...huh...? Now where am I again...?

I looked around but only vast white space was around. The ceiling was pure white, the floor was made of white, and not even a shadow was cast by my body here which estranged me.

I wasn't sure where but it felt like I knew where I was, to the point of it easing my mind. It allowed me to relax so I decided to sit down, feeling some kind of fluffiness and warmth similar to kotatsu under me.

To those who doesn't know, kotatsu is the spirit of Japanese people. The comfy cushion, the electric mat, and the heater installed under the table was something one'd die for. It's something so amazing I would want to have in Magnis but as if I can make one right away...

In any case, I enjoyed this enlightening sensation alone and a chime rang.

"...great. Why do I have to see you again here, O Goddess?"

I muttered under my breath but the figure strode over to me in a carefree manner. Her hips swayed and her bountiful chests jiggling shamelessly. I'm irritated by those watermelons but I knew how it felt to be burdened by them.

Still... Fei often ogled women like her and he even dared to peep on mother when I bathed with her. Of course, father was in cahoots too and they deserved a good smack in the heads and butts.

"You've become quite cold... Did something happen, Child?" Vainticel asked. Her alluring smile still looking so tempting.

"If it can be called as trouble, then, by all means." I snorted and looked away from the irritating sight.

...why am I getting annoyed? Shouldn't my best reaction be interests? I glanced at myself and then to the Goddess of Temptation.

I had a body that could be said as ordinary to the finest. Except the slightly-larger-than-average chests, I don't have any distinctive beauty even when exposed naked. Comparing myself with other women like Renleina or Vainticel-sama is as if comparing a bronze with diamond.

...It can't be... Am I jealous of her figure...? What am I? A girl meeting a love rival who is a Hollywood actress?

"You are a girl, Child. You have always been one, in fact."

"Please don't just read my mind like that... and I wasn't a girl in my previous life."

"Are you sure?"

"Do I have to mention it when you're reading my mind?"

I visualized the previous me reflected in the mirror. Those dark hair, dark pupils and sharp gaze with a fit figure albeit shorter than average Japanese youth. Vainticel nodded down twice and she said.

"Hm... If that is what you think. I guess it is fine if you condition yourself with that notion until you are as old as 'that version' of you."

...what...? I inclined my head and gave my patron goddess a questioning gaze. Unfortunately, my mind was dissolving into the white scenery. My body grew weaker and heavy, and my eyelids were heavy to keep open...

"You might not notice it, but don't you think your situation warrant a thoughtful recognition?" Vainticel said.

"...what... do you... mean...?" I asked while having my mind corroded by drowsiness.

The black haired lady exhaled, and she looked at me with pity. What... what are you...

"Well... as you can see, this place is the hall where souls take forms befitting their true identities regardless of their wills."

...and...?

"Normally, if a man is dead, his soul here will take the form of his teenage appearance. No one is under exception, and even the Evil God would be exposed bare here. Your form here reflects who and what you are."

...huh? Doesn't that mean... I looked at my hands, but right at that moment, my memories jumbled together and my vision blurred like a kaleidoscope.

Before everything became dark, I heard a chime ringing again.

"It's okay to let your heart decides your path, Child."

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Darkness was surrounding me. I gazed on a white ceiling I knew all too well but there was no distinct smell of antiseptic around. I sat up and looked around me, only to find I was back in my room.

Then I heard a low snore. Rolling my gaze toward the source of voice, I found Anise and Alia sitting in the corner. The two leaned their shoulders and slept soundly. Ah, Anise is drooling.

Still, the more important question is about my situation. I wondered why the duo was here but the door to my room opened with slight creaking sound. There, I noticed a little girl with silver hair and ruby red eyes staring wide eyed at me.

"Ah, if it's not Lily." I said.

"O-o-Onee... Onee-chan...!?" Lily yelped, the wooden basin she held was about to fall but she regained her control.

I put a finger on my lips and glanced at the sleeping duo. Lily held her breath and nodded repeatedly, then I urged her to come over in silence. Once she stood near my bed, I suggested Lily to sit on the bedside.

