"How do you feel?"
Eight days had passed since he woke up, yet his mother never failed to ask the same question every single morning.
Not only that but even after he went to bed, she would check on him at least three times—sometimes half-asleep, her concern overriding her exhaustion.
Such discipline... even some rookie soldiers in his past life hadn't been this dedicated.
Arthur let out a sigh. "I'm fine, Mother. Anyway, when are we leaving?"
They sat around the dining table, having breakfast.
Unusually, his father was still home despite the sun shining high in the sky.
The reason?
Today, Arthur was going to be blessed.
In their family, only his father and himself were awakened. That alone made this day significant, but what truly excited everyone was that god would bestow their favor upon him.
"Just after breakfast. I already scheduled an appointment with the priest," his father said, flashing a toothy grin.
Arthur's older brother was practically inhaling his food, his excitement written all over his face.
His mother, too, couldn't stop smiling.
They all had high hopes for this ceremony.
After all, if Arthur received a blessing, it would secure him a scholarship at one of the best academies in the future.
Soon, they finished their meal, and Arthur, along with Kevin, carried the dishes to the kitchen before getting ready to leave.
Just as Arthur thought they would all head out together, Virelle spoke up with a smile.
"Dear, why don't you take Kevin and clean the carriage a little?"
Arthur blinked, turning to his mother in surprise.
Aston raised a brow at the suggestion before giving a small nod. "Alright." Draping an arm over his elder son's shoulder, he added, "Today, I will teach you the art of sweeping dust."
"Sounds so incredibly boring..." Kevin groaned but didn't resist as his father pulled him along.
Now left alone, Arthur turned toward his mother, who was rearranging the dining chairs.
As he went to push in the one he had been sitting on, her soft voice reached him.
"We're all excited about this ceremony, darling. But remember this, Art—if you don't receive a blessing today, no one will be disappointed."
Arthur paused, his brows lifting slightly as he wordlessly looked at her.
Virelle sat down, then reached out and pulled him closer, gently combing her fingers through his ink-black hair.
Her voice was warm and soothing.
"You will always be our son and Kevin's brother. That will never change."
Arthur knew she was saying this just in case things didn't go as expected. Still, he couldn't deny the small wave of relief that washed over him.
Had he been weighed down by their expectations all this time?
'I've been discovering new sides of myself lately…'
Smiling softly, he lowered his head and murmured, "Mm... I know."
Soon, they stepped out of the house, and Virelle turned to lock the door behind them.
Their home was a broad, one-story house, modest but welcoming. The front yard had just enough space for a flower garden, though it was clear that luxury had never been a priority here.
The morning air was crisp and warm, carrying the soft scent of earth and blooming flowers.
"Ready to leave?" Aston asked, standing beside the carriage parked just before the main gate.
The vehicle was a sturdy four-wheeled cart, black in color, with two small windows. Two brown horses stood patiently in front of it, their harnesses adjusted neatly.
Kevin emerged from the carriage, coughing into his sleeve. "It's all clean now," he announced, brushing dust off his clothes.
Virelle shook her head with a smile, stepping toward him. As she wiped his face with a handkerchief, she chuckled. "You really made him do all the work."
Aston grinned. "He should learn things like this. Who knows? Maybe he'll be the next Baron."
Arthur almost made a remark about how nobles typically didn't handle such tasks themselves—but then, he recalled his father's circumstances.
Aston had been a knight, a warrior through and through. His promotion to Baron had come after his valor during the outbreak of the Demonic Force, yet the land he was granted was far from ideal.
The town was in a sorry state. It lay too far from the main trade routes, making commerce difficult. Traders rarely ventured this far, and the economy struggled as a result.
Arthur exhaled softly.
It was a noble title, yes, but one that came with more hardship than privilege.
They sat inside the carriage and Baron Stronghart took the seat of the driver.
The carriage was dust-free; thankfully, his brother did a good job.
Arthur and Kevin sat side by side, and their mother was across from them.
"Settled there, hun?" Aston asked, to which Virelle responded with a hum.
The carriage left the house and headed towards the other end of the town.
The town was named Westmere. Arthur didn't know the history behind the name.
The town was situated at the border of the human lands. On the other side was the wasteland where demonic creatures lived.
The reason why Baron Stronghart was given this region to govern—in Arthur's territory—was to keep the west border of the kingdom guarded.
However, Aston couldn't protect the whole town all alone, and beside him, in the town, Arthur couldn't spot many strong warriors.
The wooden houses are simple, some with sagging roofs and weather-worn shutters. Small shops with faded signs line the main street, their owners watching from doorways.
A few stray chickens peck at the ground, and the scent of damp earth lingers in the air. The town square is little more than a widened road with a worn stone well at its center.
Though life moves at a steady pace, an air of quiet resilience clings to Westmere, its people accustomed to making do with what little they have.
As the carriage rolled through the town, Arthur took note of the water canals lining the outer walls of every house, weaving through the settlement like an intricate web.
'That explains why there are so many Water Spirits around here…'
{Indeed, Sir Clarsen. They thrive in peace and quiet.}
Arthur chuckled inwardly. Peace and quiet? And yet they settled near a wasteland?
Wastelands were once infested with demonic creatures, but now they lay barren—lands so tainted that not even the most resilient plant life could take root. Establishing a civilization there was out of the question.
[The army has outposts stationed all around the barren lands. Their task is to eliminate any unusual demonic sightings.]
Lily's voice echoed in his mind, drawing a small frown to Arthur's face.
Demons are appearing randomly now?
In his past life, demons had their own domains scattered across the world. They had no reason to lurk in the shadows or hide from humans.
The world has changed…
A slow smirk tugged at his lips. His sacrifice hadn't been in vain.
Humans thrived.
Demons hid.
"We're here."
The carriage rolled to a stop, and Aston swung the door open.
As was customary, he first helped his wife down, then extended a hand toward Arthur. Given the height of the carriage and Arthur's shorter stature—standing at barely 4'5—his father assumed he'd need assistance.
However, to Aston's surprise, Arthur didn't climb down.
He leaped.
Not just down, but over his father entirely, landing smoothly on the ground.
Aston's eyes widened, his outstretched hands still hovering uselessly in the air.
Clap. Clap.
Virelle and Kevin broke into a round of amused applause, grinning at the unexpected display.
Arthur, however, only shook his head, exhaling in weariness.
"Shall we go inside?" He asked, already turning toward the entrance.
*******
A/N:- He flaunted there. Thanks for reading.