-You did well. Thank you... Thank you for protecting my people. Thank you..."-

This... voice. And... those words... could it be...

"I...ris...?"

I tried to force myself to reach for it. Reaching for the warmth which began to leave my side.

Then I felt as if my hand was held tightly. I could feel warm transmitted from it, and I wanted to open my eyes even if for a moment.

I forced myself. I have to see her. I have so much questions... about her. About me. About us...

Among the hazy scenery of white... I could see golden strands of hair fluttering. A white dress which seemed to resemble what I wear. And... a familiar face possessing emerald green eyes.

Albeit older than me... and although she has cat ears and tail... I know. I recognized her.

"...yes. It is time for us to return to who we were supposed to be. But... you wish not for such thing, no?"

...that's... I... I just want to be myself... but... I'm afraid. I'm afraid that I won't live like I want to. I'm afraid that everything will be stolen from me... I'm afraid that I might... become something else.

Because 'I' am incomplete... because we are only... fragments....... maybe we don't even have a complete personality too...

Even the thought 'what if my feelings are actually based on lies' sent me a chill.

"...I know that feeling. I too felt it because you are me, and I am you. All of 'us' harbor the same feeling the moment 'we' are aware of the truth."

Then...? I... what should I... do...?

Am I... am I truly going to end just like the others? Even though... even though my life barely started...?

Vladimir said I have short longevity... so... will I die... young? Is my lifespan truly is limited more so than the other? Then... I... how am I supposed to fulfill my desire...? How can I fulfill it wholeheartedly if I know my days are numbered?

But in the next moment, I felt warmth embracing me. Iris... she was holding me tightly and she smiled at me.

"I know. You are perhaps the only one who might survive the ordeal but beings thirsting for power will sought us. They will, without fail, desire what we are capable to do. Because it was also one human king who tried to rob me of my body and my soul for his shallow ambition."

...then...

"That is why, I will be with you too."

Eh...? What... what do you mean...?

I can feel the warmth fading away again. No... this is... she's dissipating and going inside of me.

"I have been watching those two for a while and it seems even if I were gone, I guess they are going to stay that way. Also, if I merged with you, I can extend your life for a few years more."

Merge... Didn't you say that before...?

"It's alright. If we merged completely back there, we would have ceased to exist in no time due to the Enchantment. Also, to be assimilated by a kind human such as you... it has truly been a while for a fortuitous chance to occur."

...even so...

"Oh my. You are interesting... Although we were once a Battle Maiden, to think you are reborn for two times... I'm so envious."

EH!!?

Whaaaaaattt!? Hey, wait! What are you seeing!? You're reading my memories!? Wait wait wait waaaaiiiitttt!!

"Hn hn... so you have lived once as a man but isn't your appearance... girlish? Also, you have some habits like a housewife. maybe your Soul Essence is stronger and thicker than ours in this field. Ah, what's this...? Crossdressing...? Ho ho~"

Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaah! I take it back! Just assimilate quickly, will you!? Stop peeking on my memories...!! Stop iiiiiittt!!

"My! So passionate...! I see I see! So this type of man is what you like!! Quite a peculiar taste... I like it!! Oh, and what's this? Secret Folder... let's find out!"

Noooooooooooooooooooo! Anything but thaaaaaatttt!!

"Uh!? Eh!? Ah... uhn... I... I see... so this is why... But isn't this a little extreme...? Oh? Oh oh oh...?! Th-this is... so hardcore... Hi!? That's so lewd!!"

Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! I want to die! Let me die alreadyyyyyyy!!

"I... I can't believe it... so carnal desire can reach such height... Uuu... I see... so I am still too far from reaching such peak. But... does this mean that you want to be treated this way by Fei? Do you have some sort of... obsession with this kind of play?"

Nuaaaaaaaa! Just shut up and dissipate! Stop violating my privacy, you voyeur cat princess!! Those are from my collection back in Earth!

So what if I resort to collect them!? Is it a crime because I'm a single for 30 years (mentally)?! Do you intend to insult me by placating me as a Great Wizard?!!

"Fine, fine... Geez, even though I only took a little peek."

