Where is this place?

Hajime blinked.

It was a rustic style house. Rough brick walls, rough wooden ceiling and a warm fireplace.

Large, calloused hands came from outside of his peripheral vision.

Oi! What's going on?

"Oh my god, Dear, he has your eyes!"

The man coddle Hajime gently with sparkling eyes. He was very handsome, a flawless face, sharp jawline, black hair and green eyes.

A woman came into view. She was very pretty, like the man, she had black hair and Sapphire-like eyes.

"FuFuFu~ but he has your Black hair~ Our Cutie~ little~ Arthur."

Holy shit. I'm a baby! Also, I'm apparently named Arthur.

Ten years blinked by.

My name is Arthur, just Arthur. I'm a commoner and commoner's don't have last names.

I am the son of the Baron August and Baroness Cathy.

This world is called Yggdrasil, as the continent is named, is completely different from earth.

Different how? Well, there's magic here! Although... Due to that fact, the world is incredibly behind technologically, when compared to earth.

Hygiene is a mess for the lower class, taxes are high as ****, the middle class and higher class continuously bullies us– there are many problems... But the worst of the many problems present in this world can't compare to this one.

The Dominant gender in this world is the females! Which is bullshit.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not being sexist– or maybe I am– but biologically speaking, Men are superior in almost everything. It stays true to this world except for one thing, magic.

Yep! Magic exists here, but women have a higher sensitivity with Magic compared to men.

The problem lies in how there are eight times as many women compared to men.

Can you see the problem? Yeah, exactly.

We men are outnumbered and outgunned.

Naturally, women rose to being the dominant gender.

To be frank, I have no problems with that. What I have a problem with is how dad is getting harrased by that bitch and our people is suffering because of it.

For context, my dad is a Baron, the highest position in the lower class. As a baron, he is in charge of a hectare of land, and all the people in it. We were happy, the people under dad was happy– until Karen Ashley, the eldest daughter of the Ashley househould caught wind of our family secret.

In our territory, we stumbled across a large cave system abundant with ore and magic crystals, more on that later.

Before it could be reported to the king; however, the Ashley Family proposed a marriage first. That's where the bullshit comes in.

Dad had a wife (mom) and me! Since the Ashley Family was higher in status, we couldn't refuse.

Mom's title of being the one and only wife was replaced by Karen and she became a concubine. Total bullshit.

The king only heard the situation when the knot was tied. The Ashley family was then promoted from Count to Earl while we stayed Baron under heavy taxation and mistreatment. Mom and Dad were devastated.

I'll admit, sometimes I can't understand their self-sacrificing nature. When he came across the mine, he was joyous because he could bring the standard of living up in our country, a long generational dream, only for it to be taken away.

That day on my tenth birthday, I vowed to whatever devil or demon could hear me, I'll sacrifice the entirety of the Ahsly family– starting with Karen.

With a bag filled with weapons and camping equipment, Arthur left with only a note.

"Dear Mother and Father,

I'm in a journey around the world to find my self. I promise to come back and restore our Family's honor and free our people from the Ashley's rule.

I will be gone for five years at most, keep safe.

Yours Truly,

Arthur."

To be continued.

"Five years have passed since Arthur left, do you think he's alive?" was the rumor going around the Manor.

"Young Master please be safe..." murmured the loyal butler as he jogged through the halls to the entrance.

A maid met the butler halfway up the large lobby stairs. "Sir! Sir! Sir Reuben! A man in a black attire was outside the Manor!"

"Where is he now?"

"He is in the guest room drinking tea. He is heavily armed. An adventurer, I'm guessing."

The butler dashed to the guest room. Opening the doors gently, the butler recognized the man.

"Reuben, why are you so thin?" the man asked getting up with growing concern.

He was tall, strong build and firm muscles hidden beneath his black shirt and leggings.

He may have changed and matured but was still–

"Young Master, you've returned!" Reuben cried with tears. "Yes Grandpa Reuben, I have. I also came carrying a message."

Arthur flashed a gold envelope. Reuben paled significantly.

He stared at the seal.

It was a crown.

Only one person in the entire Empire had that seal.

"By the Gods... Is that the King's decree?!" Reuben gasped.

Arthur smiled slyly. "May I see mother and father?"

Ruben's face beamed with life. "R-Right away! This way, Young Master!"

"Thank you Reuben."

.

.

.

Father read the letter outloud with a shaking voice. Mother too was crying.

"Is this real?" She murmured trying to hold in her tears.

The letter sent by her Majesty annulled the marriage and reparations would be provided after the Ashley's crimes have been announced.

