The place was quiet. Cold.
Albert's mum laid lifeless on the floor, then his dad, and his sister beside them. Their faces… pale. Still.
Albert just stood there, his head buried low, his eyes fixed on the ground. Despair. That was all you could see on his face.
---
Albert's eyes opened slowly. The ceiling above him came into view. His breathing was heavy.
"Thank goodness you're awake, young master! I was so afraid something bad had happened to you," Elizabeth's voice trembled a little. Her eyes full of worry.
Albert turned his head slightly to look at her, face blank. He raised his right hand. It was wrapped in bandages. A faint sting reminded him—he had bitten himself.
Elizabeth noticed and gently held his hand. "I treated it for you, so you don't have to worry."
Albert didn't say anything. Just silence. His eyes distant.
Then—knock. knock.
The door opened and a small girl peeked in. Long silver hair. A book clutched to her chest. Her blue eyes looked exactly like his.
"Big brother… are you okay?" she asked softly.
Elizabeth smiled faintly. "This is Lady Evelynn. Your younger sister."
"My sister?" Albert thought to himself. "But I don't even know her…"
Evelynn walked closer to the bed, tugging at his shirt. "Are you alright?"
Albert blinked. "Who… who are you?"
Elizabeth froze, shocked. Poor child… hearing her brother say that… she thought.
But to her surprise, Evelynn puffed her cheeks and crossed her arms. "What's with that response, big brother?"
The words hit him like a memory. Cecilia had said the same thing before. His eyes watered. The face in front of him blurred—and for a moment, he saw Cecilia standing there instead.
Evelynn and Elizabeth watched, confused.
"Cecilia… you're alive!" Albert whispered, pulling her into a tight embrace. His hands trembled as he held her close, smiling weakly. "I'm glad…"
Evelynn's voice came out muffled. "It's Evelynn, not Cecilia… big brother."
Albert smiled wider, eyes still wet. "I just got to see you again, and you're already lecturing me. Fine… Evelynn it is."
She grinned. "Good. I'm glad you're back!" She stepped back and dashed to the door. "I'll tell everyone you're awake!"
As the door shut, Elizabeth sighed. He may not remember her name… but it seems she's the only one he still recognizes.
Albert sat up. Elizabeth placed a pillow behind him. "I'm so glad you're well now," she said softly. "And no—don't think this is a dream."
Albert turned his head. "Miss Elizabeth, tell me everything."
She chuckled lightly. "Young master, calling me Miss Elizabeth makes me feel odd. You can just call me Elizabeth."
Albert shook his head. "No… you're older than me. It wouldn't be right. You deserve respect."
Her eyes glistened a little. He's still the same as before, she thought.
She smiled warmly. "Then call me Nena. I told you that already when you were still ill."
Albert nodded. "Alright… Nena. Tell me everything."
She took a deep breath. "Like I said before… when noble children turn fifteen, they attend the Preliminary Academy to awaken their blade."
Albert nodded slowly. "Yeah… you said that. But I meant before all this. What happened to Arthur… I mean… me?"
Nena's voice softened. "You were born with a rare illness, young master. No doctor could cure it. Your body… it started turning purple, spreading until you couldn't move anymore. You laid in bed for years. We thought… we thought we were going to lose you."
She paused, her voice breaking slightly. "Your parents were heartbroken. Then, this morning, I came in and saw you awake. Breathing. Healthy. It felt like a miracle."
Albert's mind flashed back to that boy from the golden light—the one covered in purple patches. So that's why… he was sick.
"When is my birthday?" he asked suddenly.
"It's tomorrow," Nena smiled. "We were so worried you wouldn't make it to fifteen, but now you can. And you'll be introduced to the other noble families. Preparations are already underway."
Albert turned to the window, watching the sunlight spill in.
"I'll be back soon," Nena said, standing. "Let me get your meal and help the others with preparations." She walked out, leaving the door gently closed behind her.
Albert kept staring out the window, the cold air brushing against his face.
His thoughts wandered. "I must've died… in that accident. With Mom, Dad, and Cecilia. But… for some reason, I'm here. Alive. In this strange place."
He clenched his fists lightly. "A second chance, huh? This world… it's not about science or logic. It's magic… legacy. I'm the son of Duke Aldric Valtoria now."
He paused, staring at his reflection faintly mirrored in the glass. "But what about the real Arthur? Did he die? Or… did we trade places?"
The words.' I leave everything to you' echoed in his head.
