I reincarnated as the Duke from the North.

I tapped the little box in the air. It shimmered, then transformed.

I erupted into a coughing fit. I keeled over in my chair, and blood splattered on the floor. My mana circle twisted and contorted, unable to keep its form. I grabbed the armrests, squeezing for dear life as I mustered the energy this weak body had. My mana heart pulsed as if it would break through my chest. Bony hands snapped the armrest into splinters. My eyes closed while I worked on the circle, holding it steady with all my might. I felt warm liquid drip down my nose. I pushed and held it together. Headaches rebound in my Mind. I pushed further and held on to the Mana-Circle longer.

Shimmering magic pulsed from me, disrupting the heavy curtains covering the windows. Tables and cups fell, splashing water on the ground. The blazing fire was fluffed out by a gust of sparkling magic essence.

I hung my head down, wheezing with fragile lungs. My grip lessened on the rest and the adrenaline subsided enough for me to feel the wood in my skin.

PLONK

Creating a mana circle was never this difficult, from what I have read in TAPLM. The first circle should be smooth sailing. More circles require hard work and talent. Noble children usually start their training at thirteen. At Twenty-two without a single mana circle… I am a failure in so many ways. I looked at the empty tea cup rolling on the floor.

“Just a late start…”

I lean on the chair, wiping the blood on my lip. Closing the text box with a tap, I tap again, and a blue screen flashed wide.

“I’m fucked.”

I find my cane nearby, making my way slowly out of my room. Every step through the dim, portrait-covered, corridor brought forth memories Tarion would rather forget— so terrible that my anger grew with every step down the winding staircase. Maids ran up to me as I reached the front door.

“Your Grace, it's bad weather outside!” They block my way as if they truly care. I pulled a maid aside with my cane and ignored them as I passed by. The wind blew me nearly off my feet. The newly formed mana circle kept me stable for a bit longer. I continue walking down the courtyard, stares from peeking eyes don't perturb me, as this body is used to their glares. I leaned on the castle wall, huffing mist from my chapped lips.

“Beautiful…”

I gazed upon the snow-covered rooftops hundreds of feet below. I watch the carriages pulling goods travelling the slim roads, a blacksmith churns hot smoke into the air. Children throw snowballs, falling over each other with innocent joy.

I breathed in and out.

I really died.

“Your Grace. Why are you out here?” Said, my only friend.

5 days later.

A heavy knock and a heavy voice called out to me from behind my bedroom door. I sat on the cleaned carpet, looking up from my mana guide. “Come in, Charles.” The tall man bent as he walked in. Wearing fur and brown hide, he stomped with stocky feet, dripping water. Almost tripping on the numerous books on the floor, he chuckles.

“Busy since I have been gone?” The tawny-haired boy shook his shaggy hair, scattering snow on the floor.

“Watch out, you big bastard, hahaha. I was going to read those. Don't get them wet.” The large dummy always brought a smile to my pale face. Rosy cheeks blushed as he bowed down in apology. I wave my hand to stop him.

“Did you find it?”

“Of course!” After picking into his pocket, he fished out a bag and threw it to me. It bounce it my hand nearly dropping it.

“Charles, you forget I am a noble.”

Panic widened the tall man’s blue eyes as he rushed to bow. “Apologise, your grace.”

“Hahaha, calm down. I jest. Fuck fomality. But only in this room.” I wink. Charles straightened, with a cheeky smile on his freckled face.

“Your Gra- Tarion, is it to your liking?” Charles asked.

I pulled the tie from the bag and smelled the inside.

Raw razzorflower. Stong stuff too. It will work.

A day after my arrival to this world, I searched through the books my past self had hoarded throughout the years. Many recipes on potions, encyclopaedias on all kinds of herbs and books on mana theory. With my memory of reading TAPLM, I have the plot point etched in my mind. However, a romance manhwa focused on the love story of its MCs does not care to explain the intricacies of Mana Manipulation. Luckily, I remembered a chapter when the prince was poisoned and aimed to find the same method to fix my own problem. Fortunately, the name of the method was mentioned. The revitalization pill.

My friend, Charles the stablehand, helped me procure the Tongon liver and the heart of a Jai. With the last ingredient in my hand, I can finally get the ball rolling. I have twenty days left until Vanessa comes and her friend dies.