August trapped his son in a large, rib-crushing bear hug. "You've returned! With such good news too!" Mother joined in on the hug too. "Don't leave mummy out of the fun too"

Father turned to Reuben. "Reuben! We're throwing a feast tonight!"

Reuben smiled. "I was already a step ahead of you sir!" he then turned around and left for the kitchen.

.

.

.

"You're very strong~ tell me about your adventures– hick!" Dad hiccuped. "Okay, you had too much to drink." Arthur scoffed.

"It's okay~ Artie~ He's always been like this! Hiccup!" Mom intejects. "You as well mom."

If Arthur is carrying August with his right arm, he's supporting his mother with his left.

"This is the~ guest room, nothings changed." Arthur huffed. Gently lowering his parents on the couch.

"The same rough ceiling, walls and flooring. At least there's carpet now." Arthur reminisced.

"How are you so~ strong against~ alcohol?" August slurred. Arthur laughed half-heartedly as he turned away.

In my past life, I drank Alot to cope with the shit I uncovered. Naturally, I built tolerance– I can't say that.

"Oho~ that good. That's good..." August nodded along.

"Artie give mummy a hug~ mummy missed you so much~"

Considering my age of both lives, my mental maturity is at about forty-five, my parent being cutesy drunk look adorable to me. They're only thirty five after all.

"Yes mom, I'm here." Arthur allowed his mom to hug him. He stayed there content with the smoothing hums of mother.

"Yeheay! Artie~ mummy misses you so much!" mother littered Arthur's face with small kisses.

"Yes mom, I miss you too. You smell like alcohol."

"Although you– hic! –just got back, mummy will miss you much more when you go to school~"

"Say what now?"

.

.

.

"We shouldn't drink alcohol again." Mother and Father complained in unison. Their heads were resting on the breakfast table.

Arthur shrugged content. Reuben served lemon tea. "For the headaches."

"Thank you– Reuben! I almost forgot! The m-mail!"

Reuben gave a small chuckle. "Yes sir."

Reuben reached into his coat and took out a golden letter. This one had a feather on its wax seal.

Never seen that symbol before.

August opened the was seal and took out a perfumed letter.

"Greetings, Baron August.

You have been called to the imperial Castle for the upcoming promotion ball in five days time. Be sure to wear your best attire and to bring your son Arthur" he read out.

Promotion Ball. The ball held every sixty years or once per generation. As the name suggests, it's a ball held by her majesty to promote– or demote– nobles and hand out titles to individuals that have gained achievements.

Mom raised an eyebrow, "Of course we would bring Arthur, why would her highness specify that?"

Arthur had a faint idea of what was going to transpire. "I guess, I won't skip out on this ball."

Mom nodded reluctantly. Her mother sense were tingling yet she ignored them. "Alright~"

Arthur excused himself after he finished his food. "I will explore the town! I want to see how much or how little, everything has changed."

"Be safe!" Father Called out to Arthur as he was sprinting out the dinning room.

"Yes Father!" was the faint echoing reply.

.

.

.

August was dressed in a cloak as he left the small wooden estate. Entering the market place, he frowned slightly.

He left five years ago only to return and seeing nothing has changed. Even worse, it looks like the situation grew worse.

"Young Master Athur! Have you been well?"

This is granny Chio, the local fruit vendor.

"Yes Granny, I have been well. How about you?"

"Nonsense! You look so thin! A growing boy needs to eat! Here have an apple."

She's always like this. I'll accept it anyway.

"Of course, Granny."

Taking the apple Arthur continued to stroll.

"Come to think of it, Since the mine and all of its resources is now ours, blacksmithing would be a profitable profession as the large cavern could provide the Empire with metal, ores, gems, and Magic crystals."

Perhaps I should start sharing some of my otherworldly knowledge. Steel would be nice, my pig iron swords kept breaking. Speaking of breaking swords, I should probably–

After Stopping for a second, Arthur continued walking.

I have a tail. Let's greet them shall we?

In an alleyway filled with three mutilated corpses and scattered body parts.

"Wait! Please spare me!"

Empirical? That's not the language used here in the sticks.

"I'll consider it. Choose, Spill information or I'll spill your guts right now. "

The masked man nodded profusely. Slowly he explained.

Arthur nodded. "Thank you for your cooperation."

"Then you'll spa–

Slash!

"I promised to not kill you right away. I never promised to spare you."

The body collapsed, leaving astrek of blood on the wall. Arthur looked at his sword.

"Damn, my sword broke again." he cursed as he noticed the chipping of the sword's edge.

"There's no smithies around since the Ashley's took over. ****." Arthur stomped away.

