Again and again

“Young master, it's time to rise," A soft voice rang in the quiet room.

Lilyana, Justus’ young maid, watched him with a worried look.

"School is waiting, young master. You need to be up.”

His protest came muffled, "Don't want to," while he tried to disappear beneath his blanket.

"Young master, lounging in bed all day isn't an option. Master won't be pleased if he hears you've ditched school," she reasoned, trying to coax him out of bed.

"Doesn't matter," came Justus's muffled response.

"If you insist on ignoring school, Master might consider cutting your allowance," she added, in a last-ditch attempt to convince him.

After enduring many lifetimes of relentless pursuit, Justus Wallace found himself trapped in an inexplicable loop of failure. Every time he reincarnated, he awoke on the first day of high school with his memories intact, burdened by a singular purpose: to end Azaria Maddox's life.

Battle after battle, he employed every tactic, exhausted every resource, and suffered countless defeats. Despite his unwavering determination, success remained elusive.

"Okay," he finally conceded, sitting up with a sigh. "I'm getting up."

With a sinking heart, he moved to get out of bed and face another day.

"Allow me to help you, young master," Lilyana suggested, reaching to help him with his clothing.

"I can do it," he said curtly. "You don't need to help from now on."

"Are you alright, young master?" Lilyana's concern was evident in her voice and on her face.

Justus remained silent in response to Lilyana's question. Instead, he walked over to his wardrobe, fixating his gaze on the rows of designer clothes with their striking designs.

Though his mind remained clouded, he had a idea for this life. He decided to completely change his ways, becoming an entirely different person than he had been in any of his previous relationships.

Turning to Lilyana, he inquired, "Are there any male servants around my age? I'd like to borrow a set of their casual clothes."

Lilyana felt a tinge of curiosity at his request. It puzzled her why Justus, known for his impeccable style, would choose to wear someone else's attire.

Although she wanted to delve further into the matter, she sensed his reluctance to discuss it.

"Certainly, young master," she replied, promptly attending to his request. She returned a few minutes later with a set of clothes from a male servant roughly the same age as Justus.

He expressed his gratitude and swiftly changed into the new outfit.

Lilyana West, the maid who fulfilled Justus's request, had known him since childhood. As the daughter of his father's chauffeur, they were of similar age and his father had arranged for them to be friends.

Lilyana was a kind and beautiful girl.

However, old Justus had subjected Lilyana to harm due to his monstrous and cruel nature. He often emotionally abused her, making fun of her and playing mean pranks.

But in the future, circumstances had changed. Lilyana had become friends with Azaria Maddox, and together, they fought against Justus's villainous actions.

Although Justus's previous high school years weren't his own, he still had to face all the consequences of Justus's past behavior.

Justus knew better than to cross paths with Lilyana in this particular life.

Justus turned to Lilyana and requested her help in borrowing a pair of glasses from the butler. He was determined to alter his appearance.

Lilyana complied and soon returned with a pair of black-rimmed glasses.

Justus took the glasses from her, removed the lenses, and put them on. He then turned to Lilyana and asked, "How do I look?"

Lilyana, despite her lack of fondness for him, managed a smile and replied, "You look very handsome, young master."

Justus scowled, clearly displeased with her answer. He then grabbed a pair of scissors, intending to cut his hair.

Taken aback by his sudden action, Lilyana immediately intervened.

"Why would you want to do that, young master?" she asked, her voice filled with surprise and concern.

"Our family is famous, so I always stand out," he explained. "I need to blend in."

In his previous lives, Justus had endured numerous kidnappings and blackmail attempts due to his family's wealth. By changing his appearance and avoiding the spotlight, he hoped to lead a safer and more peaceful existence.

"At least don't handle your hair so harshly. A small trim might be all you need," Lilyana offered, her voice filled with uncertainty as she proposed her idea.

Her cool demeanor and direct approach made it easy to see why she was the trusted companion of Azaria Maddox.

"Ah, I can't believe I overlooked such a simple solution. Lilyana, you have quite the intellect," Justus praised, his words causing an unanticipated startle in Lilyana.

This unfamiliar, kinder side of Justus was something she wasn't accustomed to. The Justus she remembered was stubborn, spiteful, rarely lauding or acknowledging anyone. This new Justus felt more like a congenial next-door neighbor, sparking an odd intimacy in Lilyana.

Yet, the memories of what Justus had done to her in the past made her quickly dismiss this budding feeling.

Seeing Justus struggling with his hair, Lilyana sighed and chose to remain on her guard, courteously offering, "Allow me."

Justus chuckled once more. His smile, warmer and more welcoming now, added another layer of confusion to Lilyana's perception of him.

"Thank you, Lilyana."

"It's my responsibility, young master," Lilyana replied with a smile, carefully assisting Justus with his hair, fashioning it into a ponytail.

In time, Justus started to resemble an everyday boy. However, his inherent aura remained undiminished. At least, this was the most positive Justus had appeared on the initial day of the highschool. Pleased, he checked the time and declared, "We should be on our way to school."

Lilyana agreed with a nod and trailed after Justus towards the entrance hall.

The household staff was in a neat row, ready to bid Justus goodbye. He disregarded them and confidently moved towards the door, where his driver had been waiting.

As he climbed into the car, Justus noticed Lilyana still standing where he had left her.

"Why are you not joining?" Justus inquired curiously, watching the car door shut.

"Young master, you mentioned before..."

Clearly, this confusion stemmed from the past actions of 'Justus'.

The first time Justus reborn, he realized that he had been transformed into a different world. His past is now entirely different.

Old Justus had made Lilyana walk to school while he enjoyed the luxury of the car, merely to tease her.

"During high school years, you were welcome to ride in my car. Hurry along, we wouldn't want to be tardy."

Lilyana worried that Justus had devised a fresh method to torment her. However, looking into his serene eyes, she found no sign of the mean.

After a moment's thought, she mustered her courage and boarded the car.

As soon as Lilyana was settled, she took another look at Justus, confirming that this was indeed the young master she was familiar with.

Justus could sense Lilyana's puzzlement. Though he initially wished to maintain the status quo, his past misdeeds left him longing for a more straightforward end.

Should Lilyana betray him someday, he hoped she would be the one to end his suffering quickly.