Before I knew it, three years had passed, and I was now ten years old. I finally had longer limbs—not by much—but it was still better than the stubby arms I had before. I could do more things and stretch my body properly. The downside? Jason made me train even harder, claiming that with each passing year, the training would only get more intense.
Since he was getting older, he'd order me to train while he sat around eating. It almost felt like a father forcing his kid to mow the lawn while he drank beer.
Now that I'd finished my sword training, it was time for magic. I wasn't particularly good at it—the principality barely had any mages, and the few who existed were terrible teachers. So, I resorted to meditation, which was more or less the same thing they did to channel magical energy.
Jason called out to me while scarfing down his sandwich.
"What's up?"
"Get ready. You're going to a party."
"A party? Whose party this time?"
I could already attend noble gatherings, though they weren't really worth it—just stuffy, boring social events. As a former adult, I understood the reasoning behind them, but the boredom hit harder in a child's body.
"Not anyone from around here. It's in the kingdom."
"Okay... Wait... The kingdom? That kingdom they hate so much?!"
"Yep. That very one."
The way he casually ate while talking about the kingdom he supposedly despised made the whole thing feel inconsistent.
"But why? Don't they hate them? Why would they go?"
"Ah, right. You wouldn't know. This has been going on for years. Just formalities, like when we attended Count Belkman's birthday despite disliking him."
"Oh. That... makes sense."
"Unfortunately, it does. I used to accompany Their Majesties as an escort. The last time I went was when they introduced Princess Annerose."
"This time, she's going alone because the principality needs a representative. The count and others will be there too, but she's just a kid surrounded by untrustworthy, boring adults."
"She needs protection, and you're the most reliable one for the job."
I stared at him blankly.
"Tell me the truth. Why am I really going?"
He stopped chewing, locked eyes with me, then resumed eating.
"Because I don't want to. I'm lazy, I hate them, and I'd rather go gambling."
"That's why you're my replacement in every way."
"You're a terrible adult!"
"I'm an adult, and you're a kid. So you do as I say, or I'll double your training and leave you in the woods overnight—no weapons, no food. What do you say?"
This guy was truly despicable. The worst part? He wasn't joking. Once, just for making Anne cry, he abandoned me in the forest for four hours. I nearly got eaten by wolves.
"Fine. I'll go."
"That's more like it. There's another reason, too. Rumors have spread that you're my son, and the kingdom sees me as a threat because of what happened in the past."
"They'll probably want to know if I've gotten weak in my old age, hence the heir. Don't embarrass me or Her Highness."
"And don't repeat this, but I won't let anyone mock Anne—not even myself."
"Good. If anyone asks you weird or tricky questions, just bow your head and say you don't know—that you're just a kid still learning."
"Even if someone tries to provoke you, they won't humiliate you. An adult picking a fight with a child is pathetic."
(Look who's talking.)
Ange arrived with a sandwich for me.
"I'm sure you'll be charming. I've already prepared your clothes. Want me to dress you like I used to?"
"No! That's way too embarrassing."
As strange as it sounded, this was something I'd never experienced in my past life. My mother died when I was little, so I didn't remember her. My father raised me, but after a while, he turned to drinking—more and more, until it became unbearable. We lost everything, even the house, so I enlisted in the army as soon as I came of age. They didn't care about education, so the military became my home for a few years.
But this wasn't the time for depressing stories. Let's focus on the clothes I was about to wear.
◇◇◇
After changing, I headed to the palace to pick up Anne and leave. She was with Mary, who was adjusting her dress.
She was a ten-year-old girl in a dazzling gown. It was almost funny seeing a child with no womanly figure wearing something resembling high heels. Her dress matched her eyes perfectly.
"Onee-chan, you look beautiful."
"Fufu, of course I do, Mary. I'm a princess—it's only natural. And since you're my twin, you are too."
One of Anne's traits in the game was being prideful and spoiled. Clearly, that hadn't changed.
They noticed me.
"Rex-kun, look at my sister! Doesn't she look pretty?"
"She's right. Rex, don't I look glamorous?"
Without hesitation, I replied:
"Of course. But you always do."
Anne's face turned red—now she looked like a tomato in a cosplay.
"E-enough flattery! Let's go, or we'll be late."
"Onee-chan, here you can whine and fall over, but not there. It's not our home—don't embarrass us."
Mary was usually sweet and gentle, but sometimes her words could cut like a knife.
"M-A-R-Y!"
"Don't say that to me—say it to this guy!"
