After several months since I realized that I reincarnated, it has been 8 months. I've already walk and even speak fluently. But that will make people around me suspicious, so I still pretended to be a normal baby.
I honestly don't understand why I was reincarnated, even i still remember my previous life. If I were in the ancient ages, my knowledge of the last world should be useful. But I don't know if this world is modern or not. Because I haven't left this room since I was born.
To be sure, I was born into a noble family. I've already know, because there was a maid who helped my mother. Even every time my father visited me, the clothes he wore always looked luxurious. Until finally at my birthday, I know all about my family.
It was supposed to be my special day, the anniversary of my first birthday. But there was something surprising...
It turns out that all this time I was the first child and also the rightful heir of a King named Mayr. I didn't know because my father never wore his crown when he visited me. I never even heard he talk about the kingdom all this time. And I only found out about it when I was exactly 1 year old, that day my mother told me everything in front of the mirror.
"Arsalyr, you are now a year old. Look at the mirror, you're already getting taller. I think you will grow even taller faster. And when you are as tall as me, you will be a king like your father. I can't wait for that time to come."
What does that mean? A king? My father? So all this time my father was a king? I was shocked when I heard mom say that, and my mouth unconsciously say a word.
"King?"
"Right, King. Oh how cute my son, I don't know when you've gotten better at talking. Whereas before you could only say father and mother, now you can say many things, your father must be happy when he hear you say many things."
Knock knock. There seemed to be someone knocking on the door.
"Excuse me ma'am, The King is waiting for you."
Then mom hurriedly opened the door and told the person to come in. It was Filys, the maid who had served my mother's family since before she married my father. Then they talked about something, which I couldn't hear. After that, Mom came to me and spoke to me again.
"Sorry Ars, I have to go. You better get ready, I leave it to you Filys, make Ars look handsome, okay?"
After that my mother left us, then Filys took some clothes and put that on me. I actually didn't care which clothes I had to wear. I wondered what they would do to me. So, I ventured to ask Filys.
"Filys, where's mom going?"
"Oh dear young master, since when you can talk like that? Surely your mom will be happy to hear you. Oh right, mommy is meeting daddy. And you must be handsome when you meet them."
Actually, my mother knew about it first, and I had seen it. Mom who was always excited when she trained me to speak, of course she would be the first to be happy.
"Handsome?"
"Right, young master should look handsome. Because today is a special day. Everyone will come to see and greet you, and then your mother and father will show everyone your good looks."
"Why?" I still didn't understand what Filys mean.
"Uh, cause you're the heir who will lead the Kingdom of Trath one day. Everyone should know that, and it could reduce the turmoil of the rebellion. I'm sure when you grow up you'll understand."
Huh? Rebellion? Why should there be a rebellion?
After that, I heard a very loud noise. It was followed by an explosion, similar to the sound of firecrackers. Could this be a big celebration?
Given that today was my birthday, and Filys had said that everyone would come to see me.
I was getting excited, and couldn't wait to see it. If the system of government here is a kingdom, I don't think this world is modern yet. That's what I'm hoping for, and I'm going to use the knowledge from my last world to turn this world into a modern one.
I've already decided!
I'm ready "new world", it's me, who was reborn as the prince of Trath, the heir who will transform this world into a modern world, and-
Knockk..knockk..knockk...!!!!!
"Filys, open the door!"
Who's the rude person banging on the door? If he does something bad, I'll remember his face, and someday I'll punch him!! What a f-!
For some reason Filys was in a hurry to open the door, and he looked like an army. Anyone would know because he was wearing armor, but what was his purpose? I saw his expression looked panicked and rushed. And they talked for a while, then Filys panicked too. She quickly closed the door and came over to me.
"Hurry up!! Take off all those clothes and grab as much cloth as you can!!! Hide the prince and follow me before the rebels get here!"
Filys quickly took off my clothes, and grabbed some cloth. After that she covered my entire body with that and rushed to carry me out.
Their footsteps quickened and I feel they were running down the stairs. And during this situation, I honestly had trouble breathing. But when I heard their conversation, I had no choice and keep quiet.
"Young master please be good and don't cry. Just stay quiet like that, we'll be fine."
