I listened to Ren's absurd suggestion with a pessimistic face.
"So, you want to claim that you summoned me using an angel-summoning spell?"
"Yup!" Ren nodded as he rearranged the runes on the summoning circle he had created. "If my parents think you're some kind of divine being I summoned, they'll send you back to the palace right away. And if rumors spread that you might possess holy power or a blessing from the Gods to save this kingdom, people here will rally around you. They'll protect you from your mother's influence. This way, you could escape your doomed fate as a villainess... And I, as the one who summoned you, would be called to the palace as your companion!"
That was Ren's crazy idea. And I couldn't believe it might actually work.
I looked out of the carriage window as it brought me back to the royal residence, accompanied by Marquess Lazarro and Ren. For the first time since my reincarnation, I felt a glimmer of hope, brought on by this boy who seemed innocent and foolish but was rather cunning.
"Oh my… Gyattt! Your palace is so lit!" he exclaimed, eyes wide with awe as we approached the grand entrance.
"William! Remember, you must maintain etiquette and watch your language in front of the King later!" Marquess Lazarro cast a stern glance at his son.
"Yes, Father. Don't worry," Ren replied casually, his playful demeanor unshaken.
I bit back a laugh. Even though his excitement was infectious, I really hoped that Ren could speak a bit more normally. Honestly, watching his antics made me anxious.
Well, let's just pray that everything will go smoothly.
As we arrived at the palace, we were greeted by the Kingdom's knights and familiar faces; including Owen, Anna, and even Shilien.
"Princess!"
Anna rushed toward me, her face flushed with relief. Meanwhile, Shilien appeared to be welcoming Marquess Lazarro, her smile tight and practiced.
"Anna!" I called out, rushing into her embrace.
"I was so worried when you suddenly disappeared! The entire palace was in an uproar looking for you! We thought someone had snuck in and kidnapped you!" Anna exclaimed, worry etched into her features.
"Haha. Don't worry, Anna! I'm fine!" I chuckled softly.
I glanced at Shilien, the woman still busy talking to the Marquess. Her expression was unreadable. It seemed that bitch didn't care about my sudden disappearance from this place at all.
Then accompanied by Owen, our group proceeded toward the throne room, where the King usually held audiences. As we entered the grand room, I spotted my father was already seated on his throne, with an imposing posture and regal grace.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
We immediately knelt respectfully. The air was thick with formality.
"Rise," the King commanded, his voice carrying an authority that demanded obedience. "My daughter, are you all right?"
My daughter? It's rare for the old man to call me that.
"Yes, Father." I nodded at the stern figure.
The King turned his attention to Marquess Lazarro and Ren. "Is it true, as you informed me, Gregory? Your son William summoned my daughter, Luna, using an angel-summoning spell?"
The Marquess nodded. "Yes, indeed, Your Majesty. Although it was merely an accident, it's undeniable that this is a sign from the heavens."
Gregory? I didn't expect the King to call the Marquess by his first name. I wonder what history lingered in their shared past.
The King raised his hand, and three robed figures entered the room. As I saw the crest on their chests, I knew that they were the royal magicians of the Emeraldine Kingdom.
"Examine the boy," the King ordered, pointing at Ren.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The eldest magician stepped forward, followed by his subordinates. They surrounded Ren and extended their hands.
Suddenly a bright light enveloped him, and I felt a mix of anxiety and curiosity. Moments later, the elder magician lifted Ren's hand, inspecting the glowing symbol that marked him.
"This boy…" the elder gasped, his eyes widening with recognition. "He has FORCE EMBLEM and extraordinary mana, Your Majesty."
Ren shrugged and smiled as if he had just heard something that was meant to be.
"What about my daughter, Luna?" the King inquired, his voice steady but edged with concern.
"I cannot be certain..." The elder paused, his brow furrowed in concentration. "However, seeing both Princess Luna and the son of Marquess Lazarro awaken their EMBLEMs at such a young age... It's clear that they are blessed by the Gods."
Ren and I exchanged a glance in excitement. Meanwhile, a collective silence hung in the air, heavy with the implications of those words.
"So what should we do?" the King asked, his gaze shifting between the magicians and us.
"Princess Luna is still only ten years old. This is still a young age, but it wouldn't hurt to nurture her talents. The same goes for the Marquess's son. That way, they both can eventually protect this kingdom," the elder suggested.
"Your Majesty, regarding the Princess's education…" Shilien interjected, her tone sharp, but the King cut her off with a wave of his hand.
"Then I shall entrust the education of these children to you and my knight, Owen, who will also train their physical abilities."
The elder magician and Owen exchanged eager nods, smiles lighting their faces. "With pleasure, Your Majesty."
"Wait, does that mean...?" Ren's eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked at the King.
"Yes. From now on, you will live in this palace," the King stated, his gaze firm. "You don't mind, do you, Gregory?"
The Marquess nodded. "Not at all. It is an honor, Your Majesty." There's a hint of proudness in his voice.
"For now, let the children rest. We can discuss other matters later," the King declared, his tone brooking no argument.
As Anna and several servants escorted Ren and me out of the throne room, I stole another glance at Shilien. Her eyes glinted with fury, and I couldn't help but smirk inwardly.
Heh, serves you right, Bitch! Now you have no influence over me and won't be able to manipulate me again!
"So… where will I be staying?" Ren asked, his enthusiasm palpable.
The head butler accompanying us replied, "For now, you will be placed in the guest quarters. But eventually, you will likely stay with the knights, Young Master Lazarro."
"Can I take Ren—Uh, I mean William—for a tour around the palace, Mr. Chamberlain?" I asked the head butler, a hopeful smile on my face.
"Certainly, Princess," the head butler replied with a courteous nod.
***
The next morning, after our breakfast, Ren and I met in the palace's back garden.
"So, how was your sleep? How do you feel about leaving home to live here?" I asked Ren, genuinely curious.
"Eh, it's fine… But I can't wait to start training!" he replied with his casual shrug.
"Training, huh?"
"Of course!" Ren exclaimed, his voice rising with enthusiasm. "Back home, my parents stuffed me with boring etiquette and swordsmanship lessons I couldn't care less about. They wanted me to become a knight, not a magician. You saw how they kept me from learning magic, right? I had to teach myself everything I know."
"Heh… you're quite the magic maniac, aren't you?" I teased, a smile creeping onto my face. "But once you start training with Owen, I bet you'll change your mind."
"You mean Sir Falgria? The greatest swordmaster in this kingdom?" Ren asked, eyes wide with admiration.
I nodded. "So you've heard of Owen?"
"Of course! He's not just a swordmaster but also a mage-knight!" Ren said, bouncing on his heels with excitement. "Hehe. I can't wait to see the strength of his SKY EMBLEM that everyone keeps talking about…"
As we wandered the garden, my mind raced with the possibilities ahead of us. With Ren's support and the King's backing, I felt a stirring sense of purpose within me.
Will everything be fine, or will there be problems ahead?