I was standing right in front of the Florence estate.
For ten days, I'd been pretending to walk around, but in truth, I was just observing the surroundings.
In this world or universe, there are far too many beings stronger than me, and I do everything I can to avoid getting involved with them.
Two guards stood at the gate."Stop! Who are you?" one said, his hand already reaching for his sword.
I bowed respectfully."Raul von Vance. Recently employed under the Duke's command."
The two whispered to each other for a moment. I showed them my identification, and they finally opened the gate."Enter. The Duke is expecting you."
Even though both wore heavy iron armor, understanding this world was still difficult.
I stepped inside slowly.
Since it was early morning, there were plenty of guards in the garden. I walked straight ahead.
Finally, I arrived at that majestic mansion I had seen even from afar. Florence was always covered in snow, its borders close to dragon territory, a strategically vital place.
"Welcome, Sir Raul. Lady Victoria is expecting you."
A beautiful maid greeted me."No need to be so formal, we're going to be coworkers, after all."
She smiled politely, and we began walking inside the mansion, or rather, the palace.
The place was filled with art. A red carpet stretched across the floor, spotless and luxurious. Everything screamed wealth.
I looked around. None of this mattered to me, but I tried to act normal, like an ignorant bastard son of a baron who knew nothing about the world.
At last, the maid opened a large door for me."Thank you. I'll head in," I said, stepping inside.
The room was spacious crimson couches, a small table between them, and a woman sitting there with silver hair and emerald eyes.
She had a curvy, seductive body, yet her expression didn't change. When she noticed me, though, she gave a strange smirk.
"Raul von Vance… or should I say you, Entity? It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
I slowly sat across from her.If I were an anime character, I'd probably be stuttering right now."Who the hell are you? And how do you know me?"
"You're not very patient, are you, Raul?" she said, giggling behind her hand.
I leaned forward slightly."Give me one good reason not to take your soul right now — because you're starting to piss me off."
"You wouldn't do that," she replied calmly. "You like to play with your victims first…"
Her expression suddenly turned serious. When she looked at me, I saw a flicker of fear in her eyes. Of course, anyone on this continent who knew who I really was would never dare speak to me.
Well, except for that idiot human king who once tried to summon me… that didn't end well.
I relaxed, leaning back in my chair."So, what do you want? Make it quick and leave me alone."
"Actually, I already have everything I want. But there is something I'd like from you," Victoria said, finally seeming a bit at ease.
"Sure. What is it? Destroying the Empire? Making someone fall in love with you?" I said casually, though these words could easily drive anyone insane.
Victoria gave me a look that said, 'Are you an idiot?'"No, nothing like that. I want to hire you and, in fact, I already have. You have no idea how hard I worked to convince my father."
"Acceptable," I replied. "But on one condition, how did you find out who I really am?"
That was the only thing I cared about.What good would my identity bring to anyone?Were they planning to kill me? Nonsense.
I'm immortal as long as I don't encounter one of the Demon Gods.
The Demon God is one of the strongest deities; even beings like Zeus or Odin were uneasy around him, at least in the game.
Victoria touched her eye and said calmly,"Because… I've seen your future."
I straightened instantly, eyes widening.A prophecy? A vision of the future? No… that shouldn't be possible.
So that's why, in the game, Victoria was always so emotionless; she already knew how things would unfold. Even now, she knew how I would react before I did.
I could technically do the same, but the energy cost would be enormous. Freezing the world for a few minutes would be easy, but glimpsing a single day into the future was far more difficult.
Because the future represents what hasn't yet happened.
That's why the future is terrifying, seeing the correct one among infinite possibilities...
Even if I could do it, it's horrifying. I was about to do something when Victoria interrupted me.
"There's no need to try slapping me, Raul. And honestly, that's very rude."
My eye twitched.She knew. I really was about to slap her.
Knowing the future doesn't sound so fun anymore, does it? Once you know what's coming, what's the point of living?
"Well… I just wanted to test something," I muttered.
An awkward silence filled the room.
Still, I was intrigued by this power. I coughed lightly."Miss, do you know the source of your ability?"
"No, I don't. And before you ask, I don't know much about the concept of time either."
"This universe we live in," I began, "is made of four dimensions: length, width, height, and time. The first three can be interpreted as space."
I sighed softly. Time… it fascinated me endlessly. I might actually be in love with it.
Because really, what else could I fall for? Width? Come on.
Victoria coughed politely."Thank you for the explanation, but I can't control when my visions appear. For example, I saw this conversation, but I have no idea what will happen a month from now."
She paused for a moment."Actually, I first saw this scene three years ago. And now it's happening. You could say I know uncertain moments — moments I'm not fully sure about."
Interesting. Very useful power, actually."I see. So, I'll start working as your servant… but don't think I'll stop collecting souls," I said plainly.
Victoria laughed softly."If I'd known you had this kind of personality, I'd have hired you much earlier."
I turned my head away. A little girl mocking me for god's sake, this is not what I reincarnated for."Oh, right. When does the academy start?"
"One year from now — at sixteen. And you'll be coming with me."
I sighed. I was definitely signing up for trouble."Understood."
Victoria rang a bell on the table, and the same woman who brought me here entered.
"Raul, this is Bella. She'll be your partner," Victoria said.
"Bella, teach Raul the duties of a servant and make sure he's dressed properly for his new role."
Her voice went cold again as she spoke."Understood, my lady. Sir Raul, please follow me."
I bowed slightly to Victoria and followed Bella out.
And just like that, I was officially hired as a servant.
Maybe the strangest servant in the world.