Part 1
"Thank you for accompanying me again today, sir Luke."
I turned my head to the knight walking behind me.
He had a cool, handsome face, sharp green eyes and black hair.
He had a permanent glaring look plastered on his face so it could be said that his angry look is his normal look.
He only nodded with a thin smile on his face. What are you smiling about, punk? Glad you get to go on a date with me?
Needless to say, I hate him.
Who would want to be followed around by a handsome?
Die, handsome!
As it turns out, Handsome here is Alice's childhood and only male friend.
To her, he didn't even register as a "male" so it could be said that she sees him only as a reliable older brother.
The same goes for Luke as he has a professional personality where when we are alone, he treats me like a little sister and treats me like a princess when outside.
Curse you.
"Ufufu~ Lady Alice sure is cheerful when Captain Luke is with us!"
The girl with brown, braided hair and gentle, brown eyes who was walking next to Luke spoke.
An annoying maid.
She began talking by herself happily. Something about marriage?
I wasn't listening, though.
Neither was Luke.
The reason Luke was with us was because of the Duke, Alice's father. My(?) father, Jorgan Icelance.
Speaking of Jorgan, he was tall and solidly built with blonde hair and blue eyes.
Say, are we even related?
We look nothing alike, mister.
He looked a little lost when I pleaded that I wanted to go out of the castle with Mira, but when he saw that I was about to cry, he immediately compromised with an expression saying he didn't want to displease me.
Hoh.
Sorry, Alice's dad.
The compromise was to bring a guard.
Either one elite or four standard ones.
I didn't want to stand out when walking around town so I decided to pick the former. With Mira, of course.
Though that was the case, I still end up gathering attention even if I don't want to.
It can't be helped, my Divine Powers are too strong, after all.
It's been a week since I woke up as Alice. Walking around the large city, there were many instances where gentlemen proposed to me.
That's right. Proposed.
They asked for my hand in marriage. Some even consulted with my father, the duke first.
Of course, every single one of them were declined by my father.
Even if my father approved of you, I won't. Sorry, guys.
But I'm a dude.
My beauty is otherworldly so I feel for you, though.
Enough about that. Regarding the language and culture, they're obviously different.
The language is called [Roviety] and the humans are called [Rovietal] in turn.
To me, the language still sounded a bit like random sounds slapped together, but I understand them easily thanks to Alice's memories.
Other than that, there aren't any real issues.
Well, besides the fact that the culture here would allow a 16-year-old to be married off to a 30-year-old. If it was in my world, they'd at least wait two more years.
Not a problem. I won't be married off.
No thank you.
Well, not unless I start seeing men in a different light.
Probably never.
I learned several other things as well.
I learned that prior to me first waking up as Alice, she had disappeared for half a day which is strange considering she never left the castle, she slept for the other half of the day.
After that is all me. More pressing than that is the fact that Alice doesn't seem to hold any memories on where she disappeared to and how she got back.
Simply, she disappeared and appeared again, easy to say that she was spirited away.
It was probably during that interval that we switched bodies. The fact that she was gone for that many hours means where she went to wasn't very far away considering how she went and got back within half a day.
I'll pass this bridge when I get there, though as currently I don't have any leads.
The only thing left to do is strengthen this body girly body.
During mornings, I decided to train this body so I can withstand my own reflexes and not break my own limbs whenever I act rashly, just in case. ...I'll make sure to maintain her skin, though.
In the afternoon, Mira, Luke and I would just play around in town. Luke doesn't speak much and just follows us silently but he doesn't look like he really minds.
Almost as if he's dealing with the wishes of a spoiled child. It pains me how mature Handsome can be.
In the evening, I read books about this world.
I discovered that there are such things such as "chantless magic". At first, I figured magic to be inconvenient in battle for it would take at least 15 seconds to finish a long chant if you're slow, half that if you're fast. That is just enough time to pull a trigger and instantly kill you. Though fortunately, there are no such things as firearms in this world.
Unfortunately, "chantless magic" is a skill that is more of a legend than knowledge.
The only ones recorded that have been able to use it are known as demon lords and heroes... yeah right.
