"Three days from now, you will leave and go to this place. Do you understand?"

"But mother, do I have to go by myself? How about you?"

The beautiful woman knelt to equal her height with the girl who was staring at her with teary eyes.

"Don't worry, everything is going to be okay."

The girl just nodded while holding back her tears that almost fell. She hugged her mother tightly as if they would be separated forever.

"And don't forget..."

"... to avoid any relationships with nobles."

The bright sun shined through the open window.

"Sister, what are you talking about? Did you have a nightmare?"

A boy stared at the girl who was still laying on her bed.

"Nothing. Then, I'll take a shower first. It looks like it's almost noon, we have to open the shop."

"Move quickly! I have cleaned up the shop... why are you looking at me like that?"

The girl stood up from her bed while smiling to the boy.

"Ah, why are you so stiff? I miss the young one. You were cute and now you look so annoying."

"S-STOP IT! WE ARE ONLY ONE YEAR APART!"

"Whatever, but your voice is so loud."

•••

Year X539

Frarien Empire Castle

Crown Prince's Study Room

"Your Highness Crown Prince, it's been two years. It seems like the third princess died while running away last time."

"There is no corpse of her. She's still alive, somewhere."

"But Your Highness, we also lack information about the princess. The royal portrait had also been burnt out during the last war. The palace maids did not remember the princess, so they too could not help in this investigation."

The man glared at the people who were kneeling before him. His index finger was played on the table like a clang of a clock that rang.

"Your Highness, there is a rumor inside the palace. Before the Frarien Empire came to lay siege to Sireniel Empire, inside the palace there was a blond and blue-eyed angel. She used a black hood and often surrounded the palace at night."

"Then, what does that have to do with what we're looking for?"

"Doesn't the third princess have the same description as the angel?"

The prince stopped his finger on the table.

"Why did she get the nickname angel?"

"They said, the princess often helped the palace maids. She gave medicine, money, and also helped the servants' work. Strangely, they were not curious about the figure. More precisely, they could not remember clearly and were not curious."

"Very interesting. Look for her!"

"As you wish, Your Highness."

Third Princess of Sireniel Empire is the most suitable one to be the empress of Frarien Empire. I'm afraid that Erellan Empire also has the same ambition to look for the lost princess and take over the empire, thought the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness Crown Prince, have you ever seen the third princess before?"

"I don't think so. I never went to Frarien Empire before. I'm afraid the Crown Prince of Erellen Empire is also looking for her."

•••

▪Emeline's POV

Around 3 p.m.

Estelle Cake Shop

"Sis, today there are lots of people who like the new cake. Looks like we have to make it often."

"Really? It turns out that many people like tiramisù. It seems like they can beat the record of cheesecake last week."

My name is Emeline. This year, I will be eighteen years old. I live with a younger brother who is only one year apart to me. His name is Nathan. Our parents died two years ago because of the turmoil in the Empire of Sireniel whose power was taken over by the Frarien Empire which resulted in all members of the royal family being killed.

So far, the condition of Sireniel is not exactly chaotic or peaceful. According to information distributed, a member of the royal family, the third princess, escaped from the palace. Until now, she was still sought and pursued by the empire.

"Emeline, don't you want to work in my family?"

"Don't be like that! Let's just stay in my family, hm?"

"You can't. Don't take Emeline first."

Ah, this happens often.

"I-I'm sorry, ladies. But, I'd better stay in this shop to be fairer. After all, this is the only legacy of our parents."

I also refused with the same words. Not wanting to be arrogant, but I'm quite famous among the nobles and also the common people because of the cake I made. I was often recruited by the nobles, but I refused them.

"Emeline often says the same thing. Right, Nathan?"

"E-eh? Why me?"

"Can't you replace her in this shop?"

"I can't. Only sister can afford it and all the cakes and recipes are made by her. I only help with administration, because she is usually lazy to deal with it."

"Too bad. But just calm down, we will definitely come here often. See you later!"