That's not a peek right!? You just like to mess with me, right!!? Do you like to tease me, a person who have never tasted romance beyond familial love for all the past years!?

"Well, that's a trifling matter.”

It’s not trifling at all!!

“In any case, you are very interesting. Albeit a former male, our mind still settled being as we are so I guess our original lived longer than us. This confirms that we were once a woman with long life and experience. Or rather... maybe our base preference is liking odd, if not eccentric men..."

Uh... possibly. I think only my stubbornness still carried over from my previous life. Other than that, I'm behaving more and more like a woman lately... Well, I actually never cared about my love life because that is all up to fate...

No, wait... Isn't it because fate trolled me that I'm like this? What if my soul was shredded all because of his whim?

"You look dejected. Is it bad for you?"

...no. I guess... I just can't get used to it. Maybe. It feels like I had entered a new world.

"True enough. We stabilize once we reached adulthood. Perhaps it will ease your mental burden by then."

...no, I’m not talking about that. Ah, but… I hope it's like that... So I have to wait patiently until my second life reached 17 to clear out my thoughts... ah. Hey, Iris...

"Hn...?"

Once I absorb your Soul Essence... what will happen to you?

"...I'll disappear. After all, I'm nothing more than a lingering thought while most of my Soul Essence has been used up."

...so that's it... will I get your memories too?

"...I don't know. After all, your Essence is the greatest compared to those I've met. My memories might not serve as anything other than small references."

......huh. Could it be related to what Tatiana did? She did say I'm too unique for I have godly seals upon my soul. Maybe the seals caused my previous life's memories be suppressed...

Err... now that I think about it, I'm starting to forget the names of things like roads and objects' names in Earth... what to do...?

"It's alright. Your beloved... Fei, is it? Yes. This Fei has linked his soul to you. As long as that connection persists, I doubt you will be struck by unprecedented disaster."

Unlike me, Iris finished. I didn't know what to say to her other than listening in. But somehow, I felt a tug at my heart when I realized her figure is turning transparent.

"I'm sorry we can't talk for long. Perhaps, if there's someone like us out there, you may ask them."

...I guess that is the only way if I wanted to know who I truly am. And if there's any lingering thought, I can request for some extended lifespan. But where to?

"Well, only the gods know. Rather, why don't you tell Fei?"

Eh...? If I told him, he would be worried to death. I mean... as if I can say I have only some years left to live.

"True enough. He might kill a dragon and have you drink their blood but it's not that our bodies are weak."

...it's just that we are nothing but bits of an existence. And if we don't become 'one,' our soul will fade away from existing like thawing snow... right?

Somehow, even the idea of collecting Soul Essence doesn't sound appealing to me. Maybe because of Vladimir. I have to do something about this sooner or later...

"You are wise. Fragmented as we are, we have our own life and freedom. Perhaps, that is your biggest advantage for remembering your previous life."

Iris giggled but I exhaled knowing she wanted to tease me again. But - when I blinked, her presence faded away like a mist clearing up.

"Well then. I bid you farewell, Charlotte Augmund. Please take care of my friends."

Friends... ah. That's right! My parents and the dumb beastmen duo?

"That is rude of you to call them dumb... well, they are indeed a bit lacking in common sense (plus, one is nothing more but fiancée in paper only) but... there is someone else I want you to relay my message to."

Message? A dying will? To who?

"Tell Takeru Roundtable..."

Eh? Takeru...?

"'I forgive you, so... it's fine for you to forget me.'"

Huh? Before I could say anything, a fellow Fragment... Iris disappeared with a bitter smile that bewildered me. Leaving me alone in a white world which soon put me to slumber once again.

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Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

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"...Nn..." I groaned as I felt light poking me from the corner of my blurry vision.

Slowly but surely, I rubbed my eyes and saw... tall ceiling? It's even higher... than the one in the Academy.

Ah... where am I? I slowly got up, slipping from the thin blanket covering my body up to my shoulders.

...this is. Where? I scanned the surrounding after my brain is fully functional. The room is wide and spacious, though the decorations and furniture are few, it didn't lack anything to form extravagant impression.

...hm... I felt like I had an amazing dream. I put a hand under my chin and pondered but I couldn't grasp the words to explain it.

