Chapter 9: Arrival of my fiancé (1)
Within the estate grounds, several maids and servants stood in two immaculate rows, forming a ceremonial path from the grand gate to the mansion steps. At the head of this formation stood Naoki, along with little Lyra, the head butler, and a few esteemed family members. They had all gathered with quiet formality to receive Lady Cierra Von Ophelia, Naoki's fiancée.
Naoki's gaze lingered on the gate, his chest tightening with unease.
'Damn… for something like this to happen. How am I supposed to overcome this trial?'
. . .
Two hours ago…
"What?! I have a fiancée?" Naoki's voice shot up in disbelief, his expression frozen in shock.
The engagement had been arranged six years ago. His mother and Cierra's mother had been the closest of friends, sisters in all but blood. In a final act of trust and affection, they promised to unite their children in marriage, sealing the bond between their families. That vow had been made at Naoki's mother's bedside, while she was gravely ill and pregnant with Lyra.
Over the years, Cierra and Aether had grown up together under the warmth of that friendship. Naturally, they grew fond of each other, perhaps too fond.
"Brother… don't you like Lady Cierra?"
Lyra's voice was barely a whisper. Her green eyes shimmered with the threat of tears, soft and glassy.
Naoki shifted uncomfortably, scratching the back of his neck.
"No… it's not like that. I was just asking, that's all."
His gaze wandered elsewhere, avoiding her eyes as his words stumbled out awkwardly.
Back to present.
A majestic carriage rolled through the gates, its wheels whispering over the marble path. Gilded patterns traced the sides, and silver embellishments gleamed beneath the sunlight, it wasn't just elegant; it was royal. Naoki's eyes widened. The craftsmanship alone screamed wealth beyond comprehension.
The carriage slowed, stopping directly in front of him.
A servant from the Noctvain estate stepped forward, his gloved hand reaching for the handle but before he could touch it, the door flew open with a dramatic thud.
A girl leapt out.
She looked to be around twelve or thirteen. Her long, flowing hair shimmered in deep violet hues, cascading like silk. Dark purple eyes glinted with an otherworldly glow. Her skin was porcelain white, contrasting the elegant black-and-purple dress that hugged her slender form like it was tailored by magic itself.
The moment Naoki laid eyes on her, time stilled.
His heart thudded in his chest...fast, wild
'Is this… what people call love at first sight?'
The thought struck him like lightning
Not even the most famous actresses back on Earth… not even the crowned queens of global beauty could compare.
No, this wasn't just beauty. It was something else. Something beyond human measure.
Something that stirred the air, made his chest tighten, and left his thoughts in disarray.
It was unearthly… divine…
As if heaven itself had stepped onto the mortal plane.
'so this is Cierra. My fiancé. Let's get married. No no no... I have my own path. I should break this engagement.. I'm not Aether but Naoki.'
He has his own destiny to follow. He is burdended with glorious purpose.
Naoki stood still, lost in his thoughts. The world blurred around him, until a sharp sound of hurried footsteps shattered his trance.
Cierra.
She was running toward him. Before he could even process it
Slap!
His head turned with the impact, the sting lingering on his cheek.
Naoki stood frozen.
'What the?? did this body's owner did something wrong. '
His thoughts scrambled, but before he could say a word, he noticed her. Cierra's eyes trembled, glossy with unshed tears. Her chest rose and fell, breath unsteady. Her soft, pink lips quivered as she tried to speak, emotion catching in her throat.
"You… you absolute idiot!" she burst out. "You stupid, reckless, cold-hearted, psycho, meanie!"
Her voice cracked midway, and a single tear rolled down her cheek.
Naoki was totally dumbfounded
Cierra didn't stop with just the slap.
She clenched her fists and began pounding lightly on his chest.
"Idiot. Idiot. Idiot. Idiot. Idiot!"
Each word hit harder than her fists.
Naoki stood there, unsure of what to do while everyone was watching them. Dozens of eyes bore into his back.
"Uhm… sorry…" he muttered awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.
That single word made her freeze.
Cierra slowly lifted her head, her tear-streaked eyes locking onto his. Her lips parted, trembling.
"Huh…?"
A pause.
Then she spoke, her voice barely more than a whisper, but laced with emotion.
"You risked your life to save me. You used that cursed sword… and defeated that monster. You… saved everyone."
Her fists lowered.
"I was too weak to even help you. I stood there, helpless. And now you're apologizing?"
Her voice cracked as more tears welled up in her eyes.
"I'm sorry. I'm the one who should be sorry… I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry…"
She broke down, burying her face against his chest.
But Naoki wasn't really there. He was lost in his thoughts.
'So the reason Aether was in a coma for two months… was because he fought a monster with a cursed sword.'
The truth became clear in Naoki's mind.
Cierra had been in the Noctvain estate when the monster appeared. Most of the knights were gone on missions, and no one strong enough was there to protect them.
The Noctvain family owned a cursed sword. It was a relic passed down from the founder of the family. It gave great power to the one who wielded it, but at a terrible cost.
No one had ever been able to use it.
But Aether did.
Even though he was not worthy, the sword answered his call. It gave him power by draining his remaining life force.
He defeated the monster…but fell into a deep coma.
Two months later, his body finally gave out. Aether died.
Aether was gone. And now, this body… belonged to Naoki.
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To be continued...