《I'm possessing the Second Male Lead of a Romance Novel》


 Chapter 1: First new day

    Congrulations. You have made it to the other side. May you continue to live a long life this time.


    Elliot groaned as a beam of sunlight cut through the shutters, striking his face. His head throbbed, his limbs ached, and the scent of lavender soap mingled with something earthy and unfamiliar.


    With a reluctant stretch, he opened his eyes, expecting the familiar ceiling of his cramped apartment. Instead, he was greeted by a room that looked like it had been plucked out of a medieval castle.


    Ornate wooden beams crisscrossed the stone ceiling, and a woven tapestry depicting a grand battle hung on one wall. The bed he lay in was far too grand for his taste, its thick, fur-lined blankets heavier than anything he owned. Elliot bolted upright, his heart racing.


    "What the hell?" he whispered, only to startle himself at the sound of his voice. It was higher-pitched than usual, almost childlike.


    A knock at the door startled him further. Before he could respond, the door swung open, revealing a stern-looking man in a crisp uniform. He appeared middle-aged, with streaks of gray in his otherwise dark hair and a posture so straight it seemed painful.


    "Elias," the man barked. "Get up! You''re already behind schedule. The Crown Prince doesn''t have time to wait for dawdling children."


    Elliot blinked at him, confused. "Elias?"


    "Do not act coy. Up! Now!" The man clapped his hands sharply, and before Elliot could process what was happening, the man had crossed the room and yanked the blanket off him.


    "Hey!" Elliot protested, scrambling to his feet. That was when he noticed his hands¡ªsmall, soft, and clearly not his own. Panic welled in his chest as he caught a glimpse of himself in a polished silver mirror on the far wall. A boy of no more than six years old stared back at him, with dark, tousled hair and wide, amber eyes.


    "This isn''t¡­" he whispered, his heart thudding in his chest. But the man was already herding him toward a washbasin.


    "No time for gawking," the man said briskly. "You''ve been assigned to the Crown Prince''s attendant trials, and you''re already running late. Do not disgrace your training by embarrassing yourself on the very first day."


    Crown Prince? Attendant trials? Elliot barely had time to splash water on his face before the man thrust a neatly folded uniform at him. It was a simple outfit, clean but not overly ornate, made to look presentable without drawing attention. His hands trembled as he dressed, his mind spinning with questions. Where was he? How had this happened? And who was this boy whose body he now inhabited?


    The day passed in a whirlwind. Elliot¡ªor Elias, as everyone called him¡ªwas ushered through a series of drills, instructions, and etiquette lessons. The instructors were severe, their expectations high. There was no time to stop and think, no moment to process the impossibility of his situation. He stumbled through the motions, relying on instinct and sheer luck to keep up.


    It wasn''t until the afternoon, during a brief pause in the schedule, that he finally had a moment to himself. Standing in a courtyard surrounded by other boys in identical uniforms, Elliot took a deep breath and tried to steady his racing thoughts.


    "Okay," he muttered under his breath. "This isn''t a dream. This is¡­ real. Somehow, I''ve ended up in the body of a six-year-old kid named Elias. And¡­" His eyes widened as a realization struck him. "The Crown Prince. Could it be¡­ Prince Aedric?"


    The name sent a jolt through him. It couldn''t be a coincidence. This world¡­ the setting¡­ it was too familiar. The towering spires of the palace, the gilded banners fluttering in the breeze, the strict hierarchy of servants and nobles¡ªit all matched the world of his favorite novel, The Shattered Crown. The realization left him lightheaded. He''d somehow ended up in the story.


    "Trainees! Form ranks!" a voice barked, snapping Elliot out of his thoughts.


    The boys scrambled to line up, and Elliot followed suit, slipping into formation. A hush fell over the courtyard as a figure approached, flanked by guards. Even without the introductions, Elliot knew who it was. Prince Aedric was unmistakable¡ªa boy of about ten years old, with striking silver hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed far too sharp for his age. He walked with a confidence that was almost unnerving, his gaze sweeping over the gathered trainees like a hawk surveying its prey.


    Elliot felt a pang of awe. This was the boy destined to become the hero of The Shattered Crown, the stoic yet noble prince who would unite a fractured kingdom. But right now, he was just a kid¡ªalbeit a kid with an intimidating presence.


    "These are the candidates?" Aedric asked, his tone flat.


    "Yes, Your Highness," one of the instructors replied. "They''ve been through rigorous screening. Each of them is highly capable."Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Aedric''s expression didn''t change. He stepped closer, inspecting the line of boys. One by one, he questioned them, his sharp gaze piercing through their nervous fa?ades. Most stammered or fidgeted under his scrutiny, their carefully rehearsed answers falling apart.


    When Aedric reached Elliot, he stopped, his icy blue eyes locking onto Elliot''s amber ones. For a moment, neither spoke. Elliot''s heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to remain calm.


    "Your name?" Aedric asked.


    "Elias, Your Highness," Elliot replied, bowing his head slightly. His voice was steady, his posture respectful but not overly deferential.


    "Why do you want to be my attendant?"


    Elliot hesitated for a fraction of a second. The truth was, he didn''t want to be anyone''s attendant. He hadn''t asked to be here, let alone in this body. But he couldn''t very well say that.


    "To serve with honor, Your Highness," he said finally. It was a vague, safe answer, but one that seemed to satisfy Aedric.


    The prince''s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before he moved on. Elliot let out a quiet breath of relief.


    By the time the evaluations were over, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the courtyard. The instructors gathered the trainees to announce the results. Elliot''s nerves were frayed, his exhaustion catching up with him.


    "The Crown Prince has made his selection," the lead instructor declared. "Elias will serve as his attendant."


    Elliot''s head shot up, his heart skipping a beat. He¡­ he''d been chosen? A murmur ran through the group, some of the other boys casting envious glances his way. Elliot''s thoughts raced. Why had Aedric picked him?


    The answer came moments later, as the prince approached him.


    "You didn''t stammer," Aedric said simply. "You weren''t annoying like the others."


    It wasn''t exactly a glowing endorsement, but it was enough. Elliot bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Highness. I won''t let you down."


    Aedric didn''t respond, simply nodding before turning and walking away. Elliot straightened, a mix of relief and apprehension washing over him. His new reality was starting to sink in. He was no longer Elliot, the bookish adult with an ordinary life.


    He was Elias, the six-year-old attendant to a future king. And as he looked after the retreating figure of Prince Aedric, he realized that his role in this story was just beginning.


    ______


    Later that evening, as he wandered through the servant''s quarters, exhaustion finally caught up with him. He sank onto a bench in an empty corridor, his head falling into his hands. The enormity of his situation threatened to crush him. He was in a different world, in a different body, playing a role he hadn''t asked for. How had this happened? Why him?


    As if in response to his thoughts, a soft chime echoed in his mind. Elliot froze, lifting his head. The sound was followed by a notification that seemed to materialize in his vision, glowing faintly.


    [SYSTEM ACTIVATED]


    Welcome, User.


    Initializing...¡­


    "What the hell?" Elliot whispered. The words had appeared out of nowhere, hovering in his line of sight no matter where he looked. He blinked rapidly, but they remained.


    System Initialization Complete.


    Access Level: Restricted.


    "A system?" Elliot muttered. "Like¡­ a game system?"


    Correct.


    This system is designed to assist the User in fulfilling their designated role within this world.


    Elliot frowned. "And what exactly is my role?"


    Insufficient Authority to Access Role Details.


    "You''ve got to be kidding me," he said, leaning back against the wall. "You''re telling me I''ve been dumped into this world, in a kid''s body, with no idea why¡­ and you can''t even tell me what I''m supposed to do?"


    Correct.


    Elliot groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Great. Just great."


    He stared at the glowing text for a long moment, frustration simmering beneath the surface. But what could he do? Throw a tantrum? Demand answers from a disembodied system? No, that wouldn''t get him anywhere. He''d learned long ago to pick his battles, and this one wasn''t worth the energy.


    "Fine," he said at last. "Keep your secrets. I''ll figure it out on my own."


    The text faded, leaving him alone with his thoughts once more. He sat there for a while, letting the quiet of the corridor calm his nerves. Whatever had brought him here, whatever this "system" was, he would deal with it later. For now, he had a job to do.


    ______


    The next morning, Elliot reported to the prince''s chambers. As Aedric''s personal attendant¡ªor rather, his "playmate"¡ªhis duties were simple: keep the prince entertained, accompany him during lessons, and ensure he didn''t get into trouble. It wasn''t glamorous, but it was straightforward. And for now, straightforward was exactly what Elliot needed.


