Second Reincarnation: The Inept Prince Greatest Comeback

Gerald and Roland.

He was ready for the challenge, Gerald couldn't wait to see how he would completely defeat his brother at his best subjects. Then they sit on the chair, in front of them is a table where two textbooks can be seen.

The book title is called “The Kingdom of Prussian Mathematics”. He opened the textbook and saw many questions regarding differential calculus, probabilities and theorems, physics, limits of function and so many more complicated yet easy equations to him.

“Hehe” He chuckled slightly knowing that his brother has no idea that he knew all of this in his past life.

When he saw him laughing slightly, Roland felt mocked. Is he seriously able to keep up with him in complicated mathematics that monkeys will not be able to understand?

“Okay, the rule is simple. Those who have the highest mark wins. There is 50 question there divided into five sections: Calculus, Algebra, Probabilities, Topology and Geometry, and lastly Mathematical Physics.”

“Okay” He agreed, “But, how will you know if your answer is correct? Is there a third-party going to check our works?”

“Precisely!” He said and beckoned someone from behind.

It was an old-looking man.

“This man is a renowned professor in the field of engineering. He is currently teaching at the University of Londoln. His name is Count Axelberg.”

The old man simply bowed his head. He replied with a nod.

“Okay, let’s get this over with.”

Then the two started solving the hardest questions in mathematics. Roland knew he could win this as he studied this certain field from dusk till dawn.

The time limit is 50 minutes, each of them was given one minute to solve one question. It’s impossible for an average person in this era but Roland and Gerald. It was a piece of cake.

“Time’s up!”

Axelberg said when he checked his pocket watch. The two raised their hands holding their pen indicating they finished the test.

“You sure can keep up even at this rate huh? Little brother?”

When he said that word, Gerald's eyes furrowed. Something was off, the last time he called him little brother was on the day of his execution. He has never been recognized by him since then. But to call him little brother made Gerald wonder the reason. It has something to do with him beating him in the calculation. Did he perhaps change?

“You’re being unusual in calling me, little brother. Brother?”

“That’s because I see you now as my rival! A rival to the throne. This is the first time where I feel like I’m fighting seriously.”

He declared right on. Rival? It's just him beating at simple multiplication. Well, thanks to that since he knew that he could change the timeline. His knowledge of this world is only ten years ahead. Beyond that, he knows nothing. Like living your everyday life not knowing what’s gonna happen within that day.

“The result of the test will take time. So, how about we proceed to another challenge? Musical instruments.”

Then they proceed to the room where it's filled with expensive instruments. But there is not only one who’s there. There were also maids there, including his maid.

“Anne? What are you doing here?” He said.

The maids lined up horizontally and bowed their heads.

“Welcome to the music room. We were invited by prince Roland del Stuart to witness your performance and also a judge”

Now he understands.

“Roland? Don’t tell me that you pai…”

“Huh? Why will I do something as petty as that?” He retorted, “Do you really think that I can’t defeat you here?”

“Hehe, sorry for thinking about that brother…” He teased his brother. The doll-like face of Roland turned slightly red.

“Anyways, you go first, and let’s see what you got.”

“Okay, okay”

He then approached the piano. Just by sitting here, memories flooded him. It was a memory of him playing piano in Catarina’s residence.

Then he started playing the piano.

His hands move fluidly as the harmonic tone released by the piano diffuses throughout the big room.

The tone was somewhat gentle, soft, and music to ears. The maids and even Roland can’t even help but felt amazed by his performance.

It was neither performed nor composed in this era. Is it perhaps that Gerald composed this note himself?

The ending was satisfying. It was a really beautiful song.

He bowed to end his performance. Still, the maids and Roland are locked in their blissful memories.

“It was a beautiful piece, your highness!”

“I’m glad that you all liked it.” He said to the maid who is still enthralled. “Anyways, brother you’re next!”

He said to Roland who had been spacing out since then. He approached the piano and started playing.

If you’re curious about the song played by Gerald. Then searched this on youtube. The Day Became A God - Kamisama ni Natta Hi Episode 1&2 OST - Song for Izanami - Piano Tutorial. It was a really captivating piano piece. Please give it a try.

I digress back to the story.

His brother also performed a song so beautiful that it can be on par with Gerald's performance. There was a hint of sadness in his tiles yet truly captivating. He ended his performance with a bow and now the two princes stood up in front of the maids.

It was a tough decision since two songs are played beautifully. If they decide the winner of this battle, the losing party might feel sad. After all, they are just kids. However.

“This is a fair battle between me and my little brother. Please think of this objectively and decide who’s the winner. We will not do something to you even if you don’t choose one of us.”

What a good play for Roland, he was able to assure the maids.

“Then we’ve decided. The winner of this challenge is…”

Drumbeat in their head resounded in their minds waiting at the final assent.

“The winner is Roland del Stuart!”

“Wha…?” Gerald was surprised at the results but kept it to himself.

His piano piece is indeed beautiful and captivating but it was not yet known throughout the country. The maid must have probably judged in their own preferences. It may be true since piano pieces in this world are reflected in the real current situation.

“I’ll take my defeat here brother” He flamboyantly accepted the decision. “But, don’t think I won’t be beating you in the next round.”

“Ah, sure whatever it is. By the way, it was a good piece. Did you compose it by any chance? I never saw you play the piano before but after seeing you play the piano. I was certain that you have the talent within you. As expected of my rival.”

Wait? Why the hell is his brother acting like that? The conversation is starting to get friendly and casual. He is supposed to hate him but why? He twitched the corner of his mouth covertly not to give a wrong idea.

