Mana is the energy required for conducting magic. It is like fuel in a sense—Once it’s fed into a motor engine of a vehicle, the pistons convert the energy into power and torque and all that heat and steam needs to be let out through a system of exhaust which creates a lot of noise due to the mechanical movements. 

Right now, such a phenomenon is happening in front of me yet instead of noise that motor vehicles emits whenever someone pulls the throttle or push the pedal, what I was met with was pressure and the presence of it, an energy that bends the very laws of physics, is emanating so much that I had trouble standing up.

In my past life, such an amount would be nothing to me but right now I’m just a toddler.

It wouldn’t be a problem if this body of mine didn’t have heightened mana sensitivity. I tried to get my ass off the chair, but I just couldn’t and instead called for Hellen who was just right by my side. “Yes, young master?” She looked at me worried.

“I— 

Suddenly the heavy pressure was gone, and I was left confused.

Hellen was still waiting for my response, so I shrug the confusion off as I held the empty cup of tea in hand and said to her, “That was a good cup of tea Hellen. I’ll be looking forward to it next time.” Neatly placing said porcelain cup on the tray, I hoisted myself up and stood in between my parents.

Mother gently dragged me to her front and whispered, “August, I talked to your father.” 

Her voice sounds chilly for some reason, and I looked up to her—Shit. Did she find out that Father forgot about my birthday— “We will talk later this supper about it. Together with your father of course.”

All of a sudden, I was way more nervous than before. Hell, talking with my fiancé all day doesn’t sound so bad compared to what will probably be gonna happen when evening comes. 

I bring my gaze to the front and say to her, “Understood, mother.” 

Things are going well so far.

 

---

 

“Greetings Duke of Margatroid, I am August Rodin, the child of Duke Rodin.” I introduced myself with a bow then continued, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Finishing it off with a small smile.

“Likewise…So this is your child.” A man that’s a tad bit shorter than my father looked at me as if I’m an object for display in some art exhibition, his face droning near me and our eyes locked.

He squints his eyes as if to take a closer look. I blinked a couple of times with an uneasy smile in response to that, this guy doesn’t know what personal space is, huh. Or is it because I’m a child? That’s probably it. Damn, it sucks being a child.

“Weird, this boy isn’t afraid of meeting my gaze. Even the scion of Rochter couldn’t even maintain his for more than a second.” He looks at me with amusement, then props his right hand forward.

It was a handshake and of course, I offered mine and well—It was more of an attempt than a proper one, still he continued to smile with the same mirth just now.

“He has manners unlike the others…” I heard him say that under his breath.

The brown orb that’s been inspecting me like a specimen finally left me out of its radar as he redirects it to Father.

“Erwin, I like this boy already.” I didn’t really expect to have a good first impression, but I guess I’m just a natural, anyways—Please don’t say that I just got reminded of the time where I almost got molested by that old creep.

Fuck that sent shivers down my spine.

“I’ve only heard it from rumors, but I didn’t expect it to have some merit to it. Marc, please refrain from traumatizing my child, he is only fou—Mother slightly jab his ribs—Half a decade I mean, as of this spring.”

I saw mother glaring at him and that had me worried about what's gonna happen later.

Father, I’ll pray for you at the funeral, amen.

“Oh, where did you even hear that from, did that Schlinder dolt spread that, or did you hear it from long ears who keeps drinking tea all the damn time.” His raspy voice made my brow rise in exasperation.

“I can’t say for sure…Duke Starheim and Marquess Stroheim were very vocal about it.” Wow did father just throw his colleagues under the bus.

“Those two bastards?! I knew it! No wonder why they keep avoiding me whenever I visit the Capitol. I’ll be sure to give them an earful!” Someone was getting riled up.

“Oh, please do, I can’t stand their gibberish any longer.” Oh, so no wonder why my father said that. I guess the nobles have their own cliques within their ranks of aristocracy.

They began to chatter, and I decided to not listen to them.

They’re like politicians with different parties…I guess nothing has changed since my previous life.

That thought reminded me of the cause of my death—Of how I snooped around the archives and found out confidential information within the institute that kickstarted my death. 

I was a fool that didn't even know why it was even a big deal in the first place. It was all jumbled words; scrambled letters; weird diagrams and designs. There was one that really took my attention though, it was a gun of sorts, modeled after a revolver—It was the same design of weapon that blasted my ear off.

Apart from that, there was the creepy goat-like structure halfway through the book which creeped me out, so I stashed it and stopped reading. At first, I thought it was some sort of grimoire, but I can’t even feel any mana coming out, so I brought it to the attention of that shitty professor then there I realized the graveness of the situation.

If only I realized that piece was the esteemed Devil’s Codex, then I wouldn’t have bothered breathing in the same air its shelf was occupying. However, it was too late for me to return it since that shitty professor told me that it didn’t belong in the institute in the first place meaning it was hidden there for a reason without prior permission.