    Aedric greeted him with a nod when he entered the room. The boy was seated at a small table, poring over a map of the kingdom. "Elias," he said without looking up, "I want to test your memory. Tell me about the major trade routes connecting the Crownlands to the Wilderlands."


    Elliot blinked. "Uh¡­"


    "You don''t know?" Aedric''s gaze lifted, his expression unreadable.


    "Not yet, Your Highness," Elliot admitted, keeping his tone respectful. "But if you give me time to study, I''ll learn them."


    Aedric regarded him for a moment before nodding. "Fair enough. You have three days."


    "Understood," Elliot said, already mentally planning his study schedule.


    The rest of the morning passed in a similar fashion. Aedric was demanding but fair, his sharp intellect and high expectations keeping Elliot on his toes.


    Despite the challenges, Elliot found himself adapting quickly. His adult mind gave him an edge, allowing him to process information more efficiently than the other children. And while Aedric''s demeanor could be intimidating, Elliot''s calm, measured approach seemed to earn the boy''s respect.


    By the end of the day, Elliot was exhausted but oddly satisfied. For the first time since arriving in this world, he felt a sense of purpose.


    Whatever role he was meant to play, he would approach it the same way he had approached everything in his old life: with quiet determination and a refusal to give up.


    As he settled into bed that night, the soft chime of the system echoed in his mind once more.


    Progress Logged.


    *Role Advancement: 5%.*As he settled into bed that night, the soft chime of the system echoed in his mind once more.


    Elliot stared at the glowing text, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Five percent, huh? Guess it''s a start."


    The text faded, and for the first time since waking in this strange new world, Elliot drifted off to sleep feeling¡­ almost at peace.

 Chapter 2: Days as a servant

    Elliot found himself sitting in the prince''s private garden, the vivid colors of an alien world stretching out before him. It had been only a week since he had been thrust into this body, this life, and he still hadn''t entirely come to terms with what had happened.


    He''d resigned himself to the role of Prince Aedric''s "playmate," a glorified servant meant to entertain the crown prince, though it felt more like babysitting an unpredictable tornado.


    Aedric was only six years old, and yet he carried himself with the entitlement of a man twice his age. His dark hair framed a pale face, and his sharp, dark eyes held a haughty air that made Elliot''s attempts to keep up all the more daunting. The prince was relentless, moving from one activity to another with the energy of someone who''d never known exhaustion¡ªor restraint.


    "Elias! Keep up!" Aedric shouted, his voice high and commanding. He was standing on a low stone wall, balancing precariously as if daring gravity to challenge him.


    Elliot, now inhabiting the body of a boy named Elias, scrambled to follow. His legs were shorter, his movements clumsier than he remembered. He stumbled over a root hidden beneath the grass and barely managed to catch himself before face-planting into the dirt.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Elliot called, trying to mask his frustration. His head still spun from the strange new world he was navigating, and Aedric''s boundless energy left little room for reflection or adjustment.


    The prince huffed dramatically. "You''re so slow! How are you supposed to keep up with me if you can''t even walk properly?"


    Elliot bit back a retort. He had no idea how to handle children¡ªleast of all a royal one who had probably never heard the word "no" in his life. Instead, he quickened his pace, trying to anticipate Aedric''s next move. The prince''s mood was as unpredictable as the wind, and Elliot had learned quickly that keeping him entertained was a matter of survival.


    But the day only grew more chaotic. Aedric decided they would play knights and monsters, assigning Elliot the role of the monster¡ªnaturally. The prince charged at him with a wooden sword, shouting battle cries and demanding that Elliot "fall dramatically." When Elliot''s "fall" didn''t meet the prince''s exacting standards, Aedric threw down his sword in a fit.


    "That was terrible!" Aedric yelled, his face red with frustration. "You''re supposed to make it look real! You''re ruining everything!"


    Elliot''s patience, already worn thin, snapped. "I''m doing my best," he said, his voice sharper than he intended. "Maybe you could give better instructions if you want it done a certain way."


    The garden fell silent. Aedric stared at him, his mouth slightly open in shock. Then his face crumpled into a scowl, and he stomped his foot.


    "How dare you speak to me like that!" the prince shrieked. "You''re supposed to do what I say! You''re just a servant!"


    Before Elliot could apologize or explain, Aedric stormed off, leaving him standing alone in the garden. The other servants, who had been watching from a respectful distance, descended upon him like a flock of angry birds.


    "What were you thinking?" one of them hissed, a middle-aged woman with a stern face. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you''ve caused?"


    "The prince''s happiness is your responsibility," another added. "If he''s upset, it''s your fault. You need to be more careful."


    Elliot bristled at their scolding but said nothing. He knew they were right¡ªat least in the context of this world''s rigid hierarchy. Still, he couldn''t help but feel a pang of resentment. How was he supposed to keep up with a child who didn''t care about anyone else''s comfort?


    By the time he returned to his quarters that evening, he was thoroughly drained. The small room he''d been given was a far cry from his old life, but it was at least a place where he could collapse in peace. He flopped onto the narrow bed, staring at the wooden ceiling above him.


    "Why me?" he muttered to himself. "Of all the people to end up here, why did it have to be me?"


    The system''s voice, cold and detached, echoed in his mind. [Your authority level is insufficient to access that information.]


    Elliot groaned, throwing an arm over his eyes. "Yeah, thanks for nothing."


    The system didn''t respond, leaving him alone with his thoughts. As much as he wanted to rage against the unfairness of his situation, he knew it wouldn''t change anything. He had no choice but to adapt¡ªto survive. And if that meant playing along with Aedric''s whims, so be it.


    "Tomorrow will be better," he told himself, though he wasn''t sure he believed it. For now, all he could do was close his eyes and hope that sleep would bring some measure of relief.


    ___


    The next morning, Elliot reported for duty in the east courtyard, where Prince Aedric often began his day. Despite the early hour, the space buzzed with activity¡ªservants bustled about, knights polished their armor, and a small group of children, all around Aedric''s age, practiced sparring under the watchful eye of a royal instructor.


    Elliot hesitated at the edge of the courtyard, observing the scene. It was easy to spot Aedric¡ªa striking boy with golden-blond hair and piercing blue eyes, clad in pristine training clothes. Even at six years old, the prince exuded an air of authority.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "Elias!" a sharp voice called.


    Elliot turned to see a steward gesturing impatiently. "The prince is expecting you. Don''t keep him waiting."


    Suppressing a sigh, Elliot crossed the courtyard and approached the young prince, who was engaged in a mock duel with another child. Aedric glanced at Elliot briefly but didn''t acknowledge him.


    "Your Highness," Elliot said, bowing respectfully.


    The duel ended with Aedric disarming his opponent, and the prince finally turned his full attention to Elliot. "You''re the new attendant?"


    "Yes, Your Highness."


    Aedric''s gaze was sharp, assessing. "You''re smaller than I expected. Can you even keep up with me?"


    Elliot''s lips twitched at the challenge in the boy''s tone. "I''ll do my best, Your Highness."


    Aedric smirked, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "We''ll see."


    What followed was a whirlwind of activities: sparring lessons, horseback riding, and even a brief session of strategy games. Elliot did his best to keep up with the prince, but it quickly became clear that Aedric''s stamina and determination far outstripped his own.


    By the afternoon, Elliot was thoroughly exhausted. He pushed himself to match Aedric''s energy, unwilling to appear weak or incapable. However, during a particularly intense game of tag, his foot caught on an uneven stone, and he fell hard onto the ground. Pain shot through his ankle, and his vision blurred as he struggled to stay conscious.


    "Elias!" Aedric''s voice sounded distant, laced with concern.


    The last thing Elliot saw before everything went dark was the prince kneeling beside him.


    When Elliot woke, he was back in his chambers, the room dimly lit by the soft glow of a single lantern. A sharp ache pulsed in his ankle, now bandaged and elevated on a cushion.


    "Awake, are we?" a stern voice said.


    Elliot turned his head to see a maid standing by the door, arms crossed. She was older, with a no-nonsense demeanor that made him instinctively sit up straighter.


    "You''ve caused quite the stir today," she said, her tone brisk. "Collapsing in front of the prince like that. Do you have any idea how reckless you''ve been?"


    Elliot opened his mouth to reply, but she cut him off.


    "Don''t bother with excuses. You''ve embarrassed yourself and wasted the prince''s time. As punishment, you''ll go without supper tonight. Maybe that''ll teach you to be more mindful of your limits."


