The room smelled like cold iron and burning incense.
I sat across from Duke Alaric Vaelthorn—my supposed father. His stare could break mountains. The only reason I wasn't trembling like the man beside me—a poor trembling steward—was because I was too busy wondering what this old man would do if I asked to skip all this and go back to sleep.
He didn't speak right away. That was his way of showing power. I didn't care. I just stared back with the same half-lidded eyes I always had. It wasn't rebellion. I was just tired. I'd only been reincarnated for a few days. Still adjusting.
"You've grown quieter," he finally said, voice deep and slow.
Had I? Maybe. The original Kael was more volatile, I think. Screaming, punching walls, throwing gold at servants. I, however, had no energy for that. If I had one wish in life, it was to never be bothered.
And right now, he was bothering me.
"Must be the books," I said lazily, trying to end the conversation with nonsense. "Or maybe the food here has too much iron."
His brow twitched. A win.
He gestured, and a file was placed before me. Wax seal. Royal crest.
"I've confirmed the engagement with Princess Elira Valciel. You'll announce it officially at the academy entrance ceremony."
Ah. So that part was happening now.
The moment the original Kael spiraled down. Rejected. Shamed. Shattered. Jumped off a tower. I remember vaguely reading that part before skipping the rest of the novel. Too angsty.
"And if I don't?"
My voice was calm. Not rebellious. Just… curious. Like I'd asked the weather.
The Duke leaned forward slightly. "You will. For the family. For the kingdom."
I yawned.
"Is this really necessary? Political alliances feel outdated. I'd rather focus on, you know… not dying."
"You sound like a coward."
I stood up slowly, still not breaking eye contact. "No. Just someone with better hobbies."
He didn't stand. He didn't need to. But there was something else in his eyes now. Confusion? No. He couldn't tell what changed in me. Maybe he thought I'd gone insane.
Maybe I had.
But what he didn't realize was: I had no intention of dying for this engagement. I had no intention of chasing after some princess who loved another man. And I definitely had no intention of playing the villain.
Not anymore.
"I'll go to the academy," I said. "I'll attend your ceremony. I'll wear your crest. I'll nod when I'm told. But don't expect me to act out your script."
"Kael—"
"I'm tired, father," I cut in, gently. "So very tired. And I just want… to sleep."
With that, I turned, cloak brushing the polished stone, and left the grand hall of Vaelthorn.
Let the story begin again.
But this time, I write it.
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