Journey to find you

Hi. My name is Ariana Litcoon, but you may know me as Eilish Deroth the I. I have been reincarnated as Ariana and it has been 27 years since I reincarnated. I was born in one of the much longer living demons, so my growth is that of a human 5 year old. I have lot of growing up to do, before it is legal for me to have the naughties with Titus again. I mean I would be fine, probably, but the legal system of the empire would condem Titus as a pedophile. Oh, and I was born in one of the islands in Dia.

Unfortunately I was born in one of the islands that aren't part of the Deroth empire, but I will get there in time. These islands are part of the dragon lord's territory. As far as I have observed, having a child that has developed to 13 years old in demon years is able to marry another person. I don't know if this is the same in the empire, so I must observe a bit more to determine what the social standard is. I have no qualms with the local dragon lord Ryū. I wonder how hard it is for me to get to Deroth empire though. As far as I have seen, the trade routes between the two are going smoothly. Good job, the person who made this possible.

In terms of my appearance, I still have my cute and beautiful appearance with a long thin tail. This time I have silvery hair that has a bright blue stripe on the side. Unfortunately, I have lost two of my horns and there are now only two of them. Other than that, I still resemble myself. Even my eye colors are the same. Lucky me!

I'm also bit more luckier, since my mother of this life is packing in the chest department. Last time I had bit below medium, but now I have a solid chance to get big ones. I wonder if Titus would like the bigger ones. Last time I asked, he said that he didn't care. But was he speaking the truth, I wonder? I mean, he likes dudes as well. I don't know. In any case, I can't wait to have big ones like mom's.

If I would have to pick the bad sides of this life, it would be that I was born in to prestigious shrine maiden bloodline. It is said that Ryū's blood runs through our vanes. I am to be expected to be one of the shrine maidens, but I have vianantly refused. Thankfully I'm not the only child of this family, so the pressure is bit lesser on me than if I would be the only child. I have stated to my parents that when I was old enough, I would go travel the world. So far, I think that they think I only have childish dreams on my head, which I don't blame them.

I have trouble blending in with the others in my age. Both because I'm adult inside, I act a bit strange and due to my genetics. They told me straight to my face that I was strange. How rude. And the genetic part is due to my slow aging. Most of the kids that have lived as long as I have in this life, have become teenagers or adults. One of my few friends here named Jackson, is in the age where puberty starts to hit him. Even though I'm older than him in this life by few years. I'm thankful for my genetics, but it sure causes some problems.

Soon I will go to eat dinner with my current family. It consist of mom, dad, two big sisters and big brother. Shame I didn't get any younger siblings in this life as well. My mom's name is Uriana, dad's name is Thomas, oldest sister is Eirin, second oldest sister is Tiara and big brother is named Anderson. Some western names as well as local names blended in together in this island. Neat. Oh, by the way, Anderson is younger than my sisters, making him the third child. As you can guess, I'm the fourth.

The dinner was served and we all sat to eat. It was delicious. Even comparing with my chefs in my previous life.

Ariana: Delicious!

Uriana: Ariana, manners.

Ariana: Who cares, we are in private, aren't we.

Uriana: If you act like that, you will never find a husband.

Ariana: What do you think da... I mean father? Am I doomed to never have a loving husband?

Thomas: I think you will find one eventually.

Uriana: Dear.

Thomas: B-But you should still have some manners when eating. Even if it is good.

Ariana: Okay. In any case, I will remember these meals for the rest of my life. Both the food and the company.

Tiara: There she goes again.

Thomas: But isn't it sweet?

Tiara: What do you mean sweet? She sounds like an orphan who just got adopted.

Ariana: That's a bit harsh.

Tiara: I only speak the truth.

Eirin: Silence.

Ariana and Tiara: Yes Eirin.

We eat in silence for a while, until Anderson speak.

Anderson: I heard that they cought good catch of fish.

Tiara: Is that why we have fish as food today?

Eirin: We have fish almost every day.

Tiara: You say that because you don't like the taste.

Eirin: Yet I eat what is provided.

Thomas: She got that from me.

Anderson: I personaly don't mind the taste, but I like steak better.

Ariana: I know right!

Uriana: Ariana.

Ariana: Yes mother. But I still like the taste of raw fish though. I like sour things, sweet things, spicy things. Come to think of it, I like almost anything.