    Her words stung, but Elliot bit back a retort. He was too drained¡ªphysically and emotionally¡ªto argue.


    "Rest up," the maid continued, softening slightly. "You''ll need your strength if you''re going to survive in this palace."


    With that, she left, leaving Elliot alone with his thoughts.


    Elliot stared at the ceiling, frustration bubbling within him. He hadn''t asked for any of this¡ªnot the system, not the strange new world, and certainly not the impossible task of keeping up with a crown prince. Yet, here he was, navigating a life he barely understood.


    "I guess I don''t have a choice," he muttered to himself.


    For now, survival was his priority. He would figure out the rest later.


    ______


    Elliot lay in his bed, staring at the ornate canopy above. The soft glow of moonlight filtered through the thin curtains, casting silver streaks across the room. His ankle throbbed faintly, but it was nothing compared to the gnawing ache in his stomach.


    He shifted uncomfortably, trying to ignore the hunger clawing at him. It''s just one meal. You''ve gone longer without eating before. But the emptiness was persistent, and as the minutes dragged on, it became impossible to ignore.


    He tossed and turned, hoping to will the sensation away, but it only grew worse. With each growl of his stomach, the stillness of the room seemed to amplify the sound, making it impossible to focus on anything else.


    "Damn it," he muttered under his breath, sitting up. The maid''s words echoed in his mind: You''ll go without supper tonight. Maybe that''ll teach you...


    He hesitated, knowing full well that sneaking out after being explicitly punished could land him in deeper trouble. But the hunger wouldn''t relent. He rubbed his temples, debating with himself. He''d already learned today how harsh the palace''s expectations were, but his body was screaming at him, and the thought of lying awake all night like this was unbearable.


    "Fine," he whispered, throwing off the covers. "I''ll just grab something small. Quick and quiet."


    The hallways were eerily silent as Elliot slipped out of his chambers, his bare feet padding softly on the cool stone floors. He clutched a blanket around his shoulders to ward off the chill, moving carefully to avoid making noise. The palace at night was a different world¡ªits grandeur shrouded in shadows, with only the occasional torchlight flickering against the walls.


    Elliot kept to the edges of the corridors, his heart pounding with every step. Despite the silence, he couldn''t shake the feeling that eyes were watching him from every corner. His thoughts spiraled into paranoia as he imagined guards, maids, or even the prince himself catching him in the act.


    He navigated by memory, recalling the layout of the palace he''d observed during the day. The kitchens weren''t far, just down the main hall and to the left. But getting there unnoticed felt like crossing enemy lines.


    Halfway there, he heard a faint rustle. Elliot froze, pressing himself against the wall and holding his breath. The sound grew louder¡ªapproaching footsteps. His mind raced, searching for an escape. A nearby alcove offered just enough cover, and he darted into it, wrapping the blanket tightly around himself.


    The footsteps passed by, accompanied by the low murmur of two guards deep in conversation. Elliot waited until the sound faded completely before stepping out, his legs trembling slightly.


    "This is insane," he whispered, but hunger drove him forward.


    When he finally reached the kitchens, relief washed over him. The heavy wooden door was ajar, and no light flickered from within, signaling that the space was empty. Elliot slipped inside, his eyes adjusting to the darkness.


    The room smelled faintly of spices and baked bread, though most of the food had already been cleared away for the night. His gaze swept over the counters, searching for anything edible. There¡ªa basket of apples sat on a shelf, the fruit gleaming faintly in the moonlight.


    Elliot hurried over, his stomach growling in anticipation. He grabbed an apple and sank his teeth into it, the sweetness flooding his senses. It wasn''t much, but it was enough to quell the hunger that had driven him to this reckless endeavor.


    He finished the first apple quickly and reached for a second, his movements less frantic now. As he chewed, he leaned against the counter, letting himself relax for the first time all night.


    Maybe this wasn''t such a bad idea after all, he thought, though the weight of his punishment still lingered in the back of his mind. He''d deal with the consequences later. For now, all that mattered was the momentary reprieve from hunger.


    Food was the only thing on his mind at the moment.


    Elliot has no idea when the first apple finished, and when he started on the second one.


    Just as he finished the second apple, a voice broke through the silence: "What do you think you''re doing? Do you have any idea what this can cost you?"

 Chapter 3: Very much a kid - Part 1

    Elliot lay awake long after returning to his chambers, the remnants of hunger gnawing at his insides. The apples he''d managed to sneak from the kitchen had barely taken the edge off, and his stomach protested the lack of a proper meal.


    Every attempt to close his eyes and drift into sleep was met with the persistent ache of exhaustion coupled with the void in his belly.


    By the time dawn broke, he felt like a husk of himself, the weight of fatigue pressing down on him as he forced himself out of bed. His ankle still throbbed, and his head buzzed with a dull ache, but he had no choice but to report for duty.


    He dressed as quickly as he could, fumbling with the intricate buttons on his uniform, and hurried out to meet the Crown Prince.


    ______


    The day began disastrously.


    During breakfast, Elliot spilled tea while serving Aedric, earning a scolding from a nearby steward. Later, during sword practice, he handed the wrong blade to the instructor, which prompted a pointed look from the prince himself. By the time they moved to the study for Aedric''s lessons, Elliot''s hands trembled with every task he performed. His body felt heavy, his movements sluggish, and his mind clouded.


    Despite his attempts to remain composed, it was clear to anyone watching that something was off. And no one was watching more closely than Aedric.


    The Crown Prince sat at his desk, observing Elliot from the corner of his eye as the young attendant struggled to keep up. Aedric didn''t say anything at first, but his grip on the quill tightened as he watched Elliot stumble over yet another task.


    Finally, after Elliot dropped a stack of books he was meant to organize, Aedric couldn''t hold back any longer.


    "Elias," he said sharply, his tone laced with frustration. "If you''re going to be my attendant, you need to act like it. Stop making so many mistakes."


    Elliot stiffened, quickly gathering the books from the floor. "Apologies, Your Highness," he murmured, keeping his gaze lowered.


    Aedric frowned. The apology was expected, but something about Elliot''s tone unsettled him. He sounded¡­ hollow. Exhausted. But Aedric had been taught that a leader must always be firm, even when dealing with those under his care. His father''s voice echoed in his mind: Compassion breeds weakness.


    So instead of softening, Aedric straightened in his chair, his expression hardening. "If you can''t handle this, maybe I need someone more competent."


    The words stung more than Elliot wanted to admit. He clenched his jaw, willing himself to remain calm, even as a surge of anger bubbled beneath the surface. "It won''t happen again, Your Highness," he said quietly.


    Aedric didn''t reply, turning back to his studies. But there was a flicker of something in his expression¡ªguilt, maybe¡ªthat he quickly buried.


    Elliot held himself together until he was alone.


    The moment he stepped into a secluded hallway, his composure cracked. He balled his fists, his nails digging into his palms as frustration, exhaustion, and anger collided in his chest.


    "This is ridiculous," he muttered under his breath, pacing back and forth. "I didn''t ask for this. I didn''t ask to be here, to deal with this nonsense."


    The system''s voice chimed softly in his mind:


    Calm yourself, User. Excessive emotional displays are ill-advised.


    Elliot froze for a moment, his anger briefly redirected toward the system. "Ill-advised?" he hissed. "You''re telling me to calm down? I just got berated by a six-year-old prince for trying my best! I haven''t eaten properly, I haven''t slept, and now I''m supposed to pretend like everything''s fine?"


    Emotional outbursts may result in negative consequences. Please reconsider your actions.


    "Negative consequences?" Elliot snapped. "I''m already dealing with the consequences! What more could possibly happen?"


    He slammed his fist against the wall, the sharp pain doing little to alleviate the storm raging inside him. He wanted to scream, to vent every ounce of frustration he felt at being trapped in this strange world, at being forced into a role he didn''t want. But before he could let out another word, a voice interrupted him.


    "Elias."


    Elliot''s blood ran cold. He turned slowly, his heart sinking as he saw Sasha, the head maid, standing a few steps away. Her expression was unreadable, but the tension in the air was palpable.


    "M-Miss Sasha," Elliot stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.


    She took a step closer, her hands clasped neatly in front of her. "Do you have any idea how loud you were just now? Anyone could have heard you."


    Elliot swallowed hard, his mind scrambling for an explanation, but none came. He had been too caught up in his emotions to consider the possibility of being overheard.


    Sasha''s gaze was piercing, her tone calm but firm. "You''ve had a difficult day, I can see that. But outbursts like this are unacceptable¡ªespecially for someone serving the Crown Prince. Do you understand the position you''re in?"This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Elliot nodded mutely, his earlier anger replaced by a sinking sense of shame.


