After Lilia and the doctor left, I found myself staring up at the finely carved wooden ceiling.
Silence.
Only the steady beat of my heart echoed in the quiet room—still uneven, still restless.
> "So… I'm Kael Rynthier now. In a world that's not mine."
I took a deep breath, trying to sort the storm in my head. Then my gaze landed on a small bookshelf tucked in the corner.
> "If this world is anything like a fantasy game or novel… there has to be something like a guidebook or history text."
I pushed off the bed—still a bit shaky, but manageable. This body was weak, but not helpless.
Step by step, I reached the bookshelf.
Several thick, leather-bound books rested there. I picked one at random:
"A Brief History of the Aezrith Kingdom – For Noble Children."
> "Even has a beginner's version. Convenient."
I opened it gently. The characters were in an old, elegant script… but I could read them easily.
> Must be one of the perks from [Otherworld Wanderer] or something like that.
---
📘 World Summary – Book Excerpt
> The Kingdom of Aezrith is one of the Seven Great Kingdoms of the continent Elvareth. It was founded 728 years ago by King Aezrith I and has grown into a center of culture, military power, and magic in the eastern region.
Dominant race: Human
Minorities: Elves, Dwarves, Beastkin
Governance: Monarchy with noble hierarchies—12 Marquises, 30 Counts, and hundreds of Barons
The eastern province is ruled by House Rynthier, once famed for their military strength and strict discipline. In recent decades, however, internal strife has weakened their influence.
> "So this family used to be powerful, but now it's declining. That's probably why there's pressure on me as the heir."
---
📙 Magic & Bloodline Systems
> Every human is born with a degree of Mana Potential, but only a few can access it without training or inherited traits.
At age ten, noble children are tested for elemental affinity.
Some ancient houses possess rare Bloodline Systems—powers passed down through generations.
These systems only awaken when the heir proves themselves through strength or virtue.
> "That ties in with the quest from earlier… 'Inherit the Name of Rynthier'. So awakening the bloodline isn't automatic—I need to earn it."
---
Before I realized it, the sun had vanished from the sky. Twilight faded into the deep navy of night.
I let out a long breath and closed the last book. I'd spent hours absorbing as much as I could about this new world—my world now.
> "Seven kingdoms, ancient bloodlines… this is still unreal."
A soft knock pulled me out of thought.
Knock knock…
> "Young master, may I come in?" Lilia's voice, soft and familiar.
"Come in," I said, slowly standing up.
She entered with a tray of warm food. The scent of fresh bread and herbal soup filled the room, and suddenly, my stomach growled with hunger.
"You haven't eaten all day," she said with a gentle smile. "It's already night."
"…Thanks."
She placed the tray on the bedside table and helped me sit down. I could've done it myself, but… I let her.
As she spooned some soup toward my mouth, I decided to ask.
> "Lilia… can you tell me? What was I like before? Before I lost my memory?"
She paused, clearly surprised. Then she gave a soft smile.
"You were kind, young master. A little stubborn… but never cruel."
> "Really?"
"Yes. Very bright for your age. You used to sneak into the grand library in the middle of the night to read books on strategy and magic—even though it wasn't allowed."
She chuckled. "I had to cover for you many times when Madam caught on."
I found myself smiling faintly.
> "And… what about my family?"
She set the spoon down and looked at me, eyes warm.
"Your family loves you very much."
"The Marquis, your father, is strict—but caring. No matter how busy he is, he always has breakfast with you in the mornings."
"And the Madam… your mother… she's gentle. She never misses a night without tucking you in or singing a lullaby when you're sick."
I went quiet. There was a warmth in my chest I hadn't felt in a long time.
> "A family like that… I never had in my old world."
"When you fell from your horse and went unconscious," Lilia continued, "they were devastated. But due to an emergency in the western province, they had to leave temporarily. They'll return in two days."
> "So they don't know I've lost my memories."
She looked uncertain. "I haven't told them. I didn't want to worry them unnecessarily—especially if this is temporary. But… if you want me to, I can."
I stared into the flickering candlelight.
> "No… not yet. Let me try to learn and adapt before they come back. I want to make a good impression—even if I'm not the same Kael they remember."
Lilia's smile turned soft, almost teary.
"Whatever you decide, I will be by your side, young master."
"…Thank you, Lilia."
And that night—my first night in this strange world—I finally felt… not so alone.