Like Home

Lawrence and Bernard traveled through the maze of streets and buildings until they arrived at a rustic-looking but almost decrepit building.

The Yee Yonder…It almost seems like a joke an American would make…Lawrence discarded the thought as they entered.

The interior mirrored the outside: stone-cobbled walls, wooden floors, pillar supports, tables, chairs, and counters. It looked like the average fantasy inn.

Customers occupied nearly every table, eating and drinking, some laughing loudly and enjoying themselves. It was the most lively place he’d been in, and the energy felt warm and inviting.

It wasn’t hard for them to find an empty table and sit down as a slightly chubby middle-aged waitress approached them.

“Well, I’ll be darned, Bernard, never thought I’d see ya again!” She exclaimed, slapping his back, the sound vibrating the air around them.

“I couldn’t miss out on the best steak and eggs in the city while passing by now, could I, Audrey?”

“You always tooting my horn, ain’t ya?”

“Perhaps, but at the moment, Lawrence is looking for something to revitalize himself and get his energy back.”

Audrey looked over, almost surprised at Lawrence’s presence, as he gave her a nervous smile.

“Ah, the Blackwood boy! I’ll show you my most prized dishes, and you’ll have enough energy to run until your legs fall off!” She laughed, slapping Lawrence hard on the back as well before heading to the kitchen.

The sheer force made the nerves sting and feel like an iron pressing against his back. After rubbing the area for a few seconds, he composed himself and looked towards Bernard.

“I’m surprised she didn’t gawk or say anything about me like many others have.”

“Audrey is a kind person. She doesn’t care about status, race, or belief. When you walk in here, she treats you as one of her own. Her customers come here for a hearty meal and a good time.”

Lawrence considered her virtuous principles, appreciating her good nature. “That sounds…truly nice.”

There’s nothing worse than living a life where society has preconceptions and expectations for you when you walk a different path. I would know it too well, unfortunately.

“You must be Hara’s kid. Hope you strive to be as successful as her.”

“Will you follow in the footsteps of your parents?”

“Your mom and dad are truly amazing.”

The echoes of his mother’s friends began to envelop him as memories of his previous life began to return to haunt him.

I wanted to do nothing else but tell them to shut up, but they don’t deserve my wrath when they’re none the wiser. If only they knew my parents' true colors. If I could, I’d drown out their voices and sink into the endless abyss within my soul.

As truly wish-fulfilling as the new world seems, as he’d learned to understand in his past life, everything and everyone has a dark side, including himself.

I have no trust left to give. I have no more patience. I have no more energy. The light in my soul has long since been extinguished. I’m afraid of change, and even more frightened now. I feel like a stranger in a foreign land. If there are gods, did they intend for Kana to stab me and send me here?

A few minutes later, Audrey returned with a handful of plates and set down most of them before Lawrence, snapping out of his sorrowful inner banter.

The sumptuous banquet utterly dumbfounded him. It seemed physically impossible for him to eat it all.

“Auntie Audrey’s specialty has come to the rescue, Lawrence! So eat up!”

She set down a plate of steak and eggs for Bernard and let them enjoy their food peacefully.

Lawrence’s food was a fusion of European and American styles in appearance. He was slightly disappointed that nothing on the table resembled anything from home, but wasn’t afraid to try new things, especially food.

“You'd better eat up because she won’t let you leave until all those plates are clean,” Bernard informed, cutting into his steak with a knife.

“Oh Goddess…” Lawrence muttered to himself as he started digging in. He frowned at the odd phrase he blurted out, but ignored it.

He picked up a piece of grilled corn with his fork, noticing the shiny glaze on it before taking a bite. A flood of flavors and spices assaulted his taste buds. It was like nothing he’d ever eaten, and it was almost mesmerizing.

Bernard seemed to notice that Lawrence was enjoying the food, attempting to hide his satisfaction, he continued to eat.

“It’s good, isn't it? You’re eating thirty years' worth of blood, sweat, and tears, so enjoy it to the best of your ability.”