Although there were some exceptions, a sage living somewhere on a frozen continent said to be able to use chantless magic or something alike.
The books I read also described the characteristics of the magic that are cast through chantless magic.
The magic, no matter what element will appear in the color of the caster's eye color.
The common eye color for people here are generally blue and brown with green as rare cases.
Yellow eyes are the ones belonging to every species of demons and a few species of dragons.
As it turns out, there are dragons here too.
Hmm... Maybe I should go and make a name for myself.
Dragonslayer Alice?
Not bad.
As for black eyes, which were pretty common back in my old world, the only ones who have them here are apparently the Demon Lords and their descendants who are feared by all.
Red eyes are the rarest, the only ones who have them are dragons and the Nehorune race that is almost extinct.
In that case, what about my pink-like purple eyes? A genetic mutation? It doesn't really matter. Things like these happen in my world.
Anyway, chantless is also relatively stronger than chanted magic and it explains that chanted magic borrows the concept of understanding of gods to cause phenomena but since it's not their own understanding, the power becomes relatively weaker if compared.
Since chantless magic uses the concept of understanding of the caster and not the gods', the power is far stronger.
If I were to make an analogy, it's like this:
Magic is like reading a book and the author of that book is a god. The more you understand about it, the stronger the magic. Naturally, the author of that book understands it more than anyone else does.
If you can use chantless magic, it is like you wrote your own book. Since you understand the contents fully, you don't need to read it to get it.
As I read on, I realize something important:
I don't get it.
Even if I knew all this information, it's useless since I won't understand magic unless I try it for myself.
I also asked Mira if she can cast offensive magic to see if she can teach me anything. It turns out she didn't and she apologized while looking really sad, saying that she only knew a little bit of healing to which I smiled and replied that it's okay.
And that is why we went outside of the city today.
Luke knew a bit of offensive fire magic and I had asked him to teach me a bit.
Even though I hate him.
Though when I first asked, he showed a troubled face and said,
"If I remember correctly, lady Alice is better in magic than I am."
He spoke with a hint of worship in his tone,
"Really? That's amazing, lady Alice!"
and Mira, who was behind me said with genuine praise. Agh! Please don't look at me with such eyes. I don't even know if I can cast magic!
Luke smiled and then spoke as if boasting,
"Lady Alice had memorized the chant 2 months before I had first successfully cast it."
Ah... Too much expectations. I'm sorry.
"Uh... Erm... Terribly sorry, but I... uhm... seem to have forgotten?"
Oh no... my mouth's chattering. Will they be disappointed in me?
I hope not... I'll cry, y'know?
"Ah, of course. Even lady Alice isn't perfect."
"It couldn't be helped because you're cooped up in the castle all the time."
Contrary to my expectations, the two of them laughed with pleasant smiles.
...Handsome's smile wasn't pleasant, though.
With that, I contemplate deeply on how shallow I have been.
Part 2
"Hey Luuke~ How did the chant go again? I-- Y'know, just reviewing..."
Arriving at a clearing in the forest, we had set up a few bottles of wine in a line just ahead of us.
Simply, it's target practice.
Luke nodded at my excuse, a slight smile as if he's glad he's being relied on.
Handsome is so reliable. We still ain't friends, though.
I hope Handsome stops smiling soon. It's terrifying...
"Mm. Lady Alice, it was like this,"
Luke began teaching me from the basics as he pointed his palm towards a bottle with his hand,
"Breather of flames, purifier of life!
Oh Varimony!
Your humble servant prays and fights!
Nothing will be left after this strife!
Nothing but ashes for days and nights!"
Blue-colored energy compressed on his right hand before forming into a ball of fire the size of a basketball.
With sweat forming on his forehead, Handsome yelled, "Fireball!"
Throwing it towards one of the bottles, the ball of flame exploded upon contact, enveloping the area in smoke.
"Cough cough! Oh my, Hands-- L-Luke. That was fairly frightening. Excellent, excellent!"
"Amazing, Lord Luke!"
Without thinking, I gave Handsome praise that honestly came from my heart while Mira and I clapped excitedly.