"I-I can't be so rude..."

"It's fine... I insist since you helped me. Along with these two."

The little girl nodded again. She really looks like a small animal and she's just too cute. It's good that Haru isn't here else he would pounce on her. That fiend isn't a pervert only for show, after all.

Once lily sat down, I observed her hair reflecting the moonlight. Since the window was closed, the warmth did not leave the room, but it was still dark.

I gazed up at the night sky. The clouds cleared up and stars could be seen clearer than the usual. Autumn really is the best season for stargazing.

"Erm... O-o-Onee-chan was brought over by Anise onee-chan. Th-then, Alia onee-chan helped me to nurse Onee-chan since Onee-chan's fever was very high..." Lily explained.

Hm... so many 'Onee-chan' she stuttered, huh. This girl is seriously cute like the rumored Bookstore. Then I heard an 'ah!' sound coming out from Lily and she told me.

"...Umm... Onee-chan, your... your clothes were changed by Alia onee-chan..."

...Geh! Above everyone, it's the poker faced mage who found out...!! I shivered and so I glanced at the sleeping person. Did she just grin in her sleep...?

I tried to shake off my terror by turning back to Lily.

"Lily, do you have some memory alteration charms...?" I asked her.

"N-No...! O-onee-chan, what are you trying to do...!?" She replied in panic.

Well, I wanted to erase these two's memories. If they remembered nothing then my secret is safe...

"No, wait... Lily, don't tell me you too...?"

I stared at the girl and her cheeks reddened. Her figure shrank and she bowed her head.

"I'm-I'm so-sorry...! I'm sorry!"

"Uwah! Okay, okay! Don't cry! Don't cry...! It's alright! I'm cool with it, okay!?"

I spent a hard time convincing her but at last, the little girl sobered up. Panting, I exhaled and placed a hand on my temple.

"...uuh... Onee-chan... Why did you hide it...?"

"...it's not like I intend to hide it, but... I don't feel like exposing my proof of defeat."

I shrugged and looked toward the night sky.

"...Proof of defeat...?" Lily asked and I turned to her. A smile crept under my nose and I gazed at her with a gentle stare.

"I lost, and I was given this."

I remembered the time when Fei ran rampage. It didn't look like he rampaged but I knew he was not him. He would not kill without resolution. That guy would never even try to kill when there's a clearly harmless injured person.

That's not him. I know it, but I couldn't drag him out. I couldn't stop him and it was through sheer luck that he snapped back. I'm pretty sure the same thing isn't going to happen and it caused me to clench my hands tight.

"This means I'm not strong enough. I have to try harder."

If once isn't enough, then I can just do it twice, or thrice. I may never be able to catch up, but I will do my best and reach a greater height. To fulfill my promise with him... I needed more power.

"......I... think... Onee-chan has already done... enough..."

...huh? I looked at Lily. The girl with silver hair opposing my gold hair was staring hard at me. She was biting her lips, and her gaze was... hard to look at.

"Onee-chan... you've done... enough..."

...enough...? Me? About what...? Why... Why are you looking at me like that...?

"...no. I haven't... done anything yet. I'm still not able to do anything..."

"That's not true...!"

I jolted once Lily shouted. It was the first time that she ever raised her voice and I couldn't help but to sense sadness in her wispy voice.

"That's not... true..." She said, then she exasperated.

Noticing my stare, Lily avoided it and stayed silent. After a while, Anise and Alia woke up and the trio left my room. Leaving me to sleep with a degree of discomfort I never felt before.

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Before anyone noticed, the day of departure arrived. I was already standing in front of the Academy with a carriage right ahead of me.

"Lady Charlotte Augmund, I presume?" A butler with white hair and neat moustache asked.

I nodded down and revealed the Quest parchment to him. His smile went soft and he said.

"I see... you certainly resemble your mother. My name is Rudolph Avenelt. Your father's personal guard and your assigned driver from this moment onward."

