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MillionNovel > Runes and Gears > Chapter 2

Chapter 2

    Luch left his room. He moved through the living area, looking for Elara. She wasn''t in the kitchen. He pushed open the front door. Sunlight hit his face. He blinked, adjusting to the brightness. Trees surrounded the cabin. Beyond the trees, he saw the town. He stood on a hill. His home overlooked the town. Cobblestone steps led down the slope. The view was clear. The air felt clean, unlike the polluted air of his previous life.


    He saw Elara hanging clothes on a line. He walked towards her.


    “It’s been a while since you’ve touched the grass, Young Master,” Elara said.


    “Yes,” Luch replied. “It’s beautiful here.” He paused, inhaling the fresh air. He scanned the landscape.


    This place…it’s peaceful. Quiet. Nothing like the city I remember. It’s hard to believe this is my life now. This is my home.


    He turned back to Elara. “Do I have a workshop?” he asked. “A place where I…spend my time?”


    Elara looked confused. “Yes, Young Master,” she said. “It’s in the basement. You specifically told me not to let anyone in. Not even me.”


    A secret workshop. That must be where Luch worked on his…research. His magic. If he told Elara to keep everyone out, it must be important. It must be where he hid his work.


    “Can I see it?” Luch asked.


    “Of course, Young Master,” Elara said. She led him around the side of the cabin to a wooden door built into the hillside. She pulled it open, revealing a dark stairwell leading down. The air coming from the stairwell felt cool and damp.


    “Be careful, Young Master,” Elara said. “The steps are a bit uneven.”


    Luch nodded and started down the stairs. The air grew colder as he descended. The only light came from the open doorway above. He reached the bottom. He found himself in a large, earthen-floored room. The walls were rough stone. A few torches in sconces provided dim light.


    The room held various workbenches, tools hanging on the walls, and partially constructed devices scattered around. He saw gears, springs, metal plates, and other mechanical components. He also saw strange devices made of wood and metal, with intricate runes carved into their surfaces.


    This is it. Luch’s workshop. His secret laboratory. This is where he combined magic and technology. This is where I might find answers.


    He moved further into the room, examining the various objects. He recognized some of the tools: hammers, saws, chisels. Tools he had used in his previous life. But others were unfamiliar, specialized tools for working with metal and wood in ways he didn’t understand.


    He approached one of the workbenches. It held a partially assembled device: a metal frame with several intricate gears and a small, glowing crystal embedded in its center. Runes were etched into the frame.


    Magitech. It’s real. Luch was building it. He was combining magic with engineering. It’s…fascinating.


    He ran his hand along the smooth metal of the frame. It felt cold to the touch. He examined the runes, tracing their lines with his finger. They felt strangely familiar, as if he had seen them before.


    He moved to another workbench. This one held several notebooks and parchments, similar to the ones he had found in his room. He opened one of the notebooks. It was filled with more of the strange symbols, detailing magical theories and experiments. He recognized some of the concepts from the hidden notebook he had found: theories about imbuing objects with magical energy, about creating enchantments.


    Luch was serious about this. This wasn’t just a hobby. This was his life’s work. And now…it’s mine.


    Luch spent the next two days immersed in the workshop. He poured over Luch’s notebooks, deciphering the strange runes and absorbing the complex theories of magic. He discovered that the runes were not merely symbols; they were conduits for magical energy, each with its own specific properties and effects. He learned about the different types of magic: elemental magic, enchantment magic, and even more esoteric forms he barely understood. He focused on the sections related to imbuing machines with magic, the core of Luch’s Magitech research. He experimented with some of the simpler devices in the workshop, trying to activate the runes and understand how they functioned. He made mistakes, of course, but he learned from each one. He found that his understanding of engineering principles from his previous life gave him a unique perspective on Luch’s work, allowing him to grasp concepts that might have eluded someone with a purely magical background.


    The morning of the Awakening arrived. The sun streamed through the windows of the cabin, casting long shadows across the wooden floor. Luch woke early, his mind already focused on the day ahead. He felt a strange mix of apprehension and anticipation. He had spent the last two days cramming information, trying to prepare for the unknown. But he knew that nothing could truly prepare him for what he was about to face.


    Elara knocked gently on his door. “Young Master,” she called softly, “a messenger has arrived. He says a butler from the Savendorn estate will be here shortly to escort you to the Grand Cathedral.”


    Luch took a deep breath. This was it. He rose from the bed and began to prepare. He found a pair of scissors in a drawer in the living area and approached Elara.


    "Elara, may I borrow these?" he asked, holding up the scissors.


    Elara nodded. "Of course, Young Master. What are you going to do with them?"