Uriana: That's one of the good things you got from me.

Ariana: Is that really the case?

Uriana: Ahem. I never have minded what food I ate. Why would you doubt me?

Ariana: Just... Um... because?

Uriana: By the lord, you really are something.

I can't tell them yet. I want them to be able to cherish these days in peace. When I hit 50 years, I will tell them. But until then, I will act as daughter of head priestess.

I have been training my physical abilities quite a bit. I practive martial arts with my uncle, who is part of the military. What I heard is that he barely survived the golem war. They say that is only thanks to lord Ryū. What I understand, is that it was really bad and many people died.

I learned that I can harden my body by producing scales on me. This is apparently the proof that I'm of the lineage of Litcoon.

Today I went to play with the other kids. Many of them were younger than me, but still had outgrown me. Jackson was also there with Mark, my other old friend. We played some games like hide and seek and soccer. I was forced out of soccer, since I could use my tail in it too easily. It was a bummer. Mark and Jackson were on seperate teams, since they were much bigger than the rest of the kids. I noticed Jackson trying his best even against the kids, which the kids liked. He Mark also became interested for some reason and started shouting things like.

- I can totaly beat you.

Or.

- Let me take Ari from you.

Which I didn't get. What does he mean get me? Does he mean to tell me Jackson has eyes for me? Whatever the case, Jackson got flustered and started trying even harder. It was an interesting match to watch.

Jackson's team ended up winning and I was there to congratulate the whole team. I also told the other team that they played well, since they lost by one point. It was getting late, so we decided to head to our homes.

The next day I practiced magic. While I had the knowledge of my previous life, I didn't have the same amount of mana to do the things that I used to do. I even practiced my secret magic during it. And by secret magic, I mean magic that only Deroth lineage could pull of. The invisible flame. Sure, it's not the most impressive thing to do, but it was something my bloodline has always been able to do. Unfortunately, during the war when I was becoming the empress, my family was killed and the invisible flame was only left to me to use. There is also one spell that only I, Eilish, could use, but I don't have the mana to do it yet.

While I was practicing in my secret place, outside of the wall of our shrine, I heard a noice while I was doing my invisible flame. It was Jackson.

- What are you spying on me for?

- I... was just looking for you.

- I mean, my family knows that I use this place, but it's somewhere where I come to practice in peace. I hate to be mean to you, but could you pleace leave.

- Okay. Just... what was that flickering in your hand just now?

- You saw that?

- Yes. It was like there was a flame there.

The only way to see the invisible flame, is to look for the flickers in the air. I'm amazed that someone like him would notice that. What do I do?

- Ari?

There is no choice but to tell me what it was. Hopefully he doesn't know about Deroth family.

- It was... an invisible flame.

- Invisible flame? That's so cool. I heard that only the Deroth family could do it. How are you able to do it?

- I... Just figured it out.

- I heard that it was imposible to replicate. It was exclusive ability that Deroth's blood could do.

- I guess I'm just that impressive.

- Why are you lying to me.

- What? Why would I do that?

He had a serious look on his face.

- Be honest with me Ari. I known you for 20 years.

- Why do you have to be sharp in a time like this? We aren't even in the empire and you know of the ability.

- It's basic history in Dia. We've been in the same classes as well.

I suppose there is no other choice.

- Listen. What I'm about to tell you should stay between us. I wish for no words of this coming out of anyones mouth but mine. Do you promise?

- I promise.

- *Breathes* Alright. Here we go. I'm a reincarnation of the first empress of the Deroth empire, Eilish Deroth the I.

- You are... a reincarnation?

- Yes. Back in my previous life, I made a spell that could make it possible for me and my children to reincarnate at will.

- That's... amazing... But what about your husband. Was it Nitus or something.

- Titus. His name was Titus. And it was because of him that I created that spell.

- Why though.

- I can't tell you everything, but what I can tell you is that he is a being that is immortal and can change forms. I didn't want him to live in this world alone, so I made our family to be able to reincarnate.

- That's... lot to take in. What about Ariana?

- I have always been her and nothing else. I just have my memories of my previous life. And some of the abilities.

- What... What about your family here? Do they know.

I shake my head.

- Why?

- It is too early for them. I plan to tell them in due time. But I want to let them live the life believing I'm only Ariana.