He bowed his head while placing a hand on his left chest.

"It is an honor to serve the precious lady of the Augmund household."

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

"...raise your head. It's me who should apologize for the inconvenience I will cause for you."

The old man leaked a low laughter befitting his image as one. Saying 'No no. I am not worthy of your concern, Milady.' with a bright gaze.

Geh... so humble! This won't end if I kept on putting a facade like this!! I mean... I was told to stay on guard against them (nobles) by my parents but they never said who I should exclude from the blacklist!

My business smile cramped the muscles of my face and I regretted not asking for the details back when I had time...

"Big sis!!" I heard a pitter patter and I noticed a redheaded boy with green eyes wheezing hard.

"Oh, it's Leon... and the trio."

"Why are you making us as a package?!"

"Anise's right. Please don't just label us as if we're a set."

Right. Whatever you say.

There were Anise, Alia and Lily lining up behind my little brother. Somehow, I was reminded of the story of Momotarou with his three animal companions seeing this sight.

"You should've told me you're leaving today!"

Uwah, the Demon Prince is angered!

"We-Well... I was sick and I didn't have time to..."

"Weren't there many opportunities!?"

Hii! I'm sorry! I backed away slightly but Alia tapped Leon's back.

"Isn't there something more important than being upset, Leonhardt?" She asked and Leon's fuse went down. Good job, Alia!

I exhaled but I realized.

Aren't these two quite close? Though Leon clicked his tongue and snorting, Alia was staying right behind him and she showed not a hint of displeasure despite being treated like that. Then, as if giving up, my little brother sighed in resignation and looked up at me.

"Big sister, please return safely." Leon said.

"Of course I will!" I replied and patted his head.

Oh my, he's growing taller... Hm, now I feel relieved that demons can grow the same way as humans do. But maybe it's because Leon is a half-human that he grows up normally? Anyway, I can relax to know my little brother can be a manly adult.

"Well, I will go out for a while. Please take care of my little brother, Anise, Alia."

I bowed to the duo and they grinned.

"Yay! Let's go on a date, Leon!" Anise aimed a fist into the sky and hopped like rabbit.

"...stay safe, Charlotte." Alia nodded.

Yep! I don't intend to waste my school life and I will return as fast as possible!

"...eh, why do I have to be taken care of? Especially by these idiots..."

That's not good, Leon! You shouldn't sulk when you are going to be surrounded by girls while your sister is out for job! That's something any man would want and even I want to be surrounded by bishoujos.

Well, other than my petty ambition, I heard a certain footstep full of preparedness.

Unexpectedly, I saw Fei. He was wearing a long mantle covering his body and he looked like a nomadic traveler from afar. He walked toward me and stood before my eyes.

"Charlotte." He called out. "Please do use these."

I was handed two long objects wrapped with white cloth. Frowning, I felt the weight and noticed them as a weapon. I unwrapped one and knitted my brows together.

"...Tyrfingg and a new sword? Just where did you get this one?" I batted a glance at Fei.

"This one... is crafted by my personal blacksmith." He answered.

Personal blacksmith? I raised an eyebrow upon hearing the Seventh Prince saying something about someone else related to him. Fei was staring at me with a guilt ridden face and he apologized.

"I'm sorry. I have no other thing to assist you in your Quest."

"...right. I think I told you to stop apologizing, right?"

The youth smiled wryly. He apologized again and it irritated me. Had I not put a mask since I don't want to offend the driver coming from Aeinsland, I would have kicked his butt again.

Holding my annoyance, I exhaled and unwrap the cloth. Then I noticed.

"This is... a katana...?"

I unsheathed the sword and felt the weight of the sword. The thin one edged blade was slightly curved with particular motif, and the faint blue glow from light reflection stunned me.

It was a bit heavy for me but katana has a different center of gravity compared to ordinary sword. It's not aimed to slash but to slice in one clean strike. I wielded the sword with a hand and performed a side swing.

"...hm. The weight is also perfect to add a boost for attacking..." I murmured.

