Old Man Yama's Reincarnation

The party stretched on for another half hour before the nobles began to take their leave. From his quiet spot in the garden, Ignis watched as carriages lined up one by one, their lanterns casting flickering golden light across the courtyard. The rhythmic clatter of hooves and the low murmur of departing guests filled the air. Among the sea of carriages, one stood out—its design was far more luxurious than the others, adorned with intricate carvings and gilded accents that gleamed even in the dim light. Ignis noted it with mild surprise but felt no real curiosity. Such displays of wealth were common among nobles, and he had little interest in indulging in their extravagance.

As the last of the carriages began to roll away, Ignis realized the party was finally over. He had just begun to wonder when he would be summoned back inside when Lyra appeared at the garden's entrance. Her blonde hair caught the moonlight as she approached, her smile as enigmatic as ever.

"Come," she said, her voice light but purposeful. "My father is waiting for you in the drawing room. Your parents are there as well."

Ignis nodded and fell into step beside her as they walked through the mansion's corridors. The silence between them was comfortable, but Ignis couldn't help but recall her earlier cryptic remark. "So," he began, glancing at her, "this is what you meant when you said you'd call for me when our parents met?"

Lyra's smile didn't waver as she nodded. "Exactly."

They soon reached the drawing room, its double doors opened wide to reveal the scene inside. Ignis stepped in, his sharp eyes taking in the details. At the center of the room, seated in a grand chair, was a majestic man with jet-black hair and an air of authority. He wore a nobleman's attire—a blue coat adorned with golden chains and intricate embroidery, paired with black trousers. His presence commanded the room, and Ignis immediately recognized him as Count Aleric Ravenwood.

To the count's left sat his wife and son, Kaelen, on a large, ornate sofa. Lyra quietly joined them, slipping into place beside her family. To the count's right sat Ignis's parents, Evan and Alenna, their expressions calm but watchful.

Ignis stepped forward, his movements deliberate and respectful. He gave a moderate bow, lowering his head and placing his right hand over his heart in a gesture of deference. "Lord Ravenwood," he said, his voice steady and polite.

The count regarded him with a measured gaze, his sharp eyes studying Ignis for a moment before he nodded in acknowledgment.

The count gave a slow, approving nod, his sharp eyes lingering on Ignis. "It's my first time meeting you properly," he said, his voice carrying a tone of authority softened by a hint of warmth, "though I did see you when you were just a newborn. Please, have a seat."

Ignis inclined his head politely. "Thank you, Lord Ravenwood," he replied, his tone respectful but calm. He moved to sit beside his parents, his posture straight and composed, his bright red hair catching the light of the room's chandelier.

The count's gaze shifted to Evan, his expression thoughtful. "Evan," he began, "what are your plans for Ignis's education? Who will be responsible for his training and studies?"

Evan leaned forward slightly, his tone respectful but confident. "My lord, I will be handling his training as a knight. As for his academic studies, Alenna is more than capable. She is not only a skilled Vitalist but also well-read and knowledgeable. Before we married, she spent several years as an adventurer, gaining a wealth of experience and wisdom. She is more than qualified to guide Ignis in his studies."

The count nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "That is good to hear. Alenna's expertise will undoubtedly serve Ignis well. I had considered offering the services of Kaelen and Lyra's tutor, but if Alenna is taking charge, it seems unnecessary."

Evan bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, my lord, for your consideration and care. We are grateful."

The count's attention then turned to Ignis, his piercing gaze studying the young boy. "Ignis," he said, his tone direct but not unkind, "have you begun your training as a knight?"

Ignis met the count's eyes without hesitation. "Yes, my lord," he replied. "I've been training with my father for the past month."

The count's smile widened, and he leaned back in his chair, clearly pleased. "That's excellent to hear. Tell me, how would you feel about sparring with Kaelen? He, too, aspires to be a knight, and the two of you are only two years apart in age. Kaelen is eight, after all."

Ignis paused, considering the proposal carefully. He glanced briefly at Kaelen, who was watching him with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. After a moment, Ignis spoke, his tone measured and thoughtful. "I would be honored to spar with the young lord, my lord. However, I've only just begun my training. I've only learned the basics so far, and I'm not yet proficient in combat. Sparring now would likely be of little benefit to either of us. Perhaps in a month or so, when I've gained more experience, it would be more productive."

The count raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by Ignis's response. He chuckled softly, a hint of admiration in his voice. "A practical answer from someone so young. Very well, we'll revisit the idea in the future. For now, focus on your training. I look forward to seeing your progress."

Ignis nodded, his expression calm and composed. "Thank you, my lord. I will not disappoint."

The count's smile lingered as he turned his attention back to Evan and Alenna, the conversation shifting to other matters. Ignis, meanwhile, sat quietly, his mind already turning to the plan for his training.

…

The count rose from his seat, his movements deliberate and commanding. "Very well," he said, his voice carrying a tone of finality. "We've all had a long evening, and this party has stretched on for hours. It's time we all get some rest. I won't keep you any longer."

Evan stood as well, offering a respectful bow. "Then I will take my leave, my lord. Thank you for your hospitality."

With that, Evan, Alenna, and Ignis made their way out of the drawing room, leaving the count and his family behind. The cool night air greeted them as they stepped outside, the quiet of the evening a stark contrast to the earlier bustle of the party. The carriage awaited them, and soon they were on their way home, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the cobblestones filling the silence.

Back inside the mansion, the count turned to his son, Kaelen, who had been quietly observing the exchange. The count's expression was thoughtful, his gaze sharp and calculating. "I've set the stage," he said, his voice low but firm. "Now it's up to you to perform. Do you understand what's expected of you?"

Kaelen straightened, his young face serious and determined. "Do not worry, Father. I will not disappoint you."

The count studied his son for a moment, then gave a single, approving nod. "Good. See that you don't."

With that, the count turned and left the room, his footsteps echoing down the corridor. Kaelen remained behind, his mind already racing with thoughts of the future. He knew his father's expectations were high, and he was determined to meet them—no matter what it took. The stage had indeed been set, and now it was his turn to prove himself.

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