I was an MMA fighter in my past life.
No, no—don't expect some dramatic send-off or a visit from truck-kun.
I died the boring way: beaten to death by my opponent in the ring. No glory, no slow-motion finish, just a blackout and a referee screaming for help.
And when I opened my eyes again?
I was in the middle of a romantic game.
Yeah. Me. A fighter who spent half his life bleeding in cages, dropped into a sparkly world of nobles, love routes, and magical friendship.
But unlike those lucky reincarnators who appear before the story starts and build up their plot armor, I woke up mid-game—half-beaten, suspended from the academy, and sent home in disgrace.
The first thing I saw was a canopy ceiling and silk sheets.
A king-size bed—bigger than any cage I ever fought in.
My ribs ached. My jaw throbbed. My whole body felt like someone else's punching bag.
The door creaked open.
A maid peeked in, trembling. "G-good morning, Lord Kael."
That voice made something click in my head.
Suddenly, memories that weren't mine slammed into me—names, faces, guilt, anger.
Pain flashed through my skull and I screamed.
The maid rushed closer. "What happened, my lord?"
"Nothing," I hissed, rubbing my temples. "Just a headache."
She hesitated, still shaking. "Y-your father has summoned you."
I glared at her. "If you ever act scared in front of me again, I'll throw you out of this castle. Got it?"
(I know what you're thinking. "Why is he talking like that after reincarnating?" Listen, you fools, I'm not one of those kindhearted heroes who wake up crying and swearing to be better people. I'm not a kid. That's why those other guys die pure and lonely. I've had my share of real fights—and romance doesn't start with a smile.)
I got up, stretched my sore body, and started walking to the duke's office.
Slow steps. Hard expression.
A villain's walk. Looked cool as hell.
The guards straightened as I passed, eyes full of fear and gossip.
Fine. Let them talk. Fear keeps the noise down.
The office door opened with a heavy sound.
My father, Duke Ardan Valtor, sat behind a desk piled with reports. His glare could crack stone.
"What did you do in the academy?" he thundered. "Do you know how much disgrace you've brought upon our family?"
I stood there, unbowed.
Here it comes, I thought.
The royal-house lecture—one hour minimum. I could almost time it with a stopwatch.
He went on and on, voice rising, but my mind drifted elsewhere.
Because I knew something he didn't: Mother, Lady Selina, would still defend me.
She always had.
Even now, her love felt like the only thing real in this ridiculous world.
So when the shouting finally stopped, I turned on my heel and headed for her chambers.
To be continued…