Dressed in a garb fit for royalty, a young child with brown hair entered the crowded venue.

“We welcome his highness! The third prince! Prince Leopold Leotopia!”

A round of applause soon followed, and the trumpet and horns sang their chorus. The prince entered the royal court robustly with confidence while waving his hands to the people, both nobles and guest-of-honors alike.

Although he was just a child, the responsibility he holds as the prince has made him grow rapidly both intellectually and maturely. From reading people's expressions and mannerisms to analyzing the situation, it could be said that he is the perfect person to lead his people.

Excelling in academics and politics, the prince was an ideal person to be the Kingdom’s future, a priest from the church of Leo had even prophesied that the prince was the ‘Promise of the Future.’.

Once the prince took his spot beside the throne, the ensemble once again began to blare its chorus then it died down.

“We welcome his majesty! King Philip Leotopia II!”

Everyone inside the royal court all bowed down as a one-eyed man entered, his attire was simple yet grand. The numerous pins and medals coated on chest were an indication that he had served in the military, the metal cane that supported him made a tapping sound every time he took a step.

The king’s face showed indifference yet behind that gaze lies the callous nature of a seasoned commander. Briefly taking in the people that came to his son’s debut, he noted that the number of envoys from different kingdoms has increased since the last time they held an event of such a caliber.

Slowly he walked towards the throne.

The prince flashed a smile to his king, the king nodded in return to him.

Nobles and envoys near the path couldn’t help but notice the strong aura of the king, some had to kneel down even further in order to support their body from the pressure. The king noticed that immediately and he controlled his aura to a bearable degree, he was no sadist despite the apathetic demeanor, his subjects are his people and that’s simply the duty of the king.

“Stand, everyone.” The king spoke in a deep voice, his words were like a commander in the battlefield.

When all of the guests of the royal court brought their heads back up, they noticed that the king had not taken his seat yet. Seeing that, a custom that is always respected throughout the history of the kingdom of where the king must sit on his throne before his subjects do so, not being followed by none other than the king himself.

Many would assume that something is odd, maybe there was a speech of sorts that he had prepared, some would even think the worst—That the king is an imposter, after all, what kind of royalty would not follow its customs?

However, to the king’s subjects, both nobles and guards alike, all of them know the reason for such an action.

People are most attentive when the speaker not only is standing up, but the audience also.

Like how all roll calls go in the military.

“First and foremost,” The king stood in front of the throne and turned his back against it, he tapped his cane and the whole royal court’s eyes were all on him. Giving their undivided attention to the 9th King of Leotopia.

“I, King Philip Leotopia II, welcome you all to the Royal Court of the Royal Capitol.” A short applause followed.

“Today’s ceremony is one that will forever change the history of the kingdom.” Nobles couldn’t help but contain their breath, this was news to them. Not even the information they’ve gathered from the royal servants could come up with this.

“Today, my son, Leopold Leotopia will be crowned heir to the throne.” The nobles couldn’t contain their shock, their eyes wide open and expressions deformed.

There were three people that were contesting for the throne; The first prince, Rowen Leotopia who is in the process of following their father’s footstep as a commander; The second prince, Kardel Leotopia who pursued the path of mage-hood; Then lastly, the third prince, Leopold Leotopia.

The youngest of the three full-blooded brothers, have now been announced to inherit the crown.

So, what of the factions that supported the other two princes? Surely the time and money spent in supporting would go all to waste.

Suddenly the king’s gaze fell upon his subjects, the nobles.

Most of the nobles were trembling, the king’s scrutinizing gaze telling them that their attempt to choose their own king had been thwarted by none other than the majesty himself.

The king continued while those that were affected by his scrutiny felt scared and ashamed, making them lower their gaze to the ground.

Amidst that, two great dukes were silently chatting with each other.

“See, I told you his majesty has chosen the third prince, now cough up the dough.” The former tower master, Duke Margatroid said with a triumphant smirk.

“I did not remember agreeing to partake on your bet.” The current royal adviser, Duke Rodin sighed at him.

“Oh, please. I remembered just three nights ago that you argued that the first prince will become the future king.”

“That was my personal opinion, besides, the first prince would be better suited as the heir to the throne in terms of skills and talents.”

“So, are you saying that you disagree with his majesty’s decision?” Duke Rodin squinted his eyes at him.

