Reincarnated as the Lady Prodigy

Thirty-Nine

The Baroness

"Are your decisions final, my lord?"

The man, adorned with a dark robe with golden belts of meticulous markings turned his head towards his underling who is kneeling and bowing before him.

"Indeed, we lost Tebras who was an important part of our group. An irreplaceable aid, a very effective tool. How regrettable," he breathed. "How about those bastards? Are they moving?"

"The Tartys is0 not making any movements my lord. They are still recovering from their loss against us."

He smirked, "as they should. Those lowly bastards thought they can go against us simply because they possess measly blessings from a goddess who is not even part of the main gods." He chuckles, "pathetic. Keep your eyes on them, we can't let them interfere with our plans any longer."

"Yes, my lord."

The man kneeling before he disappeared soundlessly.

The black door caught his eyes that's why with a sadistic smirk, he walked to the door. He taps his hands twice and a purple magic circle appeared. A pentagram symbol enclosed with a circle filled with symbols and letters that are now unknown to humans.

"ᜂᜉ̃ᜈ̟"

The magic circle glowed and disappeared, at the same time, the door creaked open. Inside that door, he is welcome with a dark room with a red chair in the middle, beneath that chair is a magic circle that covers the entire space of the room.

"Are you still alive, o'royal?" He mocked while slowly walking to the slumped man on the chair. Gone are the traces of the man who was once a dignified and powerful man.

Pitiful really, he was after all an important man however, he is still a human after all. Unamused, he inhaled a sharp breath.

"This is boring, isn't it? Before you would glare my way but now you can't even raise your head. Truly pitiful, Benitez." He watched the man waiting for a reaction or response but just as he expected, not only the man limp, he is already dead inside. He's become incapable of understanding his surroundings.

He clicked his tongue and turned around without giving a second glimpse at the man closing the door behind him. Unknown to him, inside the room are two glowing orbs filled with hatred.

-

ZAIRE LEVIS' POINT OF VIEW

I knew I dreamed about something but I forgot what it was exactly. Even so, my heart's still racing from, I don't know, excitement, I guess? It was like I was dreaming of something so familiar, the feeling is still vivid in my mind but the memory of what dream it was is unknown even to me. I've been trying to remember for almost an hour now ever since I woke up but I am still unable to recollect what my dream was about.

I lightly hit my head in hopes of remembering something but just as I expected, it was useless. Nothing came to mind, not even a single clue.

"Mistress, perhaps you should just rest some more. You can't remember anything to it might mean you're still weak from what happened." That's Kiera's voice. The concern she has for me made is felt through our link.

"Thank you, Kiera, but I'm okay now. Thanks to all of you," I sincerely thanked them. Really, I'm so thankful because if not for them, I would have died without having a clue of the cause of my death, just like back on Earth. Up until now I still don't have any idea how I died but I know I died. I know it sounded weird but I am sure about it.

"Do not thank us, Mistress. We won't let anything happen to you." This time it's Siren's soft voice.

Aww, they're so sweet. Really, why am so lucky this time? All my nonexistent luck from my previous life on Earth must have been placed in here.

"Truly, Mistress. If only you let me fight off that Nimbren, what his name again? Tebos? I would have ended it without the need for Mistress to risk her life." And Alarkson. It was Alarkson and Vana who insisted to finish off Tebras, honestly, I kind of feel regret that I didn't let them but knowing who and what they are, I couldn't let them recklessly use their powers because their existence is far too great. The people of Griselda, of this kingdom, might or might not worship them as gods or probably demons.

I'm worried but I also don't want Alarkson and the others to feel that I don't need them because frankly, I do. Come on, who wouldn't want to have overpowered people with you.

Nimbren. Alarkson called Tebras Nimbren. He told me that Nimbrens is the offspring between humans and monsters. And how do monsters breed into humans? It's simple really, through experimentations. Even though those types of experiments are supposed to have a little complications and flaws, Tebras doesn't.

"How did you know Tebras was a Nimbren, Alarkson?" I asked surprised by his knowledge.

