From the morning of the next day, Rio had no classes for today, it felt so free and different from his daily hectic schedule, he could simply just roam and play around. He watched as the others busied themselves in their works, Agnus had gone out due to some guild work, while Artemis was even busier than daily, as she was giving out instructions to everyone about how they should take care of their house while she's gone. Rio waited outside the hall as he watched all the staff coming in and out of the room with different expressions. Artemis, him and Amelia would be leaving for the capital city today, Agnus would join them on the day of celebration. It'll probably take a week until we come back, so everyone was busy with their work.

In the absence of the main family the security of Damascus and the work of guild was handed over to some trusted advisors, while the safety and maintenance of the mansion was handed over to Alphas and other staff. If in any unforeseen situations any dungeon or cracks appeared, the guild members and Alphas were given full freedom to act according to their wishes.

Artemis, who had heard Rio's prophecy about how the general public would raise their arms against them in future, has been even more focused on keeping the image of them clean and respected. Finally after sitting around for an hour Artemis called for him, she needed to give him all the instructions for his safety too. Even though their family had the nice relations with royal family, it didn't mean there won't be other people attending the function or people who simply just wants to use kids to either get connections or start some dramas. Nobility has always been the political play as much as it has been about power. Even though he would have people follow him every moment for his safety but still she needed to warn him again.

It would be Rio's first social appearance after his awakening and even if the Blake family had suppressed the rumors, the news of Nyx's arrival and his blessing had already spread in every high class circles, and everyone around the world would be curious about it. There'd be many people with different agendas vying to know more about his blessing, Blake family already had enough influence and power before, the support of a Goddess on that level and the possibilities of this unknown blessing could invite all kinds of trouble to them.

Yes, asking someone about their powers and blessing was not allowed, but when has that ever stopped anyone. Especially when the one they're asking is a 10 year old. Artemis wasn't worried much about Rio as she had seen he wasn't as naive as how he used to be, in all these days and training sessions she had seen how much he had grown, but her gentle heart still couldn't keep calm and needed to be prepared for everything. She had ordered Myra follow Amelia every moment of day while they were in Haven, while Rio had Esme to watch him.

After giving him another lesson about all the things he should watch out for, or people he should just ignore, they talked about normal stuff.

As noon approached, Rio started preparing himself for the departure. He stood before the mirror in his room, his reflection revealing a young noble adorned in a sky blue shirt and tailored black pants and suit. The colors accentuated his youthful charm, while the designs of the clothes exuded an air of sophistication and nobility.

As he adjusted the collar of his shirt, his fingers lightly grazed the golden brooch that adorned his lapel. It shimmered under the soft glow of the room, a subtle yet distinct symbol of his family lineage.

Aina, his trusted maid, stood by his side, diligently assisting him, passing him the accessories that best suited his clothing today. Her delicate touch and attention to detail made the process smoother. Her deft fingers carefully arranged the rings and the bracelet he chose to wear.

It had been a while since Aina was assigned to be his personal maid. She's the daughter of Kastor Narcius, butler of Blake family. Her family has been serving the Blake's for generations. So ever since her childhood Aina has been trained in everything, knowing one day she'll have to take over her father's place. That's why Kastor sent her to follow Rio, the next heir. So they can get accustomed together, as both will take the positions of their fathers in future.Her silky black hair were neatly tied up in a ponytail, allowing her delicate features to take center stage. With her expressive black eyes, highlighted by a charming mole near her left eye, an innocent smile was plastered on her face as she busied herself in her work. She wore the typical black and white colored maid uniform. The uniform was impeccably tailored, hugging her figure in all the right places, while remaining modest and appropriate for her role. A white apron adorned her waist, adding a touch of purity and innocence to her looks. She was a clean freak in real life as one could see it by how she always wore white gloves on her hands. She was someone who took her job seriously, someone who followed all her rules, always behaving appropriately, minding her manners, focusing only on her work. She was the perfect maid in every aspect. It was Amelia who brought her out of her shell and called her friend instead of a lowly maid in the novel story and this time maybe it'll be Rio's job to do.

In the original story she was supposed to follow Amelia after a few years, but somehow Rio's changes have altered her course of events too. Aina was someone who had protected and kept Amelia company in the story until she died. And that was enough reason for Rio to respect her and keep her near him.

Maybe once he was sure everything is the same, he'll have her follow Amelia this time too. But whatever it may be, one thing was sure, and that was that her sad ending was altered. Even tho that novel was just a story, it had given Rio the idea about which people can be trusted or what their true personalities are- someone who valued loyalty and morality like Aina, didn't deserve to be killed off just so Amelia can feel hurt and that bastard can come to give her some emotional support.

'Damn that author and his tricks to give the protagonist harem. I should find him and have a proper chat if I ever go back to earth.'

"Master, your hand." Aina's sweet voice broke him out of his thoughts, as she pulled his other hand to put the bracelet they settled on before.

As Aina finished the final adjustments, a flicker of admiration sparkled in her eyes. "It's done. You look perfectly handsome as always, master."

"And your words are as sweet as always, Aina." Rio said as he shook his head.

"It is the truth, master. You can see for yourself." Aina said as she stepped aside to let Rio take a clear look at himself in the mirror.magic

Rio gazed at his reflection, a flicker of surprise appeared on his face as he watched his looks, he really did look handsome. Aina had outdone herself today, if he simply rated his appearance in both his lives, no doubt this would've topped the charts. And that's saying something since he basically lived 30 years on earth.

After having Aina around for all this time, helping him with everything, it doesn't feel embarrassing now. But it does feel weird.

It had been a while since he had someone micro-manage his appearance, helping him with little stuff. The memories of Queency flooded his brain, the moments when she was with him, doing everything. A mix of emotions kept rising in his head, threatening to break the facade of a kid he had created here now.

But he shook his head, burying all those emotions deep within him again. They were all a thing of the past now. She had made her choice when she left him back then. He had kept his hopes till he was alive on earth for her to come back, but it was all a waste. She didn't come, and now he was dead. His life of earth was already over.

'Maybe she's living there happily now.' Rio thought as he couldn't really imagine how she must've felt for him. 'Wonder how she reacted when she found out about my death. Knowing Ali, he must've informed her at least.'

"Wasn't I right?" Aina who saw Rio lost in thoughts said, thinking he was simply admiring her work.

Hearing her words Rio just smiled and pushed everything aside "Was all this even necessary?" He said as he turned to look at her.

"You're visiting the capital for the first time after your awakening master, you'll have extra attention on you. Besides, the city will be filled with guests and people from everywhere who came for the young princess's celebration. You should look like the noble you are." Myra replied in a confident tone, informing him about the importance of his appearance.

Rio was already aware, but could never agree to it. So he just changed the topic "Whatever. Thanks for your help. It would've taken me hours if I did all this by myself."

"It is my duty as your maid master." Aina replied as she bowed a little, showing her professionalism.

"Why don't you go and help Amelia a little now. She's been getting excited to meet her best friend since this morning. I bet she's made a mess of her room by now." Rio said as he turned around and decided to walk out.

"As you wish." Aina said and left in the opposite direction.

'Memories, what a funny thing to have.'

[You're the one who held on so hard on them. If you let go, you would've forgotten them all.]

'All ' is the keyword here system. It's just some of them which are painful to remember. Not everything.'

'And besides, if I forgot everything, how would I remember Ria.'

[ … … ]

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A/N - Any thoughts about this story, please write a comment , I'm always open for your opinions.