    "I''ll let this go for now," Sasha continued, her voice softening just slightly. "But only because it''s your first offense. Consider this a warning, Elias. The next time you lose control, there will be consequences."


    Elliot bowed his head, barely managing to whisper, "Thank you, Miss Sasha."


    Sasha lingered for a moment, her sharp eyes seeming to search his face for something. Then, with a nod, she turned and walked away, her footsteps fading into the distance.


    Elliot leaned back against the wall, exhaling shakily. The system''s voice returned, quieter this time:


    You were warned, User. Please exercise caution in the future.


    "Yeah, yeah," Elliot muttered, rubbing his temples. "I get it."


    As the weight of the encounter settled over him, Elliot realized just how precarious his position in this world truly was. He couldn''t afford to let his emotions get the better of him¡ªnot here, where every mistake could cost him dearly.


    With a heavy sigh, he pushed off the wall and began making his way back to his duties. There was no time to dwell on his frustrations. If he wanted to survive, he would have to learn to play the part.


    ______


    Elliot had barely managed to close his eyes and drift off into a much-needed rest when a knock came at his door. It wasn''t loud, but the rapid, impatient rhythm made it clear that whoever was on the other side wasn''t going to wait long. He groaned, dragging himself out of bed, his legs feeling like lead.


    When he opened the door, a steward stood there, looking faintly amused. "The Crown Prince has summoned you to his study. Immediately."


    Elliot blinked, his exhaustion catching up with him. "But¡­ isn''t it late?"


    The steward only shrugged, his smile turning slightly pitying. "His Highness doesn''t observe what you''d call a regular schedule. You should hurry before he grows impatient."


    Elliot sighed, already regretting waking up at all. "Understood."


    He did not want to answer a summons this late, but what other choice did he have but to cater to the needs of the crown prince when he was called for?


    By the time Elliot reached the study, he could hear muffled noises inside¡ªthings being shuffled, followed by an exasperated huff. He hesitated, the door slightly ajar, before knocking softly.


    "Come in!" Aedric''s voice rang out, high-pitched and tinged with irritation.


    Elliot stepped in and immediately spotted the boy prince sprawled across an oversized chair behind a desk, one arm draped dramatically over the side. His golden hair was slightly messy, and his tunic looked like he had dressed himself in a hurry. Aedric was fidgeting with a quill, tapping it on the desk as if daring it to solve all his problems.


    "You took forever, Elias," Aedric said, his tone accusatory. "What were you doing, sleeping?"


    Elliot suppressed a wince, bowing deeply. "Apologies, Your Highness. I came as soon as I was summoned."


    Aedric didn''t seem convinced. He narrowed his eyes at Elliot before turning his attention back to the parchment in front of him. "Do you have any idea how terrible my day has been?"


    Elliot straightened, keeping his expression neutral. "No, Your Highness. I''m sorry to hear that."


    "Of course you''re sorry," Aedric muttered, pushing the parchment away with enough force to send it skidding across the desk. He crossed his arms and slumped further into the chair, his lips forming a pout. "Everyone''s always sorry. Sorry this, sorry that. But no one ever fixes anything."


    Elliot stayed silent, unsure if he was supposed to respond. Aedric clearly wanted an audience, but saying the wrong thing could make matters worse.


    The prince huffed again, turning his piercing golden gaze on Elliot. "Aren''t you going to ask me why I''m upset?"


    "I didn''t want to presume, Your Highness," Elliot said carefully, already dreading where this was going.


    Aedric sat up straighter, his small hands gripping the armrests. "Well, you should''ve! You''re supposed to know these things. What kind of attendant doesn''t notice when their prince is having the worst day ever?"


    Elliot bit the inside of his cheek to keep from saying something that might get him into trouble. "I¡­ apologize, Your Highness. May I ask what''s troubling you?"


    Aedric''s pout deepened, and he slid out of his chair entirely, standing up to pace back and forth. He waved his hands in exaggerated gestures as he spoke, clearly relishing the chance to vent.


    "They''ve chosen a fianc¨¦ for me," he declared, throwing his arms up as if the very idea was an insult to his existence. "Can you believe it? I don''t need a fianc¨¦! I''m only six! And even if I did need one, I should get to pick, shouldn''t I?"


    Elliot blinked, unsure how to respond to that. "That does seem¡­ very sudden, Your Highness."


    "Exactly!" Aedric exclaimed, spinning on his heel to face Elliot. "It''s ridiculous! They think they can just pick someone for me, like I''m too stupid to decide for myself. But I don''t need anyone! I''m going to be king one day¡ªI can handle everything on my own."


    Elliot nodded slightly, a safe gesture that conveyed agreement without committing to any particular stance.


    "Do you agree with me or not?" Aedric demanded, his hands on his hips.


    "I¡ªof course, Your Highness," Elliot said quickly. "If that''s how you feel, then I fully support you."


    Aedric studied him for a moment, his sharp golden eyes narrowing. Then, he let out a loud, dramatic sigh and flopped back into his chair. "At least you have some sense. Everyone else keeps saying things like, ''It''s for the good of the kingdom,'' or, ''You''ll understand when you''re older.'' But they''re wrong. I do understand, and I don''t want it."


    Elliot remained silent, unsure if his input was still required.


    "I mean, what am I supposed to do with a fianc¨¦?" Aedric continued, throwing his hands up again. "Play dolls? Go to tea parties? They''d just get in the way."


    Elliot suppressed a smile at the mental image of Aedric reluctantly attending a tea party, but he quickly masked it. "You make a compelling point, Your Highness."


    "Of course I do," Aedric said, clearly pleased with himself. He leaned back in his chair, his irritation giving way to a smug grin. "I''m always right."


    Elliot''s stomach twisted as he felt the disapproving gazes of the staff lingering on him again. The steward by the door looked like he wanted to step in and redirect the prince''s frustration, but he held his tongue, leaving Elliot to deal with the situation alone.


    "Elias," Aedric said suddenly, breaking the silence.


    "Yes, Your Highness?"


    "You''re not as useless as the others," Aedric said, his tone almost grudging. "At least you listen. That''s why I picked you, you know. Because you''re not annoying like everyone else."


    Elliot bowed his head, unsure whether to take that as a compliment or not. "Thank you, Your Highness."


    "Don''t let it go to your head," Aedric added quickly, crossing his arms.


    "I wouldn''t dream of it, Your Highness," Elliot replied, his tone perfectly neutral.


    Aedric huffed again, but there was a flicker of satisfaction in his expression as he turned back to the desk. "Good. Now go stand over there and be quiet. I need to think."


    Elliot obediently moved to the far side of the room, grateful for the brief reprieve. As Aedric began scribbling something on the parchment again, Elliot couldn''t help but marvel at the sheer energy the boy radiated, even when upset.


    He really is just a kid, Elliot thought, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. A very loud, very dramatic kid¡­ but still a kid. But also one who can kill me at a thought''s notice.


    And for the first time since waking up in this strange new world, Elliot found himself almost smiling.

 Chapter 4: Very much a kid - Part 2

    The room was tense, filled with whispers and furtive glances as the palace staff gathered just outside Prince Aedric''s chambers. Elliot stood among them, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and trying to focus on what the steward was saying.


    "None of us can convince him," the steward said, his voice low but urgent. "He refuses to even come out of his room. His Highness has locked himself inside, and every attempt we''ve made to reason with him has only made things worse."


    Elliot shifted uncomfortably. "Why are you telling me this?"


    The steward gave him a pointed look. "Because he listens to you."


    Elliot opened his mouth to argue, but the stern gazes of the assembled staff stopped him. They were clearly at their wit''s end, and Elliot was rapidly realizing he didn''t have much of a choice in the matter.


    "He doesn''t really listen to me," Elliot said weakly. "He just¡­ tolerates me."


    "That''s more than he does for anyone else," the steward replied, crossing his arms. "Please, Elliot. We need you to get him to calm down before this escalates further. The Crown Prince must attend this meeting."


    Elliot sighed, the weight of responsibility pressing down on his shoulders. He was exhausted, still reeling from the events of the previous day, but he knew refusing wasn''t an option.


    "All right," he said reluctantly. "I''ll try."


    The hallway outside Aedric''s room was eerily quiet, save for the occasional muffled sound of something being thrown inside. Elliot hesitated, then knocked lightly on the door.


    "Your Highness? It''s me, Elias," he called out, keeping his tone calm and measured.


