The days that followed that morning were strange. I was living the life of a child again, but my mind carried the weight of years of rule, battles, and betrayal. It was like wearing a tight garment on a giant's body. I had to learn how to move and breathe in this small frame once more.
I treated my parents with a gentleness I didn't remember before. I watched them, listened to their conversations, trying to recall every small detail of my early life. My memories of that time were hazy, covered in the dust of the years I had spent climbing towards power.
At first, it was mere curiosity. I was testing the limits of this small body, rediscovering the simple pleasures I had almost forgotten: the taste of the sweets my mother used to make, the warmth of her embrace, the stories my father would tell before bed. But soon, this curiosity transformed into a more serious goal.
I began to observe the village with different eyes. It was no longer just a quiet place inhabited by simple folk. Now, I saw in it the seed of the world I would one day rule. I was searching for the characters who would play important roles in my future, whether they were allies or enemies.
I remember the village elder well, the portly man with the thick mustache who was always smiling and shaking hands with everyone. In my past life, I had only seen him as a weak and easily swayed man, but now I recalled that he possessed hidden influence and strong connections with the nobles in the nearby large city. Perhaps he could be exploited later.
Then there was the old blacksmith, a strong-built man with a piercing gaze. I remembered that he was skilled in crafting weapons and armor, and he had provided valuable services to the royal army in the future. Perhaps I should build a relationship with him early on.
The other children in the village were also of interest to me. I observed their interactions, their personalities, and their abilities. I remembered some of them who would become leaders, generals, or even traitors in the future. I had to determine who deserved attention and who should be ignored.
In the early days, I contented myself with observing and remembering. I was trying to draw a mental map of my future, taking into account every detail I could recall. My memory of the future was frighteningly clear, like an open book before me. I knew the major and minor events that would occur, the decisions people would make, and the consequences that would follow.
But knowledge alone was not enough. I needed to act, to start shaping my future. But how could a ten-year-old child do that?
I started with small steps. I used my knowledge of upcoming events to influence the small things in my daily life. For example, I remembered that the neighbors' cow would fall seriously ill within a few weeks. I advised my father to warn them, and indeed, they managed to save the cow thanks to this early warning.
These small successes gave me a sense of satisfaction and power. I saw how my knowledge of the future could give me an advantage over others.
I also began to develop my skills. I spent hours reading books in the small village library. I read about history, politics, economics, and philosophy. I absorbed knowledge like a sponge, knowing that every piece of information I acquired would be valuable in the future.
I also practiced strategic thinking. I played board games with my father, but I no longer played like a child. I thought about every move, anticipated my opponent's actions, and devised complex plans to win. My father was amazed by my increasing intelligence in the game.
In addition, I started to develop my social skills. I talked to the people in the village, listened to their problems, and offered them advice. I was learning how to persuade them, how to gain their trust, and how to manipulate them skillfully.
It was like playing a giant game of chess, where every person in the village was a piece on the board. I studied their movements, planned my next moves, knowing that I would eventually be able to control the entire game.
One day, while I was wandering through the market, I saw a familiar figure. He was a tall man with black hair and sharp eyes. He wore simple clothes, but there was an aura of power and charisma surrounding him.
This was Lord Arkadius, the nobleman who would later become my strongest ally (and my most deadly enemy) in my past life. I remembered our first meeting well. I was an ambitious young man, and he was a powerful noble looking for new allies. He was impressed by my intelligence and ambition, and he took me under his wing.
Now, he was still young, perhaps in his early twenties. He was negotiating with a merchant over the price of some goods. His manner of speaking was confident and assertive, despite his young age.
I felt a strong urge to speak to him. I knew he would be a pivotal figure in my future. Perhaps I could start building a relationship with him early on.
I hesitated at first. Would it be strange for a child to approach a nobleman and speak to him? But then I remembered that I was no longer just a child. I was Rain Vicker, the man who had ruled a kingdom.
I approached him slowly, waiting until he finished his conversation with the merchant. Then I said in a clear voice, "Lord Arkadius, is that not you?"
Lord Arkadius looked at me in surprise. "Yes. Do I know you, little one?"
"My name is Rain Vicker. I live in this village."
"Rain Vicker… a fine name." He looked me over with scrutiny. "What do you want from me?"
