Melody walked into Gaia’s home with Violet and Annabelle.

“Sista!” Rui called out from Okan’s arms, reaching out toward her sister.

Melody’s expression brightened as she took her sister into her arms. Rui was not a human-sized child but about the size of a giant child. “Hello, Rui. Did you miss me?”

“Yes!” Rui hugged Melody.

“Ho, ho, ho!” Okan chuckled over the sweet scene. “Were you able to recover anything?”

“A few things. Did Auntie return to her Grove?” Melody asked as she sat at the table.

Okan joined her. “Yes. She said she would get things in order and then come here to help you.”

“Any word from Hallfen?” Violet asked.

“Ah, yes. Poe brought a message for Melody.” Okan called the raven down from its nest on top of a bookshelf.

“Master.” Poe looked up at Melody. “The Duke said that the imperial family has requested your presence.”

Melody took a moment to communicate what Poe said to her friends.

“Oh, did he mention why?” Violet asked.

“He stated it was to thank you for exposing their traitor.”

Melody finished translating and thanked the raven for her help.

“We’re coming with you!” Annabelle exclaimed.

Melody giggled. “Of course.”

“I will head back home to see if my parents can also come,” Violet stated.

“I’m coming too!” Annabelle followed after Violet to return to Hallfen.

Melody smiled as she waved goodbye to her friends.

“Sis?” Rui looked up at Melody curiously.

“Hmm?” Melody’s expression brightened. “I’m okay, Rui.”

Rui began giggling while clapping.

Okan stroked his beard. “Do you wish for me to come along?”

Melody laughed out loud. “AHAHAH! They would be terrified if you showed up!”

The old treant joined in the laughter, agreeing will Melody’s observation.

The following morning, Melody waited at the Grove’s fairy ring with Violet and her parents, Annabelle and Marquis Gale, who would represent Duke Caldwell.

“Sister…” Rui pouted as she was being held by Autumn.

Melody giggled and patted her sister’s head. “I won’t be gone long, I promise.”

Rui still didn’t want Melody to go but nodded.

Feeling happy, Melody kissed Rui’s cheek. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Oki!” Rui put on a smile.

After checking that her passengers were ready, Melody activated the fairy ring.

“G-GIANT!” A worker cried out as he ran from the fairy ring.

Other workers that were cleaning up Duke Talane’s demolished estate ran away.

“Sheesh. I thought they were expecting us.” Melody huffed.

“Nobody expects the Crimson Goddess!” Violet exclaimed in a joking manner.

Annabelle laughed at the Meme reference from their old world.

“I don’t get it….” Melody commented. She passed away before the joke aired.

Violet and Annabelle promised to explain later.

Melody sat on the ground to await the arrival of the knights. She didn’t want to create an even bigger panic by walking through the city.

It wasn’t long before the knight commander from the other night arrived with a contingent of knights and a carriage. “Princess Melody. It is good to see you again….” He paused and seemed nervous. “I…” He bowed his head. “I am sorry for my actions that night!”

Melody giggled, naturally shifting into her Gaia impression. “Think nothing of it, knight commander. Under the circumstances, I would have reacted the same way for the safety of my people.”

“Thank you for your mercy!” He bowed once more.

Marquis Gale stepped forward. “I am Marquis Gale, here as the representative of Duke Arthur Caldwell. We are here at the invitation of the imperial family.” He held out the paperwork.

The knight commander nodded, informing them that that was the reason for their coming. “Ah, though it seems we will need one more carriage. We were not expecting this many of you.”

“Oh!” Lady Cambel exclaimed, turning to Melody. “Could I perhaps bother you for a ride in your pack?”

“M-Mother!?” Violet was stunned.

The guild master laughed. “You and Annabelle get to ride in it all the time and brag to us. This time it is our turn.”

“What?!” Violet yelled. “No! That is our special priv-!”

“Hmm?” Lady Cambel leaned forward, bringing her face before Violet’s. “I think I might be remembering something about something that may or may not have broke a few months ago.”

Violet froze in place.

“So?” Lady Cambel continued.

Violet deflated in defeat.

Annabelle giggled and gently guided her sad friend toward the carriage.

“Whoa! Is that a giant!?” A child cried out as their procession moved through the city.

“Hey! That has to be the Crimson Goddess!” “Wait! She really was a giant!? I thought they meant a really tall woman!” “Well, she is technically tall.” “Shaddap!” The city’s people buzzed as Melody walked between the knights escorting them.

Lady Cambel laughed. “See? We told you that you were famous.”

“Word travels fast among adventurers and merchants. It was bound to happen, Melody.” The guild master added.

“I didn’t think it would be like this, though.” She sheepishly replied.

Melody felt bloodlust and was about to go for her hatchet when a group of guards pounced on the men.

“GAH! Dammit! Get off of us! That monster killed the duke!” One of the men yelled.

“You are all under arrest for supporting the traitor Talane!” The guard captain yelled.

“It’s okay, Melody. The emperor said he was going to take special precautions for your safety. The knightage and city guards are still working hard to oust and imprison all those involved with the traitor.” Lady Cambel informed her.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Melody stopped and leaned toward the guards. “Thank you for keeping us safe.” She gave them a happy smile.

