I spent the entire night thinking—planning—running countless scenarios in my head.What could go wrong?What needed to change?What was too dangerous to touch?And most importantly—what absolutely had to be avoided for the world to stay intact?
By the time dawn finally broke, my mind was exhausted but sharper than ever.
I splashed cold water on my face and looked up at my reflection in the mirror.
An arrogant smile tugged at my lips almost automatically.
"These eyes just increase my handsomeness."
Even saying it out loud made me snort.Back on Earth, I was used to being good-looking—nothing extraordinary, but enough to get compliments.But this version of me…?
This face could topple empires.Even a Dragon King would die of jealousy.
I leaned closer, admiring the faint glow in my irises—just slightly brighter after awakening. The symmetry, the sharp jawline, the snow-white hair falling naturally across my forehead…
Yeah. I looked unfair.
I allowed myself a few more seconds of admiration. Today was my day off, after all.As the future Count of Vormir, free time was rare. So, I decided to tak—
BANG!
My door burst open with the force of a small explosion.
A boy with midnight-black hair—so dark it shimmered like a star-filled void—rushed into my room. His ruby eyes, the same shade as mine, sparkled with pure excitement. Barely twelve years old, overflowing with energy.
Asher von Vormir.My little brother.
"Brotherrrrr! Maya told me you're taking a day off! Is it true?!"
He leaned forward expectantly, practically bouncing on his toes. His entire being screamed please say yes.
My heart softened immediately.He was too adorable… unfairly adorable.
Arthur had always cherished his brother deeply.And now, with his memories mixing with mine, that affection came naturally—warm, grounding, and real.
I reached out, cupped Asher's cheeks, and smiled.
"Yes. I'm free today. Want to do something?"
His eyes widened even more—something I didn't think was possible.
"Really?! Let's go to that new café! They say it sells the Elvis Prime Drink! I saw it on Managram!"
A laugh escaped me.
This boy was definitely using social media way too much.
"Alright. Go get ready."
He disappeared instantly, sprinting out of the room like a teleporting squirrel.
I let out a soft sigh and stepped into the corridor.
Walking through the mansion always reminded me of our status.We were only counts, yes—but Vormir wasn't a powerless household.The high ceilings, intricate designs carved into the pillars, the crimson carpets embroidered with our crest… everything radiated influence.
Maids and butlers bowed respectfully as I passed. I nodded gently in return.
Soon, I reached the enormous central hall—a place large enough to host ten royal banquets. Sunlight filtered in through crystal windows, scattering golden patterns across the marble floor.
I sat down on the velvet sofa and spoke calmly:
"Maya."
As always, she appeared almost instantly, as if summoned by magic instead of voice.
She bowed gracefully. "How may I assist you, my lord?"
For someone who had served this family since before my birth, her unwavering respect always astonished me.
"I need you to inform Uncle that we will visit him tomorrow. Tell him it's urgent."
Her brows twitched in confusion, but she nodded obediently.
"Certainly."
I knew exactly what she was thinking—wondering what matter could be so urgent that even she wasn't aware of it.
"And you already know I'm going out with Asher today," I added. "You were the one who told me to take a day off, after all."
Before she could reply, Asher dashed back in—now wearing a loose shirt and casual pants, looking proud of himself for dressing up.
I smiled helplessly.
"Let's go."
We exited the mansion together, with Maya following close behind—her protective gaze sweeping the surroundings.As a Grandmaster-rank awakener, nothing in the city dared even breathe aggressively near us.
The day passed peacefully—a rare luxury.
We explored bustling marketplaces, visited the café Asher wouldn't shut up about, tried the famous Elvis Prime Drink (which was admittedly delicious), bought some sweets, and even did a little shopping.
By evening, as the sky turned golden-orange, we returned home.
I told Asher we were visiting Uncle tomorrow.
His entire face lit up like a festival lantern.
Of course it did.He would get to see his cousin.
The protagonist of the novel.Aldric Crestban.The future hero of Novacter.
—And the boy I planned to save from a fate worse than death.