A warm ray of sunlight slipped through the curtains, casting streaks of gold across the room as the distant chirping of birds welcomed the arrival of the morning. Slowly, I opened my eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling, allowing the last remnants of sleep to drift away. The sound of a knock on the door broke the silence, as I turned my heard towards the direction, "come in" I said as I sat upright.
A young maid stepped inside.
Her name was Elisha.
Dressed in a black maid's dress trimmed with elegant white frills and a spotless white apron tied neatly around her waist, she carried herself with the grace expected of someone who has served the Valemont household for many years. A white lace headpiece rested atop her short black hair, while her gentle brown eyes softened the otherwise quite atmosphere of the room.
To me, she wasn't just another servant.
Ever since I had been reborn into this world, Elisha had been the one who cared for me, she carried me as an infant, stayed awake through countless sleepless nights, soothed me whenever I cried, and watched me grow as though I were her little brother.
Not that I lacked parental care. I was born into a wealthy family, and Father and Mother often travelled outside the city. Because of that Elisha was hired to look after me.
"Good morning, young Master", she said with a warm smile. "Lord and Lady Valemont are waiting in the dining hall, I've already prepared your school uniform".
"Thank you, Elisha".
She placed the neatly folded uniform beside my bed, gave a respectful bow, and quietly left the room shutting the door behind.
Today was the day I would begin attending the Royal Arcane Academy, the kingdom's greatest institution for nurturing talented mages. A raven was sent with an invitation letter to join the academy where young nobles learn the rules and foundations of the world's magic.
I wasn't particularly excited.
After getting myself ready I changed to my new uniform, then I stepped into the hallway. Even after nineteen years, the mansion never failed to amaze me. Towering marble pillars supported intricately carved ceilings, crystal chandelier illuminated the corridors, and portraits of past valemont lords watched silently from the walls. Servants moved about with quite efficiency as I descended the grand staircase towards the dinning hall.
My family was already waiting.
Father sat at the head of the table, wearing the composed expression expected of one of the kingdom's most influential nobles. Mother greeted me with her usual gentle smile, while my younger sister enthusiastically waved the moment she saw me.
"Good morning, Ren", Mother said as I returned the greeting to her and Father.
"Pancakes?" I asked, taking my seat.
She laughed softly. "Your favourite".
Breakfast passed peacefully, filled with light conversation until Father finally looked at me.
"So... today's the day".
I nodded as I shoveled a piece of pancake into my mouth.
Do your best", he said. "The Valemont name opens doors, but your own abilities will decide how far you go".
"I understand."
After the meal, Loid, the family butler, escorted me outside. A luxurious carriage bearing the crest of House Valemont waiting in the courtyard, two magnificent black horses already harnessed prepared for departure.
As I stepped onto the carriage, Mother gently adjusted my collar before brushing a few strands of hair away from my face.
"You'll make plenty of friends," she said with a smile.
Father placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Remember who you are, always be kind to others and help them whenever in need
"I will."
Even my little sister pouted as she waved both hands
"Bring me souvenirs, Brother!"
"I'll see what I can do" I said with a smile while gently patting her head with my right arm.
Elisha stood slightly behind them, smiling quietly. Unlike the others, she said nothing. She simply gave a small nod, one that carried years of affection and encouragement without the need for words.
The coachman cracked the reins.
"Hyah!"
The horses surged forward, and the carriage slowly rolled away from the mansion. Through the window, I watched my family disappeared from sight.
Leaning against the seat, I released a quiet sigh.
Humans truly are fascinating creatures.
They endlessly pursue knowledge, power, wealth, and glory, believing each achievement will finally satisfy them. Yet the more they obtain, the greater their desires become. Perhaps that endless greed is what drives civilizations forward. Or perhaps... it is the very reason they destroy themselves.
Ah... I've forgotten to introduce myself.
In this life, my name is Ren Valemont.
But long before this body existed...
I was Kieran.
The Demon Lord.
Three thousand years ago, the Human Realm and the Demon Realm stood divided by endless hatred. Countless wars claimed countless lives until a devastating plague descended upon humanity. No healer could cure it. No miracle could stop it. Entire kingdoms fell into despair. The only remedy was the Elixir Bloom, a sacred flower that grew exclusively within the Demon Realm.
King Kruzawa came before me and begged for my aid.
Against the wishes of my people, I accepted.
I believed peace was finally within reach.
The plague disappeared. The war ended. Humans and demons celebrated together beneath the same sky.
It was all a lie.
The banquet held in honor of our alliance became our execution ground. The food, the wine, even the air had been poisoned with Nullstone Powder, stripping every demon of their mana. Without magic, our overwhelming strength vanished, leaving us defenseless against the soldiers who had been waiting for that very moment.
One by one...
My comrades fell.
The palace echoed with screams, blood stained the marble floors, and standing at the center of it all was King Kruzawa.
Smiling.
"Peace was never my goal," he said. "Only victory."
His blade pierced my heart.
With my final breath, I released my Life Essence, sending my soul beyond death itself.
Then...
Darkness.
When I awoke again, I was no longer the feared Demon Lord.
I was an infant.
A human.
Ironically reborn into the very race that had betrayed me.
Fragments of my memories remained, scattered like broken pieces of a shattered mirror. I remembered enough to know who I was, but much of my past had become blurred with time.
Even as a baby, I couldn't behave like one. I spoke long before any child should have been able to. I walked while other infants could barely crawl. My parents believed I had been blessed by the gods, while scholars praised me as a once-in-a-century genius.
Only I knew the truth.
I wasn't gifted.
I had simply lived once before.
As the carriage continued toward the Royal Arcane Academy, I closed my eyes for a brief moment.
This world believed the Demon Lord had died nineteen years ago.
They were wrong.
My second life...
Was only just beginning.