"Listen well. This is your first appearance in foreign high society."
(Now she's lecturing me?)
"Don't embarrass us. Show them the glory of being an honorary knight of the principality!"
She took a step—and immediately fell.
"Kyah!"
(That was a cute scream.)
"I'm fine!"
She said she was fine, but she looked like she was about to cry. Mary and I rushed to help her.
"Onee-chan, why not switch to flats? They're comfier and easier to walk in. No one will notice under your dress."
"Never! Our mother always dressed elegantly. As her daughter, I must honor her memory!"
She stood up, took another step—and fell again.
"Then at least wear shoes without heels. The dress will make it look like you're wearing them, but you won't be."
"Ugh... This is so frustrating."
We finally convinced her to change. Then we boarded the carriage that would take us to the kingdom—the very place where the game's story unfolded.
◇◇◇
Night fell as we arrived at a mansion located northeast of the kingdom's border. Now that we'd entered, I could finally say its name aloud. I'd avoided mentioning it before because I lacked confirmation, but seeing it was different.
The Magical Kingdom of Lynneburg—that was this nation's name. The name always gave me stomachache. It sounded like something straight out of a girly game.
Since the event would run late, we were permitted to stay overnight. Everyone behaved politely, but I occasionally caught disdainful glances. Just as Jason predicted, the adults bombarded me with questions—about myself, the principality, and Jason.
Anne faced similar treatment, though her interrogators were women complimenting her dress and cuteness. Other children were present but kept their distance, likely on their parents' orders. The strangest sight was Count Belkman chatting with kingdom nobles like old friends.
As I understood it, he was the foreign relations minister—essentially a celebrity's PR manager. Though Anne spoke proudly, some adults seemed to be secretly mocking her. Trash remains trash, regardless of origin. Others gave unpleasant looks that made me uneasy about their intentions.
She finished her conversation and approached me.
"I need the bathroom. Can't hold it anymore."
"Should I come?"
"Don't be ridiculous. A maid will accompany me. I'm just telling you to keep an eye on Count Belkman—he looks drunk."
"Okay."
Anne hurried off—clearly at her limit. I stepped onto the balcony for air, bringing a plate of food.
"Finally in the game's kingdom. Five more years until the prologue begins."
"I wish everything could happen in one day to save time."
"That's when the real plan to save the future villainesses begins."
I nearly finished my plate.
"Honestly, after hearing so many bad things about the kingdom, I expected assassins or poisoned food. My bad—they're not the barbarians they're made out to be."
"The kingdom isn't stupid enough to provoke conflict without reason."
"I can't ignore what you just said!"
A small voice startled me from behind. Someone had overheard—this could mean trouble. The speaker was hidden by curtains until she stepped onto the balcony, moonlight illuminating her face.
A girl in a stunning red dress, her hair braided like living flame. Her fierce blue eyes gleamed like sapphires—beautiful as a freshly painted portrait. She glared murderously.
"Take it back."
"Excuse me?"
"I demand you retract what you said about the kingdom this instant!"
She'd heard everything, and her bossy attitude matched Anne's. Her face seemed familiar, but I couldn't place it. While I couldn't embarrass the principality, I wouldn't apologize either—children make mistakes.
"I heard everything. Don't try denying it."
"As the sole daughter of the duke, I order you to apologize immediately."
(So she's a duke's daughter. My brain struggles to recall her, though the title feels familiar.)
(But she's demanding like I'm her servant. Someone needs to put this brat in her place.)
"Shouldn't you introduce yourself before making demands of a stranger?"
"...!"
She looked shocked, then stepped back to curtsy.
"I-I knew that! I was just testing you."
"Consider yourself honored to meet me, principality visitor. You'll never get this chance again."
She puffed her small chest proudly.
"I am Duke Rysburg's daughter. Eliza Ashley Phil Rysburg."
"Eliza-chan!?"
"Don't call me '-chan'! I hate being treated like a child!"
Eliza's name wasn't just familiar—it was her. Not just a future villainess to save, but the game's early-game rival for the heroine. A girl who constantly humiliated the poor protagonist.
Yet like Anne and Mary, Eliza had her reasons. I needed to connect with her, though her attitude made it difficult.
(I must apologize, but that arrogant bossiness will lead to her tragedy.)
(I need to temper it—and I know how.)
"It's true I said those things and should apologize, yet I also shouldn't."
"What nonsense!"
Eliza looked confused.
"My words were based on realistic conjecture about the kingdom-principality disputes."
