Reborn Financier-Chapter 19: Ceremony OF Pain

Morning came quicker than expected. One could have sworn that the night was short, at least for Kaidën. It was an interesting and eventful night without anyone suspecting anything, but one thing lingered on kaidën mind as he started questioning himself as he seemed to become more and more cold to humans. It was as if his emotions were being eaten away little by little, and his bloodlust just kept multiplying.

"What’s happening to me?" "Am I still human?"

"Why am I changing?" "Why was I reincarnated?"

These were some of the thoughts that plagued Kaidën’s consciousness as he started wondering what was his original purpose for being reincarnated.

Knock! Knock!! "Young master, are you in?" Kaidën immediately came back to his senses from the sudden knock on the door, recognizing the voice of the person who spoke, which seemed to be Steven.

He stood up from his bed, where he lay having deep thoughts, in order to stress himself. "Steven, what do you want again this early in the morning?" Kaidën said, as one could sense the scent of anger from his voice.

Acting out of reflex, Steven, who was still in the hallway, immediately bowed his head as he commented, "I’m sorry, young master, but I was sent by your mother, Princess Sofia, to get you ready for a meal. It seemed like she just wanted to spend more time with you."

Kaidën laughed out loud, lightening the mood and tense atmosphere. "You may leave; I will be downstairs soon."

"Okay, young master," Steven said, bowing before excusing himself.

Kaidën, who was once deep in thought, questioning himself, started smiling. "Even if I might be changing, at least I still have a loving family." Smiling, he prepared himself for breakfast.

****

Four weeks later, as it was finally Kaidën’s 9th birthday, unlike usual years where his family threw him a party, having people from different cities come and pay their respects. But this year was different, as no party was held. Not entirely due to them not having money compared to before, but because it was according to the Valtorin family customs. Instead of a large party to be held, something like an operation had to be done instead.

It was on the night of Kaidën’s birthday when he was called by his mother in order for the tradition to be performed. As he walked through the quiet, dark walls leading to the basement, upon getting to the basement, he met only his mother there, who was standing next to the only light source available.

"Strip," Princess Sofia said, as Kaidën entered her field of vision, where she stood.

Kaidën didn’t think much of it, as he immediately complied. After which, his mom began to check out his muscles, using her hands for accurate results. After which, she told Kaidën to lie down, which he complied with.

The rest was filled with a series of pain as difficult magic was cast on his eyes, giving him tremendous pain. Kaidën didn’t let out a single voice, as one could tell the pain from his look alone. Blood dripped down from both his eyes; it was only the beginning, as different potions were being poured on his eyes, plus frequent stabbing to his eyes.

The pain was akin to one stabbing themselves in the eyes, healing it up, and repeating the process over and over again. After which, a white bandage was placed on his eyes. This bandage would remain on his eyes for the next 3 years, meaning until the time he was 12 years old.

****

Three months passed in the blink of an eye. It was mostly filled with kaiden healing process and him developing himself in order to control the devilish aspect of him. But as for his mom, she was still trying to settle the land and setting up businesses in order to develop revenue and improve the living conditions of the land. Although it looked easy, it was a lot harder than thought, as they had almost zero capital, and almost nobody wanted to work with a falling family.

"Steven, get Kaidën and have him prepare for a journey to come, as we will be going to the Royal Castle in the kingdom capital, Elfeng," Princess Sofia said, smiling.

Steven bowed as he immediately set out to look for Kaidën. Unlike the usual, people would expect someone who went through that kind of intense pain to be either devastated or traumatized, but that wasn’t the case for Kaidën, as he did change, but not as people would expect. He was mostly found in the training center or in the library.

Steven went to the library, where he saw Kaidën seated with one of the books in front of him. Although he still had the bandages on, he could see clearly, not perfectly compared to before he underwent the procedure, but still clearly.

"Young master, get prepared. The lady, your mother, has planned a journey to the royal capital," he said with utmost respect before excusing himself, not wanting to further disturb the boy.

****

About two weeks passed since their journey to the capital, with little to no significant events to take note of. They were at the entrance to the capital, and one could immediately tell the difference between Elfeng and Aschel. Unlike Aschel, Elfeng was more like a fantasy world entirely, filled with magic towers for mages, adventurers’ guild, and many more. It was a beautiful city, with soldiers dressed in uniforms and marching in unison. At the center of it all was the Royal Castle, beautiful in every way, plus well-dressed knights in armor were guarding the gates.

Kaidën wondered to himself, "Who would have thought London would be turned into a fantasy world?" as he let off a small smile.

They entered the Royal Castle after proving their identity to the guards situated at the gates. Immediately, as they reached the castle, they were greeted by the workers, ranging from maids to butlers, all of whom were well-dressed and composed.

The king himself, King Alfred, the younger brother of Princess Sofia, came out as he exchanged greetings with his sister. He was wearing a red robe embroidered with gold; he was a tall young man with huge muscles that demanded authority. He possessed an atmosphere of pure authority.

Beside him was his wife, the princess, beautiful in every way. A well-fitted woman with green eyes and blonde hair. With their children standing beside them, one of whom was a young lady in a blue gown, with brown hair and blood-red eyes, who seemed to be the same age or a bit older than Kaidën, was filled with arrogance. Another was a young boy with blonde hair and thick blue eyes, friendly and nice. He seemed to be the twin of the other girl.

As the Valtorin’s where invited in with princess Sofia immediately leaving with the king, it seemed like they had some important business to attend to.

As for kaidën he immediately went to the guess room given to him, laying on the bed as he said "this reminds me so much of the queen, hope she is doing well".

Knock! Knock!

A sudden, firm rapping echoed through Kaidën’s room, breaking the silence.

He sat up, his gaze narrowing toward the door.

"Who’s there?" he asked, his voice calm but wary.

To be continued...