Zephyr Rapha Sinclair, a name that is known throughout Avicrest, the capital of Holfort kingdom. He comes from one of the most prominent house in the kingdom. To further understand how prominent they are, one will need to go back to the founding of the kingdom.
A long time ago, a group of six adventurers formed a party to explore an unknown land which eventually became the Holfort Kingdom. The party consisted of Holfort, Field, Arclight, Seberg, Marmoria, and one unnamed female adventurer.
The female adventurer was an expert in healing magic and used it to help people. Afterward, the people gathered under her and created the organization known as the Temple. As a recognition of her deeds, the Temple declared the female adventurer the Saint and began worshipping her.
That female adventurer was the ancestor and founder of House Sinclair. She was known as Saintess Claire which the family name was derived to become Sinclair. Due to the position of their founder, they had a strong influence in the kingdom.
However, that has long since been in the past, their influence has waned due to various factors primarily the royal family fearing their influence that even once threatened them.
At present, their head of the house holds the position of minister of magic. Although, they do not hold the influence they once has in the past, they are still one of the most powerful house in the kingdom.
And Zephyr is the second son of this family, a famous playboy that drowns in debauchery. That very boy is now in a dungeon testing his skills.
.....
Zephyr stared at the floating holographic board in front and saw his current LP.
==========
Status
Name: Zephyr Rapha Sinclair
Race: Neo-Human
Age: 16
LP: 850
Skills:
> Skill Creation
> LP Conversion
> Status Panel
> Wind Blade
==========
"That's better," Zephyr nodded proudly. He couldn't see his LP which was dangerous since that's his lifeline. So he used some of his LP to create a skill to show some of his information birthing the 'Status Panel' skill.
"Though it took 100 points, it's worth it."
Actually, he only needed 20 points to create a skill that shows his LP but since he would create more skill in the future, to keep track of them, he decided to just create the status panel for easier management in the future.
Another skill he created was 'Wind Blade', a basic spell but deadly in application. This spell is stronger than the one used by mages of this world since he strengthen it with his LP.
Admittedly, he can create more powerful skills but he didn't spend more as his current skills are enough for now and also it's because he gets a headache if he uses skill creation too much.
*Krrk* *Krrk*
"Oh?"
Zephyr looked ahead and saw a group of big ants about a meter in in length and half a meter in height. He focused and wind started gathering around him before a strong gust pushed forward.
*Swish!* *Swish!*
The approaching ants momentarily stopped before their body, as if cut by invisible blades, fell apart and disappeared in black smoke leaving only a small crystal.
"That's sharp! And it's invisible, perfect for a sneak attack," Zephyr's mind rolled with many ideas, as expected, wind magic is a good choice. It's potential for destruction is high but it's also subtle if you wanted it to be.
Not to mention other applications for support. He can't wait to explore it further after getting more LP. But that's not his priority, for now he need more LP before he can continue with his plan.
"It should take about a thousand LP to create," He muttered. "For now, I'll continue to hunt these critters."
He moved deeper inside the dungeon and hunted monsters for the rest of the day before going back to his dormitory.
.....
"Is this all you found?" Clarice stared at the paper in her hand. It was information about Zephyr. After she got entangled with him and seeing he was different from the rumors, she got curious and had her attendant find out more about him.
"Yes, milady." Her attendant replied. He was a young man with short rough black hair with the bang being reddish brown in color. He appears somewhat stern with his slightly rough feature.
"Hm~" Clarice read the document while his attendant stood in place silently. From the information gathered, she found out that Zephyr had a sudden personality change when he was 12 years old.
It was when his father died and also when his close childhood friend, Angelica Rapha Redgrave became engaged with the crown prince Julius Rapha Holfort. When he reached the age of 15, he started drowning in various pleasures.
It was also when he became known as a debauched young master and his name became synonymous to debauchery and worldly pleasures. He is also a first year student at the Holfort Royal Academy.
"I see, so we have similar experience regarding our romantic affairs..." She mutters softly.
.....
Around two weeks has passed after he regained his memories of a past life and Zephyr has been busy grinding in the dungeons. He did have some set backs by getting permission but with the help of his brother, he got it.
