What? I Actually Reincarnated As Stepping Stone In Another World?



"Hmm?" Arthur opened his eyes and was taken aback to discover that he had dozed off on the balcony of his room.

"Ugh, how did I end up falling asleep here all of a sudden?" Arthur shook his head and swiftly rose to his feet, stretching his waist.

"So, today has arrived, huh?" Arthur mumbled, contemplating the significance of the day—his ascension as the heir.

His gaze then shifted towards the outside, where he beheld the meticulously adorned gardens of the mansion, exuding sheer beauty.

Flowers that had not existed in his previous world adorned the path leading to the mansion, serving as beautiful decorations.

The flags bearing the emblem of Duke Asvold fluttered across the entirety of the mansion, enhancing the grandeur of the scenery.

"What a splendid arrangement!" Arthur praised himself inwardly, marveling at the meticulous preparations.

Although it was still morning, the ascension ceremony was scheduled to commence in the evening.

However, by late afternoon, it was expected that everyone would have gathered, as arriving late to such a momentous celebration would be deemed disrespectful and contemptuous towards the hosting party.

Furthermore, the host was none other than one of the three celestial powers of the entire Balka Empire—the illustrious Duke Asvold, ruler of the southern region!

Having taken in the breathtaking scene, Arthur made his way back into his room, only to be startled by a sudden knock on the door.

"Knock!"

"Young master?"

"Are you awake?"

"May I come in?" Runa's voice sounded from behind the door.

Upon hearing this, Arthur smiled and responded softly, "Yes, I'm awake."

"You may come in."

As soon as Arthur uttered those words, Runa opened the door, revealing her small head peeking out from behind it.

"Young master, good morning!" Runa greeted him with her signature adorable smile and walked over to Arthur.

"Good morning, my dear maid," Arthur replied, smiling as he gently stroked Runa's little head.

The habits he had developed in his previous life couldn't be easily discarded, and he found it surprisingly comfortable to extend his affection toward Runa.

Runa, who had grown up without any close relatives or affection, always cherished Arthur's pampering and enjoyed the affection he showered upon her.

"Hehehe~" Runa smiled enchantingly and nestled her small head against Arthur's chest, gently rubbing against it.

Arthur hadn't been surprised by this behavior since Runa's revival two days ago. Ever since then, she has started to dare to seek affection and pampering.

Perhaps her awakening of a high-level wind elemental core had instilled newfound confidence within her.

Arthur didn't mind this trait; instead, it made him appreciate and cherish this little girl even more.

"Okay."

"There's something I'd like to ask you, Runa," Arthur said with a gentle smile.

"What is it, young master?" Runa looked up at Arthur, her arms wrapped around his waist.

"How is Elena doing?" Arthur inquired, his tone carrying a hint of worry.

This concern stemmed from two significant factors.

Firstly, Arthur hadn't seen or visited Elena since their initial encounter.

Furthermore, he had intentionally shattered the little girl's illusions, which at times made him question if he had made a grave mistake, sensing an impending storm approaching.

Secondly, after hearing the cryptic words of the mysterious woman, he understood that many factors lay beyond his control, and Elena seemed to be one of them.

Now, while time remained on his side, he needed to address Elena's situation and bring about a sense of calm.

Upon hearing Arthur's concerned inquiry, Runa felt a tinge of jealousy, though she concealed it well and responded with an adorable expression, "Miss Elena is doing well."

"But..." Runa paused and cast a skeptical gaze at Arthur before continuing.

Arthur, initially relieved by Runa's initial words, frowned slightly upon hearing her hesitation and the word "but."

"But?" Arthur inquired, his confusion evident.

"But I find it strange how she's always lost in daydreams and constantly muttering the name 'hero." Runa tilted her head, looking at Arthur with confusion.

Hearing this, Arthur's eyes widened, his expression one of surprise.

"Damn it!"

"I've gone too far!" Arthur exclaimed loudly, rushing out of his room towards the chamber where Elena was resting.

Confused, Runa followed closely, chasing after Arthur in the direction he had gone.

...

"Damn it, damn it!"

"What a catastrophic error!"

"I was too arrogant and failed to consider the circumstances!" Arthur cursed inwardly, his heart racing as he hurried toward Elena's room.

The maids, noticing Arthur, attempted to greet him, but he sprinted past them swiftly, not giving them a chance to exchange pleasantries.

"What's wrong with young Master Arthur?" Some of the maids asked, perplexed by his sudden urgency.

However, Arthur paid no heed to their inquiries and continued running until he reached the door of Elena's room.

Taking a deep breath, he promptly knocked on the door.

"Elena? Are you in there?" Arthur's voice carried a gentle tone as he persistently tapped on the door.

However, there was no response, which heightened his anxiety.

Afterward, he tested the door and discovered that it was unlocked, prompting him to open it.

"Elena?" Arthur opened the door and found Elena sitting on the bed, her face displaying a vacant expression.

She continued muttering the name "hero," her gaze fixed upon the blanket beneath her.

Witnessing this, Arthur was overwhelmed with guilt. He approached her and took a seat on the edge of the bed.

"Elena?"

"Can you hear me?" Arthur asked gently, calling her name once more.

In response, Elena's expression shifted, and she raised her head, fixing him with a vacant stare.

"Hero?" Elena mumbled softly, her gaze fixed on Arthur.

"Yes, I'm here."

"I am your hero, Elena," Arthur reassured her, offering a gentle smile as he delicately stroked her hair.

Upon hearing his words, a glimmer returned to Elena's eyes, and she whispered, "But-but, you said you're not my hero."

A faint twitch appeared at the corner of Arthur's mouth as he cursed silently: "When did I ever say that, little girl?"

Nevertheless, Arthur focused on calming her down first.

"Of course not!"

"I am a hero, someone who has saved a wonderful girl like you!"

"So, can you smile again, Princess?" Arthur smiled gently, employing a small psychological tactic with Elena.

As expected, upon hearing his words, Elena's eyes sparkled with disbelief as she looked at Arthur.

"Me? Princess?" she questioned hesitantly.

"Yes! Isn't it destiny for a hero to be with a princess, and you are that princess?" Arthur spoke nonsensically.

His talent for weaving tales for young girls had certainly improved, and he couldn't help but appreciate the significance of this newfound skill.

"I am the princess, and are you the hero destined for me?" Elena repeated those words, finding motivation in them.

In an instant, a charming smile adorned her lovely face, and she giggled, saying, "Hehehe, I have a hero!"

Without hesitation, she threw herself into Arthur's arms, hugging him tightly and whispering repeatedly, "My hero," while nuzzling her head against his chest.

Observing this, Arthur returned the embrace, feeling a wave of relief wash over him.

He murmured softly, "I almost made another Charlotte."

"What a disastrous mistake!" Arthur shook his head, overwhelmed with relief.

...

In the evening, Duke Asvold's mansion was truly alive with festivities.

Luxurious horse-drawn carriages passed through the gates and made their way towards the grand estate.

Banners bearing the emblems of various Luvic noble families fluttered atop the carriages as they went by.

Observing this spectacle, Arthur nodded approvingly before turning his attention to the mansion's rear garden.

The main event had yet to commence, leaving him with an hour to spare. He decided to take a leisurely stroll.

Dressed in inconspicuous formal attire, Arthur aimed to avoid being recognized as Duke Asvold's son and the evening's focal point by those who hadn't seen him before.

It is possible that he will find a face-slapping scene that matches the protagonist in the novel.

Just as he was about to turn around, he heard a familiar voice calling out his name. It caused him to freeze in place for a moment.

"Arthur?!"

"Is that you?!"