One moment, I had been Asai Webb, dying after falling from a fourth story window. 

Now apparently I was Javier, summoned to this new world by some man of extreme importance, if the way he dressed or spoke was any indication. 

Darian only ever referred to my summoner as “Your Majesty” or “M’Lord”, which frustratingly left me without a name for the beautiful man I had seen. I also couldn't help but wonder if they knew I had come from a different world and I slouched in my seat in the carriage that was now taking me to the palace. 

“Could've at least given me real clothes,” I murmured under my breath, flexing my bare feet. The inside of the carriage was warm enough, but from the brief bit of the outside I had seen, this world was quickly approaching winter and the biting wind once we stepped out of the summoning tower confirmed my suspicions. 

I couldn't shake the sense of displacement gnawing at my insides as the carriage rumbled on, its rhythmic motion almost lulling me into a daze. I glanced out the window, watching the unfamiliar landscape pass by in a blur of muted colors. Everything seemed different here, even as we simply rolled through empty plains and the occasional small farm.

My thoughts kept drifting back to the enigmatic figure who had summoned me. What kind of person had the power to pluck someone from one world and drop them into another? And why me, why had I been given a second chance? I shifted uncomfortably on the plush seat, the fabric feeling foreign against my skin. Even if it was only a robe, it was a stark contrast to the simple, modern clothes I had been wearing what now felt like a lifetime ago.

My bare feet tapped softly against the floor of the carriage, the sensation grounding me in the midst of my confusion. Darian, from what I could tell, was driving the carriage and my summoner was riding his own horse next to us. It seems strange to me that they had brought the carriage just for me to ride back in, but all things considered, there was a lot I didn’t understand. I had so many questions, and yet no one to answer them. I sighed as I stared at my new appearance in the glass, the face staring back at me was no longer the one I had known as my own. 

As Asai, I had short, curly black hair and deep brown eyes, a testament to my mixed heritage. With a soft chubby face and noticeable darker skin, I was certain that it was my differences that contributed to my mother’s hatred toward me. Yet now, my hair was long and silver, cascading in loose waves down my back. My eyes were a piercing shade of ice blue,but my face was still soft and with just a bit of stubble on my face. I could only guess that I was somewhere in my early twenties, shaving more than ten years off my actual age.

“We’ve arrived, Javier,” the carriage slowed to a halt, jolting me out of my reverie. With a heavy sigh, I straightened up in my seat, bracing myself for whatever awaited me outside as the carriage door creaked open. The palace stood before me, its silhouette towering against the ink-black canvas of the night sky. Lit torches lined the cobblestone path leading to its grand entrance, casting flickering shadows that danced along the ancient walls. The architecture was unlike anything I had ever seen, a blend of otherworldly elegance and ethereal beauty. Towers spiraled upwards, adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to come alive in the flickering torchlight. Each spire reached towards the heavens, as if yearning to touch the stars themselves. 

As I stepped out onto the cold ground, the chill of the night air sent shivers down my spine, a stark contrast to the warmth of the carriage. I pulled the robe tighter around myself, the fabric offering little protection against the biting wind. Suddenly, two figures emerged from the shadows of the castle courtyard and two children, their faces alight with excitement, ran towards me with outstretched arms.

"Father! Father!" they cried in unison, their voices echoing through the night.

I froze in place, my heart pounding in my chest. Father? The word echoed in my mind, sending a ripple of confusion through my thoughts. How could I be their father? I was a stranger in this world, my body had just been created! To my relief, they ran into the arms of the man who had summoned me, who knelt down to greet the pair.

“Azriel, Lucilla, you should be in bed by now,” he said gently, ruffling their hair with a fond smile. The children, Azriel and Lucilla, giggled and clung to him, seemingly unfazed by the late hour or the chill in the air.

"But we wanted to see you, Father!" Lucilla exclaimed, her eyes shining with adoration.

Azriel nodded eagerly, his gaze shifting to me with curiosity. "Is that who you went to find, Father?"

“Yes, he is,” the man answered, turning those sharp eyes to me as he stood from what I assumed were his children. They watched me curiously as I shivered, unsure what to say or do. I still barely understood where I was or why I was here, and I eventually looked away from those inquisitive eyes, wide with wonder. “Although I believe we should let him rest tonight. We will have much to discuss in the morning.”

