I am still in awe, eyes wide open as the teacher who died years ago because of an unknown incident is currently in front of me, pouring jasmine tea in his teacup.
Mr. Randelle Vistra, the one person who always stood by my side whenever I needed him. He's also my first teacher, the one who taught me everything I know with regards to being a perfect princess that will someday rule the whole kingdom. Now that I realized it, Randelle was more of like a father to me than my true father, the king.
If he didn't died back then, will he stand up for me again even when it seemed like the whole world turned their backs on me that day?
"Avory, you're not paying attention to me, are you?" I was caught off-guard when he suddenly called to me.
"I-I am...!" I stuttered, and that didn't make him believe me as I see him raised an eyebrow, quite obviously pointing that he doesn't buys my claim.
"Let me show you that I can also perform what you did earlier so you'll believe me, Mr. Randelle." I picked up the teapot and slowly, but with courtesy, pour some tea in an empty cup. As I still have my memories of my future self, I also still remembers how to do these kind of things. All my knowledge are retained, and the events are somewhat happening at a rapid pace, so this still does not feel like I returned to the past timeline of my life, except for the fact that I am seeing and talking to sir Randelle here.
"Oh, that was elegant, my lady. A full mark for perfectly doing it exactly as I wanted you to do." Randelle praised me. Oh, if only he knew.
"Thanks, Randelle. That only proves how effective you are as a teacher." I also showed him the etiquette of holding the teacup correctly. By using my thumb and index finger to hold the top of the handle, while the middle finger supports the bottom, I hold the saucer in my other hand and sipped quietly.
"Hmm. Flattery also plays an important role to social gatherings, so I'll let you slide this time, 'Princess' Avory." He jests. I laughed at his remark in which I gained a smack on my hand.
"Oww!" I cried, and some drops of the tea trickled when he smacked my hand.
"Princess Avory, you're not allowed to laugh while sipping your tea. You'll make a mess otherwise." This sir here is really unbelievable!
"You smacking my hand is what made a mess, geez." I put down the saucer and the teacup on the table then I fixed myself.
"Nonsense, my lady. Well, that concludes today's lesson. You may now go back to your quarters first and take a rest, I'll see you again tomorrow." Randelle started to partially clean the things we used for the tea lesson earlier. And I, despite his instruction, remained seated and just watched him in silence.
He stopped what he's doing and looks at my direction, probably getting a little embarrassed and uncomfortable with my stare. "Is there anything you want to further discuss with me, my lady?" His brown eyes seems concerned.
The shock from what happened to me in the future, the deal with the demon King, and returning back to the past is starting to creep into me, making me anxious and wary.
"Say, Randelle. How old am I today?" I tried to ask in a very casual way so that he doesn't get suspicious. It just occurred to me that I don't know my current age, and that how am I suppose to plan my revenge if I do not know when am I going to be attacked. Although I have a hint of what year is it now since Randelle is still alive, I'm gonna have to make sure I don't missed even the smallest details.
"You are currently 12 years old, my lady." He answered, confusion is visible in his face.
As I suspected, that demon king, Apollion returned me to five years ago. In this time, me and my sister, Aynnah are still in good terms. In fact, too good that I did not even expected her to betray me. She was also the one I relied on after sir Randelle passed on.
'Eh?'
I gasp in my head upon realizing something. How can I be this stupid! I am such an idiot for not thinking first about the possibility that I can still save sir Randelle this time and prevent his death!
In the past, no one knew and expected Randelle to die at such circumstance, it was an unknown cause of death. One morning, the palace suddenly announced his death with not much of an explanation. I was too young to question what happened then, the fact that sir Randelle died that day left me heartbroken so I did not gave a damn care for whatever foul play may have happened, if there are any.
"Are you alright, Avory?"
Ah... How I've missed the gentleness from his voice. His genuine kindness and affection towards me made me realize now. Even if others began to hate me to the point where they wanted my head rolling off the ground, this man will never abandon me. If he had been by my side the day I died, I think I wouldn't have this much hatred in my heart.
"Randelle..." I called to him, suppressing my tears. "Yes, my lady?" I can't let this man die like what happened before. I cannot go through hell once more like when I lost him. "Can you continue to stay by my side, until on your very last breath?" I asked, showing a bit of my authority.
I was appalled when he suddenly made obeisance before me. His right hand in his heart, and his knee touching the floor as he bows his head. "Until the day you don't want me anymore and decides to discard or throw me away. Or even if heavens and earth forbids me to follow you, I will forever be by your side. I swear fealty to you, my lady."
Relief passes through my system as I gained one loyal subordinate. "As you sworn fealty, Randelle Vistra, son of Golden Tower Professor, Finn Randolphus Vistra and Third-Class Palace Healer, Ariabelle Lestair Vistra, you are very much welcome to serve and offer me your loyalty for the rest of your life."
I swear I will do anything to prevent the demise that awaits you. May there be an intent for murder or pure accident, will I not let you fall into the hands of death.
— to be continued...