Why am I a baby? Was I reborn… or is this some new technology? Have we advanced far enough to transplant memories now? But on a newborn nonetheless?
My eyelids twitched, as though something invisible was gently pressing them shut. Drowsiness falling through my vision, blurring the magnificent room.
Ugh… am I already sleepy? I suppose a newborn isn't meant to think this much…
My eyes closed once more, and drowsiness carried me into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Several months passed.
I learned to act of crying when necessary, remaining silent occasionally and playing or toying with others eventually. Though the language spoken around me was foreign, I understood every word as if I had known it all my life. It felt more like it was my mother tongue in my previous life.
I also learned that my name is Rio Nightingale.
The child beside me who is my brother, Allen Nightingale, is a mischievous little troublemaker. He often delighted in harassing the maids, turning their orderly routines into chaos. Yet despite his actions, his bright smile and innocent laughter melted their frustration away, capturing every heart in the room.
As time went on, I reached a conclusion.
This was not some advanced memory transplant. If it were, such an act would be condemned as an offence to human rights and basic morality. No, this is something far beyond science.
I had been reborn.
Reincarnated into another world.
That was all I could gather in these passing months. The atmosphere resembled an aristocratic era. Refined halls, elaborate etiquette, quiet displays of wealth and power.
My beautiful mother, Cynthia, is a doting one, always showering us with affection and tending to our every need. My father, Merlin Nightingale, though often occupied with his duties, still made time to visit. On some occasions, he would play with us in his arms while his stern demeanor softening into genuine warmth.
It was… peaceful.
A life far removed from the desolate lands once overrun by monsters.
it was the kind of peace I had once wished for. It was like a dream that i wouldnt want to wake up for.
Along the days , I slowly began to understand the mysterious abilities I had gained after reincarnation.
Void Sense.
An ability that allowed me to perceive what is concealed—and to conceal myself in return. It sharpened my awareness beyond normal limits, heightening my senses to a certain degree.
Useful… undeniably so. But there is a catch.
The ability relied heavily on stamina.
And as a child, an infant no less, my physical limits are laughable. I had neither the strength nor the endurance to sustain it for long. I even attempted meditation, hoping to accelerate my growth or stabilize my control.
It was useless.
"Waaah!"
The sharp cry cut through my thoughts.
I sighed inwardly.
…My brother is hungry again.
The maids were already hurrying this way. Thanks to my heightened senses, I could hear their footsteps from at least twenty feet away, the hurried rustle of fabric, the soft tapping against polished floors.
Most children would start crying after hearing another baby cry, wouldn't they?
So… should I cry too?
Or stay quiet?
Random thoughts spiraled through my mind. Unable to decide, I simply stayed quiet, watching as the door opened and the maids hurried inside.
They quickly checked on the two of us before lifting us into their arms. Some of them focused on calming my brother, gently rocking him, while the others hurried to prepare the milk bottles.
Taking the initiative, we began drinking from the bottles ourselves.
The maids watched us with soft smiles, their eyes filled with affection, almost as if they are admiring two adorable dolls.
That was the life I lived for the next few years until I reached the age of four.
...
It was also the day I first learned about nobility, manners, etiquette… and my engagement.
The noble system here was similar to the European aristocracy back on Earth. Even the language carried a familiar tone. If I had to compare it, it sounded like a blend of Greek and Russian.
My family held the title of Marquis, governing the western border of the Kingdom of Sylvania, a kingdom often called the land of Warriors, currently under the rule of King Esparda II.
Beyond our western frontier lay the Kingdom of Kvarthinya, though I had yet to learn much about that land.
To the south stretched the territory of County Avalon, a prosperous port hub ruled by Nikola Avalon, whose family was said to be the wealthiest in the entire kingdom.
To the north rose a vast mountain range known as Sierra, which formed border around the Cesimir Barony, governed by Aubert Cesimir and the forest that is teeming with vicious beasts.
As for the eastern territories neighboring ours, they included the Duchy of Lavender which is under the rule of Marcus Lavender, also the County of Ravenholt under which is under the rule of Theodore Ravenholt, and further beyond them is the royal capital of the kingdom, Alvaria, where the grand Commerce Hall stood at the heart of the capital trade.
The king granted multiple fiefs for his children to govern. It didn't matter whether they were princes or princesses, each of them could inherit land and rule in their own right.
That was about everything I had learned so far about the land I was currently living in.
Although Sylvania was known as the Kingdom of Warriors, our family was the only one entrusted with guarding the western frontier. Our territory stood as the kingdom's shield against the Kingdom of Kvarthinya, as well as the vast forest stretching between the Sierra mountain range and their lands.
"Rio, why are you spacing out?"
The voice of concern came from my adorable little brother, Allen, towards me who is looking out at the garden from the window of my room
"Look at that tree," I said, pointing ahead.
"Doesn't it look like a bench?"
Of course it doesn't… I can't exactly say I'm lost in deep thought. That wouldn't suit the behavior of a four-year-old boy.
Allen stared in the direction I pointed before bursting into laughter.
"It doesn't! How does a straight tree look like a bench to you?"
"Hehe."
"ALLEN!"
A woman's sharp shout echoed from the hallway.
Allen froze.
"Looks like Mother is angry again," I said, glancing at him, trying to guess just how much mischief he had caused this time.