Rebirth of the Ruined Noble

The sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow on the room, illuminating the delicate details of the furniture and paintings that adorned the walls. The play of light and shadows created an enchanting ambiance, heightening the intrigue of the moment.

As I opened the door of my dorm, I encountered an unexpected guest whom I never thought would see in front of my door.

"Princess?"

There, standing at my doorstep, was Princess Aurora, the epitome of elegance and grace.

Her flowing gown accompanied by the academic uniform, adorned with intricate embroidery, shimmered in the sunlight, catching the eye with its regal beauty. The air seemed to hold its breath as she stood there, her presence commanding attention and respect.

Her piercing gaze, as blue as the deepest ocean, seemed to see beyond the surface, delving into the depths of my soul. It was as if she knew the turmoil that resided within me, the conflicting emotions that wrestled for control.

I couldn't help but wonder about the reason for her presence here.

"Your Highness, forgive my surprise," I stammered, my voice betraying the mix of awe and nervousness that engulfed me. "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

With a gentle yet hesitating smile, Princess Aurora stepped back, her hands clasped together in a gesture of both humility and purpose. The moment hung in the air, with anticipation and unspoken words.

"...That," she spoke, her voice laced with a hint of mystery, drawing me closer to the edge of my seat. "I wanted to give this to you..."

Princess Aurora extended her hand, revealing a small, ornate token that sparkled in the sunlight. Its intricate engravings hinted at its significance, and I couldn't help but be captivated by its beauty.

Only when I looked carefully did I notice the words, 'Royal Museum Pass', engraved on it.

'This is...!'

It was the very item that I was coveting movements before, the token that allowed access to the royal museum that was bestowed upon the top 100 students, that was newly ranked from yesterday's ranking battle. Those with this token would have the privilege of visiting the royal museum.

It dawned on me that the academy had already sent out these tokens to the deserving individuals, and now the princess herself stood before me, offering hers. A mix of gratitude and confusion swirled within me as I tried to comprehend her intentions.

"This... Is this for me?" I asked, my voice filled with awe and disbelief.

"Yes," Princess Aurora replied, her eyes shimmering with a gentle warmth.

"You seemed to really want to visit the royal museum, I could see it yesterday's fight."

The Princess said as she evaded my eye contact, "It is unfortunate that you lost the opportunity, so I wanted you to have it."

My mind raced, trying to reconcile the conflicting thoughts and emotions.

Princess Aurora was seeing my fight? Not to mention that she has noticed my intentions and is even offering the token which I had failed to obtain.

'She has a kind soul.', I was reminded of the fact once again. Her innocence and kind nature never ceases to amaze me.

I looked at the token in her hand.

I needed this opportunity more than words could express, my future was depended on it, all the training that I had done with the magic powered gun was to obtain that weapon, it was an opportunity that I couldn't afford to miss.

But.... accepting it meant denying the princess herself the chance to visit the royal museum. How could I be so selfish as to take away such an experience from someone of her stature?

As a man, how could I abandon my honor and accept this token?

"Princess, I am grateful for your concern, but I can't accept it," I said, my voice tinged with a mix of admiration and determination. "It wouldn't be right for me to take away this opportunity from you."

I was grateful for the consideration of the princess but I had an honor to protect. Although I am on my way to beg Professor Joshua, it was a different matter, a matter between men.

A flicker of surprise crossed the princess's features before she composed herself, her regal demeanor resurfacing. "That... If you are worried about me, don't think about it," she said with a hint of playfulness. "I am the princess, and I can visit the royal museum whenever I want."

In that moment, it struck me how foolish I had been to doubt the power and privilege that accompanied her position.

Aurora Von Brittan, the princess of the Mauryan empire, held the whole empire at her fingertips, and no one would dare deny her access to any part of it.

Realizing this, I belatedly understood the true meaning behind her gesture.

"...."

Now I found it hard to answer her back as I was too embarrassed. To think that I was worrying about her….

'Ah! This is so embarrassing!'

But embarrassment can go to hell, what I needed right now was this token and since the princess would have no problem, I chose to accept it gladly.

"Then... I will accept it gladly," I finally said, with a mixture of gratitude and excitement coursing through me.

Taking the token from her hand, I bowed deeply, expressing my sincerest appreciation. "Thank you very much, I will not forget this favor, your highness."

In that moment, my sense of honor and dignity took a backseat to the overwhelming gratitude and anticipation that surged within me. And I swore to repay this kindness of the princess somehow in the future, if I was ever given a chance.

***

"A good news, you say? It must be important enough for you to come here?" The enormous snake hissed, its scales glinting in the dappled sunlight that filtered through the thick foliage of the jungle. The black feline, perched on a sturdy tree branch, surveyed the snake before gracefully descending towards it.

"Well, it is important or not, that I don't know, but I guess you will definitely like what I am going to say," the cat replied, a mischievous glint in its eyes. The soft rustling of leaves accompanied the cat's every step as it approached the curious snake, their encounter unfolding in the heart of an ancient, overgrown forest.

"Stop beating around the bush and spit it out already," the snake hissed, its tongue flickering in and out, tasting the air for any hint of deceit. It towered over the cat, its immense presence commanding attention.

"Hehe... what's the rush? Don't you want to ask about my well-being? It has been a long time since we met, isn't it?" The cat purred, savoring the suspense it was creating. The scent of ancient moss mingled with the sweet fragrance of exotic flowers, adding an air of mystique to their conversation.

"Well-being?" the snake hissed in annoyance. "Is there anyone in the whole Mauryan who could hurt you?" The serpent's voice resonated with a blend of concern and exasperation, echoing through the cavernous chamber.

The cat nonchalantly shrugged at the snake's words, its sleek ebony fur catching glimmers of light as it moved. "Well, there are some," it replied cryptically, a subtle smile playing upon its lips.

"But you are not foolish enough to pick a fight with any such people," the snake retorted, its emerald eyes narrowing as it peered at the cat, searching for answers.

"Well, that is true too," the cat admitted, a playful flick of its tail betraying a hint of mystery. The distant rumble of thunder reverberated in the distance, underscoring the gravity of their conversation.

"If you are here to fool around with me, then get out! I don't have time for that," the snake declared, its patience waning as it turned to retreat into the shadowy depths of the ancient cave.

"Oh, you seem to be in anger.", the cat said playfully, jumping on a rock nearby. "Well, should I tell you that I found someone using your god's power or not?" The cat's words hung in the air, abruptly halting the snake's retreat. It froze, its massive body coiled, and turned its head slowly to face the feline once more.

"What did you say?" The snake's voice rumbled, a mixture of curiosity and trepidation lacing its words.

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Daily Chapter Release~

(Extremally sorry for the delay in editing.)