I squeezed my fingers, feeling the hard skin of the calluses on the pads. These were not the hands of a simple aristocrat, they were the hands of a fighter.
How did I end up in this situation? I was just sitting at home watching a movie.
Then why the fuck did I end up in the body of a bastard from a novel?
In the book, Elian was almost the strongest in the academy, his sharp mind and strong abilities put him in first place among the freshmen. And he was a brutal killer, probably I won't even be able to name all his sins.
Yes, he was stronger than the main character, he was literally invincible. But unfortunately for him, the main character develops much faster than ordinary people.
In the second semester, he was killed during a group assignment, the battle with the main character lasted for quite a long time, but in the end, the main character won.
After healing his wounds with the artifact, he returned to the group as if nothing had happened.
Ellian was considered missing.
Of course, the main character faced very disastrous consequences.
Are you bored? In fact, I described everything superficially. The author described the emotions and actions of the characters well, even such a typical villain as Ellian was a very interesting character.
In this world, there were demons who planned to exterminate all humans and suck out all the energy of the planet.
And you know who led them? Of course, the Demon King.
No matter how funny the plot was, everything in the book was much more dynamic and emotional. I think that's why she was one of my favorites.
The novel didn't come out until the end, so I have no idea the ending of this story. But what I do know is that at the end of the sixth volume, the Demon King awakened.
I struggled off the couch and went back to the mirror. The reflection didn't change, and I also saw an arrogant, icy face. I tried to change my expression, soften my gaze, and raise my eyebrows in disbelief. The facial muscles responded sluggishly, with a slight delay, as if resisting. It was terrible.
"Okay, Ellian" I said to my reflection, "Or whoever's in that head now. We need to come to an agreement. We need to survive"
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't replace Ellian, he was a genius. His thought process and knowledge cannot be copied. I'm not even a match for him.
*knock* - my actions were interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in" I replied casually.
The doors slid open noiselessly. A butler in black formal attire stood in the doorway.
"Young Master" his voice was impersonal and respectful, "His Excellency the Count requires your presence in his office. Immediately"
My heart sank. Father. The Golden Count, Dacville de Melloeur, is one of the most dangerous people in this world.
Instinct... that damn instinct again made my back straighten and my chin rise. But I didn't panic, this body neutralized any emotion in front of people.
"I'm coming" a dead voice passed through his lips.
The butler nodded silently and led me through the luxurious corridors. Swords on the walls, portraits of harsh ancestors, vases with unknown exotic flowers, everything flashed by the corner of my eye.
But despite the outward coldness, my mind was working feverishly. Why did the Count need me? Is it because of the baron? Or something else?
"We have come, young master" the butler said respectfully and walked away from the door.
With a mental sigh, I raised my hand and knocked three times.
After a short silence, I heard a cold voice say, "Come in"
I opened the door and looked around the office. The interior was decorated in cold, metallic tones, steel panels on the walls, silver additions on the furniture, even the air seemed sterile and cool.
He was sitting at a huge table made of dark wood.
Dacville de Melloeur didn't look old, he looked eternal. His white hair, like mine, was cropped short, and his face was impassive, with features as sharp as his son's, but as if carved from the granite of experience. His eyes were emotionless and cold as they analyzed the object in front of him.
"Ellian" he said. The voice would have been quiet, but it filled the entire office space.
"Father" I bowed my head exactly as much as was customary, no more and no less.
"Isabella was here," the count stated, putting down his pen. She expressed... concern about the disaster at Baron Lumer's estate"
I forced myself to meet his gaze: "The world is full of coincidences, Father. Sad accidents"
"That's right" he tilted his head slightly, as if agreeing, "However, some accidents attract unnecessary attention. Noise interferes with work, son"
He paused, letting the words sink in: "Your zeal... is commendable. But the scalpel should be sharp and inconspicuous. You acted like a hammer, effective but loud"
It wasn't a reprimand. It was... a strategy adjustment. The father did not condemn the essence of the act, only its execution.
"I understand" I said in the right voice.
"...I hope so" the count replied, "Because you will soon have a more subtle task ahead of you. You're going to the Imperial Academy in a week. Not only the young aristocrats will be there, but also the eyes and ears of all the influential houses. Including..."-he paused-"... those who are watching our house with special attention. Your behavior must be impeccable. Inquisitive when necessary, cold if necessary. No 'accidents" in this area. You are the future of our house, don't forget that"
"I won't forget" I said.
The count nodded, his gaze swept over me, as if assessing the instrument, and returned to the papers.
"By the way, your mother has brought news for you. I won't talk about it, I promised to keep quiet. She's in the garden now, find her and talk to her," the count said without looking up from his papers"
The audience was over.
After leaving the office, my body automatically led me into the garden.
A cold shiver ran down my spine. I knew what the news was.
The engagement…