"I was listening to your conversation with the merchant. You seem like a shrewd businessman."
Lord Arkadius smiled faintly, but this time it held a hint of amusement. "Thank you, little one. But I doubt you understand much about business."
"Perhaps I don't understand much about big business, but I understand the value of things. And I believe you got a good deal."
Lord Arkadius seemed interested. "And why do you say that?"
I calmly explained to him how the price he had paid was lower than the true value of the goods, taking into account their quality and rarity.
Lord Arkadius looked at me with appreciation. "You are truly a clever child. I wouldn't have expected to hear such an analysis from a boy your age."
"I enjoy learning," I said simply.
"Well, Rain Vicker. It seems you have a bright future ahead of you." He placed his hand on my head and ruffled my hair affectionately. "Perhaps I shall see you again."
Then he turned and left, leaving me standing in the market feeling a small victory. I had planted the first seed in my relationship with Lord Arkadius. I knew this relationship would be complex and full of conflicts in the future, but I was confident that I would be able to steer it to my advantage this time.
That night, before I went to sleep, I looked at the stars from my bedroom window. The sky was clear and bright, and the stars twinkled like diamonds on a black cloth.
I remembered my past life, my rise and fall. I felt grateful for this second chance. I wouldn't waste it.
I would build my future carefully and deliberately. I would use everything I had learned in my past life to become stronger and more influential than ever before.
I would be the villain no one expected. The villain who knew every step his enemies would take. The villain who would show no mercy.
I smiled as I imagined the future. The image was dark and frightening, but it was also alluring and full of possibilities.
I was Rain Vicker, and I had returned. And this world… would witness my rise once more. But this time, my story would be different. It would be the tale of the villain who ultimately triumphed.
This was just the beginning. It was just a small seed of ambition that had been planted in the heart of a child. But this seed would grow into a dark and colossal tree, casting its shadow over the entire world. And I was the one who would water and protect this tree.
I knew the path ahead would be long and arduous. But I was ready for anything that would come. Because I carried within me the memory of the future, and an insatiable desire for power.
And no one would stop me this time.
Rain Vicker - Contract of the Young Lord
"I have information that can make you wealthy."
My words landed like a stone thrown into a still pond. Lord Arkadius's face flickered with surprise, curiosity, and skepticism. He was a young nobleman, accustomed to hearing flattery and requests, but such a proposition from a ten-year-old boy was certainly unexpected.
"Indeed?" he asked, leaning forward slightly, his sharp eyes scrutinizing me. "And what is this information?"
"There's a new silver mine in the northern territories. But the trade route isn't safe," I repeated confidently. I knew this information alone wouldn't be enough to convince him, but it was a good start.
Lord Arkadius raised his left eyebrow, a gesture I remembered well from my past life; it meant he was thinking seriously. "The northern territories are vast. Can you be more specific?"
I pointed my small hand northwards. "Near a deserted village called 'Wolf's Dale'. I overheard some merchants talking about it in the market." Of course, "overheard" wasn't the right word. I had already lived through these events, but there was no need to reveal that now.
"Wolf's Dale…" Lord Arkadius murmured, rubbing his chin. "I know the place. I've heard some rumors about minerals there, but no one has confirmed them."
"It's pure silver, my Lord. In large quantities. But the problem lies with the bandits who control the area. They've attacked several caravans recently."
"That's true. I've heard about that too." Lord Arkadius seemed more interested now. "But what makes you so sure about the value of this mine?"
"I have reliable sources," I repeated simply. "And I can offer you a plan to secure the trade route."
Lord Arkadius smiled faintly, but this time there was a hint of admiration in his expression. "You are truly an unusual child, Rain Vicker. A plan? Do you have a plan already?"
"Yes, I do." I began to explain my plan, using my knowledge of the region's terrain and the bandits' weaknesses. I suggested establishing watchpoints along the route, recruiting a group of trained guards, and forming an alliance with some of the nomadic tribes who lived in the area.
As I spoke, Lord Arkadius listened with rapt attention, only interrupting me occasionally to ask clarifying questions. I could see in his eyes that he was beginning to be convinced by what I was saying. This wasn't just the rambling of a foolish child. I was speaking with a confidence and knowledge far beyond my years.
