. "From the fake background to the royal documentation. From now on, your name will be… Gray Redvers."
Gray Redvers?
I could barely hide my smile.A noble family name. With this, I can move more freely. My access increases. And I... am officially in the big game.
If I told Howard this, I'm sure his expression would be the best entertainment of the week.
"Thank you, sir," I said innocently, with a slightly trembling voice and a face full of sincere gratitude.
Derick approached. His gaze turned cold, burning.
"Don't be stupid," he said softly, almost a hiss. "You got the name… because you're going to carry out my plan."
Instantly, his hands flew to my face.
Plaque!
A hard blow landed on my cheek. My body staggered to the side.
Derick grinned in disgust and wiped his hands with a cloth. "Tch. My hands touched a slave."
He then threw a stack of documents at me, scattering them across the floor.
"Start studying all the noble names on that list. You will meet them one day."
I picked up the documents one by one, my eyes scanning the letters, but then I glanced at Derick.
"Sir... I'm sorry, I... I can't read or write," I said in a trembling voice. Very quietly. Almost a whisper, afraid of being punished.
Derick froze for a moment. His eyebrows furrowed.
"That's true…" he muttered. "A slave… how could he possibly read?"
He turned around and called out, "Howard!"
Howard came in a few seconds later, his face showing a hint of confusion.
"What are your orders?"
"Teach this child to read and write," Derick ordered curtly. "If he can't read, my plan will fail. And one more thing…"
Derick looked at Howard sharply, then said firmly, "Treat him like my own son."
Howard's face froze instantly.
Her eyes widened slightly. Her jaw tensed. But she kept her head bowed deeply, her voice trembling with unexpressed irritation.
"...Good, Sir."
I bowed politely. But behind my bowed face, a small smile began to appear.
Howard... looks like you're going to have some very exciting days.
Derick's Workspace.
A soft knock echoed in Derick's study.
"Father," Aderyn said as she entered the room. Her voice was calm, but her eyes were sharp.
Derick looked up from the pile of documents. "What's wrong?"
"Why... did you give me a boy?"
Derick closed the file. "It's a reward for your achievements at the academy. You deserve it."
Aderyn frowned. "I don't need a slave, and I don't want a gift."
"Then just ignore it." Derick leaned back in his chair. "But you need to know one thing: he's not just a slave. From today on, he's part of the Redvers family. His name is… Gray Redvers. Treat him like your little brother."
Aderyn's chest suddenly tightened.
"What?" he whispered.
"I have adopted him as my adopted son," Derick continued without hesitation. "The official documents have been ratified. Gray is your brother, and that is undeniable."
"No sense! You raised a slave—"
Plaque!
A hard slap landed on Aderyn's cheek. Her hair fell, her body swaying.
"Don't you dare contradict me, Aderyn," Derick hissed. "You may be smart, but I'm still your father."
Aderyn bit her lip. Her hands clenched into fists. But she bowed deeply.
"...Forgive me."
Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked out of the room with a cold face.
Aderyn's room at night.
"Lilith," Aderyn called to her servant.
The young servant came over and bowed. "Can I help you, Miss?"
"Find out about that kid, Gray Redvers. I want to know who he really is, and where he came from."
Lilith lowered her head. "Yes, Miss."
In the morning.
Lilith stood in front of Aderyn's bedroom door, her face looking doubtful.
"Come in," Aderyn ordered.
The servant bowed deeply. "Forgive me, Miss... I found nothing."
Aderyn narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean 'didn't find anything'?"
"The only record that exists is of his former status as a slave... and even that... is hard to find. It's as if... Master Derick deliberately erased all traces of him."
Aderyn was silent, her hands gripping the edge of the table.
Lilith continued in a cautious voice, "And… Master Derick created a new backstory that Gray was the missing son of Redvers… and was only found after years of being held hostage in a bandit base in the western forest."
Aderyn looked out the window, towards the garden.
"...I don't know what my father is planning. But that boy... Gray... he's no ordinary slave. There's something about him."
Is it just my feeling?
***
In the following days, something changed.
Howard began to tone down his harsh tone. No more slapping, yelling, or insults. He taught me to read and write seriously, with a blank stare and a flat, robotic voice.
Maybe because of Derick's orders... or because he knows I have status now.
Well, I don't mind. Living peacefully without violence? That's a luxury I could only dream of.
And there is one more.
I... started to 'coincidentally' meet Aderyn more often.
Always in the park. Always in the late afternoon.
Of course, it wasn't a coincidence. When I first met him, I glanced at the large window overlooking the garden. I wondered... what if I were there more often? Creating recurring "coincidences."
And it seems... he was hooked.
In the park as dusk begins to fall.
Dusk blanketed the garden in golden light. I sat on a stone bench, gazing up at the sky.
Light footsteps sounded behind me. Aderyn, along with her servant, appeared like shadows, silently watching.
"Ah, Miss," I greeted politely. "We've been seeing each other a lot lately, haven't we?"
Aderyn nodded lightly. "Yes, that's how it is."
Then, for the first time, he said my name.
"Gray."
I turned with a small smile. "Yes, Miss?"
"Lately... what have you been up to?"
His tone was flat, but there was an unconcealable curiosity.
I raised my head, looking at the sky that was starting to turn orange.
"I just study in my room. When I'm tired, I come here... to enjoy the fresh air."
He nodded slowly. But his eyes never left me.
He was curious. I could tell. Even his personal servant was starting to watch my every move.
I smiled softly, innocently.
"What did you learn?" he asked again.
If I were honest—that I was studying the profiles of the nobles his father was targeting—I was sure my head would be chopped off before nightfall.
But I just replied, still in a relaxed and sincere tone:
"Reading and writing... and about the structure of the Redvers family. I thought... if I'm now part of this family, I should know my place."
Aderyn stared at me for a long moment. Her expression didn't change. But I knew... she was considering her options.
Guess me.
Read me.
I love games like this.
After that, he left me. And I remained in the park, wanting to enjoy this peaceful day.