    There was no response at first, but then a sharp thud echoed from the other side of the door, followed by Aedric''s unmistakable voice.


    "Go away! I don''t want to see anyone!"


    Elliot winced but didn''t back down. "Your Highness, the staff is worried about you. They just want to help¡ª"


    "I said go away!" Aedric shouted, his voice cracking slightly.


    Elliot took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Please, Your Highness. I''m coming in."


    He pushed the door open slowly, half-expecting something to come flying at him the moment he stepped inside. The room was a mess¡ªpillows and books scattered everywhere, the curtains drawn tightly to block out the sunlight. In the center of it all stood Aedric, his small frame shaking with frustration as he glared at Elliot.


    "You''re supposed to listen when I tell you to leave!" Aedric snapped, pointing an accusing finger at him.


    Elliot kept his expression neutral as he closed the door behind him. "I''m sorry, Your Highness, but this is important. The staff said¡ª"


    "I don''t care what they said!" Aedric interrupted, stomping his foot. "I don''t want to meet anyone, and I won''t! They can''t make me!"


    Elliot took a cautious step forward, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "Your Highness, I understand how you feel, but¡ª"


    "You don''t understand!" Aedric yelled, his voice rising to a shrill pitch. In a flash of movement, he grabbed a tray from the nearby table and hurled it toward Elliot with all the strength his small body could muster.


    Elliot barely had time to react before the tray struck him squarely on the side of his head. Pain exploded across his temple, and he stumbled back, his vision swimming. He raised a hand to the spot instinctively and felt something warm and wet¡ªblood.


    For a moment, the room was silent, save for Elliot''s labored breathing. Aedric froze, his eyes wide as he took in the sight of the blood on Elliot''s hand.


    "Elias¡­" Aedric''s voice was much quieter now, almost hesitant. "I didn''t mean¡ª"


    Elliot took a shaky breath, forcing himself to stay calm despite the pain throbbing in his skull. "It''s fine, Your Highness. It''s just a scratch."


    "It''s not fine!" Aedric said, his voice cracking again. He looked genuinely distressed now, his earlier anger giving way to guilt.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Elliot offered a weak smile, hoping to ease the tension. "I''ll be okay. But, Your Highness, this isn''t helping anyone. The meeting¡ª"


    "I don''t want to go to the meeting!" Aedric interrupted again, though his tone was less forceful now. His hands balled into fists at his sides, and he looked away, his lower lip trembling. "They''re going to talk about my fianc¨¦ again. They''re going to try to make me agree, and I don''t want to. Why can''t they just leave me alone?"


    Elliot hesitated, his heart aching at the sight of the usually confident prince looking so vulnerable. He carefully knelt down to Aedric''s level, ignoring the dizziness that threatened to overtake him.


    "I know it''s hard, Your Highness," he said gently. "But sometimes, we have to do things we don''t want to for the sake of others. You''re the Crown Prince, and everyone is looking to you to lead. Even if you don''t agree with everything they say, showing up is important."


    Aedric sniffled, still refusing to meet Elliot''s gaze. "But I''m tired of everyone deciding things for me. I just want¡­ I just want to decide something for myself for once."


    Elliot nodded, his voice soft. "I understand. And maybe you can tell them that at the meeting. But if you don''t go, they''ll think you don''t care about what they have to say. And I know that''s not true."


    For a long moment, Aedric didn''t respond. Then, he let out a heavy sigh and nodded reluctantly.


    "Fine," he said quietly. "I''ll go. But only because you asked."


    Elliot smiled despite the pain still throbbing in his head. "Thank you, Your Highness. That means a lot."


    Aedric glanced at the blood still trickling down Elliot''s temple and frowned. "You should¡­ get that looked at."


    "I will," Elliot assured him. "After I make sure you get to the meeting."


    Aedric huffed but didn''t argue, allowing Elliot to guide him out of the room. As they walked down the hall together, Elliot couldn''t help but think that, for all his tantrums and stubbornness, Aedric was just a child trying to navigate the overwhelming expectations placed on him.


    And despite everything, Elliot found himself silently vowing to be there for him¡ªeven if it meant taking a few hits along the way.


    ______


    Elliot lay on his small, sparsely decorated bed, staring at the ceiling with a deep frown etched across his face. His head still throbbed from the injury, though the palace medic had already cleaned and bandaged it. The medic had been efficient, but curt, muttering something about reckless children before sending him on his way to rest.


    Rest. That word sounded so luxurious to Elliot, yet it felt hollow at the same time. Sure, he was technically resting now, but his thoughts churned incessantly. He kept replaying the moment the tray struck him, the ache in his skull, and the guilt-stricken look on Prince Aedric''s face.


    "Why am I even here?" he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible over the faint rustling of the curtains as a breeze drifted through the room. "Was this really worth it?"


    A soft knock on the door startled him out of his thoughts. He quickly sat up, wincing as the movement sent a sharp pang through his head.


    "Come in," he called out, trying to keep his voice steady.


    The door creaked open, and Head Maid Sasha stepped inside, her sharp gaze immediately landing on him. Her expression softened just a touch when she noticed the bandage around his head, but her posture remained as straight and imposing as ever.


    "Elias," she said, her tone firm but not unkind. "How are you feeling?"


    Elliot forced a smile, though it didn''t quite reach his eyes. "I''m fine, Head Maid Sasha. It''s just a little bump. Nothing to worry about."


    Sasha stepped closer, folding her hands neatly in front of her. She studied him for a moment, her piercing gaze making him feel as though she could see straight through his fa?ade.


    "You did well today," she said finally. "Convincing the prince to attend the meeting was no small feat. The staff are grateful for your efforts."


    Elliot nodded, his smile still firmly in place. "I''m glad I could help."


    But deep down, the words felt hollow. Grateful? For what? Taking a tray to the head and being pushed into a situation he hadn''t asked for? He felt no sense of accomplishment¡ªonly a simmering frustration that he worked hard, got hurt, and still felt no closer to understanding why he was even in this world.


    Sasha, however, didn''t seem to notice his internal turmoil. "It''s rare for someone so young to show such composure and dedication," she continued, her voice softening just a bit. "If you continue like this, I believe you could have a very fulfilling life here in the palace."


    Elliot blinked, unsure how to respond. Fulfillment? The word sounded foreign to him, as if it didn''t belong in the same realm as his current reality.


    Sasha took a step closer, her expression unreadable. "And who knows?" she added. "If you keep excelling, perhaps you''ll even earn a cure for your¡­ situation."


    Elliot''s stomach twisted at her words. His "situation." He didn''t know much about the body he now inhabited, but he''d pieced together enough to understand that this boy¡ªthis version of him¡ªsuffered from some kind of chronic illness. He''d overheard snippets of conversations among the staff, whispers about how he was "frail" and "delicate."


    He kept his expression carefully neutral, nodding politely. "Thank you, Head Maid Sasha. I''ll do my best."


    Sasha gave a small nod of approval, seemingly satisfied with his response. "Good. You''re dismissed for now. Rest well, Elias."


    With that, she turned and left the room, the door clicking shut behind her.


    As soon as she was gone, Elliot''s forced smile dropped, replaced by a grimace. He flopped back onto the bed, staring at the ceiling once more.


    "A fulfilling life?" he muttered bitterly. "Getting trays thrown at my head and running around after a spoiled prince? Sure, sounds like a dream come true."


    He exhaled heavily, running a hand over his face. Despite his frustration, he knew he couldn''t afford to show it. Not here, not now. Complaining wouldn''t change anything.


    And yet, as he lay there in the quiet of his room, the weight of his situation pressed down on him more heavily than ever. He didn''t know if he could ever find the "fulfillment" Sasha had spoken of¡ªor if he even wanted to try.


    ___


    From this point on, I''ll call Elliot as Elias. It is easier on my brain

 Chapter 5: First meetings are meant to be ruined - Part 1

    Elias barely had time to shake off his grogginess the next morning before being whisked into the chaos of the royal palace. It was as if the walls themselves vibrated with tension. Servants moved with hurried steps, whispering behind their hands as they passed. The air felt heavy, and even without asking, Elias knew the source of it all: Prince Aedric.


    The prince''s tantrums had escalated beyond the usual childish fits. His shouts echoed down the hallways, interspersed with the sharp clatter of objects being thrown. No one dared to approach him¡ªno one except Elias, whom Prince Aedric had declared as the only person "worthy" of being in his presence.


    Elias, still nursing his injured head, didn''t see this as an honor. If anything, it felt more like a punishment.


