No matter how I think about it, young Claym Bradley was an unbearably arrogant and smug child. At the age of eight, this phase marked a significant turning point in my life. It’s no exaggeration to say it shaped the foundation of who I became.

Looking back, it’s embarrassing to admit, but my privileged lineage, noble family, and innate talents allowed me to live a life free from want. I grew up spoiled, convinced that life would bend to my whims. I took everything for granted, believing that the world existed solely for my benefit. And yet, my ultimate fate—my death—was the result of my own hubris. Even though I was deceived by others, I now understand that my lack of vigilance was the real problem.

"Truly, I was such a fool..."

In this world, nothing is guaranteed, nothing is absolute. People must work tirelessly to achieve even the most basic comforts. That’s a truth I failed to grasp.

I wasn’t surrounded solely by sycophants who affirmed my every word. True, most people fawned over me because I was the heir to a marquisate, a prodigy blessed with rare talents and a promising future. Their flattery only served to inflate my ego. But among them were individuals who tried to correct my course and lead me down the right path.

My younger self, foolish as he was, dismissed their wisdom as nonsense, mocking and ignoring their warnings. I told myself their advice didn’t apply to me and lived as I pleased. The result of that arrogance was a tragic future. Only in death did their words finally resonate.

"My stubbornness as a child was incredible, wasn’t it?"

One of those who had tried to guide me was the person I was about to meet. This individual, the same one who had knocked me unconscious during training a few days ago, was none other than my great-uncle, Lord Granger, the Margrave of the Frontier. Currently, he was staying at our family residence in the capital.

To be honest, I wasn’t fond of him as a child. He constantly criticized my manners, and during training, he would thrash me without mercy. He was extraordinarily strict with me, so much so that I often thought, "This crazy old man must be out of his mind!" or "I’ll pay him back someday!" But defeating him, a man dozens of times stronger than me, was a pipe dream. That grudge remained unfulfilled.

Now, I understand his intentions. My great-uncle wanted me to develop the sense of responsibility expected of a future head of the family. Even so, I can’t deny that his methods often crossed the line.

"If I could avoid meeting him, I would..."

Most of my childhood trauma was tied to my great-uncle. Far from overcoming it, my aversion to him has only deepened. Though I left my room brimming with determination, my steps grew heavier as I approached my father’s study, where he was likely waiting.

"..."

Since being knocked out during training, I had been confined to rest until yesterday. Today marked my first encounter with my great-uncle since returning to the past. Even though I’ve resolved to change, the prospect of facing him still makes me nervous. Just a few days ago, he left me unconscious with a single blow. Even if I don’t remember the moment, my body clearly hasn’t forgotten. My legs are trembling on their own.

"M-Maybe I should come back ano—"

As I wavered, a voice unexpectedly called out from behind me.

"What are you doing here, Brother...?"

"?!?"

The young, hesitant voice was tinged with unease and carried a sense of familiarity. I stiffened in surprise. After all, this was only my second face-to-face interaction since returning to the past. While I didn’t feel anxious around Mother or our maid, Kanna, the owner of this voice brought back memories I’d rather not confront.

I turned to find a young girl timidly watching me—my little sister, Alice.

"A-Alice..."

Her short, neatly trimmed black hair, streaked with crimson just like mine, framed a delicate, youthful face. Even as a child, she was beautiful, destined to grow into a woman whose beauty would attract countless suitors among the nobility.

For a brief moment, I felt a pang of nostalgia. But almost immediately, my mind flashed back to the final moments of my previous life—her cold, disdainful gaze as she looked down on me. My trembling intensified as the fear of that future resurfaced. My thoughts stalled, while Alice, hesitant yet resolute, stepped closer.

Why does she seem so afraid?

The answer was obvious: it was entirely my fault. During this period, I treated Alice horribly, often teasing her or making her cry. Yet, she still clung to me, desperate for her elder brother’s attention, even though she knew I’d make her miserable.

...Looking back, I was truly despicable in my first life.

Overwhelmed by guilt, I forced myself to respond to her question.

"Well, um... I’m about to see Uncle Granger."

"Uncle Granger...?"

"Yeah."

Plastering on a smile, I explained as gently as I could. My second chance at life, and my idyllic future, required Alice’s support. That she was even speaking to me now meant it wasn’t too late to mend our relationship. For a better future, I had to make a good impression.

...And more than that, I wanted to build a normal bond with her this time. Our relationship in my first life was warped, distant, and broken. We went years without speaking or even seeing each other. While I was entirely to blame, this second chance was an opportunity to change that.

There was only one path forward.

I needed to do everything I hadn’t in my first life. Show her kindness, dote on her, and become the kind of brother she deserved.

"Would you like to come with me, Alice?"

"R-Really?!"

Her wide-eyed surprise was almost heartbreaking. Caught off guard, she hesitated, her voice quivering with uncertainty.

"Of course, only if you want to."

"—I-If that’s okay, I’d love to!"

She froze for a moment, then nodded eagerly.

"Great. It’s settled then."

"Yes!"

Her radiant smile was a revelation—a sight I had never seen in my first life, one I had failed to notice. Just seeing her like this made me think, Maybe dying wasn’t so bad after all.

As Alice shyly clutched the hem of my clothes, I took her hand. Together, we pushed open the doors to the grand hall.