"So that blue energy was mana?"
I asked out of curiosity.
Luke looked at me in wonder.
Oh.
It must've been an obvious question.
My bad.
Towards my direct praise, Handsome--he only frowned.
Oi. Ungrateful bastard!
"Please don't tease me, milady. Yours is way more powerful than mine."
He said in a matter of fact manner.
Oh. Is that so? Hmm... but if I remember correctly, last he saw mine(Alice)'s was 4 years ago so I'm sure he just exaggerated the one from his memories. Silly boy.
Alice herself doesn't even remember how it was.
I only showed a troubled smile, deciding on giving it a try,
"Well then, my turn."
Luke once more nodded seriously, his fierce-looking eyes glared at me--
No, that must be his normal face. Poor Handsome.
Handsome and Mira took a few steps back.
I can feel them staring at my back expectantly.
Urgh... please don't... Alice crumbles under pressure...
Hmm... how did it go again? It was something like this, right...?
Feeling mana compress around me, I immediately realize that I forgot to aim.
Ah, no big deal. Focusing my eyes on the targets, I feel the energy around my body and aim it towards the bottles.
"Breather of flames, purifier of life!
Oh Varimony!
Erm...Your humble servant prays... and... uhm... fights...?
Ah forget it. [Burn]!"
Instantly, the bottles were assaulted by flames, causing them to explode.
Yayy~ I did it!
I turn to look at Handsome and Mira, feeling quite proud,
"She shortened the chant?!"
"Alice!"
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Mira looked honestly surprised while Handsome rushed to my side and pushed me down.
P-Please don't call me Alice. I-I-It's Lady Alice to you, get it?!
Crack
Crash
Ehh? What's going on? Hello? Mister Luke? P-P-Puh-P-Please don't...
W-Why are you touching my chest?!
"Mira! Go to the city and inform the men, make sure they make it!
Alice, look at me. Listen to me-- listen to me, okay? This is not your fault. Everything will be fine. Do you understand?"
"Y-Yes, knight captain!"
It is clear that I do not understand the situation, I looked on in wonder at Handsome's worried face .
It is only then that I realize.
We were in a fairly empty clearing. All the trees were at least a dozen meters away from us--
but even though it was like that.
Right next to me is a fallen tree, its leaves burning. Flying along with it is the scent of charred wood, assaulting my nostrils.
I understand now. I was saved. Handsome pushed me out of harm's way.
I looked around me, I already knew what I had to do.
I needed to run.
But I couldn't.
My legs wouldn't take me--
Alice's legs wouldn't move.
She-- no, I... I was terrified.
Clearly, I have faced situations more dire than this in my previous life.
But those experiences were instantly blown away.
The trees around us, the bushes, the animals in the forest, all of them--
The whole forest was set alight.
Part 3 - Luke's Point of View
Damn... smoke...
"Alice--cough-- it's time... t-to go!"
I said with urgency as I carried the tearful Alice in my arms.
Her white dress which was a gift from her father was torn at the hem. It had been caught on fire and she ripped it off herself.
I ran with all my strength, giving my all to let Alice and I escape from the forest.
"Hah...! Hah...--Lu...ke..."
As I ran, I notice a change in Alice,
Her breathing was ragged and she was red in the face,
her body was hot and sweat formed on her forehead.
More than that, she was gritting her teeth as if enduring something.
It can't be, mana depletion? She must've unconsciously used every bit of mana inside her body... Well that explains it.
Though, the fact that the entirety of the forest was simultaneously ignited means that her pool must be quite large.
Moreover, the flames have gotten severely stronger, so she must've supplied at least three times the amount of mana required to set the forest on fire.
While thinking such things, I brought Alice to safety.
Out of breath, I finally entered the city's walls. The guards were running about, heading towards the forest's direction thanks to Mira's instructions.
"Haa... Haa..."
I set Alice down on a nearby bench as I sat down on the ground, leaning my back on one of the bench's legs and let my body rest.
"Cough! Cough...! *Gasp* Cough!"
Gasping for breath, I close my eyes, thankful that I'm alive.
As my eyes remained closed, I remember the flames surrounding the forest.
