Maelis POV...
Not again.
I opened my eyes slowly, a familiar heaviness pressing against my chest, as if fainting had become my new hobby. The first thing I noticed was warmth....gentle, trembling hands cupping my face.
"Maelis, what's happening, my darling?" the Queen's voice broke softly, filled with panic and care. She sat beside me on the bed, her fingers brushing my cheeks as her eyes scanned my face desperately, as if afraid I might disappear again.
Before I could respond, the King sat on my other side, his large hand rubbing my head in slow, comforting motions. "You keep fainting… you are worrying about us" he said gently, his brows knitted in concern.
I turned my head slightly, taking in the room.
My room.
It was crowded—maids standing anxiously near the walls, royal physicians whispering among themselves, all of them watching me like I was fragile glass about to shatter. Their eyes were full of worry.
And suddenly… something inside me cracked.
The King looked at me again. "Maelis, dear… did something happen to you?"
That was it.
I couldn't hold it anymore.
I sat up abruptly and hugged them....both of them....tight. My arms wrapped around their bodies as if they were the only thing anchoring me to this world. Tears spilled freely, soaking into expensive fabric that didn't belong to me, but the emotions did.
I cried like I hadn't allowed myself to cry in years.
After my father's accident… I missed him so much. But I never said it in front of Mom. I didn't want her to see me break. I pretended to be strong, pretended I was fine.
But I loved my father.
I loved my mother.
And right now… as long as I'm here....they are my parents too.
The Queen froze for a second before hugging me back, stroking my hair with trembling fingers. The King wrapped his arms around me firmly, as if shielding me from the world.
"It's okay… it's okay," he murmured.
I pulled back slightly, wiping my tears quickly, embarrassed yet unable to stop my voice from shaking. "Nothing happened to me," I said softly. "I'm fine. I was just… missing you both so much."
That was all it took.
The Queen broke down, hugging me again, and even the King's eyes shone suspiciously bright. Around us, maids sniffled quietly, and even the physicians looked away, moved by the scene.
In that moment, I made a vow.
I will protect them.
My parents. My kingdom. My people.
I will not let that so-called male protagonist ruin my happiness.
I will change the story.
I will rewrite the ending—no matter what.
But first… I had something to fix.
---
The next morning, I walked into the palace court to attend my classes.
The moment I stepped in, familiar faces turned toward me—the original owner's so-called allies. Boys my age, dressed in fine clothes, eyes filled with expectation… and cruelty.
"My lord," one of them rushed forward, grinning. "You were absent for so many days. We thought you were sick."
Another chimed in casually, like he was discussing breakfast. "You really missed beating Riven. Should we bring him here for you?"
…Excuse me?
I stared at them.
These kids are insane.
I straightened my posture and looked at them seriously. "I have an announcement to make."
They immediately stiffened, ready for orders.
"From now on," I said calmly, "we are real friends. No need to call me 'lord.' Call me Maelis."
Their mouths dropped open.
"And no one needs to be afraid of me," I continued. "One more thing....no bullying. Not Riven. Not anyone. Focus on your studies. Focus on your fighting skills."
Silence.
Pure, absolute silence.
They stared at me like I had grown a second head.
I turned and walked away before they could recover, leaving them frozen in place, expressions screaming Did we hear that wrong?
I smirked as I entered the classroom.
Kids… let me show you what intelligence really looks like.
Inside, students were already seated. My eyes immediately found Riven.
He sat quietly at his desk, wearing old clothes—fabric thin, patched, small holes visible near the sleeves. I clenched my jaw.
I knew this.
In the novel, Maelis ordered his belongings to be burned. And the allies gave him servant clothes.
Poor kid…
He doesn't deserve this.
But don't worry.
I'm here now.
I took my seat just as the others entered. Soon, the royal tutor arrived.....Tutor Albrecht, an elderly man with sharp eyes and a dignified posture.
We stood to greet him.
"Good morning," I said clearly.
The tutor froze.
His books nearly slipped from his hands.
I could practically hear his thoughts—Did the sun rise from the west today?
Class began.
And then… chaos.
Question after question, I answered effortlessly. Solving problems before others even finished reading them. Reciting poems with perfect pronunciation. Explaining concepts so smoothly that even Tutor Albrecht stared at me like I was possessed.
I wasn't bragging....okay, maybe a little....but this was child-level material.
I'm a 20-year-old college student.
Thanks to my mother....the professor who practically turned our house into a personal classroom.....I breezed through it like it was nothing.
The classroom was dead silent.
Mouths hung open.
Even Riven glanced at me briefly—just for a second....before lowering his eyes again.
I didn't care who was watching.
By the end of class, I stood up proudly and walked out.
Yes, it's funny.
A grown man competing with kids.
But hey.....
Survival comes first.