Chapter 1: The Engagement is Called Off, Joy Abounds.

After all, in this ancient society where the infant mortality rate is exceedingly high, the literacy rate among commoners is extremely low, and one could die at any moment from a rain shower or an external injury leading to infection, being born into nobility at least ensures that one will not starve and has the opportunity for education

Aaron turned back and saw that the original cave was situated beneath a massive banyan tree, its enormous canopy blocking out the sun. Numerous aerial roots hung down from the branches, and thousands of tendrils were deeply embedded in the stone walls, creating a bizarre symbiotic state

A drop of dark red blood flowed down through the cracks of the stone platform

At this moment, the bachelor was holding a piece of stationery in his hand

The messenger raven has arrived, indicating that something has occurred in the castle

However, Aaron does not regret it

Moreover, it must be acknowledged that religion is quite useful in numbing the populace and consolidating feudal rule

Bloody, terrifying, mysterious

A threatening heir, who poses an even greater challenge to Colin, is exemplified by his younger brother, who broke his leg while riding a horse.

Having raised someone else's son for over ten years may indeed create a bond that feels closer than that with one's own biological child who has never been nurtured

In the distance, the sun shines brightly, and the azure sky is completely cloudless. At the end of the road, which is covered in mud and gravel, stands a European-style building primarily constructed of round logs. Some of the logs, which have not yet been stripped of their bark, still bear a few vibrant buds full of life.

The figure at the forefront prayed loudly, using a silver dagger in hand to cut a piece of succulent venison, offering it to the stone altar

Aaron thought casually

Aaron skillfully mounted his steed and returned to the castle with a group of people

An exceptionally majestic creature, a black raven bound with a cylindrical object on its leg, landed at the very center of a building, atop a window of a castle tower constructed from massive rocks

Due to having lived two lives and possessing a rather cautious personality, although he is a second son, Aaron has been living quite well. Furthermore, driven by a fear of falling ill and dying, he insists on exercising, resulting in a strong physique

The pale candle emitted a dim glow, illuminating a dozen figures clad in black robes, twisting and writhing against the rock wall

Aaron seemed oblivious, after all, he had no real feelings for his half-brother Colin, and quietly waited until the end

Everything seems as if some cult of a dark deity is conducting a sacrifice

Hooray

The cawing of crows, an ominous sign; however, in this world, ravens merely serve as messengers for the lord, and there is no such notion of misfortune...

He has a head of glossy, slightly curly hair, and his light purple eyes seem to contain boundless wisdom and mystery. His lips, often adorned with a hint of a smile beneath a high, straight nose, complement his tall and upright figure, making it easy for one to develop a favorable impression at first sight

At that moment, Aaron saw that Colin's once proud face looked as if it had been struck by a blade

He rode a pure white steed, closely following Theodore, seemingly signifying his status as the heir to the territory

Well, after all, it is Collins who is engaged to Davis's family... It is simply unscientific that I, as a time traveler, was not the one who was called off the engagement! Although... I do not have a fiancée...

I fervently offer my sacrifice to you, presenting the blood of enemies, the flesh of prey, and the bones of ancestors

... ...

He secretly scoffed in his heart, looking at Colin with some sympathy

He was lost in thought while following a large group of individuals in black clothing; in reality, it was the high-ranking members of the domain of Sothoth who had completed the ritual, and the group emerged sequentially from the cave

Over time, Theodore's indifference and estrangement towards Aaron became a matter of course

The leader in black, who had previously presided over the sacrificial rites, also removed his black robe, revealing a gray wolf fur coat underneath. There was a long sword slash mark at the position of the wolf's head, and he wore a pair of deer skin boots. His face was resolute, resembling granite, and his deep purple eyes were likewise gazing in the direction of the castle

On the altar, there are large patches of mottled blood, entrails, intestines, and several pieces of stark white bones

Aaron Sotos appeared devout, meticulously going along with the crowd, yet his heart was utterly unperturbed, even slightly amused

He issued the command in a deep voice, casually tossing the black robe to Aaron without even glancing at his son, and mounted the warhorse

Even for some second-generation traversers, being broken off from an engagement is a great humiliation, let alone for an ordinary young man

The fresh air rushes towards one, instinctively prompting a deep breath.

A group of people hurriedly left, among them a young man in his twenties with golden hair glanced back, seemingly offering comfort, yet also appearing somewhat boastful and proud

Mother Nature, Queen of the Forest, Source of countless lives

Theodore took the document and glanced through it hastily, his expression turning grim as he said in a low voice: "The Davis family from Green Forest intends to annul the sacred marriage contract signed under the banyan tree; this is a declaration of war"

At the entrance of the castle, a group of people is already waiting

Although Aaron made some remarks about the surname of the Sothos family, he is still very grateful to have been reincarnated into a noble family

He could sense Colin's faint hostility towards him, but it was not excessive, probably because he posed little threat.

Inside the dark and damp cave

This is Theodore Sothos, the father of Aaron, the guardian of the Green Forest, the lord of the Sothos domain, a majestic ruler

At the forefront are Theodore's wife Sonia and his sister Ginny, in addition to the butler and the scholar within the castle

Therefore, even if it is just for show, Aaron Sotos must follow those around him and perform the role of his lord's second son well

A gentle breeze caresses, as dark crows circle and dance in the air, emitting a hoarse and unpleasant cry

After traversing sixteen years, I am certain and confident that this region lacks extraordinary powers, including the original worship of the Sothoth family—the God of the Barbarians—the Green Banyan Tree Grandmother

Moreover, the high priest of the Sothoth family is my body's father, a stern nobleman, and I am merely the second son, opposing him and claiming that the gods are nothing but illusions... am I seeking death

After all, as a fetus bearer, it must have been quite awkward to act cute and playful in childhood, and any relationship requires investment and cultivation

Please grant me a bountiful harvest, please grant me youth, please grant me strength

This third son was born to his third wife, Sonia, whom Father Theodore married. His first two wives died, one in childbirth and the other from illness. This third wife, Sonia, not only bore him a son but also a daughter

Of course, in this barbaric era where such beliefs are deeply rooted, it is foolish to rashly reveal oneself as an unbeliever. Throughout history, which religious reform has not resulted in death? Even in other worlds, it is the same

We are returning to the castle

As a child, Aaron found it truly difficult to get close to a stranger