What? I Actually Reincarnated As Stepping Stone In Another World?



"Are you going to the Imperial Palace?" Arthur looked at Vivian and asked to confirm.

"Right, can you accompany me there?" Vivian sighed helplessly and looked at Arthur with a pleading gaze, which appeared very alluring.

"Because I can't ask David to come with me, and you are the only one close to me, dear."

"Can you?" Arthur looked at her for a moment, and, as if thinking of something, he asked in a soft tone.

"Can you tell me the reason you went to the Imperial capital?" Arthur asked.

It was not without reason that he was surprised like this because there was a plot in the story where Vivian went to the Imperial capital alone.

And of course, as of now, she didn't invite Arthur into the novel, considering that the two of them were not too close.

However, Arthur still remembered that, not long after Vivian returned home, she suddenly fell ill.

The doctor at Duke Asvold's mansion diagnosed her with a very rare, high-level poison.

For a month, she was bedridden and unable to move at all.

Even in the novel, despite a year of efforts by the empire and Duke Asvold's mansion to find a cure, they were unable to cure the poison in Vivian's body.

Finally, after a year and six months, Vivian died in her bed due to the ongoing effects of the poison that continued to eat away at her inner body.

This also made readers of the novel hate the Balka Empire arc, including Arthur himself, because he believed Vivian should have been portrayed as a great villain considering her nature in the novel.

However, unfortunately, that didn't happen, and Vivian's role ended up being just an inconspicuous background.

Upon hearing Arthur's question, Vivian closed her eyes and leaned her head on Arthur's shoulder while explaining.

"Do you know about the conflict between the Balka Empire and the Savaran Empire?" Vivian asked in a soft tone.

Arthur nodded and replied, "Yes, the Balka Empire and the Savaran Empire have been in a long-standing feud for decades, although they recently reached a truce." Arthur explained.

"That's true, but there have been reports from the empire indicating that the Savaran Empire is carrying out covert attacks on some of our territories."

"This has escalated the tension once again, and I plan to visit the palace to get a better understanding of the situation," Vivian said.

"Besides, my brother and Lucia are there, and I can't help but worry," she explained while hugging Arthur's arm.

They had been doing this ever since Arthur captured her heart.

However, despite not being related by blood, Vivian found solace in the fact that Arthur was the one person she could always rely on by her side.

Arthur pondered deeply, recalling the plots in the story and piecing them together until he reached a conclusion in his heart as he looked at Vivian beside him.

"Her fate is truly tragic; she should have been able to become a prominent figure in the novel, but her life will end in a few years." Arthur sighed, his gaze filled with concern as he looked deeply at Vivian.

"I will protect you, Mom," Arthur said firmly, his voice determined.

Perplexed by his statement, Vivian tilted her head in confusion and gently pinched his cheek, seeking further clarification.

"What do you mean, dear?" she asked curiously.

Arthur remained silent for a moment, his expression softening as a gentle smile formed on his face.

"Don't worry, it's just that I want to protect you, Mommy," he chuckled, his mind filled with thoughts about the events surrounding Vivian's impending death in the novel.

Recalling all the plots he remembered, he pieced them together and came to the chilling conclusion that Vivian's death was not a natural occurrence but rather a carefully planned conspiracy—a premeditated murder.

In the novel, Vivian's death marks the beginning of chaos in the Balka Empire Arc, as it sets off a chain of events.

The Balka Empire engages in a final war against the Savaran Empire, which they ultimately win, but at the cost of damaging their own vitality.

Subsequently, 

David initiates a rebellion against the Balka Empire.

Undeniably, Vivian's death due to poisoning served as the catalyst for the subsequent chain of events.

And who was responsible for that? Arthur smiled faintly as a name came to his mind: "Maria Alvas."

Maria Alvas is the second wife of Emperor Alex and the younger sister of the current Emperor Savaran, Ethan Alvas.

As he thought of the woman, Arthur chuckled and muttered, "It seems I'll have to visit the Imperial Palace and meet her."

Alright, Arthur, I'll rely on you." Vivian's voice resonated in his ears, pulling him out of his contemplation.

Arthur nodded, determination shining in his eyes.

He whispered to himself, "I will alter your fate, and together with me, we will shape our destiny."

Suddenly, a question arose in his mind, and he asked with curiosity, "When will we depart?"

Vivian rested her chin on her hand, pondering for a moment.

"In about five days, as I have much to prepare and you also need time to make arrangements, right?" she replied with a serious expression.

Arthur nodded, acknowledging the truth of her words.

There were still unresolved matters within the government that required his attention and swift resolution.

Of course, everything seemed easy for Arthur, considering all the knowledge and skills he had already mastered.

However, since he would be visiting the Weis family in two days to meet Anna, he needed to quickly organize all his affairs.

Additionally, he sensed a stirring within the core of his body, indicating that the seal David had given him might soon be released.

The thought filled him with excitement and anticipation.

He had longed to harness the power of the elemental arts, which were essentially magic in this world.

After ten years of waiting, he couldn't wait to finally possess this extraordinary ability.

This marked the beginning of his true journey toward becoming powerful, and he was eager to embark on it.

"Alright, I'll wrap up all my tasks so that I can accompany you calmly, Mom," Arthur explained, and Vivian nodded, understanding his intention.

Vivian then stretched her body gracefully, her curves catching Arthur's admiring gaze.

Her beauty left him silently praising her in his heart.

Afterward, Vivian rose slowly from her seat and cast a gentle look at Arthur, who remained on the sofa.

"Thank you, dear," she said softly.

"I apologize for burdening you."

Arthur shook his head and replied, "It's not a problem at all."

"Just let me know if you need anything." He stood up, smiling at her.

Their eyes met, and a meaningful smile formed between them.

Soon, Vivian spoke again: "Alright, I'll start preparing for our trip."

"I won't disturb you any longer, dear," she said softly, gently caressing Arthur's face.

Arthur nodded in response.

As Vivian made her way out of the room, she paused at the doorway and glanced back at Arthur.

"Don't forget to come to me if you face any troubles, dear," she said before leaving without waiting for a reply.

"Being pampered like this feels amazing." Arthur sighed contentedly, then slowly returned to his desk.

As he was sorting through paperwork, there was another knock on the door.

*Knock!

"Who is it?" he asked casually.

A soft and familiar voice responded, "Young master, it's me."

"Runa?" Arthur exclaimed, recognizing the voice.