"Thank you very much, Miss Monnier. See you later," Nathan said, bowing. Nathan seemed overwhelmed by the behavior of noble guests who came to the cake shop.

"Good job, little brother."

"Sis Emeline, can we close the cake shop faster? Looks like I can die quickly at this rate..."

Nathan covered his face with both hands. I felt that his behavior was very cute, it's just that I didn't like it when he behaved too serious.

"Alright then. Besides, you won't die that fast, because I'm still here."

•••

Around 9 p.m.

Emeline and Nathan's Residence

3rd Floor Study Room

"Sis, this is the weekly store record. It seems correct, the cake just sold more than the cheesecake last time. Will it be included in the regular menu?"

"Wait a minute... it seems a bit difficult to find coffee in this area. Besides, I can't even produce large quantities of coffee, because people will be suspicious because coffee is expensive."

People in capital city of Sireniel Empire drink tea more often than coffee. Coffee beans are very hard to get because they have to import from other place.

"Then, does it have to be included in the weekly special only?"

I just nodded. Although it looked promising, it'd be better to close your eyes so people didn't get suspicious.

"Besides, Emeline. Don't we have to go to the temple tomorrow?"

"AH? REALLY? THIS IS FRIDAY?"

I was surprised because tomorrow is my eighteenth birthday. Before my mother died, she left me a message to go to the temple on my eighteenth birthday.

"Hah, how could you forget? We better leave early. I got information that tomorrow, the temple will be crowded and many nobles will come. And moreover..."

"Hmm?"

I tilted my head out of curiosity about Nathan's next words.

"The Crown Prince of Frarien Empire will also visit."

"W-what!? Why all of a sudden?"

I hit the table so hard. I didn't know that the Crown Prince of the Frarien Empire would visit the temple.

"They say they have something to do with a revelation and so forth delivered through the High Priest two years ago. It's just that I don't know what they are. The nobles talked about the same thing when they were at the shop."

Revelation? Is it about the saintess?

"Then we will leave early in the morning. I'm afraid that in the end we will not be allowed into the temple."

"Can you wake up in the morning like that? I can barely count the number of times you wake up before sunrise."

"So cruel! Most important thing, Nathan, you have to wake me up. Tomorrow is a busy day."

"Are we going to go normally or with your way?"

"Just my way. No need to rent a carriage."

"All right, then. I'll go to sleep first."

I nodded. Nathan left the study room and I just stared at the ceiling made of glass, so that the moonlight could enter the room which was only lit by some light. I snapped my fingers so that the light that I had installed earlier immediately died.

"What is this, am I a witch? Why can I use magic, mother?"

Using magic is indeed so comfortable. I could easily move places, make things that don't exist, read minds, heal people, and much more.

"Never tell anybody else that you have this power. But, hmm, just tell Nathan then."

"I remember mother's words."

The thing is, every time I use this power, my right eye turns red and there is a symbol. I've been researching for this symbol long ago and it turns out that there is a connection with the Holy Temple.

I took a deep breath while ruffling my hair. It was almost eighteen years since I was born in this other world. I don't know which planet this is on, but it still seems like Earth.

Before I was born in this world, I had just graduated and suddenly had a plane crash when I wanted to go vacation by myself. Eventually I was reborn and had to live my life from a baby.

"It still doesn't make sense... is it because I read too many stories, huh?"

•••

Around 4 a.m.

Emeline's Birthday

Day 3, Month 5, Year X539

Emeline and Nathan's Residence

2nd floor Living Room

"Sis, do you have to use an eye patch?"

"Oh, right. I almost forgot. By the way, how do I look?"

"Hmmm, it's normal. You have often used black hair and golden eyes. This time you only added the eye patch as usual."

Nathan is really a very stiff kid...

"A-ah, I see. So, you don't want to change the color of your hair or eyes? Unfortunately I can't add your height, huuuu..."

"In the next few months, just look at it, it's you who will face up when talking to me."

I flicked my fingers again to check if the store was locked properly and there were no more gaps that made other people enter.

