Chapter 2: Chapter 1: What’s left of the Lucernes.

While I nodded continuously at Arya's discourse, we finally got close enough to the manor for me to look at it properly.

If you asked me if it was a noble's house, I'd say yes. If you asked me if it looked like a prosperous household, I'd say no.

The manor was certainly old, and although you can tell it most likely had its golden years, its current state left a lot to be desired.

A few corners of the stone looked cracked, and looking at the walls some humidity seeped through. If at any point this House Lucerne was any good, those times are certainly long gone.

And these body's memories as well...

All I have is basic, confusing information. Deneve, this girl, is five, which is to say the things she remembers aren't much good in the way of Intel...

I have access to some important names, but apart from that...

Arya gripped my hand a bit tighter, now that we were speeding through the hallways. She looked at me with a soft smile on her face, satisfied that I apparently payed attention.

Eventually we reached the dinner hall, which unlike the rest of the house truly looked like people spent time here. While I was guided to sit down, I couldn't help but wonder how low had this house fallen, when there was tables and seats aplenty. Based on my meager information, Deneve had been told by Arya this hall was used by all the knights of the house.

It was a numerous, prosperous place when she was younger, is what she used to say. I can vaguely remember she stopped mentioning it when Deneve's father got angry.

"Miss, Miss, you are spacing out." Arya patted my head, with a troubled look. "The Lord and the Sir will be having dinner later. So I'll accompany you for today."

Maybe she felt bad, but she gave me another of those soft smiles, and went to bring the food.

In any case, I'm thankful I don't have to deal with Deneve's parents if only for now. I'll take this time eating and organizing my thoughts.

Without me even noticing before, I let go of the tension in my body a bit, and I shuddered for a second. This is my body now, even if I didn't choose this.

If I go around thinking this is a game and that I can go back if I die on this body, I'd really be an idiot.

I died. That old body of mine, my things, my family, it's gone. There's no going back there, no matter how I want it.

Deneve Lucerne is now my name. Get accustomed to it, deal with it. I'll have to play the cards I'm dealt. None of this is mine, but it's all I have now apart from myself.

Arya, my caretaker, came back pushing a small cart, with what I imagine is my food on it. Reaching for the plates, she placed them carefully on the big lone table.

"Here Miss, it's your favorite today." Pushing the cart away, she got closer to me and helped me get ready to eat, according to this world's etiquette.

"Arya," She looked surprised but I continued, "I'd like to eat alone today, if it's alright with you."

"Oh, uhh, yes Miss. Of course." Arya kept the surprised look in her eyes, and took the cart away to stand past the hall, waiting for my call.

Deneve was never very talkative, not lively for that matter. The Lucernes, even as children, are a tad eccentric. From what I have access to, this family's descendants are known to grow and mature fast. It would be weirder for me to act like a normal five year old.

Apparently, Deneve, no, I, have never much spoken to Arya, in spite of her years of care. I don't mind, since it gives me a convenient excuse not to talk to people.

Relying on muscle memory for matters of etiquette, I started eating quietly, with the company of the few candles and the old walls.

This Empire is named Adustio, in line with this place's version of latin. If Deneve paid proper attention, then this means something along the lines of burning. Which, honestly, might explain why I think this place is trouble.

They're warmongers. Or on the words of old Deneve: they're a proud people born to conquer. Yes, warmongers. Beasts with a history of inhumane training and sending batches of talented children to war. Only the ones that survive and bring 'glory' to this homeland are the ones to rise across the numbers.

Adustians value any qualities on people that are of benefit to the lands prosperity, be it through conquering territories or ingenious ideas. Courage, intelligence, patience, cunning and loyalty are their favorite things.

I kept eating the baked chicken, apparently my favorite, while I wondered how to go on. Not only is this Empire trouble, my house is as well. We have a history with these lands.

