My 5th Reincarnation: I Was Born in Another World as a Demon - TWOB 4

Raegan was discovering that being a newly appointed knight came with several challenges:

[Daily Schedule Analysis]

Morning: Dodge princess's "accidental" encounters

Afternoon: Explain to servants why demon-proof mana windows aren't necessary

Evening: Convince Luna that you are a completely normal child

Note: Missing simple village life

The Crystal Lake Manor was slowly becoming home, though Raegan had to constantly remind the staff that no, he didn't need seventeen different types of breakfast tea, and yes, he could dress himself without three maids' assistance.

 "Sir Raegan," his head butler announced one morning, "Princess Aria has sent her seventh invitation for morning tea this week."

 "It's Monday," Raegan pointed out.

 "Yes, sir. She's planning ahead."

[Social Calendar Alert]

Princess Tea Invitations: 7

Luna's Combat Practice Invitations: 7

Correlation: Suspiciously exact

Note: Both getting increasingly aggressive about attendance

Just then, Luna burst into his study, waving a practice sword. "Raegan! I've booked the training ground for—" She stopped, seeing another elaborate invitation on his desk. Her tail started doing that dangerous twitch.

 "Would sir like me to fetch the butterfly net?" the butler asked with a hidden smile.

 Before Raegan could respond, King Thundra himself arrived, accompanied by his royal advisors and what appeared to be half the treasury department.

 "Raegan," the king announced, "we need to discuss business."

[Situation Assessment]

King's Arrival: Unexpected

Luna's Mood: Deteriorating

Butterfly Excuse: Increasingly Implausible

"The medicine you created for the queen," Thundra continued, "we want to make it available throughout the kingdom. Name your price."

 The royal treasurer stepped forward with official documents. "We're prepared to offer 500,000 jewels for the formula and rights to produce it."

 Raegan's system helpfully provided context:

[Currency Analysis]

500,000 jewels can buy: 500,000 hearty meals. 100,000 nights in luxury hotels. 1 small village (slightly used), Enough tea to satisfy Princess Aria for approximately one month

Note: More money than most people see in ten lifetimes

"I…" Raegan started, then realized his predicament. The medicine was based on lost knowledge from his original world in the ancient times of his original birth. He couldn't exactly explain that he'd adapted a cure for pneumonia from another realm.

 "The formula is… complex," he said carefully. "Perhaps we could discuss a partnership instead? I could oversee production, ensure quality…"

 "And teach other healers?" Luna asked shrewdly.

[Cover Story Required]

Can't reveal: Knowledge from another world

Must explain: Seemingly impossible medical breakthrough

Current excuse options: Demon core instincts, Mother's secret recipe, or the usual: Look, three butterflies in formation!

 "Mother's techniques are unique," Raegan said diplomatically. "I'd need her approval to share them properly."

 King Thundra's eyes lit up. "Then perhaps we should discuss this with Chen directly? I could send a royal escort to Mistpine…"

 "Subtle, Father," Aria commented, somehow having materialized in the study without anyone noticing. "Very subtle."

 Luna rolled her eyes so hard Raegan worried they might get stuck. "About as subtle as someone sending seven tea invitations in one day."

 "At least I'm not booking every combat practice slot!"

 "Those are legitimate training sessions!"

 "In the moonlight? With 'atmospheric lanterns'?"

 The king cleared his throat. "Ladies, perhaps we could focus on the business proposition from the King first?"

[Current Situation]

Business Offer: Complicated by interdimensional medical knowledge

Romantic Tension: Reaching critical levels

King's True Agenda: Still trying to lure Chen to the capital

Recommendation: Consider a career change to demon hunting

"Five hundred thousand jewels is generous," Raegan said carefully. "But I propose a counter-offer: I'll establish a healing academy within the manor's medical wing. We'll train healers in these techniques, with profits split between the crown and the healers' academy. And of course," he added, watching Thundra's expression, "we'll need an experienced director for such an institution…"

 "Someone like Dr. Chen?", the king asked hopefully.

