NOVEL NEXT chapter 2_ It's time to understand the current situation
As I changed into the spare clothes Mea had given me and decided to ask her while doing so.
“Mea, how old am I right now?”
“Uh… you’re 5 years old.”
Mea looked puzzled by my question, but she kindly provided the answer without further ado.
I see, I’m five years old. That matches my appearance.
Perhaps there’s still time.
The story is set to begin ten years from now. By then, Jin would have become a renowned villain, both to himself and others. But for now, that wasn’t the case… at least, it shouldn’t be. There’s still a chance to redeem myself, right? I can’t afford not to, considering the consequences.
“Mea, what’s my reputation like among people?”
“They call you ‘the fallen scion of a noble house.’ Mainly because of you show no aptitude for swordsmanship.”
“Hmm, a bit harsh.”
“It’s the truth.”
Her words cut deep, but that’s part of Mea’s charm.
But I see… to think that I’m already labeled a failure at this age. Surprisingly pitiable, isn’t it? Even someone like Mea, who speaks so bluntly, has criticized me.
Still,—
“—It doesn’t matter at all.”
“Huh?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
Mea tilted her head in confusion, not understanding the meaning behind my words. But it’s fine if she doesn’t understand right now.
“Mea, could you give me some time alone for a bit?”
“Understood. Please call if you need anything.”
“Got it.”
Mea bowed respectfully and quietly left the room, leaving me alone.
“Whew… that was nerve-wracking.”
I threw myself onto the enormous bed in the room.
It must be a luxury item; I sank into it as if being enveloped by a cloud.
Yes, it’s absolutely splendid.
More comfortable than my bed back in my previous world.
Life seems pretty good for me, Jin.
“Well, I don’t remember much from my past life, so I can’t say for sure.”
Indeed, I’ve been reincarnated into this game world, and I have extensive knowledge of the game mechanics and civilization, but I have no memory of myself. Who I was, my name, my age, the relationships I had… none of it.
Well, maybe that information isn’t necessary in this new life. Perhaps whoever reincarnated me decided to erase those details.
“But dwelling on my past won’t solve anything. There’s plenty to do in this life… ugh, it’s so troublesome!”
Why do I have to be so anxious so soon after reincarnating?
I’m only five years old for crying out loud!
Who thinks about their future in such detail at five years old, seriously?
“Just whining won’t solve anything! My parents don’t pay me any attention, I have no decent siblings! And now, even Mea seems even more extraordinary than before! She might even be an angel surpassing human limits! Ugh, why do I have to endure such a challenging destiny? If I could just live peacefully with Mea, I’d be content! I don’t need nobility! Commoner life is the best! Nobility? Social status? Rank? Honor? Screw all of that! I want money though! …Phew… okay, let’s set some goals.”
After venting my complaints and desires, I gathered my thoughts.
Right now, I’m probably seen as a misbehaving little brat from the Divinesword family.
It’s unlikely that a reputation like Jin, who was outwardly and inwardly a jerk, exists at the age of five.
There are plenty of comments about Jin in the game, like “Jin Divinesword has a horrible personality,” “a bundle of malice,” and so on, but it seems those rumors haven’t spread yet, according to Mea.
Still, I’ve heard that the butlers don’t really like me much.
What in the world did I do…?
“However, pretending to be someone I’m not is really exhausting, and it’s mentally draining.”
Having to pretend even in front of my family is such a hassle. It’s like living in hell…
But I’m a confirmed failure anyway… Do I really need to attend school? If I don’t go, won’t the flags of doom disappear all at once?
However, as a noble, I have to go no matter what. If I refuse, my parents would probably be furious… Hmm?
“In that case, why don’t I just become strong enough that no one can complain about me?”
Honestly, as long as Mea is by my side, that’s all I need. If I become strong, I won’t have to pretend, and the flags of doom will disappear on their own and my parents won’t have a reason to berate me.
…Sounds perfect.
In fact, I have the potential to make it a reality.
After all, both I and Jin have—
“—the world’s greatest magical talent and knowledge of this world.”
It’s not too late to start now.
In order to lead a peaceful life with Mea—