Do you believe in second chances?
I didn't believe it at first. But when I died as a result of poisoning, I was surprised to discover that I was still alive, but younger. I then realized that I had been reborn. I woke up on the day I got married to Prince Benedict Albrecht.
It has been five months since I came back. Nothing bad happened for the time being. Even after the day that I was supposed to be poisoned, I didn't die. That's because I didn't drink or eat anything that day. But that doesn't mean that the culprit won't try to poison me again, so I have to be more careful and aware of my surroundings. But it seems like I don't have to worry about anything for now.
"Your highness, I've come to give you these gifts" one of the maids said as she knocked on the door. "Come in." I spoke as I wrote on a piece of paper, thinking about what I should do next. I looked at the maid who came in, Mary. She carefully placed the gifts on the table. "Who is it from?" I asked.
"It was sent from the crown prince, your highness." Mary answered. I glanced at the flowers that came with the gifts. "Red spider lilies." I mumbled.
We don't have a good relationship, even though I'm his wife. We frequently fought over frivolous issues; he was always mad at me for no apparent reason. I tried talking to him, but he wouldn't open up. After a while I just gave up on asking and started agreeing with everything he said. Even after I came back, I wasn't able to fix our relationship. Whatever I do, he just won't budge.
I decided to focus on my health and the child that I'm having; it's a miracle that I got pregnant. I grew up in a family that only cared about ranks and money. I don't want my child to grow up like me; I want him to be happy. I want to make good memories for my son. Even if Benedict comes to hate this child, I will protect him with all my life.
"What an interesting choice of flowers. sending this to his lovely wife. Spider lilies only grow in Zuvia." I said, glancing at Mary, who seemed nervous and pale. "Are you okay, Mary?" I asked.
"Y-your highness," she stammered. "I overheard the crown prince and the butler talking the other night," she fiddled her fingers. My heart started to pound quickly, nervous at what she was about to say.
"You should run.. your highness.. you shouldn't stay here.." she mumbled, "They're coming.. they're coming.." she repeated over and over. "Who's coming? Why are they coming? Why should I run?" I exclaimed, "They're coming! They're coming to kill you!" suddenly, Benedict burst into the room, his face flushed with rage.
I looked at him with annoyance. "Going inside without knocking? How rude." I told him, standing in front of Mary. "I need to talk to your maid for a while." He spoke. I raised an eyebrow and looked at Mary, still fiddling with her fingers and looking away. Something seems wrong— why is she nervous all of a sudden?
" We're not finished talking yet. Now if you don't have anything to say, please leave immediately." I exclaimed. Benedict's face turned angrier, he turned around and left, slamming the door shut.
"Now, please explain why I need to leave this place." Before I could sit, I heard a small chuckle coming from her.
"How naive" she murmured. I was surprised at what she said, thinking that I might've heard her wrong, so I asked her.
"What did you say?" I glanced at Mary, who was standing in front of me. I suddenly felt a sharp blade cut through my back. I fell to my knees and tried to look back. I saw a shadow, taller than an average man. He probably used a spell to conceal his presence. He could be a mercenary hired to kill me again.
"I was afraid you'd let me go with his highness, then I wouldn't have the chance to kill you myself." she laughed menacingly.
All this time, the one who was trying to get rid of me was my own maid, how funny.
"Why?!" I exclaimed, looking up at her. "Your highness, haven't you noticed?" she whispered. "All of the maids, butlers, and knights are trying to kill you. " she laughed. She then placed her hand on my neck, tightening it. "The crown prince placed a bounty on your head; I'm surprised you haven't realized it earlier." Mary gripped my neck tighter, making it hard for me to breathe properly.
"If it's going to end this way, so be it" I mumbled. "your fucking breath stinks. and don't make it too obvious that you're sleeping with every man in this castle. At the very least, remove the crown prince's scent from your clothes, or your other lovers might chop your head off." I laughed weakly. If I'm going to die, I want to piss her off.
"You bitch! Just die!" she screamed, her face turning bright red.
"Yes! Show me that kind of face, Mary. Show me that you're mad at me! Show me that everything I said is true!" I laughed louder.
If there's really a God, please remove me from this wretched place. I just want to live; I'm so tired of this place.
"This place is too good for you. Farewell" Mary whispered once again.
I began to lose consciousness, and just as I believed all was over, a voice startled me.
"I'm the one who responded to your request, and I, ——— have a message for you.
