Wei An had only just opened his eyes when his past attendant, Alfred, shook him to wake up.
"Young Master, please wake up. You're supposed to greet your father today."
Wei An almost instantly got up from confusion. He slapped his face, and when he looked up, he saw his attendant staring at him in disbelief.
"Young Master... Are you alright? I know you hate your father, but please…don't slap yourself."
Young master? I haven't heard that title since—ah. How ridiculous. I'm alive.
Wait a minute—did he just say I hate my father? I must be dreaming; this place looks nothing like my home...Am I really alive right now? Is this what people call heaven? This place looks ordinary though?
How awful.
Wei An scanned his surroundings a few times, still puzzled about the situation. After finally clearing his thoughts, he finally talked to his attendant.
"Don't mind it. I was simply testing something," Wei An answered. He got off his bed, checking his surroundings again before dressing up for the day. In the midst of dressing up, he saw his reflection and stared at it impassively. On the other hand, his mind was completely a mess.
"I see…"
"Then, kindly attend breakfast now, young master. We can't let your father, the duke, and the others wait."
"Right."
So I'm in a duchy household... As I thought, I really am alive.
...
This was going to be a long day.
Wei An made his way to the dining hall; everyone had already been seated, waiting patiently for him to sit too. He greeted his "father" and the others, then he sat down, minding his own business.
To think I'd have to start all over again, and worse, I'm in a body that I don't even recognize.
"Well, I guess this is better than dying…" Wei An unconsciously muttered; thankfully, his voice was low, and people there did not hear what he had said. While they ate, the duke raised his glass and announced. "I have great news! Wei An will start going to the magic academy in a month! May he bring great honor and pride to the kingdom! Haha!"
What the hell? Magic academy?! Just how young am I right now?! I'm too old for school!
As far as I know there aren't any magic academies in my day...or my world.
Hah...I think I'm going crazy.
The servants and people present in the dining hall clapped and said their congratulations. For a while the people present talked about the announcement; they praised the duke for having a son who could wield magic. The chattering continued until the final dish was served.
As the servants served the last dish, an accident occurred. The soup spilled on the duke, and rage came after; the duke ended up raging from anger.
Ah. How disgraceful. Then again... I guess this is what I can call a typical aristocratic household.
Wei An stared at the duke's behavior expressionlessly while staying quiet. Servants quickly wiped down the stain, afraid that the duke would chastise them for what happened. In the end, the gathering ended quicker than expected, and the duke was left in a bad mood. Not long after, Wei An sat up from his seat and excused himself from everyone.
What the hell happened to me? How the hell did I end up here? I have to get as much information as I can right now.
________________________________________________________________________________
Wei An had just left the dining hall with his attendant by his side. His mind was still disoriented from what happened; he did not know why he was given a second chance. Wei An vaguely remembered how he died, how two kingdoms turned on him due to power. He did not want to relive the past.
I guess I have to work harder now.
Wei An continued to walk through the halls of this unfamiliar place he now had to call home. Soon after he found the library, he asked his attendant to stand outside and leave him alone for a while.
What a headache. This place is a mess.
Wei An looked through the library, taking books that he thought would be helpful. The library, although well maintained, looked like it was barely visited by anyone.
I expected to see at least four or five people here. Who would have thought it was only the library manager and an assistant here?
Wei An set his books down at a near table and then began to read. The librarian was bewildered, as it was rare to see the young master of the duchy going to the library himself, as the books he needed were usually delivered to his room.
Who would have thought I'd be able to read this language? Whatever. It's a good thing for me anyway.
Wei An stared at the book, pleasantly surprised that he could read a language he had never seen before; he continued to read the books, taking in any information he needed.
As expected. I am definitely not in my old world. Wei An thought as he saw the contents of the books. So basically, I'm in another world. In a duchy called Marion...and I'm supposed to be the oldest son?! Aiyaa...When did my life become so difficult?
Wei An stayed at the library until dawn, continuing to read and memorize any necessary things.
Whatever. At least have another chance to live. I'll just lay low and let destiny take action for me.
Soon enough, Wei An went back to his room, and everyone in the palace did their duties as usual. Wei An stared at his reflection again as his attendant bowed and excused himself. His mind, now thinking clearer than before, finally saw a clear image of who he was. A somewhat pale young boy with long raven-black hair that reached until his shoulders. One could describe him as ethereal; at least that was what Wei An had thought.
The room was silent and peaceful; the only sound that could be heard was the whistling of the breeze. A few seconds passed until Wei An finally looked away, looking like he had been trying to collect his thoughts. Slowly he went near his bed, feeling the soft fabric, then finally lying down to sleep.
I guess I could get used to this.