The Most Satisfied Reincarnate

After taking a moment to regain his composure, Desmond shifted his gaze back to the transparent screen, where time seemed to crawl at a snail's pace. The ticking seconds only served to deepen his frustration. With a heavy sigh, he rose from his kneeling position and turned around, only to be met with Annie's icy expression piercing through him.

Despite her attempt to appear cold, the shimmering stars in her large orange eyes betrayed her curiosity, flitting back and forth between Desmond's pocket and the lifeless body nearby. The fleeting moment of curiosity quickly dissipated as she realized her young master was observing her intently, causing her eyes to regain their usual calmness.

Amusement danced in Desmond's eyes as he observed her actions. Annie possessed a breathtaking beauty, yet she lacked the audacity to question him or boldly fix her gaze on his actions. Perhaps he had grown accustomed to Laura's audacious behavior, momentarily forgetting the expected decorum of a subordinate.

"Let's head back," Desmond declared, satisfaction lacing his voice as he nodded approvingly. He had already granted Annie the privilege of witnessing the absorption process, but that did not mean he was obligated to explain every detail of his abilities.

As Desmond made his way back to where the soldier had collapsed, he was taken aback by an unexpected sight. "Huh? Who are you?" The soldier, who should have remained unconscious, now stood before him, sword unsheathed. He appeared unchanged, as if no fainting spell had ever befallen him.

A time loop? Desmond's mind raced with bewildered thoughts as he scrutinized the soldier's entire being, his eyes filled with curiosity. In response to Desmond's actions, the soldier raised his voice, preparing for battle with a wariness that could not conceal his confusion. "In the name of the kingdom, reveal your identity!"

What? Desmond was dumbfounded. Why did the soldier question his identity despite standing so close to him? Did he erase the soldier's memories of their journey as well? He turned back and locked his gaze on Annie, who frowned while observing the soldier.

I would never dare to, young master. Annie's voice echoed in Desmond's mind through their magical connection, her tone filled with sincerity and loyalty.

Both Desmond and Annie found themselves perplexed by the soldier's behavior. As the ticking of time persisted, the soldier cautiously took a step forward, his reddened hands and feet betraying the emergence of countless visible veins.

"Enough with the jest, uncle. Have you truly forgotten my face?" Desmond spoke, taking a step forward so that the soldier could fully witness his presence, their bodies no longer concealed by the enveloping shadows of the trees.

"Ohhh, it's you, young master!" The soldier immediately lowered his weapon, his voice now brimming with politeness. Yet, his expression swiftly changed, and he once again fixed a piercing glare upon them. "What brings you to this restricted area, young master? Please refrain from wandering around."

Relieved by the soldier's recognition, Desmond breathed a sigh of relief. He was not afraid of enemies, specters, or otherworldly creatures. However, the manipulation of time held a different kind of terror. It was a realm where he could perish without understanding how, only to encounter his own clones at a later point in time.

Imagining clones of his own intellect plotting against each other sent shivers down his spine.

"No, that's not the case. We were engaged in a sparring session, and you lost consciousness, collapsing onto the ground. As a result, I strolled around this vicinity, patiently awaiting your awakening," Desmond nonchalantly responded, continuing to forge ahead instead of hastily exiting the area.

Without giving the soldier a chance to retort, Desmond swiftly countered, his voice laced with confidence, "If you doubt my words, you may inspect the ground where we engaged in our spar. It remains in disarray, with strands of your own hair strewn about."

As soon as the words left Desmond's lips, he and his maid quickly distanced themselves from the dumbfounded soldier, who turned his attention towards the cracked ground beside him. Several minutes later, Desmond finally reached his carriage, only to be interrupted once again before he could board.

"Hel...lo... De...s...mond," Diana's voice trembled as she approached, accompanied by a soldier who kept his head lowered in embarrassment. Desmond turned his head to acknowledge her, offering a faint smile. He remembered well her previous anger, triggered by his failure to address her with the expected formality, unlike his mother.

True to his recollection, Diana's hair fell forward as her disappointed expression became evident. She tremulously raised her head and attempted to meet Desmond's gaze. "Umm... can... we... talk for a moment?" she asked, nervously biting her lower lip.

Internally, Desmond let out a grunt of annoyance. Her hesitant speech and fumbling manner irritated him, particularly since he was in a rush to absorb the energy. "I apologize, Miss Diana. I'm feeling rather fatigued after my stroll through this area and desire some rest. If you don't mind, perhaps we could discuss this matter another time?" he replied, his words dripping with feigned courtesy.

However, his response immediately earned him a glare from the soldier standing behind Diana.

Hmm, a mere soldier dares to cast such eyes upon me, Desmond thought, his gaze turning cold as he locked eyes with the soldier. In an instant, the soldier felt as if his consciousness was being drawn into a mysterious black void. In the center of this void, Desmond's slitted eyes hovered, peering into his very soul. Trembling, the soldier unconsciously took a step backward.

When he snapped back to reality, his face had turned pallid.

With shaky eyes, he attempted to look at Desmond once more, but fear took hold, causing him to swiftly lower his head. "Please forgive my rudeness, young master!" the soldier shouted, startling Diana, who stood in front of him.

She glared at him momentarily before turning her head towards Desmond and uttering, "Oooo...kay, Desmond. See you tomor...row." Her lower lip, now bleeding from her anxious biting, she hurriedly retreated to her carriage, her fists clenched so tightly that her nails pierced her palms, unknowingly leaving a trail of blood in front of Desmond.

Meanwhile, Desmond paid no mind to the soldier's apologies or Diana's departure. He casually turned away, emitting a derisive snort, before grasping the door handle. "Know your place. Consider yourself lucky to still be breathing," he asserted, his words laden with a warning.

Once inside the carriage, Annie, who had been faithfully following him, addressed the soldier with a different tone, accompanied by a cold stare, causing the soldier to wince at her words.

"Yes, ma'am," he muttered wryly, turning away to offer an explanation to his young lady, acknowledging the boundaries that had been crossed.