(Lancelot's POV)
In this dream-like darkness, I felt my nose twitch.
This smell... is somewhat familiar?
For some reason, there is this antiseptic smell lingering in the air. You know, the usual smell when someone is inside a hospital?
But how could it be?
I tried to open my eyes, but it felt unbelievably heavy I almost gave up on doing it. Still, I’m curious to know why this nostalgic smell appeared on me only now. I haven’t gone to any hospitals here after I reincarnated into this world, so I wasn’t sure what to expect.
While I was trying my best to, well, open my physical eyes, I saw my view brightening. My surroundings slowly took form of an evening-lit ambience of a... hospital? I was tucked in on a bed for patients with an IV attached at the back of my left hand, while completely clad in a hospital robe. I was wondering if I did something again that landed myself sent to a hospital, when a memeory suddenly came to me.
(Lancelot’s POV)The novel “The Love of My Life” is a story best suited for teenagers. That being said, some of the topics discussed in the novel weights heavily on romance compared to other elements, world building included. Because of that, the scale between the love interests’ life stories and others’ life stories tipped unfairly to the love interests’ side.Not like I have any problem with it when I read it. Because, I’ve read somewhere before that other than fantasy books with hellishly long storyline and particular world building, books which was written to suit the romance genre shouldn’t depict too much of characters’ other than the main characters’ life.Even though this world more or less fit the fantasy genre.And even more so, when I was chosen to live inside a world as such.On the floor of a roofless wooden carriage, a huge and white furred monster was lying dormant. It
(Lancelot’s POV)I awkwardly cleared my throat. “I just wants to see the town. I finally get a free time so I thought a stroll would be nice.”The villager group and the glasses man shot a look at me. In a sense, I am not lying. I have been busy improving the agricultural sector of this fief that I had forgotten about other sectors, mainly this one.Now that I think about it, wasn’t it obvious to have this kind of premise? We’re inside a world of swords and magic, and monsters wanders around inside the wild, looking for prey to predate on.“I see.” The glasses man adjusted his glasses. He seemed to be troubled with my presence, but I tried my best to not dig too much into it. I just wanted to observe their work, nothing more.“So uh... Do you want to submit your quests, dear adventurers?” He said to the villager group.I felt my eyelids twitched.“Wait, you guys are adventure
Lancelot’s POVWhile we were on our way to meet this acquaintance that Hans knew, I realized something while I was glancing at the scenery outside the carriage.“I really have returned here, huh?” I muttered.“What’s that supposed to mean, Count?” Aran blinked.Oops.“Sorry, I was just talking to myself.” I tried to quickly brush it off. It felt extremely uncomfortable especially when Hans gave me that concerned look.“What are you talking about, My Lord? This place IS your home. It’s of no question that you should return here.” His tone sounded almost hurtful, making my hand reflexively reached out to grab his hand for comforting. Thankfully, Hans was sitting across me so the thought of having to cross my arm through Aran’s gaze, which would definitely be a cause of ruse, didn’t happen.Hans’ lips twitched into an inexplicable knot, bordering between conflict and content(?) that seemed to go against each other.I can’t really tell them that this world isn’t even my home. Ah, one of t
Asher’s POV“…Haa…” I heaved a long, shallow sigh. The gentle grip I had at the crown of my head was slowly released, as I opened my eyes and peered at the ray of sunlight through my opened office window. The slightly chilly morning air blowed in, ruffling the ends of the semi-transparent curtain, and unconsciously, I gazed emptily at the swaying fabric for a long time.“…Come in.”After I said that, a huge figure entered the office. Its body was covered with dark blue and white royal knight outfit, and over it was a red and golden brooch indicating his rank. However, unlike his intimidating appearance, a soft smile formed on his curvy lips.“Anxious much, Your Highness? I’m starting to worry about your health if you continue on with your sleepless spree.” He said to me in a light tone.“…Henry.” I stated his name. As I raised from the mahogany sofa, a soft grun
Lancelot’s POV“Good morning, My Lord!” Silica hollered, as if her original voice wasn’t loud enough. “Come on, My Lord. If you didn’t wake up right now, us servants won’t have enough time to dress you up prettily before the opening of the festival!” She then added a scolding on the side.“…Ugh.” I could hear my own grunt resonating through the muffle of my pillow. It’s a mix between irritation, and despise. Silica’s voice wasn’t this irritating originally, but I was probably easily ticked this morning because of how late I slept last night.Why is it morning already?Are mornings created to actually torture people?“…Why do I have to prepare early in the morning? Wasn’t the festival is supposed to happen late in the evening?” Like what Aran said to me right after I returned to Isaiya, the people of Isaiya wanted to celebrate for my return
