A sharp breath filled Albert's lungs as his eyes fluttered open.
His body felt oddly light, and as he sat up in bed, a dull ache ran through his head. Sunlight streamed through a grand, arched window, illuminating the lavish room around him. The ceiling was adorned with intricate gold engravings, and the bed he sat upon was far too luxurious to be his own. He wasn't in his tiny apartment.
Where was he?
His gaze caught a large mirror across the room. He hesitated before standing, his feet touching the cool marble floor. The boy staring back at him was a stranger—wavy silver hair, striking azure eyes, and a regal presence that sent a shiver down his spine.
His breath hitched.
"What... what is this?" he murmured, his voice foreign yet familiar.
The door creaked open. A young maid entered, balancing a silver tray. Her brown eyes widened in shock.
"M-Master Arthur!" she gasped, nearly dropping the tray.
Albert froze. "Arthur? Who's Arthur?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
She didn't answer. She bolted. "Master Arthur is awake!" her voice echoed down the corridor.
Footsteps thundered outside. Moments later, the door burst open.
An elegant woman swept in—golden-brown hair cascading down her back, eyes gleaming with tears. She wore an opulent crimson gown and carried herself like royalty.
"Arthur, my dear! Thank goodness you're awake! We were so worried!" she cried, wrapping him in a tight embrace.
Arthur stiffened. Her warmth… it was foreign. In his past life, he had no one like this.
"Who... who are you? Where am I?"
She pulled back, eyes wide with hurt. "Arthur, you're my son. The firstborn of Duke Aldric Valtoria."
The name struck something in him—noble, powerful, dangerous. But no memory came with it.
Another maid entered and bowed. "Lady Verona, the guests are waiting."
The woman—Verona—gently cupped his cheek. "Rest, my love. Elizabeth will remind you of everything." Then she turned and left.
An older woman stepped forward, posture firm, eyes sharp with wisdom.
"I am Elizabeth Durk, head of staff. Please sit, Master Arthur. I'll explain."
Arthur sat, dazed. "Start from the beginning."
"You are in the Kingdom of Eldoria, in the noble realm of Acier. There are three realms—noble, common, and forsaken. And here, strength means everything—especially among the Sword Mages."
"Sword Mages?"
"They manifest magical katanas born from their soul. At age fifteen, all noble children attend the Preliminary Magic Headquarters to awaken their blade. Those who succeed are admitted into Academia and trained to become true Sword Mages."
"And I… am fifteen?"
"You will turn fifteen next month."
Arthur's mind reeled. A second chance. Magic. Legacy. He could be someone. But what of the original Arthur? Was he dead?
A knock at the door.
A small girl with long silver hair peeked in, clutching a book. Her eyes—blue like his—shimmered with hope.
"Brother… are you okay?"
Elizabeth smiled. "This is Lady Evelynn. Your younger sister."
Arthur blinked. A sister? He'd never had one.
He forced a gentle smile. "I'm fine, Evelynn. Just... confused."
She ran to him and hugged him tightly. "I missed you."
Something inside Arthur cracked open. Maybe this life wasn't so bad after all.
As the door shut again, silence returned. He stared at his hands.
In his old life, he was alone. Here… he had a family. A future.
"No," he whispered. "This time… I'll live as Arthur Valtoria."
---
The Next Morning
Golden rays streamed through the mansion windows, lighting up the grand hallways. Outside, birds chirped, and the scent of dew hung in the air.
Knock. Knock.
"Young Master Arthur," Elizabeth called.
A muffled groan. Arthur stirred. "Morning already?"
"Yes. Duke Aldric has summoned you. There will be a grand celebration tonight in your honor."
Arthur washed up, then stood before a wardrobe that looked like it belonged to royalty. He eventually chose a royal blue tunic with silver embroidery, dark trousers, a fur-lined cloak, and pinned the Valtoria crest on his chest.
Walking through the mansion, he passed servants arranging garlands, carrying exotic fruits, and setting long tables.
In the main hall stood Duke Aldric Valtoria—broad-shouldered, sharp-eyed, commanding in white and gold. His presence filled the room.
Arthur approached and bowed. "Good morning, Father."
"How do you feel?"
"I'm better. I heard about the Sword Mage training. I'll be ready."
Aldric's expression barely shifted, but his voice carried approval. "Good. We do not falter. Our name stands at the peak of Eldoria."
"I won't disappoint you."
Suddenly—
"Big Brother!"
Evelynn rushed toward him and leapt into his arms, giggling.
"You took forever to wake up! I'm wearing my prettiest dress today!"
Arthur kissed her forehead and smiled. "I'll be the judge of that."
Aldric stepped forward again. "Arthur, the four noble families arrive soon. Be ready."
Arthur nodded. "Understood."
---
The Arrival of the Nobles
At the entrance hall, Arthur stood tall beside Elizabeth. The heavy doors creaked open.
"The Ironheart Family," Elizabeth announced.
Duke Magnus Ironheart strode in like a mountain. Behind him was Leon Ironheart, around Arthur's age—wild red hair, piercing black eyes, and an aura of arrogance.
Arthur extended his hand. Leon didn't take it.
Noted.
"The Luminara Family."
Duke Draven Luminara, graceful and composed, entered. By his side was Seraphina Luminara, a vision of light—silver-blonde hair, golden eyes, and a divine presence.
Arthur bowed. "Lady Seraphina, it's an honor."
She offered her hand. He kissed it with practiced grace.
"The Stormbane Family."
Duke Vaelric Stormbane, known as the Storm Monarch, walked in. His son, Riven Stormbane, had short silver hair and piercing green eyes. Calm. Calculating.
Arthur nodded. Riven stared back.
"The Vortigen Family."
Duke Drake Vortigen entered like a walking fortress. Behind him, Callista and Gareth Vortigen—Callista, graceful and kind; Gareth, quiet, analytical. Both exuded power—plant and flower magic respectively.
Arthur greeted them, noting every detail.
"And last, the Valtoria Family."
Aldric stepped forward with Arthur and Evelynn flanking him. The host family, the coldest and most feared. Ice. Water. Legacy.
---
The Feast Begins
With all families present, Aldric raised his glass. "To my son's recovery and future! May the Valtoria name continue to shine!"
The hall erupted with cheers. Music played. Food flowed. Laughter echoed.
And Arthur stood at the heart of it all.
A new name. A new fate. Surrounded by magic, nobles, and legacy.
He clenched his fist slightly.
This is my world now.
And I will carve my name into its history.