The had not sun peered through the simply-made, wooden mansion yet when Reuben entered Arthur's room. Arthur was on his bed, completely all of the place and drooling.

"Good Morning, Young Master." Afamiliar voice awoke Arthur from his hardbed.

"Mmghh... Five more minutes..." Arthur groaned into his pillow.

"Unfortunately, we don't have five minutes waste. Today is the day we depart for the Empire's capital, St. Helena."

Arthur groaned before getting up. "I'm up."

"If we leave before the sun rises, we will arrive a day before the Promotion Ball. Now off you go! The well has been drawn for you. Make it quick!"

Arthur rubbed his eyes. "Sure Reuben. I'll be done in a few. What's for breakfast?"

"Flank steak in sweet and sour sauce." Reuben replied. "Sounds yum, Reuben." Arthur smiled as he patted his shoulder.

"Good morning~" Cathy waved, August smiled, Reuben chuckled and Arther groaned. They were in front of the estate waiting in front of a carriage with the Baron insignia.

I know it's a special ball, but why the **** do I have to wear this shit? If I jump once, I'm going to tear the sleeves.

Reuben was dressed in his best butler suit, Mother was in her backless sky blue dress and father in his special robes. Father had the special medal issued by her majesty pinned on his shoulder.

I know this world has its own particular fashion, but holy shit he looks like King Louis the XIII– the only difference is father is handsome, probably because being in peak physical form.

That is the body of a man who has toiled under the sun for his people. Mom would definitely agree considering her eyes have been travelling up and down his physique.

Ah~ young love.

Cathy looked at her son. "He's thinking wierd things again." she thought.

The rear-aching journey spanning five days ended quickly for Arthur and Cathy as thry snoozed the whole time while Reuben and Father took shifts. Breaks for the restroom were not frequent and the packed lunches lasted the trip.

"May I see your invitation?"

Reuben complied dutifully. "Here you go young man."

The guard nodded after being In shock.

"Welcome to the Capital of The Helena Empire, St. Helena!"

The carriage then it passed by the large archway.

I'll admit. For a world far behind in technology, Magic sure has made things easy. That wall we passed by, would not have been completed without proper equipment and mathematics. Magic sure is nice.

Arthur got out of the carriage and stretched his arms and back. "Holy Shit– This the capital."

August followed after him. "Watch your language, but I too will admit. It does not get old.

The capital city of St. Helena is built on the flat land on a plateau that had a mountain in the centre of it. The Empire's caste is built on the peak of said mountain and the city built around it, making it safe to say that Her Majesty is overlooking the empire. The carved tunnel took an hour to cross.

*If you think about it strategically, this is the perfect fortress Capital. The edge of the pleateau is a kilometer above ground level. The only entrance was the carved pathway from one side. Easily defendablde

It also is self-sustaining so seiges were pointless. Air raid-type attacks were rare, as wyvern mounts were financially a strain to any kingdom. Another thing about the capital is the land surrounding it is the Beast Planes.

Any army, that would come to attack the capital, would have to fight through hordes of monsters and beasts. Before they could ever reach the gate, they would be continously attacked by raining arrows and harrased by beasts.

The reason why the Helena Empire has not fallen for nearly three centuries is this capital*.

Arthur stared at the large castle towering over the distance. The tallest Tower was touching the clouds.

"That is a sight to behold." Cathy laughed. "My two babies are wide-eyed."

"It truly is madam." Reuben pitched in.

To be continued

First things first, why is so bright? I get it, it's the Palace of the Empress, but tone it down a notch.

Arthur sighed as he leaned on the corner of the lavish ballroom, sipping on a glass of fine red wine.

"It's the son of a lowly baron from the sticks!"

"How revolting."

If one could taste the sigh rolling off their mouth, Arthur definitely did.

"Are you ignoring me?"

Just ignore it. Reacting to provocation of such immaturity would only excalate the situation.

"As expected of the son of a common woman."

Arthur turn to the long nosed asshole. Did he call Mother, lowly?!

The bastard in question was quite plump and ugly.

"Finally you hear me, I thought you were daft like your mother."

Arthur craned his neck in annoyance. "Who the **** are you?"

"How uncouth! I am the Youngest son of the Ashley Family, Edward Ashley."

Cathy approached the two boys hastily. "Hello Young Master Edward, Arthur, meet your half broth–

A wine glass flew directly into Mother's temple. Arthur's eyes widened.

"How dare mere concubine introduce me."

Half-brother huh? First time seeing him. The Ashley's were pricks after all. They got father to do the deed with their oldest daughter, the abomination before me is the result.

