Chapter 5: A Morning with Family
A Morning with Family
The warm aroma of freshly baked bread and rich, spiced tea filled the grand dining hall as I sat at the long, polished table, my family seated around me. The morning sunlight streamed through the massive stained-glass windows, casting golden hues over the elegant dishes before us.
My mother, Seraphina, sat to my right, radiating grace and warmth, her beauty nearly unreal. My father, Valerian, sat at the head of the table, his sharp, piercing eyes constantly watching over us like a hawk. Across from me, Magnus and Alicia sat, their expressions unreadable—though I could feel their disdain.
It didn't matter.
I took a bite of the fluffy omelet before me, savoring the taste. It was a simple meal, but somehow, it felt like luxury. Maybe because, for the first time, I wasn't just some faceless reader looking in—I was truly here, part of this world.
Father, as usual, spoke first, his deep voice carrying authority. "Alicia, I've received another proposal for your marriage. The Duke of Redgrave's eldest son—"
Before he could finish, Alicia slammed her fork down, her emerald eyes burning with irritation. "Not interested."
Valerian frowned. "Alicia—"
"Every single one of them is either a weakling or a pervert," she interrupted, crossing her arms. "I refuse to tie myself to someone who doesn't even deserve to stand beside me."
Well… that lined up with the novel.
Alicia was a warrior—practically undefeated. It made sense she wouldn't respect a man unless he could best her. In the original story, the hero would eventually be the first to do so, and that's when she would finally fall in love.
Father sighed but didn't press further. Instead, he turned to Magnus. "And you? How is your sword training progressing?"
Magnus, still looking a little fatigued, straightened up and gave a confident nod. "I'm improving steadily, Father."
Valerian's gaze sharpened. "You look exhausted. What exactly were you doing last night?"
Magnus froze.
For a moment, silence stretched across the table.
Then I smirked and spoke casually, "He spent the night in bed. With a brothel girl."
Magnus shot me a warning glare, but my father and mother barely reacted.
My mother, serene as ever, simply sighed. "He is at that age, after all." She picked up her cup of tea and took a slow sip before adding, "But Magnus, make sure you don't indulge too much. Balance is key."
Magnus, relieved he wasn't being scolded, simply nodded. "Yes, Mother."
Valerian, who had been watching with a neutral expression, finally spoke. "You are an Ainsworth. The blood of warriors runs through your veins. Do not let yourself be consumed by distractions."
"I understand, Father," Magnus responded obediently.
I was… honestly surprised. No one had berated him for it. Then again, this world had different values. A noble indulging in women wasn't seen as scandalous—it was just normal.
I finished the last of my meal, wiping my mouth with a silk napkin. It had been a good breakfast. Strangely enough, sitting here like this, experiencing a family meal—it felt kind of nice.
A Small Bond with Safina
After breakfast, I found myself with free time. With nothing to do, a thought came to mind.
Reading.
That was my hobby in my past life. Books had always been my escape, my window into new worlds. And now? I was living inside one.
I summoned Safina.
She arrived promptly, standing before me with her usual meek posture. "You called, Master?"
I leaned back in my chair and gave her a small smile. "Did you do what I asked? Did you arrange a girl for tonight?"
She hesitated for half a second before nodding. "Yes… I found someone I think you will like."
I raised an eyebrow. "You picked someone for me?"
Her fingers tightened slightly around the hem of her dress, as if bracing for my reaction. "I… I thought she would suit your preferences, Master."
For a moment, I just stared at her. Then—
I grinned.
"Well now," I said, chuckling. "You made a choice for me? That makes me happy, Safina."
She blinked in surprise.
I continued, my tone teasing. "I'll have to reward you for this."
She quickly lowered her gaze, as if unsure how to respond. "T-Thank you, Master."
I stood up, stretching slightly. "Now, I'd like to visit the library. Lead the way."
She hesitated for a moment, then tilted her head. "The… library?"
I nodded.
She seemed genuinely stunned. "Master… you have never visited the library before."
I smirked. "Well, I am now. Let's go."
A World of Books
The library was beyond anything I could have imagined.
A vast, towering space—so large the ceiling was lost in darkness, the walls lined with endless shelves of books. Some books floated midair, their pages flipping on their own. There was an undeniable magic in the air, thick and powerful.
I stepped inside, overwhelmed for a moment.
"This place is incredible…" I muttered under my breath.
Safina glanced at me. "Master, is there a book you wish to read?"
I scanned the room, my eyes landing on a large black book floating high above. "That one."
Safina nodded. "Simply imagine holding it, extend your hand, and flow mana into your body."
…Mana.
I stilled.
I didn't know how to use magic.
Or… maybe I did.
I had my mother's blood in me.
I closed my eyes, focused on the book, and extended my hand.
For a moment, nothing happened.
Then—
A spark of warmth coursed through my veins.
The book shot down from above and landed perfectly in my palm.
I opened my eyes, staring at it.
"…I did it?"
Safina's eyes widened. "Master… you just used magic."
I smirked. "Not bad for my first time, huh?"
She hesitated before nodding. "It was… remarkable."
I shrugged. "It felt natural."
However, when I opened the book—nothing.
The pages were blank.
"…This is a scam," I muttered.
Safina stifled a giggle.
To test further, I picked another book and flipped through it. This time, it contained spells. I read through them quickly, absorbing the knowledge. Two spells caught my attention—
Fireball.
Fire Lance.
Both were basic, but when I tried casting them—
Nothing.
The tiny flicker of flame I produced wouldn't even burn a piece of paper.
Safina, however, reassured me. "Master, your mana core is still developing. But the fact that you learned spells so easily… that is incredible."
Her words were sincere.
For some reason, that made me… happy.
Nightfall Approaches
As the sun began to set, I closed the book and stretched.
"That's enough for today," I said.
Safina bowed. "Shall I prepare your room for tonight's guest?"
I smirked. "Yes. Bring her to my room in an hour."
"As you wish, Master."
As she left, I leaned back in my chair, exhaling.
Magic, a noble life, a warm meal, and soon… a beautiful woman in my bed.
This world was truly something else.
And I planned to enjoy every second of it.