After dying in the most absurd way imaginable, thirty-year-old Rowan wakes up as an 18-year-old butler-in-training in the enigmatic Celestarchate Empire. With a vow to live quietly this time, he keeps to the shadows, perfecting the art of being invisible. But when a simple errand inside the palace spirals into something far more dangerous, Rowan finds himself entangled in secrets, schemes, and an identity that was never meant to be his. The empire whispers of an assassin in the dark-but Rowan just wanted to serve the wine.

Ashkarion Faelwinter, third prince of the Faelwinter Empire, was never meant to rule. Afflicted by Everthorne, a centuries-old curse that ensures he will wither away by the age of twenty-seven, he was cast aside-pitied, ignored, and forgotten by both the imperial court and his own family. But for Ashkarion, this was perfectly fine. After dying in his previous life, he had one simple goal in this new one: relax, enjoy his royal status, and take life as easy as possible before the curse claims him. Unfortunately, life has other plans. Between a rude flower fairy, troublesome nobles, and an empire that refuses to leave him alone, Ashkarion finds himself constantly dragged into chaos. And so, the cursed prince continues his chilling life journey-whether the world likes it or not. 2025