"Nepotism for the win," Zephyr chuckled. However, it was the truth that nobles have an easier time in this world. So he might as well take advantage of it. "Oh, I finally have enough."
He stared at his LP and saw it was 1500. It was the result of his grinding. Since he wants to hunt monsters, it satisfies the condition for his LP Conversion skill which is by satisfying his desires, he can gain LP.
Of course, he didn't just grind in the dungeons, he also ate food that he craved adding more LP.
"Now, to create that skill!"
[Create "Level Up" skill costs 1250 LP]
He didn't hesitate and created it. It was a crucial skill that he needed for faster growth. It allowed him to gain 'experience' from killing monsters. This experience then let's him 'level up' which lets him grow faster in all aspects from physical strength to mana pool size.
It was the best skill for growth with the minimal amount of LP needed. If he had wanted skills that instantly gave him strength then the cost would have been much higher.
But he can bypass this throught his skill, he can grow fast just by hunting. And since hunting will become something he desires to grow, he gains LP too. Basically killing two birds with one stone.
"Haaa... I'm tired," Zephyr felt strength leaving his body and fatigue overcoming him. But he can still move so he started walking and stopped by a small stall he coincidentally discovered a week ago.
"Welcome, just got back from the dungeon?" A middle aged man grinned seeing Zephyr.
"Yeah," Zephyr tiredly replied and sat down. This stall looks like those street side ramen stall he often visits when he travels to Japan, it was cozy and the food is great.
"Please give me the usual."
"Aiyo! Coming right up!" The stall owner happily replied before he started cooking.
*Sizzle!* *Sizzle*
Minutes later, a delicious aroma found its way to Zephyr's nose. His stomach started rumbling, tempted by the aroma. A few more minutes and his food was served to him. On the side was a drink as well, a popular sweet beverage in the capital.
"Mmm~"
Zephyr savored the delicious food. It was a stir fried noodles with vegetables, it was a popular dish among the common people. He likes it as its similar to a dish from his previous world.
"Thank you, it was delicious as usual."
"No problem, kiddo. Anyway, why are you so eager in dungeon diving?"
"Just need magic crystals for money," Zephyr lied. He wore causal cheap clothes so he appeared as a commoner. If the owner knew he was a noble, he wouldn't even dare have such casual tone when speaking to him.
But during his dungeon diving, he didn't want to be known as a noble. Luckily, although his name is famous, his appearance isn't known to commoners.
"Once again, thank you for the delicious meal. Here's the pay," He put down the money and walked off.
He was really tired now and needed rest as soon as possible. Not to mention, he needs to prepare for a tea party soon, a mandatory school activity. Luckily, he still has a week to prepare.
"Maybe I can consult a teacher."
He can't possibly squander what little LP he has just to create a skill to help him in mastering tea ceremony preparation. Maybe if he can get more LP in a week but that seems unlikely.
And he also needs to upgrade his 'Status Panel' skill to keep track of his level but that would need him to create a skill to edit his current skill.
"What a headache..."
.....
The next morning, Zephyr was leisurely walking on campus grounds while humming a song he loved in his previous life. Today was his return after taking a week off to grind in the dungeon.
"Kya!"
Just then, when he was about to take a turn, someone bumped into him. The other person fell on their back. Zephyr quickly offered a hand.
"Here," He stretched out his hand and the other person grabbed it.
"So-sorry and thank you..." A soft shy voice reached his ears. He can finally see the one who bumbed into him.
The other person was a girl with light brown hair, a medium-length bob cut, and greenish-blue eyes. She looks beautiful, though not stunning enough to stand out like his childhood friend, Angelica. However, for some reason, he felt there was something special around her.
"Your welcome, just be more careful from now on," He waved it off before warning her, "Otherwise, you might bump into someone that will not take it lightly."
"Y-yes, thank you again." She replied meekly.
Of course she knew this fact, the academy is originally just for nobles but this year, commoners could enroll. However, she was the only one that was accepted so she feels suffocated being surrounded by so many nobles. Not to mention that majority of them are arrogant.
