I Didn’t Even Want to Live, But God Forced Me to Reincarnate!

The next day was full of déjà vu.
Just like when we first got summoned in front of Cielle’s royal family, Kuu and I got the privilege to skip our maid work again. We even brought Clavis and Ein with us.
But unlike the first time where the maids were looking at us with side eyes and hints of jealousy and hatred, this time, they all didn’t dare to really give any kind of scrutinizing look to us.
Perhaps it was because they seemed to have an understanding that we now have a special position and who knows what would happen if they were to offend us…
I could bet my family’s entire fortune (
) that we’d be famous amongst the maids and workers in the royal palace, even more than before, and perhaps there’d be bad rumors circulating about us… For example, about how we bootlicked and tricked the prince, being so sly to befriend the prince in order to gain this shortcut.
My mind was fully trailing off as we were walking all the way towards the audience room that had become familiar in such a short time.
Before our escort could open the door and usher us in, the door was opened from the inside, and…
That was the moment my trailing mind stopped and I was just at a loss on what to do.
I mean, how could I not?
After the door was opened, there were several people coming out of it, and they just had to be Alt-nii, Kiri, and Luca.
I had already passed by Celeste yesterday, so I thought the chances that such a coincidence would happen was nigh impossible.
More importantly…
I unconsciously held my breath when Alt-nii nonchalantly passed by me.
He was so, so close to me, and with the reach of my hand, I could have easily grabbed him… called out to him.
But if I were to do that, that’d risk my identity from being revealed.
The fact that Alt-nii didn’t seem to notice me and just pass by me without noticing could only mean two things. One, he didn’t pay attention to his surroundings–I could see Alt-nii being this type, honestly… or he might be drowning in his thoughts. Two, it meant my disguise was so perfect that he didn’t notice, which would be good!
The next person to pass by me was Kiri, and I was 100% certain in Kiri’s case that he didn’t notice me at all, and was thoroughly tricked by my disguise. It wasn’t like he was aware of my family’s special power, so…
Oh wait!
At that time, my mind thought of another possibility.
Alt-nii might be able to sense my presence or even sense that there was another Oracle user of the same type as his… but he chose to pretend that he was clueless.
Thinking about it, I guess Alt-nii fell into this category.
The last one to pass by me was Luca, and he didn’t stop, nor bat an eye when seeing or passing by me.
I was a bit nervous, but when the three of them passed by us as if we were strangers, I secretly heaved a sigh of relief.
Yet, I was quickly taken aback when I noticed that one person’s footstep halted–I assume it was the last person–Luca.
The worst of the worst really happened now, for I needed to stay still behind the rest of my group, waiting for us to be allowed to enter the audience chamber.
Still sensing that Luca hadn’t moved from his position, I tried to look from the corner of my eyes without turning around or even tilting my head a bit. Yes, Luca indeed stopped.
Just when I started to sweat…
“What’s wrong? Why are you not walking and frowning like that, Luca?” Kiri seemed to have noticed Luca stopping as he also halted his steps. I could guess that Alt-nii heard Kiri calling out to Luca and stopped to wait for them…
I could feel my limbs going cold…
I couldn’t really focus on what was happening before me, as I was so focused on hearing the conversation that happened behind me. However, my vision was still focused on my front, so if they moved forward, I’d quickly move as well!
“...Nah, it’s alright,” Luca said and then I could hear their footsteps continuing…
It was as if life had fun teasing me… For we finally could enter to have the audience with the royal family as soon as Luca, Kiri, and Alt-nii were gone.
We were facing the royal family of Cielle once more: King Deus, Queen Tabitha, Prince Manasye, and then there was Maiara next to Prince Manasye.
I tilted my head slightly.
“Again, I want to applaud the four of you–Escha, Kuu, Ralph, and Reynald–for being able to find new information that even the royal investigative division couldn’t find before. Your sleuthing skill is very wonderful! I’m thinking of positioning the four of you under the royal investigative division, first as an apprentice since you are all still so young…”
“Hmm… How come we didn’t find talents like you guys sooner? Maybe I need to rethink of my recruitment method that can reach a wider audience–that can reach everyone and discover talents like the four of these kids…”
The more he spoke, King Deus’ voice turned into a mumble, as if talking to himself.
“Dear, you’re trailing off,” Queen Tabitha gently reminded King Deus, who quickly put away the hand that he had put under his chin as he was contemplating a lot.
“Ah… Pardon me,” King Deus cleared his throat and said, “Let’s save it for the future. For now…”
I genuinely felt bad for this king. It seemed that he was enthusiastic and genuinely cared for the future of the talented peasants standing in front of him. Although he did blabber about the design he had for us in his mind, I could tell that it was out of goodwill, and not arrogance.
“Manasye, you really have made some great friends. Learn from them as well,” Queen Tabitha said to Manasye.
“Yes, Queen Mother!” Manasye responded happily.
“Let’s cut chase to the main point,” King Deus finally got to the main topic.
