Goooooooood morning!
It was as if the world itself screamed at Noah using the flash-grenade-like sunlight.
Warm morning lights poured into the room as the thick curtains were slowly drawn open.
The golden rays slipped through the tall glass windows, lighting up the royal chamber with a soft glow.
Noah Ifrit blinked and rubbed his eyes.
The sudden brightness stung a little.
And just like every other time, the blinding light triggered something deep inside him. A memory from a life long gone.
He could almost feel the rush of the crash again, the music playing, and the blinding lights that swallowed him whole.
It had been like this for the past five years—ever since he woke up in this new world as a child. Every time bright lights hit his eyes too suddenly, it brought back that strange, final moment from his past life.
He sighed quietly and sat up on the soft mattress, his small hands brushing the silk sheets.
The maid who had opened the curtains turned around and smiled at him. She had a kind face, with gentle eyes and long dark hair neatly tied back.
Her name was Elena, and though she was just one of many maids assigned to serve the 9th prince, she was the one who stayed by his side the most.
"Morning, Your Highness," she said sweetly before giving a graceful bow.
"Morning. Thanks, Elena," Noah replied with a sleepy smile.
With another polite nod, Elena quietly left the room to prepare his bath and outfit for the day.
Noah stretched his arms and let out a small yawn. His eyes wandered around the large, well-decorated room.
The soft red carpet, the carved wooden furniture, the paintings on the wall, and the little golden bell beside his bed—all of it reminded him that he was living a new life now. A good one.
He was Noah Ifrit, the 9th prince of the mighty Rankaal Kingdom. One of the strongest kingdoms in the world.
His mother had passed away after giving birth to him, but his royal father—the king—had never let him feel unloved. The king spoiled him, gave him everything he needed, and even more.
Noah smiled to himself. Compared to the messy and painful past life he had left behind, this world had been nothing but kind to him so far. And he intended to enjoy every second of it.
Elena returned after a short while, walking softly into the room. She gave a gentle nod to Noah, who was already sitting at the edge of his bed, fully awake now.
"Are you ready, Your Highness?" she asked with her usual kind smile.
Noah gave a small nod.
He didn't need to say much—he rarely did. He had learned early on that acting like a quiet child was easier and safer. It helped him blend in and not raise questions.
Soon, Elena helped him out of his nightwear and led him into the royal bath chamber attached to his royal chamber.
Calling it a "bathroom" would be an insult. It was more like a grand hall—spacious, warm, and filled with soft echoes.
The walls were made of smooth stone, and large pillars stood tall around the edges. Steam rose gently from the heated water, filling the air with a fresh, herbal scent. Soft light came in through colored glass windows high above, making the whole place feel magical.
Noah stepped into the shallow end of the bath and lowered himself until the warm water reached his shoulders. He leaned back near the edge, his small body relaxing in the comfortable heat.
Elena knelt beside the pool, her sleeves rolled up neatly. She gently poured water over his head, using a wooden ladle, before starting to wash his hair with care.
He closed his eyes and let her work. 'Haah! Her hands are so soft. This… this is a good life' he thought to himself.
After five years of royal life, he was used to this. Being washed, dressed, fed, and carried around. He didn't try to not like a prince like other protagonists of fantasy works he had read about. Instead, he embraced his life as a prince, fully immersing into it.
At first, it had felt strange—but now, it was just another part of his routine. He had long learned how to control his expressions, how to act like an innocent boy even though he was once a grown man in another world.
The trick, he found, was simple:
Talk lessAct calmLet people do their freaking jobs.
Elena hummed a soft tune as she cleaned him, using fine oils and scented herbs that floated in the bathwater. Around them, the room buzzed softly with the sound of steam from the sauna pipes.
On the far side, water bubbled quietly in a small, mana-powered pool—a royal jacuzzi made just for the princes. Shelves full of herbs and medicines lined one wall, and another corner was set up for massages, complete with warm towels and bottles of fragrant oils.
But today, it was just a normal bath.
When she was done, Elena wrapped him in a thick, warm towel and dried him gently. She helped him into the next chamber, where a fresh set of royal clothes had already been laid out—dark blue robes with golden edges, soft boots, and a silver pin with the symbol of the Rankaal royal family.
As she dressed him, Noah looked at himself in the tall mirror. A cute, quiet child with messy black hair and sharp light gray eyes stared back.
He had grown a bit taller lately. Still small, but healthy.
"Anything else, Your Highness?" Elena asked.
Noah gave her a small, polite smile.
"I asked Brother Julian to take me to the gala in the capital today," he said quietly, his voice still carrying the softness of a young child.
Elena gave a surprised but pleased smile. "That sounds exciting. I will inform the palace staff and prepare everything."
Noah nodded again.
He had played his part of an innocent younger brother well.
And now… the fun would begin.