- What will you do from now on?

- I will live here in this island for 27 years. Then I will head to the capital of Deroth Gamide. I would do so sooner, but I have two things restricing me.

- What are they?

- I want to experience the life I have here for the fullest. The other reason is that I don't believe for a second that my family would let me go while I'm still in child's state.

- You think that they will let you once you are 54?

- It might be difficult, but I will try my best. And if it wont work, I just wait for another 27 years to gain their aproval.

- But you are from the shrine maiden family. Do you think that they would just let you go?

- As I said, it will be difficult. But once I explain them everything, perhaps they prefer it that way.

- I... I see.

- Now you know it. Be sure to never tell anyone before me. Understood?

- Understood. But I have one request.

- What is it?

- Let me come with you when you go.

- But why would you want to come?

- There might be opposition if you reveal your secret to the world. If that happens, I want to be there to protect you.

- I have considered that possibility, but that is why I train each day to better my skills. There would not be a need of you.

- Even still. I will practice to become a guard on this island. Once I recieve the training, I'm sure I would be of use to you.

- Still... For me to make you sacrifice that much.

- I'm willing and able. If you don't aprove, I just follow you in secret.

- For goodness sake, you don't make this easy on me. Fine, I let you come along once the time has come.

- It's a promise!

- Now can you go? I still have some training time, so I would like to use it.

- Sure thing.

He leaves and I'm left alone to practice. During this practice, I'm left to wonder if I made the right choice. When I'm empress again, I'll be sure to revard each person that sacrificed themselfs for me. Even my current family. Even if they cast me out.

After that I was to start studying with mom. Tiara was with me as well. The things she tought were a childsplay for me. Mother was impressed at my academic ability, so she pushed many things on me much earlier than you would a child my age. Well I'm 27, but I have developed only to a 5 year old compared to humans. Mom even told me.

- If it weren't for your personality and attitude, you would be a perfect fit for the title of head priestess. But for some reason you aren't interested in any of that, so it's a shame. I will keep trying to convince you to stay, but given how you are, I don't think I can pull that off.

- I take that as a compliment.

- By the lord.

The next day I heard a story from the guards house. Jackson went in and asked the captain of the guards, Port, to accept him so that he can train to become a guard. Port was sitting on is table to do some paperwork. At first no one took him seriously, until he made it clear that he was serious. Then this conversation apparently ensued.

- Look, you still are young. You still have time to think what you will become. You haven't trained a day to become a guard. Come when you have had a deep think about this.

While Jackson was able to beat Mark, he wasn't known to be strong.

- I absolutely must become someone who can protect others from danger.

- Ouh. And why is that?

- Because...

- Because?

- I... um...

- Speak boy!

- I want to become someone who can protect Ariana!

The room was silent for a moment. Then Port put his hands on the desk, rose up from his chair and shouted.

- Let's fucking gooo! Hear that boys!? A man in love wants to become a man for his lady! Is that inspiration or what!?

All of the guards there cheered on for Jackson and welcomed him with open arms. I don't get Port's personality. First he I dead serious, then he bust out shouting from exitement. Port said to Jackson.

- You are welcome to become an aprentice. Come here in tommorow at 8 and we will begin your training.

- Tha- thank you very much!

I didn't hear this story from Jackson himself. It just became a gossip for the whole island. I was bit embarased to hear the comments come from my family. They said things like.

Uriana: Well, now we have someone with potential who might become your future husband.

Tiara: Isn't it sweet.

Thomas: If he works hard, then and only then will I accept him.

I was so embarased. I just feel sorry for Jackson. If this is how he truly feels, then I have to disappoint him and hurt his feelings. I hope that his heart finds someone else to love.

12 years has passed and I'm getting pretty good at handling mom. As long as I play a role of a good girl infront of her, she doesn't give me much problems. Though it's tireing at times, she seems to like it, so it's worth it. Makes me kind of tingly inside as well when she praises me.

Officially Eirin will become the next head priestess when mom retires. Now I wont be pushed to do it. Heck yeah! But mom still pushes some paper work on me when she gets a chance. I might have lived 39 years, my body is that of a child. So you shouldn't make a child do this kind of thing. I handled someone's mariage papers for gods sake.