"I'm sure you'd say the same in my position."
"Me? I... huh?"
Her brain seemed to short-circuit—too much adult talk for a girl just entering society.
"If you invite an enemy home, it's not to befriend them. Appearances matter, so my only apology is for my ignorance—not the kingdom."
"Both nations criticize each other. Why should I apologize when others do the same?"
Understanding dawned—and anger followed.
"The kingdom would never do wrong!"
"History is written by winners. With two versions, which is true?"
"The kingdom's—"
"Wrong! The truth was lost long ago. The best we can do is avoid past mistakes."
Her eyes burned with fury—I'd forgotten how emotional she was.
"The principality started everything! Everyone knows this!"
"The principality says otherwise. Without proof, we should move forward."
"Answer this—if I lived behind your house and paid taxes, would you evict me for no reason?"
"Of course not!"
"Then could the kingdom do something equally absurd?"
"That's..."
Finally, she understood my point. I wasn't accusing—just stating neither side was blameless.
"One last question."
"Ask your father or his servants: if they invited an enemy home, would they eliminate them for being annoying?"
"..."
Silence. Likely because her father had said something similar.
The lesson? Don't judge without evidence. But I forgot—she's a child, not rational.
"The kingdom would never do that! Only your evil principality would!"
I countered:
"True, but both could. I'm the adopted son of your strongest knight, yet I don't share his ideals. If I visited your home, you'd be safe—but would I be safe in yours?"
She fell silent, realizing what "walking in another's shoes" meant. Cornered, she shouted:
"Idiot!" and fled.
I finished eating before Anne returned.
"I couldn't find you anywhere! I thought you'd run away."
"Why would I?"
"Jason's training."
I chuckled.
"Let's go back before they worry."
Things seemed calm until that bossy voice returned.
"Your Majesty! That's the boy who insulted the kingdom!"
She'd brought someone important. I turned to apologize—and froze.
A woman so beautiful she belonged in a Greek pantheon painting. Golden corn-silk hair, vortex-like crimson eyes. An adult version of Anne—with an impossible figure. Slender limbs, hypnotic hips, and breasts that drew every gaze.
I needed no introduction—this was her. The game's artist had declared her his favorite design.
I knelt.
"Please marry me."
"I'll make you happy."
My adult side took over. Anne and Eliza gaped, flushed.
"You—what are you saying to the queen?!"
"Disloyal dog!"
Anne kicked my ankle—impressively flexible. The woman laughed, assuming it childish antics. Then both girls shoved my head down with a thud.
"I deeply apologize for my escort's disrespect, Your Majesty..."
"I also apologize for bringing you to this fool, Your Majesty..."
They spoke in unison:
"Queen Sophina."
Indeed—this exquisite woman was the game's queen. Sophina Elisabeth Phil Lynneburg. Mother of the crown prince and future villainess who'd stop at nothing to prevent her son from ruining his future over a commoner.
(I envy that prince—not just for having such a mother, but for breastfeeding from those milk tanks!)
I clenched my fist in jealous frustration.
*Giggle*
"It's quite alright, girls. Such jokes charm a lady."
(Not a joke—and calling herself a "lady" at under thirty? She'll age beautifully.)
Eliza hissed:
"You insult the kingdom, then the queen? You deserve execution."
"Who's executing whom?"
Anne and Eliza began arguing—not random bickering, but familiar sparring.
"This is your fault, Annerose, for bringing him here!"
"Misinterpreting as usual, Eliza. You picked a fight with Rex—typical of your nasty, big-foreheaded self!"
"Big forehead?!"
She covered her forehead—clearly a sore spot.
"Eliza, enough. Princess Annerose, it's unseemly to point out flaws in public."
"Your Majesty! You're blaming me?"
"Eliza, you summoned me to scold this boy. Knowing you, you likely provoked him to show off by 'solving' it, yes?"
"Guh..."
Bullseye. Eliza teared up—but since she's also someone to save, I couldn't blame her.
"I apologize, Your Majesty."
"But Lady Eliza isn't at fault."
Silence fell as everyone stared.
"I did speak ill of the kingdom, yet I won't apologize because I stand by my words. I'm just a child, but the adults' malicious stares from both sides are obvious."
(I'll pin this on the adults. Only a child can say this without sounding insane.)
The queen studied me, surprised by such mature words.
"That's quite the adult analysis from someone your age."
"And I came to prevent any 'terrifying reasons' these adults might invent to cause trouble in children's names."
(She came to preempt third-party conflicts? Terrifying.)
