Author's note:

So yeah, this is a Kuroinu fanfic—based on the adult anime and visual novel. There's not a ton of deep lore, but there's just enough to work with if you dig a little.

I watched the anime first. Honestly, I didn't expect much, but I ended up feeling pretty bad for the heroines. That stuck with me, and I started thinking, what if things went differently for them? That's basically how this whole thing started.

After that, I checked out the visual novel. I skipped most of the explicit stuff since that's not really what I was there for. I just wanted to see if there was more worldbuilding. There was—kinda—but it still felt pretty bare. I didn't go through every route, and I didn't really focus on Lu Luu, Celestine, or Olga's parts, but I got a general idea of the setting.

I'm not gonna pretend I've got everything figured out. This isn't some perfectly accurate rewrite or anything like that. I'm just working with what I have and trying to give the heroines a better shot.

A lot of the background stuff I'm using comes from Dr. Dirtbag's fanfic, Dovah vs. Dogs Redux. Seriously, it's awesome. Total 10/10. Highly recommend.

Anyway, thanks for reading. It's a bit of a long one, but if you've got any thoughts, feel free to drop a review!

Chapter 1: Toddler Period

I died.

Yeah, I know. Cliché opener. But in my defense, getting smoked by a delivery truck while crossing the street to grab some instant ramen deserves at least some pity points.

Oddly, I wasn't scared. I wasn't in pain. I just... ceased. Then, slowly, I became aware of something. A place. White, empty, warm. Like a waiting room designed by a minimalist with a God complex.

"Yo."

If I still had eyes, I would've blinked. Instead, my attention snapped toward the sound.

A man stood there, if you could call him that. He looked like a low-res PS2 character, decked out in a flamingo Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. I swear I heard the sound of a beach ball bouncing in the distance.

"I'm what you mortals call a ROB—Random Omnipotent Being," he announced, arms wide like a magician unveiling a used car.

"…You serious?"

"Dead serious. Emphasis on dead."

Somehow, I wasn't panicking. Maybe the lack of a body meant no heartbeat, no adrenaline. Just thoughts. Cold and observational.

"…You're seriously wearing that shirt?"

"You're in limbo, and your first concern is my drip?" He made a tsk sound. "Philistines."

Touché.

"Alright, kid. Here's the rundown. You're dead. Congratulations. But, lucky for you, I'm feeling generous today."

A giant multicolored wheel appeared beside him-gaudy and spinning with all the obnoxious energy of a rigged casino game.

"You get one spin. It'll land you in a random fictional world. Could be anime, manga, games, movies, novels, visual novels, anything humanity ever made up."

"…I don't get to pick?"

"Nah. That'd be too easy. But—you do get a perk. One ability, tool, or gimmick to help you survive."

Harsh… but fair. Picking both would've been too convenient. Life—or death, I guess—is rarely that generous.

"Alright," I muttered, bracing myself. "Let's spin it. But… uh, how?"

The wheel didn't wait. It responded to my thoughts instantly, lighting up with a hum before spinning on its own.

Whrrr-click-click-click…

Each tick felt louder than the last, like a countdown to my doom, eating away at what little calm I had left.

Please not Warhammer. Please not Berserk. Please not anything with 'death' or 'bloodbath' in the title…

The wheel slowed.

Tick… tick… tiiiick…

Then, it stopped.

Kuroinu: Kedakaki Seijo wa Hakudaku ni Somaru.

My soul froze. "You're kidding."

"Nope," said ROB, grinning like a used car salesman. "You lucky dog!"

"That's a hentai world!"

"Sure is! But hey-could've been Warhammer, Doom, or that SCP with the endless staircase."

"…Fair. But still."

I'd seen the anime—and yeah, I checked out the visual novel back in college, during that phase where I was basically hooked on porn. It starts off like your typical fantasy war story… except it's—well, a hentai. You've got fortresses, ridiculously skimpy armor, monsters with inhuman-sized junk, and so many rape scenes it's borderline creative.

And to top it all off, the whole damn world's run by a bunch of princesses with the strategic sense of wet toast.

ROB shrugged. "Could be worse. At least you know where you're landing. Most guys get tossed into some vague medieval knockoff with no clue, then a dragon shows up charging rent. You've got a head start."

"That… doesn't make sense, but sure," I muttered. "So what's the catch with the perk?"

"Ah yes. Like I said, you get one. Could be a tool, a power, an ability— but it has to be balanced. So No god-mode, no instant win. Something strong, but not broken."

"No infinite stamina or immortality, then?"

"Correct. No reality-warping with a finger snap either. Think creatively."

Okay. No invincibility, no one-hit-kill powers, nothing that makes me untouchable. Fine. I need something that covers all the bases-combat, utility, survivability, maybe even escape routes if things get dicey. Magic's probably too setting-dependent. Super strength is cool until someone with a brain shows up.

I need something modular. Something that adapts with me. Something scalable—so I can keep improving without hitting a dead end.

I nodded slowly. "So... can I pick something versatile? Like the… Omnitrix?"

The ROB blinked-well, I assumed he did.

"Ooh. Now that's a good pick! Childhood favorite?"

"Y-Yeah," I said, feeling a little self-conscious.

The Omnitrix wasn't a cheat code, but it was the Swiss Army knife of sci-fi tech—transformational, DNA-based, insanely versatile. It came with a steep learning curve, real limits, and a ton of restrictions. But it had everything I needed: combat adaptability, environmental resilience, access to alien tech, and a loadout of abilities for any situation. Fire, speed, stealth, strength, utility—you name it, it had a form for it.

The ROB gave an approving nod. "Versatile, scalable, and not an instant win button. I'll allow it."

He paused.

"Buuuut! You'll be getting the prototype version."

My nonexistent heart sank. "Seriously?"

He shrugged. "If I gave you the Omniverse version, you'd breeze through everything way too fast. It's insanely powerful, with aliens that could wipe out entire realities, like Alien X. This world can't handle that. The prototype is slower, more balanced. You'll start with about ten aliens—nothing too crazy—and it'll add more as you progress. Like I said, it needs to be balanced. Really balanced. Not broken."

Of course. Just my luck. I didn't even get the chance to ask—was kinda hoping it'd be the default. Updated aliens, refined tech, more options. Most complete, most practical. Shame, really.

"…Fine. Whatever. At least I still get it."

"Attaboy! And yes—you'll get it. Eventually."

I narrowed my focus. "Eventually?"

"You won't start with it. You'll be born into that world. As a baby. Might get it at age five. Might be fifteen. Might be thirty!"

"Oh, come on!"

"Hey! You still get it. Just not right away. Hehe…"

So let's recap: I'm getting isekai'd into a hypersexualized warzone where men are basically the villains, women get exploited in the worst ways imaginable, and I don't even get the one thing that might help me survive-until fate arbitrarily decides I'm ready?

"Welp. Off you go, champ!"