Why does... it feel as if I forgot something really important? And why am I feeling secured in this foreign place as if I have this room from the beginning?

Just then, I heard a knock from the door.

"Excuse me... this is the head maid." A high pitched voice rang out beyond the door.

It lacked hostility so I replied "Yes, you may enter" but it caused a shrill gasp to emerge. The door was instantly flung open and one particular bunny-eared woman in mid-twenties revealed herself.

"The lady has woken up!!" She shouted, almost screaming with tears and pale face.

Hey, are you terrified or are you in happy mood? I can't tell with that kind of expression.

Then rushed footsteps approached and a large number of people flooded into the room.

"Iris!" "Lady Charlotte!" "Little missy!!"

Uwawawaaa! This is just too much for the barely awake me! What's with this masses of tears tained men and women?!! Enemy attack!?

Right when I was about to be crushed by the stampede, one particular shout could be heard.

"GET OUT OF THE ROOM BEFORE I GRILL YOU ALL, YOU BUNCHES OF BRAINLESS ANIMALS!!"

Gyah! An aura amplified shout! It contained domineering order that forced the mass to scurry away in fright.

Once silence arrived, only several remained. I let out an "Ah." sound since I recognized them.

The lizard with broken horn, the arrogant Divine Beast, a pair of royalties, and... two guards with bad condition that they needed crutches to stand.

But the one who broke the silence first was-

"You. Go and take a bath. I don't have any interest in seeing a child with a sweat drenched dress."

I threw a vase nearby at the rude tiger right then and there. The Divine Beast is actually a maniac with smell fetish!!

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"So... Why is everyone visiting me? I thought I'm a prisoner here." I said.

In the same room, I was seated in front of a round table with the others excepting the wardens who stood as guards. How dutiful of them to work even with such state.

After bathing, I am wearing a dress (again) but it's not too complicated with ltitle layers of frills. It enabled freedom of movement and isn't too hard to wear although the white-blue and golden motif somehow reminded me of something familiar.

Is this... mine? Or is it Iris'?

Hmm... somehow, I feel comfortable wearing this. It must be made of nice material. But why are Elliot and the lizard guy averting their eyes from me? Even more, with red faces...

"Good grief. While you slept, the year changed and the morale of the soldiers dropped considerably. How long do you intend to laze around?"

"Oh, please. Don't you know that I was attacked by a Demon General? Twice to count for now. Even staying alive is already a miracle."

I exchanged glare with Valden. As I thought, this guy is downright rude. He's always been like that...

Oh?! Suddenly, a spark appeared in my head and I grinned. Tilting my head, I had Valden looking at me with the same annoying gaze but...!

"Can’t you at least praise me, Onii~chan~?"

With one word. The man dropped his jaw, eyes widening and his body shuddered as if struck by lightning.

Then he fell from his chair spectacularly! Even the lizardman was perplexed and I giggled with a hand covering my lips.

"Ahahahaaa! You fell for it!!"

"Guh...! Gah...!! D-damn you, little girl...!!"

"...wow. I almost thought it really was her... Kh...! Why I am not called by my petname!?"

"Sorry but I'll pass for that... Nee, Hikki~"

Ah. Now two men had fallen from their seat! Wahahahaaaa! This is actually quite fun!!

Still... This is... I looked at myself for a moment. Now that I think about it, I realized the merging of Soul Essences seemed to influence my behavior a little...

Rather than remembering Iris' life, did I instead remember how she act to specific people...? Looks like my Patron Goddess' Seals are very tough and effective in suppressing the memories and influence over personality...

"In any case, I'm so glad that Lady Charlotte has recovered." Elliot said, accompanied with a nod.

"...well... you drove off Vladimir who's famous for his endless trickery. That is extremely impressive." Seina added.

R-really? Well, I almost died again so I can't say I won for sure. Not to mention that possessing bastard looked like he simply wanted to test me. He even said he'll appear again.

"She's just stalling him. Not a surprise considering the Astral Serpent's hobby." Valden interjected. "He'll be back real soon to have her."