"It's really a bad situation, almost all the citizens who came are killed. Some of the armies who joined the rebellion are looking for the prince. If I don't find you guys soon, you might like them."
Does that mean the noise and explosions I heard earlier? Why is this happening? And on my special day? Hasn't my fate in this world changed?
"What about the Queen? Why didn't you take her with you? Don't you have to protect her?"
"Calm down Filys, she should be safe with the armies of the king's guard, they're protecting her. Come this way!"
I thought they had been running for a while, and my breathing was really labored. I couldn't take it anymore, there was no oxygen here at all.
"Mom..mom?" I said it, hoping Filys would open the cloth. At least give me a hole to breathe!!!
"Please calm down young master, we're almost there. We're going to meet your mother, wait a minute, okay?"
After Filys said that, the cloth opened. I saw her crying, she hugged me and rubbed my head like a baby, I was still a baby after all.
"Sorry young master, you must be having trouble breathing right?"
Of course, I can't breathe!!
"Well, we should be safe now. But keep hiding the prince as before, after this we will pass through the exit that is currently guarded by the rebels."
It wasn't long before I take a breathes, they wrapped me again in cloth and put me somewhere. Soon I felt vibrations all around me. It was likely that we were riding in a horse-drawn carriage, I also caught a glimpse of it before they hiding me.
"Stop! Where are you going!! Stay right there!! We're coming for you!! Don't move!!"
I heard it, it seemed like they were the rebels guarding the exit. I also heard their footsteps as they come to us.
"Sorry but let me pass, I-"
"Shut up! No one can get out of here."
"Wait a minute, aren't you Mr. Darent? Let him talk first, we don't know which side he's on."
"Alright! Speak as needed!"
"Oh thank you, is that you Mirano? Sorry, I guess I'm too old to know, hehe-"
"Enough! Don't waste our time!"
"Wait Mike!!! I told you we don't know where he stands. Let him talk! Speak up, sir."
"When I see you two, I'm reminded of my youth. Where I was still full of ambition and also the desire to rise to a higher rank. But this is my fate, I never achieved that. Until this old age I have remained a Border Watcher."
"Sorry sir, we don't have time to listen to your story, maybe next time. Tell me, which side are you on?"
"It's been a long time since I've meddled inside, boy. I'm not taking anyone's side, I'm just saving myself and my wife. I'm too old for that."
"As we can see, you have no reason to interfere in the affairs of the kingdom. You only move when there is a problem outside, I remember what you taught me in the past. Well you can-"
"It's not that easy!!! Maybe you know him Mirano, but I don't. We'll check everything inside there!!"
"You don't mind, sir?"
"Sure, go ahead."
After that there was no other conversation I heard, it seemed like they were inspecting here.
"Excuse me ma'am, please come out. We'll check everything here. Are you hiding something in here? I didn't think there would be so many things that you brought, sir."
"Well, my wife likes to buy me clothes. I just don't want to waste the money she spends. And it won't be long before I have to retire either. That's just the way it is."
They checked every single thing here, there was a sound like something was being moved too. I'm sure they didn't miss a single thing.
Until finally when my hiding place was about to be checked, it sounded like a chest being opened. I can also feel the vibrations happening around me. If my guess was right, then I was currently hidden in that chest.
"Now I only have this chest to check, is this cloth? It looks like you guys only brought clothes."
"Wait! Why are our clothes being messed up like this? It's a mess, how can you take responsibility?"
"Sorry ma'am, but this is our job."
Filys tried to distract them from checking the chest where I was hiding. Unfortunately it failed, we would be caught eventually.
I could feel touch by touch, the armies hands were quite rough. And for a moment his touching stopped, I was sure they were already suspicious. Until finally I felt this cloth being lifted and...
"Mirano? May I speak with you for a moment?"
"Oh, what is it, sir?"
"I'm sorry I'm too old to support you, but I don't intend to stand in your way either. The fate of this kingdom is in the hands of you, the younger generation. So, whatever you choose. I'm sure it's the best for the kingdom."
For some reason he removed the cloth and closed the chest.
"Sir, I always remember everything you taught me. So, let me help you tidy up these messy clothes. Mike, come help us."
"Huh? What are you doing? Just leave them alone. Why do we have to do this? It's up to you if you want to help them, I don't!"