Lawrence nodded happily as he continued to eat. The bread was flaky and incredibly fresh, and the pasta was perfectly seasoned. If he had a pen and paper, he would write a forty-page review of how good everything was.

Amidst his feast, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Audrey giving him a genial smile before tending to the customers at the bar.

…

They finished eating, and Bernard paid for everything despite Lawrence’s protest. They exited the diner while Lawrence clutched his stomach with one hand, feeling it would explode from the amount of food he had eaten.

“Is there anything you want to do? Or return home?” Bernard rested his hand on the hilt of his sword at his side as his eyes squinted a bit due to the sun shining down brightly.

“I think I’ll return home and rest some more.”

The real reason is to try to figure out what Aria told me about in the basement.

“Do you want me to escort you home?”

“No, it’s okay, I remember the way back.”

Bernard was a bit apprehensive, but he respected my wishes and began setting off in the opposite direction. “Then I’ll check on you later after I run some errands.”

They waved farewell as Lawrence retraced his steps back towards the mansion.

For the first time, essentially after transmigrating, Lawrence was alone. He could think clearly as he tried to understand his situation and unravel the mysterious, supposed dark side of his father.

----

Princess Eva entered her room and collapsed face down on her bed—hundreds of thoughts running around in her head simultaneously.

Maria gently opened the door and entered the room. “My Lady…?”

“Maria…” Eva sniffled, her voice muffled by the blankets.

“What’s wrong?” The maid asked, sitting at the edge of the bed, smoothly rubbing the princess’s back.

“He’s suffering from amnesia and has forgotten about me.” Eva turned her head towards Maria, tears streaming out of her eyes and onto the covers.

“I’m sorry to hear that, My Lady.” Maria began caressing Eva’s hair, attempting to soothe her.

“What…what am I supposed to do?”

“Just give him some time. With any luck, his memory will return, and things will return to normal. Just be happy he’s still here.”

“I am happy, but…” Eva stopped crying for a bit, getting up to wipe her tears as she sniffled.

“I’m sure he wouldn’t forget the years you two spent together.”

“I hope you’re right…” The princess attempted to put on a smile as she looked at her maid.

Maria smiled, taking Eva’s arm, and gently pulled her up. “Come on, I’ll make you something sweet to eat to try and cheer you up.”

----

After about an hour of exploring the city and getting familiar with the surrounding Ironstein, Chromel, and Kurohagen Districts, Lawrence returned to the mansion without issue. One of the housekeepers let him in, thanking them as he entered the garden.

Pulling open the heavy, dark-brown wooden doors, he entered the mansion and explored the ground floor, searching for the basement.

It was his first time fully exploring the mansion, so it was quite an adventure to see all of the paintings of the Blackwoods and the expensive decorations and family heirlooms on display.

After entering the empty kitchen, a dark brown door was visible next to the cabinets. Gripping the knob and slowly opening the door, Lawrence stared at a descending wooden staircase with a dark metal door at the bottom.

Ah, yes, the average, seemingly normal, yet creepy basement entrance owned by a wealthy individual.

His foot touched the first step as the wood creaked. Slowly but surely, he continued down the stairs until he reached the door. It had a tree-like design, almost resembling concept art of Yggdrasil or the Kabbalah Tree of Life.

After finishing his examination of the design with his fingers, Lawrence took hold of the brass doorknob as a familiar feeling washed over him. He suddenly found himself atop the stairs, looking down at Jacob and locking the basement door.

~

Neat, so this memory ability or whatever it’s called doesn’t just apply to things relating to Lawrence.

As Jacob turned around to walk up the stairs, Lawrence saw the key in his father’s hand attached to a brown string. He then put the key around his neck and tucked it under his dark gray shirt.

“Let’s just hope I can finish my preparations in time,” Jacob said out loud to himself, walking through Lawrence like he was a ghost.

~

Lawrence returned to the present as the memory ended, realizing he was staring at the door from the bottom of the stairs.

He could only assume Jacob had the key on him, but the resting place of the previous head of the household was a mystery.

Heading upstairs, he passed by the piano and servants making food in the kitchen in the next room. It didn’t take long for him to search the floor for Aria when he found her adjusting the pillows in the living room.