"Wait, wait—!" I started, but everything dissolved into white noise. Light. Warmth. Then… nothing.

Everything was dark.

Then came the light, harsh and blinding. Warmth wrapped around me, but it didn't burn. Cold air hit my skin, and my lungs ached as I sucked in my first breath. Everything felt massive, loud, and way too overwhelming.

I had never been this uncomfortable in my life.

Something soft brushed against my skin—warm fabric, maybe a blanket.

"It's a boy!"

The voice was old, but definitely a woman.

So... this was reincarnation. That weird, weightless feeling, stuck in a tiny, helpless body—yeah, that pretty much confirmed it.

I felt myself being lifted. Different arms this time. Warmer, a little shaky, but careful. Something soft pressed against me, like a shield of warmth.

"… He's really here."

The voice was younger, unsteady. Another woman.

I forced my eyes open. Everything was blurry at first, but then my vision sharpened, and I saw her.

She was gorgeous.

Pale skin, flushed cheeks. Long coral-pink hair clinging to her face. Blue eyes shining with unshed tears. A small mole beneath her right eye. Her lips trembled like she couldn't believe what she was seeing.

Then, a soft, breathy laugh escaped her, and she pressed me closer, her forehead resting lightly against mine.

"...My baby," she whispered, her voice trembling with relief and joy.

Also, her chest was absurdly huge.

Look, I wasn't a pervert. Or maybe I was. But that wasn't the point. She was just really well-endowed, and the frilly white blouse barely holding it all together wasn't helping.

The room screamed money, I could tell. Rich fabrics draped the walls. Candlelight flickered off gold trim—classy, not over-the-top, but definitely there to flex. The air had that clean, expensive smell, like fresh linens mixed with something herbal.

Yeah. Definitely nobility.

Was that a good thing? I guess so. I mean, at least I wouldn't have to worry about starving or getting shanked by some random goblin in a ditch.

"Claudia…"

Wait. Claudia?

A second voice. Softer. Nervous. Male.

I turned my head. Well, as much as a newborn could. My vision adjusted.

Standing beside her was a man. Silver-gray hair. Brown skin. Round glasses hiding brown eyes. A neatly groomed mustache. Regal red-and-yellow robes, puffed sleeves, golden trim. A perfectly tilted beret.

…Wait a sec. I know this guy. Wasn't he the one who got cuckolded by his own dad? Does that mean—

"Klaus… He's real. He's truly here. Our son."

My brain hit the brakes so hard I damn near got whiplash. I just stood there, staring, as the woman turned toward him, breathless.

Claudia. Klaus.

…Oh. Oh.

Claudia Levantine. One of the main heroines in this world. No wonder I didn't clock her right away—her hair was down instead of tied up, and she wasn't wearing that joke of an armor set. She actually looked like a noblewoman now. Like someone's wife.

Which meant the guy next to her had to be Klaus Levantine. Or was it Curtis? Shit, I should know this.

I ransacked my memory like a man possessed. In the original story, they never had kids. Klaus was supposed to be infertile… right? So what the hell am I doing here? Is this ROB's idea of giving me a head start? Because if it is, it's a weird one. Kinda problematic, actually.

Unless... something's changed. Maybe Klaus isn't shooting blanks in this timeline? If that's the case, then yeah, we're already off-script.

Could be worse. Might even work in my favor. Klaus's old man was a certified piece of shit who only cared about his legacy. So much so, he raped his son's wife to "fix" the bloodline issue. But if I'm here now… that won't happen. Right?

Yeah. Let's not jinx it.

Right now, Claudia's warm fingers brushing against my cheek had all my attention.

"He has your hair," she whispered, voice cracking. "And your skin. Yet… I believe he has my eyes."

Her fingers traced my face, slow and reverent, like she was trying to memorize every tiny feature.

"He does," Klaus murmured. His gaze lingered on me. "He is… more than we could have hoped for."

Claudia turned to him, exhaustion doing little to dim the warmth in her eyes. "You were anxious."

Klaus hesitated. "I was. I wanted this—for you—for us, but I knew it was never certain."

"And yet, he is here."

"Yes… he is." He reached out, hesitant.

Well, why not? I decided to humor him, gripping his finger with my tiny hand. His breath hitched before a quiet chuckle escaped him, soft, almost disbelieving.

"He is so small," he murmured.

"Most newborns are," Claudia said, amused despite her fatigue.

"Yes… of course." Klaus exhaled, shaking his head at himself. Then his expression softened, eyes still on me. "He is truly a blessing."

He let out a breath, then seemed to remember they weren't alone. Straightening slightly, he cleared his throat.

"Lady Celestine," he said with quiet deference. "Forgive us."

Excuse me, who?

A soft chuckle followed, warm and knowing.

"It is fine, Klaus," a woman said, her voice gentle. "This is a natural moment for any parent."

I turned my head just a little and caught a glimpse of another woman watching me with a kind smile.

Oh nah. That outfit was a crime.

She was ridiculously beautiful—flawless skin, crazy curves, wearing barely anything. The only thing keeping her decent was a black strip running down the center, barely covering her lower regions, with some gold ornament hanging from it. Her golden hair flowed down her back, and her green eyes were almost hypnotic. Her long, pointed ears made it clear she was an elf.

Celestine Lucross. Goddess reborn, founder of the Seven Shields Alliance. The heroine—at least, the one I remembered best.

Also, if I said Claudia's boobs were absurdly huge, then Celestine's were straight-up defying physics. Forget gravity, those things had faith holding them up.

Wait...

Crap. There were more people here.

With some effort, I peeled my gaze away from the two lovebirds and the holy stripper, scanning the rest of my surroundings.

Near the corner stood an older woman. I think she was the one who helped deliver me. She was quiet, watching everything with a calm, distant look.

And then—nope. Nope nope nope.

At the very back of the room stood a grizzled old man in full armor, arms crossed, face carved out of concrete. The kind of guy who probably eats nails for breakfast and washes it down with boiling tar.

And it wasn't just any scary old man.

That was Grave Levantine.

The actual motherf—

A soft hand gently touched my tiny arm, pulling me out of my mental tailspin.

Eh?

"May the heavens bear witness to this child," Celestine's voice rose, serene yet commanding.

The air around us shifted. It became thicker, charged with something I didn't understand but could feel.

"By the light that guides us, by the stars that bless us, and by the will of Goddess Larentia above, I consecrate this child into the embrace of the heavens. May his soul be shielded from darkness, his path lit by wisdom, his heart remain steadfast, and his strength never falter."

A weight settled over me. Something vast, ancient, and powerful.

Then, light.

A soft glow bloomed above me, tiny flecks of golden radiance drifting through the air like falling stars. The warmth that followed was… comforting. Like being wrapped in something safe and endless, something I couldn't quite understand but didn't want to let go of.

Magic.

Real, actual magic.