When I finished explaining my plan, Lord Arkadius was silent for a moment, then said slowly, "This is a surprisingly detailed and well-thought-out plan. I wouldn't have expected it from a boy your age."
"I study things carefully before I speak," I replied with feigned modesty.
"Well, Rain Vicker. You have piqued my interest. What do you want in return?"
"I want a share of the profits from this mine," I said directly. There was no need for beating around the bush.
"A share?" Lord Arkadius raised his eyebrow again. "How much exactly?"
"Ten percent."
Lord Arkadius was silent once more, this time for a longer period. He was thinking hard about it. Ten percent was a significant portion for a child who had done nothing but provide information and a plan. But he probably also realized that this information and plan were of considerable value.
Finally, he said, "Ten percent… that's a lot. But I am impressed by your intelligence and ambition. I will agree to it, provided your plan proves effective."
"It will prove effective," I said confidently. I knew it would.
Lord Arkadius shook my hand, his large hand completely engulfing my small one. "Then we have a deal. Now, tell me more about these 'reliable sources' you have."
We talked for hours after that. I explained everything I remembered about the mine, the trade route, and the bandits. I gave him the names of some of the leaders, a description of their hideouts, and even some of the tactics they used in their attacks.
Lord Arkadius listened intently, recording every word I said in his mind. I could see that he was beginning to trust me, not just as a clever child, but as a valuable source of information.
In the following days, Lord Arkadius began to implement my plan. He recruited a group of skilled guards, sent spies to scout the area, and started reaching out to the nomadic tribes. I advised and guided him at every step, using my knowledge of the future to anticipate problems and avoid mistakes.
It wasn't always easy. We faced some skepticism and resistance from some of Lord Arkadius's aides, who were suspicious of a child giving them orders. But Lord Arkadius trusted me, and he defended me every time.
Over time, our plan began to bear fruit. The trade route was successfully secured, and caravans of silver began to arrive in the city without any problems. Lord Arkadius's trade flourished, and he began to amass a considerable fortune.
He kept his promise, and I received my share of the profits. It wasn't a large amount of money at the moment, but it was a good start. It was the first brick in my future empire.
More importantly, I gained something even more valuable than money: the trust of Lord Arkadius. He had seen for himself that my information was accurate and that my plans were effective. He began to look at me not just as a clever child, but as a valuable partner.
I could see in his eyes a look of respect, appreciation, and even a little bit of awe. He was realizing that there was something extraordinary about me.
As we celebrated the success of the first silver caravan to reach the city, Lord Arkadius looked at me and said seriously, "Rain, you are no ordinary child. You possess an intelligence and insight far beyond your years. I am glad I listened to you."
I smiled faintly. "Thank you, my Lord. But this is just the beginning."
"I know," Lord Arkadius replied, smiling in turn. "I have a feeling we will achieve great things together."
In that moment, I felt a subtle power growing within me. It wasn't the power of magic or physical strength, but the power of influence and manipulation. I could affect the decisions of someone as powerful as Lord Arkadius, and guide him towards my goals.
I knew this was just a small first step on a long and arduous path. But I was confident that I would reach the top eventually. I would use all my knowledge, intelligence, and cunning to achieve my ambitions.
I was no longer that frightened child who had fallen from the abyss. I was Rain Vicker, and I had returned to reclaim what I had lost, and more. I would build an empire stronger and more terrifying than ever before. And I would let no one stand in my way.
In the quiet nights, I would sit alone and think about my future. I would imagine myself sitting on a magnificent throne, ruling a world that trembled in fear of my name. This image filled me with a sense of satisfaction and power.
I knew I would have to make difficult decisions, and that I would stain my hands with blood once more. But I no longer cared. I had tasted the power, and I couldn't resist its allure.
I would be the villain no one saw coming. The villain who started his life anew, armed with the knowledge of the future and an unyielding determination.
And the world… would witness my rise. This time, my story would be a legend. The legend of the villain who ultimately ruled everything.
I was aware that there were many obstacles to overcome, and many enemies to eliminate. But I was not afraid of the challenge. I enjoyed the game. The game of power and influence.
And I knew I would win. In the end, it is the villain who writes history.