Lancelot’s POV“W-What… What do you mean by that?”I tried my best to keep my cool. The feeling of being discovered by Aran was different compared to when I got discovered by Izana and Cecilia. Probably due to the reason being Izana closely related to supernormal activities so he seemed used to hearing about transgression, while Cecilia is related to him, and I don’t think is someone big mouthed.However, if it’s Aran, then a myriad of possibilities would happen. It’s because, I don’t have much knowledge about how Aran will act, or his personality, or a lot about his daily life. He wasn’t depicted frequently in the novel, apart from being called Asher’s secretary and a virtuoso.If he found out about me, what will he do?“You know,” Aran began, while he picked his glass of drink. The air seemed so sinister and dark, especially his growing shadow by sitting with his back facing
Lancelot’s POVThe sun had already set, inviting the coming of the dark blue sky. Still, beneath its embrace, was a bright and bustling ambience of Isaiya, decorated and laced with lanterns, flags and colourful ornaments. The people of the town looked very happy and cheerful. Streams of laughter could be heard from any distance, be it far or near.At a distance away from those bright and dazzling lights, I was staring at the half-completed entrance wall to the town, built to separate between the settlement and the orchard. Aran prompted me that it was necessary to build walls to protect the people from any monster attacks, and to distinguish this town from another town. Because of that, two separate walls were built, one between the wilds and the orchard field, and one which I was looking at.However, due to the lack of funds, for several days since I’m back, the building of the wall has been halted. I kind of understand why Aran did that, as Isaiya
Asher’s POV[BREAKING NEWS! THE RENOWNED MARQUIS IS AIMING FOR THE THRONE! HIS WRONGDOING CAUGHT REDHANDED?!]My eyelids twitched when I read the newspaper’s headline. While I’m grateful that the news had gotten out, what’s with the title? They make it seemed like it’s an artist’s controversy or something.I heaved a long sigh, and placed down the newspaper. Not long after that, a door to my office was knocked, and when I granted permission to enter, Henry came into the office, holding the exact same newspaper I had.“Have you read the news, Your Highness?”I brushed my bangs backwards. “I have. Though the reporters could use a change in title.”Henry softly chuckled. “Still, it’s a good thing that the news had gotten out. Now we can prepare for the offense of things.”“Indeed.” I glanced back at the newspaper. Truth to be told, it wasn’t m
Lancelot’s POV“Oh, thank goodness you’re alive, My Lord! You don’t know how worried I was when you suddenly disappeared like that!” Hans wailed as he grabbed both of my hands. Behind him, were all the servants of the County, all hoarding me and were expressing their concern of me.“Thank you, but I am fine, as you can see.” I replied, accompanied with a troubled chuckle. Even in dire situations, they never failed to light up my mood.“Lord Lancelot.” A voice greeted me. I looked around the crowd and noticed Rokhan standing at a safe distance from the crowd. He probably didn’t want to get squashed like I did.“If you will, we need to talk for a moment, along with Lord Aran and His Highness.” He pointed his gaze at me, then slightly glanced at both Aran and Asher, who was somewhere nearby.“Ehhh that’s unfair! Let us in on the discussion too, we want to know what hap
Lancelot’s POVThe first thought that I have in mind when I arrived at Isaiya was; where is my feet? I mean, I couldn’t see a thing apart from things that are very close to me, as an example, Asher’s hand that was holding mine.“Are you hurt anywhere?” Asher’s voice appeared, but I couldn’t make out his face that much, all because of the thick smog-like magenta aura all around us.“I’m fine.” I replied.“Thank goodness.” There was a hint of relief in his tone when he said that.“Where are we, by the way? I can’t see anything with all this smog.” I paused a bit as I looked around. “It seems we are also separated from everyone else.”“Indeed.” Asher said, agreeing to my comment. “Let’s try to get the feel of our surroundings first. I’ll try sensing Izana’s aura in the meantime.”The two of us be
Lancelot’s POV“That doesn’t sound like it will end that peacefully.” I commented. Noel giggled.“That’s what you’re concerned about? I thought that you would be worried about Asher or something.” Noel said. I shook my head in response, as I replied in a nonchalant manner. “Well, even if Lancelot were to fight both Izana and Asher right now, I don’t think he would have a chance in winning. Izana is a guardian, and Asher ranked just below his father in terms of battle prowess. Unless he used some kind of tricks, they won’t lose easily.”“Fair enough.” Noel nodded. “Which is why we will be leaving this near consciousness as soon as possible. Injuries might happen to this body if they fight, which might put a strain on you when you regained control of this body.”I nodded in understanding. Noel looked up, and seemed to be scanning the place. He then lifted his rig