My child, wake up. Your time has not yet come. Your objective on the day of your rebirth is to overcome and conquer your greatest fears. Do not fret; we'll meet again. You have my blessing, Your new family is waiting for you. Now, wake up and survive. "
" Who are you? I didn't hear your name!" I shouted. What the hell is he saying? Am I saved?
"Live your life to the fullest. May you guide them to the right path, my child."
"WHAT?! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS OLD MAN TALKING ABOUT?!", i said to myself.
"YOU BRAT! WHAT OLD MAN?! FOR YOUR INFORMATION, I'M A GOD!"
"Really? So you were the one who put me in that dreadful situation then?"
"No! It was your choice to go back in time, remember? I just followed your decision."
"You old man! Damn you, you're actually right." I sighed, calming myself down. "So where am I going now?" I asked.
"Were you even listening? Tsk, tsk. It's not yet your time to die, so I have to bring you back."
"Don't you dare put me back there again."
"I won't, it's too dangerous at this point. Actually, you weren't supposed to die in the first place. Someone interfered with your fate, and they probably know that you're my blessed child."
"Blessed child? what's that?" i asked him
"A blessed child is someone who carries our power in order to bring balance to the world. In your world, they are called 'the saviors'. Currently, there are 10 gods who have a blessed child. Each god have one blessed child. I do not know about the others; they don't have interest in your world because of the other gods involved."
"I think I heard about this before.. The ten gods are the god of Light, Fire, Lightning , Wind, shadow, water, time, Life, frost.. and the God of Death. I read it in the library once. I can't believe it's actually true." I smiled in excitement. "So if I'm a blessed child, who is the God who blessed me? Who are you?"
"Erebus. The God of the shadows"
" But don't you already have a blessed child?"
"Who said we can only have one? Most of us only have one because we don't see any more humans with the potential to wield our powers. just so you know, I'm not the god who blessed you; it's difficult to believe, but you have two gods watching over you right now."
"Are you saying that I have two powers? Why couldn't I use them before? Then maybe I could've escaped death from Mary."
"You can't, you'll die before you can use your powers. Having two abilities at once is dangerous, especially for a frail young woman like you, so we have no choice but to remove your ability to use it. This is also why you're important. You have two powerful gods on your side, and the other blessed children are trying to hunt you down."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure you're safe during this time, and I guarantee you'll love your true family." "Can I Really Trust You?"
"Of course. Your family will also help you control and strengthen your abilities. Since they are both blessed children.. ehem.. God of death, please speak to her.. she is also your child.."
"Hmph. Good luck, kid."
"Look at you blushing! You clearly like your child! Mwuahaha!"
"I will kill you. Shut up!"
"Can you really kill me? You can't even touch me!"
"Wait a minute—God of Death? Death Himself?"
"Listen, child. We are running out of time. We have high expectations from you. "
"Don't worry, We are here to guide you."
"Wait a minute, I have another question!" "YOU DAMN OLD GEEZERS! I DIDN'T SAY I'D ACCEPT IT YET!" I exclaimed.
I could feel the darkness dragging me down and quickly engulfing my entire body, I started losing my vision. I guess I have no choice but to follow them.. But this time, I will do my best to live the way I want to live. You damned gods, I'll show you that I'm not just a frail young woman.
"Fine, I'll learn that power you both gave me."
I am once again reincarnating into my third life.
"Erebus, are you sure this is going to work? Sending her to the Family means that she will be exposed to danger and to the other Gods." said the god of death, Hades.
"Are you suddenly attached to that girl?" Erebus exclaimed. "And here I thought you weren't going to approve of me sending her to them." Erebus added. The God of Death scoffed; he would rather not show emotion in front of the God of Shadow since he knows that Erebus would only tease him.
"It's not like I care about the child– " he denied. "But that's how it sounds to me..." Erebus sighed. "Don't worry, I'm sure she's going to be fine. After all, she deserves to be treated like a princess." He smiled.
"It was your fault for sending her to the God of Light's empire; how could you sign a contract with that bastard without telling me? How foolish!" Hades exclaimed.
"I had to do it so I could find out what Aither was up to before he kills everyone on this planet!" Erebus retorted. "I know, it wasn't the best plan that I can think of. I failed to protect my own child, and this is the least I can do to make up to her. Well, I'm thankful that you still stuck around with my foolish decisions." Erebus sat down. relieved from the stress. "Of course, who would take care of you if I wasn't around?" Hades sat down beside Erebus. " Seriously, you're such a piece of work." Erebus giggled. " I know."
"She will be fine. She's one of us, remember?" Erebus smiled.
"Yes, I know." The God of Death, Hades sighed and agreed.
"I hope you find your happiness on your new life, my dear."