(Beautiful, sensual, and sharp. The heroine won't stand a chance.)
Eliza seemed torn between crying or not.
"I'm truly sorry for my words—though I won't retract them."
"Rex, don't bow your head!"
But saving villainesses meant swallowing pride.
"She may forgive you, but I won't."
A boy's voice cut through the crowd.
"You disrespected the queen and our nation. For this, I demand a duel to cleanse their tarnished honor!"
Red-haired with piercing eyes—instantly recognizable. One of the capture targets: Zach!
"I, heir of Count Zackley, challenge you to a duel!"
(Problematic—I can't afford to make enemies.)
I was about to refuse when Count Belkman—clearly drunk—intervened.
"We accept!"
His hideous face revealed his motive: testing my worth as Jason's replacement.
(Annoying old man.)
Others joined in:
"A duel between future knights! How intriguing."
"Let's see what the principality's knight-in-training can do."
"The count's heir represents the kingdom's will. Surely the principality boy won't cower?"
Pressure mounted—refusal was impossible now.
"Rex."
Anne whispered:
"I opposed this, but it's a chance to prove the principality's strength. Jason trained you hard—show them."
"Plus, you're my escort. You wouldn't dishonor me, right?"
Duty-bound, I reluctantly agreed.
"I accept."
Cheers erupted as I was ushered to a courtyard. Servants swiftly cleared potted plants, preparing the arena. A butler handed us wooden swords.
Zach stretched dramatically—I did too, but to loosen my idle arms.
Anne and Eliza approached.
"Rex, don't you dare lose. Your loss is mine."
"Poor Annerose. The Zackley heir is a prodigy—you've already lost."
"Shut up, forehead!"
"You called me that again! Frog-eyed tomato!"
"You two get along great."
They glared.
"We do not!"
"Stop copying me!"
"Nyah nyah."
"You two get along so well," I joked.
They both shot me death glares.
"Of course not!"
"Don't copy what I say!"
"Nyah nyah nyah!"
They looked like two little dogs fighting. Anne stopped growling at Eliza to explain to me:
"We've known each other for five years - our parents introduced us."
"This girl has always been irritable."
"Look who's talking! I remember trying to get along with you but you made it impossible!"
◇◇◇
Queen Sophina was speaking with Zach's father, Count Zackley - a man with the same red hair as his son but with a mustache.
"It's incredible how quickly the servants prepared the dueling area. Almost as if they anticipated this," the queen remarked suspiciously.
Count Zackley denied any ulterior motive. "That simply means my staff is efficient. Now Your Majesty, here's your front row seat."
"Thank you for your hospitality."
As she sat down, her eyes followed the preparing children.
(I'd oppose this if the principality boy hadn't been forced to accept.)
(An excellent opportunity to see if the Ash Knight's successor lives up to expectations.)
(This will influence future relations between our nations.)
Years ago, a brief conflict between kingdom and principality ended officially due to "unnecessary resource expenditure." But everyone knew the real reason - a young Jason who terrified the kingdom's knights with monstrous strength.
(Show me whether we should fear the principality or...)
◇
The duel began amidst what looked like a betting house - adults forming a circle with drinks in hand.
Zach and I faced each other for the traditional pre-duel salute.
"Scared, foreigner?"
"Not even slightly."
My lack of fear annoyed him. A boy with a stick was nothing compared to Jason chasing me with real swords.
When the duel started, Zach charged. According to the game, he was talented, but now I just saw a child barely able to wield a sword.
Now that I think about it, he's moving so slowly. Does no one notice? I could scratch my nose three times between his attacks. I simply dodged his sluggish swings.
"What's wrong, principality knight? Can only run away?"
"Is this the heir of that infamous knight's level?"
"He's clearly outmatched - he'll be begging for mercy soon!"
I didn't understand why adults acted like I was in danger, but Count Belkman's mustache-tugging frustration was delicious. However, Anne's praying expression stirred my anger.
Time to end this.
I dodged another attack, deflected his wooden sword with mine, sent it flying, then swept his legs. As he fell, I retrieved his sword and pointed it at him.
"Good sparring. I win."
The duel concluded. I offered a hand, but he refused and ran off holding back tears.
Was I too harsh? It was just one light hit.
Anne rushed to hug me. "Rex, you were amazing!"
"Really? It was nothing. He was so slow I got bored and ended it."
"Jason moves so fast I can barely see him. I could never do this against him, especially as he increases my training load each year."
Strangely, the spectators looked horrified.
