Serena froze for a moment, unable to answer Ash's question for a while, but based on her reaction, perhaps what he guessed was the truth.
Ash could almost be sure that Serena knew that he was not the Third Prince of the Voidveil Empire, and that was only natural, since his actions were extremely unusual for someone who was considered useless.
In addition, since Ash and Serena had been together since childhood, she must have noticed this change in the Third Prince from the very beginning.
But the reason she didn't say anything was probably because right now, they had a bigger problem to worry about.
But now, everything was settled.
"Yes, I've felt something strange since that day." Serena spoke up, pulling Ash back from his thoughts.
"Is that so..." Since he had predicted it beforehand, he wasn't too surprised.
Originally, the conversation should have stopped there. But it didn't.
The words Serena was about to say next made him think a lot, thinking to the point that no matter how much time he spent, he couldn't understand the hidden meaning:
"But at the same time, you are also the Prince I respect. It's true that I once felt that you were quite strange and it's true that I once thought that you were someone else…"
"Huh?"
"…but for some reason, I now truly believe that you are my Prince."
"What do you mean?"
"You…don't remember anything about the past or recent events, right?"
Ash didn't say anything but just nodded. After all, he was just a streamer, not the Ash "Worthless" Voidveil in this game, so there was no reason for him to know what happened before he was reincarnated here.
"Sigh… It seems like that. If so, then we might have a long talk."
***
On the night before Ash was reincarnated into this False Horizon game, at a time when all the death row inmates felt nothing but despair and fear, Serena was summoned to the tent of the Third Prince Ash.
At first, she didn't understand why she was called. And even after the matter was over, she still didn't understand what Prince Ash had just said.
Serena gently walked into the tent, where she saw the Third Prince of the Voidveil Empire sitting on his usual chair, with a sad, tired look in his eyes and holding a glass of wine in his hand.
"Sir, you're not old enough to drink. Besides, have you ever drunk before?" Serena spoke up, trying to ignore these changes.
The Ash she knew was always smiling and mischievous, but strangely, he looked so lonely and sad tonight.
However, Ash didn't listen to her reminder but gently picked up the glass of wine and started drinking it.
And after exactly 1 second, he was forced to spit out the red liquid because it tasted so disgusting.
"Damn it! Why does this taste so bad?" Ash glared at the disgusting thing he had just spit out.
"I told you, sir." Serena said in an annoyed tone, but in fact, she felt a little better when she realized that Ash was still normal.
But less than 1 second later, he returned to his previous lifeless expression.
"...So, what did you call me here for?"
"Listen carefully Serena, tomorrow, I will become a completely different person that you probably won't feel familiar with."
"What do you mean?" Serena felt like the Third Prince was toying with her.
But Ash didn't reply, he steadily continued:
"But even so, I'm still me. I'll just act differently than before. So…just listen to me like usual. And remember, always help me in the future."
"Of course, Your Highness. That's my job after all."
Ash stared at Serena's indifferent expression, clearly feeling that she wasn't paying attention to what he had just said.
However, that was fine. Tomorrow, she would understand.
And indeed, the very next day, Serena couldn't help but be shocked several times after witnessing Ash "Worthless" Voidveil's strange actions.
Then, the memories from yesterday's conversation with the Third Prince resurfaced in her mind, causing Serena to start feeling doubtful.
And it would be a lie to say that she didn't have doubts.
Was that person her Prince? Who was he? Where was the real Prince Ash?
A series of such questions kept appearing in her mind.
It was true that on that night, Ash had said that even if he acted strangely, he was still the Third Prince Ash "Worthless" Voidveil - the person Serena had sworn allegiance to.
But, she still couldn't help but think that he was someone unfamiliar.
***
"So how do you feel now?" Ash interrupted Serena.
"Hmm… like I said before, right now, I'm almost convinced that you're my Prince. But the difference is that you're no longer useless, but have become a little more useful."
"Why do you think so?"
"Um… Could it be that after seeing what you've done?"
"Huh? Explain more clearly." Ash gaped.
However, Serena didn't say anything more but slowly stood up from the bed and gently walked out of the tent.
As she walked, she let out a rare gentle smile.
How could she not recognize her Prince?
It was true that Ash "Worthless" Voidveil was a troublemaker and only knew how to spend money without caring about the consequences, but deep down, she knew that the Third Prince was an extremely good person and always cared about his comrades.
The moment Ash bowed his head, expressing his gratitude and apologies to those who had left, Serena was able to regain a bit of consciousness and observe everything.
And at that moment, she had been convinced that that person was still the Third Prince Ash she knew and not some stranger.
She felt so relieved.
Meanwhile, Ash was still frozen in the tent, completely unable to understand what Serena had just said. What did The Useless Prince's words mean that day?
Did he know that Ash would be reincarnated into his body?
Did he have something to do with him being reincarnated into the game False Horizon?
He had so many questions, but he didn't get any answers.
'Someone please answer these questions of mine…' Ash tiredly laid down on the bed, not really wanting to think anymore, just wanting to rest.
'Ah wait, if that's the case, does that mean I can now turn Serena into my Servant?'
[That's right.]
Ash stared at the system message, not having the strength or energy to be surprised anymore.
'Then let's do it…'
[Congratulations! Serena - Heir of War has become your Servant!]
Name: Ash "Worthless" Voidveil
Fate: The Useless Prince
Rank: High Human
Experience: [15/500]
Ability: [Unlucky and Useless], [Loyal Servant]
Servant: [Serena - Heir of War]
Relic: None