    He had barely finished his meager breakfast when Head Maid Sasha appeared at his door, her expression stern as always but tinged with weariness.


    "Elias," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "The prince is in an exceptionally foul mood today. He refuses to cooperate with anyone, and we cannot afford further delays. Lady Selene will arrive shortly, and the Crown Prince must be in a presentable state to greet her. You are to ensure this happens."


    Elias''s stomach sank. He hadn''t forgotten what Sasha had said the day before about fulfilling his duties and earning a better life, but this task felt like walking into a lion''s den.


    "Understood," he said simply, masking his reluctance.


    ______


    As Elias entered Aedric''s chambers, he was greeted by the sight of utter chaos. Pillows, books, and even an ornate vase lay scattered across the floor. Aedric stood in the middle of it all, his small frame trembling with frustration as he glared at a servant who was hastily retreating from the room.


    "Your Highness," Elias said carefully, stepping inside.


    Aedric''s scowl softened slightly when he saw him, though his lips were still pressed into a pout. "Finally, someone useful shows up," he muttered.


    Elias glanced around the room, taking in the mess. "It looks like you''ve had quite the morning, Your Highness."


    Aedric crossed his arms, his expression defiant. "They keep trying to make me do things I don''t want to do. I told them I''m not meeting Lady Selene, and that''s final!"


    Elias hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I understand how you feel, Your Highness. But meeting Lady Selene is important. She''s traveled a long way just to see you."


    "I didn''t ask her to!" Aedric shot back, his voice rising. "And I don''t care! They just want me to smile and bow and act like I''m happy about it, but I''m not!"


    Elias sighed inwardly. He couldn''t blame Aedric for his resistance; the boy was only six, far too young to be burdened with the expectations of an arranged betrothal. Still, Elias couldn''t help but feel uneasy. He remembered this meeting from the story¡ªhow the misunderstanding between Aedric and Lady Selene had set the stage for years of animosity.


    "Your Highness," Elias said gently, "what if we tried to make the meeting¡­ less terrible?"


    Aedric eyed him warily. "How?"


    Elias knelt to the prince''s level, ignoring the dull ache in his head. "Maybe if you go in with an open mind, things won''t be as bad as you think. You don''t have to like her, but at least give her a chance to explain herself."


    Aedric frowned, his small hands clenching into fists. "Why should I? She''s probably just like everyone else¡ªbossy and boring!"


    Elias suppressed a smile at the childish remark. "You might be surprised, Your Highness. Sometimes people aren''t what we expect."


    For a moment, Aedric looked conflicted, his youthful features scrunched in thought. Then he sighed dramatically, throwing his hands up in the air. "Fine! I''ll meet her. But if she''s boring, I''m leaving."


    Elias stood, relieved but wary. "That sounds fair, Your Highness. Now, let''s get you ready."


    ______


    By the time Lady Selene arrived, the tension in the palace had reached its peak. Elias stood by Aedric''s side as the prince begrudgingly waited in the grand reception hall, dressed impeccably despite his sulky expression.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Lady Selene entered with her entourage, a petite girl with platinum blonde hair and wide blue eyes that sparkled with curiosity. She wore a delicate gown of pastel hues, her movements graceful as she curtsied before Aedric.


    "Your Highness," she said in a soft, melodic voice. "It''s an honor to meet you."


    Aedric didn''t respond immediately, his gaze darting to Elias as if seeking reassurance. Elias gave him a subtle nod, and the prince finally mumbled, "Hello."


    The initial exchange seemed promising, but Elias''s unease grew as the conversation progressed. Aedric''s responses were clipped and impatient, while Lady Selene, though polite, seemed increasingly nervous. It was clear they were both uncomfortable, and the tension only grew with each passing moment.


    When Lady Selene attempted to compliment Aedric on his swordsmanship, he scoffed. "What do you know about swords? You probably don''t even know which end to hold."


    Selene''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and Elias felt his stomach drop. This was exactly how the misunderstanding had started in the original story.


    "Your Highness," Elias interjected quickly, "Lady Selene was only trying to be kind."


    Aedric shot him a glare but didn''t argue. Selene, however, seemed hesitant to speak further, her earlier confidence shaken.


    Elias clenched his fists, silently willing the situation to improve. He had a feeling things were about to spiral out of control¡ªand once they did, there would be no going back.


    ______


    The arrival of Lady Selene was far more grandiose than Elias had anticipated. The massive double doors of the reception hall swung open to reveal her small figure framed by sunlight.


    She was a vision in her delicate pastel gown, her pale blonde hair catching the light and her large blue eyes filled with curiosity and just a hint of nervousness.


    Though she couldn''t have been more than six or seven, her graceful demeanor already hinted at the elegance she would grow into.


    Elias found himself momentarily captivated by her soft features and gentle air. For all his worries about this meeting, he hadn''t expected Lady Selene to look so¡­ charming. He quickly composed himself, stepping forward before anyone else could.


    For all the tension building around this meeting, she seemed remarkably composed for someone so young.


    Before anyone else could speak, Elias stepped forward, determined to make a good impression.


    "Welcome to the palace, Lady Selene," he said, bowing with a politeness that came naturally to him. "It''s an honor to meet you. I''m Elias, His Highness''s attendant."


    Lady Selene blinked, a touch of surprise crossing her delicate features. Then she smiled softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Elias. It''s nice to meet you too."


    For a brief moment, Elias felt a sense of ease. Perhaps this wouldn''t be as disastrous as he had feared.


    That illusion shattered almost immediately.


    "Why are you talking to her first?" Prince Aedric''s sharp voice cut through the air like a blade.


    Elias turned to see Aedric standing a few steps behind him, his small hands clenched into fists and his expression thunderous. The prince stormed forward, his fiery gaze fixed on Elias.


    "I''m the prince! I''m the one she''s here to meet, not you!" Aedric snapped, his voice trembling with anger.


    Elias opened his mouth to explain, but Aedric wasn''t done. "You''re supposed to be on my side, not hers!"


    The room went silent, the tension thick enough to cut. Lady Selene looked between the two boys, her expression a mix of confusion and discomfort.


    Elias straightened and tried to diffuse the situation. "Your Highness, I was only welcoming Lady Selene on your behalf."


    But Aedric wasn''t interested in explanations. His cheeks flushed with a mixture of anger and betrayal as he turned his glare on Lady Selene. "You''re already ruining everything!" he declared, his voice shrill.


    Lady Selene flinched at the accusation, her smile faltering. "I¡ªI didn''t mean to¡­"


    The sight of her distress sent a pang of guilt through Elias''s chest. This was spiraling out of control, just as he had feared.


    "Your Highness," Elias said softly, crouching slightly to meet Aedric''s glare, "Lady Selene hasn''t done anything wrong. Please, try to give her a chance."


    But Aedric wasn''t having it. He turned on his heel and marched to the table where refreshments had been laid out for the meeting. Grabbing a tray of delicate pastries, he hurled it at Elias without hesitation.


    The tray struck Elias''s head with a dull thud, and the pastries scattered across the polished floor. Pain blossomed at the point of impact, and Elias stumbled slightly, reaching up to feel the warmth of blood trickling down his temple.


    The room erupted into chaos. Servants gasped and rushed forward, but Elias waved them off, forcing himself to stand straight.


    "Your Highness!" Head Maid Sasha''s voice rang out, sharp and commanding.


    She strode into the room, her expression a mask of cold fury, but it was aimed at Elias, who had made a mistake and not the prince who was at fault. "That is enough."


    For the first time, Aedric looked uncertain. But as his upbringing demanded of him, he did not speak up and continued to look proud. Lady Selene had an awkward look on her face when she saw this, but thankfully, she was kind enough not to comment on it.


    Elias, still dazed, forced a smile and turned to Lady Selene. "I apologize for the disturbance, Lady Selene. His Highness is¡­ adjusting to the situation."


    Lady Selene''s eyes widened as she glanced at the blood trickling from his head. "You''re hurt," she said softly, her voice tinged with concern.


    "I''m fine," Elias assured her, even as his vision swam slightly. "It''s nothing serious."


    Sasha approached him, her expression softening slightly. "You need to rest, Elias," she said firmly. "Come with me."


    Elias hesitated, glancing at Aedric. The prince''s gaze was fixed on the floor, his fists clenched at his sides. Despite everything, Elias couldn''t help but feel a pang of sympathy.


    But Sasha left no room for argument, gently guiding him out of the hall. As they walked, Elias couldn''t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of the challenges he would face as Prince Aedric''s attendant.