“Indeed, your Highness, I will ensure Javier is placed in an appropriate room,” Darian finally spoke and I watched as my summoner took the hands of the children. “Will you…?”

“Yes, I will put Azriel and Lucilla to bed myself. I’m sure they’ve missed me from being gone all day,” his soft words made my heart twist, remembering the few memories I had of my own father before he left. Darian offered a small nod before turning his attention back to me, gesturing for me to follow him. I complied, though my steps were hesitant as I trailed behind him, my eyes lingering on the family trio as I was led away from them.

The castle's interior was a sight to behold, adorned with rich tapestries that hung from the walls like vibrant murals. Rich hues of crimson, gold, and emerald wove intricate patterns that seemed to come alive under the flickering torchlight, casting a warm glow upon the chambers. Rich, jewel-toned carpets adorned the marble floors, muffling our footsteps as we passed by towering suits of armor and intricate statues that seemed to come to life. I was in awe of the opulence surrounding me, my curiosity finally giving me the strength to speak.

“Where… am I? Who summoned me?” my voice was soft, and Darian's steps echoed softly against the polished marble floors as he led me through the labyrinthine corridors of the castle. His demeanor remained composed, betraying little emotion as he glanced over his shoulder to address my inquiries.

"You find yourself in the Demon Empire of Ikeapis in the land of Aesatia," he explained with a faint hint of pride coloring his tone. "And your summoner is His Imperial Majesty Kozani Ath'tal, the ruler of this realm."

"The Demon Empire of Ikeapis," I repeated softly, testing the words on my tongue as if they held some hidden meaning. It was a title that carried weight, surrounded by an air of mystery and intrigue. And Kozani Ath'tal, the ruler of this realm, was the beautiful figure who had chosen me as I lay dying in my world and offered me a second chance in this one. What did he need or want so badly that he had apparently taken a risk in summoning me here?

"We have arrived," Darian paused and turned to face me, his expression unreadable as we reached a grand set of double doors. Pushing open the doors, Darian revealed a sight that stole my breath away. Before me lay a vast, ornate bedroom fit for royalty, centered around a massive canopy bed, its intricately carved frame draped with luxurious silks. The couches and large desk only seemed to accentuate the grandeur of the space and I stepped into the room, my eyes roaming over every detail with a sense of wonder. 

“I…” the words died in my throat as I surveyed the room, overwhelmed by its opulence and grandeur. The soft glow of candlelight danced off the walls, casting intricate shadows that seemed to come alive in the dimly lit chamber. As I took in the lavish surroundings, Darian closed the doors behind us with a soft thud, the sound echoing in the silence of the room. I turned to him, my expression a mixture of awe and confusion.

“Please, there is clothing laid out on the bed for you. We were unsure what your size or body might be, so try them on so I may determine your needs,” Darien motioned to the large bed, its plush cushions inviting yet daunting in their extravagance. I hesitated for a moment, but I slowly approached the bed, my bare feet sinking into the soft carpet beneath me.

There were several different types of clothing laid out for me, a mix of both women and men’s sleepwear, ranging from petite to bulky. It seems they had no idea who or what I would be, which only confused me more. If it wasn’t Kozani’s intention, then why had I been reborn in a man’s body? 

I sifted through the garments, feeling a peculiar sense of detachment as I examined each piece. Eventually, I settled on a simple set of nightclothes, opting for comfort over extravagance. As I dressed, Darian’s presence loomed in the room, a silent sentinel observing my every move. His stoic demeanor offered no hints as to the answers I sought, leaving me to grapple with my thoughts in solitude.

"Why was I summoned here?" I asked, my voice soft as I turned to face Darian. "What does Kozani want from me?"

"All will be revealed in due time, Javier," Darian regarded me with a measured gaze, his expression unreadable. "For now, rest. Tomorrow, the Emperor will enlighten you himself."

His words offered little solace as I sank into the plush cushions of the bed, watching Darian as he picked up the leftover clothing and left the room quickly. With a weary sigh, I reclined against the silken pillows, the soft fabric caressing my skin like a gentle embrace. Well, this was definitely an improvement over my previous life, but I still couldn’t help but wonder what my role might be. 

I closed my eyes, seeking refuge in the solace of sleep and as I drifted into the realm of dreams, I couldn't shake the feeling that my journey was only just beginning.