"...oh? Are you surprised by my knowledge that outshines even sages?" No. Big no, I'd like to answer but yeah, he's right, I'm really surprised.

"Uh-huh?"

"Gwahahaha! I know I am an exceptional man— eh, dragon, Mistress but please do not fret too much."

"Okay." Please, just tell me already. "Once, when all things are meaningless and dull to me on my abode, I took a peak on this human world in hopes of finding something to ease my mood and tedium, I came across a group of men, they were doing a lot of things. There were monsters everywhere placed in magic circles and containers along with dead, oh no, those weren't dead humans, they were fast asleep the great I, thought they were dead."

"Aha, that sounds... interesting," Alarkson, you're far too entertaining. Please, get to the point.

"And those men performed mixing between humans and monsters. I thought it was interesting but really it was simply dull and gruesome. I couldn't take it so I choose to sleep. My elegance couldn't handle the humans' preference that time." He said with a sigh.

Although he said it in a roundabout way, I'm thankful for the information.

"So, how did you know Tebras was a Nimbren?" He didn't answer my question so I had to ask again. He was too absorbed reminiscing.

"Oh, that, Mistress? The men called them so and Tebras was amongst the asleep men."

Oh. I blinked. So, it's like that. It's great that his boredom leads us to know what kind of being Tebras was. Vana, Siren, and Kiera were unaware of his knowledge this time. Even Vana and Siren who loves to read books was surprised by Alarkson's information.

"Wait, you SAW Tebras? How long ago was that? Ten years ago?"

"No, Mistress. I was still asleep ten years ago."

"Then... when?"

"One hundred years ago,"

"WHAT?!"

What the heck? If that's one hundred years ago then hold is Tebras?! He's antique!! Oh wait, these four are the same. I'm just the little kid here.

"Their experiments have been going on for a hundred years now, then that must mean there are a lot of people, err, Nimbren now?"

"I'm not too certain about that, Mistress. The experiments seemed complicated back then but it would be safe to assume that they are indeed numerous." Alarkson voiced.

"Mhm, yeah, it's better to expect the unexpected," I mumbled.

The door suddenly opened, it was Elise and Eufema. They still haven't noticed me since they're both busy talking. Eufema is carrying papers with her while reading.

"Blake is steadily recovering but he's being stubborn about wanting to see Jozine," it's Eufema. Now they're stuck on the doorframe after closing the door. They're too occupied with their talk they still haven't noticed me.

"I'll talk to him later. How about the duke and marquess? What did they tell you?" It's Elise.

I chuckle, "the duke and marquess visited?" I asked.

Eufema answered without looking at me, "Yes. They wanted to tell us the third pri...nce..." slowly, their heads turned to me.

I smiled at them, "hi, what's up?" I asked while waving.

"M-My... lady..." Elise's lips quivered before she burst into tears and ran to me.

"Ha?!" I exclaimed surprised when she attacked me with her hug while she's crying!

Eh? Why is she crying?

"Hey, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" I whispered then glanced at Eufema who looked relieved. What in the world happened? Why are they acting like this?

"My lady! You're finally awake!" She wailed. She pulled away from me while wiping her tears. Her nose is a little red from crying.

I chuckle. "Thank you. I'm sorry I made you worried but I'm back now!" I cheerfully said with a wide grin.

"Yes, my lady! If you didn't wake up today then you've been unconscious for a week now! It could have been more dangerous for you!" She started sobbing again.

I tried looking at Eufema to ask for help but she simply looked away pretending she didn't see my begging eyes. Traitor!

"I'm sorry— wait, I've been unconscious for weeks?!" I exclaimed. Is this for real?!

"Yes, my lady. We are all worried for you, even the duke and marquess are doing their best for you," Elise informed.

"Could you tell me what's going on? What happened while I was unconscious?" I asked curious about what was happening while I was in dreamland. Now I feel guilty. It was such a comfortable sleep without me knowing that I made everyone worried.

"Let me do it," Eufema volunteered. "Two days after the incident in Bureau of Justice trial hall, people from capital arrived."

"Wait, two days? The capital is approximately thirty days away from Griselda." I pointed.