 "What a coincidence that you'd suggest her, Your Majesty."

The system updated:

[Negotiation Results]

Money: Secured

Medical Knowledge: Carefully controlled

Mother's Return: Cleverly engineered

King's Matchmaking: Transparent

Note: Still easier than managing princess-wolf-girl dynamics

"Done!" Thundra announced. "Have the contracts drawn up immediately. And perhaps we should send a royal delegation to Mistpine… strictly for business purposes, of course."

 As the king left, already planning how to renovate the medical wing to Chen's presumed preferences, Raegan found himself cornered by both Luna and Aria.

 "So," Luna said sweetly, "about those 'unique techniques'…"

 "And these special lessons…" Aria added.

 Raegan looked desperately at his butler. "Ben, is that butterfly net ready yet?"

 "I'll fetch it right away, sir. Along with a manor's route map."

A Week later... First day at the Hempshia Royal Academy:

Raegan had hoped to make a subtle entrance at Hempshia's Royal Academy. His system quickly informed him how that was going:

[Attention Analysis]

Students staring: 147

Rumors circulating: 23

Princess's "casual" entrance timing: Suspiciously exact

Luna's protective hovering: Maximum

Attempt at blending in: Catastrophically failed

"Look, it's Sir Raegan!" "The one who saved the Queen!" "And Princess Aria's savior!" "And Minister Lex's daughter's friend!" "Is it true he has a mansion?" "I heard he invented a miracle cure!"

 'For once,' Raegan thought wearily, 'nobody's even mentioning the white hair and red eyes.'

[Current Situation]

Previous Life Problem: Looking demonic

Current Problem: Being too notable

Irony Level: Historical

Their homeroom teacher, Professor Vale, a stern hawk-beast with spectacles perched precariously on his beak, called for attention. "Welcome to Class 1-A of Hempshia's Royal Academy's Combat Division. We have some… notable students this year." His eyes lingered on their corner, where Raegan was sitting between Luna and Aria like a referee in an ongoing silent war.

 "Now," Vale continued, "an exciting announcement. Starting today, qualified students can register for their adventurer and demon hunter licenses!"

Raegan's system pinged excitedly:

[Career Opportunity Detected]

Demon Hunter License: Ironic but useful

Adventure Guild Access: Essential for tower research

Current Predicament: Must avoid mentioning being technically part demon

"The registration process involves a practical exam," Vale explained. "You'll need to demonstrate combat prowess against captured demons in controlled conditions."

 'Fighting demons to get a license to hunt demons,' Raegan mused. 'While being part demon. This world has a twisted sense of humor.'

 "Sir Raegan," a student called out, "will you be registering? After the demon wolf incident—"

 "Oh, you should have seen him fight!" Aria interrupted dreamily. "He was so brave, so strong…"

 "I was there too," Luna pointed out. "Right there. Fighting. Which anyone would know if they'd read the official report instead of the gossip columns."

[Class Dynamic Update]

Regular Students: Fascinated

Princess Faction: Growing

Luna Supporters: Increasing

Raegan's Comfort Level: Decreasing

Available Butterflies: Zero

During break time, Raegan found himself surrounded by curious classmates.

 "Is it true you live in Crystal Lake Manor?" "Are you really starting a healing academy?" "Princess Aria, do you visit him often?" "Luna, are you and Sir Raegan childhood friends?" 

 "Actually," both girls started simultaneously, then glared at each other.

Raegan's system suggested:

[Escape Options]

Fake emergency. Jump out window. Start fainting.

Note: Last option surprisingly tempting

"I heard," one student whispered loudly, "that the King himself visits his manor!"

 "Only to discuss medical research," Raegan protested weakly.

 "And to leave renovation plans for a certain doctor's private quarters," Luna muttered.

 "And to suggest ballroom decoration changes," Aria added innocently.