"Hold on if you want yourself to be in full form ..."

Nathan held the robe I was wearing. I flicked my fingers again and finally we both moved around the temple.

•••

Main Holy Temple of the Sireniel Empire in Capital City

"Bless you. Welcome to the Main Holy Temple. Do you want to pray?" asked a female temple servant at the entrance.

I just nodded and Nathan was behind me.

"Sorry, did you have a sharp weapon? Because the item was not allowed to be brought inside."

"Ah, wait a minute."

I pulled out my small bag which contained small knives. Actually it's only for self defense, but seeing left and right there is a tight guard, it seems I can leave my small bag.

"Nathan, give me your sword too."

Nathan handed over his sword for safekeeping. Besides, if I really need it, I can immediately take it back easily. Indeed this magic power is very comfortable.

"If so, please come inside. The priests and servants of the Holy Temple have finished praying, so the praying room can be used freely by anyone for now."

"Thank you."

Nathan and I entered and I felt a very strange air. Such a feeling that is so familiar. Indeed, this is not the first time I went to the temple, because my mother used to take me once when I was born.

"Ugh..."

"Sis, what's wrong? Why stop?"

Suddenly I felt a tightness in my chest. My head is very sick, as if standing in the middle of a loud market crowd. My power seemed to be being used, because I felt that in my right eye. I didn't even activate it to do something.

"It's okay. Let's just go to the praying room now."

The praying room was so quiet, because there was only me and Nathan. We both set candles while looking left and right where there were many statues of gods and goddesses. They were so familiar in my eyes. We both knelt, closed our eyes and folded our arms.

Hmm? What is this?

"Happy birthday, Clarisse!"

• to be continued •

▪Emeline's POV

Around 4 a.m.

Emeline's Birthday

Day 3, Month 5, Year X539

Main Holy Temple of the Sireniel Empire in Capital City

"Her name is Emeline, not Clarisse."

W-What's wrong? Weren't I in the temple?

"Welcome, Emeline. You must be curious where you are right?"

I nodded. I heard the crowd, but I couldn't see who were talking to me.

"Let's just say you're in another world?"

"I-I-I'm dead again? I was praying inside the temple. And suddenly, where is this actually? What's going on? Who are you?" I asked in panic.

I could still move and strangely Nathan was not with me. The room is empty but illuminated by points of light that are so bright. I seemed to be talking to the light source.

"Wow, Emeline is so impatient..."

"Are you not curious about your strength?"

"You mean, magic power?"

"That is not magic power, but the Holy Power of the Gods and Goddesses."

"But it's the same with magic, right?"

"Holy Power."

"Oh okay."

"Now that you are in another world, it doesn't mean you are dead. Only you can enter this dimension. Actually without calling you here, you can communicate with us. Oh yes, do you know who you are talking to?"

"Gods and Goddesses?"

"Emeline, you're so smart!"

I don't want to argue anymore. They even already told about it indirectly before...

"Do you believe that Vanessa is a Goddess?"

I tilted my head. I can't believe anyone mentioned my mother's name again.

"My mother? I don't know. But, she also has similar power to mine. It's just that, her eyes didn't show symbols like mine. Ah, but I had also seen my mother's eyes glow red and there were symbols."

"Exactly. Vanessa is a Goddess, but she loves humans. She descended from heaven to become a human."

I was somewhat surprised by the statement. It takes time to digest it in one swallow. My mother never talked about her origin. Never talked about the power that I have. On the other hand, I'm also not curious.

"It's only my right eye that glows. Is there a problem?" I asked curiously.

"You are a human and on the other hand inherited the blood and strength from a Goddess. That is the reason. Although your strength is still below to a God or Goddess."

I gradually began to understand. On the other hand, I'm also grateful because only my right eye is glowing, because it would be very troublesome if my two eyes glowed. I thought of something shocking, which I finally understood.

"Don't tell me, the saintess, messenger of god and goddess is me?"