“After hearing the results of your investigation and talking about it with Manasye, I am granting you a royal decree to meet with the divine doctor in order to discuss this topic and for the divine doctor to examine the ancient book.”
As if reading my mind, Queen Tabitha explained.
“He’s an elderly elf that was formerly the esteemed royal doctor here. Ever since retiring, he went to the mountains where he would treat some elves who were desperate. Since he could heal what others couldn’t, he received the title of the divine doctor.”
I nodded.
“And, you know?” Manasye suddenly said with the tone of a child about to tell someone something that they felt was interesting enough.
“He’s one of the oldest elves that are still alive, and one of the wisest! He can cure mysterious diseases and even curses! He is one of the few elves fluent and knowledgeable in the ancient elf language that’s been considered lost. So, I thought he might be able to help us find some information from that book!”
Manasye’s eyes sparkled, it was clear that he had met with the divine doctor and that the divine doctor left a deep and good impression in his mind and heart.
“Curses…,” I first thought of Eneida, before turning my head to Maiara.
But it wouldn’t be wise for me to say anything here. There’s always time and place for everything, but not now.
After that, it was decided that our old party would once more assemble to go and see the said divine doctor.
Just as we were about to be dismissed…
“Uhm… King Father!” Manasye suddenly raised his voice, and flinched a bit upon noticing he was the center of attention.
“Can I come as well?” Manasye asked.
“It’s dangerous,” King Deus quickly responded.
“But, but!! We’re still in the elven kingdom… You’re fine letting Big Sis Phoebe roam around when she was my age, and now she is in another country… Why can’t I do the same? And it’d be safe! My friends and Maiara are going to be with me!” Manasye argued.
“That… is different,” King Deus said.
“But!! But I am also your child! I may not be as strong as Big Sis Phoebe, but I am also your son and the royal family’s child!” Manasye unexpectedly insisted.
“Still!” King Deus didn’t seem like he was willing to compromise.
“Both of you, stop it!!” Queen Tabitha unexpectedly intervened.
She stood up and grabbed King Deus’ shoulders as she said, “Dear, Manasye is right. Being protective is fine, but if you're being too overprotective towards Manasye, you’ll end up harming him instead if you keep this up. Manasye wants it himself. And there are people who can protect him. Why not let him go?”
“.........,” King Deus only went silent before letting out a deep sigh, “You’re right…”
“That’s it, dear!” Queen Tabitha clapped her hands happily and went towards Manasye, grabbing both of his hands.
“You’ve grown, Manasye. But please don’t overdo yourself, alright?” She said gently.
“Yes, Queen Mother! Thank you so much!!” Manasye beamed with happiness.
“Good boy,” Queen Tabitha patted Manasye’s head, and Manasye’s smile was enough to make his eyes turn into a crescent.
Queen Tabitha then walked to Maiara who was standing next to Manasye as she suddenly grabbed her hands.
“Q-queen, I can’t!” Maiara was flustered.
Queen Tabitha chuckled, “Don’t be too stiff. We’ve already considered you a family. And I feel so indebted to you. Thank you for wanting to put up with Manasye for so long and treat him sincerely… as if he’s your own child…”
“I wouldn’t dare! Queen, I am the one who’s indebted to the whole royal family, so it’s my responsibility to return it tenfolds!” Maiara quickly denied it, perhaps not wanting to overstep her boundaries.
“No, I know that you are treating Manasye sincerely with love, and not just out of responsibility. I won’t be angry or jealous. Rather, I am glad that you’re treating him
well. That way, I can feel rest assured of entrusting him to you. I know if something were to happen, you’d prioritize Manasye at all costs. So… This time, please take care of him too, alright?” Queen Tabitha gently said.
“I… It’s my pleasure,” Maiara didn’t resist Queen Tabitha’s kind words and didn’t struggle to get her hands out of Queen Tabitha’s grasp.
From what I saw, it seemed like Queen Tabitha’s grasp was so strong, despite her being the type to look like she was weak…
Queen Tabitha had entered the list of my role models.
Then, Queen Tabitha finally turned to us.
“It’s such a coincidence for our dear Manasye to befriend you guys, but I believe that there are no coincidences in this world. Everything is fated.”
“Your Majesty, your compliment is wasted on us,” Ein knelt and humbly said.
We followed suit after Ein (I tried to grab Carbuncle’s hand and forced her to follow us…).
Queen Tabitha only chuckled and said, “I like all of you more and more! Please take care of Manasye and teach him a lot, okay?”
“Yes, my queen!”
Also, the royal family of Cielle…
To be honest, they were actually this warm… Totally unlike my imagination. I couldn’t see any hint of fakeness during the interactions we’ve had. They even treated Maiara who’s a mere nanny with this much respect and care, and just like what Queen Tabitha said, she was akin to a family member.
But, going back to the topic of the Cielle royal family…
Anyway, putting aside my thoughts of the Cielle royal family, we quickly prepared to do our next mission shortly afterwards, wasting no time at all.