In Everworld, on the Northeast continent ruled largely by the barbarian tribes and elves, the Sandrian Royal Family experienced a miracle. The Grand Concubine, Lady Aurora, clutched her baby tightly as the child wailed for the first time. Though born two years prior, the young prince had never made a sound nor moved, as if lifeless.
The maids rushed into the room, tears streaming down their faces. They fell to their knees in shock and joy, unable to believe what they were witnessing. The child, who had been as silent as death itself, now cried out with a vitality they had never seen. The head maid, overcome with emotion, bolted from the room to summon the Royal Mage and Physician, her shouts echoing through the palace. Word spread like wildfire within the Palce—
"The Third Prince has cried!"
The palace erupted into chaos. Some ran to inform the Empress, others to alert the concubines, and many dashed toward the Emperor, who was in his office. Even the young princesses and princes were alerted, their attendants whispering to them that their long-silent sibling had seemingly come back to life.
For two years, the royal family had endured quiet sorrow, their joy at the prince's birth overshadowed by his unnatural stillness. His birth had been highly anticipated—many had expected him to possess a mythical skill. His father, the Emperor, wielded two legendary skills and one mythical skill, while his mother, Lady Aurora, had been born with a mythical and a legendary skill. Their union had promised an heir of great potential.
Aurora's tired, sorrow-filled expression faded, replaced by a radiance that could topple kingdoms. Her deep blue eyes, filled with warmth and relief, gazed down at her son. Dressed in a flowing light blue gown that mirrored the color of her eyes, she gently cradled the boy and allowed him to nurse. The maids knelt before mother and child, speaking in unison, their voices trembling with emotion.
"Greetings to our lord and prince. We pledge our service and loyalty to you, who has awoken from your long slumber. We have seen your greatness, we have witnessed your majesty, and we long to follow you. May you grow strong and wise. May your reign bring peace and prosperity. We are yours now and forevermore."
Aurora's heart swelled with pride. For two years, these loyal attendants had remained by her side, their unwavering faith in her son a small light in her darkest moments. Now, their devotion was rewarded.
The baby, startled by the loud proclamation, paused his suckling and blinked. He looked up at the woman who held him, confusion evident in his tiny features. Then, as his gaze settled on her striking beauty, he choked on the milk and began coughing.
Aurora chuckled, patting his back soothingly. As his blue eyes, identical to hers, met hers once more, she let out a relieved sigh. "You must be very hungry, but please take it slow, Dante. Adam still needs to check on you."
Unbeknownst to her, the infant in her arms was not just a baby—but a reincarnated soul in turmoil.
'Fucking hell! A baby? Why couldn't Ten push me forward a little? Okay, okay… this is reincarnation, so it makes sense. But now I have to go through being a baby? Sigh. Well, as long as I'm safe, I can deal with this. So, my name is Dante? Not too far from Dantalian, I suppose. And this woman must be my mother. Damn… she's absolutely stunning. Her eyes, her hair—she's blonde too. I wouldn't mind inheriting some of that beauty. Heh. Wait… wait a second.'
He lifted his tiny hands and felt around his ears.
'Pointy. I'm an elf! Fuck yes! Hahaha! Haaahaha!'
His tiny giggles filled the room. The maids, witnessing his joy, melted at the sight, assuming his laughter was one of pure innocence. If only they knew the thoughts that lurked within.
'This is perfect. A long life means more time to accumulate power. Unlike those protagonists who always rush and fight opponents way stronger than them, I can take my time. No need to throw myself into danger. Kek. First, let's assess the situation…'
The words of the maids echoed in his mind. 'Lord and Prince'? His eyes darted around. 'Wait… where's the prince they're referring to?' Then it hit him.
'Oh, fuck. It's me.'
Dante's joy turned to horror.
'No. No, no, no, no. Am I in line for the throne? A battle for succession? Fuck's sake, what did I do to deserve this?!'
He sucked harder on his mother's breast, as if it could drown his existential dread. 'I need to stay under the radar. As long as I'm far from the succession struggle, things should be fine… I hope.'
Just as he was planning his future, the sound of the door opening interrupted him. A young man with glasses and a long white robe entered, slightly out of breath. He moved to pick Dante up, but Aurora instinctively tightened her hold, her possessiveness clear.
Adam, the Royal Physician, took a deep breath. "Apologies, Lady Aurora. I merely wished to examine the prince. In my haste, I forgot to be careful."
Aurora's gaze softened, though traces of suspicion remained. "Sigh. I understand. You all believed my child was gone. The physicians and mages will naturally want to investigate the child who has risen from the dead."
Her voice carried the weight of two years of pain and anger, and Adam lowered his head. He glanced at Dante, who was still latched onto his mother, his small hands squeezing in gentle pride while looking at him. He cleared his throat awkwardly.
"I apologize, my lady. At the time, the prince truly seemed… lifeless. My assessment was based on the evidence before me. I never wished to cause you pain. I swear to you—I do not see the prince as a test subject. I only wish to confirm his health."
Aurora sighed and finally allowed him to proceed. Adam adjusted his glasses and carefully examined the child.
"By the gods… he is perfectly fine. It's as if he was never in that state to begin with."
Relief flooded Aurora's face. She pulled Dante close, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "My baby boy… you've been silent for so long. I feared you'd never wake up. Every day, I prayed for a miracle. And now, you're here, in my arms."
Dante's thoughts swirled. 'So, I was in a coma? I'll investigate later. For now, this body is exhausted… I need a nap.'
His eyelids drooped, and he drifted into slumber. Aurora tensed, fearing for a moment that he wouldn't wake again. But as she listened to his steady breathing, watched the gentle rise and fall of his small chest, she relaxed. Dismissing all but her most trusted maids, she curled up with her son and closed her eyes.
Meanwhile, Adam made his way to the Emperor's office. As he approached the grand doors, they opened on their own.
Inside, a youthful-looking man sat behind an ornate desk, orange eyes sharp as he studied the physician. Beside him His very presence radiated power.
Adam took a step forward and bent his knee in respect, but before he could fully kneel, the Emperor's deep voice cut through the air.
"No need for that. Tell me—how is Dante?"