Northern Region , Versth Town , Lord Bernhardts House ...
The Bernhardts estate was filled with the smell of roses and the music of flutes . Bright silk banners hung over the marble courtyard and laughter rang as noble children ran about in their best clothes .
It was the day of Liora Bernhardts's Seventh Birthday and half of the minor nobility of the region had gathered to celebrate.
For Reina still barely five , it was first time standing among so many polished noble since her rebirth .Her silvered - white hair had brushed nearly by her mother , Lady Emilia. And she wore frilly white dress trimmed with blue ribbons . She felt out of place , her mind still same as Ray Throne , The Hero King of Zoriath , but her body that of child .
Liora ran up to her immediately, her bright auburn hair bouncing like flame . She clasped Reina's hand , pulling her away from the adults .
" Reina !!! You came !!! I told my father you would . Come on , come on - we're playing knights !!! . "
Reina allowed herself to be dragged , hiding a small smile . This girl never changes..... even in life , she burns so brightly.
Before she could escape fully , Liora pulled her toward her parents , who stood greeting guests .
" Father ,Mother !!!! Look ...Reina Came !!!! "
Viscount Victor Bernhardts was a tall man with proud mustache , his posture sharp like a soldier's. Beside him stood Lady Helena , dignified yet warm , in a gown embroidered with tiny silver threads .
The Viscount chuckled. " So this is the daughter of Baron Harold ? Hm. You look sturdier than most girls your age . Your father must be raising you well . "
Lady Helena bent down , brushing Reina's cheek softly . " What a polite little one . Liora speaks of you often . I hope you'll continue to be her friend ."
Reina curtsied with the ease of someone who had stood before kings and emperors.
" Thank for having me , Lord and Lady Bernhardts. "
The Viscount's brow rose slightly . Such composure from a five year old was unusual -- but he said nothing .
Soon the courtyard filled with squeals and shouts as noble children of different houses gathered. Some were Reina's age, others several years older . A table was set with cakes , fruits and sparkling drinks , but the ture attraction was the pile of wooden sticks prepared for games .
" Let's duel !! " One of the older boys cried ,waving a stick like sword . " Winner gets to be prince , and loser had to bow . "
The boys laughed , charging at one another clumsily . Liora grabbed two sticks and tossed one to Reina .
" You'll be my knight !! . " She declared proudly.
Reina caught the stick effortless grace though she tried to hide it . She lowered her voice . " I thought you want to be knight , not the princess ? "
Liora giggled ,leaning close . " Well , today I'll be both ! And you'll be my secret champion."
Reina shook her head but faint warmth bloomed in her chest .
As the game went on , one of the older boys
- a stocky child named , Cedric , son of a baron form neighbouring lands --- pointed toward them .
" Oi , Liora , why are you always dragging that strange girl around ? "
" She have weird hair " another sneered.
" Everyone knows she's just a Baron's daughter . She didn't have a divine blessing , a Mark . No Mark mean no future as knight . As weird as she , I could bet she'll never have Mark . "
" She'll never protect anyone . "
The children snickered , their words as sharp as knives .
Liora's hands balled into fists . " Take that back !! Reina is braver than all of you put together !!!!. "
Cedric scoffed ," Prove it , then . If she is so great , let her duel us !!! . "
The circled widened , leaving Reina and boys in the center .
Reina sighed inwardly , twirling the wooden stick into her tiny hands . I swore I wouldn't stand out . I promised myself I'd live a quietly this time ... But mocking her ? Mocking my friend ? That , I can't igrone.
She stepped forward , her emerald green eyes calm . " If I win , you apologize to Liora . Properly. "
Those boys, " Deal ! . Don't cry when you lose , little girl . "
The first boy lunged . His stance was sloppy , his grip uneven . Reina sidestepped easily , tapped his wrist , and his stick flew from his hand . His stumbled backward , shocked .
" What ---?!!! "
The second body charged , swinging wildly . Reina tilted her head , let the strike pass by and gently tapped the back of his knee . He fell face first into the dirt .
Gasps filled the circle.
Cedric face red , glowed and rushed her himself . He swung with surprising force for a child , but to Reina it was as slow as falling snow . She raised her stick and parried . The shock of impact made him lose balance and with a simple twist , she disarmed him .
Her stick pointed at his chest .
" You lose . " She said flatly.
Silence stretched across the courtyard . The noble children stared , some in awe, others in fear .
Reina lowered her stick . " Apologize, To Liora . Now ."
Cedric jaw clenched but under the weight of every watching eyes --- and Reina's unwavering gaze --- he mumbled . " Sorry !!!."
" Louder . " Reina pressed .
" I'm sorry , Lady Liora !!! . " Cedric finally blurted out , bowing awkwardly.
Liora's cheeks puffed proudly as she crossed her arms . " That's better . "
The criclr broke in murmurs. " She has no Mark but she fights like that ? "
" Impossible "
" Maybe she's hidden her blessing ? "
Reina igroned them , turning back to her friend . " Are you all right ? "
Liora's eyes shone and without hesitation , she threw her arms around Reina . " You were amazing !!! Just like a prince from the stories . "
Reina forze , then awkwardly patted her back . Prince , huh ? If only you knew the truth ....
From the terrace above , Viscount Victor watched, stroking his mustache . His wife leaned beside him , smiling faintly.
" That child .....is unusual, isn't she ? " Helena murmured .
Victor nodded slowly . " Unusual indeed. No Mark yet such instinct. Baron Harold's daughter may grow into something unexpected .
But below , Reina only felt the heavy eyes upon her .
Damn it . I don't want to draw attention this soon .
Still , when she looked at Liora -- beaming her cheeks flushed with admiration . Reina - couldn't regret it .
Fine . Just this once . I'll let myself be her knight .
The party continued with music and dancing but whispers of Reina's displayed followed her everywhere . Some children looked at her with curiosity , other with envy .
Yet through it all, Liora stayed glued to her side , smiling as though the duel had been her victory .
That night as the stars glimmered above the Bernhardts estate , Reina lay in the guest bed , staring in the ceiling .
In my first life , people only looked at me as a king , as a weapon , as a symbol . No one ever looked at me the way she does .
Her small hand clenched the blanket . This time ..... This time , I'll live free . But even if I hide in the shadows , I won't let anyone hurt her .
Far away , in the divine realm , a faint glow stirred in the eyes of Goddess Myril .
" Reina Throne ... You still shine , even when you tried to hide . "