I woke beneath the same familiar ceiling.
Again.
Quietly, I pushed myself up, gripping the edge of the crib. My legs trembled as I forced them straight.
One step.
Two—
And I fell.
The impact wasn't painful. Just humiliating.
For a moment I lay there staring at the floor, annoyance simmering inside me. This body… these limits… they were unbearable.
Still, the failure only strengthened my resolve.
I would stand again.
Just as I was gathering myself, the door creaked open.
"Young Master~"
Yuki entered with her usual cheerful expression—though today it seemed brighter than normal.
Why is she smiling like that?
Before I could analyze further, she clapped her hands softly.
"You're turning two today. We must prepare, yes?"
Her tone was teasing, as if she believed I understood.
Which, technically, I did.
But I shouldn't.
So I tilted my head slightly and blinked in practiced innocence.
Yuki laughed, clearly satisfied, and lifted me effortlessly.
As she dressed me, I suppressed a sigh.
My mind was not that of a child. Awareness made everything awkward.
Still, there were no inappropriate thoughts—only frustration at my helplessness.
Grow faster… just grow faster.
When we stepped into the hallway, the estate buzzed with movement.
Maids hurried past carrying decorations.
Servants adjusted floral arrangements. The manor was transforming.
As Yuki carried me downstairs, we passed the library.
My gaze lingered.
Knowledge. History. This world's truth.
But for now, it was out of reach.
Powerless.
Mother and Father were already waiting.
Marie Valemont looked radiant, draped in deep blue silk that complemented her dark hair.
Father stood beside her in formal attire, his red hair tied neatly,
posture straight as ever.
Even I had to admit—they looked impressive.
Yuki handed me to Mother. Her arms were warm and steady.
Father stepped forward.
"It is time."
The celebration was held in the garden.
Minor nobles filled the space—Barons and Baronesses exchanging polished smiles.
Their laughter sounded pleasant.
But their eyes betrayed them.
Every compliment carried calculation.
Every word was measured. Politics disguised as civility.
Even on a child's birthday.
How troublesome.
A Baron approached, bowing slightly.
"Viscount Valemont, the young master resembles you greatly."
Polite smiles. Controlled responses.
I yawned softly.
Mother noticed and gently excused us.
But before we could step away, the Baron added:
"I trust that when he inherits your talent, he will attend Seila Academy? His Majesty's decree ensures that gifted children must hone their abilities for the kingdom."
Father stiffened.
Only slightly.
Then his expression returned to normal.
"We shall see when the time comes."
Seila Academy.
The moment I heard those words—
Something clicked.
Fragments aligned.
Memories sharpened.
The brutal academy.
The ruthless system.
The principal.
The tragedy that would swallow the kingdom whole.
This world…
It's the novel I read before I died.
A chill ran through me.
Excitement flickered first—I would meet her.
The girl I once admired from the pages.
But fear followed close behind.
This kingdom was destined to fall.
If I wanted to survive…
I would have to defy fate.
Seila Academy was merciless.
Strength determined value.
Potential determined status.
Cooperation meant little.
Weakness meant elimination—socially or physically.
Only the strong endured.
Doubt surfaced briefly.
Can I truly navigate what's coming?
I buried it.
Preparation changes destiny.
And I would prepare.
That night, once Yuki believed I was asleep and left the room, I opened my eyes.