Eight years have passed since my reincarnation.
Every day remains filled with training, and I’m not living a lifestyle typical for someone my age. However, I am enjoying every moment of my life.
This is because, unlike in my previous life, I now possess a variety of talents. My efforts don’t feel wasted, and the more I train, the more I grow.
It may seem like a given, but it’s not that simple. There are countless people in the world who, like the previous me, struggle without seeing any reward for their efforts. In contrast, this body of mine in this life is truly remarkable.
“Brother, you’re being too gross.”
“Ugh… Kraze…”
Right now, I’m refusing an embrace from my older brother inside a carriage. I hate to admit it, but he still loves me as much as ever. Incidentally, Frill, who’s in a separate carriage, hasn’t changed either.
In front of me, my parents are smiling at the sight of my brother and me. No, I’d prefer if they stopped this perverted brother instead of smiling. Sighing in frustration, I remember where we’re heading and sigh again.
As I mentioned earlier, the entire Reynostia family is currently traveling by carriage. We’re heading toward the capital of the Kingdom of Eldoria.
Even for high-ranking nobles like the Reynostia family, it’s rare to visit the capital frequently. As the nation’s capital and royal domain, only a select few have regular business there.
Of course, court nobles, who don’t own territories, generally live in the capital. But for nobles with territories, there’s little need to visit the capital. While, on the surface, the royal family stands above the nobles, in reality, the dynamic is more complex.
The relationship between the royal family and nobles revolves around mutual benefit. The royal family grants territories to the nobles in exchange for taxes and loyalty, and the nobles pledge loyalty in exchange for the protection of their lands.
As long as this balance is maintained, peace endures. However, if either side disrupts it, their relationship can collapse.
In the past, it was common for kings to be overthrown by disgruntled nobles due to excessive taxation. Fortunately, such events are rare nowadays, thanks to lessons learned from history. Relations between nations are stable, and the kingdom is relatively peaceful, though I can’t say for sure what’s happening behind the scenes.
So, the relationship between the royal family and the nobles remains cool but stable, driven by their respective interests.
The reason the Reynostia family is heading to the capital is to attend the king’s birthday celebration, which will take place in seven days.
However, it’s not a grand event like the Arcana Eclipse Mystique, celebrated by the entire capital. It’s a private gathering, reserved for high-ranking nobles, much like a royal ball.
Naturally, the nobles aren’t attending purely out of admiration for the king. While some may have a sliver of genuine intent, their true goal is to secure something beneficial.
They wear masks of smiles and sincerity while seeking opportunities for profit, whether through business, secret plots, or matchmaking for their sons and daughters.
It’s a world I could never have known as a mere adventurer in my previous life. To be honest, it sounds like an absolute hassle. But as a member of the Reynostia family, I couldn’t skip it without a valid reason.
“Oh, right.”
My father’s voice brings me back to reality.
“I need to give you two some advice for the public event.”
Advice? My brother and I have spent our entire lives in our territory, so we’ve never attended a public event. While we’ve been taught etiquette, there are probably other things to be mindful of.
“First, for the two of you—no, this is specifically for Lowen. When a lady is introduced to you, avoid complimenting her too easily. Even if it’s just flattery, it could be twisted into a betrothal.”
“Understood!”
My brother is the eldest son and the future head of the marquis family. On top of that, he’s good-looking, well-versed in magic, and excels academically. If it weren’t for his eccentricities, he’d be the perfect catch.
The world of nobles is terrifying. If you’re not constantly vigilant, you could easily find yourself trapped.
“And as for you, Kraze, I doubt many nobles will approach you. You might get some formal greetings, but that’s about it.”
“Is that so?”
Well, that’s a relief. I wasn’t planning to let my guard down, but compared to my brother, I’ll probably have it easier. Still… why is that? Is it because I’m the second son?
“I haven’t confirmed it yet, but I think word has spread among the nobles that you can’t use magic.”
“Ah, I see.”
“In this country—well, actually, across the world—magic is highly valued. Among nobles, magical ability is the most important trait.”
In other words…
“They see no value in me because I can’t use magic, right?”
“Yes. At least, that’s what the other nobles probably think. But we know the real you, so we don’t feel that way at all.”
My father grins, and my mother and brother smirk as well. Three years ago, when my parents told me I couldn’t use magic, they were devastated. But now, they’ve seen me come alive through my swordsmanship, and the gloom has lifted.
Honestly, it doesn’t bother me either. No matter how the other nobles look down on me or mock me, I couldn’t care less.
I have my own path. If someone gets in my way, I’ll simply brush them aside. As long as they keep their comments to themselves, I’ll just ignore them.
“Well, I’ll be careful anyway.”
“Good, that’s wise.”
As the ancient saying goes, “Complacency invites disaster.” The enemy always strikes when you lower your guard. This holds true in all situations.
That said, staying on high alert for something as trivial as the king’s birthday is exhausting.
Still… if there are any strong individuals there, I might actually enjoy it a bit.
Several days passed as we traveled by carriage, staying at various noble estates along the way. Finally, we arrived at the capital.
“Wow…”
“Amazing!”
The imposing, sturdy city walls… the long line of carriages waiting to enter… the bustling noise of the people that could be heard even outside the walls… I couldn’t help but express my awe, while my brother leaned out of the window in excitement.
The capital is safe, free from monsters and bandits. As a result, adventurers rarely come here. That’s why, in my previous life, I never once visited the capital.
…I had no idea it was such an impressive place. I don’t know about other capitals, but I can easily see why this one represents the Kingdom of Eldoria.
“Kraze, Kraze! Isn’t the capital incredible?”
“…Yes, it is.”
The wind blew through, rustling my brother’s and my hair.
I thought this trip would be tedious, but… it might be more enjoyable than I expected.