"Oh, of course. They used warp magic, lady Jozine. The teleportation circle on the Bureau of Justice and Konseho were compromised so they weren't able to use it."

"Oh, okay, go on,"

"Certainly. Konseho from the capital, officers from the Bureau of Justice from the capital, and the royal knights along with the third prince arrived. They brought a royal decree addressed for the people involved in the incident."

According to Eufema, the third prince's brought with him the royal decree about the use of 'dark magic' and the strings of incidents involving this one. The royal capital is also experiencing unexpected events and started investigating them, they were then able to conclude that there is a huge connection between what's happening in Griselda and the capital.

"Duke Franklin and Marquess Rolfe were the ones who assisted us on receiving the royal decree, but still, the third prince insisted on meeting you and Blake personally."

I see.

They were able to find out that much huh. It means the royals are aware of what's the purpose behind these actions is.

The spirit, Kalghaya, one of its purpose is life some sort of life support. Life support or a sacrifice.

A spirit is a mysterious being that holds an immeasurable amount of magic, although it's less than Alarkson's and the others' magic it's still far too great in comparison to other beings.

What do they need Kalghaya for? A sacrifice? For whom? Who do they want to bring back to life?

"Ugh...!" I groaned massaging my temple. What the- why is my temple thumping, and hurting all of a sudden? 

"My lady! Are you all right?" Elise was quick on her feet to close the distance and check whether I'm hurt or not.

"Yeah, well, my head suddenly ached but I'm fine," I replied smiling at her reassuringly but she still looked worried regardless. "Really Elise, I'm fine. I promise to tell you if I'm not feeling well,"

"Is that true, my lady?" I nodded my head. Yeah, she's very suspicious, I'm afraid Elise might develop trust issues with me because of this, I appreciate her being worried about me though. It just shows how loyal she is to me and to Jozine which I'm very thankful for.

"When are we supposed to meet the prince? Do I have to right now-"

"Of course not, my lady! You must first regain your strength before you meet the third prince. You must meet them when you're in your best form!" Elise's face is very determined and serious that I can't deny or say anything against what she is proposing, aside from that, she has a point. I'll be meeting a prince, I'd like to be ready for everything. I need to be at my best!

"Well then, I will be recovering here. Let Blake visit me, poor guy is being guarded by two..." I trailed off when their eyes stared at me intently. Sweating, I looked away clearing my throat. "... by outstanding beauties, he must be feeling intimidated because of your beauty..." I want to cringe. I hope it doesn't sound forced just like what I'm feeling right now.

"But my lady, why do you think the prince wishes to meet you personally?" Elise asked curiously.

That's true, I don't have any idea too. Does he wish to thank me? I guess it's possible because to be as extravagant as this for a simple thanks, all mages, knights and royal advisor and all, I don't think I can think of it as simple 'thank' from the royal. It must be something more.

I have to know whether the prince, the royal family will be an ally or an enemy. 

Two days passed by since I woke up, here I am kneeling before the third prince.

"Istorya from Faceless Auction House, with Duke Franklin Bernard and Marquess Rolfe Bellmore to attest your identity, because of your service to this kingdom, beginning from saving the survivors from the attack of Kalghaya village that holds great contribution and of profound history with the kingdom, from defending this city of Griselda from attacks of monsters twice, I, Gavin Lewis Granmond, third prince of the kingdom of Magia, in place of my father, King Joseph Grandmond IV, reward you with a noble title of a Baroness. May you serve this kingdom to the benefit of its citizen." UGH. Why did it come to this? Just why?! I want to know so I can avoid it again! "Do you accept?" Goddamn it. I just want a chill life, why did I receive a noble title now? Not the title of the Vesaurius household but a title of my own! 

WHYYYYYY?!

"Do you accept?"

"... uh, can I no-" Duke Franklin cleared his throat, I turned to him. He's looking at me telling me to accept. "Yeah. I accept." I hope you know that I am being forced to accept that title! 

I AM LEFT WITH NO CHOICE, THIRD PRINCE. FORCED!!!!!!!!!

Damn it.