"Kairus! Wake up, love, we're going to be late!"
Eustass stirred, buried under a ridiculous amount of silk blankets. He groaned, rubbing his eyes. Morning light spilled into the room, way too bright for someone who still felt like he'd been hit by a truck. Or, in this case, a horse.
Elizabeth swept in like a storm of perfume and fabric, pulling the curtains wide.
"Up, up, up! We have to leave for your father's celebration in less than an hour. That means bath, breakfast, and looking presentable—now."
Eustass sat up slowly, squinting at her. "You know I literally woke up from a coma yesterday, right? Can't I just… not?"
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "No. Now move."
He sighed and dragged himself out of bed, muttering something under his breath that she thankfully didn't hear.
---
The bath was warm, steam curling into the air. He sank into the water, letting it soak into his skin, easing the stiffness in his muscles.
For a moment, it felt peaceful. Almost normal.
But his brain wouldn't stay quiet.
This is it, huh?
Second life.
A do-over.
He stared at the ripples in the water, remembering the moment the First Prince had betrayed him—the smug smile, the cold voice, the execution. His fists clenched under the surface.
"I don't care where you are," he whispered to himself. "I don't care if you're in the middle of the capital or at the edge of the kingdom. I'll find you."
His voice dropped lower, harsher.
"And when I do… you're done."
The water shifted as he stood and stepped out. He wiped the steam from the mirror and stared at the boy staring back.
Not Eustass the loyal advisor. Not the man who died believing in someone else's promise.
Now, just Kairus.
But Kairus had one goal.
He leaned closer to the mirror.
"I'm not dying again. Not until I make you pay."
The boy in the reflection didn't look intimidating yet. Small, thin, still too young. But his eyes—those were the same. Sharp. Determined. Dangerous.
A slow smirk tugged at his lips.
"This time, I write the ending."
---
Eustass stepped out of the bath, steam following him like a cloud. The towel sat low on his hips, the way grown men did it—not wrapped under his armpits like a kid just learning how to use one.
Elizabeth was right there in the hallway and froze mid-step.
"…Oh. Well, that's… new."
He raised a brow. "What?"
"I've just never seen you wear a towel like that," she said, narrowing her eyes playfully. "Is this… puberty?"
Eustass gave her a flat look. "…Sure. Let's say that."
She chuckled softly. "My little Kairus is growing up so fast. Even your walk feels different now."
Yeah, he thought, that's what getting betrayed and executed does to you.
Back in his room, his outfit was waiting on a stand.
He stopped, eyeing the fabric. It was deep navy with gold-thread embroidery, fine stitching, and a cut that screamed wealth.
He touched the sleeve. This isn't just nice. This is "invite-only royal event" nice.
As he slipped it on, he muttered to himself, "Guess Kairus's mom really knows how to save up."
He smirked faintly in the mirror. "Hmm… Kairus's mom is good."
A few minutes later, he stepped outside to wait for the carriage. The crisp air bit against his face.
The mansion doors opened, and a woman stepped out.
At first, he didn't recognize her. This wasn't the slightly tired, soft-looking Elizabeth from yesterday. Her hair was neatly styled, her gown a rich blue that brought out her eyes, and a touch of makeup lit up her features.
Whoa.
He blinked. So that's what happens when you take care of yourself. Not bad.
She caught him staring and walked over. "What? Is there something on my face?"
He hesitated. "…You're just beautiful… mom."
Elizabeth's eyes softened. "Oh, stop it, you'll make me blush."
"I'm serious," he said with a small shrug. "You clean up nice."
She smiled and lightly patted his cheek. "Well, I have to match my handsome son, don't I?"
---
They approached the carriage. Elizabeth grabbed the reins herself.
Eustass climbed in, glancing at her from the corner of his eye. She can afford this kind of outfit for me… but no driver?
Something about that didn't add up.
As the wheels began to roll and the forest road stretched ahead, the thought stayed with him.
---
The carriage rumbled along the dirt road, wheels creaking under the weight. Eustass leaned slightly forward.
"…Hey, why don't we have a driver?"
Elizabeth glanced at him, her lips curling into an innocent smile. "Because… we can't afford one."
"Oh… okay." He nodded slowly, leaning back in his seat.
Maybe she's just saving money. Not a bad thing. She doesn't strike me as the type to blow gold on random junk… but still, she could've gotten me a regular outfit instead of this luxury banquet fit. Kinda weird.
He let out a small sigh, adjusting in his seat. Without thinking, he crossed one leg over the other, posture straight, chin up—pure noble etiquette from his past life slipping in naturally.
---
A few hours passed. The forest thinned, replaced by cobblestone roads.
Eustass peered out the window, his brow furrowing. "…Is it just me, or does this place look familiar?"
They passed a wide bridge flanked by old stone statues. His eyes widened.
No way.
"This is… Velmont Crossing."
He sat back, gaslighting himself. Okay, so maybe my father's house is somewhere in the capital. Maybe he's just a high-ranking noble. Yeah. That makes sense.
---
Few days rolled by until the carriage slowed. Eustass leaned out—and froze.
They weren't just in the capital. They were at the palace.
The same palace where he had spent half his life working as the First Prince's right hand.
"…What are we doing here?" he asked carefully.
Elizabeth glanced at him as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I told you, it's your father's birthday."
So… my dad works here? he thought. What is he, like, the king's top general or something?
---
The carriage stopped at the grand front steps. Two royal guards stood at attention—and then, to his shock, they kneeled to Elizabeth.
Eustass blinked. Okay… that's kinda weird.
He knew every inch of this palace. Every guard post, every servant hallway. But he'd never seen this woman before yesterday, and now the guards were acting like she was royalty.
---
Inside, the air was cool, polished marble floors gleaming under the sunlight pouring from the high windows. And standing at the top of the grand staircase…
"Lady Elizabeth."
Eustass froze.
It was Edward—the king's butler. The man who had mentored him in his past life.
He descended the stairs with practiced elegance, bowing slightly. "The King requests to see you… and his son."
"…What?" Eustass muttered under his breath. Did I hear that right?
Elizabeth smiled warmly. "It's been too long, Edward. You're looking well."
"And you, my lady," Edward replied, his eyes softening. "I'm glad to see the young prince awake. We were all worried when he… fell into a coma"
Elizabeth's gaze softened, resting on Eustass. "He's stronger than he looks."
Prince? Eustass thought, his heart pounding. As in… son of the king?
Edward gestured toward the throne room doors. "The King is waiting."
Eustass swallowed hard, his mind spinning. No. This has to be a mistake. There's no way—
The massive golden doors began to swing open, the sound echoing through the marble hall