I heard many noises. They're finally here—the parents of this body.
I looked out the window of my room. I still haven't gotten used to this view… or the unbelievably huge garden. While gazing outside, I saw five horse-drawn carriages stopping in front of the castle gates.
Alright. I should get myself ready to finally meet them.
I had taken a shower earlier, right after working out for two hours.
Now, all that's left is brushing my hair. I know humans care a lot about appearance.
After getting ready, I made my way downstairs. This castle is massive—too massive. Maids everywhere. Endless rooms. Too many people.
I've seen countless royals in this family. Even the King and Queen live here—or rather, the grandfather and grandmother of this body. But I've never met them. There are sections in this castle that I—and the other children—aren't allowed to enter.
I've read a little about this royal family. Apparently, their bloodline traces back to the two so-called "heroes," Kenshiro and Aria.
A joke.
Born into the family they started, carrying their blood…
Argh, the irony of fate.
If they were still alive, oh, I would've killed them. Again and again.
But they're already long dead. Humans live such short lives. I still don't understand—why do humans keep going, knowing they're lucky to even reach 90?
As I walked down the massive staircase toward the reception hall… there they were.
The parents of this body.
I'd seen a photo of them in my room, so I recognized them easily.
They were busy greeting each other—around ten royals, probably my parents and uncles. I don't know any of them, but they're royals. I have to be cautious.
"Oh, there he is! My little boy!"
The mother of this body.
She seemed happy to see me.
Strange—I thought this family hated Kagen.
She ran slowly toward me, arms open for a hug.
As she embraced me, I saw the father watching from afar, his eyes sharp and cold.
So… the mother is kind. The father, not so much.
"Oh, I missed you, Kagen!"
She smiled warmly.
"Wow, you've grown taller, haven't you, my boy?"
"Y-Yes… I guess so, M-Mother."
Calling her "Mother" felt strange.
But I had to keep up the act.
—
After dinner, I returned to my room.
While eating, I noticed my older brother and father staring at me—too much.
I brushed my teeth and prepared my bed.
I'd told the maids yesterday to stop coming into my room.
I didn't want them seeing me when I used my powers.
From now on, I'll clean this room myself.
I yawned. I'm exhausted.
As I slowly closed my eyes…
> M… M-my Ki… ng.
What was that sound?
I looked around—but no one was there.
That voice...
> My King, can you hear me? Please, answer.
W-wait… is that you, Ichoru?
> Oh, I can't believe it—you're actually alive again, my King…
His voice cracked, filled with emotion.
How are you speaking to me?
> It's called Telepathy, my King.
What's that? And how did you know I was alive?
> I felt your aura. It's much weaker than before, but still… unmistakable. And Telepathy—it's a new magic I developed.
When exactly did you feel it?
> Two weeks ago. It was faint and hard to track. But a few hours ago, your aura flared—stronger than before. That's how I found you.
Ah…
That must've been when a bit of my demonic power returned.
Alright. Tell me, Ichoru—where do you think I am right now?
> You're in the Royal Castle, aren't you, my King?
…Yes. I am.
> But… why does your voice sound so different?
Argh. This…
I was reincarnated into this human body.
> Y-Yes! I knew it! I just knew you'd return somehow!
He sounded proud, like a loyal soldier finally reunited with his commander.
I waited, my King. I waited so long. I'm so sorry I wasn't there when… when the two heroes attacked you.
It's fine, Ichoru. It wasn't your fault.
> No, it was! I shouldn't have left your side. I wanted to kill those hero rats, but they vanished…
Calm down, Ichoru. Stop crying.
You're the strongest demon general. You can't cry like this.
> Y-Yes, my King. You're right.
Now tell me—what happened since you left to conquer the neighboring kingdoms… up until now?
> Yes, my King. I'll tell you everything.
—
Forty minutes later…
Okay—okay, stop, Ichoru!
Argh, my head's starting to hurt. I asked for a summary, not every useless detail!
> S-sorry, my King…
Alright, so to summarize:
You returned to the castle that day. You found my body—but my sword and rings were gone, correct?
> Yes, exactly. I searched everywhere but couldn't find them. I took your body and hid it far away, somewhere no one would find it.
Good. You did well, Ichoru.
> Yes, my King. Now you can use your powers and return to your real body. Then… we'll take this world back.
No. I can't—not yet.
My powers aren't fully back.
Besides… being reborn into this body might not be so bad. I can learn a lot.
> As you command, my King. I'll leave you to rest now. I can hear it in your voice—you're tired.
Yes, Ichoru. Good night.
—
The Next Morning
Wha—what's that feeling… it hurts...
As I opened my eyes slowly and looked down—
Wh-what's happening?
So much blood…
I looked at my body.
A knife—stabbed deep into my heart.