    Luch didn''t answer. He went back to his room and stood before the small mirror he had found. He looked at his reflection. The long, white hair that fell past his shoulders was a stark contrast to the short, practical cut he had always preferred in his previous life. He picked up the scissors and began to cut, carefully trimming his hair until it resembled the style he remembered: short on the sides and back, slightly longer on top.


    If I’m going to face this new world, I’m going to do it as myself. Or at least, as close to myself as I can be.


    He then turned his attention to the noble outfit that had been laid out for him. It was a far cry from the simple clothes he had been wearing since he arrived. It consisted of a dark blue tunic embroidered with silver thread, matching trousers, and polished black boots. He had rarely worn anything more formal than a suit in his previous life, and this elaborate outfit felt strange and unfamiliar. He put it on, adjusting the tunic and tightening the belt.


    He went back to the living area. Elara was waiting for him, her tail wagging nervously. He stood before her, adjusting the collar of his tunic.


    Elara’s eyes widened when she saw him. Her cheeks flushed a deep red. She stared at him, speechless for a moment.


    “Young…Young Master,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. Her gaze lingered on his newly cut hair. It was a stark change from the long locks she was accustomed to, but it framed his face in a way that accentuated his sharp features. It made him look older, more…mature.


    “How…how do I look?” Luch asked, feeling a bit self-conscious under her intense gaze.


    Elara blinked, snapping out of her reverie. “You…you look…very…different,” she managed to say, her voice still slightly breathless. “The hair…it suits you. It makes you look…like a true Savendorn.” She quickly looked away, as if suddenly realizing the intensity of her stare. “The outfit…it is fitting for the occasion.”


    He…he looks…magnificent. The hair…it’s gone. But…it makes him look so…handsome. So…different. I…I can’t stop staring. What is wrong with me?


    She quickly busied herself with straightening a nearby tablecloth, trying to hide her flustered state. Luch, oblivious to the turmoil he had caused, simply nodded. He felt a little more prepared now, both physically and mentally. The butler would be arriving soon. It was time to face his Awakening.


    Luch returned to his room. Elara’s reaction, though subtle, had given him a much-needed boost of confidence. He closed the door behind him and took a deep breath. He needed to prepare, not just physically, but mentally as well. He had spent the last two days absorbing information about magic and Luch’s research, but he had neglected the social aspect of this new life. He was a noble now, a member of a powerful family. He needed to act the part.


    He recalled the books he had found in the living area, texts detailing the history and customs of Aeridor. They painted a picture of noble life: elaborate ceremonies, intricate social hierarchies, and constant political maneuvering. It was a world of appearances, where words held more weight than truth, where compliments masked hidden agendas, and where deceit was a common tool. It reminded him of the early stages of political development in his previous world, a time when power was consolidated through alliances, betrayals, and carefully crafted public image.


    This is a game. A dangerous game. And I need to learn the rules if I want to survive. I need to blend in, to act like I belong. I need to become Lucharia Savendorn.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    He began to practice. He started with his posture, straightening his back, lifting his chin, and adopting a more confident stance. He recalled the illustrations in the books, the way the nobles carried themselves: with an air of effortless authority, a subtle arrogance that spoke of their high status.


    He then moved on to his speech. He practiced speaking slowly and deliberately, using more formal language than he was accustomed to. He focused on his tone, trying to project an air of calm confidence, even when he felt anything but. He practiced delivering compliments, carefully crafting phrases that sounded elegant and sincere, even if they were empty of true meaning.


    “Your grace is truly radiant this morning.” “Your insights are as sharp as any blade.” “Your generosity is known throughout the land.” It all sounds so…artificial. But it’s what they expect. It’s the language of this world.


    He moved around the room, practicing his walk. He focused on maintaining his posture, keeping his head high, and taking measured steps. He imagined himself walking through the halls of the Grand Cathedral, surrounded by nobles and clergy, and tried to project the image of a confident, self-assured young nobleman.


    They can’t know. They can’t see the confusion, the uncertainty, the fear. I have to be Lucharia Savendorn. I have to be the son of Duke Draedoria. I have to be a Savendorn.


    He spent a considerable amount of time practicing, repeating phrases, adjusting his posture, refining his walk. He knew it wasn’t perfect. He couldn’t completely erase the traces of his previous life, but he could do his best to create a convincing fa?ade. He had a natural talent for observation and analysis, skills that had served him well in his engineering career. He would use those skills now, to observe, to learn, and to adapt.


