The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening

The Name I Carry

Not long had passed since the tea party I shared with the Ivanovich family. Though I still felt hesitant and distant, I found myself speaking more—especially with Lady Svetlana and Princess Fyodora, who had a knack for drawing me out of my shell.

It was on one such day, as Lady Svetlana was brushing and styling my hair. I had protested at first, but her persistence had worn me down, and I eventually gave in. Princess Fyodora watched the whole affair with childlike delight, firing off question after question, her excitement uncontainable.

Suddenly, a knock interrupted us. The door creaked open, and there stood Lord Graviil.

"Good morning, Father!" Fyodora beamed, her enthusiasm lighting up the room.

"Good morning, my little princess," Lord Graviil replied, stepping in and tousling her hair with a warm chuckle. Fyodora squeaked as he did so, her cheeks flushing as red as a tomato.

Lady Svetlana turned to him, raising an inquisitive eyebrow. "Good morning, darling. What brings you here today?"

Graviil returned her gaze with a gentle smile. "I wanted to have a word with our guest," he said, his eyes shifting toward me.

"With her?" Svetlana asked, her tone tinged with curiosity. Then, as if a realization struck her, a small, sly smile played across her lips. "That's a wonderful idea. It would do you both good to have some time together."

Fyodora, catching her mother's intent, clapped her hands together. "Yes! You two should spend time alone!"

Kneeling down so that he was at my level, Lord Graviil extended his hand toward me. His expression was warm—radiating a sincerity that caught me off guard. "Would you care to join me for a walk, young lady?"

I hesitated, glancing between him and the outstretched hand. His deep blue eyes held a kindness I couldn't quite reconcile with his commanding presence. After a moment, I murmured, "...Yes," my voice barely above a whisper, my face turning away to hide the flush of emotion that crept up my cheeks.

He helped me up with surprising gentleness, leading me toward the door. "Don't worry," he said, glancing back at his daughter and wife, "I'll return your friend safe and sound."

"Okay, Papa!" Fyodora called after us, her joy infectious.

Lady Svetlana's gaze lingered as we left, her expression soft. I hope this brings them closer together. I want her to feel like family—no matter her past.

We walked in silence through the sprawling halls of Tsarigrad Citadel. The corridors stretched endlessly, their marble walls adorned with gilded tapestries and chandeliers that cast an ethereal glow. Despite the grandeur around us, my thoughts were fixed on the man beside me.

Our journey brought us to a heavily guarded passage, its entrance watched over by knights clad in gleaming armor. Their sheer presence was daunting, a testament to their strength and vigilance. As we approached, they knelt in perfect unison.

"Greetings to the Lord of Light, Tsar of All, King Graviil Ivanovich!" their voices boomed, resonating through the hall.

Graviil acknowledged them with a nod and a kind smile. "Thank you. Please, open the Grand Vault of Treasures."

The knights sprang into action, positioning themselves to break the intricate security enchantments on the massive, rune-inscribed gates. One by one, the protective spells unraveled, a process that seemed almost ceremonial. As the final barrier fell, the gates groaned open, revealing the vault beyond.

I was struck silent by the sight before me. The vault stretched endlessly, filled with treasures that defied imagination. Weapons and armor, each piece radiating power, lined the walls in perfect rows. Potions shimmered in their containers, their colors shifting as if alive.