Chains of Fate

Ralph De Morgan's Choice

Ralph de Morgan stood in front of the dilapidated stone house, clutching the ten silver coins he had scrounged together from rummaging through his belongings. This was all the wealth his family had left, and he had used these coins to buy a few modest gifts: two smoked hams, several sausages, and a bottle of aged wine. He knew the gifts were humble, but he had to make them appear respectable. He also wrapped a small bag of silver coins, deciding to head to the mansion of the steward, Damian.

Looking up at the imposing mansion, Ralph marveled at Damian's stature. The noble steward was able to live in such a spacious two-story stone fortress, while Ralph's family, once members of the Morgan Knights, now owned not a single decent piece of land. He knew that to regain a foothold in these turbulent times, he needed the protection of the powerful.

Ralph ascended a few stone steps and knocked on the grand door, adorned with a knight's crest.

Soon, a side door creaked open, and a gaunt young servant peeked out. Seeing Ralph's ragged clothes, the servant's face showed disdain, his eyebrows arching as if Ralph did not belong in this place of wealth.

Quickly stepping forward, Ralph bowed slightly, his smile humble. "Excuse me, please inform Steward Damian. I am Ralph de Morgan, son of the Morgan Knight, from the neighboring village."

After speaking, he pulled a few copper coins from his pocket and awkwardly pressed them into the servant's hand. Ten copper coins, nearly all he had left. It pained him, but he maintained his composure, feigning generosity.

The servant's attitude softened as he pocketed the coins, a slight smile appearing on his face. "Please wait."

With that, he shut the side door with a snap.

Standing outside, Ralph felt a bitterness in his heart. He knew his situation was precarious. Although the Morgans had once been knights, they had lost their glory and wealth over generations. After his father died, Ralph could not even participate in the lowest ranks of knightly activities, let alone inherit the knightly title.

Once a naive and passionate young man, Ralph had dreamed of restoring his family's glory and rejoining the knights, but reality had dulled his edges over the years. His family had fallen so far that even a noble steward like Damian was out of reach. Now, he had no choice but to rely on this thin familial connection and beg for Damian's help.

Ralph's father had been a member of the Morgan Knights but died in battle against heretics. Afterwards, their family quickly declined, and they were forced to sell even their last few acres of land. His mother became ill from stress, and Ralph and his sister were left to fend for themselves. His sister married a common farmer years ago, and since then, Ralph had been living at their mercy, enduring his brother-in-law's disdain.

Now eighteen, it was time for Ralph to stand on his own. He had always resisted inheriting the family's dilapidated farm or taking odd jobs, holding onto the dream of knightly honor, even if it was a hollow fantasy. His sister had cried many tears for him because of this.

However, two months ago, Ralph's destiny took a dramatic turn. He suddenly recalled memories from a past life, as if a force had awakened in his mind. In his previous life, he lived in an era without knights, filled with corporate jobs, secure positions, and harsh competition. Ralph knew that pursuing a stable livelihood was far more realistic than chasing empty honors.

More mysteriously, as these memories reawakened, so did the "Eternal Force" within him. This power granted him immortality, not impervious to weapons, but immune to the ravages of time. Yet Ralph understood that in this world, power and status were supreme. People revered strength and glory, and those with knightly titles were exalted, while ordinary people struggled to survive amid warfare and oppression.

But Ralph could not become a knight. He lacked formal training, family support, and innate combat skills. Knights were nobly esteemed, but he was not content to accept his lot. He knew he possessed the power of immortality but still could not establish himself in a world that revered strength.

So, how could he learn knightly skills and gain his own strength without money? After much thought, he considered one place—the castle dungeon. There, various criminals were imprisoned, including former martial arts masters and rebellious knights.

To get close to these talents, Ralph needed to reclaim his father's former job as a prison guard. Two months ago, he had applied but heard nothing. Just a few days ago, his brother-in-law pulled some strings, only to find that someone else had bribed their way into the position. There was no spot for him as a prison guard.

Enraged and resolute, Ralph was determined not to give up the chance to enter the prison or the hope of learning martial skills.

Thus, he decided to seek help from Steward Damian. Damian, the castle's deputy steward, although not as prestigious as a knight, still held considerable influence. If Damian would speak on his behalf, the small position of prison guard would be no issue.

For this opportunity, Ralph was willing to set aside his pride and endure humiliation. As long as he could enter the prison, he did not care about the process. His past life had taught him that dignity could not secure a stable life; in reality, earning money and surviving were what mattered most.

Before long, the side door opened again, the same young servant appearing. "The lady invites you in."

Ralph breathed a sigh of relief, finally getting his chance to enter. He nodded in thanks, filled with respect for the lady. Then, remembering the servant referred to Damian's wife as "lady," Ralph inwardly remarked on the pretensions of a steward's wife. But then again, considering Damian was a second-tier knight, it wasn't too far-fetched to call his wife a lady.

Entering Damian's residence, walking through the hall and the corridor, Ralph saw the beautiful garden and tall rockery, filled with envy. Damian's life was far superior to his own decrepit existence. It was no wonder some inept noble sons in the castle referred to Damian as "Lord" or "Grandfather," a former servant who now flaunted his grandeur before his masters.