Holy ****, he's ugly. I'm pretty sure that's the Ashley genetics kicking in. Poor bastard.

"Edward, refrein from throwing wineglasses in the Empress's ballroom." Arthur seethe as politely as he could. "Mother, Are you alright?"

"How dare you refer to me with out formality!" Edward threw another glass, this time, it was full of wine.

The wine splattered over Arthur's clothes as he shielded Cathy.

"As a lowly Baron," Arthur emphasized lowly. "I was tought more manners than the ohhh so greatt~ Ashley Family." He scoffed sarcastically. "Half-brother, did your mother not teach you manners? Or were the Ashley's such a pig pen that you ended up looking like one."

The guests overlooking the situation seemed entertained by the turn of events.

Edward was red with fury. God he is ugly.

"Duel me half-wit!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. He threw his glove at Arthur.

Arthur stared at the glove on the red carpet. Walking over it, crushing and grinding his heel against it, he gave a short laugh.

"As much as I want to, it's a Promotion Ball held by Her majesty. Wouldn't want your corpse to ruin the atmosphere–

"We greet Her Majesty the Empress! All hail Empress Helena Rosegold IX!" every one greeted her majesty.

She wore an incredibly long, yellow silk dress. Gold clearly was used too. Age was captivating to day the least. Her eyes were green and her hair was golden blonde.

Wait– Helena Rosegold?! The Empress? How could I not know who see is at one glance? Gold-like hair and green eyes. She the mother of Nathaniel Rosegold, one *of the love interests in the Otome video game known for the hundreds of hours required to see the ending– "Romance trépidante–

Oh my God. I reincarnated into Romance trépidante, not as either of the love interests but as a side character! I can't be any happier!

What year is it? In the novel's time, the Main character, Evangeline, a commoner would enroll into St.Cleveland Academy and after seven years of In game time, she would end up in either six routes.

Rosegold Route, Gregory Route, Miller Route, Wright Route, Sullivan Route– or the legendary Reverse Harem Route.

"Romance trépidante" or Hectic Romance, is known as a incredibly difficult game. The developers poured their souls into it creating the greatest Otome game of in history.

A route could be cleared in about a year, at the fastest. The Legendary harem route has never been achieved, ever, and before I died, I was so close! **** you Russian Syndicate!

Anyway, I can't believe I reincarnated into the game as a irrelevant character. Praise God, Jesus, Allah, Zeus or Hades! Whichever is the God here. I love you*!

Arthur internally celebrated with a straight face.

The Empress finished her speech. "I shall call upon all the individuals who have distinguished themselves in this generation."

If I remembered the skippable intro, multiple people were promoted and were irrelevant except Evangalie's family. On the ceremony, her family was promoted last and given the last name of–

"Evangeline of Rivia, come forth to receive your promotion." the announcer proclaimed with a loud voice.

*Oh my God. She is quite beautiful. Not my cup of tea though. Its understandable on how the five male leads had fallen for her.

Large chest, kind-hearted, cute personality and quite clumsy. Yep adorable. Then again, not my type*.

"Evangeline of Riva, For your bravery and valor displayed in the skirmish of Otto, you are hereby promoted to the rank of Baron."

Evangeline beamed brightly is happiness and surprise. The announcer rolled the scroll and handed it to a scribe guarded by four knigtts.

"Rise, Baroness Evangalie" the Empress commanded.

She nervously complied. "As a former commoner without a last name, you are today hereby, Nobility. You will be granted the last name of Nightingale."

Everyone started to clap loudly and celebratory whistles and cheers erupted here and there.

Yep, this is where the intro clip ended. The next second was the start of the school year. Welp that all–

"Baron August and Baroness Catherine, please come forward." The Empress commanded.

The Empress herself called Mom and Dad. What the hell.

"I believe you two have received my letter?" the Empress asked.

Mother and Father nodded nervously. "Y-Yes, your majesty."

Also I've been meaning to ask, were nobility yet we don't have a last name?

"Baron August, Two generations ago, your great-grandfather committed a grave sin against the Empire. He tampered with Black Magic.

Pfttt–B-Black Magic?! As in Demon magic? Gread grandfather broke the greatest taboo? Tampering with life and death?

He's batshit crazy!

"He may have broken that one taboo for the sake of his people and the empire, but the law must be upheld, he was stripped of his title and last name."

"Today, Baron August, you have redeemed your predecessor's mistake and your last name shall be returned to you."

"For the discovery of the Great Cavern and offering it to me, I shall reward your honesty and loyalty, with the mining rights to belong to you and your pure bloodline."