And just as I was trying to process that—

"Eh'chu."

I sneezed.

The golden flecks shimmered. Wobbled. Then—poof. Gone.

A beat of silence.

Then a laugh. Soft, airy—like wind chimes swaying in the breeze.

"It seems the Goddess already favors him," Celestine murmured, a smile tugging at her lips. "Such a strong little one."

Magic. So that's what it felt like. It had slipped into me like a deep breath—steady, certain, and undeniably real.

I liked it.

She turned to the couple beside me, placing a hand over her heart in a graceful motion.

"Congratulations, both of you. May your child bring you joy and prosperity."

Klaus exhaled slowly, like he'd been holding his breath. He gave a small nod. "Thank you, Your Holiness. We are truly honored."

Celestine smiled, her expression warm yet knowing. "There's no need to thank me, Klaus. This is simply the will of the Goddess." Then, her gaze shifted to Claudia, softening. "But if anyone deserves praise, it is Claudia. She carried this child with love and devotion."

Claudia's blue eyes shimmered with emotion as she gazed down at me, a soft smile on her lips.

"I've dreamed of this for so long… finally holding my child." Her voice quivered. "This is everything I ever wanted."

Wow… she really wanted to be a mom. Like, seriously wanted it. That kind of love was rare. Or maybe it's just me, not being used to it. Either way, it was enough to make me forget for a second that I was in some serious shit.

If Klaus and Claudia looked pretty much the same as they did in the anime, then I had to be born a few years before the main story started.

Which meant I was screwed.

Before I was even out of diapers, there was a damn good chance this whole country was gonna go up in flames. And every man in sight would be turning every woman they found into mindless sex dolls.

Not exactly the fresh start I was hoping for.

"You always wanted to be a mother, Claudia. Now, you've been blessed with that chance." A gentle hand brushed over my forehead as Celestine nodded. "This child is deeply loved, that much is certain."

Then, she looked between them.

"Have you chosen a name?"

Klaus and Claudia exchanged a glance. No words, just some silent understanding.

Claudia lowered her gaze to me, warmth radiating from her smile as she cradled me just a little closer.

"Lucius," she whispered, as if savoring the name. "Lucius Levantine."

Ah. Guess I'll have to get used to that.

Three months since I landed in this world, trapped in the body of an infant.

Now, I lay in a lavish crib, staring up at the ornately decorated ceiling of a noble estate. Soft, silken blankets surrounded me, and the scent of lavender lingered in the air.

Seriously, lavender was everywhere.

My body was weak, uncoordinated, and utterly useless, but my mind remained as sharp as ever.

I let out a quiet sigh… well, at least I tried. My infantile vocal cords didn't quite cooperate.

I was also sucking my thumb. Not that it helped my situation, but it was better than doing nothing.

"Oh, look at him! Isn't Lord Lucius simply adorable?" one of the maids cooed, leaning over my crib.

She was probably youngest of the three, with coral-blonde hair and soft blue eyes. Always doting on me like I was her own kid. It was kind of sweet, honestly.

"His little face is so perfect, like a doll," another maid giggled. She had auburn hair and green eyes, a playful vibe, but still the kind of person who genuinely cared.

"Have you noticed, though? He never cries," the third maid observed. Her purple hair framed her face, and her lavender eyes studied me like I was some puzzle.

Selene, the doting one. Mira, the playful one. And Lydia, the observant one. The three maids who took care of me every day, each with their own thing going on.

"I mean, babies cry all the time, don't they? But Lord Lucius is always so quiet. It's kinda strange, isn't it?" Mira tilted her head, curiosity evident in her eyes.

"You're reading too much into it! He's just a calm baby, that's all," Selene replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Still, it's unusual," Lydia mused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Most infants would at least fuss a little."

Well, yeah, if you're an adult trapped in a baby's body, you'd probably learn to shut up pretty fast, too. Crying was for attention, but I didn't need it-not in the same way an actual baby did.

One thing I couldn't help but notice, though, was that my caretakers were… young. Probably in their late teens. Realistically, shouldn't older, more experienced nannies be the ones handling a noble's infant? Maybe they were still in training. Or maybe this was just how things worked in this world.

That said, I had another observation, one I felt slightly guilty about but couldn't ignore.

Their boobs were massive.

Not cartoonishly big, but definitely prominent enough that I couldn't see their faces half the time unless they leaned down. Not as over-the-top as Claudia's or Celestine's, but still hard to miss.

I get that this is a hentai-world thing, so I understand the appeal, but damn, I find it off-putting.

Before any of the maids could say something else, the nursery doors swung open. Footsteps followed-measured, deliberate. The air shifted. Authority rolled in like a cold wind.

"Tsk. Fawning over the young master again, are we? You're here to care for him, not to gossip like hens in the courtyard."

A shadow loomed above my crib. I felt the weight of her gaze before I even saw her.

Beatrice. The head maid.

She was older, probably in her late fifties, with silver-streaked hair neatly tied into a bun. Her sharp, discerning eyes swept over the maids, instantly silencing them. Her expression wasn't exactly warm, but there was no mistaking her competence.

I was also, for once, glad to see a properly proportioned, realistically built woman! A rare sight in this world, apparently.

The three younger maids straightened up instantly, their faces turning red.

"Apologies, Head Maid Beatrice!" they chorused.

Beatrice sighed before stepping closer to the crib, her experienced gaze sweeping over me. After a moment, she frowned slightly.

"The young lord is hungry."

The maids exchanged confused glances.

"But... he hasn't cried or fussed at all. How can you tell?" Lydia asked.

"Patterns, my dear," Beatrice said knowingly. "He may not cry, but his little hands keep clenching and unclenching, and he's been sucking on nothing for a while now. An experienced caregiver learns to read the signs."

"Ooooh," the three maids said in unison.

I couldn't help but glance down at myself, then back at Beatrice, replaying her words in my head. Clenching fists… sucking on nothing…

Ah. Yeah. That is exactly what I was doing.

Now that she mentioned it, I was starting to feel a little hungry.

Beatrice huffed before turning to them. "Lady Claudia will be arriving soon to breastfeed him. Make sure everything is prepared."

The maids nodded and scurried off to ready the room, leaving me to my thoughts once more.

Now, while I do have a rough idea of when Vault and his merry little band of rapists will start making moves—but that means jack if I can't even find the damn Omnitrix. The ROB just said I'd get it "eventually" and then dropped me here like it wasn't his problem. Didn't even say how it'd show up—crash through the roof? Appear out of nowhere? I've got nothing.

For all I know, I might not find it at all.

Maybe it's stuck in some ancient ruin halfway across the continent. Maybe it's broken. Hell, maybe it doesn't even exist and this is just one big cosmic joke at my expense.

So now it's all on me. Figure it out. With no leads, no backup, barely enough brainpower to pass basic algebra anymore—and worse, I've got so little time to work with.