 Chapter 6: First meetings are meant to be ruined - Part 2

    The palace was quieter than usual, a sharp contrast to the chaos that had erupted earlier. Prince Aedric had been whisked away to undergo lengthier etiquette lessons¡ªa direct response to his earlier outburst and the incident with Lady Selene.


    Though Elias felt relieved to have some distance from the irritable prince, his relief was short-lived when Head Maid Sasha handed him his new task.


    "You''ll be keeping Lady Selene company while His Highness is in his lessons," Sasha said, her tone leaving no room for argument.


    Elias blinked. "Me? But wouldn''t she prefer¡ª"


    "You," Sasha interrupted firmly. "The lady needs to be entertained, and with her fianc¨¦ unavailable, you''re the most suitable option."


    Elias wanted to protest, but the system chimed in before he could.


    [Mission Update: Stay close to the main leads for successful mission progress.]


    "Of course," he muttered under his breath, glaring at the system interface in his mind. "Not like I have a choice."


    Sasha raised an eyebrow. "Did you say something, Master Elias?"


    He quickly straightened. "No, Head Maid Sasha. I''ll see to it right away."


    Elias found Lady Selene in the royal garden, seated on a stone bench beneath a sprawling cherry blossom tree. She was the picture of calm, her delicate hands folded neatly in her lap as she stared at the flowers.


    For a moment, Elias hesitated. How was he supposed to entertain a child who already seemed perfectly content sitting in silence? With a resigned sigh, he approached her and offered a polite bow.


    "Lady Selene," he said, his voice steady but uncertain. "I''ll be keeping you company today on behalf of His Highness."


    Lady Selene glanced up at him, her blue eyes as tranquil as a still pond. She nodded once but said nothing.


    Elias stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do next. Should he offer to play a game? Start a conversation? The silence stretched on, growing more oppressive by the second.


    "Is there anything you''d like to do, my lady?" he finally asked.


    She shook her head, her gaze returning to the flowers.


    Elias sighed internally. This was going to be a long day.


    Two hours passed in near-total silence. Elias sat stiffly on the edge of the bench, his mind racing as he tried to think of something¡ªanything¡ªto say. But every idea he had felt either too childish or too formal.


    Just as he was beginning to think the entire day would pass like this, Lady Selene finally spoke.


    "Prince Aedric is insufferable."


    The suddenness of her words startled Elias so much that he nearly fell off the bench. He turned to her, wide-eyed. "I¡ªI beg your pardon?"


    Lady Selene frowned, her serene demeanor replaced by the unmistakable pout of a disgruntled child. "He''s rude, loud, and thinks the world revolves around him. Honestly, I don''t understand why everyone makes such a fuss over him."


    Elias blinked, struggling to reconcile this blunt statement with the composed, angelic girl he had met earlier. "I¡­ I see."


    She turned to him, her blue eyes narrowing slightly. "Do you think I''m wrong?"


    Elias hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Well¡­ His Highness can be a bit difficult at times, but he''s still young. I''m sure he''ll grow out of it."


    Lady Selene scoffed. "Young or not, that doesn''t excuse his behavior. Throwing things? Yelling at people? It''s disgraceful."


    Elias nodded slowly, unsure of how to respond. He couldn''t exactly disagree with her¡ªAedric''s behavior had been atrocious earlier¡ªbut he also didn''t want to seem disloyal to the prince.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Lady Selene sighed, leaning back against the bench. "My tutors always tell me to be patient and ladylike, but honestly, I''d rather tell people exactly what I think."


    Elias couldn''t help but smile faintly at that. "It''s refreshing, my lady," he admitted. "You''re more honest than most people I''ve met."


    She tilted her head, studying him. "You''re strange, Elias. Most attendants would rush to defend their prince, but you don''t. Why is that?"


    He stiffened slightly. "I¡­ I just try to be fair, my lady."


    Her lips quirked into a small smirk. "Fair, huh? I like that. Maybe you''re not as boring as I thought."


    Elias didn''t know whether to feel relieved or insulted.


    As the afternoon wore on, Lady Selene''s candid personality became more apparent. She wasn''t the soft-spoken, delicate girl she appeared to be at first glance. Beneath her composed exterior was a sharp-witted, opinionated child who wasn''t afraid to speak her mind¡ªat least when she felt comfortable.


    Though her bluntness caught Elias off guard, it also made the time pass more quickly. By the time the sun began to set, he found himself almost enjoying her company.


    As they returned to the palace, Elias couldn''t help but wonder how this fiery little girl would grow into the poised and elegant woman he remembered from the story.


    One thing was certain: Lady Selene was far more complex than she appeared. And as much as he dreaded the idea of being caught between her and Prince Aedric, he couldn''t deny that it would be an interesting journey.


    ______


    The grand halls of the royal palace were bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun as Elias escorted Lady Selene back inside. Though the afternoon had started awkwardly, it had ended on a surprisingly pleasant note, with Lady Selene opening up about her true thoughts. Elias was starting to feel like he might survive this peculiar task after all.


    But that hope was shattered the moment they rounded a corner and came face-to-face with Prince Aedric.


    The young crown prince stood with his arms crossed, his face twisted in a pout. His sharp green eyes darted between Elias and Lady Selene before settling on Elias. "Elias," he said, his tone accusatory, "what are you doing with her?"


    Elias froze, unsure how to answer. Before he could muster a reply, Lady Selene stepped forward, her expression calm but her tone firm. "Your servant was keeping me company because you were busy, Your Highness. Isn''t that what he''s supposed to do?"


    Prince Aedric''s face darkened, and his lips pressed into a thin line. "He''s not your servant," he snapped. "He''s mine! You can''t just take him like that!"


    Elias opened his mouth to protest, but Lady Selene cut him off with a raised brow. "Take him? He came willingly, and I didn''t hear you complaining when you were throwing trays at him earlier."


    The jab landed like a well-aimed arrow, and Aedric''s face flushed red with a mix of embarrassment and anger. "That''s none of your business!"


    "Prince Aedric," a stern voice interrupted. Sir Franklin, the crown prince''s tutor, stepped forward from the shadows of the hall, his presence commanding and yet afraid. "Lady Selene is an honored guest. Please be polite to her, or I will be forced to inform his majesty about what happened here."


    "But¡ª" Aedric began, his voice rising in protest, but then he calmed down.


    Aedric''s tiny fists clenched, and his glare shifted to Elias, who stood silently, desperately wishing he could vanish into thin air. The prince''s anger boiled over, and in a fit of childish rage, he grabbed Elias''s wrist. "Fine! If he''s so important to her, I''ll take him back myself!" Without another word, Aedric yanked Elias forward, dragging him down the hall.


    "Your Highness, stop this nonsense immediately!" Sir Franklin called after them, his voice echoing in the corridor. He made a move to intervene, but Aedric''s determination¡ªand surprising strength for a child¡ªcarried him forward. Sir Franklin halted, his gaze icy as he directed it at Elias. Though the tutor said nothing, his glare spoke volumes: This is your fault.


    Elias stumbled after the prince, wincing as Aedric''s grip tightened around his wrist. "Your Highness," he ventured cautiously, "perhaps we should¡ª"


    "Be quiet!" Aedric snapped, his voice trembling with frustration. "You''re supposed to be my attendant, not hers! Why were you even with her in the first place?"


    Elias bit back his response. What could he possibly say? That it wasn''t his choice? That he''d been ordered to entertain Lady Selene by Sasha and the system alike? That wouldn''t help his case. Instead, he stayed silent, letting the prince vent his anger.


    They stopped in the far wing of the palace, away from prying eyes. Aedric released Elias''s wrist and whirled on him, his green eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Why did you do it?" he demanded. "Why did you leave me for her?"


    Elias blinked, startled. "I¡­ I didn''t leave you, Your Highness. I was just following orders."


    Aedric sniffed, his lower lip trembling. "But you''re mine!" he shouted. "You''re supposed to stay with me, not her! Do you like her better or something?"


    The raw vulnerability in the prince''s voice took Elias by surprise. For all his tantrums and outbursts, Aedric was still just a child¡ªa lonely, spoiled child who didn''t know how to handle his emotions. Elias sighed and crouched down to Aedric''s level, trying to meet his gaze. "Your Highness, I don''t like anyone better than you. I was just doing what I was told."


    Aedric''s pout deepened, but the tears in his eyes began to fade. "Then¡­ promise me you won''t go with her again."


    Elias hesitated. He couldn''t make a promise like that¡ªhe had no control over what Sasha or the system might demand of him in the future. But he also couldn''t risk upsetting the prince further. "I promise to always try to be there for you, Your Highness," he said carefully.


