The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

Desmond pondered deeply, his gaze fixed on the sprawling cityscape before him. The towering skyscrapers reached towards the heavens, casting long shadows that stretched across the bustling streets below. It was a metropolis of grand proportions, its magnitude dwarfing the small towns where Weston, Noel, and Desmond had spent their formative years.

Yet, as Desmond contemplated this, a nagging question arose in his mind: Why was his family excluded from the prestigious ranks of the capital city?

"The agreement..." Desmond mumbled, his voice tinged with a mix of concern and realization. Memories of his family's reliance on the kingdom flooded his thoughts. The truth began to crystallize before him—this agreement had not received the approval of the king. It was merely a pact forged between Weston and Desmond's family.

His expression grew solemn as the weight of this revelation settled upon him. "So, my family belongs to the realm of ordinary citizens," Desmond muttered, his voice tinged with a touch of disappointment. This newfound understanding shed light on the social dynamics at play. It explained why only the Clementine family treated him with courtesy and respect.

Recalling the grand party he had attended, Desmond couldn't help but reflect on how he and Alice had been mere specters in the crowd. Had it not been for Clementine's intervention, their presence would have gone entirely unnoticed.

"Ordinary citizens..." Desmond's voice trailed off as he contemplated the implications of his newfound status. The distinction between ordinary families and the renowned ones mentioned in the book suddenly took on a more ominous hue. It became apparent to him that this situation might prove more perilous than he initially anticipated.

Not only did the esteemed families possess powerful networks and resources, but they also held a significant advantage in the cutthroat world of auctions.

"But why does Gibson frequent these auctions?" Desmond questioned aloud, his brow furrowed in deep thought. The memory of Gibson's relentless pursuit of the elf he had acquired resurfaced in his mind. "Perhaps, if he didn't possess considerable wealth, he would be languishing behind bars even now."

Desmond's gaze fell upon the page that contained information about the Vesta family, and a glimmer of recognition flashed across his eyes. "Ah, I see now. That explains her indomitable spirit and vast knowledge."

Vesta, a fellow warrior and trusted comrade of Edward, had a bond that ran deep. Alongside Grimm and Edward, they formed a tight-knit trio. When Edward ascended to the throne, his initial intention was to appoint Vesta as the Grandmaster of the kingdom.

However, Vesta declined the prestigious position, much to Edward's astonishment. In a surprising turn of events, Edward's own mentor, Weston, had retired, leaving a void in the Grandmaster role. Desperate to find a suitable replacement, Edward extended the offer to Vesta, but she remained resolute in her decision.

"I am old, longing for a peaceful existence, yet I also wish to continue supporting you, my dear friend," Vesta had confided in Edward, leaving him in a state of perplexity. Uncertain about who should assume the role of Grandmaster, Edward eventually turned to his student, Noel, although doubts lingered regarding her decision-making abilities.

In response to Vesta's request, Edward extended an offer for her to become the Guardian—a position just one level below the Grandmaster. The role held immense significance, as it was reserved for individuals who had reached the pinnacle of humanity, the esteemed 3rd Swordsman class.

At Vesta's behest, Edward bestowed upon her the esteemed position of Guardian—a role that held immense prestige and power, standing only one level below the exalted Grandmaster. The Guardians possessed abilities equivalent to those of Master Wizards and Witches, their strength rivaling that of the Grandmasters themselves.

With Vesta assuming the mantle of Guardian, her wife Clementine held significant sway within society. Moreover, given Vesta's close friendship with King Edward, Clementine possessed the unique ability to make personal requests directly to her husband, ensuring the king's direct approval and support.

As Desmond absorbed this newfound knowledge, he couldn't help but release a weary sigh. "How troublesome. With such a position, Vesta could easily summon a select few first-class wizards," he muttered, his voice tinged with a mixture of fascination and unease. Memories of their previous altercation flashed in his mind, and a flicker of determination sparked within his eyes.

Closing the parchment of the book he had been reading, Desmond reached for another. Alongside perusing texts that delved into the histories of renowned families, he also immersed himself in the personal experiences chronicled by wizards from centuries past. These tomes chronicled their life journeys, from infancy to old age, offering him not only intriguing knowledge but also unique insights.

"The prices reflect the quality," Desmond murmured to himself, his eyes scanning the pages before him. Each book contained a mere few pages, yet the wealth of experience and wisdom contained within made them invaluable to his quest for understanding.

Curiosity piqued, Desmond couldn't help but wonder why the denizens of this world did not prioritize the acquisition of books. Were they too preoccupied with the pursuit of training and frivolous indulgences? "Knowledge is power," Desmond affirmed, shaking his head at the thought.

If the people here knew that he had spent a significant sum—ranging from 10 to 50 coins—on just one book, equivalent to the monthly income of a small shop, they would undoubtedly scoff at such extravagance.

To them, books were seen as unnecessary luxuries. They prioritized investments in spellbooks and practical knowledge over the musings of individuals' diaries. Hence, those who possessed extensive libraries were regarded as affluent, as they could afford to invest in what others deemed "useless."

