Morning arrived far sooner than Aries would have liked.

Today marked the Imperial Coming-of-Age Ceremony—the most anticipated event in the Empire. Nobles from across the continent had gathered in Draconia, the Dragon’s Heart, to witness the ceremony of the Empire’s Second Prince.

The entire Lelouche household had already departed for the ceremony hours ago.

Only Aries remained inside the ducal mansion.

For the first time in several days, the manor felt strangely quiet.

Aries stood beside the tall window of his room, watching countless carriages travel toward the Imperial Palace.

“…At least I managed to avoid the ceremony itself.”

A small smile appeared on his lips.

Unfortunately, that happiness lasted only a few seconds.

He still had to attend the banquet afterward.

“My Lord…”

Lotte looked at him with concern.

“Are you truly feeling alright?”

Aries turned toward her and nodded.

“…I’m fine.”

Although he wasn’t entirely certain that was true.

Ever since arriving in this world, there had been one thing capable of causing him genuine pain.

Memories.

More specifically, the fragments left behind by Aries.

Just as he was about to sit down—

“…Mikhail.”

A familiar voice echoed inside his mind.

His entire body froze.

“…Haerin?”

An unbearable headache struck without warning.

His vision blurred as sharp pain spread through his head.

“…Tch…”

He grabbed the edge of the table to steady himself.

Another memory was forcing itself into his consciousness.

This one felt different.

Heavier.

More vivid.

Fragments of a novel flashed before his eyes.

Worn pages.

A familiar title.

Thorn of Crowns.

It was the boys’ love fantasy novel Kim Haerin had once spent days talking about.

Politics.

Power.

Betrayal.

Romance.

Mikhail had never bothered reading it.

But he remembered the conversations.

“The protagonist…”

“…was the Second Prince…”

Another fragment surfaced.

“…and an omega noble…”

The pain intensified.

“The Imperial Coming-of-Age Ceremony…”

“…was where the original story began.”

The memories abruptly ended.

Aries slowly opened his eyes.

His breathing had become uneven.

His instincts screamed one thing.

Stay away.

Far away from the protagonists.

He had no intention of becoming involved in whatever story awaited them.

“…Then why…”

His voice was barely a whisper.

“…why was I sent here…”

“…instead of Haerin?”

No answer came.

Only another wave of pain.

Warm liquid trickled beneath his nose.

A drop of blood landed on the wooden floor.

Then another.

Lotte gasped.

“My Lord!”

She immediately rushed toward him and handed him a handkerchief.

Aries calmly accepted it.

“…It’s nothing.”

“How is that nothing?!”

“You’ve been like this since this morning!”

“I’m alright.”

His calm response did little to ease her worries.

Before she could argue further—

Knock. Knock.

“My Lord.”

A servant’s voice came from outside.

“You have a visitor.”

Aries blinked.

“A visitor?”

“He says his name is Iryuu.”

Aries immediately understood.

“…Let him in.”

A few moments later, Iryuu entered carrying an elegant wooden case.

He bowed.

“It is an honor to meet you again, Lord Aries.”

“Likewise. Please, have a seat.”

Iryuu placed the case on the table and opened it.

Inside were the pieces they had discussed days earlier.

A silver pendant.

A pair of formal earrings.

A simpler everyday pair.

Two bracelets.

Two rings.

And at the center—

The brooch containing Lapis Fati.

The crystal-blue gemstone shimmered beneath the afternoon light.

Aries carefully examined each piece.

“…Remarkable.”

His fingers traced the delicate silver vines and floral engravings.

Nothing overwhelmed the gemstone.

Everything complemented it.

“You’ve exceeded my expectations.”

Iryuu’s shoulders relaxed.

“…Really?”

“Yes. You’ve done excellent work.”

The young artisan smiled.

“Thank you. That truly means a lot.”

Aries noticed that Iryuu seemed more nervous than during their previous meeting.

“You seem rather tense.”

Iryuu laughed awkwardly.

“My father told me you might be a noble, but he never mentioned you belonged to House de Lelouche.”

He scratched the back of his neck.

“I mean… your family stands directly beneath the Imperial Family.”

Aries tilted his head.

“…Does that really matter?”

Iryuu blinked.

“If I won the gemstone fairly, then I should naturally pay for it.”

“Most nobles wouldn’t think that way.”

Aries gave a quiet chuckle.

“My father once told me…”

“…if you wish to gain something, you must first be willing to give something.”

For a brief moment, he remembered Mikhail’s own father.

A lesson from another life.

Iryuu nodded.

“…I think I understand.”

“Good.”

Aries stood and walked toward his desk.

“There is one more favor I’d like to ask.”

He retrieved a bundle of parchment and handed it to Iryuu.

“If Sir Yu ever has the time, would you mind showing these to him?”

Iryuu untied the ribbon.

The moment he unfolded the first sheet, his eyes widened.

Detailed technical sketches covered the pages.

Long, narrow blades.

Slim forceps.

Retractors.

Needle holders.

Scissors.

Each drawing included precise measurements, material specifications, balance, and intended medical applications.

They looked less like concepts…

And more like blueprints waiting to be made.

“…My Lord.”

“What exactly are these?”

“Medical instruments.”

“Medical…?”

“Tools used for surgery.”

Iryuu looked even more confused.

“I’ll explain everything another time.”

“For now, I’d appreciate it if Sir Yu could tell me whether they’re possible to forge.”

Iryuu carefully gathered the blueprints.

“I’ll make sure Father sees these.”

“He’ll definitely be interested.”

“Thank you.”

After a few more words, Iryuu excused himself.