“I…am dissatisfied mostly, but I was already aware of his majesty’s decision.” Duke Rodin was appointed as the royal advisor three years ago, in that time span. The Duke and the King have formed a professional yet close relationship, discussing what they had mostly in mind about the kingdom and its current state.

“Still, I’m surprised. May I ask, what made you think the third prince would be chosen as the crown prince?” Duke Rodin asks.

The former tower master cupped his chin, “I tutored that boy before and let me tell you. He is not what he looks like, it’s as if the boy had centuries worth of knowledge and experience.”

That’s right, although the king’s decision came so suddenly, it does have a justifiable reason.

But the young master of House Rodin who was involuntarily eavesdropping, couldn’t seem to grasp the decision of the king. Back on earth, monarchies were nothing but a distant memory of the past, it was all history and the form of governments back in his previous life were all appointed by the votes of the people regardless of social status.

So, it was all mostly democratic, at least, countries within the European Union.

August Rodin could still recall one country that exited the Union, it was also a country that was founded by principles of Monarchism. Great Britain also known as the United Kingdom, or the home country of the Institute's long-standing rival—The Clock Tower.

Still, despite the Royal family of that country still existing according to his knowledge, their political power has waned and most of the legislative and executive duties are now held by a parliament of elected board members.

From that information, he could tell how vast the difference is when it comes to this world’s system of governments.

They were inferior to say the least but then again, would introducing that concept change anything?

Maybe not but August has a strange feeling, that things might get worse if knowledge from the other world starts appearing here in Gaia.

 

---

 

If I knew that the heat would be this bad, then I would’ve gone to Hellen and asked for a spare of casual clothes. All these extra layers of garment and fabric is slightly suffocating me, and while it slowly drenches in my sweat—

—I could feel myself growing tired throughout the day if I just lay myself bare under the sun, I need some shade damnit. Using magic to cool off would be nice but I don’t want to reveal my mana presence to others let alone in a public space.

Sweat started to pour all over my body yet Alicia didn't seem to notice my wellbeing, she was too distracted with all the concession stands all over the Capitol’s shopping district.

As she dragged me around from one stand to another, I began to suffer more under the blistering heat. If only there was something I could cool off with, all the food she bought were all snacks like waffles and cotton candy.

They were all too dry, I need something to drink or else I’ll be dehydrated and that isn’t good for a six-year-old like me.

“Let’s go find something to cool off with, the heat is killing me.” I said to Alicia, but she was distracted by the noise of the street performers.

“There’s a famous ice cone shop down the block, young master. Why don’t we go there and enjoy their cold treats?” The one who said that was a knight assigned by father, his name was…

“Sure, Kent. Thanks for letting me know.” I came to Alicia's side and tapped her shoulder, she looked at me with a raised brow then her face quickly contorted to excitement when I told her that.

Seriously, a kid’s interest in things and attention span must be directly proportional. Wait, isn’t that just ADHD?

"Count me in!” Turns out she was also enthusiastically craving for one.

I also told the assigned knight of Alicia and asked if she wanted to grab an iced cone.

“Well, if milady permits it then— She glances at her young master, Alicia simply nodded at her and gave her a thumbs up—I guess it would be fine.”

“So why don’t we go there now?” And so we went, while Kent and Alicia’s knight led the way. I followed right behind them with Alicia in tow, I glanced at her who was at my side.

There was sweat running down her cheek, I asked her if she had something to wipe with, she shook her head, and I dug out one of my handkerchiefs and handed it over to her.

Whenever her attendant is not around, I was the one who took on the silent duty to look after her well-being like an older sibling. I don’t really know what compelled me to do so, obviously I never had any significant familial interactions in my previous life. Even the idea of having a sibling was uncharted territory for me and coincidentally, I was also born as the sole child.

The only difference is that my parents now didn’t neglect me.

Maybe it was that longing I still have; I always wanted a sibling whether it’s a boy or girl. Just the thought of having to lean on someone of the same blood sounds reassuring without having to trouble myself on creating bonds with strangers…

That reminded me of my youth in my previous life.

Even though I managed to escape the coal factory with a group, we ultimately decided to split up and went our separate path in life despite putting our thoughts and feelings on formulating an escape plan, in the end we were just discarded lowlifes using each other…

“Young master, we have arrived at the shop.” That snapped me out of my daze.

