Chapter -6 Onset of a cursed life (1/2)

Empire of Souls Keriv136 46990K 2022-07-21

Aleksandros grew up well enough, and his parents showered him with love despite his inability to respond to that love. Though his parents found him to be strange and his actions to be unnatural for a young child, they did their best to understand his temperament.

For the most part, their young child did not act as a normal child should. He never cried or complained, and there was never so much as a smile that graced his face. He didn't laugh or play like other children, and in his eyes shone a solemn intelligence that did not fit his age.

Nevertheless, this did not deter his parents from their affection towards him.

'I suppose I should feel guilty, but I must keep my guard up. Regardless of their love and kindness, it is only a fleeting thing. It will hopefully be over soon so that I do not need to feel anymore.'

This was all the consideration that Aleksandros could give them. He knew that it was only a matter of time, that eventually his cursed fate would ruin the peace and serenity of this household.

One might think themselves lucky to be born into a noble house, and Aleksandros' parents were nobles of great power within the Alsworn Kingdom. Their territory and wealth was immense, enough to provide for a luxurious and comfortable lifestyle that was like a fantasy to most.

While Aleksandros had only been alive for a few years, it was enough for him to learn a few things in passing. Being that he had been too young, it wasn't easy for him to learn anything of importance about the state of the world he had been born into.

However, once he was able to walk, he would attempt to learn whatever he could just to alleviate some of the boredom of living. Books were difficult to come by though, due to his small size, and it wasn't as if he could just ask for them. It was only recently that he was able to acquire a few in secret and glean some information from them. Mostly, what was written was nonsense but there were a few interesting reads.

Being only at the age of five, it would be strange for a child to be seen reading historical texts and other such informative works. However, he was somewhat interested in the state of the current world he was in and how much time had passed since his last reincarnation. This wasn't necessarily an easy task to find out because who knew how much time had passed since he last lived? His memories from his past lives were also disappearing as he grew with age and if there were no points of reference, it would be difficult to determine the amount of years since then.

Not only that, but how much the world had developed, or perhaps even how much it had regressed was also of some interest to him.

Thankfully, his parents being nobles, had a rather large library. Unfortunately, it was difficult for him to openly access the books in the library and he had to act in secret in most cases, which limited how much he could learn in a short period of time. It didn't help that he was constantly followed around by maids and his own personal servant, Brock.

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”Young master, it is time for your noon meal. After your meal, you will receive instruction in basic reading and writing as well as basic arithmetic. Your parents have spent quite a considerable sum in hiring a respectable teacher. You must show diligence in your studies!” A male servant that appeared to be approaching middle age, called out to Aleksandros with some urgency.

He was wearing a traditional butler outfit and had a certain reserved and dignified air about him. This was none other than Aleksandros' personal servant, Brock. He was a handsome and well mannered man who was well learned among the servants and had been beside Aleksandros since his birth, having taken care of many of his needs.

Aleksandros showed little emotion in response to Brock, but he was sighing deeply in his mind as he continued to reflect on the lack of knowledge available to him. The education standards of this world and time period were extremely low. There was nothing for him to learn and he just didn't care enough to show much initiative in his studies. If he stood out, he would only be pestered to no end. He wasn't sure how much longer he would be alive and there were times when he even considering just ending it.

Despite holding back, he was already considered to be somewhat of a genius because of how fast those around him perceived his learning ability was. Of course, the truth was, he was already much better educated than any other. There were most likely very few even in the entire world who could match his intellect.

Other than this, he was also quite frustrated by how underdeveloped the current world seemed to be. In his original lifetime, his world had been much more advanced technologically than this one. In the reincarnations that he lived, he never retained his former memories while he was living those lives so the lack of amenities wasn't an issue. With his memories somehow being retained this time around, it was a nuisance.

Although, he had to admit that the existence of magic within the world brought its own flair and usefulness. He felt it still couldn't compare with the luxuries afforded through technological advancement though.

'I suppose I shouldn't complain too much. My family's castle is considered to be luxurious for this time period, and it's not as if I lack for any of my basic needs. Much better than being born into poverty, but how long will this truly last?'

”Young master, are you listening? Your parents are waiting for you in the dining hall.”

Brock was impatiently motioning for Aleksandros to follow him. He could only lament the fact that his young master was such a strange child. He still cared deeply for him, having helped raise him since he was only a baby. He also found pride in how intelligent his young master was and could foresee a truly wondrous future for him.

'Ah, if only his personality was just a bit more normal.'

”Let's go.” Said Aleksandros emotionlessly.