Two months until my ninth birthday, like Lucis, the Anglus family will be holding a birthday banquet on that day, inviting nobles from all sides.
As it turned out, the Marquis Bahod specifically called me in for a private talk that day just for this matter, and he even emphasized again, "Don't let me down." Should I be happy that he has some expectations of me? I still vividly remember what happened to Lucis back then, so it would be a lie to say that I felt no pressure at all.
"Well--"
I leaned against the windowsill, gazing at the azure sky and sighing.
"Young Master Anglus will definitely be fine. Please have some tea."
The only person I can confide in about this is my young butler, Volth, who has been taking care of me for many years. Now, there are many things I don't need to explain; Volth can see right through me. I'm starting to think of him as Sebastian.
It's not just this incident; my younger sister Lia and older sister Aisha have been locking themselves in their rooms for the past few days, refusing to see anyone. The already strained family atmosphere seems to have worsened even further. And they're going to hold my birthday party in this kind of atmosphere? It just feels so heartless.
What will become of this family if things continue like this?
Forget it, why am I worrying about this? Marquis Bahod himself isn't even in a hurry.
"Eh—"
"This is the 10th time you've sighed today."
"Never mind."
My sigh this time was purely out of boredom; it didn't mean anything.
"Want to go out for a walk to clear your head?"
"Go out for a walk to clear your head..."
I've been to every place in this house that I can go, and seeing the same scenery over and over again is getting boring. Besides, there's a chance I'll run into my brother, Lucis, who's the last person I want to see in this house.
"...How about we go for a stroll in the city?"
Seeing that I wasn't very enthusiastic, Volth made another suggestion.
"The city center?"
I never even considered it. Come to think of it, I've never been to the places where ordinary citizens live since my transmigration.
But there is nothing we can do. Anglus family is not an ordinary family. Nobody was allowed to go outside without permission of Marquis Bahod.
As a nobleman, if it weren't for curiosity, they probably would never have gone to those places where commoners live. If they wanted to buy something, they could just send a servant to the city to buy it. Robert wasn't allowed to go outside
I don't have any aristocratic baggage. I certainly don't have thoughts like "breathing the same air as commoners is so smelly." On the contrary, I feel more psychologically close to commoners than to nobles, because I am just an ordinary person at heart.
I want to go to the city center!
However, it's obvious that if this were exposed to one's parents, getting a slap would be the least of one's worries.
"...Volth, do you know where I can buy dolls?"
"A doll shop? You mean... I understand, of course I know, I can take you there."
"Ah, and those shops that sell things that girls might like, it would be even better if we could check those out too."
"No problem, leave it to me."
As expected of my Sebastian.
"Alright, then let's go and come back as soon as possible."
This time in the afternoon is my free time anyway. As long as I don't take too long to get back, I shouldn't be noticed by anyone else.
"Young Master Robert, are you planning to wear this?"
"Huh? Is that not allowed?"
"Your clothes are too eye-catching in the city. Please wait a moment. An acquaintance of mine has a set of children's clothes. I'll go get them."
"oh."
That's right. My outfit makes me look like a young master from a noble family, which might bring me unnecessary trouble.
A moment later, Volth brought in a dark blue old child's garment. Patches were visible on both sides, and stains were everywhere, impossible to remove no matter how much washing was done."
"The material looked like a dried persimmon, and several wrinkles were quite noticeable. To be honest, having grown accustomed to the pristine clothes of the nobility, this kind of commoner's old clothing actually made me feel more at ease."
"Perhaps it's the influence of my modern consumerist mindset, but I always try to buy clothes that are as inexpensive as possible, adhering to the principle that "clothes only need to be wearable," and I don't feel bad even if they get dirty or torn.
Volth was somewhat surprised to see me put on my old clothes without hesitation.
I know myself that this behavior is very unbecoming of an aristocrat and that I should have self-respect. But I didn't care about that in front of Volth.
"Then let's go, young master Robert."
Sneaking out was easier than I'd imagined. Despite the soldiers guarding the gate, all Volth had to do was strike up a conversation to distract them, and then I could slip out the door. It seemed as if Volth himself often went out shopping and had gradually become familiar with the guards; he was indeed a capable man.
I give 10 star rating to my Sebastian.
"Watch your step, young master Robert."
Since we had sneaked out, we couldn't take the main, well-maintained roads to avoid encountering other people. Following Volth's advice, he led the way, and we were walking on a secluded path. This, however, rekindled my long-dormant adventurous spirit, and I was thrilled by the sights I was seeing for the first time.
This feeling reminded me of the first time my parents took me a trip in my previous life, before I was reincarnated. People who stay in one environment for too long will inevitably feel the urge to return to nature; perhaps this is simply human nature.
What is the city center of this other world like?
A cobblestone path, a moving horse-drawn carriage, fruit vendors, children running around, couples on dates, merchants haggling with customers, and burly men on their way to drink. This is all the imagination can offer; the real scene must have been far more varied.
Oh, and unreasonable bullies are indispensable in other worlds too. They come looking for trouble because they think I'm easy to bully, only to be terrified by my magic and their legs go weak. Enraged, they shout, "I'm from the XX family! How dare you offend me? You're finished!"
What?! The young master of the Marquis Anglus family?! I am blind to my worth! Please, have mercy on me! These kinds of developments are part of the fun of reincarnation in another world, even if it's a cliché.
Most importantly, according to the established rules of light novels, such an event will inevitably lead to an encounter with a beautiful girl. Through helping her, they will meet, develop feelings for each other, and lay a solid foundation for a future reunion and romance.
Then Hehe, hehe, hehehehehehe...
Oh no, I was so engrossed in my own fantasy world that I almost drooled. Did Volth not see that?
Forgive me, Volth, your master is a strange man who falls into delusion when he gets a little too proud.
I covered my face in embarrassment and looked around.
We still haven't seen any sign of the city. It feels like we've been walking for quite a while. Is the city really that far from Anglus house?
Volth and I were in a very secluded grove of trees, a place that seemed like no one would ever pass by. Even the path felt excessively remote.
Does this road really lead to the city center? It's simply too remote.
Just as I was feeling uneasy and was about to ask Volth something, he suddenly stopped without warning.
"Volth? What's wrong?"
What's going on? My heart is beating abnormally fast. Why is my inner voice telling me that this place is dangerous and I need to escape immediately? Should I listen to this feeling?
Am I overthinking it? Because when Volth turned around and looked at me, his eyes were still so gentle...
Thump!
What...
Something hit me hard on the back of the head...
My brain couldn't handle the shock. Accompanied by a loud ringing in my ears, the scene before my eyes suddenly went black, and I lost my balance and fell to the ground.
"Wols! Come quickly and help tie his hands and feet!"
"Idiot! Put the collar on him first, he knows magic."
What... happened?
What happened?
I was attacked?
In my increasingly hazy consciousness, I seemed to hear the voices of a man and a woman.
"Once you put this on, no matter how magical a genius he is, he's just a crying brat now."
What are they... saying?
It's no use...
I can't muster any strength in my body...
Consciousness... is about to fly far away...
I, did I trust the wrong person...