After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 2
Chapter 2: Possessed?
As I stand there, staring at my own reflection in shock, the boy who claims to be my brother addresses me, changing his tone to a gentle one.
“Hey, Lutz, you fell from a horse and hit your head hard last week, losing consciousness for six days. Maybe not remembering anything is the result of that shock. Take it easy, and rest. I’ll inform Father and Mother that you’ve awakened.”
This boy, not only handsome in appearance but apparently intelligent as well, remains calm and collected, unlike what one might expect in such a situation. He seems more emotionally mature than I, who is currently bewildered.
As he leaves, I pull the blanket up to my chin and contemplate the current situation.
It seems like I’ve actually turned into a Western pretty boy. Pinching my cheeks, a customary gesture to check if it’s a dream, confirms that it’s still painful.
“Could it be… I’ve possessed this kid?”
I, who was considered a staunch conservative in the company, am coming up with quite a fantastical idea. Well, I was a closet light novel enthusiast, so I can understand such things. When my son read novels on his smartphone every day, I started reading them too, and I ended up getting more hooked than he did.
Whether it’s reincarnation, transmigration, or possession, stories where the protagonist, freed from the constraints of the real world, enjoys a second life as they please, are enjoyable for an old man approaching retirement. Rather, for a man in his fifties who is bombarded with unreasonable stress, it’s a hobby that allows him to forget reality for a while.
Regardless, assuming this isn’t a dream, the only reasonable explanation is that my consciousness is somehow inhabiting this boy’s body. Though it pains my chest to think about what happened to the original personality that this boy had… Perhaps, triggered by the fall from the horse, which became the catalyst for possession, the life ended, and I smoothly entered in.
Thinking about it this way, the original me, who had just retired, probably… indeed, must have died. Dying in such an uncool manner, drunk and sprawled on a bench, is quite embarrassing. Well, luckily, there are few people to mourn. My wife, who supported me for many years, passed away two years ago, and the only family left is my son, who already leads an independent life.
So, I have to live on as this boy named Lutz. While language seems manageable, I don’t remember the daily life experiences this kid had with family and friends. Moreover, I have no idea where I am right now. Judging by the structure of the walls and pillars, it seems somewhat medieval European. This kind of antiquated interior is not something you’d come across even in a misunderstanding-themed resort hotel in present-day Japan. If this old-fashioned building is still in use, then this must be the real Europe.
“I guess I have to ask that ‘big brother’ from earlier.”
That boy seemed intelligent, but how much of this absurd possession story he can explain is a concern. As I sighed deeply, the door burst open with a tremendous noise.
“Lutz! You’ve awakened!”
A powerful alto voice echoed, and a woman with fiery, long crimson hair rushed in, enveloping my head in her chest. Quite a substantial chest armor, and her strength is unexpectedly formidable for a woman… Urgh, I can’t breathe.
“Mother! Lutz seems to be struggling!”
The boy from earlier throws me a lifeline, and I finally escape from the clutches of suffocation.
“Oh, I’m sorry. When I heard that Lutz had awakened, I couldn’t stand still… I’m really glad. I heard from Sieg that your memories are confused, but… don’t you remember your mother?”
Saying this, the “mother” directs her amber eyes toward me. She’s quite a beauty, with distinct facial features and a lively expression. Wrapped in a medieval-style jacket and pants, she is an attractive, active woman who seems to be in her forties.
However, even if asked if I remember her, I can’t recall the slightest bit. It seems that memories of the former young Lutz don’t resurface even when close relatives touch him. Unable to lie to this beautiful woman, I open my mouth.
“I’m sorry, I really can’t remember anything.”
“I see… Well, it’s okay. Take your time to rest and recover. If you slowly visit places Lutz likes, you should be able to recall. For now, just take it easy.”
“Yes, thank you… very much.”
“Then, for taking care of Lutz, Sieg will give instructions, and please rely on Ahim. And, Albrecht, make sure to keep an eye on him more!”
“Got it. I’ll try to come check on him as much as possible.”
The red-haired “mother” issues instructions briskly. Assuming Sieg is the boy from earlier, the butler-like middle-aged man responding with a deep bow is likely Ahim. As for the one mentioned last, Albrecht, could he possibly be my father?
“Alright, we leave it to you then!”
Waving her right hand vigorously, “mother” leaves the room.