The Villain Professor's Second Chance

Chapter 97: We Will Follow

Kneeling, I caressed the cold stone with a delicate touch, as if it were fragile, as if she were fragile. Every movement felt laden with a weight I couldn't explain. The sorrow was not mine, not originally, yet it had become mine, weaving into my very essence. The pain was sharp, cutting through the layers of my psyche, reaching into the deepest parts of me that still bore Dravis's memories.

It was a hurtful, sorrowful, and unbearing pain, yet it was beautiful in its intensity. It was as if I was reclaiming something lost, a piece of myself I never knew was missing.

"Kirara," I whispered, the name barely escaping my lips. The sound of it was both foreign and familiar, like a melody half-remembered. I could feel Draven's emotions washing over me, his love for her, his guilt, his longing. It was overwhelming, and for a moment, I wasn't sure if I was Draven or Dravis, or something in between.

The lines blurred, and I was left standing on the precipice of two lives, two identities merging into one.

Was this the real reason I was here? To uncover the secrets of a life that had been hidden from me, even in the game? The realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. This wasn't just a game; it was a world with its own mysteries, its own stories, far beyond what I had ever imagined. And Draven, the character I thought I had known so well, was a part of that mystery.

As I stood, Alfred approached, his steps soft on the grass. He handed me a bouquet of flowers—roses, Kirara's favorite, I somehow knew. He must have asked the carriage driver to buy them while I was lost in thought. How long had I been here? It felt like mere moments, but the lengthening shadows suggested otherwise.

"Thank you, Alfred," I murmured, taking the bouquet. The flowers were vibrant, a stark contrast to the somber setting. They reminded me of the fleeting nature of life, of how beauty and sorrow often intertwined. Alfred stood silently beside me, a steady presence in the midst of my turmoil. He understood, perhaps better than anyone, the complexities of my situation.

He had served the Drakhan family for years, seen the rise and fall of fortunes, the shifting loyalties and hidden secrets.

Placing the bouquet gently on the grave, I stepped back, feeling a strange sense of closure. It wasn't the end, not by a long shot, but it was a step towards understanding, towards reconciling the two halves of my existence. I felt eyes on me, a presence watching from a distance. My senses, heightened by both magic and instinct, prickled at the sensation.

"Someone's watching," Alfred noted, his voice low and cautious.

I glanced around, my eyes scanning the treeline and the shadows. "Let them," I replied, sliding my hand dismissively. "I'm not in the mood for conflict today."

Alfred nodded, respecting my decision. He understood the delicate balance I maintained, the precarious position I held within the noble circles. Conflict, while sometimes unavoidable, was not always necessary. We turned and walked back towards the carriage, the weight of the day's revelations settling over me like a shroud.

As we rode back to the mansion, I couldn't help but think of Sophie. Unlike Kirara, who seemed ethereal and distant in my memories, Sophie was a tangible presence, a real part of my life in this world. She was kind but stiff, rigid like iron, her principles as a knight defining her every action. There was an attractiveness in her resolve, a shine that was both alluring and intimidating.

It was no wonder Draven had been interested in her, and now, those feelings had been passed on to me, mingling with my own.

It was strange, how the pain of my past life, the pain of losing my ex in the previous world, still lingered. It was a different kind of pain, one that gnawed at the edges of my consciousness, reminding me of the life I had left behind. The memories were still there, vivid and raw, as if they had happened yesterday.

I chuckled at the thought, the absurdity of feeling such deep emotions for two women in two different worlds.

Arriving at the mansion, I stepped out of the carriage, the familiar surroundings grounding me in the present. Alfred followed, his expression neutral but attentive. "There are a few things we need to discuss," I said, turning to him. "Come to the study in two hours. We need to go over the budget solutions."

Alfred nodded, understanding the unspoken command. He was more than just a butler; he was my confidant, my advisor, and in many ways, my anchor. As I entered the study, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. This was my sanctuary, a place where I could think and plan, free from the prying eyes and whispered judgments of the outside world.

The study was immaculate, every book and artifact in its place. Yet, I couldn't help but tidy up, using my psychokinesis to rearrange a few items. It was a habit, a way to center myself. The pain in my arms flared slightly, a reminder of the recent battle, but it was manageable. I had endured worse, and I would endure more in the days to come.

Sitting at my desk, I looked out the window, the sun dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape. The questions still lingered, the mysteries of this world and my place in it. But for now, there was work to be done, plans to be made, and a future to shape.

"Time to liven things up," I murmured to myself, a smile playing at the corners of my lips. There was a strange exhilaration in the uncertainty, in the unknown challenges ahead. I was no longer just Dravis Granger, this clear things up. "I'm Draven Arkanum von Drakhan,"

With a sense of purpose, I moved to a hidden compartment in my study, a place known only to a select few. Inside was the assassin attire I had used during the mission in the dream world, designed to protect the queen. The outfit felt familiar yet distant, a symbol of the duality I now embodied.

As I donned the dark hooded cloak, close-fitting leather armor, soft-soled boots, gloves, and mask, I felt a transformation. The weight of the armor, the snug fit of the gloves, and the silent tread of the boots grounded me in the present, sharpening my focus.

I checked my twin curved blades, ensuring they were sharp and ready for the tasks ahead. The blades had been a gift from my father, a symbol of the Drakhan family's legacy. Their edges gleamed in the dim light, a reminder of the responsibilities I bore. Sheathing them, I felt a surge of determination. This was not just a mission; it was a duty to protect my family and the kingdom.

A knock came from outside the study door, interrupting my thoughts. I opened it to find Alfred standing there, his eyes widening slightly as he took in my attire. His surprise was brief, replaced by his usual composed demeanor. "My lord," he said, bowing slightly, "what are your orders?"

I motioned for him to enter, closing the door behind him. "Before we go over the budget solutions, there's a more pressing matter at hand," I said, my voice low and serious. "I have a quest—a secret one that concerns the safety of the Drakhan family and the kingdom."

Alfred's expression hardened, understanding the gravity of my words. "What do you need, my lord?"

In my plan to make a second identity, Alfred and the others' help will be crucial. I have my will to protect myself, but it would be futile if the world is gone. And it will also be meaningless if I fail to protect what Draven is supposed to protect, as I am now him, and he is now me.

"I need your help and the trusted hands of the Drakhan family," I replied, meeting his gaze. "This mission requires discretion and loyalty. We must act swiftly and decisively. The safety of our people and the stability of the kingdom depend on it."

Alfred knelt before me, his head bowed in a gesture of unwavering loyalty. "We all act and die upon your will, my lord," he said solemnly. "Command us, and we will follow."