Damn it… I should've picked an innate skill instead.

Footsteps echoed down the hallway and before I knew it, Claudia appeared in my line of sight as she leaned down over the crib. She was wearing a simple, but clearly noble dress. It was a soft pastel green with some lace trim. Nothing too flashy, but you could definitely tell she had money.

Unfortunately, the dress barely made an effort to cover her cleavage.

"Lucius," she said, her voice steady but soft as she reached down to lift me from the crib. "How are you, my dear?"

I blinked up at her, feeling like a ragdoll as she scooped me up.

Honestly, I felt sorry for her. Even though Klaus was infertile, she stuck with him. In the visual novel, she had to endure some truly fucked-up shit-humiliation, rape, and every sick thing these assholes in this world could throw at her, just to protect him.

And after all that? The guy bailed on her. Broke her completely.

That kind of loyalty is so rare, it's insane.

So yeah, having me here, her actual biological kid, must've been a huge relief. She probably felt like she hit the jackpot.

I gave her a smile, or at least I tried. All I could manage was a squeak as I reached for her face with my little baby hands.

"Wa'uh."

Claudia smiled down at me, her face lighting up with affection. "Look at you, already reaching for me. You're growing up so quickly."

She looked up at Beatrice, who was standing silently by the door, as if waiting for permission to speak.

"How is he, Beatrice?" she asked, her tone calm but with a little edge of concern, like she was checking up on me.

Beatrice gave a small nod and then turned her sharp gaze back to me. "Quite well, Lady Claudia. However, he is hungry. The signs are clear."

Claudia's smile softened even more as she gently adjusted me in her arms, her fingers lightly brushing against my skin.

Claudia chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I've faced plenty of challenges as a Holy Knight, but none of them quite prepared me for this." She looked down at me with a warm, affectionate smile. "This is a whole different kind of experience, isn't it?"

Beatrice hummed. "Well, motherhood isn't much different, really. Just another kind of battle. Less blood and more patience."

"Is that so?" Claudia murmured, glancing down at me as she adjusted her hold. "Did you hear that, Lucius? Looks like your mother still has a lot to learn."

She brushed a thumb over my tiny hand.

"But I'll get there. For you."

ACK! What is this overwhelming feeling?

Beatrice observed the scene, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "He is fortunate to have you, Lady Claudia."

Claudia's gaze remained on me. "I am fortunate to have him."

Gah! This sweetness! It's too much!

She shifted me gently in her arms, moving to unbutton her blouse with practiced ease. It was a quiet, natural motion, her focus entirely on me as she prepared to nurse. I latched on without hesitation.

What? You think I'd be weird about it? Please. She's my mother now. That's all there is to it.

"How are the maids managing?" Claudia asked, shifting slightly in her seat as I did my thing.

Beatrice let out a quiet huff, arms crossed. "They're competent enough. Still rough around the edges, but they've yet to drop the boy on his head, so I suppose that counts for something."

Claudia raised a brow. "No accidents?"

"Not on my watch. I raised you, didn't I?" Beatrice shot back.

Claudia chuckled. "That you did."

You'd be surprised how much you can pick up from conversations like this, especially when you're stuck in a crib all day. Little details that weren't in the visual novel. Like how Beatrice used to take care of Claudia when she was a toddler and has been her personal maid ever since. Lydia's apparently a chess prodigy, and Selene's got a thing for one of our manservants, Rowan.

You know, just random stuff.

Beatrice stood beside her, ever watchful. "And Lord Klaus?"

Claudia sighed. "As always, he scarcely comes up for air. Half his day is spent wading through grievances, the other half reminding the Mournveils that the economy is not theirs to command, least of all when they refuse to settle their debts."

Oh right, Klaus is still canonically a glorified civil servant.

Beatrice smirked, shaking her head. "A fruitless battle, that one."

"It is."

"... And what of Lord Grave?" Beatrice inquired, her gaze steady.

Eugh. Just hearing that name made my skin crawl.

Claudia, still nursing me, felt the slight flinch in my body. She blinked, brows knitting in confusion as she glanced down.

"Is something wrong, sweetheart?" Claudia's voice was soft, almost a whisper, as she leaned in closer. "You were drinking so well just a moment ago."

Panic shot through me, and I immediately latched on tighter, drinking even more to cover my reaction.

"... Greedy little thing." She shook her head, dismissing it as nothing more than a babe's whim. Then she glanced back at Beatrice. "Father has departed for Feoh to meet with Princess Alicia. The Western Fortress-City is under siege once more. It worsens by the day, and there's talk of a counteroffensive. He's gone to ensure the defenses hold firm. They need his counsel to plan their next move, and he won't return until the situation is secured."

The Levantine family controls the fortress of Ken and has significant influence over most of the alliance's military forces. That means the Seven Fortresses were unified long before the Princess Knights even came into play.

Princess Alicia, though? That's strange... Why is she the one handling this? I'm pretty sure she's still barely a teenager at this point.

Beatrice's brow furrowed. "That poor girl... She only recently took the throne, didn't she?"

Wait—just took the throne?

Claudia gave a slow nod. "She did. Far too young for what she's being asked to carry... but she's doing her best."

Beatrice's voice softened. "She lost both her parents in the last siege, if I recall."

Claudia's expression dimmed. She looked down at me for a moment, her smile faltering just a touch. "Yes. She did."

Well, that's new.

So... Alicia's parents just died?

Holy shit. I don't remember every detail from the visual novel, but in most of the fanfics I read back then, it was implied her parents were already gone before the story even started. Guess this basically confirms it—her parents are out of the picture before things even kick off. Still, how the hell do you let a kid run a kingdom? I can't help but feel bad for her.

As for Grave... I've never actually seen him, except for the day I was born, but I sure as hell don't want to run into that guy.

On top of that, looks like he hasn't retired yet, unlike in the game. So that checks out.

Beatrice exhaled slowly, gaze trailing toward the window. "It must be hard… being left behind while the rest of the world moves forward. So many are gone…"

"It is hard," Claudia said, voice low. "But not unbearable."

She looked down at me, brushing her fingers through my hair in a slow, affectionate stroke. "Some things are worth staying behind for."

... Claudia had paused her whole life—for me. She couldn't return to the Holy Knights, not yet. Not until I was older, off the tit, and could go more than two hours without crapping myself. It made sense. But it couldn't be easy, watching the world turn from the sidelines.

Beatrice looked at me then. "And your son's future? Have you and Lord Klaus talked about that?"

Claudia's lips curled up slightly, a faint, knowing smile on her face. "Klaus and I agreed, whatever Lucius decides, it's his choice."

If we even have a future to walk into…

Beatrice raised an eyebrow. "And what of Lord Grave? You know he's likely to take the boy under his wing."

Claudia nodded, her gaze steady. "It is true. But I trust Father's judgment. He is the reason I became a Holy Knight, after all. Though he is strict, he has always had a kind heart. Despite his differences with Klaus, he's never wavered in his role as a father."

