Aestra woke in his luxurious room, sunlight streaming through the tall, gold-trimmed windows. Even now, he still couldn't fully comprehend the change—from a poor, abandoned child to living in a palace with every luxury he could imagine. He had expected to feel overwhelmed or suffocated by the opulence, yet a sense of calm and excitement replaced any discomfort.
As he adjusted his robes and ran a hand through his long, midnight hair, a servant quietly entered the room.
"Young Master, Her Highness is waiting for you in the dining room," she said, bowing.
"Thank you. Go tell her I'll be there shortly," Aestra replied.
"Very well, Young Master," she said, before retreating gracefully.
Moments later, Aestra walked into the dining room, where Elera already sat at the table. The room itself was a marvel—golden chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling, marble floors gleaming, and tapestries depicting the kingdom's history lining the walls. Aestra felt slightly dizzy again; the grandeur still overwhelmed him despite the weeks that had passed.
"Hi, Elera," he said, taking a seat. "Tell me, have you adapted quickly to all… this?"
Elera smiled faintly, a soft contrast to the regal atmosphere. "Hi, Aestra. You know, in our old world I was the daughter of a great entrepreneur—the biggest in Korea. Luxury has always surrounded me. This isn't much different, really."
"Really? I didn't know that," Aestra replied, genuinely surprised. He studied her calm, elegant demeanor and polished features—she seemed entirely at ease with her surroundings.
"And you, Aestra? How was your childhood?" she asked gently.
Aestra paused, sensing the sensitivity of her question. He studied her eyes, noting the earnest curiosity, and sighed. "Is that what you really want to know?"
Elera nodded subtly, waiting patiently.
"At the age of five," Aestra began, "my father… killed himself. My mother didn't care about me; she left with another man, abandoning me entirely. I survived only because someone gave me a job in a small café—I earned my own food and a place to sleep. Without it, I… I wouldn't have lived."
He paused, swallowing the lump in his throat, remembering the endless days of hunger and struggle. 'I guess my past is remarkably similar to the original owner of this body,' he thought. 'Elera and I… our lives couldn't have been more different, yet here we are.'
Elera listened quietly, her expression softening with guilt. She hadn't meant to pry, but hearing him speak made her heart ache. She felt the stark contrast between their lives: she had been rich, loved, and protected; he had been alone, abandoned, and forced to fight for survival.
"I'm sorry for asking," she whispered, her golden eyes reflecting a mixture of guilt and concern.
"Don't worry," Aestra replied, a faint smile forming. "Instead of dwelling on the past, why don't we have breakfast?"
Elera smiled in return, a glimmer of warmth in her usual regal composure. "With pleasure. I've been waiting for you."
The meal was quiet but comfortable. They ate side by side, the clinking of utensils punctuated by soft conversation. After finishing, they rose and prepared to join the hunting party. In this world, if a princess or prince went hunting, there were mandatory security measures—especially against both wild monsters and potential human threats.
"I wonder if Louis and his 'friends' survived that dungeon," Aestra muttered, recalling the reckless humans from his past life.
"I don't care," Elera replied firmly. "Do you remember? They abandoned us and the villagers just for power. I'll never forgive them."
"Yeah… I know. And besides, they're lucky. Too lucky," Aestra said with a faint shrug.
Elera tilted her head slightly, teasing. "You admit that you're a little jealous of his luck… and his three women, I bet?"
Aestra felt his face heat up immediately. "Y… y… yes, you're right!" he stammered, embarrassed.
"But you understand, right?" Elera asked, smiling faintly.
"What… what do you mean?" Aestra asked, puzzled.
"Well," she said, her tone teasing yet warm, "we're friends, right?"
Aestra nodded, heart racing. "Y… yes, we're friends."
Elera's smile deepened, just enough to make him feel both relief and admiration.
After walking through the palace grounds, they reached the staging area for the hunt. A group of awakened individuals were already gathered, mounted on horses and preparing their equipment. Guards identified the royals and important hunters, ensuring that everyone present was properly accounted for.
"Your Highness, it's an honor to hunt alongside you," a man greeted them, bowing deeply. He had short brown hair, sharp eyes, and wore the robes of a Master-ranked mage. "I am William, one of the kingdom's magic masters."
"And this handsome young man with you?" he asked, tilting his head toward Aestra.
"Hello, my name is Aestra," he replied politely.
"Hello, Aestra. Nice to meet you," William said with a faint smile.
"Likewise," Aestra answered, feeling slightly out of place amid the elite hunters.
William turned to Elera, bowing with respect. "Your Highness, it is a pleasure. I will protect you, even if the sky falls upon us. And… someone else wishes to join your hunting party."
Elera arched an eyebrow. "Who is it?"
"The son of the Duke of Avigner—Michael of Avigner," William replied.
Time seemed to slow. Elera and Aestra froze, eyes widening in shock.
'The protagonist…' Aestra thought, barely able to believe it. The same Michael who had caused chaos and confusion in his past life—the one who could never resist inserting himself into events—was here.
Elera's expression hardened, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. She instinctively knew that this hunt would now be complicated. Not only would they face monsters, but their plans for discreet training and mastery of their powers could now be threatened by the unpredictable presence of Michael.
Aestra, meanwhile, gritted his teeth, the thrill of a new challenge coursing through him. This was not just a hunt—it was a test of skill, strategy, and patience. And Michael, whether they liked it or not, would be part of it.
"Looks like our day just got a lot more interesting," Aestra muttered under his breath, tightening his grip on the hilt of the Sword of the Void God.
Elera glanced at him, a smirk curling her lips. "Don't worry. With our training and our elements, I think we can handle it."
The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting light over the forest edge where the hunt would begin. The group of hunters moved out, horses cantering toward the dense woodland. Birds scattered in the distance, and the scent of earth and foliage filled the air. Aestra could feel the faint hum of magic around him, subtle yet constant—the reminder that every tree, stone, and creature was part of a living, breathing world waiting to test him.
As they approached the first clearing, Aestra exchanged a glance with Elera. Their silent communication said more than words could. This was the start—not just of a hunt—but of a new chapter of growth, danger, and discovery.
And somewhere in the back of his mind, Aestra knew: tomorrow's challenges would be nothing compared to what awaited them beyond this forest.