"He said it was too easy? But the Zackley heir is among our most promising future swordsmen!"
"He claims he could dodge those attacks effortlessly but can't evade the Ash Knight?"
"If this is the principality's future, I fear for our kingdom!"
(Huh? Did I accidentally make Jason seem even more monstrous?)
(That's good, right?)
◇◇◇
Count Zackley fumed over his son's defeat. "Unbelievable! He was top of the fencing academy!"
"An impressive duel," Queen Sophina observed. "But more impressive was its conclusion."
She saw value in Zach's defeat - true knights grow from failure. Yet the principality boy's performance... and words... showed knightly potential.
Watching Alex with the girls - Eliza near tears from Anne's teasing while he mediated - she recalled his bold statements. Too mature for a child.
(This actually benefited everyone.)
Eliza fell speechless while Anne bit Alex for defending her.
◇
As the party ended, Anne summoned me to her room before bedtime. Being children, no one thought anything of it.
Dressed for sleep, she dismissed her maid and patted the bed.
"Don't think we're sharing a bed again. Especially not here."
"Of course not. That was when I was younger. I'm a lady now - ladies don't invite men to their chambers at night."
(Then why summon me right before bed...?)
"Why didn't you refuse the duel? And why say all that about the principality?"
Ah, her real purpose.
"I couldn't tarnish your honor, yet the fault was mine. I was rude and wanted no trouble."
"Liar."
"I'm honest. I won't be manipulated by others' hatreds. If I hate someone, it'll be for their own actions - like if someone hurts you, I'd break their skull."
"I-I see. That's your duty anyway." She hid her flushing face.
"Making enemies helps no one. Better to build trade alliances and avoid conflict."
"Strange ideals for someone who avoids fights yet has others fight for him."
"Because Jason provides all the violence I need."
"Then take your own advice - why not befriend Eliza?"
"I hate her! She's egocentric and bossy!"
"So are you!" I laughed.
"Shut up!"
She bit my neck - a recent habit. As I turned to leave, she stopped me.
"Why did you say that to the queen?" Her gaze sharpened.
Too young for the truth, I answered: "Because she's beautiful. Her beauty enchanted me."
Anne looked disgusted and turned away. Through her mirror, I saw her touching her flat chest.
"In a few years I'll have breasts that big, and you'd better be following me like the unfaithful dog you are."
Future beauty indeed - currently just a flat-chested loli.
"Regardless of place or situation, I'll protect you and Mary. A knight's duty."
Blushing, she called me stupid. "Of course you will! You're our knight! Now go to bed!"
◇◇◇
Queen Sophina visited Eliza's room.
"Could you repeat that, Your Majesty?"
"I said you should befriend Alex-kun. Unlike others, you share a genuine connection that would raise no suspicion."
At Eliza's confusion, she explained:
"After your talk and the duel, I see he thinks differently. He understands these gatherings are facades for traitors from both sides to collaborate, while others like him seek true diplomacy."
"But he's genuinely honest."
Tears welled in Eliza's eyes. "But Your Majesty, associating with any man besides His Highness would be treason!"
"Ufufu, Eliza, this is called political networking. Besides, that boy won't get jealous."
"Think of it as showing him around our kingdom. I'll speak with my son to ease your worries."
"It would also benefit him to know Alex-kun."
(Though his grandmother forbids me from approaching him...)
Eliza tearfully agreed, feeling she was betraying the crown prince.
"Don't fret. Consider this diplomatic training for when you're queen."
◇
"I absolutely refuse!"
After breakfast, a royal servant delivered a message:
"The Kingdom of Lynneburg would be honored to host young Alex Arlen Leone as guest of Duke Rysburg for several days."
Perfect for bonding with Eliza and preventing the game's war.
Anne nearly cried. "That big-foreheaded Eliza wants to take you from me! I won't allow it!"
"Anne, you're mistaken. This is what your parents wanted - better relations with the kingdom."
Silenced by truth, she conceded: "We must consult Jason and Mary first."
After persuading my "family," I informed the servant: "Please tell Her Majesty I accept pending final confirmation."
As expected, initial refusals turned to approval after hearing how I humiliated the noble's son. Jason only agreed hoping for more such displays.
With arrangements made, I could now save not just the twins but Eliza too.
________________
I said no character designs, but meet beautiful Queen Sophie!
https://mega.nz/file/r45CHKjY#da7X19PXUDn8GrsWGiDxchU7N7pRh8Kzc-MedVCluoA