Emperor Argonte Adustio Inveras was the founder, and on his side the founder of our family, Riveras Lucerne. Riveras, that woman, was made famous by her exploits during war and service to Argonte. A foreigner from these lands, a mere orphan, earned the Emperor's attention once she volunteered for the army.

The surname Lucerne was granted to her, immortalizing her weapon and lineage, and since then House Lucerne has always been in service at war, and the main descendants always the right hand of the Imperial Lineage.

It's impossible for me to sneak away. I'd be hunted like a dog for treason, infamous for betraying the legacy of my House.

I finished eating. I pushed away the plates and massaged my temples. I'm bound to be raised for war, and it's either I die or I rise.

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If I want to stay alive, I'll have to bring back to life this House's name. And by merit of steel, because this damned bloodline is incapable of wielding Origin, that which powers magic. Our blood traces back to the other side of the continent, and these land's magic is incompatible with our lineage.

I heard the door open, to reveal a tall woman in a gambeson and unfocused eyes, using a cane, and behind her a short man with a heavy limp and everyday wear. Both well built, and with a somewhat grave expression.

"Deneve," She called me standing by the door, and I recognized her, "Say hello to mom and dad."

I stood up, walking quietly to her and hugging her on my tiptoes, getting a headpat in return. I then walked to the man, and gave him a shorter hug, a bit afraid he'd fall.

These people are my parents. All that's left of House Lucerne is a blind woman, a crippled man and a child. Today is friday, I think, so they reported to the palace.

The woman, Irene, nodded in my general direction and walked herself to the main seat. My father, Argos, followed behind her with a certain difficulty after looking at me softly.

Maybe it was the sense of familiarity from this body's past owner, but I didn't feel as uncomfortable as I thought I would interacting with them. In fact, I got accustomed fast to my surroundings precisely because of this.

I followed behind, and sat in my seat, as Arya came by to take my plates and leave theirs. Irene stayed still for a second, and then picked up the silverware with familiarity. Argos winced at her side as he sat down, helping his bad leg with his hands as he fixed his posture.

"Deneve."

I hummed softly, so she'd know I'm paying attention. 

"Argos." She patted the back of his hand, and he patted hers with a "Yes, dear."

"The Palace has decreed. I'm relieved of my post as Imperial Watcher, Argos is to take the post of of trainer, and you are to serve Her Highness the Second Princess," she paused for a moment, "And are expected to finalize your formal training by age twelve, to serve the army."

I answered immediately, "Yes, mother."

"Not surprised?", Irene tapped her fingers on the table, making an uncomfortable echo.

"No."

"Not curious?"

"No."

She stopped tapping. Her unfocused, milky eyes staring ahead. There was now an uncomfortable silence. Argos, my father, stared at me with a complicated expression. Irene continued.

"So you agree with this arrangement?"

"An Imperial decree cannot be refused, mother."

She raised her eyebrow. "Aren't you very brave today, Deneve?"

Lady, I'd rather pluck my armpits hair by hair, but what way out is there? I stayed quiet at her words, clenching my hands over the table.

Argos sighed. Staring at his bad leg, I could tell he felt guilty. The current emperor disliked our crumbling house, and setting me at the side of the most forgotten princess, and asking for my early deployment is no different from forcing us to die.

Irene, in spite of being strong and dangerous even lacking her vision, being dispatched from the Watch and the Emperor's side is telling us her service has ended, Argos being a mere trainer for the army is telling his leg is useless and his knowledge disdained.

Only way is the way in front. I am now the only chance I have.

Irene nodded, and finally started eating with her back straight. Argos reached for his silverware, and I sat as they ate.

"I don't have duties in the Palace anymore, Deneve. I'll train you, and Argos will take you to choose your weapon once we're done here. You will report to the palace in two weeks."

After saying so, Irene stayed quiet for the rest of her dinner. In spite of her calmness, I could see it. Her fingers were white from gripping the silverware tightly.

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AN: Heya there good folk! Next chapter will open up the world a little more! 

Have a nice one, and hopefully see you around! ^^

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