Press X to doubt.

"But ultimately, it's Lucius's choice. We've never believed in forcing him down a path he doesn't want." Claudia finished.

Beatrice nodded. "I suppose that's true. Still, given his bloodline, it's hard to imagine him turning away from the path of a knight. Though I suppose you never know what direction a child will take."

Claudia chuckled softly. "That's the crux of it, isn't it? Even with the Levantine name, he could very well choose something entirely different. Klaus and I know better than anyone that the heart chooses its own way."

I already knew Claudia was a softie, despite being one of the strongest Holy Knights. But hearing her speak like this—understanding, almost vulnerable—it was a side of her I hadn't seen before. Refreshing. Human.

But then, I couldn't shake the thought of Grave training me. The idea alone made my stomach twist. Sure, he was powerful—skilled, respected. Hell, they practically worship him as the hero of this fortress, maybe even the whole damn country.

But no. Absolutely not.

He sacrificed an entire fortress just to rape Claudia. All for some sick obsession with continuing the bloodline.

I couldn't trust him. Not for a second.

Beatrice tilted her head, looking at Claudia with a thoughtful expression. "You really suit motherhood, Lady Claudia. Ever think about stepping away from all this? Just… settling into that life?"

Claudia exhaled quietly, her voice steady but firm. "Maybe one day. But not now. Not with the war getting worse."

She glanced down at me as I finished nursing, our eyes meeting in that small, quiet moment. Her expression softened, the warmth in her gaze unmistakably maternal.

"This family, my son, my people, and the vows I've made—those are what I fight for. I didn't become a Holy Knight to walk away when things get difficult. I made a promise, and I intend to honor it."

God, that was cool. The kind of thing someone says when they actually mean it. The kind of dedication you don't fake. And the more I listened, the more it hit me just how much had been taken from her. How little of that strength the story ever showed.

Beatrice studied her for a beat, then offered a faint smile. "Still as stubborn as ever."

Claudia gave a nod, matching the smile. "Maybe. But... I have to be."

Yeah… I'll save them. I don't know how yet—but I will. Or die trying.

I just turned two. My arms and legs are getting stronger, and I'm starting to be able to stand for longer stretches, even take a few wobbly steps on my own. My coordination's coming together.

Sadly, Mama Claudia isn't here anymore. She had to return to her duties as a Holy Knight in Geofu the moment I walked—surprisingly normal for my age, considering the circumstances. She said she needed to go, but I could tell it hurt her. She's always been torn between being a mother and a knight. But, that's just how it is.

So, that leaves me here. Alone.

Well, not alone. Not exactly.

"Now, Lucius," Klaus says gently, "if you have two apples, and I give you two more, how many will you have?"

I hold up four fingers. "Fowah."

A pleased smile crosses his face. "Very good. And if you gave one away?"

I lower a finger. "Thwee."

"Correct." His voice is warm, but there's something else beneath it-curiosity, maybe? Like he didn't expect me to follow along so easily.

We're in his study, a quiet, well-kept room filled with the scent of parchment and ink. Tall bookshelves line the wooden walls, and a sturdy desk sits near the fireplace, unlit but still adding a sense of warmth to the space. Sunlight filters through a window framed by deep green curtains, casting a soft glow across the room.

I sit in a small chair, my feet barely touching the floor, while Klaus stands in front of me. And, if I had to guess, a little overwhelmed.

I mean, I practically strong-armed him into tutoring me.

It's been almost a month now since we began. Most kids don't start lessons like this until they're three or four, but I don't have time to sit around waiting. I already lost enough time just learning how to walk and talk again.

I need to catch up, fast.

Klaus studies me for a moment before speaking again. "You're learning quickly," he notes. "Most children your age can barely count past five, yet you grasp these concepts with ease."

I nod. "I wike countin'."

My voice comes out tiny and high-pitched—no surprise there. I mean, I'm two. Still can't say my Ls or Rs properly, and S sounds get all smushed together if I talk too fast.

He chuckles. "That's good. Then let's continue. If you had ten apples and gave me five, how many would you have left?"

Alright, gotta pace myself here. Can't just blurt it out. I tilt my head like I'm deep in thought, then slowly hold up five fingers.

"Fibe."

His smile widens. "Very good!"

We continue like this for a while, simple numbers, addition, subtraction. I make sure not to answer too quickly, just enough to seem bright but not unnaturally so. It's a delicate balance.

Eventually, Klaus claps his hands together. "That's enough for today."

Wait, what? No. That's not nearly enough!

I frown, eyebrows scrunching up. "But… I not dun yet,"

Klaus blinks, a little caught off guard. "Lucius, learning is important, but so is rest and play."

I shake my head quickly. "Papa, I wanna wite 'gain."

His face softens, but I see it-that little bit of hesitation."We already practiced writing this morning."

We didn't, though. He did all the writing.

"No, you wote. I din't!" I say, my big eyes wide, looking at him.

He exhales, rubbing the back of his neck.

"... You certainly take after your mother," he mutters, but he's smiling. "Very well. Let's move on to a longer passage this time."

Finally. Actual progress!

He takes a seat beside me, picking up a quill and a fresh sheet of parchment. "Watch closely."

I'm learning Aurelian, the written language here. It uses the same letters as English, but the words are totally different—like a cipher or a European cousin that looks familiar but makes no sense.

The spoken language, Eostian, tricked me at first. I thought I was speaking English. It felt like English. But the more I listened, the more I realized—nope. Not English. Just my brain auto-translating.

Classic isekai perk: built-in language cheat.

Thanks, ROB.

Eostian's named after the land of Eos, out west on the Serenus continent. It's the dominant language here, and while I can speak and understand it just fine, writing's a different beast. I've been at it for weeks, and I still can't make sense of half the stuff in old scrolls or handwritten letters.

Seriously, the lore in this world is actually rich. It just keeps getting buried under a pile of sex-crazed lunatics.

Right now, it was time for me to write.

My hands are tiny, my grip is trash, and every stroke of the quill feels like I'm diffusing a bomb with chopsticks. Smudges, shaky letters, random ink blots—chaos. But I keep going.

After some serious struggling, I finally manage to scribble out something that sort of resembles a sentence.

"I diddit!" I blurt out, still clutching the quill like it's a damn victory flag.

I look down at the paper—messy as hell, but readable. Barely. I can feel ink drying on my cheek, which probably looks like a war wound in toddler terms.

—My name is Lucius Levantine, and I love apples.—

I immediately shove it in Klaus's face. He blinks, eyebrows rising a little before he lets out a quiet laugh.

"Not bad at all," he says, placing a firm yet gentle hand on my head. "You're progressing well. Keep at it, and soon enough, writing will come naturally."

