My father's piercing gaze bore into me, matched by the scrutiny of my mother and sister. Their collective stare made me squirm uncomfortably.
"You're behaving rather oddly, my dear son," remarked my mother, her tone laced with concern. "Perhaps you've hit your head and lost even more sense," chimed in my sister, her words dripping with disdain. I resisted the urge to retort, opting instead for silence.
"Sit and eat," commanded my father, breaking the tense atmosphere. I complied silently, relieved that he hadn't reprimanded me in front of the family. Despite the lingering anger in his voice, his directive to sit and eat felt like a reprieve—a temporary respite from the storm brewing within our household. But as I finished my meal, I knew I couldn't evade his wrath for long. The impending discussion about the engagement loomed over me like a dark cloud.
Navigating the hallways, I finally arrived at my father's office, bracing myself for the impending confrontation.
"KNOCK KNOCK."
"Come in."
Entering the office, I took a seat as instructed, steeling myself for what was to come.
"The royal family is livid about your conduct towards the princess."
"I had to extend my apologies," I muttered, bowing my head in contrition, "to prevent further repercussions."
"YOU REALIZE THE HUMILIATION I'VE HAD TO ENDURE BECAUSE OF YOUR FOOLISHNESS!"
The weight of my father's displeasure pressed down on me, a potent reminder of our family's formidable stature.
"F-Father, I apologize for the trouble I've caused. I vow to amend my ways and commence my training diligently to avoid disappointing you further," I stammered, desperate to appease him. There was no turning back now; I had to play it safe, offer my apologies, and hope for redemption.
Bowing my head once more, I conveyed my remorse. While the former Anthony may have been a reprehensible character, I was determined to forge a different path—one of redemption and self-improvement.
Observing my earnest apology and newfound resolve, my father regarded me with skepticism, his scrutiny palpable. After what felt like an eternity, he nodded in reluctant acceptance.
"Enrollment at the academy commences next year. Make good use of this time," he instructed tersely, dismissing me with a wave of his hand.
"Thank you, Father, for this opportunity," I murmured gratefully, relief washing over me as I exited his office.
With a renewed sense of purpose, I made my way back to my room, my spirits lifted by this unexpected turn of events. However, my elation was short-lived as I crossed paths with my sister, who brushed past me without so much as a glance. I sighed inwardly, understanding her hostility stemmed from the previous Anthony's transgressions. But I was determined to mend our fractured relationship, one step at a time.
"I'll need to tread carefully with her," I mused, acknowledging that reconciliation would require patience and time. For now, my focus remained on navigating the challenges of this new world.
Surveying myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but admire my striking appearance—snow-white hair framing a face with sharp features and crimson eyes. Vanity aside, my attractiveness was undeniable.
"I may be growing too conceited," I admitted to myself, mindful of the dangers of arrogance. But in a world where beauty held sway, it was difficult not to revel in my own allure.
Seated on the edge of my bed, I contemplated my next steps. With only a year to prepare for the rigors of the academy, I knew I had to become stronger—both physically and mentally. The prospect of returning to an academic setting filled me with a mix of excitement and trepidation; it had been years since I last set foot in a classroom, but this academy was a far cry from those of my previous world.
Reflecting on my former life on Earth, I couldn't help but chuckle bitterly. Escaping the mundane existence of my previous world had been a long-cherished dream, and now that I was here, I was determined to make the most of this newfound opportunity.