Jackson has gotten pretty used on the guard job. He even patrols some places now. Today he had free time so he came to ask me something. We walked to a nearby hill. On the way, he decided to ask the guestion. So we chated while on the way to the top of the hill.

- You were empress of a country right?

- I was indeed.

- Do you... perhaps have anything that would boost soldiers spirit?

- Something to boost soldiers spirit, huh. I think I have a few.

- Can you tell one to me and later to the other guards?

- Let me think, I don't know what mom thinks of it.

- Please?

- Sure, fine. I tell you one. Ahem. Do you know what's funny about life? Many things, but here is something that I find funny. You know that we each have something we might be good at and at other stuff we aren't? Well isn't it funny how we never will actually know if we found the thing we are good at? I mean, we can find a thing that we are somewhat good at, but we will never know if that thing was truly the thing we were the best at. We might try many things to try and find it out, but when we don't see results coming out, we lose hope and thus our potential. Who knows, maybe you would have been good at making food if you kept on trying a bit more. Pershaps you would have been wery good at sertain game. Perhaps you would have been a wery good painting. You will never know whether or not you would have been good at something and you just gave up too early or didn't never try it. This is something that everyone experiences. But do not be discouraged, for in truth it isn't about wheter you find what you would have been good at. Oh no, it doesn't matter that much. What matters is that you made those choices that lead you here. If it was by your own choice, then I'm sure it wasn't a wrong path. You could have walked many other paths, but you chose this one. Be proud of it and cherish them. Even if it might have hurt others, you made those choices. Carry your sins, try to repent and pay for them. Then live on your life. The path you chose might not have been the best that you had to choose, but you still chose to walk this path. Live on the best you have now and don't regret the path you have chosen.

We were on top of the hill now.

- What if I chose something bad?

- Then make the best of what you have now and move forwards.

- I see. That makes me bit more confident.

- Good it helped.

- You said you had couple of those. Can you tell more?

- Do I really have to? It's bothersome.

- Please?

- What do you think of civilisation?

- That it brings people together.

- You aren't wrong, but there is more to it. civilisation is built on order. If those pillars would be shaken, then the civilisation would collapse. And what do people do to make sure the pillars aren't shaken? Many people choose to do many things. Some try to built up trust for people, where's some will try to hold it by force. Both work, but there is no true answer to keep the civilisation from falling. Everything has an end. No matter how hard you try to hold on to it, eventually it will disappear. No empire is built to last. Many have fallen and many will rise. Try as you might, every civilisation will eventually fall. But from the ashes there still might rise a new civilisation. As long as there are people, new civilisations will rise and fall. Don't be discouraged however, for it doesn't matter how long it will last, your hard work will never disappear. When you have contributed your all to something, even if it's not recognised, you made something to the world. Never think that your contribution is meaningless. Unless it has a damaging effect on things, you did something to further your civilisation. So just do your best.

- That sounded a bit depressing at first, but you managed to pull out something bit encouraging.

- Good to hear you liked them.

- Anything else?

- You still want more? Let's see. I have some rant I can tell about time.

- Feel free to tell me.

- Ahem. Have you ever wondered why we compare our ages to humans and not any other species?

- Now that you mention it, it sounds a bit odd. They aren't even the most dominant species.

- The reason is because they are considered to be the norm of every species. Even though their destructive tendencies are bigger than any other race with exeption to some demons. All of us look a bit more like human and not other way around. We just have more body parts. As for the time they spend, 100 years is a long life for human, but not so to many other race. Beast folk lifespan shift between 50 to 300 years depending on the type of beast they represent. Demons also have a shift between the expected lifespan. For example, for you it is 240 years, where as for me it's over 1000 years. Elfs and dwarfs live far longer lifes compared to humans and insect folk barely live 20 to 50 years. It's strange how the gods made us like this. And now comes to the issue. Do we who know that we will live longer lives treasure the same time we spend compared to others who know they life shorter lives? We have already outlived many insect folk by just being here and they have lived their lifetimes in full. Do we truly treasure the same amount of time as those who live shorter lives? Those who know that they can live longer than other, do they treasure the time in same way as someone who knows that they will die much sooner? This is something that I wonder every now and then.

- That's... something else. What do you think?

- I think that we can enjoy the same amount of time as much as those who live shorter lives. That is if we just do so and not spend our time loitering around.

