I'm so screwed," he muttered.
"This isn't cosplay. This is plot-hell."
Andrea stared at his reflection in the tall well structured mirror, eyes wide and unblinking. His silky silver hair shimmered under the chandelier's glow, draped in unfamiliar royal robes with golden linings. He looked like a character straight out of a Webnovel… because he was.
He rubbed his temples, groaning as the realization hit again. He wasn't just in any novel. No. He had transmigrated into The Crimson Throne, the chaotic, angst-ridden, emotionally tormenting BL story he had stayed up all night reading.
And worst of all? He wasn't Reniel. He wasn't Sebathine nor was he Alistair, talk more of being Alaric.
He was Lucian throne,the subordinate of the royal tutor, a meek background noble boy who appeared in, what, like three chapters total?
"What the hell, at least am good looking" Lucian said smirking.
A knock from the door interrupted his thoughts
"My lord, what's wrong? You have been staring at your own reflection for some time now" the servant said with a shaking voice.
Lucian turned slowly, the smirk melting into a deadpan stare. The young servant stood awkwardly at the doorway, holding a silver tray with what looked like warm tea and honeyed bread.
"Hmmm, Nothing" Lucian said adjusting his embroidered gold robe.
"Any ways, what's your name" Lucian said with a smile trying to know if it will calm the worried servant down.
"My name is Erin, my lord" the servant replied.
"Erin." Lucian repeated it like he was trying to taste how the name felt in his mouth. "Nice. I'll remember that…"
Erin looked down awkwardly, shifting his weight from foot to foot.
There was a beat of silence, and Lucian sighed.
"Hmmmm, are you going to stand there forever or are you coming inside" Lucian said jokingly.
"Sorry, my lord," the servant muttered, quickly stepping inside, cheeks flushed pink with embarrassment. He placed the tray carefully on the polished table near the window, stealing glances at Lucian every few seconds like he wasn't sure whether to bow again or just vanish.
Lucian stifled a chuckle. At least someone's more confused than I am.
"The bath has been drawn, my lord. The water is warm and scented with elder blossoms just the way you like it . Would you like me to assist you?" Erin said.
Lucian raised a brow. "No need to babysit me, Erin. I still know how to bathe myself..."
"Okay, my lord if you'll excuse me, I'll go prepare your daywear," Erin said, already stepping back toward the door.
"Alright, my good man " Lucian replied.
Once the door clicked shut, silence settled again. Lucian glanced at the tea, then shrugged and walked toward the adjoining bathing chamber.
The air was thick with steam and floral scent as he entered, the marble floor cool under his feet. The tub was a generous size, filled with perfectly warm water that shimmered in the light filtering through the stained-glass windows. Pink petals floated on the surface like a delicate offering.
He dipped a toe in first because who wouldn't after transmigrating into an unknown world and then sank slowly into the water, a long sigh escaping him as the heat embraced his tired body.
"This is the life," he murmured. "No nine-to-five. No bills. Just velvet sheets, servants, and a bath fit for a god."
He rested his head against the edge of the tub, letting his thoughts wander. "The original Lucian throne might be a side character but at least he isn't poor and he has all these servants to do his little bidding, so all I have to do is adapt, live and a way to leave this damn novel".
After bathing, he let Erin dress him in something light cream silk tunic with a high collar, laced at the cuffs, and a belt of polished rosewood leather. The outfit was simple by noble standards, but still screamed I don't work for a living.
Lucian didn't feel like spending the whole day inside a palace that didn't yet feel like home but more like a decorated prison.
So he gave Erin the slip not entirely. He told him to prepare a few things, waved off the offer of an escort, and slipped out through the side gate.
The city was... breathtaking.
The streets of Elaris was filled with hawkers, nobles, and street performers.
The air smelled of honey cakes and roasted chestnuts, tinged with the sharp bite of horse sweat and rose oil. Everything looked like it had stepped out of a fantasy painting which, technically, it had.
Lucian wandered like a lost tourist, pausing to admire an enchanted puppet show, then letting himself be dragged into a tailor's shop where a flirtatious boy insisted he'd look divine in navy. He bought a spiced pastry from a street vendor warm, flaky, sugary and then a notebook from a quiet bookstore tucked under an ivy arch. Something about the soft parchment made him feel more like himself.
By the time the sun began to dip and the shadows grew longer, Lucian made his way back toward the palace, his mood light and his head clearer.
Maybe, just maybe, he could enjoy this world for a bit.
He stepped through the quiet side entrance, brushing dust from his sleeve. The halls smelled of lemon oil and freshly polished wood, a stark contrast to the earthy scent of cobbled streets and smoke.
Erin was waiting for him in the corridor composed, as always, but the slight crease between his brows didn't go unnoticed.
"My lord," Erin said with a respectful bow. "Welcome back. I trust your outing was refreshing?"
Lucian smiled slightly. "More than refreshing. I needed the air."
"I assumed so. However…" Erin stepped forward and raised a silver tray. "This arrived not long after you left. It's from the Everheart wing."
Lucian's smile faded as his eyes landed on the sealed envelope. Dark wax. The sigil of a sword entwined with flame.
He didn't take it right away.
Already?
Slowly, he reached for it, thumb brushing over the embossed crest before he cracked the seal open. The parchment inside was thick, expensive, and written in graceful strokes.
** Lord Lucian Throne,
You are cordially invited to the Elaris party as The royal tutor subordinate at the East Garden Pavilion, hosted by the royal family.
Your presence is not only requested but required.
At dusk.
— R. Everheart
Lucian read it twice.
He had no memory from the novel or otherwise of Lucian ever meeting anyone this early in the story. They weren't supposed to notice him. He wasn't supposed to matter, he is just a carefree subordinate.
Yet here he was, standing with a summons in hand from the most feared family in the Kingdom.
He looked up at Erin, voice quieter now. "Did anyone deliver this personally? And is it mandatory to attend the party?. Lucian asked
"Yes, my lord," Erin replied. "A knight of the royal family uniform. He waited until I acknowledged the letter. Then he left.
"It's mandatory to attend the party because you are the royal tutor subordinate, so of course u need to be present".
Lucian folded the paper neatly, but inside, his thoughts were unraveling.
So much for being a background character.
He handed the letter back to Erin.
"Well, it's just a party. Help me dress Erin" he said simply.