The sun was barely up when I dragged myself out of bed. After a quick shower, I slipped into a clean tunic and boots, trying to shake off the nerves building in my chest. Today wasn't just another day. Today, I had to face Duke Charles Broustlin — my father in this world — and ask for something that could change everything.
I could've snuck out. Honestly, it would've been easier to slip past the guards and vanish into the city until the Academy entrance exams. But if I got caught? The shame alone would crush me. No… I needed to do this properly. If I was going to rewrite Scott Broustlin's fate, it had to start with courage, not cowardice.
The walk through the halls felt longer than usual. Marble floors echoed with each step, and portraits of my so-called ancestors stared down like they were daring me to turn back. When I finally stood outside his office, my hand hesitated on the handle.
Come on, Scott. You can do this.
I knocked.
Seconds dragged until a voice finally came: "Come in."
I opened the door and stepped into a room that screamed authority. Shelves stacked with books, strange glowing trinkets I couldn't name, and behind a massive desk buried in paperwork… there he was. The Duke. My father.
His sharp eyes lifted from the documents and pinned me in place. Just meeting his gaze made me want to bow lower than I already was.
"Greetings, Father," I said, forcing my voice steady.
"What is it?" he asked, voice calm but heavy.
I swallowed. "I… have a request. I want to leave the Broustlin estate and train outside, before the Academy begins."
The air went dead still. Even the clock on the wall felt louder than it should.
"You realize what you're asking," he said slowly.
"Yes, Father."
His expression didn't soften. "Outside this house, my influence can only protect you so much. You'll be walking with a target on your back. Every enemy of mine will see you as an easy opportunity."
For a second, my resolve wavered. But I clenched my fists. I've seen where hiding leads. Staying safe inside these walls only guarantees I'll play the villain's role and lose everything. Not this time.
"I know," I said firmly. "But I'll be fine."
He studied me for what felt like forever, as if peeling back every excuse or lie I could've made. The silence stretched until my chest tightened. But I didn't look away.
Finally, he sighed and pulled something from a drawer — a small, rune-covered device, glowing faintly.
"Fine. You have permission. Take this. It's not a tracker unless you activate it. You'll figure out the rest of its functions on your own."
Relief nearly made me stumble, but I bowed deeply instead. "Thank you, Father. I'll use it well."
"Good. Now leave me. I have work to finish."
I turned to the door, a small smile tugging at my lips. But just as I was about to step out, I caught his low mutter, almost too quiet to hear.
"…Always a handful."
I pretended not to hear and kept walking, but inside, I couldn't help but grin. For the first time since waking up in this body, I felt like I'd taken a real step forward.