    He paused, catching his breath. He looked at his reflection in the mirror again. The young man staring back at him was different from the one who had woken up in this room two days ago. He was still Luch, still Luke, but there was something else there now: a hint of the noble, the Savendorn. It was a mask, perhaps, but it was a mask he was determined to wear well. The butler would arrive soon. He was ready. Or at least, he would pretend to be.


    A sharp knock echoed through the cabin. Elara approached Luch’s door. “Young Master,” she called softly, “the butler has arrived.”


    Luch took a deep breath. He had spent the last few hours preparing, practicing. Now, it was time to put his preparations to the test. He straightened his tunic, adjusted his belt, and walked to the door. He opened it.


    Elara stood there, her eyes widening slightly as she took him in. The change in him was palpable. The uncertainty and confusion that had been evident in his eyes just two days ago were gone, replaced by a calm confidence. An air of authority radiated from him, a subtle but undeniable presence.


    “Elara,” Luch said, his voice measured and formal, “would you please inform the butler that I will be with him momentarily?”


    Elara blinked, momentarily taken aback by his formal address. She wasn’t used to this version of Luch. He had always been informal, even playful, in their interactions. This new formality felt strange, yet…compelling. She felt a familiar warmth spread through her cheeks, a fluster she couldn''t quite explain. He looked so much more mature, so much more…like a true Savendorn.


    “Of…of course, Young Master,” she stammered, curtsying slightly before hurrying off to relay the message.


    Luch walked out of the cabin. A man stood waiting, dressed in the dark livery of a Savendorn butler. Two young men stood behind him, dressed in simpler, but still well-made, clothing. Luch assumed they were squires, likely assigned to accompany him to the Cathedral.


    He approached them with a steady gait, maintaining his practiced posture. He met the butler’s gaze directly, his expression neutral but firm. He knew enough about noble customs to understand the importance of appearances. He bore the Savendorn name, and he would not sully it with any display of weakness or uncertainty.


    “Good morning,” Luch said, his voice clear and resonant. “I trust the journey was uneventful?”


    The butler bowed slightly. “Good morning, Young Master,” he replied. “The journey was indeed smooth. I am relieved to see you are recovering well.” He studied Luch’s face, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.


    “I am quite well,” Luch replied, maintaining his formal tone. “Ready for the day ahead.”


    The butler had known Luch for years. He had always been a quiet, unassuming boy, more interested in his drawings and contraptions than in the martial pursuits of his siblings. He was polite, but informal, often fidgeting and avoiding direct eye contact. This new Luch, this confident, composed young man, was a complete transformation.


    The accident…it has truly changed him. He carries himself like a true Savendorn now. The Duke would be…pleased. He finally bears the blood of his father.


    The butler had always felt a pang of pity for the young master, neglected by his father and teased by his siblings. But now, he saw a strength in Luch that he had never seen before. A strength that spoke of the Savendorn lineage, a strength that finally shone through.


    “Very good, Young Master,” the butler said, his voice now tinged with genuine respect. “If you are ready, we should depart. The ceremony will begin at midday.”


    Luch nodded. “I am ready,” he said. He glanced back at the cabin, where Elara stood watching him from the doorway, a mixture of pride and something else he couldn''t quite decipher in her eyes. He gave her a small, almost imperceptible nod before turning back to the butler and the squires. He was ready to face his Awakening. He was ready to face his new life. He was ready to be Lucharia Savendorn.


    The butler opened the door of the ornate coach, revealing a plush interior with velvet seats and polished wood paneling. Luch stepped inside, followed by the butler and the two squires, who took seats facing them. The coachman snapped the reins, and the horses began to move, the coach swaying gently as it rolled down the cobblestone path.


    The butler settled into the seat opposite Luch, adjusting his posture. He cleared his throat, initiating conversation. “Young Master,” he began, “I must confess, I was…surprised by your demeanor this morning. It is a welcome change.”


    Luch maintained his composed expression. “I have been reflecting on my…priorities,” he replied, choosing his words carefully. “I understand the importance of upholding the Savendorn name.”


    The butler nodded, a flicker of approval in his eyes. “Indeed, Young Master. The Duke would be pleased to see this…growth in you.”


    A brief silence fell between them, broken only by the rhythmic clatter of the horses’ hooves and the creaking of the coach. The butler seemed to be considering his next words.


    “May I inquire,” he said finally, “what you have been occupying yourself with since…the incident?”


    Luch thought for a moment. He couldn’t reveal his exploration of magic. That was a secret he had to protect. He decided to stick to the truth, but with a carefully crafted omission.


    “I have been…studying,” he replied. “Continuing my…interests.”


    “Interests?” the butler asked, raising a questioning eyebrow.


    “Yes,” Luch said. “My…studies of mechanics. Design. Engineering.” He paused, choosing his next words carefully. “I have been working on some…designs.”