Then, I heard Filys words of thanks. It seemed like they were done, who would have thought we could escape and pass through the gate this quickly.
But I felt dizzy, like I couldn't take it anymore. I can't breathe, could this be the end?
"Young master? Young master? Please wake up..."
I heard Filys voice, but I couldn't open my eyes. Even though it's only been a year since I came back to life, is this really my destiny? Slowly Filys voice faded, but this time I was able to open my eyes.
What is this place? It's like an all-white room that has no end. I feel like I've been here before, but I don't remember anything. Then suddenly my body emitted colorful light, light that came out from every part of my body.
Each color came out from a different place, and the colors came out like strands of thread.
Then the light surrounded me and seemed to try to bind me. All parts of my body felt like they were tied up, and I couldn't move my body either.
The strands grew more and more and eventually my eyes closed as well. My vision turned dark, but I could feel my eyes slowly opening.
"Young master!!! Finally, young master.. Young master..."
This time it wasn't just Filys voice, I saw her crying. And hugging me tightly, it seemed like I wasn't dead. It seems we also managed to leave the kingdom. Then where is this? Is this Filys house? But when I look around me, it's more like a shaman's place? I don't know.
"This child? It has a strong life energy, even he resisted my healing magic, that energy resisted him. If he is as you say, then I have to protect him."
"Thank you Melina, you are the only one we trust to protect the prince. You must take him as far away from the kingdom as possible. I'm sure the Queen would ask the same if she knew. Thank goodness we could find you."
"No, it's like a destiny brought about by him. I believe it was destined to take care of him. I've seen this in dreams, taking care of a baby I don't know. But, I also saw a woman who was devoured by fire and-"
"I'm sure the Queen will be fine, my husband is picking her up right now. And she's protected by king's guards, I'm sure we'll see her tomorrow."
I didn't understand what they were talking about, they seemed to know each other. And the longer they talked, the more distant their voices seemed.
My eyes are getting heavy, this feeling? Wait a minute, they're talking about something important right? Why am I getting sleepy? And finally my eyes couldn't hold it in, so I fell asleep.
In the morning, I woke up to the sound of approaching horse footsteps. Soon there was a knock on the door that sounded like a code. Then I saw Filys picking up a stick, and preparing to open the door.
"I don't sense any interference in the barrier I put up. Put down your stick, it must be your husband."
Filys put down her stick and opened the door.
"Close the door! Maybe they're still following me."
"Alright, what happened? Where is the Queen? Is she okay? Then who are they-"
"Calm down Filys, let your husband calm himself down first. He's even having trouble breathing."
Shortly after that we all fell silent...
"Shut up, listen. Can you hear it? That's what's chasing me.
"Horsemen? What are you doing? How can you make armies chase you here? Melina, can you handle this?"
"Sure, but it doesn't matter. They're like staying away, and they're not armies. The way they rode was rough, like bandits or other troops."
"I realized they were following me from the start, they were from Thoelar village. Whether they're bandits or adventurers I don't know."
"It's a good place to look for fugitives. Especially since you're wearing armies gear. It's certain that they'll be after you, whether for revenge or whatever."
"Whatever it is, thank goodness you returned safely. But, what about the Queen? Is it possible that is already? Tell me my guess is wrong."
"Calm down Filys, let me tell you everything. When I arrived there, we were supposed to meet at the place we had agreed upon. But I saw no one there. I thought they were still inside, but when I sneaked in, it was really horrible. The King and Queen were burned in front of the palace, and the armies who sided with them were sadistically hanged and killed. It was-"
"No way!!! Did you confirm that?"
"I don't know, but one thing I can confirm is that the king's guard who was with her was not among there. I can't longer there, or they'll catch me."
No way... Father? Mother? I don't know why my heart hurts so much and... I can't hold back this overwhelming emotion. Maybe I'm a reincarnated person, but I'm still their biological child.
"Young master? Melina, what happened to him?"
Filys who was still crying looked at me, she walked over but I saw her bounce away.
"Impossible, take Filys out as far as possible from this house. Do you hear me Darent? Hurry up and do it!"
"Of course, please protect the prince. I leave it to you, put his safety first."
What are they doing? For a moment I could hear them, but their voices slowly faded away as if swallowed by silence. Then I saw Darent carrying Filys who had probably fainted.