Oh, he finally regained his composure and he coughed before he glanced at me. Arara, his cheeks are tinted red. Is he embarrassed~?

"......but what's surprising is you."

Hm? Why is everyone staring at me? The lizardman is wearing complex expression. Either he's upset or simply saddened.

"Did that demon tell you anything?" He finally asked.

Hm? Hmm...? Something Vladimir told me...? Well, there is but... do I have to say it? Un... everyone here doesn't seem to harbor malicious intention...

Eh? Why am I being suspicious? Aren't I overthinking about it too much? Looks like I'm getting a little lightheaded...

"...I don't think there's anything worth mentioning... Isn't Vladimir a snake? Snakes are famous with their silver tongues, no?"

"That's... not wrong. But..." The lizardman paused.

"That demon's specialty is mind magic and possession magic... can you tell us how you are feeling is now?" Seina inquired.

Hmm... Nothing in particular? I answered but none of them seemed to be convinced. Valden sighed yet again.

"Either way, he confronted you. It's safe to assume that he has interests in you to a degree." Valden said. "The possibility of demons hunting you might cause undesirable outcomes."

Eh? I'm his target now?

"To tell the truth... I cooperated with him since he said he has some interests in Valden's territory." The lizardman explained. "It's just so happened when I wanted to take revenge, he appeared in front of me."

Oh? So he spilled out the bean now? I know that he's the perpetrator but he doesn't seem to be disliked by the wardens.

Rather, they sent some pitying gaze at him, causing the man to smile a bitter smile.

"Yeah, thanks to YOU, I have no choice but to raise the taxes and require the people to reconstruct the town. Not to mention the letters of complaint are increasing by bulks every day."

"I... I'm sorry... I should have realized that Vladimir wanted this girl..."

"Hmph. I have no words to say to a brat who can't even control his emotions. You're still wet behind the ears."

Hey, isn't that too harsh? I wanted to say something this time but the situation didn't seem like it will allow me to. Or rather, Elliot is sending a gaze that said 'don't interfere in this matter, please.'

Uhh... is it political affair again...? How annoying...

"Either way, there will be civil unrest, economy falling or there are tributes to pay for the casualties. The collateral damages are going to cause extended detrimental effects even if we ally ourselves with Aeinsland and Serilia."

"That's... then, I-"

"I don't need help from an immature brat like you."

...Valden is starting to piss me off by refusing the lizardman. While he's the culprit but he's just dragged in by Vladimir's plot!

"Enough. You broke the agreement, breached the longstanding tradition and sullied your tribe's creed by cooperating with demons. Hizuki, you're a failure as a leader."

Hearing that, the one named Hizuki jerked in his seat. He then hung down his head and quivered as if hiding his humiliation. No... he's holding in his wounds and shames.

"Valden!" I shouted out but was greeted by a deathly glare.

"If not for him, you would never be wounded and floated between life and death."

"That's...! True, but he already apologized!"

"And so? My people are sacrificed, my country in shambles and my comrade's daughter almost died. Do you think an apology will solve everything?"

Uh...! That... logic...! He's becoming even worse using cheap words like that!! Even Elliot is frowning in displeasure!!

"...Your highness, be that as it may, receiving no assistance will be hard for your side." Elliot said. "May I suggest the lizardmen tribe to repair the damages and compensate-"

"Be quiet, human. This is a matter between two beastmen tribes. You have no right to interfere in our internal affairs." Valden interrupted with a glare that silenced Aeinsland's crown prince.

The atmosphere is getting heavier by moments. It's too much for me that I want to escape from this place immediately!! Or rather, let me punch you, you dumb tiger!!

"......I understand. What Valden said is true and I acknowledge it as my faults to blame for. I will take full responsibilities for this matter."

"Oh? Then do tell me... what do you think you can do?"

As he gathered our attentions by being silent, the lizardman named Hizuki cast down his gaze before closing his eyes. For a moment, I felt I saw him sighing in resignation and he opened his eyes.

"As the Drakelord and as the current leader of the lizardmen... I surrender all of our rights and territories to the Golden Tiger Monarchy. And - I pledge eternal subordination to the Emperor Valden Sigrith Waltzen."

...it's a white flag declaration.