Chirp chirp! Birds sing in the early morning as the sun slowly wakes from its slumber… and I'M READY!
Ahh, perfectly bathed, fresh as a daisy. My clothes? Immaculate. My hair? Styled to perfection. A nice pair of shoes? Check. My wooden sword strapped to my waist? Absolutely.
Today is the day! The day my beloved teacher, the legendary Lexi, arrives! Finally, something in this world is going my way!
I take a deep breath, standing proudly at the entrance. Alright, Ryuk, keep calm. Act cool. Be dignified. Just a normal, well-behaved kid waiting for his teacher. Nothing suspicious at all.
And then—
"RYUK! YOU'RE AWAKE EARLY!"
My mother's voice booms from inside.
Oh no, stay in character, stay in character—
"YOU MUST BE SO EXCITED TO SEE LEXI!"
"Ahh yes! Mom… I'm just excited to learn spirit and nature magic! You've said so many great things about Miss Lexi, I can't wait to see her in person!"
I flash my most innocent, eager-kid smile.
Oh well, I've already seen her in my last life… Such a sexy—uhm, pretty woman she is.
Mom chuckles, ruffling my hair. "Oh, Ryuk, you're such a good boy! I'm sure you'll love her."
Oh, trust me, Mom, I already do.
Khneee!! The horse cart stops in front of our house.
Ahh! Here it is! My Lexi is here!!
Mom walks toward the cart, excited as ever, while I stand at the door, checking my breath. Yeah, perfect! Gotta make a good first impression!
The cart door opens, and then—there it is. A graceful foot steps down, like an angel descending to earth.
She wears a long, flowing emerald green robe with silver embroidery, designed with intricate patterns resembling intertwining vines. A soft golden sash wraps around her waist, perfectly complementing the shimmering silver runes that faintly glow across the fabric. Her sleeves, wide and elegant, flutter slightly with every movement, and a delicate crystal pendant rests against her chest, radiating a gentle aura of nature and spirit magic.
Oh… My… God…
I gulp. She looks just as stunning as I remember… No, even better! This is unfair! Where's the justice in this world?!
Mom hugs Lexi tightly, both of them laughing as they reunite after so long.
Meanwhile, I stand there, waiting for my turn to introduce myself. Gotta make sure I charm her up! First impressions are important, Ryuk! Play it cool, act natural!
I straighten my clothes, check my hair with a casual hand swipe, and flash my most innocent, adorable smile. Alright, let's do this!
"Good morning, Lady Lexi. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance. Allow me to introduce myself—I am Ryukard Blackfyre, the eldest son of your esteemed friend, Lady Maria Blackfyre, my beloved mother. She has spoken most highly of you, and it is truly an honor to stand before you today."
Lexi blinks, then chuckles softly, her emerald-green eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Oh my, what a polite young gentleman! Maria, are you sure this is your son? He sounds more like a noble trying to impress a princess!"
Damn right, I am! Wait—was that sarcasm? No, no, focus, Ryuk! Stay cool!
I clear my throat, maintaining my perfect posture. "Of course, Miss Lexi! A great teacher like you deserves nothing less than the utmost respect."
Mom snorts. "He's just excited to learn from you, Lexi. He's been asking about you ever since I mentioned your name."
Mom, why are you exposing me like this?!
Lexi kneels down, her warm smile practically glowing as she ruffles my perfectly styled hair.
"Ah—wait, my hair—!"
She completely ignores my suffering and giggles. "You're adorable and so well-behaved! You even called me 'teacher' already. Do you really want to learn magic from me?"
I nod enthusiastically. "Of course, Miss Lexi! Who wouldn't want to learn from someone as talented as you?"
And as ridiculously gorgeous—Ahem! Focus, Ryuk!
She tilts her head, amused. "I also heard you have all seven gods' blessings. That's actually my honor, Ryuk."
Huh? My honor? No, no, Lexi, this is MY win! My reincarnated life has finally given me something good!
I beam. "Then, please take care of me, teacher!"
Lexi laughs. "Oh, I will, dear student. You better be ready!"
Why…why does that sound like a threat?!
"Before I take you as my student, you have to pay a fee, little hero!"
"Fees?" I blink in confusion. "Uh… I'm sorry, Miss Lexi, but I don't exactly earn on my own yet. You see, I'm only three." I give her my best innocent look. Maybe she'll let it slide—
She chuckles and gently taps my nose with her soft finger. "Oh, don't worry! You can pay me with a kiss~"
Then, without a shred of hesitation, she leans in, tilting her cheek towards me.
…Huh?