- I personally don't know what to think. You should give these speeches in public.

- Public speaker huh. Haven't done that in a while. Whatever, I think about it. Do you want more?

- While I would love to, but I have things to do still. I will go now. Want to come along the way?

- No, I think I enjoy this view for a while longer.

- Suit yourself.

Jackson leaves and I'm left to think for a moment. This is a place I will leave one day. Such a peacefull life. Will it be as peacefull when I return to Gamide or am I forced to fight? I hope it's the former.

And so it's been 15 more years and I'm now 54. I have done many things in my time here, for example improved the agriculture and politics to some extend. I have left this island couple of time to visit other islands under Ryū's lordship. I had to solve problems, appoint officials, be a shirne maiden for marriages and many more things. Mom really likes to use me as a workforce. At least she has paid some of my work so I have a salary, but to be honest, it's a bit cheap. She still must treat me as a child.

And my training has been succesfull. I have greatly improved my mana reserves and I now can do most of the spells that I could do in my former life. My physical abilities has also improved. I even beat Port in hand to hand combat couple of times.

But today is the day. I have informed mom and dad to meet me at the main room of the shrine. I didn't invite my siblings for this, as I didn't want them to know yet. At least I don't want to make that choice. My heart is pounding. Will they accept me or disown me? I'm scared of the latter.

I enter the room. Mom and dad are sitting on their knees in the middle of the room. At least I managed to convince them that it's important. I also sit before them and mom asked me the question.

- What did you call us here for?

My heart is pounding. I raise my hand infornt of me and I cast the invisible flame. Their eyes are lit in surprise for a moment. Then they think for a moment and mom says.

- So you really are...

- You knew?

- No. Just had a feeling that something was off with your behavior. Don't underestimate mothers intuition. How long have you known?

- Since the day I can remember this life.

- And who is it?

- Eilish.

- I see.

She closes her eyes for a moment. Then says.

- So then I'm not someone you think as mother.

- Nonsense. You are the one that raised me in this life with love and care. Same goes to father.

Dad starts to cry a little and says.

- Damn right I'm your dad.

Then mom says.

- What about your other parents?

- They are also my parents. They raised me with the same kind of love that you did. You are all like family to me. Nothing in my life can change that.

Even mom starts to cry a bit.

- Then... is it alright for me to call you my daughter?

Even I start to cry a bit.

- Of course it is mom.

- It's mother you little brat.

- Who are you calling brat?

Then we all hug while all of us are crying. I'm so thankfull that I can still have this. We are crying there for a while, until we let go. Then mom wipes the tears in her eyes and asks.

- So the reason why you want to travel the world is?

- To find my husband and children.

- I see. That sounds lot like you.

- Heck yeah it does.

- Watch your tongue.

- Sorry, just sliped up.

- By the lord, how in the world did you manage to control a whole empire?

- I had people who tought me many things.

- Is that so.

- It was.

- When you will leave?

- Soon. Probably within a month.

- Just say so when you leave and we will make you a farewell party.

- You will?! Ooh, thanks.

Then couple of months were spend preparing for our departure. I decided that I would leave so that we could make it to a annual festival that is held in the empire. Then the day came for the final preparation. My siblings were bit saddened that I would leave, but they made sure to send me off with a smile. Then Eirin came to me and said somethings.

- You know, all of us heard what you said to mother and father.

- So you did. Yet none of you didn't act any different.

- Why would we? You are still our precious little sister.

- Thanks. That means a lot to me. ... But why tell me now?

- Just so that you know. We planed to tell you earlier, but we thought that you might act different compared to what you did before.

- I mean... it is a bit awkward, isn't it?

- A bit. But as I said, you still are our precious little sister.

- Right.

We stood in silence for a while, until Eirin said.

- We should probably go back to the party. Others are probably waiting.

- Yeah, you're right. Let's go.

We return to the party and celebrate to our hearts content.

Then the day came for our departure. Mom and dad handed us some lux for our journey. We went aboard a ship that was going somewhere near to our destination. So we spend couple of weeks sailing away. Until we hit the land where our ship stoped. It was the furthest place where our current ship would go to our destination. We then spend couple of days in a island that was used for trade. Gamide is a centre place of Deroth empire, so it gets more trafic that happens on the inside of the empire. This island however, was something that got trafic from outside. Those couple of days we spend trying to find a ship that was going to Gamide. We finally found one and we were only waiting for the departure.

