Rebirth of the Dark Hero

Chapter 1: Grand Wedding

On the 24th day of the third spring month,

Year of the prosperous era of Dizencia

After the extravagant procession of carriages that decorated the rough and rocky streets of Dizencia, colorful fireworks blasted across the night sky like a blazing banner. 

A newly wed royal couple were said to be on their way from the Bellroyal Cathedral, which made the crowd begin to cheer and rejoice in anticipation of their arrival. Also, the lengthy procession was held in honor of the Earl of the Kingdom, whose presence had been eagerly anticipated by everyone, especially after his recently infamous victory. 

This spectacular procession was held in honor of the wedding and raid victory of Vandread Le Crozerea, a legendary earl who was said to have been summoned all the way from a parallel universe that lies beyond Dizencia's reach called "Earth".

"A toast to the legendary earl, Vandread Le Crozerea, the savior of our kingdom and to his blessed marriage to my only daughter, Princess Camilla." Inviting everyone in the banquet hall to share a drink with him, King Asdromos Sulivec raised his glass with a smirk at the corner of his lips.

Excitement was high, but not because the king was there; rather, it was due to the arrival of the earl. 

It was precisely at that time that Earl Vandread arrived with his wife, Princess Camilla Sulivec–who was the sole heir to the throne of King Asdromos–who was accompanied by him. Her arms were wrapped around the Earl's left arm in such a way that it appeared as if she had him completely protected from any other maidens who were present in the banquet hall. 

Because the earl had, in fact, captivated the attention of quite a few ladies who were present in the hall, the princess could not be faulted for the course of action that she had taken. 

Their anticipation was palpable as they gazed at the earl with bright, hopeful eyes in the expectation that they would get the opportunity to speak with him. However, Princess Camilla would not allow anything of the sort to take place while she was keeping watch. After all, if she wanted to keep her husband for herself, she had to keep him close by her side. 

“Your majesty, I am flattered beyond measure by your words. I'd like to express my gratitude for the hospitality you've shown me.” Earl Vandread praised the king for the gracious welcome he had given him. 

“As I heard the news of your victory over the wild wyvern in the deathstorm region, I was very impressed with your courage. And a hero like that is exactly what Dizencia needs to keep peace and harmony thriving across the kingdom.”

Earl Vandread was taken aback when he found out that the news of his recent victory had already spread throughout the kingdom before he had even arrived there. Even though it was something that he had hoped would occur, it was still surprising for the earl to find out how quickly information could spread from one mouth to another. Since he had first arrived in Dizencia, he had not anticipated that anything similar to what had just transpired would take place in his life here. 

At that precise moment, Earl Vandread Le Crozerea was hit with a deluge of memories from an earlier version of his life that had suddenly come flooding back to him. His mind was flooded with memories of when he was just a typical guy living on Earth.

In those days, he didn't have nearly as many interesting experiences as he has now. 

Everything that happened to him in his previous life was something he dreaded, almost as if it were a curse. He had a history of being a crippled individual who was frequently the target of bullying in the past. 

He came from a family of limited means, and his sole provider up until that point had been his mother. And the last thing he could remember before passing away was that some of his bully classmates had pushed him into the pool and caused him to drown to death. 

It was his last memory before he opened his eyes again and found himself rising from a hot tub when he arrived in Dizencia. After that, he was taken aback when he learned that he had been transmigrated into the body of a legendary earl in this alternative reality. 

At first, Vandread was in a state of complete and utter disbelief because he had never before considered the possibility that something like that could actually exist in the real world. He would frequently see these in films or comics, and he used to overhear his former classmates discuss them when he was still a part of the world he had originally belonged to. 

Everything was completely different from how it was in his previous world when he arrived in Dizencia. From the manner in which they dress to the culture to even their way of life. It was as if he had gone back in time to the medieval era, but with a significant difference, such as the fact that magic and legends were proven to be true rather than merely being folk tales.

Even though the earl may have experienced a flashback or glimpse from a previous life, this does not mean that he hankered after that life or had any intention of returning to it. He detested the fact that he had a disability. 

He abhorred the torment of being weak and being victimized by those who were more powerful than he was. He did not like his life at that time, particularly the part of it that involved him being a poor man. 

In Dizencia, his life was completely different from how it had been in the past. Earl Vandread was well-known throughout this region as the legendary earl. He was renowned for being a handsome, powerful, and wealthy legendary hero whom everyone envied. 

The news about him spread far and wide, even beyond the borders of Dizencia, reaching as far as the lengths of Dizencia's neighboring kingdoms. He does not need to boast about it.

"I wonder where your mind has been, my husband, and how far it may have traveled by now." The Earl's momentary daydream was awoken by the appearance of Princess Camilla. As she did so, she poured yet another glass of the earl's favorite wine for him. Earl Vandread had lost track of the number of times he had finished a cup full ever since he started drinking when they arrived; however, the princess continued to pour him a serving despite the fact that he had finished the cup so many times.

"Please accept my sincere apologies, my dearest wife. I was just thinking about something."

"What are you thinking about, dearest husband?"

The earl eventually turned his entire face to the princess by tilting his head to one side. A flush of pale red color spread across his cheeks as the wine aroma left his mouth, and it was especially noticeable when he leaned in forward to whisper into the princess’ ears. 

Earl Vandread spoke in a hushed tone and whispered, "Pardon me, I was deeply thinking about an image of you wearing only your chemise." 

The princess was so enchanted by the way his voice made her feel that she was unable to conceal her excitement from the earl. For some reason, the earl left a tickling sensation for the princess that made her giggle in a flirtatious manner.

Ultimately, the princess concluded, "It must be the wine, husband."

Nonetheless, the earl made no comment beyond shaking his head. With a wink and a flirtatious comment, he teased his wife by saying, "I'm still sane enough to claim the reward I want from her highness."

After the princess realized what her husband really wanted, she immediately got up from her seat and went with him to their chamber. But just as they were about to consummate for the night, they were both startled by a knock on the door.

“What could they possibly want now?” Vandread complained in a low growl as he walked away from his naked wife's body to open the door. 

However, before he could take another step away, Princess Camilla grabbed his hand and said, “I’ll get it. Don’t worry.” She jumped out of bed after quickly draping the robe over her naked body. Moments later, Princess Camilla opened the door to find the presence of someone she hardly expected to see in front of their chambers in the middle of the night…