Fortunately for the reincarnated Isaac, this world seemed to have no shortage of paper.
The Study contained a large number of books, all mysteriously written in Japanese.
――Speaking in Japanese and writing in Japanese.
For Isaac, who had been Japanese—Takahashi Osamu—in his previous life, this was a major advantage.
Not having to learn the characters meant he could save the time normally spent on mastering writing.
Still, to avoid suspicion from those around him—though it was already too late—he had initially pretended to learn hiragana and katakana from picture books, gradually appearing to memorize them.
But that became tedious. By the time he began reading books mixed with kanji, he kept a dictionary at hand, pretending to check meanings as he read.
A child like this could easily have been called "possessed by a demon" and killed.
So why had he been overlooked?
There was a reason.
――The Three-Generation Rule of the Wellrod Marquis Family.
The Wellrod Marquis family had a unique pattern since the first head of the household.
The first head had been an exceptionally talented man, recognized by all, though his character was strict and eccentric.
The second head was talented, a mix of strictness and kindness, above average in ability, yet essentially a normal man.
The third head was a kind man with average intellect.
He was by no means unfit to inherit the Marquis family, but kindness alone felt insufficient.
The fourth head was highly talented but difficult in character.
The fifth was talented and of ordinary character.
The sixth was average and kind.
In this way, three types of heads repeated across generations.
Normally, such a clear pattern would be unlikely, yet the Wellrod family consistently followed it.
Isaac's grandfather, Morgan, was talented with an ordinary character.
His father, Randolph, was kind but of average ability.
By this pattern, the next should be talented but difficult in character.
That was assumed to be Isaac.
His character was still unknown, but his cleverness in interfering with Confectionery suggested he inherited the family's line.
For that reason, his unusual traits as a child had been overlooked.
He was, after all, meant to succeed the Wellrod family.
Yet, externally, Nathan had far greater influence.
In the succession race, Isaac was a few steps behind.
Still, it was considered wise not to deny him learning opportunities, so he could survive anywhere, even if he could not inherit.
He had not been punished as a "demon child" thanks to the Three-Generation Rule.
This reading time was easy for Nanny Adela.
She could either read herself or nap on the sofa.
Even so, she couldn't help worrying about Isaac's future.
Throughout history, there had always been precocious children who became great figures.
Most either "guided people rightly as wise rulers" or "used their talent for selfish, tyrannical desires."
She wished for the former and intended to raise him accordingly.
Yet, even at this young age, Isaac's self-awareness seemed fully formed, and he appeared to have clear goals.
With an ordinary child, she could correct them if they strayed from the right path.
But what about Isaac?
He seemed to be growing up properly, showing no selfishness and trying to get along with others.
However, his intelligence also seemed to hide his emotions.
He showed none of the usual tantrums at this age and listened carefully.
If he didn't understand something, he asked until he did.
――As if cross-checking it against his own knowledge.
A little eerie, perhaps, but fundamentally he was a good child.
He was smart and considerate.
Compared to Isaac, she thought, what had her daughter been like at the same age?
Adela knew Isaac and her daughter were different, yet she couldn't help but compare.
Still, he had some childlike traits—trying to use magic after reading the textbooks.
Magic was extremely rare; even one in ten thousand could use it.
When told he had no magical power, Isaac visibly disappointed.
Seeing this, Adela felt a small relief, thinking, So he does have some childlike traits after all.
Isaac read books only during free time.
When someone came to play, he would engage with them.
Other children also had lessons, so they didn't come every day.
On this day, Adela's daughter Lisa had come to play with Isaac.
Eight years old, five years older than him, but to Isaac, the age gap was trivial.
Mentally, he was twenty-seven.
Lisa might treat him as an old man, but she didn't know that and acted like a big sister toward him.
"Watch closely. Draw two squares, then connect their corners with lines... see? It looks like a box!"
"Wow, it really does!"
(Well, I already knew that.)
Lisa confidently showed her knowledge to the three-year-old.
She puffed out her chest, though it was still a little flat for showing off.
"Isaac, you always read books, right? Studying is important. But if you don't sometimes draw or sing, learning new skills will be harder."
"Really?"
"Yes. You're Noble, after all."
(Why do Nobles have to do arts... Ah, right. They might become patrons, so you need to understand them at least a little.)
Isaac had always thought, Leave art and music to those who are good at it.
But to discern quality, he needed some sensitivity, or he might embarrass himself later.
Even collecting knowledge in this world was busy work.
Now he also had to study the arts—an extra burden.
He had sung with friends at karaoke and drawn in school lessons.
He regretted not having hobbies like manga or illustration in his previous life.
(...Wait, maybe I...)
There was nothing particularly outstanding to boast of.
School grades were above average.
No special skills, hobby was just gaming.
The only useful experience was working at a chain restaurant, heating and baking prepared dishes.
(No knowledge of things like Agricultural Reform... Did I make a mistake choosing the Prodigy Route?)
He had above-average ambition but no real foundation.
(This makes me just an overconfident fool...)
Isaac recognized his limitations and felt ashamed of having nothing from his previous life.
"Lisa-oneechan, teach me how to draw well."
So he chose to learn humbly.
Enjoyment was important.
If he thought drawing was unpleasant, he couldn't improve.
Before hiring a formal art tutor, he needed to enjoy drawing first.
"Practice makes perfect"—it was good to draw with friends.
Isaac had chosen a life different from his previous one.
In his previous life, he would have thought, I can't waste time on arts if I want to win the succession race.
Now, he deliberately engaged with art, not to become an artist but to develop discernment.
"Of course, that's fine."
Lisa gladly agreed.
No reason to refuse, and being asked for help was genuinely pleasing.
The two were like siblings.
Lisa beamed, satisfied to act like a big sister to her little brother.
For several hours, they were absorbed in drawing.
"Oh, you two look like you're having fun."
Isaac didn't notice anyone approaching until a voice called from behind.
He had been that absorbed in drawing.
When he turned, his grandmother Margaret was standing there.
"Would you like to join us as well, Grandmother?" he asked.
"I used to draw when I was young... but it's been so long, I don't think I can anymore," she replied with a smile.
From her expression, there was no hint of doubt about drawing with a child.
Most likely, she had only dabbled in art as a Noble pastime in her youth.
She probably felt embarrassed to show imperfect work.
"Then, I'll gift this drawing to you, Grandmother."
Isaac extended the picture he had drawn.
Having sketched the family one by one, he had included Margaret as well.
Naturally, it was a crude drawing—he lacked innate artistic talent and was still adjusting to his new body.
The head was disproportionately large, typical of a child's awkward proportions.
Yet Margaret looked genuinely pleased.
"Oh, you've drawn it so well. Thank you. Perhaps one day you'll become a painter," she said warmly.
"...You flatter me too much," Isaac replied.
(But, it's nice to see someone happy to receive something I worked hard on, even if it's clumsy.)
As Margaret gently stroked his head, Isaac resolved to draw for her again.
(I see... no one dislikes a heartfelt gift.)
Of course, this didn't apply to wedding favors, like plates printed with the couple's photo.
(A kind-hearted child. It would be wonderful if this child becomes the heir. If I can gift something that makes people feel that way, it would be good.)
Something pleasing to receive, yet not troublesome to keep.
If he could distribute such things, perhaps he could use it to build a foundation for the future.
(Besides, in my previous life, I never did anything thoughtful for my family. This time, I want to do something for them.)
Seeing his grandmother's happy face, Isaac made that decision.
Notes:
• Ran - She is a gentle orphan, appeared as Mobu's close friend, surviving the demon attack in their secret hideout.