"Was that his message to his family? How did he even know I'd take his place?"
Albert folded his legs and rested his head on his knees. His voice trembled a bit.
"Mom… Dad… Cecilia… you all must've died too. I wonder… were you given second chances too? If you were… what kind of worlds did you end up in?"
He chuckled weakly, then slapped his cheeks. "Damn it. Back then, I didn't wanna die. I hadn't achieved anything yet. I was scared… so scared. I would've done anything just to live."
He exhaled shakily. "And now that I did… it doesn't even feel good."
He stood and walked to the window, staring at the sky turning orange. "Arthur… the real one… he must've been so sick he couldn't even move. Bedridden, trapped in his room."
He touched the glass softly. "You probably couldn't even see the world outside, huh? No friends, no adventure. Just… books and the people who loved you."
Albert looked up at the sky again. His voice was quiet, but steady.
"I don't know if you can hear me, Arthur. But I bet you had dreams too. Even from that bed. You must've wanted to live, to see what was beyond these walls."
He smiled faintly. "And me… I wanted to be like Einstein and Newton, to be called a genius too. But life didn't go as planned."
His eyes softened. "I can't chase my dream anymore, but maybe… I can help you reach yours."
He closed his eyes, remembering his mother's gentle voice: Always help others, no matter where you are.
He nodded to himself. "That's what she'd want. So I'll help you. I don't fully get your last message, but I'll assume it's about your family. Don't worry. I'll protect them. I'll love them like my own. That's my promise… for saving me."
He raised his fist toward the sky. "We're the same, you and I. Both kept alive by the stories and dreams inside us. From this moment on… you're me, and I'm you."
He smiled, eyes glistening as the wind rushed through the open window, carrying his words far into the night.
"I'll live as Arthur Valtoria."
The breeze blew stronger—soft, warm, almost like it was answering him.
And for a moment, Albert felt… at peace.
---
The Next Morning
Golden light filled the Valtoria mansion. The air smelled fresh, mixed with flowers and morning dew.
Knock. Knock.
"Young Master!" Elizabeth called.
Arthur groaned, rubbing his eyes. "Morning already?"
"Yes! Your father, Duke Aldric, has summoned you. The celebration is tonight."
Arthur got up, washed his face, and stood before a giant wardrobe filled with noble clothes. Silks, cloaks, tunics—everything looked too fancy for him.
"Which one do I even pick?" he muttered.
Elizabeth walked in behind him, picked out a royal blue tunic with silver patterns, dark trousers, and a fur cloak with the Valtoria Crest—a silver dragon.
"This will suit you," she said with a proud smile.
Arthur nodded, taking it. "Alright, I'll wear this." He went to change while Elizabeth stepped out.
Later, Arthur walked through the mansion halls. The walls glittered with chandeliers. Servants rushed around, setting flowers, hanging ribbons, arranging golden plates.
He smiled a bit. Good thing I asked Nena for a tour last night, or I'd be totally lost. She's really a lifesaver.
When he reached the grand hall, Duke Aldric was already there—tall, broad-shouldered, his blue hair slicked back, eyes cold but strong. He looked like the kind of man who could silence a room with just a glance.
Arthur approached and bowed. "Good morning, Father."
"How do you feel?" Aldric asked.
"I'm better now," Arthur replied. "And I'm ready for the academy."
Aldric nodded slightly. "Good. Remember, the Valtoria name stands above all. Do not falter."
Arthur nodded back. "I won't disappoint you."
Then—
"Big Brother!"
Evelynn ran toward him, jumping into his arms. "Look! I wore my prettiest dress today!"
Arthur chuckled softly. "I'll be the judge of that," he thought. She really is just like Cecilia.
Aldric spoke again. "Arthur, the guests will arrive soon. Be ready."
Arthur nodded. "Understood."
---
Night fell.
The ballroom glowed with candles and chandeliers. Nobles filled the space—laughing, drinking, exchanging stories.
Arthur walked down the stairs beside Nena. The crowd turned to see him.
Aldric stood tall on the platform, raising his glass. "With all noble houses gathered, and with my son by my side—let us toast! To his recovery and his future! May the Valtoria name shine brighter than ever!"
Cheers erupted. Music played. The night was alive.
And Arthur stood at the center of it all.
A new name.
A new destiny.
A second chance.
He clenched his fist lightly.
I couldn't make a name for myself in my past life... but this time, I'll make sure the world remembers me.