Klaus was... soft. He never learned how to stand up for himself. Watching him get cuckolded didn't surprise me. It was just the kind of thing that always happened to guys like him in a story like this. What really got to me, though, was how he left Claudia when she needed him the most. After everything the Black Dogs did to her—the relentless rape, the humiliation, the abuse, all of it—Claudia endured it all to protect him. And when it counted, he bailed.

That's what broke her. After that, Claudia became a shell of herself, chasing dick like it was air.

And yeah, I've been angry at Klaus. But not because I think he's evil. I just think he gave up. He was powerless. He let it all happen when doing something, anything, would have been better. Even if it cost him.

But... I don't hate him.

For all his flaws, Klaus is still a good man. He might not have the strength or confidence, but that doesn't make him a bad person. I can't hate him. Because in a world this fucked up, he's still better than most guys out there.

Klaus studies my writing for a moment, then shakes his head. "At this rate, you'll be reading entire books before most children even learn their letters."

"Books?" My eyes light up. "I wanna wead books!"

Here's the thing: I'm pretty sure I can actually read one-maybe not fluently, but enough to follow along if Klaus helps. But he keeps acting like I'm not ready yet, even though he reads to me all the time during our lessons.

Come on, Klaus. I'm not that helpless.

He chuckles, sets the quill down, and reaches out to wipe an ink smudge off my cheek. His eyes linger on my writing for a moment, like he's figuring out what to say next.

"One step at a time, Lucius," he finally says, voice thoughtful. "Let's make sure you can write more than just one clean sentence first."

I puff my cheeks. "But Papa, I wanna do more than jus' wite stwuff..."

Maybe it's finally time I start reading on my own. I've got the basics of the written language down. I don't exactly love reading, but I need it. I need to learn more about this world—its history, politics, the lore. All of it. There's a lot I need to know that doesn't involve the usual, unhinged sexual distractions.

Klaus raises an eyebrow slightly, considering my words.

"... Well, if you're determined to read books this badly, you'll certainly need to know how. Let's begin with something simple." He scans the bookshelf behind him, then pulls out a small children's book. Flipping through the pages, he nods in approval.

"This will do," he says, kneeling beside me. As I remain seated in the chair, he meets my gaze at eye level and holds the book out to me. The cover is simple yet captivating, featuring a knight on horseback, sword raised, facing a dark and ominous forest. The title reads The Brave Knight and the Witch's Curse.

Klaus smiles gently. "It's about a knight who saves a princess from an evil witch. Or at least, that's how the story goes. A classic tale of bravery and sacrifice."

I lean forward eagerly. "Gimme gimme! I wanna wead it!"

Klaus hesitates for a brief moment, then hands the book over. It's a bit heavy for me to hold, but I manage. I crack open the first page and run my fingers across the words, trying to make sense of them. Most of it's above my head, but I manage to grasp the general idea.

Klaus watches me closely, his gaze calm and patient. "Do you understand it, Lucius?"

"Uhh... I fink so?" I answer, nodding quickly. "Yeah! I get it!"

Okay, maybe I stumbled a little on a few words, but I can follow the sentence patterns. I just need to study more to fully grasp it.

"You're advancing much faster than I expected," Klaus says, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "And it hasn't even been a month…"

"...Is dat bad?" I ask, trying to mask my worry.

Klaus chuckles softly, shaking his head. "Not bad at all. In fact, I'm quite proud of you! I believe you'll learn even more quickly than I initially thought."

Still, way too slow for someone with an adult mind in a kid's body.

Just as I'm about to speak, there's a sharp knock at the door.

Klaus's expression changes, becoming more serious. He stands, his body tense as he scans the door.

"Come in," he calls, his voice firm but calm.

The door creaks open, and an older maid enters—oh, it's just Beatrice. "Lord Klaus, there's a matter that requires your attention," she says calmly.

"Hi, Auntie Bee-a-twice!" I say, waving my hand. "You wook vewy nice today!"

Beatrice smiles kindly, her eyes softening as she responds, "Thank you, Young Master. You're quite the charmer. It's a pleasure to see you so well-mannered."

Klaus glances at me, offering a brief, apologetic smile. "Alright, Lucius, we'll continue later. I'll return shortly."

"M'kay!" I reply, and he presses his forehead gently to mine before stepping out with Beatrice.

Just as I think I finally have the room to myself, I hear footsteps approaching.

"Lord Lucius, it's time for your lunch!" A familiar voice calls out. Selene, with her coral-blonde hair and bright smile, pops into the doorway. Her blue eyes gleam with happiness as she looks at me expectantly.

... So much for having time to myself.

"M'kay…" I reply, trying to mask my mild disappointment as we head down the hallway.

"Oh, why do you sound so sad, Lord Lucius?" Selene notices immediately, and I can't help but give a small frown.

"I wanna wead..." I say, glancing toward Klaus' study room before looking back at Selene.

Selene's expression softens, and she crouches down to my level, giving me a gentle, sympathetic smile. "Aww, what a smart boy you are! But don't worry, after lunch, I'll take you right back to your reading. How does that sound?"

I nod eagerly, my small smile returning. "M'kay!"

Selene's eyes twinkle as she pats my head. "Such a good boy, Lord Lucius! You're getting so clever, I can't help but spoil you a little."

The hallway ahead is grand, with high ceilings, gold trim, and marble floors that reflect the light. A red floral carpet contrasts with the pale stone, and dark red curtains add drama. Chandeliers hang overhead, casting soft light through the shadows, while the air carries a faint scent of stone and metal. It feels more like a stage than a hallway.

Selene opens the large doors, and we step into a breathtaking space. A grand staircase spirals down, framed by gold railings, with polished marble floors below. Selene holds my hand as I carefully follow, making my way down the stairs. Once we reach the bottom, we continue walking.

We enter a massive hall, tall columns lining the space and vaulted ceilings stretching far above.

A long table in the center is loaded with food. Roast meats, fresh fruit, bread, and honey cakes. Empty chairs cast long shadows, bathed in soft light.

Yeah, we were loaded.

Technically, the Levantine family didn't wear crowns, but we didn't need them. We held the fortress, the land, the loyalty of its people. In every way that mattered, we ruled here. If you wanted to know who called the shots, who was the heart of this place, you wouldn't find a throne. You'd find a man. The one sitting at the center of the table.

"Ah, grandson. You've arrived," Grave greets me from the head of the table, his posture as straight as a board.

I still hate him though.

"Hewwo, Gwandfader." I reply, keeping it simple.

His eyes flick toward Selene, who's standing quietly with her hands folded in front of her. The shift from her usual energetic self is obvious.

"Where is my son?" Grave asks, his voice calm but carrying that weight of command.

Selene steps forward, offering an apologetic smile. "Apologies, Lord Grave, but Lord Klaus has been called away on urgent matters. Head maid Beatrice informed me that he won't be joining us today."

Grave's lips press into a thin line. His disappointment is clear.