I was running so fast, I almost ignored them but there was no way I'd miss it. Those flames...
Those who could cast chantless magic in this world weren't many, but those people with only a few exceptions were labeled as heroes or demon lords.
Either they were the first to be sent to danger or they, themselves were the danger.
Because of this, it was difficult for them to make any friends. It's not that they were hard to get along with.
As a matter of fact, they were very similar to normal people. It's just that they kill too many or die too quickly that the entirety of Roviety started to look at them as an entirely different race.
Alice... I promised... I will protect you until the end.
Thus... the fact that the color of the flames' outer layer was purple is a secret I will bring to my grave.
Part 4
"Is it fun?"
She asked me with a smile on her face.
My consciousness is cloudy, I don't know how I even recognized the expression on her face.
I stared back,
"What is?" I asked without thinking.
At my words, she only caressed my face and closed her eyes before responding, her voice echoing as she vanished.
"Life... Life...Life...Life..."
"Hah...?"
My eyes slowly opened and a familiar ceiling entered my view.
Room... Alice's--... my room...
By the time I had gotten my upper body out of the pillows, I had already forgotten the contents of my dreams.
Though I still felt an odd sense of nostalgia hanging on the corner of my brain, I ignored it as I got up.
What was I supposed to do today...?
Oh. I was going to have Handsome teach me some offensive magic, right? Hmm... right.
As I stood up, I notice something. Rather, someone sitting in the corner of the room.
"..."
His hands were crossed in front of his chest, his head was tilted down and he breathed a sleeper's breath.
It was Handsome, he was as handsome as ever. Scum.
Thinking that I should pull a prank on him, an evil smile creeps on my face and I quietly approached him before I opened my mouth--
"HEEEEEEEELP! NOOOOO~ DON'T TOUCH ME! AHH!!"
"Hrm--huh?! What? Alice? Where--Danger?!"
Handsome stood up in a hurry, immediately positioning himself as if to protect me. I didn't notice it but his sword was already drawn. Hmm. Not bad, Handsome.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
After five seconds, Handsome realized that there wasn't anything breathing in this room except for us.
"...?!"
Handsome's eyes widened as he slowly and shakily turns to look at me,
"A-Alice... Y-Y-You... deceived me...?"
"...I... I apologize."
I uh... didn't expect you'd look so betrayed.
"Alice...Alice... why?"
"W-Well then, I'll be eating breakfast. S-See you~"
I ignored Handsome who was still shaking and I headed to the dining hall.
"Ah!"
As I was walking, a maid suddenly appeared out of a corner and bumped into me, causing me to fall on my behind.
"Owwie..."
The hell? Did I just say that? Alice's mannerisms are...
The maid's face paled and she immediately helped me stand before apologizing profusely.
"It's fine, really. You don't have to apologize."
I said with a well-practiced immaculate smile, but the maid--
"Hiiiiii!! T-Thank you f-for your benevolence, Lady A-Alice!"
only looked terrified, only bowing once before running away.
"...?"
I thought it was strange, but decided to let it pass it and continued to head to the dining area.
On my way there, I noticed a change.
The knights looked at me strangely and the servants seemed to be avoiding me.
When I reached that conclusion, I stopped walking and turned to one of the guards who happened to be there.
"Hey, boy."
I called out to him.
"..."
The guard stood still, remaining silent.
"Boy, I'm talking to you."
I approached him and it was only then that he realized it was him I was referring to,
"...! M-My apologies, lady Alice. I was deep in thought..."
The excuse he was making trailed off by the end but I brushed it off with a smile,
"It's alright, don't worry about it. Anyway, I was wondering... Everyone seems to be avoiding me, why is that?"
The guard stiffened at my words.
He opened his mouth while checking my expression,
"A-Ah... They must simply be awed by milady's talent in magic... I think."
With a nervous smile, the guard told me.
I thought it was something serious, but looks like this person doesn't know anything about it.
Hmm. I'll ask someone else after I eat.
At that point in time, I didn't realize,
The forest that my(Alice's) mother had nurtured with the help of the spirits was burned to ashes.