After that I saw Melina directing a magic at me, and slowly my vision began to blur. Only darkness I saw, but I could feel sensations in my body. I don't know what Melina did, my body felt so hot. And it got hotter when I thought of my parents, so overwhelming that I felt an explosion around me. After that I fainted.
"Dad? Mom?" The first words I said when I woke up. I looked around, everything was destroyed and scattered.
Then someone with a body covered in blood came to me. Melina, her body covered in cuts and bruises. She lifted my body and looked at me with a pitiful face. I thought she was going to kill me, but instead she hugged me tightly.
"Melina, is the prince alright? Let's go, I've prepared the carriage."
Darent said in a hurry. Filys on the other hand also ran over, she immediately took me in and said many things.
"Alright, have you all ready? Where are we going this time?" Asked Darent to make sure we were ready to go.
"Maldvin-"
"Mithrasard. We're going to Mithrasard. We need to treat your wound Melina, and Maldvindar is too far away."
Filys cut Melina off, but Melina insisted on her words.
"Maldvindar. We must secure the prince immediately, as we planned before. Don't worry, this wound is nothing. Besides, it's a place we shouldn't go to for now, it's too dangerous for the prince."
"Melina, don't push yourself. Without your power we cannot protect the prince." Darent tried to convince the stubborn Melina.
There was a brief argument, and Melina finally relented. We continued our journey towards Mithrasard.
Right now I can't do anything either, even with the power I have, it will only hurt the people around me.
Right now all I can do is observe them, I mean with this body it's impossible for me to do anything unnatural. I'm just a year-old baby, I don't want to be a magical baby or anything like that either.
After a few hours we arrived at Mithrasard.
"Stay inside with the prince, don't talk to anyone. No one can be trusted here."
After saying that, Darent closed the carriage door and left with Melina to treat her wound.
Not long after they left, someone came to us and knocked on the door. Filys was silent and prepared with the knife in her hand.
It was very quiet inside, while the door was constantly being knocked from outside.
What will happen if we get out? I'm honestly curious about this place.
After a while, there was no more knocking on the door. I thought the door knocker had left, but apparently not. This time I heard a conversation outside, I think there were about 3 people. They were talking about work, guild, and things related to that.
"Alright, as agreed. I'll guard this carriage until the old man comes. You guys can wait for me at the bar, we'll discuss other jobs there."
Call it the first person, it seems Darent paid someone to guard us.
"Are you sure you want to do it? Such a small fee isn't even enough for a bowl of mushroom soup. The Guild is releasing some new fugitive lists, do you know how much the reward is?"
The second person sounded like a reminder that guarding our carriage would be a waste of time.
"If I'm not mistaken the total is around 2000 gold pieces, but I wouldn't believe it, if I didn't see it myself. So, we'd better go to the guild right away, get a job and make a lot of money. Stop wasting time on this trivial work. Get it over with and come to the bar right away."
The third person made it clear, and the two of them left.
A few minutes later, there was the sound of someone running over.
"Sorry, this is all I can give you." It sounded like Darent's voice.
"No problem, it's as agreed. Besides, you need the money to treat her, right? If you're done, I'll leave first."
The conversation was quite short, then Darent opened the carriage door and asked Filys.
"Did something happen to you guys? The prince is fine, right?"
"We're fine, how about you Melina?"
Melina paused before answering Filys question.
"..Uh, it's better. But I remember something, was that adventurer an Astorielyan? I thought their clan was extinct?"
Filys was surprised to hear Melina's words, but Darent still silent. Perhaps Darent already knew about it. The curious Filys asked Darent.
"Darent? Is that true? Why did you just let him go, maybe he can help us."
Astorielyan? Extinct? What were they talking about?
Darent did not answer Filys' question, he just remained silent.
"We'd better get on our way."
Melina interjected, and the conversation was over. We then continued our journey to Maldvindar. It took a long time to get there, so I wanted to take this opportunity to rest and sleep. It had been 30 minutes since there had been any conversation, and I was bored. Besides, I'm sure they needed some rest too.
4 hours later...
A gust of wind woke my sleep, I opened my eyes slowly and began to see the sunlight and clouds in the sky. Wait? The sky?! No way!