Once the door closed, Lotte approached Aries.

“My Lord…”

“It’s almost time.”

Aries sighed.

“…Right.”

Several maids soon entered carrying his formal attire.

Within minutes, Aries found himself surrounded by servants adjusting every part of his clothing.

One fixed the folds of his white formal coat embroidered with silver vines.

Another fastened the silver brooch containing Lapis Fati.

Lotte opened a velvet case.

“My Lord, would you like to wear one of the earrings?”

Aries glanced at them.

“…The simpler pair.”

“I’ll save the formal ones for another occasion.”

“As you wish.”

Once they finished, the servants stepped back.

Aries looked into the mirror.

The silver ornaments complemented his snow-white hair, while the blue gemstone rested against his chest.

“…Not bad.”

Lotte nearly laughed.

“That’s all you have to say?”

“What else should I say?”

She smiled helplessly.

Just as she prepared to call for the carriage, Aries suddenly spoke.

“Lotte.”

“Yes, My Lord?”

“How old does one have to be before attending a Coming-of-Age Ceremony?”

“Eighteen.”

“I see.”

Aries paused.

“Then how old am I?”

Lotte stared at him.

“…Twenty-one, My Lord.”

Aries froze.

“…Twenty-one?”

“Yes.”

“You should have celebrated your Coming-of-Age Ceremony three years ago.”

She hesitated.

“However… because of your condition at the time, His Grace decided not to hold one.”

Aries lowered his gaze.

“…I understand.”

Lotte smiled gently.

“Perhaps one day, when everything settles down, His Grace might hold a celebration just for you.”

Aries chuckled.

“…Let’s survive tonight first.”

Lotte laughed softly.

“That sounds like a better plan.”

Soon after, the carriage bearing the crest of House Lelouche departed.

As they traveled toward the heart of Draconia, Aries watched the city through the window.

The further they went, the grander everything became.

Marble avenues replaced ordinary roads.

Crystal lanterns decorated the streets.

Fountains shaped like dragons stood in elegant plazas.

Academies, libraries, museums, luxury shops, and magnificent gardens filled the capital.

Above everything towered the Imperial Palace.

Its ivory towers pierced the sky, while golden rooftops shimmered beneath the sunlight.

“…So this is Draconia.”

Aries quietly murmured.

“The Dragon’s Heart.”

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

“…Fantasy worlds really don’t know the meaning of moderation.”

Lotte blinked.

“…My Lord?”

“…Nothing.”

Eventually, the carriage stopped before the enormous Imperial Gates.

Towering white walls stretched endlessly in both directions, guarded by colossal dragon statues carved from black marble.

Hundreds of Imperial Knights stood at attention.

When they recognized the Lelouche crest, they struck their spears against the ground.

“Welcome.”

“The House of Lelouche has arrived.”

The gates opened.

The carriage crossed elegant bridges overlooking crystal-clear lakes before finally arriving at the palace entrance.

A servant opened the carriage door.

“My Lord.”

“The banquet hall awaits.”

Aries stepped onto the marble staircase.

Before he could continue, a palace attendant approached.

“My apologies, Lord Aries.”

“Personal attendants may not enter the Grand Hall.”

Aries instinctively looked toward Lotte.

She smiled.

“…It’s alright, My Lord.”

“I’ll be waiting outside.”

“…Very well.”

Aries followed the palace butler inside.

The palace was even more breathtaking from within.

White pillars carved like coiling dragons stretched toward an enormous ceiling.

Crystal chandeliers illuminated the marble floors.

Golden banners bearing the crest of the imperial family of Nocthar hung between the pillars.

Eventually, they stopped before a pair of enormous gilded doors.

The butler opened them.

Music.

Laughter.

The gentle clinking of crystal glasses.

Hundreds of nobles filled the magnificent banquet hall.

Then—

Aries crossed the threshold.

The music continued.

But the conversations stopped.

Dozens of eyes turned toward him.

Then hundreds.

Some were curious.

Others carried admiration.

Many held open hostility.

“…So the rumors were true.”

“…He really recovered.”

“I almost didn’t recognize him.”

“Is that truly the mad young master of House Lelouche?”

Aries heard every whisper.

Rather than feeling uncomfortable, he found it convenient.

No one dared approach him.

“…Works for me.”

He accepted a glass of juice from a passing servant and moved toward a quiet corner.

Moments later—

A trumpet sounded.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

The massive doors at the opposite end of the hall opened.

Every noble lowered their heads.

“Their Imperial Majesties!”

The announcer’s voice echoed throughout the hall.

“His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Vernichter de Nocthar!”

“Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Liliana de Nocthar!”

The Emperor and Empress entered with dignified grace.

Behind them came the Crown Prince.

“The Crown Prince…”

“Valtherion Ashen de Nocthar!”

A young man dressed entirely in black entered the hall.

A silver mask concealed the upper half of his face.

Whispers immediately spread.

“…He’s wearing it again.”

“I heard his face is horribly scarred.”

“…Or perhaps he’s hiding something.”

Aries merely glanced toward the Crown Prince.

People really do enjoy making assumptions.

Then came the final announcement.

“The Second Prince…”

“Kaelith Raven de Nocthar!”

Applause erupted throughout the hall.

Aries looked toward the young prince.

Kaelith’s gaze wandered across the sea of nobles.

Then—

It stopped.

Directly on Aries.

Their eyes met.

Only for a heartbeat.

Yet something about the exchange felt strangely deliberate.

Aries was the first to look away.

…I’m probably overthinking it.

He sincerely hoped he was.

TO BE CONTINUED…