11 The Frigore

Frigore.

A clan that is said to have a long line of witches with incredible dark element, a rare element other than light element, and huge mana. As such, Frigore is a matriarchal clan, one where women hold dominant power as they're the only one with such mana.

It's a secretive clan, almost like a secluded tribe. They never involve themselves with outsiders, never go out to parties like the high society and of course, they only care about their own politics, so diplomacy is out of the question. Their sole purpose is motivated by their prophecy. Outsiders will never know this prophecy.

But I do.

Because of this prophecy, it may be my one and only chance. God has finally blessed upon me something I wanted for so long.

I need to win her trust. In order to do that, I need to give away my secret. It will be a gamble.

I've never disclosed the fact that I am someone who reincarnate again and again. People would think I am a monster, or curious mages will lock me up in the tower for experimentation purpose.

But I've grown stronger over the past 100 lives I've lived. I've no longer fear the repercussions or the consequences. As such, my actions have always been fuelled by either curiosity or impulsiveness.

At first, I wasn't expecting much from this encounter. I was sincere about being here for the prince. But the moment I saw Demetrius last week, I know somehow that Vance is connected to someone I might know. This world is small after all. And I was right.

Vance is the grandson of Helena, the crown princess of Frigore whom I protected before as Xenia the female swordsman, the 100th time I've reincarnated which was exactly not that long ago, probably 20 years have passed. I once met Uld when she was 10 years old.

"Let's talk then," I said.

Uld glanced at Demetrius, signalling him to leave.

"But my lady,"

"It's alright Lady Uld. He can stay here. However, whatever I am going to say will be confidential. I hope Sir Demetrius can uphold that,"

Demetrius bowed slightly while Uld stir sugar in her tea.

I looked at both of them, and a sense of nostalgia hit me that I've become slightly emotional. As Xenia, many nobles wanted to have me as a knight. The knights wanted to marry me, as the idea of having a wife that is as strong as men is considered a rarity. And as Xenia, I never had a master. However, Uld's mother, the crown princess of Frigore Helena, was my friend.

I protected her from a vassal of the evil dragon, said to be undefeated. As thanks, the whole Frigore accepted Xenia, or me, as their hero. I've come to learn their prophecy from that.

After Helena's death, I left Frigore without saying goodbye to Uld and my mentee, Demetrius. So I've never seen them growing up. Uld is now a beautiful lady, but unfortunately, married to the emperor and is thrown away in this country. Demetrius doesn't look fickle anymore. His freckled, tanned face looks very masculine, adding with the scars on his forehead and cheek.

They're both grown.

"Yes...both of you have grown so much...," I said, giving both of them a gentle smile.

Uld widened her eyes at my informality and Demetrius straightened his back at my remark. Unexpectedly, both of them seem to lower their guard down a little. "Do I...know you?,"

I took a sip of the tea. As I gracefully put the teacup on my saucer, I contemplated again on my choices.

I've done everything this life has to offer.

Finally, though, my answer is here.

"The Frigore's are well adapted to the wonders of the world. As such, all the answers of the world, Frigore knows,"

"...your point?,"

I looked at her straight in the eyes. "I've reincarnated. I am Xenia,".