    He saw a subtle shift in the butler’s expression. A flicker of disappointment, quickly masked by a polite smile.


    “Ah, yes,” the butler said, his tone slightly less enthusiastic. “Your…drawings. The Duke always…hoped you would find a more…suitable pursuit.”


    (Butler''s internal monologue)


    Still with the drawings. A pity. I had hoped the Awakening would steer him towards a more…traditional Savendorn path. Swordsmanship. Strategy. Leadership. Not these…frivolous pursuits.


    The butler had hoped that the near-death experience, coupled with the upcoming Awakening, would have instilled a sense of duty in the young master, a desire to embrace the warrior traditions of his family. He had hoped that Luch would finally put aside his “childish” interests and embrace the path of a true Savendorn. But it seemed that, at least for now, those hopes were premature.


    Luch noticed the change in the butler’s demeanor. He understood the unspoken message. The drawings, the designs, the engineering…it wasn’t what the Savendorn family valued. It wasn’t the path of a warrior. It was a disappointment.


    He wants me to be a swordsman. A warrior. But that’s not who I am. That’s not who I was, and it’s not who I’m going to be.


    He maintained his composure, however. He knew he couldn’t reveal his true intentions, not yet. He needed to play the part, to blend in, until he understood the rules of this new world well enough to forge his own path.


    “I understand,” Luch said, his voice even and measured. “But I believe these…studies have value. They require discipline, strategy, and a keen understanding of mechanics. Qualities that are…not entirely dissimilar to those required in warfare.”


    He offered a subtle, almost imperceptible, nod, hoping to convey a sense of seriousness and purpose. He saw a flicker of consideration in the butler’s eyes. Perhaps he had managed to plant a seed of doubt, a hint that his interests might not be as frivolous as they seemed.


    As the coach neared the Grand Cathedral, Luch decided to gather more information. He turned to the butler, his expression carefully neutral. “Are there…any notable guests who will be attending the Awakening today?” he asked.


    The butler considered the question for a moment. “Not a large gathering, Young Master,” he replied. “The Awakening ceremonies are usually private affairs. Only close family and a few select members of the clergy are present.” He paused. “Your elder sister, Lady Rayla, will be in attendance, of course.”


    “Rayla?” Luch asked, tilting his head slightly. He feigned a look of mild confusion, hoping to cover his ignorance. “I…seem to have a slight lapse in memory. Could you remind me…?”


    The butler’s brow furrowed for a moment, then smoothed out. He likely attributed Luch’s confusion to the accident. “Of course, Young Master,” he said reassuringly. “Lady Rayla is the eldest child of the Second Lady. She is…quite skilled with the sword, much like your father, though perhaps not quite his equal.”


    He smiled faintly. “She has always been very fond of you, Young Master. She sees you as a…cute little brother, perhaps a bit obsessive.”


    Luch absorbed this information. A sister. A close sibling. It was a detail Elara hadn’t mentioned. It was also a detail that surprised him. He had assumed that Luch, given his ostracized position within the family, would have been completely isolated.


    A sister. Someone who actually cares about Luch. That’s…unexpected. It could be useful. An ally within the family. But…the butler said she’s “obsessive.”


    He recalled some of the anime he had watched in his previous life, the characters with overprotective, almost possessive, siblings. The term “brother complex” came to mind. He felt a slight twinge of apprehension.


    “Obsessive?” he asked, keeping his tone casual.


    The butler chuckled lightly. “She is…very protective, Young Master,” he clarified. “She worries about you constantly. Especially after…the incident.”


    “Very protective.” “Worries constantly.” That sounds…exactly like what I was thinking. This could be…complicated.


    The image of a fiercely protective older sister, constantly hovering and interfering, flashed through his mind. It was a trope he was familiar with, but he had never expected to encounter it in real life, or rather, in his new life.


    He felt a slight wave of stress. He already had to navigate a new world, a new identity, and a magical Awakening. Now, he also had to deal with a potentially overbearing sister.


    This is going to be…interesting. If she’s as obsessive as the butler says, she could be more trouble than she’s worth. But…an ally is an ally. Especially in a family like this. I’ll have to play it carefully.


    He turned his gaze to the window, watching as the Grand Cathedral came into view. Its towering spires and stained-glass windows gleamed in the midday sun. The sheer size of it was awe-inspiring. He was about to enter a world he barely understood, surrounded by people he barely knew. And he had a sister waiting for him, a sister who might be his greatest ally, or his greatest challenge. He took a deep breath. He would face it, as he had faced everything else so far: with careful observation, strategic thinking, and a carefully crafted fa?ade.
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