TWO DAYS LATER
When William awoke, the room felt stifling.
Ten maids surrounded his cradle, moving like synchronized shadows, their eyes hawk-sharp and watchful. Every time he shifted, one would flinch as if he were a fragile relic—precious, untouchable, and breakable.
When his nanny finally carried him out of the room, the procession followed like royal guards escorting a crown prince. Even during dinner, they stood like statues in the corners of the hall, silent and vigilant.
[UGH! THIS IS RIDICULOUS. YOU'RE BEING TREATED LIKE A BABY EMPEROR!]
William smirked faintly. "Well, thanks to someone, I've earned this royal treatment."
[HEY, I SAID I WAS SORRY! I DIDN'T THINK IT THROUGH, OKAY?]
"It's fine, Wiz. Really." His voice was calm, eyes gleaming with quiet wisdom far beyond his age. "Mistakes happen."
[WHEN DOES THIS END?]
"This?" William motioned subtly toward one of the maids adjusting a curtain. "Not until Jack's breakthrough ceremony. So… one more week."
[A WHOLE WEEK?! THIS IS TORTURE!]
William chuckled, but his thoughts remained focused.
Strength always demands sacrifice—and this is just the beginning.
The long-awaited day finally arrived—Jack's Breakthrough Ceremony.
Preparations had taken only a week and a half, a feat considered impossible for most noble houses. But this was the Medici family. Their efficiency was legendary.
Golden sunlight spilled through William's curtains as he stirred from sleep. He rubbed his eyes and whispered:
"Status window, on."
[YAWN… GOOD MORNING—WAIT… IS IT FINALLY TODAY?!]
Yes, it is.
[YESSS!! FREEDOM FROM THAT STIFLING BABYSITTING!]
[AND YOU KNOW—]
William muted Wiz's babbling.
This ceremony wasn't just about celebrating Jack's rise as a mystic. It was a display of Medici power—a performance for the Empire. Nobles from the most powerful families would gather. Eyes would be watching. Alliances would stir.
The real power players—Archi, Valois, Bavaria—they don't matter yet, William mused. But the Duke of Milan… he's the wildcard.
Though unlikely to attend, his influence would loom over every whispered conversation. In the novel, William had fought side by side with him to defeat the Demon Lord. But now, in this body… I can't even meet his eyes. Not yet.
[HEY! WILLIAM! YOU ZONED OUT AGAIN!]
"Yes?"
[WHAT'S OUR PLAN FOR TODAY?]
"Nothing."
[NOTHING?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN NOTHING?! (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻]
"We observe the guests."
[BORINGGG! AND YOUR PARENTS WON'T LET A BABY SIT THROUGH A BORING CEREMONY :/ ]
William grinned. "What if I throw a tantrum?"
Wiz gasped. "You wouldn't…"
"I'm just playing the part," William said with mock innocence.
[UGH… DO WHATEVER YOU WANT ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ]
Just then, the door creaked open. Jack walked in, dressed in a sleek black three-piece suit. Though still young, the formal attire gave him an air of early nobility. A hint of the man he would one day become.
"Oh, you're awake, William." Jack's voice was gentle as he lifted him from the cradle.
William grabbed his collar and tugged.
"Do you like this suit?" Jack asked. "I've already been forced into one, and tonight I'll have to wear another. It's exhausting!"
But when William tugged again, Jack laughed. His fatigue vanished beneath the weight of brotherly affection.
"Let's go outside," Jack offered—then paused. "Wait… I should tell Baroness Mowbray first."
[HA! HE FINALLY LEARNED.]
They met Baroness Mowbray at the door. Her serene expression barely masked her sharp intuition.
"Good morning, young master," she said.
"What is it you need?"
"May I take William out?" Jack asked hopefully.
"No, young master. He hasn't eaten yet."
"Please, nanny! Just for a few minutes!"
Her eyes narrowed, then softened. "Fifteen minutes. No more."
"Thank you!" Jack beamed, already halfway down the hall.
In the Garden
They returned to the same spot where William had once sat in Amanda's lap, surrounded by spring's soft perfume. Jack chatted to William between stretches of silence. Their laughter mingled with the rustling wind—until an unfamiliar voice cut through the peace.
"Bella of the Kalipa Viscounty greets the heir of the Medici family. May I sit here, my lord?"
A young girl bowed elegantly. Her blonde hair gleamed under the sun, and her emerald eyes sparkled with intelligence. Draped in a soft yellow dress, Bella radiated charm—but William instantly recognized the danger beneath her smile.
Bella Kalipa. Cunning. Sharp-tongued. A player cloaked in innocence.
He looked up at her and gave his best angelic grin.
"Yes, why not?" Jack replied politely, though his voice carried a hint of steel.
"Congratulations on your breakthrough, young lord," Bella said, her tone syrup-sweet.
"Thank you," Jack responded with a nod.
"Would you like some tea?" he offered cordially.
"It would be an honor."
Jack motioned to a servant. But he noticed something strange—unfamiliar servants stationed around the garden. Not Medici staff.
Clearly… they belonged to the guests.
Jack's tone sharpened. "Will Viscount Kalipa be attending today?"
"No, my lord. I represent Kalipa Viscounty," Bella replied, composed.
"Is he unwell?"
"He's preoccupied with domain matters."
Jack's voice cooled. "Miss Bella, I dislike pretense. Why are you really here?"
Bella blinked, caught off guard. "I… I only wished to congratulate you."
Jack narrowed his eyes. "As far as I know, such congratulations are reserved for the evening ceremony. Even my uncle hasn't come yet."
Bella's posture faltered. "I didn't mean any harm…"
"Do you realize," Jack leaned in slightly, "how easily this visit could stir rumors? Kalipa may seem as though they're seeking undue favor with Medici."
Bella lowered her head. "Forgive me, my lord."
Jack relaxed his posture, voice softer. "Mistakes happen. Just don't repeat them." (Or else.)
[WHOA. HE'S SAVAGE! I'M A FAN!]
Bella forced a smile. "May I take my leave?"
Jack blinked. "Why? The tea hasn't even arrived."
"I just remembered something urgent," she replied hastily and left.
[HOW DID HE KNOW SHE WAS UP TO SOMETHING?]
William stared ahead. "Look around. What do you see?"
[SERVANTS. OBVIOUSLY.]
"They're not ours," William murmured. "They were planted. Bella wanted to be seen sitting close to Jack—broadcasting Kalipa's proximity to Medici power."
[OHHH… SO THAT'S WHAT THAT WAS.]
Jack sighed. "She ruined the mood. Let's go back inside, William."
And with his little brother in his arms, Jack turned away from the game of subtle politics and headed back into the heart of the Medici estate.