The several guards blushed along with the would-be assassins.

Their procession continued for a bit longer until four giant fireballs flew toward Melody. She had her bow up instantly and blasted them into nothingness before anyone could react. Melody fired another arrow between the group of mages.

“Surrender or follow the duke. Your choice.” She sternly ordered.

The mages having no way to escape her attacks, chose to surrender.

Once they were in custody, Melody put her bow away.

“That was amazing!” “How did she fire that fast?” “UUUUUUUWWWWWHOOOOAAA! THE CRIMSON GODDESS!”

The one impressed man who shouted out her nickname ended up causing a trend that grew into a cheer for her.

The guild master laughed as they continued while Lady Cambel did her best to comfort the embarrassed giantess.

They finally arrived at the palace with no further attacks. After Melody set Violet’s parents on the ground, she stayed on her knees while hiding her face. Violet laughed with her father over Melody’s embarrassment while Annabelle joined Lady Cambel in comforting her.

“I am terribly sorry about that, Princess Melody.” The knight commander apologized.

“No… I just need to accept that I will forever be known as the Crimson Goddess.” Her expression looked lifeless as she forced a laugh.

“Shall we rest for a bit? I am sure the emperor would not mind.” Lady Cambel offered.

Shaking her head, Melody stood back up. “No. I don’t wish to be rude.”

The main palace halls were tall enough for Melody to barely walk through without hitting her head. But when they arrived at the doors to the throne room, she frowned that the doors were only eight feet high.

“Will this be a repeat of the banquet hall?” Violet teased.

Melody frowned. She didn’t realize at the time what she had done when she squeezed into Duke Caldwell’s banquet hall until Violet made a joke about it.

“It’s big enough for me to squat through,” Melody grumbled.

The man by the door had it opened, and he walked ahead of them, announcing their arrival. “Now arriving! Princess Melody of the Gaian Forest! Marquis Gale! Countess and Count Cambel and their daughter! Priestess Annabelle!”

It was almost too tight of a fit for Melody, but she could make it through the doorway.

The throne room was quite large and comfortable for Melody to move about. Their group approached the tall raised dais, which the emperor, empress, and Melody assumed to be the crown prince.

During their walk through the city, Lady Cambel updated Melody on a few things about palace etiquette. Since Melody was a Princess, all she had to do was curtsy or bow her head as she gave her greeting.

Melody shifted her left foot behind her right, put her left arm behind her back, and her right arm across her chest. Bowing her head, “Greetings, your majesties. I am Princess Melody of the Gaian Forest.”

“My! What an excellent greeting!” The empress commented.

“Indeed.” The emperor chuckled.

The crown prince stayed silent, but his expression tensed like he was trying to keep himself from laughing.

“It is good to finally meet you, Princess Melody.” The emperor spoke.

Melody returned to a standing position. The height of their thrones put them at near eye level with Melody.

“I wish to first apologize for the attack on your people.” The emperor bowed his head. All the other people present lowered their heads along with the emperor. “What happened was an unforgivable atrocity to an ally of our nation.”

“I thank you for your sincerity, your majesty,” Melody replied.

The emperor nodded his head in thanks. “Now, I wish to present you with rewards and compensation for what happened.” He motioned for some of his people on the ground floor.

An older gentleman stepped forward with several men bringing in heavy chests. “For compensation for the attack on yourself and your people, the imperial family offers five million gold in reparations. For your reward for crushing the Aristocratic Party and executing the traitor Faust Talane, you will receive five-million gold, a marker showing you have the support of the imperial family, an edict from his majesty recognizing the Gaian Forest as a nation and ally to the empire, and lastly, a contract of alliance between our nations.”

Melody was shocked at what the emperor had given her. “Um…” She shook her head, straightening her thoughts. “I do not wish to impose upon your nation for such great wealth.” She stated.

The emperor chuckled. “Not to worry, Princess Melody. All of this coin is what we confiscated from the traitors. Trust me, you will need that amount of coin if you hope to run a nation.”

Melody smiled and conceded. “I thank you, your majesty, for your benevolence.”

The emperor chuckled once more. “Now, I am glad that you three are here.” He turned to Lady Cambel, the guild master, and the marquis.

The guild master was awarded money to reward the adventurers that answered the call to help protect the Grove. Lady Cambel was compensated for the headaches of dealing with Talane’s schemes. A large amount was given to the marquis to deliver to Duke Caldwell to get things in his city back in order after the poisoning of Hallfen’s wells.

Violet and Annabelle were compensated for their kidnapping and rewarded with medallions of support from the imperial family and additional money.

“Now then, everyone but the princess, Lady Violet, and Priestess Annabelle, leave the room.” The emperor ordered.

Melody looked to Lady Cambel, who seemed confused about why, but followed the order.

After a few minutes, only the emperor, empress, crown prince, and Melody’s group remained.

“My apologies for the confusion, princess. This was a request from the crown prince.” The emperor stated.

“Oh.” Melody watched the prince walk down the stairs to stand before them.

“Apologies, prin- pfft -cess. Would you mind kneeling?” The prince seemed to be doing everything he could to not laugh.

