Retiring from villainy!
I’d say I’ve achieved some pretty decent results over the past year, wouldn't you?
It has been exactly one year since I regained the memories of my past life.
During that time—and I know it’s a bit much coming from me—I’ve piled up good deeds as if I were a completely different person. I listened to the concerns of the citizens, invested my personal funds to support reconstruction efforts during disasters, and made sure to offer words of appreciation to my servants every single day.
At first, everyone around me watched with suspicion, whispering that it was just a whim or that I must be plotting something sinister. But as I continued to act with dogged sincerity, their opinions gradually began to shift.
One morning, at the breakfast table.
My father, sitting directly across from me, spoke up out of the blue.
"Claude. I will admit to you now, there was a time when I harbored great anxiety regarding your future."
I bet you did...
My father, Gloas von Einhart, was known to his people as a strict lord, but he was always kind to his family. Though he had grimaced at my previous bouts of selfishness, he never truly abandoned me.
"I apologize for all the trouble I caused you."
"It is fine. Let us simply mark it down as a particularly difficult rebellious phase."
I sincerely respected my father; he was a true man of character. With such a wonderful role model right beside him, I wondered how the original Claude had ever managed to become such a tyrant...
Once the meal was over, it was time for a tea party with my fiancée.
For the heir of a Duke’s house, marriage is a grave matter of state. Meeting with one's fiancée regularly to deepen the relationship is a necessary duty to maintain the stability of both houses.
The two of us sat at a round table in the garden.
Directly across from me sat my fiancée, Celestia von Rosemilian, her posture perfectly straight.
Celestia... or "Tia," as she’s nicknamed, took a sip of the Duke’s preferred tea blend and moistened her lips.
"Claude-sama. I will tell you now, I once felt quite dissatisfied with our engagement."
I bet you did...
"That’s only natural. Until a year ago, I treated you quite terribly, Tia."
"Indeed. When I graduated from the academy’s middle school, you asked me: 'Do you really intend to become my wife despite being too incompetent to take the top rank?' I must admit, that really rubbed me the wrong way."
I ground my forehead into the table to show the depth of my remorse.
Claude, you idiot! What a horrible thing to say!
In the first place, you didn't even attend the academy! Father practically begged you to go, but you became a shut-in for the shittiest reason imaginable, claiming you didn't want to breathe the same air as commoners!
"You could only say such a thing because you do not know how grueling that academy is, Claude-sama. Coming in second place is a monumental feat in itself."
"I am truly, truly sorry."
"...I suppose I was being a little mean just now. Please, do not worry about it anymore."
When I looked up, Celestia was smiling elegantly.
"Now, I am glad that you are my fiancé."
"Tia..."
Celestia gazed at me, her cheeks flushed with a soft pink.
Though we were partners bound by a political arrangement, I believe she was happier about my transformation than anyone else. Reflected in those clear amethyst eyes was no longer an arrogant villain, but an ideal fiancé.
"Ah, sorry. I have an appointment soon..."
"Are you leaving already?"
"The citizens have consulted me regarding the plans for a new irrigation canal. I’m heading out to inspect the site now."
As I spoke, Celestia took another quiet sip of her tea.
"It is wonderful that you are keeping busy, but please do not push yourself until you break. You do not belong solely to yourself, after all."
"...O-Oh."
What is this bittersweet dialogue? Am I in a romance novel?
As I instinctively looked away to hide my blushing face, Celestia let out a soft giggle. It felt like she had me wrapped around her little finger, which only made me more embarrassed.
Even if I had memories of a past life, I was Claude in this world now—a healthy young man in both mind and body. Naturally, my heart skipped a beat.
I walked with Celestia to the front gate to see her off.
Two carriages engraved with the crest of House Rosemilian were lined up at the entrance.
"Why are there two?"
"Reiji is in the one in the back. Since he also planned to head from the Rosemilian Territory to the Royal Capital today, I suggested he travel with me."
Hearing the name Reiji, I remembered the red-haired boy.
He was someone I had encountered a few times over the past year. He was a bit scatterbrained, but he was a good-natured, approachable kid who carried a strange sense of presence.
Reiji was a commoner from the Rosemilian Territory, and like Celestia, he attended the academy in the Royal Capital. It wasn't particularly unusual for the two of them to travel together.
The fact that the carriages were separate was likely a gesture of consideration for me, the fiancé...
Reiji was sticking his head out from the carriage's hood. I approached him as he glared intently at me.
"If you're going to glare that much, why don't you just step down?"
"...I’m just keeping watch to make sure you don't do anything weird to Tia."