"That boy..." he mutters, mostly to himself. "Even now, he shirks his responsibilities."

Another fun fact I've noticed since arriving—Klaus still carries the Levantine surname. Likely because, in his twisted way, Grave still considered him worthy of it. But when Klaus was diagnosed as infertile, I think that was the final nail in the coffin. It probably solidified Grave's decision to write him off as unworthy of continuing the family line.

Well, I guess I should be grateful I exist. Right?

His gaze shifts back to me, softening just slightly, though there's still that sharp edge in his eyes.

"Come. Sit with me, Lucius."

I nod and move to sit. The chair is comfortable, but the action feels a little awkward because of my size. Selene steps forward gracefully and gently fills my plate with roast meat, bread, and fruit. Just enough to fill a small stomach.

"Fank you, Sewe-ne," I say, voice soft but polite.

She kneels a little, smiling warmly. "You're very welcome, Lord Lucius."

She steps back as I curl my fingers around the spoon and begin eating.

"I hear you've begun your studies," Grave says, his gaze assessing me.

"Yes, Gwandfader," I answer, keeping it respectful.

"Good," he continues. "Discipline and knowledge are the foundations of our family. Your father..." He pauses, and I notice a fleeting expression, something between regret and frustration, crossing his features. "He's chosen his own path, for better or worse. But you, Lucius, will carry the Levantine legacy. You are the heir."

He's dumping all this heavy stuff on a two-year-old like it's nothing. Damn.

But the legacy he's talking about? It's not something I want. Last names don't mean shit when enemies couldn't care less.

"... Say, Lucius," Graves pulls me from my thoughts, his voice softer but still commanding, "What do you envision for your future?"

Who does this old man think I am, some kind of grown-up? I mean, I am mentally, but still…

Truth is, I haven't really thought about it. I've been too wrapped up trying to figure out how to save the women in this world, find the Omnitrix before the story even kicks off, and bring down Vault and the Black Dogs.

Might not even find the Omnitrix. That's the truth.

So I need to get stronger. Smarter. But I'm just a toddler. There's only so much I can pull off on my own.

So yeah. I need help.

I set my spoon down and meet his eyes.

"I wanna be a knite." I say.

I want to be an adventurer, actually, but whatever. For now, it'll go along with his good side.

Grave's eyes flicker with approval before it's quickly masked by his usual stoicism.

"A wise choice," he says. "It makes you a thousand times better than your father."

Can you stop riding your hate boner for Klaus for like one damn second?

"If that is what you wish, then I will personally guide you, Lucius, to ensure you're ready," he continues. "Study hard and prepare yourself for the inevitable future. Knighthood is earned through more than just desire. It requires strength, strategy, and unwavering commitment. And I will make sure to instill all that in you."

Unwavering commitment? Yeah, nice speech, especially considering you gave up the whole damn fortress for mama's coochie.

"Yes, Gwandfader." I reply, keeping the thought to myself, of course.

"Good."

And with that, we continue eating in silence.

I chew slowly.

God, I wanna learn magic.

Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, bathing the east sitting room in warm gold. This wing of the estate was meant for informal affairs—where noble ladies gossiped, handmaids spoke freely, and young lords like me could loaf around unbothered.

I had just turned three, and I already knew how to read, write, and speak properly. Being pampered for a year leaves you with little else to do.

Selene stood at the bed, humming a cheerful tune as she folded a fresh stack of tunics with practiced ease. Mira sat on a cushioned bench near the window, gently combing her fingers through my hair in smooth, calming motions. Lydia sat cross-legged on the carpet, twirling a ribbon between her fingers as she spoke, her tone light and amused.

"—And so I told her, 'Iris, you can't castle out of check,'" Lydia said with a light laugh. "She looked at me like I'd grown horns."

"Better than Bram," Mira said dryly. "Didn't he throw his rook across the room when you checkmated him?"

Lydia smirked. "Fourteen moves. He panicked after a bishop feint."

"That poor man," Selene giggled, glancing over her shoulder. "He won't even come near the game board anymore. Said you've got a devil's eye for traps."

It always made me pause. Chess didn't seem all that common here—especially not for commoners. Even in real medieval history, it was mostly a noble's game, more about showing off wit than real competition. Women playing wasn't typical either, though it wasn't unheard of among the well-educated.

In any case, hearing them talk about it so casually always felt a little odd.

"Oh please, it's just practice," Lydia replied with a soft shrug, still playing with the ribbon. "Patterns and timing. That's all."

She spoke with a calm certainty—more conviction than pride. Not arrogance, exactly, just quiet confidence in her own skill.

In my past life, I wasn't a chess prodigy or anything. I played a bit in high school—made it to district level once before getting knocked out. I dabbled online after that, played against a few AIs. Those bastards were brutal.

Still, I had the basics down. And ever since I was reborn, I'd noticed Lydia's quiet brilliance whenever she played. I'd just never had the opportunity to challenge her… until now.

I couldn't help myself.

"…What's chess?" I asked.

All three maids paused, then turned to me with warm smiles, probably thinking they were about to explain something far beneath my intellect.

"It's a thinking game, Lord Lucius," Selene chimed brightly, bouncing over and kneeling beside me. "You have queens, knights, little castles—each with their own rules! All on a board!"

"It's not quite as fun as she makes it sound," Mira added, running a hand through my hair. "Mostly it's about staring at the board and stressing over your next move."

"Unless you're good at it," Lydia said, lounging on the carpet, rolling a ribbon between her fingers. "Then it's very satisfying."

I tilted my head. "Can I try?"

Lydia blinked, clearly surprised. "You... want to play?"

"Only if it's okay," I said quickly. "It just sounds fun…"

Selene leaned in, practically glowing with excitement. "Come on, what's the harm? It's just a little game. It'll help you think better!"

"He's only three," Lydia muttered to herself, clearly not believing I could handle it. "He doesn't even know the rules."

"Then teach him!" Selene insisted with a grin. "He's sharp. You know how fast he picks things up."

Mira chuckled, brushing a finger under my chin, her tone teasing. "He'll probably learn it faster than any of us. Remember when he corrected Lord Klaus?"

Selene paused, then smiled, her voice soft and doting as she imitated me. "'Actually, Papa,'" she said in my tone, "'your reasoning is a bit off. The equation doesn't balance because you've ignored the variable in the first clause.'" She laughed, eyes sparkling. "Lord Klaus just stared at him, like someone had told him two plus two was five."

The memory made me smile. A couple of weeks ago, I'd been sitting on Klaus's lap while he tried to untangle some messy estate numbers. I'd noticed an error and casually pointed it out. Klaus had just given me this tired little nod—by now, he expected this sort of thing from me.

The maids, though? They had not been ready.

They were all there, waiting to feed me, and when I dropped that correction, their jaws practically hit the floor.

"Was I not supposed to say that..." I asked, glancing up.

