The Reincarnated Prince And His Rune Dominion

Chapter 03 – The Rune Magic Book

Two Years Later (Now Three Years Old)

Inside one of the royal castle’s chambers, a small child sat reading an ancient book. To most people, the book was useless, but his instincts told him otherwise. Victor believed this book held extraordinary potential—enough to change the world’s technological civilization.

The title was “Rune Magic.”

Once, out of curiosity, Victor had asked one of the servants,

 “Why is this book considered useless?”

The servant gave a short reply,

 “Because it has no effect on the battlefield. So, it’s pointless.”

Hearing that, Victor was left speechless.

 Just how far behind is this world’s technology? At the very least, I should study it. Maybe I can use it against the roaming monsters.

Monsters? Ah, yes… countless beasts prowled this world. In one of the books Victor had read, it was written that giant dragon nests—each the size of a fortress—were scattered across the continent. Just thinking about it made his body tremble, so he tried to shift his thoughts.

And what kind of technology did Victor want to create?

Of course—something that would grant him agility and strength in battle: an exoskeleton.

Back in his previous world, this technology was still in development, but with precise craftsmanship and the addition of Rune Magic, Victor believed he could create a frame that moved as he wished—even if made only from ordinary wood.

How should I make it? he thought.

 Simple enough…

“Reina, could you make me a toy like this?” he asked while handing over a carefully drawn sketch, complete with precise measurements for each part.

And who was Reina?

Naturally, his personal maid. Reina looked at the drawing, sighed, and said,

 “Prince, you always come up with the strangest ideas.”

Still, she picked up a wooden block and prepared to carve it according to the sketch.

Victor gazed at her with hopeful eyes.

 “At least you can make it, right?”

Reina gave a faint smile.

 “Yes… fortunately, I’m Gifted, so it’s easy enough.”

She then began carving away the unnecessary parts.

Gifted?

In this world, some people were lucky enough to be born with Gifted abilities, imprinted in their very memories—like a master spearman, archer, royal guard… even a Legendary Gifted Hero had once been recorded. It felt almost like a job system from an online game.

If asked whether Victor wanted to have such a Gifted ability…

The answer would be: no.

Why?

Because every Gifted followed a predetermined path of growth.

But Rune Magic? That was a realm full of possibilities.

Who had told him that? No one… but his instincts whispered it. And so, Victor chose to believe.

Yet Reina’s next words shattered his hope.

 “It cannot be avoided. The priest will visit each region to bestow blessings. And you, as the prince, will receive yours when you turn eight.”

“Damn it… Isekaaaaai…”

As he listened, Victor carelessly asked something he should never have.

 “So, what about you? What Gifted did you get?”

Damn. I shouldn’t have asked that, he cursed inwardly the moment the words slipped out.

Reina narrowed her eyes.

 “Do you really want to know?” she asked while continuing to carve.

Victor quickly waved his hands.

 “N-no, forget it!”

His body trembled slightly.

Moments later, Reina smiled and said,

 “It’s done.”

Victor immediately rushed over to inspect the result, his eyes sparkling.

 “Yes! Perfect technical precision! Now only… 120 more parts to go… Aaaagh!”

Reina chuckled softly.

 “Be patient, Prince.”

And she continued carving the next piece.

Victor sighed.

 “Alright…”

Then he picked the Rune Magic Book back up and continued reading.

As he was engrossed in the book, the sound of the door opening broke the silence. Both Victor and Reina turned toward it.

It was the King.

Reina instantly bowed like a proper maid.

 “Your Majesty.”

Victor ran toward him with open arms.

 “Father…”

The King nodded to Reina, then knelt to welcome Victor, lifting him up with a smile.

 “Ah… my son has grown so much.”

After setting him down again, Victor asked,

 “What is it, Father? Why are you here?”

The King replied,

 “Oh… I’ll be leaving for another country for a while. Will you be alright?” he said while patting Victor’s head with a smile.

Victor nodded happily.

 “Of course!”

Seeing that, the King looked relieved.

 “Good. Then I shall—”

But as if remembering something, he turned to Reina and said,

 “Reina, come with me…” and walked out of the room.

Both Victor and Reina were confused, but Reina still followed him outside.

As they reached the garden, the King suddenly spoke, his gaze on the scenery.

 “How is that bastard doing?” he asked casually.

Reina looked puzzled.

 “Whom do you mean, Your Majesty?”

The King sighed.

 “Shadow… isn’t it?” His sharp eyes bore into her.

Realizing her disguise was exposed, Reina calmly nodded.

The King stared at the garden again.

 “So, what mission did that bastard give you?” he asked, releasing his aura.

The overwhelming pressure made Reina feel as if she could be cut down at any moment. She could only answer truthfully,

 “To protect the Prince,” she said helplessly.

Hearing that, the King withdrew his aura after a few moments and began walking away.

 “Very well, I’ll believe your words,” he said, glancing back at her.

“Return to Victor’s chamber,” he added firmly before leaving.

—

Meanwhile, in Victor’s room:

“Will Mother really buy it…?” he murmured softly, gazing out the window. He remembered the moment before his mother’s departure.

Months earlier, at her time of departure:

“Victor!!”

His mother’s cheerful voice rang out as she entered the room with enthusiasm.

The moment he saw her, Victor ran with arms wide open.

 “MOTHER!!” he shouted joyfully.

She caught him and lifted his small body, her warm smile radiant.

 “My smart boy…” she said, gently pinching his nose.

Victor giggled happily.

His eyes wandered to her neat, elegant attire.

 “Mother, you look so neat… Are you going somewhere?” he asked innocently, tilting his head.

She slowly set him down, her smile gentle, though sadness lingered in her eyes.

 “I have an important meeting in the Magic City. I might have to stay there for quite some time. Will you be alright if I’m away?”

The moment he heard “Magic City,” Victor’s eyes sparkled.

 “That’s fine! But… could you buy me this book?” he asked excitedly, running to fetch one from the shelf.

His mother looked curious.

 “What book is that?”

“This one, Mother!!” he said, holding up the Rune Magic Book with a bright smile.

 “Please buy me the complete one! It’s super important for me!!”

Her smile stiffened slightly as she read the title.

 “Why do you like a book that’s… so useless?” she asked, puzzled.

Victor pouted, hands on his waist.

 “No! It’s very useful! You have to promise you’ll buy it!!” he said firmly.

Seeing her son’s serious expression, she finally gave in with a soft smile.

 “Alright, I promise I’ll buy it. But… you must also promise me you won’t be naughty, okay?” she said, ruffling his hair.

Victor nodded eagerly, his face bright.

 “Promise, Mother!”

She only smiled, nodding softly.

—

Back to the present:

Victor kept staring out the window, his voice a whisper.

 “I hope Mother bought it…”