"That's a given. I had it crafted especially for you." Fei said.

Geez, this guy likes to speak without any shames. How did you even measure the weapons to fit for my needs? I exhaled and I felt my cheeks heating up. Ugh, I hate how his voice affected the Crest stronger compared to others...

Sheathing back the katana, I set it behind me. Now I have two swords with two completely different characteristics. I guess it's fine since I don't have any spare sword other than the repaired Tyrfingg, but it's still too exhausting for the barely recovered me.

I should find a way to train back from scratches. It'll be harder for me in the long run if I don't gain something in my absence.

"Lady Charlotte, it's about time." Rudolph said.

I nodded to him and turned to see my family, my friends, and my knight. Burning this image into my memories, I made sure that I am going out to return back to them. Also, I intended to get stronger and it definitely will surprise everyone.

"Well, I shall leave now. See you later." I parted ways and walked to the carriage.

"...please don't be reckless." Fei said.

Ha... just stop it, will you? I'm starting to feel sick of being worried. I shouldn't have said a parting word but once I glanced at Lily...

"You've done enough..."

...I stopped my feet. I was standing in front of the carriage, looking up, and I felt Fei's stare at me.

"...Fei." I called out. "...am I not 'there' yet?"

The youth behind me did not answer me. Somehow, my heart was beating furiously and I couldn't help but to feel dizzy. Still, I did notice something and it caused me to bite my lips and entered the carriage.

"All aboard now?" The driver asked as he closed the door. I nodded to him and he showed a polite smile.

The man in black clothing similar to a butler uniform went back to the driver seat and whipped the Sleipnirs. They neighed and the carriage slowly moved then accelerating.

I saw the academy shrinking in my sight. I saw two familiars flying above the sky and I saw my brother as well as my friends.

Then... I saw him who gazed at me, and he revealed a smile of relief. As if he was glad he would not see me again.

"......"

I turned away and plopped my back against the comfortable chair in the carriage. This one which smelled like polished wood was somewhat foreign for me. Gazing upward, I breathed out and whispered in a hoarse voice.

"...it hurts, you know...? Am I really unneeded by you...?"

My heart thumping with sharp pain, and my sight blurred before I fell asleep in the carriage.

Somehow... I couldn't keep awake at all and wished this all was a mere dream.

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-???'s POV-

"Oh, she's leaving..."

Hah ha. What an interesting girl. I never thought that my accidental hitchhiking ended up with me meeting such existence.

I was intrigued after all. This kingdom reeked of blood and evil, yet I sensed several bright lights and a golden light which didn't look like anything even in the personal records of Midgard.

"Hmm... unlike Summoned Heroes and Reincarnated Ones. She's a different kind."

An Irregular. I whistled as I swung my legs back and forth. Atop a watchtower of a white palace, I hummed while gazing upward.

"Well..." I raised my hand. "This thing here isn't something from anywhere else too."

I can feel the might of this sword-look-alike and I'm pretty sure this isn't it. It's a weapon imitating the form of a sword to hide its gruesome identity. Though I cared not a thing about it, let's say that I will be in danger if I stayed here for a long time.

While only one is active, I don't want to have my fates sealed so soon. Dueling a Created One is no better than playing a chess with the Evil God anyway.

So many unknown things. So many wonders. I think I'm in love with this world but I am in search of my fated one. I'm the last of my species anyway so I must at least have some wives. By the way, I'm a virgin~

"Oops, I will lost her if I dilly dallying here." I stood up and set my eyes on the golden light.

"What will she choose? Who will she pick? If it's her, I'm pretty sure the world will change in a rate faster than when Summoned Heroes appeared."

Since she's pretty much an unknown, I doubt gods have taken notice of her and the Chief is a softhearted fellow with mean eyes. But...! I don't want demons to catch her either!!

"So... Let's go! Let's go!! I will raise your Flags and enter your Route, my Heroine!!"

My hair flowed as wind struck my black wings. Then I descended from the watchtower and flew into the sky.