Reincarnated as the disaster prince

Theodore woke up, his senses tingling with an odd weight pressing against him. His sharp, silver eyes fluttered open, scanning the dimly lit room. Something was definitely off. He shifted slightly and froze when he saw a little girl curled up beside him, her silver hair gleaming in the morning light.

"What the—" he growled, his voice echoing with a mixture of disbelief and irritation. He bolted upright, his powerful aura rippling in annoyance. "Mimi! Get in here! Now!"

The heavy wooden door creaked open as Mimi, the ever-dutiful shadow maid, entered hurriedly, bowing deeply. "My lord, I apologize! I didn't see Lady Luna this morning and—"

Theodore's eyes narrowed, his tone sharp but measured. "Mimi, make sure she stays in her room from now on. I hate sharing my bed. Physical contact is… unpleasant."

Mimi's face softened with a rare tinge of regret. "Yes, my lord. I will be more vigilant." She gently picked up the still-sleeping Luna, cradling her with the care of a mother.

As she carried the little girl away, Belial, Theodore's loyal steward and guardian, entered the room carrying a tray of freshly baked bread and steaming tea. His crimson eyes gleamed with amusement as he observed his lord's irritation. "My lord," he teased, a sly grin playing on his lips, "it seems you have a deep aversion to children."

Theodore sighed heavily, taking a bite of bread and rubbing the bridge of his nose. "It's not that I hate children, Belial. I'm not some heartless monster. They're innocent creatures, after all. It's just…" He hesitated, his gaze distant. "I hate physical contact. It unsettles me."

Belial tilted his head, his curiosity piqued. "Why is that, my lord? If I may ask."

Theodore's expression darkened, his voice lowering. "Because I'm not used to it. Growing up, I knew nothing but violence. Kindness… touch… they were alien concepts to me."

Belial's playful demeanor faded, replaced by a somber understanding. He chose not to press further, sensing the weight of his lord's words. Instead, he deftly changed the subject. "My lord, about your training. Have you considered revisiting your dark magic? You've been relying heavily on mana and aura."

Theodore's eyes gleamed with resolve. "You're right. Dark magic is my true power. I've neglected it for too long."

Belial nodded, his tone thoughtful. "I can create a space for you—a realm outside of reality—where you can practice undisturbed."

Theodore raised a brow, intrigued. "How is that possible?"

A sly smile crept across Belial's face. "I am a guardian of the Shadow God, my lord. My powers include creating voids that exist beyond this world."

Theodore's jaw tightened in surprise. "If your power is that immense, then why didn't you use it in the Skull Cave?"

Belial chuckled, shaking his head. "Because I didn't need to. I held back, my lord, out of respect for your growth."

Theodore huffed but quickly changed the topic. "Fine. For now, let's prepare to meet the Queen. Ensure Mimi and Luna are ready."

When Mimi returned, she held Luna, now dressed in a fine gown. The little girl looked radiant, her silver hair tied up neatly. Mimi beamed with pride, carrying her as though she were her own child.

Theodore watched them, his eyes narrowing. "Mimi," he began cautiously, "how is it that you, a shadow entity, exhibit emotions?"

Mimi hesitated but answered softly, "Because I was once human, my lord."

Theodore's gaze sharpened. "A human?"

Mimi nodded. "All shadows you summon were once human. When we died, our souls became lost and vengeful. That's why we cannot reincarnate."

Theodore's expression shifted, a rare glimmer of empathy crossing his face. "Tell me, Mimi… how did you die?"

Mimi's voice quivered as she recounted her past. "Bandits raided our village. We were poor, so we had nothing to offer. They… took my children, intending to sell them as slaves. I fought back, but…" Her hand rose instinctively to her neck. "They slit my throat."

Theodore clenched his fists, a surge of anger and sorrow welling within him. "I see… And the others?"

He summoned Shadow Armor, the towering, spectral warrior. The dark figure knelt before him, his deep voice reverberating through the room. "Yes, my lord?"

"Do you remember your past life?" Theodore asked.

Shadow Armor nodded solemnly. "I was a soldier, betrayed by my closest friend. He stabbed me in the back on the battlefield."

Theodore closed his eyes, the weight of their stories pressing down on him. "Do you resent being shadows?"

Mimi and Shadow Armor exchanged glances before shaking their heads. "No, my lord," Mimi said. "Our souls were consumed by vengeance. Serving you gave us purpose."

Shadow Armor added, "There are thousands like us, my lord. We reside in the underworld—a place called 'Dark Soul.'"

Theodore's curiosity flared. "Can I go there?"

"You can," Shadow Armor confirmed. "But beware. The shadows there are untamed. To command them, you must prove yourself as their master."

Theodore smirked, his confidence unshaken. "Then I'll face them."

Belial stepped forward, concern flickering in his eyes. "My lord, are you certain? Allow me to accompany you."

Theodore shook his head. "No, Belial. This is my burden. They're a part of me, and I must earn their loyalty."

Mimi's face betrayed her worry. "My lord, you're only ten years old. Are you sure you can handle this?"

Theodore smiled faintly, his determination unwavering. "Mimi, I've faced death a thousand times in the mental trials of the Shadow Realm. This will be no different."

Shadow Armor stepped forward, plunging his blade into the ground. The room trembled as reality cracked open, revealing a swirling portal of sinister mist. Theodore took a deep breath, his heart steady.

"Take care of Luna," he told Mimi.

As he stepped into the portal, the room fell silent. Mimi and Shadow Armor bowed their heads, whispering prayers for his safe return.

The journey to the heart of Dark Soul had begun.