Even After Reincarnating, I Still Get Hated

Silvervale’s cobbled streets lay unnaturally silent as Alfred strolled through the capital. Once teeming with chatter and daily hustle, the city now held its breath with every step he took. People parted like the Red Sea.

“Those black hairs…” someone murmured.
“Could it be…?” another whispered.
“Is he here for revenge?” a third voice trembled.

Alfred glanced around, confusion etched on his face. The vibrant streets looked as if a ghost had drifted among them.
(Oh, this is even better than I expected! Look at them tremble!)

Unaware of the mounting tension, Alfred leaned toward Luna. “Why are they looking at me like that?” he asked, genuinely puzzled.

Luna stifled a giggle, pressing her tiny hands to her mouth. “Oh, nothing at all, pfffufufu. It’s just your hair,” she teased, her voice light. “Black hair around here is… well, rare. And folks with it tend to have a rebellious, troublemaking rep.”
(Or they think you’re about to wipe the city off the map. But I’ll keep that part to myself.)

Alfred frowned, running a hand through his unruly jet‑black locks. “But I was born like this,” he insisted, baffled that his natural look could cause such a stir.
(Ordinary? Really?)

Luna’s laughter bubbled beneath her words. “Yes, I know, Alfred, but that doesn’t change their minds. This place is superstitious to a fault.”
(Oh, you sweet, clueless human. They see you as a harbinger of doom—and you’re fretting over your hair!)

As they walked, whispers and wary glances followed. Villagers huddled and bowed deeply, as if his very presence might unleash hidden wrath.

“Is he here to challenge someone?” one voice whispered.
“He’s so calm… it’s terrifying,” another added.

Alfred noticed a group of children hiding behind a fruit stall. He smiled and waved, but their eyes grew even wider before they scrambled behind the vendor.
(Oh no, he’s trying to be friendly! That’ll only spook them more.)

Luna drifted closer, whispering in his ear, “Maybe… just maybe, tone down that smile. They’re not used to your kind of kindness.”
(Everything about you, Alfred, stokes their fear—even your smiles!)

Perplexed, Alfred frowned. “What’s so scary about a smile?” he asked.
(Everything, apparently—especially when they think you’re some dark avenger!)

Deeper into the city, the reactions intensified. Alfred stopped at a stall to buy an apple. The vendor trembled as he handed it over, refusing any payment.

“No, I insist,” Alfred said, placing a few coins on the counter. “I can’t just take it for free.”
The vendor paled, stumbling over his words about “the dark heir’s generosity” before scurrying away.
(Generosity? I just bought an apple, and now they’re calling me generous? I need to straighten this out!)

Luna giggled, hovering just above him. “Oh, Alfred, you’re so gracious,” she said with mock seriousness.
(And terrifying, apparently. Who knew buying fruit could spark a mass panic!)

They continued down the main road, passing under grand arches leading to the heart of the city. Guards eyed them warily, swords gripped tight.

“They’re… staring again,” Alfred whispered, glancing at Luna. “What’s up now?”
Luna grinned mischievously. “Probably just your posture. You walk like you own the place.”
Alfred straightened his back instinctively. “I’m just walking normally,” he protested.
(Ah, yes—but ‘normal’ for you is like an emperor parading his domain!)

At the city square, a grand fountain stood amid a small gathering of nobles. The moment Alfred entered, their chatter died, and all eyes fixed on him. One tall noble in a fur-lined cloak visibly gulped.

“Do you think he’s here to challenge the King?” a noblewoman whispered.
“Or worse—maybe he’s recruiting for a dark army,” another murmured over the gentle splash.

Alfred shook his head. “I don’t get it. Why do they assume I’m dangerous?” he murmured, genuinely confused.
Luna landed on his shoulder, patting him gently. “Don’t worry, Alfred. They’re just… cautious. You have that effect on people.”
(And I’m loving every second of it. I could write a book called How to Terrify People Without Even Trying—by Alfred Nightshade!)