“Lawrence.” She called his name in slight surprise but remained modest.

He nodded his head and greeted her.

“How are you doing? What did Dr. Lyndale say?” She asked, putting away a brush in her uniform.

“There’s no sign of brain damage.” He sat down on the corner of the couch as she did the same.

“Well, that’s great, isn’t it? But what’s the reason for your amnesia?”

He opened his mouth for a split second but paused. It would only bring more trouble if he told the truth without knowing anything. He thought it best to wait for now. “That’s inconclusive, he said.”

“Even if you don’t regain your memories, it should be fine.” She replied lightheartedly, holding her hand over her chest.

“Why is that?”

“You’re in the memory of those who love and cherish you. That’s good enough for now. And you can always make new memories.”

He stopped to ponder her words before agreeing. Her statement was sound, even if he wasn’t the one they loved. The guilt of lying to everyone only increased, making the hole in his stomach grow larger.

“Perhaps you’re right.”

“I know things may get hard for you, but just know you will always have a home here and someone waiting for your safe return.”

“Thank you for everything.” He nodded his head graciously.

“Of course, Lawrence. As long as I live, I will support you no matter what.”

After that reassurance, he felt more comfortable asking her what he needed to know. “Aria, since my memory is foggy, could you tell me where my father is?”

“At his favorite place, Leidhal. Behind your home, or what’s left of it. Why do you ask?” She tilted her head, intrigued by his strange inquiry.

“I believe he could have the key to the basement. Or at least a clue.”

She seemed anxious, not speaking for a few seconds. Lawrence could tell she didn’t wholly approve of his fixation, but she couldn't protest because she was the one who informed him of the family’s background to an extent.

“You told me each member of the family had a dark secret. Are there some you know about?”

“Well…” She pursed her lips, trying to think of something. “Your uncle, who works as an advisor to Blackwood Industries, was rumored to be dealing with nefarious black market activities, but that’s about all I know, and it could just be a rumor.”

“Blackwood Industries?”

“It was your father’s company. After he passed, the Board took over until you turned eighteen. But unfortunately, you had supposedly died, and your cousin took over.”

None of what she told him seemed important at the moment. He wanted to get into that basement. “I’m sure it’s something worth my time at a later date. But for now, I need to get to Leidhal.”

“I understand. If you can find James, he’ll get you there quickly. He’s an awkward guy with short brown hair, the same age as you, and a bit timid.”

He nodded again, standing up from the soft couch, thanking her as he recalled Corinne mentioning James. Before he could leave, she stopped him.

“Lawrence, the funeral for your mother and sister is in three days.” She spoke gravely, her voice a bit shaken.

He inhaled softly and nodded in acknowledgment, then turned away and exited through the front door.

I didn’t even think about that.

Only a few days had passed since the fire, and everyone thought the Blackwood Family had perished. The extended family was in turmoil as they scrambled to figure out what to do until Lawrence returned.

As he exited the mansion and went around the courtyard toward the stables, he found someone who matched the description Aria gave, brushing one of the horses.

“James?” The head of the household called out as he approached, startling the boy.

James dropped the brush and quickly turned around to salute Lawrence. “M-Master Lawrence…!”

Realizing what he was doing, he quickly dropped his hand. Almost like it was laughing at him, the black and gray horse snorted at the young caretaker.

“Just call me Lawrence.”

“O-Okay…is there something good ol’ James can help you with?” The carriage driver picked up the brush and dusted off his clothes.

“I need to get to Leidhal quickly,” Lawrence revealed matter-of-factly.

“Urm, is it so wise to go back to the place everyone died at?”

Lawrence was humored by his remark, unable to contain the smirk that appeared on his lips. “You’re blunt.”

“Apologies, I’m very impulsive, I’m told…” James lowered his head in shame, afraid he had offended the head of the household.

“Don’t worry about it, I like your bluntness.”

James got a bit flustered and began fidgeting. “I-I’ll get the carriage set up!”

He quickly zipped off into the stable with the horse he had been tending to earlier.