Arkanza slowly woke up from a deep sleep. The sun was beginning to set, signaling that the afternoon was about to turn into night. On the large bed, his body still lay quietly, as though nothing disturbed him. However, this time Milan, who usually sat by the door of his room waiting for orders or simply to ensure everything was going well, was absent."It feels like I’ve slept too long, but it feels strange. Why is there nothing that crossed my mind this time, not even the body’s memories or nightmares about my past?" Arkanza muttered as he tried to rise from his overly comfortable position.As he sat up, a soft knock came from the door. The door slowly opened, and Milan, his bodyguard, stood in the doorway."Sir, are you alright?" Milan asked with a concerned tone, his face usually cheerful but now slightly worried."I’m fine, Milan. How long have I been asleep?" Arkanza replied while gazing at Milan.Milan raised an eyebrow. "After you came back from the bakery, sir, you spent the e

That day, the extracurricular football practice was held on a fairly spacious field, with clear weather. Norman Samanta, who was part of the school football team, looked uneasy. His recent days had been filled with dissatisfaction, and this practice seemed to be an outlet for all his frustration. On the field, he saw some of his classmates who were also team members, like Ivan and Ravi, who were increasingly showing their skills in the game.Ivan, a tall and confident teammate, was the most relied upon player on the team. On the other hand, Ravi, another teammate who was always calm and strategic, often acted as the playmaker. Norman often felt like a shadow behind them. They were both players admired by many, while he was only there as a backup player who was sometimes called to play.As the practice started, both of them already demonstrated their quality. Ivan kicked the ball powerfully toward the goal, while Ravi made a clever pass. Norman, although he had trained hard, still felt

Milan sat by the still-closed door. "This is all your fault. If you hadn't returned, things like this wouldn't be happening.""You’re just a replacement. I’ve always been by the young master’s side. You should know that, which means I rightfully deserve to return to him," Albert replied calmly.Milan stood from his position, standing tall and challenging Albert."So, you think I haven’t been by his side, huh? Who can guarantee that I’ve always been by the young master’s side!?"Albert stared at Milan without flinching. "Exactly, who can guarantee that?" A slow smirk formed on his face, a sign that Milan had just revealed his own weakness."You—"CLACK...The sound of the door opening interrupted their argument."Young Master—"Albert froze the moment he saw Arkanza’s appearance, back in the girly outfit from before Mahogra took over."Finally, you’re out. I thought something bad might’ve happened to you...""Yo, Ally... and Milan. Sorry to keep you waiting," Arkanza said with a sweet

The late afternoon sky was painted a fiery red, signaling the end of a stressful day at school. Arkanza walked with measured steps toward the parking lot, ignoring the curious glances of a few lingering students behind him. He had just endured another day filled with petty schemes and mocking remarks from Bagaskara and Norman.As he approached his sleek black sedan, Arkanza took a deep breath, attempting to shake off the fatigue weighing him down. He slipped into the driver’s seat, the soft hum of the car’s engine bringing a faint sense of comfort. With a single motion, he pressed the gas pedal and left the school grounds behind.He didn’t have a specific destination in mind, only a desperate need to escape the noise and suffocation of his school life. The increasingly quiet roads became his temporary solace, helping him momentarily forget the burdens he carried. Yet, an unshakable restlessness lingered, like a shadow refusing to fade.After several miles, Arkanza found himself on a w

That day, the Smith family estate was busier than usual. Adam Smith, Arkanza’s father, was preparing an important celebration. Norman, Maria’s second son, was about to celebrate his coming-of-age as he turned 18. However, this celebration wasn’t solely focused on Norman—it was also meant to honor Arkanza, who had recently reached adulthood according to family tradition.Adam stood in the main hall, surrounded by several prominent figures and important guests who had come to discuss the plans for the celebration. The atmosphere was formal, with a hint of tension in the air. Standing in front of a large table, Adam gazed around the room with a serious expression.“As you all know, Norman has reached adulthood,” Adam began, breaking the silence. “But I feel it would be incomplete if we didn’t also acknowledge Arkanza, who has likewise reached the age to be considered an adult.”The council members exchanged glances. Some appeared to agree, while others looked uneasy. One of the most prom