There was a small line forming outside, this meant that we will probably have to wait for a while to get an ice cone.

“The queue doesn’t take that long; however, I don’t want to trouble the young master. Why don’t I take the orders?” That’s a bit too convenient. I looked at the menu posted on the glass pane, it wasn’t cheap, but the price seems fair to say the least.

“What flavors do you all want?” Alicia pointed at the strawberries.

“I’ll have what milady is having.” Her knight said and I just simply nodded, then I looked at Kent and told him mine, “I’ll have blueberries.”

Digging into my coat, I took out a single gold coin from a hidden pocket, then proceeded to hand it to him.

“Get four deluxe cones.” I spoke.

“Aren’t you going to ask what mine is, young master?”

“No need, you're the one ordering. Besides, do you really have to tell me every detail?”

“Ah…I guess you’re right young master, ha-ha!" His awkward laugh made me sigh, for someone so skilled like him to become an errand boy. I’m sure the captain of his unit would laugh at him, and in some strange way, Kent also reminded me of my previous life again.

If only his social skills were as refined as his swordsmanship, then he’d have no problem being a high-ranking knight.

As I watched Kent go in the line, I haplessly scanned the people waiting in line. Most of them were servants of nobles, probably running an errand too by the looks of it…

My curiosity completely waned as I reach the end of it. Then slowly I drift off into my own world, blankly staring at the distance until someone decides to kick me out of it.

“What is it?” I look at the culprit, Alicia puffed her cheeks like a hamster.

“Don’t ignore me.” She said in a low voice.

When I looked at her, I was confused but what she said next made me ponder deeply.

“Please don’t act like papa.”

I was a bit stunned to hear that, although I was taking care of her needs just earlier, that came out of nowhere. I observed her uneasy face for a couple of seconds, the crest-fallen gaze and quivering smile was telling one clear thing.

She was dejected but that’s just normal for a kid like her who needs constant attention and affection.

Alicia Margatroid’s life is quite miserable and tragic. After her mother died from giving birth to her, the duke began to subsequently grow distant, and their relationship hasn’t grown ever since.

The reason why Duke Margatroid was looking for potential suitors for her was so that she could have a comfortable future. I was able to find that out or come to that conclusion when I noticed the oddity of his proposal. The duke wasn’t looking for a successor to his work; rather, he was looking for someone that he could entrust Alicia with.

Even though I’m not the best person to deal with this, I still hold accountability for adding to her misfortune.

I patted her head, closed in on her and gave her a hug. “I’m sorry. I’ll try to make it up for you.”

Genuine words came out of my lips.

There was a time that I promised myself to not grow attached with others, even in this life, I still hold that sentiment but…

For someone as tragic as Alicia Margatroid, I’ll be damned if I simply ignored her and continued to live an uneventful life. If I don’t, I’ll only end up with bitter regret.

Maybe it was also because of her tragic upbringing that I feel a sense of kinship with her, for now—I will try my best to be beside her.

 

---

 

It was the next day of the ceremony, by now I would be back at the estate resuming my studies and preparations. Instead, I was in the Royal Pavilion having a so-called tea party with other high-ranking noble children. The high noble children that were present are Silverstone, Duress, Archaea and Rodin.

Alicia wasn’t able to attend since she was currently recovering from yesterday's trip to the concession stands.

At first, I expected a lot would come since there were more than ten ducal families but after hearing that we were only secretly invited by none other than the crown prince himself. I’m sure that there’s something more to this get-together.

Father told me that the selected few were all the closest and most loyal families to the Royal family, so I assumed that this meeting had another agenda.

Wait—Won’t I be caught up in the schemes of the royal family if things continue like this?

At this rate…I’d be saying good-bye to my planned uneventful life.

Now that won’t do, I’d have to make sure that my plan still stays intact.

The other kids were all engaged in pleasantries while I wandered off to look at the greenery trying my best to look like an NPC. I was trying to make myself look busy and uninterested at their tea party, but the third prince or crown prince still took notice of me.

“Hello, you must be the son of Duke Rodin, the Royal Adviser.” I stopped what I was doing and turned around to confront him.

