Venelana and Claire had acted quickly when they saw Lucien collapsed in the hallway. With surprising strength for their ages, they lifted him carefully and carried him to his bedroom. They tucked him under the warm blankets of his grand bed and sat beside him, waiting quietly.
Hours later, Lucien stirred. His amethyst eyes fluttered open, and a faint smile appeared as memories long buried in his mind began flooding back.
This… this isn't the first time I've lived, he thought, recalling a past life as a genius businessman—someone who had died of old age after a lifetime of accomplishments. I used to spend my time with anime, games… and now I'm here. Born again… and to Harry Potter as his twin? Adopted by Edmund and Cecilia Lionhardt?
A faint laugh escaped him. Life really has a sense of humor…
Before he could dwell further, the door opened, revealing two figures—Venelana and Claire—their expressions filled with concern. Lucien's eyes widened slightly at the sight of them.
Venelana's striking beauty reminded him of someone from the stories he had watched—resembling Vanelana Bael from High School DxD, fierce yet elegant. Claire, delicate yet determined, reminded him of Claire Harvey from Hundred, soft features hiding a strong will.
"Are you alright?" Venelana asked softly.
"I'm fine," Lucien replied, his voice calm and composed. "But I need to tell you something important… after the funeral."
Both girls nodded, their curiosity mingled with concern.
The Funeral and Emotional Aftermath
The funeral of Edmund and Cecilia Lionhardt was solemn and heartbreaking. The Lionhardt estate was filled with relatives and dignitaries, all paying their respects. Lucien, standing beside Venelana and Claire, felt the weight of his adoptive parents' love and sacrifices pressing down on him.
Tears flowed freely, yet he kept a composed expression, holding his granddaughters' hands as the ceremony concluded.
With the reading of the Lionhardt will, Lucien officially became the heir to the Lionhardt house. Several relatives attempted to manipulate and intimidate him, seeking to take advantage of the boy. But Lucien, armed with the sharp intellect of his past life, effortlessly countered their schemes.
One by one, their confidence crumbled. Each plan met with subtle but precise reasoning, leaving Lucien victorious. Venelana and Claire watched in awe. So this is our fiancé… they thought, impressed by his intelligence and poise.
System Awakening
After the long and exhausting day, Lucien returned to his bedroom. The room was silent, yet in his mind, a notification echoed clearly:
[System Activation Complete]
Lucien tilted his head, curious. "What type of system are you?" he asked mentally.
**[Host, this system is a Shop System. It has two main functions:
The host can purchase any bloodline, trait, skill, or summon characters from anime to games. Every month, three random products will go on sale at a price between 1 to 10,000. The host may purchase them.]**
Lucien raised an eyebrow, nodding thoughtfully. "Is there a beginner package?"
[Yes, Host. It is a coupon ×2, allowing the host to buy anything.]
Lucien leaned back in his chair, crimson hair falling over his forehead, eyes glinting with determination. So this is my tool… my edge. With this, I can protect everyone I care about.
He thought of the years ahead—1991 to 1998, the rise and fall of Voldemort, the chaos, and the danger his twin brother Harry would face. His fists clenched.
I will not let anything happen to my loved ones. If Voldemort wants to touch my family… he'll have to go through me first.
For the first time, a confident, almost mischievous smile appeared on Lucien's face. The future was uncertain, but he was ready.