We were currently on the ship. It seems like I missed a lot of things earlier, sleeping was a mistake on this trip.
But I see amazing things here, seeing the various races that exist in this world. Since the previous world was only inhabited by humans, I feel like I'm in a fantasy world right now. I mean it's like a fantasy world I've read about in a books.
I don't know where we are right now, but the ship we're on is heading to an island that looks like it has a lot of mountains on it. Is that where we're going?
Then someone approached us and said "The cost for the four of you is 20 pieces of silver and 40 pieces of bronze, when you get there tell Normand the Fisherman is looking for one of the workers."
I didn't understand what he meant, but I understood how much money I had to pay if I wanted to board the ship.
Not long after the ship stopped at a location near the island, all the passengers got off.
Then I saw a man carrying wood come up to each passenger who got off. We were also approached by that person, and he asked us.
"What are you looking for? This is just an empty island where no human has ever been. Does the other side of the ocean not accept you?"
Then Darent said exactly what I heard, "Normand the Fisherman is looking for one of the workers."
Suddenly the man was surprised to hear Darent's words, so he led us to a place and said that it was the home of "Normand the Fisherman".
We entered the house, a simple house but it intimidated us. Who exactly is Normand? I hoped he wasn't a bad person, but when I saw the contents of this house, I doubted it. I saw heads nailed to the walls, lots of them, heads of various creatures, even human heads were there.
"So, humans, what brings you here? After all this time I'm finally seeing humans again."
A heavy voice, coming from the large chair in front that had its back to us. I have to be honest, it's scary and makes me want to leave here immediately.
"We want to go to Maldvindar, can you open the way for us? Normand the Fisherman Hunter."
Darent said it clearly, so he was the bad guy? Fisherman Hunter? Doesn't that sound evil?
"Hahahaahha!!! That sound, so you're still alive old man. Darent the Border Guard who saved those stupid Fishermen 10 years ago."
As he said that, he got up from his chair and kicked the chair until it shattered the wall.
Such a large and muscular figure with such dreadlocks was really creepy. This was my first experience in this world feeling scared like he was about to kill me.
"Isn't that just the past, we already agreed, right? So don't bring up the thing that made me look like a hero, when I didn't do anything back then. The real hero is King of Trath, and I'm here to collect your promise from ten years ago."
Darent said it calmly, didn't he feel intimidated? Darent is great.
However, Darent's words did not make Normand feel better. Instead, he got closer until I could feel the breath coming out of his nose.
I could even see his whole face this time, not human. I don't know what race he was, but seeing his monster-like form was really scary.
"I don't remember making any promises to you, Darent. Don't just because you're the closest person to him, you can ask for something equal to his request. Where is he? If he's not here, then be prepared to become my wall collection."
Melina and Filys who heard that were immediately on alert for the worst to happen.
"He's right in front of you!!! The future King of Trath, the noble Arsalyr. The son of the King of Trath who he-"
Before he could finish speaking, Normand's hand grabbed Darent's head. Filys and Melina prepared to attack but stopped at Normand's threat.
"If you move, his head will be crushed!!! Now, hand over the little boy. I want to see him up close. Don't say that nonsense that this scared little boy is his son, you're pissing me off. If you don't hand him over, you'll all die here."
Filys was forced to hand me over, and with an annoyed face he looked at me closely. Normand really looked like he wanted to eat me, but that look changed when he saw the life energy coming out of my body.
I don't know what caused that energy to come out. But seeing him surprised was like an absolute victory for me. Shortly after, he released Darent who was already having trouble breathing.
"I think you're right, his face doesn't look like King of Trath. But something that makes me sure is that energy. There is no doubt that he is the future King of Trath. I, Normander Huntra swore allegiance to King of Trath and I have not forgotten my promise. Now this place will always welcome the noble Arsalyr."
Somehow it was so shocking, what did father do to him? What would have happened to us if I wasn't his son? Whatever it was, we were safe this time. He even promised to protect us as long as we were here.
Normander Huntra, the burly man leading the Fisharyan race, guarding Maldvindar's borders from the outside world. Unforgiving of humans, that's what the bard currently feasting with us said.
In fact, Normand is a man with a gentle heart. He is forced to show his ruthless side so that he can protect his people, he is a true leader, I want to be like him.