It coming to light would spell nothing but a shit-fest for us.

A stolen ancient literature he says, at some point of our conversation. He hurriedly told me to leave the Institute and to cover my tracks. For being so shitty to his assistant, he was surprisingly helpful that time, we planned our disappearances from the grid of the Institute since remaining there was suicide.

Still, despite that. I was kidnapped, beaten, shot at, and was strangled to death.

I could still remember it clearly as if it was just yesterday…

Someone was calling my name, but my perception seems hazy and blurry.

“August.” Mother says as she nudged me, breaking me out of my daze.

“Yes Mother?” I say in response.

“Is something wrong? You were spacing out all of a sudden.”  

I came up with an excuse on the spot, “I was feeling sleepy. It might be because of the books you recommended me to read, they piqued my curiosity, and I lost track of time.” Mixing it with flattery would probably be convincing enough.

She smiled and patted my head dotingly. “Although the pursuit of knowledge is a grand ambition. Pushing yourself and not knowing your limit is not a great suggestion.” 

“Was that a quote?” I ask absent mindedly.

“Why yes little one, are you interested in who said that?” I nod with half-interest.

She pointed at herself, and I couldn't help but deadpan. She chuckled at my reaction and told me to look somewhere else.

I looked around and saw that a golden blob of hair was sticking out at the side of Duke Margatroid, “Why don’t you introduce yourself to your fiancé and play with her in the western annex.”

What the!? That’s it? No being in the spotlight as we introduced ourselves? I mean, we are still children, so I guess it doesn’t really matter since we haven’t debuted yet.

I got worked up for nothing.

Mother interrupts their chit chat and reminds Duke Margatroid of why he even came here in the first place. “Oh yeah, sure. Alicia, go talk to that boy over there. He is gonna be your fiancé so treat him nice.”

My face looked deader than usual.

 

---

 

Her golden and short bob hair reminded me of a certain flower, and the innocent-looking face of hers was like the doll she was holding. It wasn’t a face full of curiosity though, in fact she looked like a lost child.

At least that’s what her expression told me.

“H-hi, I’m Alicia Margatroid.” She manages to squeak out to me as she looks at me.

I stared at her face and say, “Hello, I’m August Rodin.” Instead of acting formal, I chose to be a bit lax since I’m currently talking to a child.

Her lips looked like it was gonna move but she reluctantly diverted it, then seconds later it opened.

“Uhm, papa told me that you are my fiancé.” 

“Well, it hasn’t been set in stone yet.” She tilted her head in confusion. 

Aw, that was cute as hell—I swear to the many deities here, I am not attracted to her! I am not a pedophile! I repeat!

—NOT A PEDOPHILE!

“What do you mean by that?” Oh right, she’s a child. I should be blunter to her.

“It means that I am not yet your fiancé.” 

“But— I shook my head as I cut her off.

“Your papa and my father haven't finalized things yet.” I explained to her. 

Do I need to dumb it down even further? 

“Oh, I see.” Thank goodness she understood it. 

She looked a bit timid yet guarded at the same time. Was she uncomfortable with all the guards around us? If so, maybe calling them off would improve her mood.

I called out to Hellen and told her what I had planned in mind, she heeded my command, and all the guards were out of sight—But not out of reach.

When I looked back at the child, I saw her talking with her attendant. They were discussing something, but I couldn’t hear it. I could listen into their conversation but that would be rude, and eavesdropping is not my thing and besides, it’s probably nothing that I should worry about.

She looked back and walked towards me with confidence. When she was just a couple of feet away, she opened up her mouth and said, “I don’t want to be your fiancé.” 

I blinked in response, not expecting that. I was supposed to be the one to break the engagement, but I guess shit happens or did fate help me out for once? 

“Sure.” Well, at least I don’t have to worry about that anymore.

After hearing what I said, she looked back at her attendant with a thumbs up, and the old lady in return mimicked her gesture. I found that a bit funny, and I couldn’t help but chuckle inadvertently. 

“Thank you.” A heartfelt gratitude came out of her lips.

“No problem.” I say as I felt satisfied with myself for some reason.

Wait, didn’t I just solve one of my biggest obstacles to having an uneventful life in the span of just one meeting?

Am I a genius or what? Calm down, humble yourself August. No need to boast at all, just let this all play out and then nothing will stand in your way—” So why don’t we be friends.” 

Damn to all the deities in this world, damn them.

 

---

 

We were still in the western annex, playing around the garden and what not—Typical toddler stuff, picking out flowers even though they are weeds and collecting insects whenever she sees one all the while merrily dragging me around.

I was like a friend who clearly didn’t want to go but was forced anyways.

“What’s that August?” She pointed at a red bug with black polka dots.

“That’s a ladybug.” I answered.

“Does it bite?” I shook my head.