Standing up, I noticed that our heights were neck in neck. However, his body was more fit than mine, I was a bit of a lanky person.

With a bow, I mimicked what others said to him earlier then proceeded to kneel.

“I greet thee, future King of Leotopia.”

I felt his grip on my shoulders, and I looked up in return.

“Please stop…You're the fourth person to have done that.” He sounded embarrassed and by the looks of it, he must be fed up…

If it’s effective, then there’s no reason to stop.

“Is something wrong, your highness?”

“Nothing. It’s nothing…” He coughed and sobered up then stuck his hand out for a shake. I return the gesture.

“August Rodin, child of Duke Rodin, your highness” A firm grip was established, and we continue to shake our hands, then something weird happened. I felt the skin behind my back crawl, it was as if something foreign yet familiar at the same time is giving me a tingling sensation.

That was when I noticed the crown prince's calculating gaze.

“Odd. He doesn’t have that noticeable of a mana.” My body instinctively froze, my eyes widened in horror.

Although it was barely audible, I still managed to hear it. The language that was muttered by him only existed back in my previous life; it was without a doubt—The English Lexicon.

He lets go of my hand and smiles apologetically at me.

“I apologize if that made things awkward. Why don’t we head back to where the others are?” I nodded at him. In response, he flashed me a small smile that looked fake as plastic.

When I was about to leave the area together with him, I let out my mana and conjured a barrier spell. He must have sensed the abrupt change of mana in the air, he frantically looked at me and narrowed his eyes.

“What is the meaning of this?” Although he was unarmed, I could sense a dangerous amount of killing intent.

There’s no reason for me to be doing this, I know it might be an inkling, but I have to confirm it. The fears on the back of my mind wouldn’t just simply let this go, I need to know for sure.

Inside the barrier, no sound would escape, so it should be fine if I changed how I usually talk.

“Why don’t we walk around and chat for a bit?” He looked at me carefully with his narrowed eyes, I saw him preparing something and I couldn’t help but chuckle. After all, I’d probably do the same if someone from my previous life is also reincarnated here whether he is a stranger or not.

Raising both my hands up, I have now shown him that I was unarmed but he still had his guard up. He was being overly cautious which I understand but that doesn't help the case at all.

I sighed and gave him a resigned look, “Look, if you don’t want to talk then it’s fine, but won’t you just hear me out for a bit?”

He has lowered his guard a bit but that didn’t seem to indicate that I was on the clear just yet.

“What do you think about the Fermi Paradox?” Instead of answering, he had asked me a question and that confirmed my fear and suspicion.

Still, it was my chance to prove to him that he and I were in the same boat.

“It’s a concept of speculation.” He asked me to elaborate, still reluctant to accept the truth.

“A problem that asks the question of ‘where is everybody?’.” I didn’t want to get too deep with that since I only wanted to have a brief chat with him but that was more than enough, I'm sure I passed his human verification test.

“You…You’re the same as me.”

“That’s right. You and I are— Just as I was about to finish that sentence, I sensed the footsteps of the other noble children coming to our area.

I hastily hide my mana and the structure of the transparent barrier dissipates into thin air.

He looked back at them then back at me, he blinked at me, and I nodded at him, I understood what those signals meant.

When the other kids arrived, they immediately took notice of us, and relief was on their faces.

“Ah, everyone! I’m sorry for making you all wait; it was rude of me to leave you all behind. I was too engrossed in explaining the history of the pavilion to August Rodin.” He smiled at them apologetically, it was the kind that reassures people of their worries.

“That’s right. I apologize for taking up his highness’ time, it is selfish on my part.” I bow at them as if to show remorse for my actions.

The silver haired Silverstone girl was the first to speak. “It’s fine, your highness. We were just worried that you and Rodin were taking so long.” The other two, the fat Duress boy and the slender Archaea girl, nodded as well to reinforce their claim.

“If that is so then why don’t I make it up for all of you. Let’s go and view the central fountain.” The prince held out his hand and a magic circle was traced, hovering a couple centimeter away from his palm.

“Come! August Rodin and I will lead you all there.” When I took my place beside him, I heard him whisper to me in another language.

“We’ll talk tomorrow at the Grand Library of the Royal Palace—Fellow Earthling.”

It's certain now, that I was not the only one to have reincarnated in this world.