Reincarnated as the disaster prince

Back at his dormitory, Theodore pushed the door open to find Belial waiting for him, accompanied by Mimi, the shadow maid, and Luna, the youngest. The room felt warm with their presence, but Theodore's expression remained calm and composed as he strode in.

Belial stepped forward and bowed deeply. "Welcome back, my lord," he said. "How did the lessons go today?"

Theodore waved a hand dismissively as he sat down on the edge of his bed. "I'm leaving for a mission next week. It will take at least a year or two to complete."

Belial's normally stoic face betrayed a flicker of concern. "Shall I accompany you, my lord?" he asked. "Your safety is paramount."

Theodore shook his head firmly. "No. I have a different task for you," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You're to keep an eye on Mr. Roman, the principal. He's too curious for my liking. I want to know every move he makes. And while you're at it, keep close watch on the Marquess. If he so much as stirs, I want to know about it immediately."

Belial inclined his head. "Understood, my lord. I'll ensure neither of them acts without our knowledge."

Theodore then turned to Mimi, the shadow maid, his gaze sharp. "Mimi, I want you to visit your father occasionally. Make sure his loyalty to me doesn't waver. If there's even a hint of betrayal, I want you to handle it before it becomes a problem."

Mimi's eyes gleamed with unwavering devotion. She knelt slightly and nodded. "As you command, Lord Theodore."

Theodore then glanced at Luna, but before he could say anything, she pouted, crossing her arms. "What about me, big brother Theodore?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.

Belial stifled a laugh, turning away to hide his amusement, but Theodore's eyes widened in shock. "What… what did you just call me?" he asked, his voice faltering for a moment.

Luna tilted her head innocently. "Big brother. Is it wrong for me to call you that?"

Theodore looked away, clearly uncomfortable. "I… well, it's weird," he muttered. "But… do whatever you want. Damn it."

Mimi chuckled softly. "The lord doesn't like affection, Luna. Perhaps he's afraid of it."

"I'm not afraid of it," Theodore shot back, his tone defensive. "I just don't… like it. That's all." He turned his head, clearly trying to avoid further discussion. "Belial, make sure everyone stays on task while I'm gone."

Belial, still suppressing his amusement, bowed slightly. "Of course, my lord. We'll carry out our missions and await your return. Be careful, and grow stronger while you're away."

Theodore nodded, his composure returning. "I will."

A week passed in a flurry of preparations, and the day of Theodore's departure finally arrived. Dressed in his pristine uniform, he walked out of his dormitory and made his way to the school grounds, where the senior class was gathered. As he approached, the murmurs began.

"Why is a ten-year-old joining the mission?"

"Isn't he too young for this?"

"Still, he's the crown prince… He must be special."

"And cute," a few girls whispered, giggling behind their hands.

Theodore ignored the whispers and stares, his gaze focused straight ahead. He was already steeling himself for the challenges ahead when a tall boy with black hair and striking blue eyes approached him, cutting through the crowd.

"Theo!" the boy called out, his voice warm and familiar.

Theodore blinked in surprise, momentarily thrown off by the informal address. Few people dared to speak to him so casually. The boy stopped in front of him, grinning widely.

"Don't tell me you don't recognize me," the boy said, his smile faltering slightly as he studied Theodore's blank expression.

Theodore quickly recovered, forcing a small, awkward smile. "Ah… of course. Long time no see," he said, though he had no idea who this boy was. The lack of respect in his tone suggested he must be someone close—a friend or perhaps a relative from the body's past.

The boy tilted his head, frowning. "You don't seem to remember me," he said flatly.

Theodore hesitated for a split second before responding. "I've been ill for some time," he said smoothly. "It's left my memory a bit… blurry."

The boy's face softened with concern. Without warning, he leaned forward and hugged Theodore tightly. "You poor thing," he said, squeezing him like an overzealous older brother. "You're still as cute as ever."

Theodore stiffened, his awkwardness mounting. I regret everything about this mission already, he thought grimly. Still, he maintained his composure, pushing the boy away gently but firmly. "Who are you?" he asked, his tone flat.

"Vincent Vermin," the boy replied cheerfully, stepping back. "Your cousin. Soon to be the Duke of the North."

At the mention of the name "Vermin," a flood of memories crashed into Theodore's mind. Vincent—his cousin. His parents had died in a tragic carriage accident, and he'd been raised by their grandfather, the Grand Duke. The Grand Duke, who had once doted on Theodore, had withdrawn entirely after his daughter's death, leaving Theodore to fend for himself. The memory of that neglect stirred a cold anger within him.

Vincent, oblivious to Theodore's inner turmoil, smiled warmly. "How are you, my sweet cousin?" he asked, stepping forward again as if to hug him once more.

Theodore pushed him back, a scowl on his face. "I'm not a child," he snapped. "And stop being so touchy."

Vincent laughed, unfazed by Theodore's irritation. Before he could respond, Miss Dalia, Theodore's class teacher, approached. Her long robe swayed as she walked, her sharp gaze focused on the boys. "Prince Theodore," she said, "I'll be accompanying you and the senior class on this mission, along with the senior instructors."

Theodore frowned, his irritation deepening. "Why would you do that? Who will teach my classmates in our absence?"

Dalia smiled faintly. "This is by the principal's order. Another teacher will handle your class. My priority is to ensure your safety."

Theodore's scowl deepened. That cursed principal again. He's treating me like a child. But he held his tongue, masking his frustration with a neutral expression.

Vincent wrapped an arm around Theodore's shoulders, grinning. "I'm looking forward to our mission together, Theo."

Theodore groaned inwardly, already feeling the weight of regret settling in his chest. This mission hadn't even begun, and he was already exhausted. As the group began to move out, Theodore sighed, silently vowing to endure whatever lay ahead.

One step closer to understanding this world, he thought. And one step closer to bending it to my will.