(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)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-”
Asher’s POVI was even more surprised and confused compared to Louis, who was trying to calm her down. The three of us decided to change our spot further away from Lancelot, by sitting on the sofa set nearby.While I turned on the lamp on the coffee table, Louis guided Cecilia to one of the empty spots of the sofa. Cecilia tried to stop her own sobs. Both me and Louis then gazed at her until she had calmed down for the most of it.“…I’m sorry.” Cecilia started, wiping the tears on her cheeks with a handkerchief Louis handed to her. “But you can’t be with the Count, Your Highness. You mustn’t.”I felt the surge of air in my lungs as I rapidly inhaled. Pausing, my slightly parted lips moved as I mouthed, “Why?” In an exasperated breath.Cecilia had her gaze lowered on the ground. Waiting for her answers, I tried to calm the seething annoyance within me. I know Cecilia as someone who doesn’t do something without reason. With that being said, I still couldn’t fathom why she was so against
…A pair of eyes were staring blankly at the marching of the black ants. Some ants greeted the other on its way, but they never really stopped on their tracks to idle about. However, not too far from the corner of those eyes, is a black ant that was standing idly on its feet, while looking up. As if, for some time, it has noticed of the presence of the seemingly alien looking eyes inspecting it from above.Avery smiled.As if satisfied with what she saw, she lifted her gaze. Her eyelids immediately squinted, hiding her irises from the blazing sun above her head. The sun is already high above the sky, and the temperature is rising.Avery then stood up from the ground, a sitting spot that she chose to ease her fatigue from walking for some time. She then quickly readjusted her knee length cloak around her body, before resuming her steps; destination unknown.Even so, once in a while, the flora and fauna witnessed Avery fiddling with the air just above her waist. Her index finger twisting
Asher’s POV My memory—between me preparing to leave the palace to arriving at the Great Kingdom of Sand in the South—was blurry. I heard the tap of my heels on the ground, which instantly brought my senses back to reality. It seems while I was in a daze, I have already arrived. Some attendants were escorting the horses away, while some others tended to me, along with Louis and Cecilia, who decided to tag along with me. “Her Highness is inside the guest room. Please follow us.” An attendant said. The three of us then followed from behind. We walked through a corridor. The subtle orange tinge of the sun ray that lit the marble arched corridor indicates the time. After some time walking, we arrived in front of a shiny two-leaf wooden door. A guard was situated at each leaf of the door. The attendant halted in front of the door. He briefly knocked on the wooden surface, and stepped back again. A soft, incomprehensible voice appeared from the other side of the door, before soon, the gua
Asher’s POV“There has been a report of sightings of several magenta auras located at the border of the kingdom. Albeit unsure of the source, the sentries placed there are alert.” Henry informed, while holding a piece of paper, presumably the report paper.He then sauntered closer and handed me the paper. I accepted the paper and skimmed through it, confirming Henry’s report. A sigh unconsciously escaped my lips.What does Avery want actually?After thinking of several reasons and causes for all the incidents, that occur in only within a day, I reached to that conclusion. What does Avery really want from Lancelot, that she even chased him to the ends of the world? Was the news of his death not enough for her? Was the display of the corpse not enough to make her stop?Then again, Avery was never the one to get attached to Lancelot. If that so, then why does she looked for him, and even proceeded to use a high-level dark magic
Lancelot’s POV“My Lord…” I heard my name being called. I turned behind me to see Taylor standing at a nearby distance, about a few steps away from me.I suddenly came to a realization.Ah, this dream again.I thought, while letting my body move on its own accord. It was one of those flashback dreams again, where I remembered my previous life. Though this time, I became the old Lancelot for the first time ever.How do I know that?“I told you to bring me a fancy attire, not this crappy one!” My hands moved on its own and slammed about three layers of clothing onto poor Taylor. The old butler trembled a bit due to the impact, but quickly picked himself up.I then fumed on my own while Taylor left.“Looking decent is not enough. I need to look even better when meeting my dear Avery! Should I put on more accessories on me?” Lancelot monologued loudly.As Lancelot was standing
LancelotThey probably noticed me freezing on my spot. With a slightly concerned tone, Princess Aisya said, “Are you alright, Count Constance?”I properly but quickly shot up, and met my eyes with her. “I am good. Apologies for making you worry.”The princess smiled. “I see. Thank goodness that you’re finally awake. You have been sleeping for almost two days, me and your friend here are starting to get worried of you.”I nodded my head. Then I dithered for a moment. “…How do you know my name, your highness?”Princess Aisya retained her smile. She then tossed a glance towards Suna beside her. “Master Suna has told me a little bit about you.”I fluttered my eyes. “Do you also call him ‘Master’, Your highness?”“Yes.” Princess Aisya suddenly chuckled, probably noticed my confusion and found it amusing. She then added, “He is
AsherAn hour after the incident, Taylor finally managed to disperse the crowd. While the workers returned to their routine, I asked Izana and the twins to follow me, along with Taylor, for a short discussion. Because of that, the five of us went to Lancelot’s office.“Obviously,” Izana spoke. “Obviously, this is Avery Ila Ronan’s doing. But I don’t remember her magic being this potent, and a teleportation magic like that can only work if one became a high-level mage. But Avery is not a high-level mage.”I heaved a long, low sigh. At the corner of my eyes, I saw Taylor diligently cleaned the room.“Fair enough.” I replied. “Still, there’s nothing that we can do now that both the Count and the Bivorak Company’s master disappeared. What matters the most is finding them, but right now, we don’t have any clue of their whereabouts.” I paused for a bit. “I just hope that n