The day we went to Gamide has finally come. We went aboard the ship and sailed off. During these sailing trips, Jackson had trained with the crew to how to work as a sailor. He just told me that he wants to know what they do, so I let him do it. Perhaps he finds it hard to relax if he's not doing something. I however was entertaining the crew with my magic tricks. Both true magic and also some tricks. My flameshow got the most attension, since I was so skilled with it. I say that, but it probably was because I used my invisible flame during these shows. They were surely surprised when I told them who I truly was, though not all believed in my claim.

Then we finally were at Gamide's ports in the evening. It was so filled with life and it was even more livelier than I had remembered. The places looked a lot different than I remember, but that is what over 2700 years of time does to a place. The festivities were only being prepared for tommorow, so we had a chance to find a place that I could perform. You see, my plan is very simple. I send a magical messenger bird that spoke "The festival this year will be visited by the reincarnation of the founder Eilish. She will perform in the streets and show off her invisible flames. Do feel free to find her and send her to meet the current empress. Sincerely, your founder. *Kiss*" This will surely bring the attension of the empress to try and find me. They might see it as a threat, but I will manage it when the time comes. After all, it isn't illegal to use invisible flames in shows. And even if it is taken as a joke, if a guard sees it and informs it to their higher ups, then surely it will come to someone's ear that heard the rumor of a joke message.

We found a place we could perform and a place to sleep, so we rested for the night. Today we went to the venue, borrowed a box that we got permission to use. As I was still tiny, I had to have a box to stand on. Other stalls found it funny that someone who had the aura of a guard, was placing a child on the box to perform. People even asked us about it, and I answered.

- I am the performer and this is my guard.

Everyone thought it was funny for a child to be performing with their personal guard. They must have thought of me as some rich girl that wanted to perform a mediocre performance. I will show them!

The people started to come for the festival and I began using my flames. First I was using normal flames to gather up the audience first, by turning flames into many shapes. Flowers, butterflies, animals and all kind of shapes. Audiance was loving it. Then I performed a bit with my invisible flame with my regular flame, but as it was invisible, barely anyone noticed it. The show went on for a while, until I showed them invisible flame that brought up a image of a dog running. I did this via making the invisible flames in to a sertain shape and using the heatwaves as the movement. Not everyone noticed this, but those who noticed were amazed. They tried to tell others to look closer and watch the heatwaves. When the crowd realized what I was doing, they asked me.

- Did you just use the legendary invisible flame?

- That is indeed correct.

- I thought the last one that could do it died decades ago.

- Well I'm a reincarnation of the founder. What do you say to that claim.

- That's obviously a lie.

- Is it now.

- It has to be. You just figured out how to make something that looks like an invisible flame and you try to claim to be a reincarnation of the great founder.

- Perhaps you are right. But think for a second. If I could open the Tome of Gilith, then I would you believe me then?

- If you could do that, then sure, I'd believe you. But that is imposible for anyone other than the founder to open, so I wont be holding my breath.

- Then spread the word of a girl using invisible flame. If you are so brave, then do tell people what I claim to be.

- You bet I'm going to tell people about this.

Then I continued my performance for a whole day. People came saying similar things and each time I would say similar answers. The next day of the festival we saw a high ranking guard watching us. I could tell by the attire. She went away once I showed my invisible flame triks and I just continued on like nothing had happened. Then later that day, when we were on a brake, we were aproached by the same guard with couple of other guards alongside her. They said.

- Would you be the one who sent us that little bird couple of weeks ago?

- I do have that ability, yes. But do say, what did the message say exactly?

- We haven't found anyone else doing similar things and your voice matches the voice that came from that bird. I repeat, are you the one who sent us that bird couple of weeks ago?

- You don't sound fun at all. Why do you need to make me talk? Officialy speaking I have done nothing wrong.

- Would you come with us?

- Do I have a choice?

- The empress Ilian has requested your precence. Come with us.

- So it's an order. Could my guard come with me.

I point at Jackson.

- The empress hasn't given any other person a invitation.

- So it's an invitation now? But if he can't come with us, then we are going to reach a point where I no longer want to come with you. And thus...

- And thus?

- We are going to have a problem now, aren't we?

