Chapter 4: Tea Parties, Secrets, and Shadows
Laughter echoed through the grand dining hall of House Morningstar, where my new family gathered around the long table. The scent of warm bread and roasted meat filled the air, mingling with the soft clinking of silverware and the cheerful banter between siblings and servants alike. It was one of those rare peaceful mornings that made this world seem almost like a dream.
Father leaned back in his chair, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips as he recounted stories from his youth at the Hero Academy—where both he and Mother had trained. I listened quietly, intrigued. According to him, when we turned sixteen, we too would attend the academy and be cut off from the outside world for four long years. A strange rule, but apparently tradition.
After breakfast, Father stood, brushing crumbs from his coat. "I'll be heading out to inspect the dungeon discovered near the border. The Empire suspects there are mana stones—perhaps even an S-rank monster corpse," he said. I caught a glint in his eye; he was excited. Mana stones were considered as valuable as gold here. And S-rank monster remains? Practically priceless on the black market.
Meanwhile, Mother decided to take me and my younger brother Alex shopping in the capital, and later to a tea party hosted by the Blackheart family. I had no idea what to expect—"tea party" sounded like drinking tea and gossiping, which it turned out... it basically was. High-ranking noblewomen chatted while us children were left to play.
Alex ran off with the other children, laughing freely. "Brother, come join us!" he called.
But I stayed seated, lost in thought. My mind wandered, not just to my former life—the life of a legendary hitman—but to this body I now inhabited. Children in this world typically awakened their mana between five and eight years old. I had one year left... or so everyone thought. Because unlike them, MC of this novel has already awakened. He already have the power—no, the system—lurking beneath his skin.
Yet, when I tried saying "System" or "Status" like in those countless novels I'd read back in my old world, nothing happened. Did I need to wait for my formal mana awakening? Or… was something different about me?
And what about the original owner of this body? From the moment I was born—or rather, when he was born—he never moved, never opened his eyes. Only survived thanks to mana circulation and advanced medical magic. Why?
Before I could untangle the mystery, a girl stepped in front of me.
She was around my age, with striking crimson-red hair and matching eyes. I'd seen her playing with Alex moments ago. Her name echoed in my memory—Rebecca Blackheart. The daughter of Max Blackheart, Commander of the Vineta Knights, and an old friend of my father.
"So, you're Liam?" she asked, tilting her head. "You look... thin."
I blinked. "...Thanks?"
She crossed her arms. "You know, you're unfit to be king. Or my husband."
What?!
I choked on my breath. "What are kids these days being taught? Marriage? We just met!"
"I'm just stating facts," she said, smirking.
"Rebecca! Are you causing trouble again?" her mother's voice rang from across the garden.
"I'm not bothering him!" she huffed, cheeks pink. Then, just before walking away, she leaned closer and whispered:
"Save yourself, Liam."
What...?
By the time I processed her words, she was already chasing after Alex and the other children. "Save myself"? From what?
The ride back from Blackheart Manor was quiet. Alex slept beside me, exhausted, and I debated whether to ask Mother about Rebecca's words. But I didn't want to worry her.
"Is something bothering you, Liam?" Mother asked softly.
I faked a smile. "No, nothing, Mother. I'm fine."
She narrowed her eyes, amused. "You've only been awake for a month and already you're hiding things from your mother?"
I sighed. "Okay... you caught me."
I told her everything I was feeling—how I wanted to play with the other children, how I longed to practice swordsmanship or learn magic. I understood my body was weak, but I didn't want to stay fragile forever.
Her eyes welled up. "Oh, my sweet Liam... You've already grown up so much."
"I just want to try, Mother," I whispered. "Even a little."
She cupped my cheek, her voice trembling. "I waited seven years for you to wake up. Seven long years. I was so scared you'd never open your eyes. I only wanted to keep you safe—to let you live a peaceful, normal childhood."
I wanted to cry, but I held it in. For her. For myself. The warmth of a mother's love—something I never knew in my past life—was a powerful thing.
When we arrived back at the palace, Father was finishing a tense meeting with imperial officials. He smiled when he saw us, masking whatever pressure the discussion had brought.
"So, Liam, how was the tea party?" he asked.
"Boring," I replied honestly.
He laughed. "Boring? Try attending council meetings. That's why I always skipped tea parties. Your grandmother used to drag me to them hoping I'd meet a nice lady..."
A wave of cold swept through the hallway.
Mother was staring at him. "So why didn't you marry one of those girls?" she asked sweetly—but her tone was anything but.
"I—uh—I always knew your mother didn't like me," Father stammered, sweat forming on his brow.
She narrowed her eyes. "You said she forced you to attend to meet other women."
Alex, now awake, peeked out from behind me and muttered, "Looks like you've been caught, Dad."
Mother raised her hand, ice forming at her fingertips. "How many affairs, Karl?"
"I—YOU!" Father cried. "You're the only one! From the moment I met you at the Academy until now. My mother hated that I chose you, but I never cared. Because I love you."
Mother's face turned red as lava. "Wh-what are you saying? The children are watching!"
Father pulled her into a hug. Alex and I shared a look and rushed in to join them.
For a moment, everything felt perfect.
That night, over dinner, Father mentioned there would be a grand auction in Vineta City this weekend. He looked excited. Mother smiled warmly beside him. Alex, still tired, played lazily with his food until I helped him eat.
Later, I carried my brother to his room—his maid offered, but I insisted. It was my job as his big brother.
In my own room, I collapsed onto the bed and clenched my fist.
I had once been the greatest hitman in my world. But now... I was a child again. Weak. Thin. Forgotten. And the words Rebecca had whispered echoed endlessly in my mind.
"Save yourself, Liam."
I didn't know what fate awaited me, but one thing was certain.
I had to get stronger. No matter what.