Aran’s POVBack in Isaiya…You guys must have been wondering why the notion above stated Isaiya, and not the royal palace, even though I am among one of the royal secretaries and the crown prince’s closest aide.Yep.You’ve guessed it right.“If I manage to find Lancelot, I will bring him back to the royal palace, pronto. I want you to keep watch here at Isaiya. Keep the people safe, and if by chance Avery comes here, protect the people at all cost.”That was what the crown prince, Asher Sol Tristan, the supposedly anti-romantic, non-interested in people type of person, told me before he bolted with his horse somewhere. Because of his orders, which is second after the king’s decree, I have no power to refuse, so I stayed, with two knight companies ready at my beck and call.Man, I’m back at Isaiya again.I mean, it’s not like I hate this town or anything, but being far away from my home in the capital kinda gave me homesickness. I don’t have anyone waiting at home because my parents l
Asher’s POV“So, you’re telling me that Lancelot has been acting strange?” Izana chuckled. I found myself frowning towards his behaviour, which I deemed irked me a bit. But still, he has been chuckling in many serious occasions, so no surprise there.“What makes you think that way?” Izana suddenly asked. While he did, I saw him cupping his chin and looking at an indistinct direction. It’s hard to determine what his train of thoughts looked like.“…What do you mean?” I hesitated before I answered him. In hindsight, I was the only one who interacted with Lancelot after he woke up. Louis and Cecilia weren’t in the room with me to witness, so what kind of evidence do I have to prove it?“I think…” I muttered to myself, hesitating again. “He called me by my name, a lot. And he responded to my flirting as if I’ve flirted with him before.”Izana widened
Avery Ila Ronan“Your hobby doesn’t suit a cold-blooded murderer like you.”“Oh? What does a ‘cold-blooded murderer’ do then?”“What do you think?”Avery opened her eyes. The slight shifting of her aura woke her up from her brief nap, right at the moment where she saw that wretched man’s smirk.‘How nostalgic.’ She thought, as she stood up and dusted her clothes. ‘Even after death, you kept on haunting me, Enrique.’Avery kept her monologue internally, while she stared far at the distance. The mana that she projected to sense his trails was halted and shifted from one direction to another, stopping Avery and causing her to stay on observing mode. A few days ago, it halted on a single direction, but Avery chose to stay and foresee the situation first before moving. She wouldn’t want to waste more energy or mana after all.
Lancelot’s POVI heaved a low sigh.Alright, now that I have cried my eyes out and literally stained a part of Asher’s tunic, I feel calmer and more collected, and also quite hungry. My stomach was quite vocal about it, so in the very next moment, I saw several servants worked their way around the room, going from assisting me to the bathroom for a bath, setting the table, to serving the dishes.My cheeks felt hot somehow. I don’t think it’s the aftereffect of taking a bath, but more on me reminiscing of me sobbing pathetically on Asher’s shoulders. The more I thought about it, the more embarrassing it is. Well, aren’t I a successful adult for crying on someone’s shoulders? Can’t say I’m one but that’s sad, Sakamaki Yuu! And you’re already a middle-aged man to boot!Despite that, Asher looked more relaxed and nonchalant than I thought. He quietly ate while he sat on the chair next to my bed, with a small table set between him and my bed. As for me, I ate on the small table erected on t
(Lancelot’s POV)I didn’t know how grateful I was when I opened my eyes to a dimly lit surrounding. Upon longer dithering, I assumed that I was laying down on a bed, and that its barely dawn. I laboriously pulled myself up to sit; wanting to take a proper look at the rising sun, through the glass window across me.“…Lancelot?”I halted, upon hearing a voice to my side.It took me some time to register whose voice it was, but when I turned beside me, I saw a figure towering me. The little sunlight from the rising sun made his raven hair glimmery, and I saw those silver eyes looked directly into mine.“Ash-” I wasn’t able to finish that word, before getting wrapped up in an embrace. That caused me to flinch a bit. In that moment, a distinct amount of warmth usurped within, causing me to blush.Asher…That was the only thing I could think of. I slipped both of my arms behind his back and clung tightly onto him, as I enjoyed the radiating warmth of his body. And as if knowing my intention
Lancelot’s POV“Phew…” I heaved out a long sigh.Never have I ever imagined that I could be bruised and battered even in the land beneath my consciousness. I thought so as I looked at myself. Approximately some time ago, I got stabbed by the original Lancelot, and was fading away quite fast, but somehow my body is okay now and I don’t feel that pain anymore.“But…” I gazed towards my surroundings. There’s nothing but white all around me. And because I’m here, I don’t think my body outside is conscious. Maybe. I did feel like I had almost grasped the string of consciousness within me, but it was only for a brief time, and only happened once in a while. How do I get out from this situation?“So, you’re the one Izana has been talking frequently about.” A voice suddenly appeared, snapping me from my pondering, and rendering me to flinch in surprise.“Wha-”