We stare at each other in the eyes for a while, until the guard gives up and says.

- Fine. He can come with us. But he isn't permited to speak to the empress.

- Deal.

We then walk towards the palace. When we are inside the throne room, which looks almost like it was back then, we are ordered to kneel. Jackson, the guard and the others does so, as expected, but I am left standing. The person next to the throne, the one who ordered us to kneel, started shouting.

- You dare to not kneel before you empress?!

- I'm not a citizen of Deroth empire and if I can proof my identity to you all, you would feel pressure coming from me later on.

- You dare to claim you are someone higher?! You should...?!

Ilian stops him and then says herself.

- If it is truly her, then she would be on the right.

- But your majesty...?

- But if she can't prove to us that she is truly Eilish Deroth, then she should be punished for her arrongance. Do I make myself clear young lady?

I answer.

- Obviously I expected this to happen. So if I can't prove myself, feel free to cut my beautiful head of.

- I think that is a bit extreme. But if you are this confident, then...

She moves her hand and a person comes from the crowd with my tome.

- If you can open this, a thing that no one has been able to open since Eilish left, then we all will acknowledge you. Believe me, we have tried to open it for decades.

They hand me the tome. I then ask.

- Will I be promised that no one will try to take this tome away from me when I open it?

- If you can, then I personaly promise.

- Good, then...

I cast a small buble around me that makes the sound silent to the outside. Then I say the words that will open the book. With some magic put in those words.

- My dear Titus, may our love bring forth greatness. May we live in peaceful harmony. Love, Eilish.

Then the book opens. I made this lock by myself so that no one can see inside of it. Even Titus can't open this book. It is actually funny how people call this a tome since, what it truly is, is my personal picture book. True, it contains some magic spells that I put up together, but it mainly consists of pictures that I magically took.

I make the buble disapear.

- Aah, I missed this. Look at the little Reaish, she was so cute when she was only 10.

- Umm...

- Oh right, this was something to prove my identity. Right...

I close the book and put it in my subspace.

- Now then. Ilian was it.

- What... What is it?

- Don't feel so tense, I will tell you two things. First is that I'm not looking to take the throne back and you can keep governing the empire as you see fit. You may make me a figurehead if you'd like, but other than that, I will not take any work from you. I may give you some advise if you ever need it though. Second is that I will only try to look for my family from the past. I will request you to use you power to say to the people "any who can claim to be a reincarnation of Deroth, come to the capital and prove yourselfs. The ones who know what it takes are the ones that truly are reincarnations."

- I will do that.

- Also, send search for a man called Aktor. Give word so that he will need to come meet with his wife. And if this man is dead, then try to look for a man with an old looking spear from the anchient times on his left hand.

- Got... got it.

- Now then, could we get a room for me and my guard.

- Yes, of course. Will they be seperate?

- Seperate. Let's go Jackson.

- I... I would like for you to help me every once in a while. If... if that wouldn't be too much to ask.

- Sure, later then. Keep up the good work.

- Tha... thanks!

We go to our rooms and later Jackson comes to my room with a nervous look on his face. He is standing straight like he always does, but this time it feels a bit forced. He mumbles

- I... I...

- ...

- I...

- Spit it out.

- I love you Ariana.

So he chose to say it now. Unfortunately I can't return his feelings.

- I'm sorry. I already have someone in my heart.

- I... I knew it already. Just... just wanted to say it. To let you know.

- I'm thankfull for your feelings, but I have another.

- You don't need to be so pleasant. *Breathes* I knew this would happen, but damn it still stings a bit. Can... can I still stay by your side?

- Of course you can. You are my important guard and my very important friend.

- Thanks.

He leaves my room and I can hear him crying. I'm sorry Jackson.

So was my journey to find my family. I send my mom and the rest of the family back home a letter that tells them we made it. I later sent a magical bird to send further messeges.

Jackson decided to train with the guards here and he later would rise to a very high position. Officially, he worked as my personal guard, but he was found to do other work often. I think the guard that aproached us back at the streets has hots for him now, I have to confirm this later by asking her.

I spend my time helping Ilian with her work once in a while. We also needed to weed out some of the people who claimed to be my children. Eventually I managed to find all of them in this life. Now it's only Titus that I need to find. Now where might you be, my dear Titus.