Just as Desmond was about to reach for another parchment-bound treasure, the mirror that had previously served as a means of communication with Clementine emitted a faint, repeated glow. His curiosity piqued, Desmond settled onto his bed, cradling the mirror in his hands as he channeled his Unique Energy, ready to engage in another enigmatic exchange.

The reflection within the mirror slowly transformed, evolving from a blurred image of itself into a vivid, colored scene—an enchanting garden. A magnificent butterfly statue stood at its center, gracefully releasing water from its delicate wings, nourishing every plant in the lush surroundings.

Deep within the expanse of the garden, Desmond's eyes were drawn to a colossal gate adorned with intricate royal motifs, emanating an aura of grandeur. Flanking the gate stood two imposing guards, their presence a testament to the significance of what lay beyond. Desmond's initial surprise at witnessing Clementine's sudden change of setting quickly transformed into sheer astonishment.

He couldn't help but wonder if Clementine sought to showcase the opulence of her residence now that he had delved into the background of her esteemed family. Yet, his assumptions were shattered as he took in the sight of the majestic gate and its guardians, realizing that there was much more at play.

As Desmond's gaze fixated on the gate, a figure emerged from its shadowy depths, gradually approaching with measured steps. With his initial shock subsiding, Desmond's focus sharpened, his eyes narrowing to discern the identity of the approaching person.

As the figure drew nearer, the features of a young girl with flowing blonde locks came into clear view. She donned an elegant white dress embellished with intricate blue motifs along the collar and sleeves, her beauty rivaling that of Diana and Clementine. Desmond caught a glimpse of his own reflection in the mirror and found himself captivated by the girl's serene smile.

If Diana and Clementine evoked impressions of passionate, driven, and resolute women, the girl in the mirror exuded an air of warmth, tranquility, and inner peace. Desmond couldn't help but draw parallels between her demeanor and the feeling he experienced during the trait check at the church, where the sisters exuded purity and serenity through their radiant smiles.

"Hello, Master Desmond," the girl's melodic voice broke through his thoughts, causing Desmond to snap back to the present moment. As he focused his attention on her, his expression revealed a mixture of astonishment, confusion, and profound intrigue. "Hello, Miss Elizabeth," Desmond finally replied, his voice tinged with a hint of reverence.

Elizabeth, the biological daughter of King Edward and the princess of the North Kingdom, stood before him.

Desmond was taken aback, trying to comprehend how Elizabeth could communicate with him through the mirror. Unlike Clementine, who had provided him with the mirror and seemingly cast a spell to facilitate their ongoing communication from afar, Elizabeth seemed to have circumvented this requirement.

Desmond's inquisitive mind had deduced this fact after carefully analyzing the mirror's properties, realizing that it operated on a concept akin to a computer system, each possessing a unique IP address. With knowledge of the mirror's address, one could establish a connection, much like the digital realm he was familiar with.

Desmond, intrigued by the mysterious connection Elizabeth had established, couldn't help but voice his perplexity. "I have a question. How are you able to contact me through this mirror?" Desmond struggled to reconcile the realms of magic and science, finding it difficult to grasp how Elizabeth accomplished this without a processor or an internet connection.

Elizabeth chuckled, her laughter casting a spell of enchantment upon Desmond. In a magical flourish, a hand materialized beside her, holding a new mirror. Taking it gracefully, she invited Desmond to observe closely. "Watch and learn," she said, a mischievous glimmer in her eyes.

Elizabeth began to chant an incantation, and the new mirror gleamed to life, displaying Desmond's own face, revealing the inner workings of the process.

"As long as the energy I stored within your mirror remains active, I can contact you at any time, Master Desmond," Elizabeth explained, her voice carrying a hint of satisfaction. With a wave of her hand, she deactivated the new mirror, and it vanished, whisked away by an unseen force.

"Ah, so you harnessed the energy during Clementine's call for the healer," Desmond mused, the understanding of the concept dawning upon him. Elizabeth marveled at his quick comprehension, impressed by his perceptiveness.

"Indeed, Master Desmond. You have grasped it swiftly," Elizabeth praised him with a smile. However, she couldn't help but notice a slight change in Desmond's expression, his hand returning to its previous state.

Elizabeth, perceptive herself, diverted the conversation, gracefully covering her mouth with a fan, avoiding further inquiries. She understood the importance of personal secrets and respected that everyone had their own.

Desmond maintained a composed expression, concealing his surprise. He had indeed been taken aback by the regenerative properties of the mirror, but he chose to keep this revelation to himself. "So, why did you contact me this time, Miss Elizabeth?" Desmond pondered, recalling that he had no pending matters with her.

Elizabeth, teasingly, commented on his cool demeanor. Lowering her fan, her seductive red lips were revealed, and her cheeks tinged with a hint of shyness, giving the impression of a playful princess. "I simply wish to know about your preparations for the next three years, Master Desmond," she coyly stated.

Desmond's expression turned serious upon hearing her words. Elizabeth's actions and words seemed to contradict one another. Had Desmond not been fully attentive, he might have suspected that she was playfully toying with him. Nevertheless, he remained focused, ready to address the matter at hand.