Normally, I should be the one suspecting that, but considering Claude’s past track record, Reiji’s suspicion was perfectly valid.
At that moment, a loud growl echoed from Reiji's stomach. He awkwardly averted his eyes.
"I appreciate you looking out for Tia, but won't your sword arm go dull if you're starving?"
"Ugh... Mind your own business! As if I’d accept any charity from someone like you!"
Reiji snapped, but I was prepared for that.
I gestured to Chesa, who was waiting nearby. I took a basket from her and handed it to Reiji.
"There are sandwiches inside. I had them prepared to stave off boredom on the road. You should share them with Tia."
"...I’m actually allowed to eat this? Didn't you once say that pig slop was good enough for the food served to commoners?"
Stop it! Stop bringing up my dark past!
Now that he mentioned it, I did feel like I might have said something that cruel once...
How awful, Claude. Even if that's me.
"I'm sorry. I was out of my mind back then. I won't ask you to forgive me. If you don't want them, I'll eat them myself."
"...Hah. Now I feel like an idiot for being so worked up."
You're not the idiot, Reiji. The idiot was the Claude from a year ago.
Accepting the basket, Reiji looked at me with a conflicted expression.
"I’ve always hated you."
I bet you did.
Until a year ago, I was hated by the entire world. But I was likely especially loathed by Reiji.
Reiji, who aspired to rise above his station, had entered the Royal Capital’s academy through Celestia's recommendation. To Reiji, Celestia was more than just the daughter of his lord—she was his ultimate benefactor.
And I had spent my days insulting and belittling that benefactor.
That’s why Reiji remained on guard. He feared I might hurt her again.
"...But I don't hate you as much as I used to. I still can't quite make sense of it, but I can tell you've really been trying to change over this past year."
Reiji mumbled something under his breath before looking me in the eye.
"Make sure you keep living right."
"...Yeah, I promise."
Reiji ducked back inside the carriage with the basket in hand.
Celestia and I shared a small smile.
I was beginning to truly love this world.
Despite being a total failure of a human being who deserved to rot in hell, there were people who were willing to forgive me. I had shed tears many times over their mercy. I was so blessed to be surrounded by these people.
This past year, I had worked until I vomited blood to overturn my reputation. But my efforts were nothing more than a trifle. Without the generous hearts of my family, Celestia, and Reiji, I never would have been able to stand tall again.
"Speaking of which, Claude-sama, you will be receiving your prophecy next week as well, right?"
At Celestia's question, I nodded.
"Of course."
"Then we shall meet again next week. I will be waiting for you in the Royal Capital."
Celestia climbed into her carriage—faithfully choosing the one separate from Reiji.
I realized she probably wouldn't have bothered with that precaution a year ago.
In this country, citizens have the opportunity to receive a prophecy from the gods once every five years.
This isn't a universal thing. Because this nation follows the Fourth Mythos of Fate as its state religion, we are blessed with these opportunities. Even so, it only happens twice a decade. I’ve heard that in countries with even more devout followers, prophecies are handed down daily.
As a non-religious person in my past life, concepts like the Fourth Mythos or prophecies left me thinking, "What the heck...?" but since this world is clearly a sword-and-sorcery fantasy, gods likely exist. If that's the case, I couldn't exactly disregard a prophecy. I didn't want to be hated by any more literal deities.
After leaving the Einhart Duchy and arriving in the Royal Capital, I headed to the church accompanied by my father.
When we entered the Chamber of Prophecy—a massive hall in the church's basement—about two hundred people were already waiting.
Prophecies are granted to citizens fifteen or older who have never received one before and whose total donations have reached a certain threshold. The donation requirement is somewhat steep, and the difficulty of traveling from the outskirts to the Capital acted as a natural filter. Unlike my previous world, the transportation infrastructure here was still lacking.
"Claude-sama."
A voice called out from behind me.
Turning around, I found Celestia and Reiji.
"You two are here already?"
"Yes. Because Reiji was rushing me..."
Reiji glared at Celestia, snapping, "Don't say that!"
"I couldn't help it! For a commoner, a prophecy is a dream! Every man dreams at least once of the gods telling him, 'You shall become a hero'!"
Does that really happen? Just as I was wondering, the men around us began nodding their heads in silent agreement. Is it like that common daydream about taking down terrorists who attack your school?
"Well, I can understand it to an extent. Many women also hope for a fairytale where they are told, 'A prince on a white horse shall appear,'" Celestia said with a sigh.
"Did you ever wish for that, Tia?"
"...I suppose I did. Until about a year ago."
Ugh!!!!