    It wasn''t exactly what Aedric wanted to hear, but it seemed to satisfy him for now. The prince sniffed again and wiped his nose with his sleeve. "Good," he muttered. "Because you''re mine, Elias. Don''t forget that."


    Elias nodded, forcing a small smile. "I won''t, Your Highness."

 Chapter 7: Hard work can lead to unlikely consequences - Part 1

    As they made their way back to Aedric''s chambers, Elias couldn''t shake the memory of Sir Franklin''s glare. He knew the tutor would be waiting for him, ready to assign blame for the prince''s tantrum. And then there was Lady Selene¡ªwhat must she think of him now?


    Elias sighed. It seemed no matter what he did, someone was always upset with him. This wasn''t the life he''d signed up for when he''d woken up in this world, but it was the one he had to navigate.


    For now, all he could do was survive the chaos of the palace and hope he could keep the peace between the two main leads¡ªno matter how impossible that task seemed.


    ______


    Elias''s days were beginning to blur together.


    Every morning, he woke up before the sun, rushed to prepare Prince Aedric''s day, and spent the rest of it running back and forth between calming the prince''s temper and fulfilling the countless demands of the nobles who had caught wind of his new position.


    The title of "Prince Aedric''s personal attendant" came with its own notoriety, and the nobles took full advantage of it.


    One morning, as Elias hastily prepared the prince''s favorite tea while also keeping an eye on a stack of unopened letters from nobles vying for the prince''s attention, the system chimed in with its usual unhelpful reminder:


    "Host, you are zoning out. Please focus on your tasks."


    Elias blinked and snapped out of his daze, realizing he had almost over-poured the tea. "I know I''m supposed to be working," he hissed under his breath. "Do you think I''m slacking off on purpose?"


    The system remained silent, as it always did when confronted with sarcasm. Elias sighed and placed the teacup on a tray, his legs feeling like they might buckle under him as he carried it toward Prince Aedric''s study.


    He didn''t even have the energy to glare at the nobles loitering in the halls, each of them ready to pounce with more demands.


    Later that day, Head Maid Sasha cornered him in the kitchens. Her sharp eyes scanned him critically, noting the faint tremble in his hands and the dark circles under his eyes.


    "You''re slacking," she said bluntly, placing a stack of folded linens into his arms. "I''ve noticed you''ve been distracted lately."


    Elias gawked at her. "Slacking? I''ve been running around all day!"


    "Excuses," she replied curtly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "You''re here to work, not to complain. If you can''t handle it, I''ll find someone who can."


    Before Elias could protest, she shoved a list of additional tasks into his hands. "Make yourself useful, and don''t let the prince notice your incompetence."


    Elias swallowed the lump of frustration in his throat. He knew better than to argue with Sasha¡ªshe was practically untouchable in the palace hierarchy. Still, as he shuffled off to his next task, the weight of exhaustion settled heavier on his shoulders.


    Prince Aedric was the only one who seemed to notice. During a rare moment of calm, the young prince stared at Elias with a thoughtful frown. "You''re really slow today, Elias," he said, lounging on his oversized chair. "What''s wrong with you?"


    Elias hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I''m fine, Your Highness," he said, bowing slightly. "Just a bit tired, that''s all."


    Aedric crossed his arms, his expression one of exaggerated annoyance. "If you''re tired, then I''ll give you a day off. See? I can be generous."


    Elias blinked, startled by the prince''s sudden offer. He knew Aedric well enough to understand that this was the prince''s way of showing off¡ªproving he could be kind and benevolent when he wanted to. But Elias also knew what a "day off" would really mean. Left alone, he''d become a convenient target for Sasha''s never-ending list of menial tasks or worse, the whims of the other palace staff who saw him as little more than a tool.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "Thank you, Your Highness," Elias said carefully, choosing his words with precision. "But I think it''s better if I stay by your side. Who else would make sure everything runs smoothly?"


    Aedric tilted his head, his lips curling into a smug smile. "You''re right. No one else is as good as you."


    Relieved that his excuse had worked, Elias bowed again. "I''ll continue to serve you, Your Highness."


    The system chimed in as Elias left the study.


    "Host, you should have accepted the day off. You require rest to maintain efficiency."


    Elias scowled, muttering under his breath, "If I rested, I''d be even more overworked tomorrow."


    "Host, neglecting your health will lead to diminishing returns."


    "Tell that to Sasha," Elias grumbled, his eyes scanning the next item on his endless list of duties.


    As the day wore on, Elias realized how much his life had spiraled into a never-ending cycle of tasks. Whether it was appeasing the childish whims of the prince, dodging the manipulations of the nobles, or bearing the brunt of Sasha''s disdain, there was never a moment to breathe.


    Yet, despite it all, he found himself strangely resigned. After all, this was the life he''d been thrown into. He didn''t have the luxury of changing it¡ªat least, not yet.


    ______


    Elias lay on his small, uncomfortable cot, shivering under a threadbare blanket. His fever raged on, and every breath felt heavy, as though he were dragging the weight of the entire palace on his chest.


    Sweat slicked his forehead, but his body still trembled with chills. He had tried to get up earlier in the day to tend to his duties, but his legs had given out beneath him, forcing him back to bed.


    Through the haze of his fever, he vaguely registered the sound of hurried footsteps approaching his room. The door creaked open, and an excited, high-pitched voice cut through the muffled fog in his ears.


    "Elias!" Prince Aedric''s voice was unmistakable, his tone hovering between worry and frustration. "Why aren''t you getting up? You''re supposed to be working!"


    Elias tried to open his eyes, but his vision swam, and his body refused to cooperate. He managed a faint groan, which only seemed to irritate the prince further.


    "You can''t ignore me!" Aedric stomped his foot, the sharp sound ringing through the small servant''s quarters. "You''re my attendant! You''re not allowed to get sick!"


    A softer voice interrupted Aedric''s rant. "Your Highness, he doesn''t look well," Lady Selene said, her tone calm but slightly concerned. "He can''t even sit up. Maybe you should call someone to help him."


    Prince Aedric huffed, crossing his arms. "I already said we should call a temple healer! But they keep telling me it''s ''not appropriate.'' What''s that even supposed to mean?"


    The conversation buzzed around Elias, but he could barely follow it. His fever-addled mind clung to one word: "appropriate." What did they mean it wasn''t appropriate? Wasn''t he just another servant? Why would it be an issue for a healer to look after him?


    A muffled voice responded to the prince. It sounded like one of the senior attendants. "Your Highness, Elias is... well, his status is a bit... complicated. The temple priests only tend to those of noble or high-standing lineage. For a servant like him, the best we can do is summon a doctor."


    "Complicated?" Aedric snapped, his voice rising in pitch. "He''s my attendant, and I said he needs a healer! Who cares about his status?"


    Elias''s heart pounded weakly in his chest. Complicated? His status? What were they talking about? He had thought he was just another lowly servant, someone who''d been thrown into this strange world to serve the whims of a spoiled prince. But from the way they spoke, there was clearly more to his story¡ªsomething even Aedric didn''t know.


    Before Aedric could escalate the situation further, the sound of heavy boots echoed through the corridor. A wave of silence fell over the room, broken only by the slow, deliberate creak of the door opening wider. Even through his fever, Elias recognized the commanding presence of the emperor.


    "What is all this noise?" Emperor Alaric''s deep voice reverberated through the small quarters. "Why are the servant''s quarters in such disarray?"


    "Father!" Aedric''s tone shifted immediately, a mix of indignation and desperation. "Elias''s sick, and they won''t let him see a healer because of some stupid rule about his ''status''!"


    The emperor''s sharp gaze swept over the room, landing briefly on Elias''s trembling form before turning back to the prince. "The rules are in place for a reason, Aedric. The temple''s resources cannot be squandered on every servant who falls ill."


    "But he''s not just any servant!" Aedric protested, stamping his foot again. "He''s my attendant! He''s the only one who does what I say without being annoying!"


    The emperor sighed, his expression unreadable. He glanced at the attendants and maids gathered near the door, then back to the prince. "We will call for a doctor. That is all I can allow."


    "But¡ª" Aedric began, but a single look from his father silenced him.


    Elias, who had been straining to stay conscious, felt his grip on reality slipping. The last thing he saw was Aedric''s frustrated expression, and the last thing he heard was the emperor''s steady voice.


    "Make sure he survives. His role in this palace is not as simple as it seems."


    And then everything went dark.


    ___


    Special update because of Christmas. It likely will not happen again. I will also reupload on 1st because of WSA.