They looked at me. Then at Lydia. All in perfect sync, like making a silent point.

Lydia sighed in surrender. "Fine. But I won't go easy on you, Lord Lucius!"

She rose, retrieved a chessboard from the nearby shelf, and placed it on the table between us. The pieces were carved from smooth marble—one set a creamy white, the other a deep forest green.

She explained the rules patiently, guiding me through each move—the rook's long lines, the pawn's limitations, the queen's power. I played the fool for a while, moving awkwardly, letting her take pieces, gasping dramatically when she captured my rook.

Then came a bishop feint. A knight fork. A rook sacrifice.

And finally…

"Um… is this checkmate?" I asked, nudging my queen forward, looking up with the most innocent smile I could muster.

Lydia froze.

Her lavender eyes scanned the board, disbelief spreading across her face. She leaned in, tracing the possibilities again and again, as if they might rearrange themselves.

"H-How in the Goddess' name…?" she whispered.

Mira and Selene leaned closer, eyes wide. Selene gasped and covered her mouth. Mira raised her brows, watching as though she were witnessing the climax of a dramatic play.

I had used exactly five moves. Guess I haven't lost my touch.

Lydia leaned back slowly, her hand still hovering over the board.

Mira let out a short laugh, folding her arms with a grin. "Oooh, the great Chess Queen just got bested by a child no older than three. Should we fetch your crown, or are you handing it over willingly?"

Selene giggled from the couch, where she was folding laundry. "I told you he was clever! You should've seen his face while you were explaining the rules—so serious. Like a tiny old man in baby skin."

Yikes, I got called out.

"I—No—I wasn't even trying yet—" Lydia sputtered, her cheeks bright pink. "H-How!?"

I shrank back slightly in Mira's lap, letting my lip wobble ever so slightly.

"… D-Did I mess something up?"

That was the final blow.

Selene dropped the tunic she'd been folding and rushed to my side.

"No, no, Lord Lucius, you did everything right!" she cooed, pressing a kiss to my cheek. "You were perfect!"

Mira turned me gently, hugging me from behind. "A brilliant little lord you are. A gift from the stars, that's what you are."

Even Lydia, still dazed, knelt beside me with a soft, sheepish smile.

"You didn't do anything wrong, Lord Lucius," she said gently. "You just... surprised me, that's all." She let out a small laugh. "I should've known better."

I gave her a shy nod, still pretending to look unsure—though inside, I was cackling like a madman. These women were so easy to charm with the right expressions.

Then, as if on cue, Selene leaned in and sniffed near my neck.

My, my so forward.

"Mmm… Lord Lucius always smells like lavender," she remarked dreamily. "So soft and calming. I could hold him forever…"

"Do I?" I asked, blinking up at her, genuinely curious.

"Yes," Mira replied with a light laugh. "Like sunshine, lavender, and something warm. It's as if the Goddess herself granted you a charm for cuddles."

Lydia leaned in, sniffing the air, and then smirked. "He does smell pleasant. Fresh, too. Did you give him a bath this morning, Selene?"

"Of course!" Selene beamed with pride. "And I added a bit of lavender oil. He's our special little lord."

"Well, in addition to that, Lady Celestine graced him with her presence," Mira added, her voice taking on a reverent tone. "She traveled all the way from Geofu to perform the rite for Lord Lucius. He's more than special—honestly, we should consider ourselves fortunate to be the ones caring for him."

"Indeed," Selene agreed, her voice filled with awe. "And it explains why he's so clever. Another blessing from Her Grace, no doubt."

"Yes, Lord Lucius is truly extraordinary," Lydia said, nodding with a smile.

I mean… I'm only like this because I remember my past life, but sure, let them think it's some divine gift.

I let my thoughts drift as their voices faded into the background. That's when a little thread of doubt tugged at the back of my mind.

Lady Celestine.

She's essentially their living deity. Revered. Worshiped. Practically untouchable. There's no way someone like her would leave her sanctuary without serious purpose. Not without significant consequences. The church, after all, is composed of devout zealots—robes, relics, and rituals of the highest order. If she sneezed, they'd probably declare a holy day in her honor.

So why?

Why would she come all the way here just to bless a kid? Me, specifically?

I frowned inwardly.

Maybe it's Claudia. She's one of Celestine's personal holy knights. Maybe she pulled some strings? They seemed close in the visual novel, so it could've been personal.

"—Galen can't even grow a proper beard. He still looks like a boy in his father's boots."

Their conversation drifted, gradually veering into less child-friendly territory. They often forgot how much I understood—more than I let on.

Selene giggled. "I'd still take a baby-faced noble over those Black Dog mercenaries any day. Ugh. Bunch of uncouth brutes."

That made my ears perk up. Quietly, I listened.

"Oh! The Black Dogs," Lydia echoed, perking up. "Weren't they the ones who helped defend Feoh a few weeks ago? Everyone's saying they saved hundreds when the monsters attacked the fortress."

"Yes, that was them," Mira nodded. "And have you seen Kin, their mage? I only saw him once, but gods, he's something else. Tall, handsome, enigmatic… quite the type for me."

Selene sighed dramatically. "Mmm… if only he weren't surrounded by that pack of animals. I heard they leer at every woman they pass. Like they've never seen a skirt before."

"Barbarians," Lydia agreed. "Effective, but completely uncivilized. Still… isn't there a woman among them? I forget her name."

I knew it. Of course, I did. But I said nothing, just stayed nestled in Mira's lap, pretending to be half-asleep.

"She's some kind of scout, right?" Selene wondered. "Or was she a blade-dancer?"

"I'm not sure," Mira said with a shrug. "But can you imagine a life like that? Traveling with nothing but rough men, fighting monsters, darkspawn…"

"It's not like anyone has a choice," Lydia muttered. "The war's getting worse. Everyone's desperate. At least the Black Dogs are on our side."

"For the Goddess' light," Selene said quietly, placing a hand over her heart. "Through prayer, this war will end. We have to believe that. Lady Celestine has always guided and protected us."

"Indeed," Mira said, her voice filled with deep reverence. "As long as she believes in hope, we must trust that there's always a way forward."

I didn't show it, but inside, I let out a sigh.

Faith will save us. Prayer will protect us. That kind of blind hope is exactly what let this country fall apart in the first place. Nobody ever did anything—at least not until it was way too late.

That's why I'm here. Call it a second chance… or maybe just a cosmic middle finger. Either way, I'm supposed to change how this ends. To stop this place from becoming a country meant for sex. And yet, with everything on the line, the one thing I actually need is still missing. Like the universe is watching, waiting to see what I'll do without it

Fine. Let it watch.

Maybe it's not coming. Maybe it never was. If that's the case, I'll move on without it.

Sitting around hoping doesn't fix anything.

Somebody's gotta act. Might as well be me.

Author's note:

I'm currently working on the cover illustration for this fanfic. Stay tuned!