My heart...! So she wanted a prince on a white horse to appear and save her from me!
"I have changed my mind now. Because even a prince on a white horse might have started out as nothing more than a naughty boy."
Celestia smiled softly.
I can already see a future where I'm completely whipped... but I suppose it's my own fault.
"The ritual of prophecy shall now begin."
The bishop standing on the dais announced in a booming voice.
The ceremony commenced. One by one, the citizens stepped onto the platform to receive their destinies from the God of Fate.
"Thou, take up the hammer. Prosper on the path of the blacksmith."
"Thou, set sail. The east wind shall bring thee fortune."
"Thou, till the earth. The seeds shall sprout in the coming spring."
Solemn voices echoed through the hall. It was the voice of God.
A divine prophecy is absolute. However, whether one chooses to follow it is up to the individual.
Regardless of their choice, those who receive a prophecy are usually emboldened. Some find the strength to move forward, while others find a reason to change direction. Whether one embraces it or rejects it, a prophecy is an opportunity to change one's life.
"It's my turn."
The line moved forward, and finally, I stepped onto the dais.
The Chamber of Prophecy had fallen into a heavy, solemn silence. Swallowing hard from nerves, I looked toward the altar.
Claude von Einhart. What kind of destiny would be handed down to a man living such a strange, second life?
"Thou art a Great Sinner."
...Huh?
I couldn't believe my ears.
But the prophecy continued, the words striking me like physical blows.
"Thou shalt bring despair unto the people."
"Thou shalt carve wounds into the hearts of many that shall never heal."
"And through those sins, thou shalt fall into evil."
the entire hall froze at the ominous words.
A Great Sinner? Despair? Evil?
The strength left my limbs.
I thought I had lived sincerely over this past year. Was it not enough? Was I being punished for my past now?
"—Do not mock me!!"
A roar shattered the silence.
It was my father. Duke Gloas stood there, his face flushed with rage.
"Stop this prophecy at once! This is a mistake!"
My father was shielding me. For the sake of a son as troubled as I had been, he was genuinely, purely furious.
But the bishop standing beside me glared at my father with a cold, hard expression.
"Duke. A prophecy is the literal word of God. Do you dare to doubt the Church... to doubt God Himself?"
"Guh...!"
My father choked on his words. From the Church's perspective, his outburst was a borderline heretical offense.
The Chamber was in an absolute uproar. If a High Noble and the Church went to war, the result would be a nightmare.
"Duke Gloas is correct."
The one who added fuel to the fire was, of all people, Celestia.
Amidst the shock of the crowd, Celestia spoke with a sharp, dignified gaze.
"There is a flaw in that prophecy. You must postpone this and seek another opportunity."
House Einhart and House Rosemilian had joined forces to denounce the prophecy. This was clearly beyond the Church’s expectations, and the bishop’s face turned pale.
In that tense, suffocating atmosphere, I noticed it.
Celestia's hands were trembling.
...Ah, that's right.
Just because I worked hard for a single year, my past sins hadn't simply vanished.
Celestia always said, "I do not mind it anymore," or "I have changed my mind," but she was likely trying to convince herself as much as me.
Deep down, she was terrified. Somewhere in her heart, she still feared that I might revert to being a monster.
But she wanted to believe in me.
That's why she was taking my side even as her body shook with fear.
Tears welled in my eyes.
Stop it. It's enough... it's enough.
This is my own fault. I've lived a life that deserves to be called a Great Sinner.
But... that is exactly why I vow right now.
I will absolutely defy this prophecy.
I will not fall into evil—
"That would be a problem."
A sharp sound, like glass shattering, rang out.
But it wasn't glass—it was the sound of the world cracking.
Space itself splintered. Colors inverted, sounds vanished, and time ground to a halt.
I stood in a grey world where everything but me was frozen in place.
Directly in front of me stood a figure draped in a white hood. For some reason, it felt wrong to look at them directly. When I tried to lower my gaze and shift my weight, my legs nearly gave out.
Reflexively looking up, I saw faint lines running across the person's body. The lines were intricately intertwined, extending in every direction like a web.
What is this person?
Threads...?
No, a loom?
"Ugh—!?"
A wave of intense nausea hit me, and I covered my mouth.
I couldn't look directly. I didn't know why, but my mind screamed that I shouldn't follow those impossible, twisting threads with my eyes. They weren't meant for a human mind to comprehend.
"W-Who are you...!?"
"Claude von Einhart. I must inform you of a cruel fate."
A beautiful woman's voice echoed through the frozen, grey world.
"At this rate, the world will perish because of you."