[Social Status Report]

Identity as demon: Successfully hidden

Every other aspect of life: Completely exposed

Privacy: Extinct

Note: Missing simple village life intensifies

Professor Vale saved him by announcing combat practice. The class moved to the training grounds, where they would demonstrate their abilities for initial ranking.

 "Sir Raegan," Vale called. "Perhaps you'd like to demonstrate first?"

[Combat Instructions]

Show enough skill to pass. Don't show centuries of experience. Don't reveal demon powers. Don't activate wolf abilities. Try to look normal

Note: Definition of 'normal' increasingly complex

As Raegan stepped into the practice arena, he heard the whispers: "Watch this!" "The princess's knight in action!" "Luna's childhood friend!" "The miracle healer!"

 'In my past lives,' Raegan thought with irony, 'I was trying to hide being a werewolf. Now I'm trying to hide being a celebrity.'

His system-Vivaan's final update, seemed to mock him:

[First Day Summary]

Combat Class: Pending

Social Stealth: Failed

Princess Attention: Excessive

Luna Protectiveness: Increasing

Normal Student Life: Impossible

Demon Hunter Registration: Ironically Imminent

Note: Perhaps death by Sasht would be less complicated than the academy's social life

Just as Professor Vale was about to start the demonstration, a voice cut through the whispers of adoration.

 "So this is the famous 'Sir' Raegan?" The word 'Sir' dripped with enough sarcasm to fill a moat. "Doesn't look that special to me."

[Student's Analysis]

Subject 1: Fin

Confidence Level: Excessive

Sword at hip: Well-maintained

Attitude: Refreshingly hostile

Note: Finally, someone not star-struck

Subject 2: Ace

Mana Energy: Remarkable

Demeanor: Nervous but determined

Relationship: Twin brothers

Note: Actually studying Reagan's technique instead of his social status

The speaker was a tall, athletic youth with a swagger that suggested he'd never lost a fight. Behind him, a chubbier version with the same face but a completely different demeanor was adjusting his glasses while taking notes.

 "I'm Fin," the confident one announced. "This is my brother Ace, and we're not impressed by fancy titles or royal favorites."

 "Thank the gods,' Raegan muttered. His system-Vivaan agreed:

[Social Relief Detected]

First normal interaction in days

Hostility Level: Oddly refreshing

Note: Being challenged beats being worshipped

"Brother," Ace spoke up, his voice carrying unexpected authority despite his nervous fidgeting, "his mana pattern is unusual. We should—"

 "Challenge him!" Fin declared, completely ignoring his twin's actual point. "Unless Sir Knight is too busy with his tea parties with the princess?"

 The crowd gasped. Aria stood up, looking royally offended. Luna's tail started doing its war-dance twitch.

 "How dare you—" both girls started simultaneously.

 "I accept," Raegan cut in quickly. Finally, something simpler than social navigation – just a straightforward fight.

[Combat Parameters]

Opponents: 2

Difficulty: Maintain cover while showing skill

Complications: Twin coordination

Additional Challenge: Don't embarrass princess's champion status

Also: Don't reveal demon powers

Also Also: Don't activate wolf abilities

The twins took their positions. Fin drew his sword with a practiced flourish, while Ace began quiet incantations, complex mana patterns forming around him.

 "Begin!" Vale announced, looking intrigued.

 Raegan expected Fin to charge in recklessly. Instead, the twins moved in perfect sync – Fin's swordplay herding Raegan into carefully prepared mana traps laid by Ace.

[Threat Assessment Update]

Twin Coordination: Exceptional

Strategy: Sophisticated

Power Level: Higher than expected

Note: Finally, an interesting challenge

"Not so easy when you're fighting real warriors instead of mindless demons, is it?" Fin taunted, his blade weaving patterns that actually required effort to dodge.

 Ace's voice rose in complex incantations, his mana constructs becoming increasingly intricate. "Pattern Analysis complete, brother. Switching to Containment Protocol Seven!"