"Just be careful, see you later." He smiled and waved at her before walking away.
The girl watched as his figure got farther away from her before snapping out of her daze and walking off too.
Meanwhile, Zephyr arrived at one of the courtyard around the academy and coincidentally saw from afar the crown prince's entourage and Angelica. He then saw the arrival of a petite blonde girl.
From where he stood, he saw as Angelica seemed to be talking to the prince. Then it started escalating after Angelica saw the new arrival getting close to prince Julius.
Zephyr decided to walk over to them and just in time hearing Julius.
"...You might be my fiancee but you have no right to interfere this much with my life."
"Hn. Please forgive my rudeness." Angelica quickly apologized and slight bowed her head to Julius.
"Oh, if it isn't his Highness and Angelica," Zephyr said casually before turning his sight to the petite blonde, "and who might this be?"
"Zephyr..." Angelica muttered as she stared at him with complicated emotions but primarily disappointment.
"Don't even try talking to Marie, Zephyr." Julius went in front of Marie and shielded her from the smirking Zephyr. However, the latter peeked from behind with calculating eyes.
"Is that how you speak to his highness, Zephyr Rapha Sinclair." The bespectacled boy beside Julius reprimanded. He was Chris Fia Arclight.
"Have some respect!"
The other of the prince's entourage also quipped.
Zephyr remained unaffected by their comments and just smirked.
"Sorry but I happened to overhear your little argument earlier. Although a fiancee has no sway in your life but you also need to have basic respect for them and not dismiss their advises." Zephyr quipped at Julius. " Isn't that right, your highness?"
"Hmph, what I do has nothing to do with you," Julius replied with disdain.
"That's enough, Zephyr," Angelica said.
"I was just saying, is it a crime now to comment on something?" Zephyr shrugged before turning around, walking off. "Anyway, goodbye, Angelica."
Zephyr could hear the pissed prince's entourage and other nobles around saying like he didn't even respect the crown prince. He just shrugged it off, it's not like he would get into trouble just for that.
If it was a lower noble that did that, sure they would get into trouble but someone from a ducal house? He would only get some off handed warming from his brother, nothing serious.
Besides, he was also pissed at Julius, seeing him disrespect Angelica, the latter's fiancee and his childhood friend.
'That idiotic prince. This is why majority of the nobles are not supporting the royal family. Who is the retard that educated that idiot, he could at least keep up an appearance in front of others even if he did not like Angelica.' He scoffed inwardly while showing no changes in his expression outwardly.
"As expected, I still hasn't moved on..." He muttered. He knew, one side of himself still feels the same however since he regained his previous life memories, that feeling wasn't as strong but it's there.
.....
After the little fiasco earlier, Angelica was walking back to her next class while lost in thought. She thought back to her childhood friend, Zephyr.
She felt complicated about him especially after seeing him change and all his actions. She remembered when she said to him about her engagement to the prince.
"That's great, isn't it? You're going to be a queen!" A young Zephyr replied with a smile, hidden beneath it was sadness.
"... Yes," The young her knew it was just a political marriage but she was taught of her responsibilities as a noble woman so she did her best to be suited for the prince even if she didn't feel anything for him.
That day was probably the last day they met everyday, Zephyr started avoiding her from then on and she also focused in her education as the future queen.
"...If only we weren't born as nobles..." She muttered. Her thoughts remained only for her to know.
.....
"A tea party, in itself is a reflection of the person that holds it, a mirrors so to speak..."
Zephyr listened on as the teacher he asked for advice explained how to prepare a proper tea party. He was actually immersed in the explanation of the dandy gentleman.
At the end of of it, the teacher gently said.
"The most important part is to welcome them with your heart."
"I see, thank you sensei."
"Hoho~ You are welcome, Mister Zephyr."
"With this, I will prepare a tea party befitting of what you taught me. Please do visit it even for just a bit." Zephyr was sincerely thankful to his teacher. He not only taught him, it opened a new world for him to explore.
"Very well, I will surely do so." The dandy gentleman nodded.
Zephyr said a final thank you before taking off to buy necessities for his party which would be held in a few days.