“No? Okay.” Confirming that it was harmless, she tried to scoop up the bug in her palms, but it flew away before she could even reach it. She had a sullen face for a moment before redirecting her sights elsewhere looking for another thing that might intrigue her.

Whenever she moves, I move and follow right behind her. If she was about to trip, I would catch her and bring her back up. If she was about to step on something dangerous, I would call out to her and move to her front, making sure to be careful around her. 

“What’s that August?” I looked in the direction she was pointing at and saw a colorful weed just growing by some gravel.

“That’s a weed.” I answered another question.

“But it looks colorful and bright.” 

“They have thorns on their stems, don’t pick it up.” 

At this point, I was nothing more than a glorified baby-sitter. This went on while Hellen and that old lady watched us with smiles on their faces. 

You guys are enjoying this aren’t you? 

I’m here being dragged around forced out of my own will to do your jobs while you guys are just enjoying yourselves. 

…not like it matters anyways.

I know that Alicia is just having fun playing around the garden, denying her that would be selfish on my part. I’m not a heartless bastard even if I didn’t have a proper childhood in my previous life, I’m not that kind of person.

“August!” I snapped my head in her direction, she was on the verge of tears.

“What happened?” I ask while checking what’s wrong.

“I lost Shanghai!”  Who? I looked around and saw her attendant, but it didn't seem to be the case since she could still see her. 

Is it her doll?

“Is it your doll?” She nodded and I scratched my cheek as I tried to recall where that doll of hers is but all I drew was a blank.

Well, I should’ve paid attention better instead of just mindlessly following her.

“Why don’t we retrace our steps?” She tilted her head again.

I point at her, “You—” then back at me, “And I—” then gesture to the path with a wave.

“—Will go back to that area over there.” She cups her chin, seemingly trying to process what I said with her premature brain cells. 

“Okay.” Then she starts moving.

Is it me or does she understand sign language more than verbal? Or maybe because I’m good at mimicking Italian people, I’d probably make Napoleon Boneparte proud—Wait, isn’t he French? Was it Mussolini? I don’t know but either way, I am pretty good at explaining things to a toddler.

“Wait for me.” I said as I caught up to her while Hellen and the old lady continued to chat.

 

---

 

It didn’t take long before we spotted her doll, it had fallen over on a bed of flowers. How it got there is probably thanks to her running around trying to catch a dragonfly? And while doing so, her doll slipped out of her grasp. 

At least that is what I recall—Was it a dragonfly we were catching or a damselfly? I don’t know and I don’t really care to notice the difference, they all look the same, right?

…I might be missing out a small detail but hey, the two are very similar to each other—

“August. Can you get Shanghai for me? She’s surrounded by the weeds you warned me about.” I looked at the vegetation near the doll again and scanned what weeds were present. 

It was just some overgrown grasses and shrubs. 

The distance between me and that doll is about a couple of feet away, if I were to go and grab it with my short reach and stature, I’d probably ruin my clothes. There’s no object either like a stick that could reach it, I guess I’ll have to ask Hellen.

I turned around and saw that she was still enjoying herself with that old lady.

Well, I could try an alternative method…

Closing my eyes, I breathe in the air as I feel my mana begin to circulate. 

The odd feeling of it was something that I’ve been so familiar with that it brings a sense of nostalgia.

I then open my right eye. The familiar magic circle-like overlay is hovering just a couple of millimeters away, I adjust my eye to where the doll is and began utilizing my mana to manipulate the air around it.

Gust—That was the name of the spell.

The doll at first was blown away by the wind floating away from the bed of flowers but before it hit the ground, another gust of wind carried the doll airborne again. 

I manipulated the wind towards Alicia’s direction, making sure to have its trajectory at her arm’s reach.

She noticed it coming and she spread her arms in anticipation—Woosh.

The doll safely landed on her grasp, I dismissed the mana circle and hid my mana. 

I look at Hellen and the guards to see if they noticed.

My personal maid didn’t seem to have any idea as she’s still busy talking with the old lady, the four guards on the other hand were all staring at the whole annex but there was nothing that suggests that they noticed it even after I emitted a small amount of mana just to make sure.

It looks like I still got it.

Alicia hugged her doll, Shanghai, for a while before staring intently at me.

“What was that?” She speaks. 

Instead of answering, I just tilted my head, acting all confused.

“What? You saw that too?” The subtle confusion on her face was very entertaining and I almost let out a chuckle, almost blowing away my cover.

“You didn’t do it?” 

“Of course not, I was gonna grab it with a stick.” I say, clearly lying through my teeth yet she didn’t seem to even have a clue on what’s going on.

She looks unsure at what to think but since she was just a child, thinking too much was probably too much for her, so she just simply dragged me back to what we were previously doing.

But when we got back to where we previously stopped, I saw Duke Margatroid inspecting the garden within the annex—No, it was as if he was looking for something or someone.

Then our eyes meet.

When I saw that huge grin forming on the duke's face—I knew that I, August Rodin, fucked up big time.