 Raegan found himself genuinely impressed. The twins had clearly developed their own fighting style, using Fin's aggressive swordplay to mask Ace's sophisticated mana manipulation. It was clever, effective, and…

 Actually requiring effort, Raegan realized as he dodged another coordinated attack. His system flashed warnings:

[Power Control Critical]

Current Restriction: Breaking

Demon Core: Resonating

Warning: Mana Surge Imminent

"Now, brother!" Fin charged in for what should have been their finishing move, his sword glowing with Ace's enhanced mana.

Raegan's control slipped.

Just for a moment.

The resulting mana surge lit up the training ground like a miniature sun. The twins' combined attack shattered against a wall of power that rippled through the academy grounds, rattling windows and sending training dummies flying.

[Damage Control Required]

Power Display: Excessive

Cover Story Needed

Positive: No one injured

Negative: The Entire academy probably felt that

Note: Maybe tea parties were safer

When the light faded, Raegan stood in the center of a perfectly circular pattern of scorched earth. Somehow, he'd managed to curve his power around every single student, leaving them untouched but wide-eyed.

 The silence was deafening.

 Then Ace started laughing. Not mocking laughter, but genuine delight. "Brother! Did you see those mana patterns? Completely unprecedented! The way he curved the energy flow around living beings while maintaining destructive force on inanimate objects… I've never seen anything like it!"

 Fin was grinning too, looking more excited than angry about losing. "Finally, someone actually worth fighting! Hey, Sir Raegan," the title now carried respect instead of sarcasm, "want to train together sometime? When we're not trying to knock you down a peg?"

[Unexpected Outcome]

Rivals Acquired: 2

Friendship Possibility: High

Power Display: Problematic but managed

Note: First normal peer interaction success

"That was amazing!" Aria gushed.

 "That was reckless," Luna corrected, but she was smiling too.

 Professor Vale cleared his throat. "While impressive, Sir Raegan, perhaps we could avoid destroying the training ground in future demonstrations? The repair budget is already strained."

 Raegan nodded sheepishly, while his system summarized:

[First Practice Summary]

Made first real friends. Only destroyed part of the school's training grounds. Maintained most secrets. Property Damage: Significant but controlled

Note: Actually better than expected

"So," Fin approached, slinging an arm around Raegan's shoulders while Ace trailed behind, already sketching mana diagrams, "want to explain how you curved that blast? Over lunch maybe? We know a great place that isn't crawling with your fan club."

 Raegan grinned. 'Finally – friends who liked him for his fighting skills rather than his titles or fame.' Even if he did have to hold back a bit, this was the most normal he'd felt since arriving in the capital.

 "Lead the way," he said, ignoring his system's warning about Luna and Aria both looking murderous about not being invited to lunch. Some problems could wait until after he'd enjoyed his first normal meal in weeks.

 "There's this great sweet shop around the corner—" Fin started, but was interrupted by dual throat-clearing sounds that managed to convey both royal disapproval and wolf-beast irritation simultaneously.

[Social Situation Update]

Lunch Invitees: 2

Angry Uninvited Friends: 2

Tension Level: Rising

Note: Sweets may not be worth the drama

"Oh right," Fin turned to face Luna and Aria with his characteristic boldness. "The princess and the minister's daughter. Look, this was supposed to be just us guys—"

 "Analyzing Raegan's unique mana control could benefit from multiple observers," Ace interrupted, pushing up his glasses while frantically waving his hands at his brother to stop talking. "Especially since Luna's mana-reading ability could provide invaluable insights!"

 "And the princess's perspective on royal combat training would be… uh… princess-y?" Fin added awkwardly, catching on to his brother's diplomatic rescue attempt.

 Raegan's system assessed the situation:

[Conflict Resolution Opportunity]

Fin: Learning tact (slowly)

Ace: Actually genuinely interested in group dynamics

Luna: Slightly mollified by recognition of her abilities

Aria: Amused by Fin's floundering

Note: Potential friend group forming

"I know a better place," Aria suddenly announced. "The Golden Leaf Garden. Private dining rooms, no interruptions from my… enthusiastic subjects."

