
Ernst's met Rowan back in the past, when he surrendered himself and his army to Rowanard's empire. When Ernst surrendered, he also became Rowanard's dog, where he was humiliated, tortured, and traumatized every day.
Now, in the present, Ernst has a new reincarnated life. He has the same name and has his memories of his previous life. He is also a skillsman, looking for work with a guild. He joins a guild "The Black Lions," but quickly wants to leave when he finds out the second-in-command is the reincarnated Rowan. Rowan doesn't seem to remember their past history together, but Ernst still doesn't want to risk his life.
Oof, I got my hopes up when he said "But this time, I'll be the one to fuck you" (〜 ̄△ ̄)〜