"Rise, Viscount August Haile."

The Empress descended her throne and gave Father a shoulder pat. "I'm truly relieved, that the loyal Haile Family, has been revived."

Mother and father arose and returned to their table with hands interlocked. There were incredibly loud cheers.

I'm betting father is holding back tears. Anyway, I'm clearly missing something in our family history. I'll ask him about that later–

"Arthur Haile, Son of August Haile and Catherine Haile, come forward." The announcer proclaimed again.

Wha– Why?!?

Arthur calmed his mind and breathing as he walked froward to her majesty. He kneeled like His father August.

"Arthur Haile, For your merits, achievements, and Charismatic Leadership displayed in the Battle of Otto– you are rewarded with the official title of Knight."

"Rise, Knight Arthur Haile."

Oh. That's what I was called for. I thought I did something wrong.

Wait— knight?!?

After the ball, many nobles approached us to form connections. Father, being the smart and intuitive man he is, formed connections with only the good people. Good men can tell other good men. It was not all fun and games. The carriage ride home was rather tense.

Mom had the gaze capable of making a a dragon kneel. "So~ What~ was~ my~ dear~ Artie~ up~ too~ for~ the~ past~ five~ years." she asked in a sing-song voice.

Arthur bristled up and cowered under her gaze. "That is going to be a long story."

To sum up the last five years in a few paragraphs:

In the first year, Arthur left home and registered as an adventurer. He dound talent in the sword.

For two years He then trained in both diligently and intensely as, he continued adventuring.

On the fourth year he joined the Battle of Otto after the small skirmish got way out of hand and turned into a small territory war. During the battle, the commander was fatality wounded by an assasin archer. The side Arthur was on started to cascade as they lost battle after battle.

The last ditch effort of turning the tide of war, Arthur gathered the remaining soldiers. They were outnumbered four to one.

Their scouts found the enemy encampment in a forest.

Arthur quickly formulated a plan and gave Half of his army a sealed jar of tar oil, a torch and a horn. The other half was the supply lines and emergency unit.

It was barely dawn when the attack commenced. The soldiers and mercenaries lit their jars on fire before throwing it on the enemy's encampment, severing their retreat and laying down the ground work for the trap.

To seal the illusion of a large fighting force, they all blew their horns simultaneously causing great panic among the enemy soldiers.

Viscount Otto Von Vyrus fled in fear through a gap purposefully made by Arthur, leading him directly into an ambush.

After killing the enemy General, Arthur's troops kept the fires going in the Forest killing most of the enemy soldiers by suffocation and selling the survivors as war slaves.

In the fifth year, Arthur spent the reward money by investigating the Ashley Family's hidden crimes. All of the evidence and witnesses were brought to her majesty for a private hearing.

When all of it was over, He returned home withe the Empress's letter.

Cathrine and August were awestruck with pride and worry. "To think our son did that... Sniff... For us! We don't deserve such a son~" Catherine wept happily.

August gave his son an appreciative look. "To think you went through all that, for us. We can't be happier."

August gave Arthur a short summary of what his great-grandfather did.

About ninety years ago, Count Liam Von Haile reluctantly sacrificed his willing siblings to a demon. He learned necromancy from said demon and used it to use on the Southern Principality.

He used necromancy to rejuvenate the Southern Principality's dead soldiers to end the way and raid their capital.

However, he left the innocent alive and unscathed. That war was the closest the Empire could have fallen, in two centuries.

After the war, Count Liam and his Wife, willingly surrendered themselves to the previous empress.

Technically speaking, they did nothing wrong as it was times of war. Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Empress tried to pardon them but they themselves begged her to kill them, but leave their son alone as he was still an infant.

He must've been so guilty of sacrificing his siblings.

The Empress reluctantly complied and executed them. She stripped their only son of his last name and demoted him to Baron.

Today's events proved to the current Empress out family's unwavering generational Loyalty. I was born into a great family this time, I'm glad.

"Young Master, You're sixteenth birthday will be in two weeks time, is there anything you desire?"

Sixteenth Birthday?! My coming of age is in two weeks?! I completely forgot!

Back in Japan, when someone hits the age of eighteen, they're recognized as an adult. It's two years earlier here.

Arthur mentally face-palmed himself.

Arthur hummed deep in thought while August and Catherine watched intensely. Reuben would be lying if he wasn't trying to eavesdrop.

"I want a sword, if possible to would like to give specific instructions in making the sword."

August leaned back and gave a small sigh. "That is doable, however, it's your sixteenth birthday. Don't you want anything grand?"

"No. A sword is what I want."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Absolutely."

To be continued.