Melody lowered herself to her knees.

The prince took moments to stare into her face, making Melody a bit uncomfortable, but somehow it felt… familiar.

“Heh…” The prince chuckled. He shook his head while smiling. “It is good to see you again, Mallory.”

“Huh…?” Melody, Violet, and Annabelle tilted their heads in confusion.

“Wait…” Melody’s eyes widened. “No!” Her expression brightened. “Matthew!?”

The prince laughed aloud. “You got me, little sis.”

“AHA!” Melody snatched him up, hugging him to her face. “I can’t believe it!” She exclaimed.

“Wow, her brother made it over, too,” Annabelle commented.

“Wait! Does that mean!” Violet looked up to the emperor and empress.

“Ack!” The prince struggled against Melody’s affection. “No, Millie, they didn’t make it over.” He reported.

“Oh…” Melody eased up on her hug and set him down. “So, Mom and Dad….”

The prince chuckled. “Don’t be so down, Mal. They were happy to hear about your reincarnation but left it to me to look after you. Sorry I am a bit late. You were pretty hard to track down.”

“Y-Yeah.” Melody giggled. “So, what do I call you then?”

“Well, I am Prince Matthew. I got lucky and kept my name.” Matthew chuckled.

“I see. I am guessing they know about you?” Melody asked her brother.

Matthew looked back to the emperor and empress, who joined them. He smiled. “Yes. They found out thanks to Lord Tulsen.”

“Huh? You know Lord Tulsen too?” She asked.

Matthew sighed. “I almost wish I didn’t. That man is like playing with a dead-man switch linked to a nuke. No, a thousand nukes. He commented that I have a unique soul to my parents here, and they put it together.”

“Matthew has been a true boon to our empire. Thanks to him, our people are happier and more prosperous than ever.” The emperor commented.

“He is such a sweet son. Your parents did well by you.” The empress giggled.

“So… how long did you know about us?” Violet asked him.

“Seven summers ago, I figured you out, Millie. I learned about Annie three years ago when I heard how close you two were.” He answered.

Violet punched him in the arm. “Then why didn’t you flex your princely powers to help us out!?”

The empress and emperor tensed momentarily before calming down with Matthew’s laughter. “That’s why!”

He calmed down and placed his hands on Melody’s. “Sis. I am sorry I was so late in helping you. I heard the reports about your past and two mothers. I am so sorry.”

Melody warmly smiled and gently hugged him to herself. “Don’t worry. I am happy now. Besides, my mother, Gaia, is still alive. In a few years, she will return to her doting self. Not to mention, I have a little sister to look out for now.”

“You’re a big sister now?” He teased.

Melody scoffed as she put him back down. “I will be a great sister! Her name is Rui.”

He chuckled while shaking his head. “Gods help her.”

“I could smack you, you know.” Melody narrowed her eyes at him.

“Then you would be guilty of killing a royal.” He jokingly shrugged.

“You could just hit him with your overcharged charm.” Violet teased.

“I will NOT do that with my brother!” Melody shouted.

“What is this about charm?” Matthew asked.

“Oh, let me tell you a story!” Violet started.

“Millie.” Melody’s words stiffened Violet. “I will have you shunned by all the forest spirits for a month.”

“Uh, but it isn’t….”

“Two months.” Melody’s smile darkened.

“Okay…” Violet deflated.

“Wow! Color me impressed!” Matthew laughed.

“Let us continue this over lunch. I am sure you four have much to catch up on.” The emperor offered.

Melody giggled, agreeing.

Melody and her friends took the entire day to regal the imperial family with their stories. Time flew by, and it was the following day, and Melody was standing in a new fairy ring in the back of the imperial palace. With her was their group from Hallfen.

“Well, then, Melody. Look after yourself.” Prince Matthew stated with a smile.

“You as well, Matthew,” Melody replied.

“Oh? Is a royal wedding on the horizon?” The guild master asked.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” The secret siblings shouted at him. The surprised guild master quickly hid behind his laughing wife and daughter.

“Ahem. You all take care. Next time you visit, bring Rui.” Matthew said.

Melody giggled. “I will. She is definitely the curious sort.”

After ensuring everyone was ready, she activated the fairy ring, returning them to the Gaian Forest Trading Post.

“Me-lo-dy!” Maple hugged her friend’s face.

“Hey, Maple.” Melody giggled.

“Okay, I think we will head back to Hallfen. I am tired….” Violet stated.

Annabelle joined their tired friend to return to the city.

After saying their goodbyes, they left for Hallfen.

“So, what are you doing today?” Maple asked as she lay on Melody’s shoulder.

“I don’t know. Maybe play some games with Rui?” Melody said with a smile.

“Oh! You have to let me and Bell join!” Maple stated.

“Of course.” Melody playfully poked her friend’s cheek.

They shared a giggle as they headed into the forest.

She could have taken the fairy ring back, but she wanted to feel the natural life around her. Melody expanded her senses through the land, trees, plants, and water. She felt at peace.

The start of her life in this world was dark and evil, but now, Melody was surrounded by friends and family.

She was at home at last.