“Let’s go, it was chess right?”

Roland nodded.

“Then, let’s go.”

Then they went to the next room full of recreation equipment. As expected of Royal Palace. Everything is huge and classy. The chess pieces are also elegant. Each piece was sculptured in a glass.

It was a game of speed chess. Roland and Gerald both take their respective seats. Gerald on the other hand doesn't usually play chess. But he knew he had something within himself.

The first round started and ended with Roland's victory.

Gerald challenged again.

Defeats.

Again.

Defeat.

Again.

Defeat.

“I see, this is chess huh?” Gerald said.

“You’re figuring it right now? Don’t tell me little brother that you’re just warming up? Every game was close.”

“Don’t worry what you saw in the last battle is my all. I’ve never touched chess before but after our series of battles. I finally have the plan to beat you.”

“Really? Then show it to me!”

…

This time it was Gerald's victory. Roland challenged again but was defeated.

“Again!”

Defeated.

“Again!”

Defeated.

“Again!”

Defeated.

Until it was a tiebreaker match.

“Unfortunately brother, I won! Checkmate.” He declared proudly.

This time he was the winner in the chess round.

They both had fun, it was really fun. But Gerald felt something was off. He was having fun? He is supposed to defeat him utterly but was unable to. His brother is also good. Is this really what he wants? He had lost his goal after playing along with his brother. Again is this really what he wants?

Roland saw him spacing out. It was his victory but why is he acting like that? What he saw in his brother is sadness.

“Little brother, you’re okay?”

“Yeah, yeah I’m fine. I believe that our test results are complete. Let’s see the professor.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

Gerald is avoiding him.

Then at the drawing-room where the professor at Londoln university.

“The winner of this battle goes to Gerald with a score of 50/50!”

A perfect score on the hardest question in the university. Even the professor was surprised when he declared the winner.

“Roland del Stuart score is 43/50! Since this is the hardest question we can come up with. I believe that you two deserve praise. Whatever it is you’re proving between yourselves please know that the Empire is happy that the heir to the throne is talented and genius individuals.”

…

“Ara? What’s all of this about?” A soothing voice sounded behind them.

It was their parents along with their younger sister. Viktor del Stuart! Cecile del Stuart! And Alice del Stuart!

The professor kneeled in front of the royal family.

“Your Majesties, I am honored by your presence,” Axelberg said reverently.

“Axelberg, what’s your purpose in the Royal Palace?” Viktor asked.

“Roland del Stuart invited me to conduct the hardest test in the University of Londoln. I must say that the two are talented individuals. Roland scored 43/50 while Gerald scored perfectly.”

“Ara, then it calls for celebration then. My two lovely sons are taking the battle seriously for the right to the throne. I’m pleased.”

Viktor can only smile at them. He was speechless that his sons were praised by the best professor in town.

“I want to be like them, father!” Anne said.

“Don’t worry Anne, your brothers will teach you,” Gerald said.

“Then I must give you that honor since I have a long way to go to defeat you in mathematics, little brother.”

“As for me as well, I have long ways to go in terms of music.”

The two gave a brofist to each other. They were really getting along.

After they finished their dinner. Gerald went to the backyard and gazed at the blanket of stars twinkling. He lay down on the ground filled with small grass. The gentle breeze blowing in all directions made the scene truly marvelous. It is also the time for pondering about the moment earlier.

He doesn't know anything about his brother in his previous life. Is it because he shut himself all day in his room? He never knew that his brother had a gentle side if you just get along with him. But the goal of him defeating his brother and saving his life is straying. He can’t find a good reason to keep this up. It’s true that he wants to get revenge on his brother but that was in his previous life. This is a second chance given to him. Is it for reconciliation?

Revenge is not something that you return to your adversary. It’s about changing them. He thought. In his modern life. He was an orphan and never had a family. Meaning he is deprived of family affection. And now he has it, does he need to take revenge on his brother? Or change him to a way that he will never commit such atrocities. He’s still a child after all.

Still, there is a major flag in the country. Maybe saving this country is worth it since this is the responsibility of noblesse oblige.

“Gerald are you okay?” A soft voice sounded behind him. He turned his head and saw Roland.

“Oh, it was you. I’m okay. I’m just stargazing you know. The scene is beautiful.”

“I have something for you to see come with me!” He grabbed his arms and ran.

Then they went to the highest point of the Royal Palace and saw the beautiful city before them.

“In the future, it will be powered by electricity. Our country is really evolving huh?” Roland said while staring at the pictures of the Capital.

“It’s true. I can’t wait for that to happen. If there is some way we can help them innovate using our knowledge. Maybe we can turn this country into a more beautiful place in the whole world.”

“Why do you want to become a King Gerald?”

“It’s because I want to give a more suitable life for our people. The reality though I have never seen how our people work in our country since we are locked up in the palace. Perhaps we can sneak out and see it for ourselves” He said flamboyantly, “How about you?”

“It’s the same as you. To help our people.”

Liar. You brought this Empire to his doom.

“Then, let’s have a good battle along the way.’

Then another brofist.

“By the way, tomorrow there will be a council meeting regarding the Unified States trying to declare independence.”

First major doom of this Empire. The revolutionaries won their independence and drained most of the Empire's financial assets. Which will make the Empire vulnerable to attack.

“I have reviewed all the files regarding the Unified States. Maybe we can hug this out.”

“The council will never agree to that idea,” Roland said.

“It’s worth a try.”