 "Isn't that super expensive?" Fin asked.

 "I think the guy who just got 500,000 jewels for his medicine can handle it," Luna teased, her tail now swishing with amusement rather than aggression.

 The Golden Leaf Gardens private room proved perfect. Away from prying eyes and academy politics, something unexpected happened – they all started acting like normal teenagers.

[Group Dynamic Emerging]

Fin: Dropped the tough guy act

Ace: Enthusiastically sharing magical theories

Luna: Relaxed and playful

Aria: Actually laughing naturally

Raegan: Finally feeling normal

"So explain that mana curve," Ace leaned forward eagerly, his bowl of soup forgotten. "The mathematical precision required to avoid living beings while maintaining destructive force…"

 "Oh no," Fin groaned. "He's in research mode. Quick, someone distract him with sweets!"

 "Actually," Luna's ears perked up, "I noticed something interesting about the mana flow patterns…"

 What followed was a passionate discussion about magic theory that had Ace practically bouncing in his seat with excitement, while Fin and Aria shared increasingly dramatic eye-rolls.

 "They're speaking nerd," Fin stage-whispered to Aria. "Is this what your fancy court meetings are like?"

 "Worse," Aria giggled, dropping her princess persona entirely. "At least they're talking about interesting magic. Try sitting through a three-hour debate about proper fork placement."

 "There are multiple fork placements?" Fin looked horrified.

 "Would you like me to demonstrate proper butter knife etiquette?" Aria asked with exaggerated formality, making Fin pretend to faint.

[Friendship Formation Progress]

Ace & Luna: Bonding over mana theory

Fin & Aria: Bonding over mutual disdain for royal formality

Raegan: Watching in amazed relief

Note: Natural dynamics emerged

"You know," Ace said during a break in the mana discussion, "I initially had seventeen theories about your unusual abilities, Raegan. Now I have thirty-four."

 "All wrong," Luna muttered quietly enough that only Raegan's enhanced hearing caught it, making him choke on his tea.

 "We should train together," Fin suggested. "Not just combat practice. I mean really train. Push our limits."

 "Without destroying the academy," Aria added quickly.

 "Where's the fun in that?" Luna grinned, showing her fangs playfully.

 "We could use the training grounds at Raegan's manor," Aria suggested. "They're private, well-equipped…"

 "And far from the academy property insurance limits," Ace added practically.

 "Plus," Fin grinned, "I heard there's this amazing medical wing we could use when Raegan inevitably kicks our butts."

 "Bold of you to assume I won't be the one doing the butt-kicking," Luna challenged.

 "Children," Aria said in her best princess voice, then ruined it by sticking out her tongue.

 Raegan sat back, watching his unlikely group of friends banter. His system's final assessment captured the moment perfectly:

[Friendship Analysis]

The Brash Warrior (Fin). The Brilliant Theorist (Ace). The Perceptive Wolf (Luna). The Hidden-Depth Princess (Aria). The Secret Reincarnation (Raegan)Status: Unexpectedly Perfect Combination

Note: Sometimes the best cover isn't hiding, but belonging.

"So," Fin raised his glass, "to the weirdest friendship group in Barthopia?"

 "To destroying Raegan's training ground instead of the academy's!" Ace added.

 "To breaking all the proper princess protocols," Aria laughed.

 "To showing these boys real power," Luna smirked.

 "To normal days," Raegan finished quietly, earning knowing looks from both Luna and Aria, and curious ones from the twins.

 As they continued planning future training sessions and hangouts, Raegan realized that for the first time since arriving in this world, he wasn't just playing a role or maintaining a cover. Somehow, these four very different people had created a space where he could just be… himself.

 Well, mostly himself. The whole multiple-lives-demon-werewolf thing could wait.