Every move he made—adjusting his coat, studying a street map—only deepened his fearsome reputation. A troupe of street performers halted their act when he glanced their way; one even dropped his lute in sheer panic.

Alfred turned to Luna, exasperated. “I just wanted to see the show.”
Luna’s shoulders shook with laughter before she composed herself. “Well, they might have thought you were critiquing their performance… for, uh, other reasons.”
(Like whether or not to spare their lives, of course!)

After what felt like an eternity of confused, fearful stares, they finally reached the guild—a massive stone building with wooden doors adorned with carvings of swords, shields, and magical runes.

“This must be it,” Alfred said as he pushed open the heavy door.

Inside, the dimly lit guild buzzed with adventurers of every sort, lost in their own conversations. But the moment Alfred stepped inside, the room fell silent. Conversations stopped mid-sentence, mugs paused in mid-air, and every eye turned to him.

“Black hair… Is he a Nightshade?” someone whispered from a shadowy corner.

Alfred glanced around awkwardly. “Here we go again…” he muttered, unaware of the legend forming around him.
Luna perched on his shoulder, her wings fluttering lightly. “Ready to register as an adventurer, Alfred? This should be fun.”
(For me, at least. Let’s see how many more misunderstandings we can stir up!)

At the registration desk, a sharp-eyed receptionist with auburn hair tied neatly looked up from her parchment. Her gaze lingered on his jet‑black hair as her quill hovered over the form.

“Name?” she asked, professional yet edged with unease.

“Alfred,” he replied simply.
(Of course, they have to ask—why wouldn’t they?)

Her brow furrowed. “Alfred… how old are you?” she inquired.

“I’m sixteen,” Alfred answered, trying to ignore the murmurs rising among the gathered adventurers.
(Sixteen? That’s normal, right?)

But then a hushed whisper drifted from a corner: “Sixteen? He must have been six when the Nightshade massacre occurred.”
“Six years old… and he survived?” another voice added, laced with awe and suspicion.
(Oh, now they’re painting me as a child survivor of some dark tragedy!)

Luna hovered above, giggling as the rumors spread like wildfire. The receptionist cleared her throat, regaining her composure.

“Did you… by any chance, complete your training at the soldier academy?” she asked.

Alfred looked puzzled. “No, I didn’t. I’m new here, actually.”
(Training? I’m just a regular guy who ended up here by accident!)

A gasp rippled through the room. “He hasn’t even trained, and yet he carries such presence?” an adventurer marveled.

The receptionist blinked. “You haven’t completed the soldier academy?” she repeated.

“No,” Alfred said, more confused than ever. “Is that required?”
(Seriously? I thought being normal was enough.)

Quickly, she grabbed a parchment from beneath the counter and scribbled something down, stealing cautious glances at Alfred’s stoic face.
(Poor Alfred. He has no idea they think he’s some dark prodigy. This is priceless!)

She stamped the parchment with the guild’s insignia and handed it to him. “This is a letter of recommendation. With your… background, I strongly suggest you attend the Silvervale Starfall Academy to complete your training. Once you graduate, return to the guild, and we can finish your registration.”

Alfred blinked in surprise. “A recommendation? But I’m not—”
Before he could finish, the receptionist interjected, “Protocol requires it.”
(Oh, they’re terrified of you. I couldn’t have scripted it better if I tried!)

Taking the letter, Alfred sighed—confused but eager to dodge more awkward encounters. “Thank you… I guess.”
(Just a normal registration, right?)

As they exited the guild, Luna couldn’t help but smirk. “Looks like you’re off to the academy, Alfred! How exciting!” she teased, her voice dancing with mischief.
Alfred glanced at the letter and sighed. “I just wanted to register as an adventurer. Now I have to attend some school I’ve never heard of.”
(Oh, trust me, Alfred. This is going to be far more entertaining than you think—and I’ll be right here to enjoy every minute!)