My brain completely shuts down.
Wait, hold on—did she just say—?
BWAHHHH!!!
AFTER FIGHTING DEMONS FOR 300 YEARS… AFTER BEING CALLED A CREEP AND A PERV IN MY PAST LIFE… FINALLY… FINALLY, IN THIS LIFE, I… I…
I GET TO K-K-K-KISS—LEXI?!
My entire body turns scorching red. My mind spins. My vision goes blank.
And just like that… I faint.
"Ryuk?! Ryuk!"
Both Mom and Lexi cry out in concern as I collapse like a lifeless doll.
Goodbye, world… I have lived well.
My eyes slowly open. Mphm… so soft… A gentle fragrance surrounds me—calm, elegant, almost enchanting.
But wait…
Why does the ceiling look round? And when did we cover it with such fine fabric?
I frown, raising my hand. Huh…? It's so soft… like a marshmallow?
As I curiously squeeze it, a shadow looms over me.
Lexi's face appears above my eyes, her usual gentle smile turning a little mischievous.
"Ehh? I thought you were a gentleman, Ryuk… but here you are, being naughty~"
…
…
…
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
I instantly let go, realization slamming into me like a meteor. My whole body jerks up as I escape from her lap, my face burning hotter than dragon fire.
"I—I—I didn't mean to!!!"
Mom watches from the side, looking way too amused.
Lexi just giggles. "Fufu~ Don't worry, I'll forgive you. This time."
I bury my face in my hands. JUST KIDNAP ME ALREADY, SOMEONE!!!
"Maria, your son is such a charmer! Can I have him?!" Lexi teases, flashing a playful grin.
Ahhh huhhh!!! Oh, my dear fate writer, you finally show me mercy?! Thank you!!
Right as I'm about to accept my destiny, Mom claps her hands together, beaming with pride.
"Right!? Isn't my Ryuk just the most adorable little charmer? Hehe~"
Yes, yes! That's it, Mom! Say yes! Make it happen!!!
"But," Mom continues with a smirk, "you can't have him~"
HUHHHHH?!?!?!
I dramatically collapse to my knees. Fate… you raise my hopes, only to crush them in the cruelest way…
Lexi chuckles, kneeling down to ruffle my hair again. "Aww, don't look so heartbroken, little hero. I may not take you away, but you're stuck with me for training~"
"It will be my honor, Miss Lexi…" I said, my voice trembling as I wiped away an imaginary tear.
"Aww, Ryuk, you're so cute!!!" Lexi gushed, pulling me into a tight hug.
Ahhh, heaven!! Two soft, heavenly gates on my face!!
This… This is better than real heaven! Astraia stopped me from entering last time, but THIS?! This is paradise!!
Just as I was about to ascend spiritually, Mom suddenly yanked me away by the collar.
"Alright, alright, enough clinging to my son, Lexi! I still need to feed him breakfast!"
Mom… Why do you hate my happiness?
Lexi gently held Mom's wrist, stopping her from dragging me away. "Oh, Maria, why are you being so jealous? Let me play with little Ryuk a bit more~" she teased with a playful smirk.
Mom narrowed her eyes. "Oh, you can always do that while you train him, but for now, all you're doing is trying to seduce my son."
Ah, Mom… You see it too, right? My fate is finally turning in my favor!
Lexi giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "Fufufu~ What are you saying, Maria? He's only three! What do you mean by me seducing him? I'm just adoring his charm~"
Yes, yes! Let her adore me! I was called a creep my whole last life—let me enjoy this, Mom!
Mom scoffed, crossing her arms. "Adoring, huh? Then why did my son just faint from whatever you were doing?"
Lexi turned to me, still smiling. "Oh my, Ryuk~ Were you really so overwhelmed by me?"
I… I can neither confirm nor deny these allegations…
"Oh, my dear beloved mother," I said, putting on my most innocent smile, "I was just sleepy since I woke up early for Miss Lexi's arrival. It was nothing to worry about!"
Yes, yes, play it cool, Ryuk! You got this!
Mom raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Then why is your face still red?"
Crap.
Lexi giggled and ruffled my hair. "Fufufu~ See, Maria? He's just a sweet little gentleman who gets shy easily. How adorable!"
YES! KEEP SAYING THAT! PRAISE ME MORE!
Mom sighed and shook her head. "Alright, fine. But if he faints again, I'm blaming you, Lexi."
"Deal~" Lexi smiled before turning to me. "Now then, my little student, shall we begin your lessons soon?"
Ah yes, back to reality… but hey, at least I have the best teacher!