"Didn't you know that since you were a baby? Have you forgotten?"

I ruffled my hair. Everything seems to be clear. Because I can remember my childhood as a baby, I remember my mother once taking me to the temple. However, nothing said about the saintess at that time.

"It was revealed only two years ago, right? Shouldn't it be revealed eighteen years ago?"

"Vanessa asked for that. On the other hand, we gods and goddesses can only help to that extent. We were also very saddened by her departure two years ago."

"Then, she already knew about the war? Then why didn't she run away? I mean, she is a goddess. She could do something. Why did she want me to leave?"

My chest feels very tight. I really want to cry, but I also want to be angry. Angry with my mother who didn't explain anything. I feel that she is very selfish.

"Vanessa just wants you to live freely. That is the reason why you almost never meet people around normally. And also, Vanessa had descended into a human. She had become mortal."

"Why don't you help her? You are her family, right?"

Nobody voiced. The place became very quiet. But, isn't this unfair? I also need an explanation.

"Emeline, Vanessa really wants to help humans. However, everything was so difficult even though she had come down directly. We also told her not to go, but she was very stubborn."

"When you were born, Vanessa also asked for help to keep giving you the divine power of gods and goddesses. That's why we still help you."

I took a deep breath. Indeed, during the war and I was only left with Nathan, this power was very helpful. I would not lie if we could survive because of this power. Do I have to be grateful or even consider this misfortune?

"So, I'm really the saintess? What should I do? I wouldn't be living in a temple, would I?"

"There's no need. You also don't need to meet with the High Priest and explain that you are the saintess. Today the nobles and the Crown Prince of Frarien Empire will come to visit, right? Do you still want to introduce yourself as the saintess?"

I immediately remembered my mother's words not to deal with the nobles, let alone to the imperial family.

"Looks like I understand. They surely believe that the saintess must be from the noble who just has her eighteen birthday, don't they? Then why is it the Crown Prince?"

"Exactly! The Crown Prince wants to make the saintess as his wife. The high nobles of the Empire of Frarien also want to find out and marry her, because they will surely receive great blessings and strength if they marry a saintess."

"A-ah. I'm famous."

"Unfortunately, nobody knows that it's you."

"Thank you. And, are you still with me?"

"Forever, Emeline," they said in unison. Such a short word, gives new hope and enthusiasm.

"Ah, Emeline. You also have to use the earrings given by Vanessa. Did you keep them?"

"Still. But I've never used accessories."

"Ahaha, just calm down. That can help you in controlling your holy power. At least your right eye won't turn red again."

"R-REALLY? I should have known earlier then!"

"Then, let's meet at another time. Emeline, take care of yourself and also around you."

I opened my eyes. I turned left and right.

"Sister, why is it taking so long?" Nathan asked curtly.

"It seems like it will be so long. I'll tell you at home. But I don't think it's that long?"

I stood and sat next to Nathan. I felt that the conversation did not take so long for hours.

"What do you mean by that? I even called a few times, but you didn't answer. You couldn't possibly die in a kneeling position. After all, what did you pray for that long?"

I want to punch him.

"I'll tell you at home later. Can you relax, please?"

"HOW CAN I RELAX?! IT'S ALREADY CROWDED OUTSIDE! THE NOBLES HAVE ALREADY STARTED COMING! NOW IT'S ALMOST EIGHT!"

"Let's go then. It's not good to linger longer."

Nathan and I hurried away from the temple prayer room. The previous quiet alleyway now filled with nobles who came. Among them, there are many girls my age.

"Sis, it seems like there is a saintess among them. The High Priest wants to check whether the blessing is there or not."

"Really? What if it turns out that the saintess is not from nobility?"

I closed my head with a hood of the robe I was wearing. Suddenly someone bumped to me. A little boy.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean it."

I helped the child to stand up.

Even though he is a nobleman, isn't he apologizing too fast?

I knelt on one leg to match the child's height. His face was wet with sweat and tears.

"What's wrong? Are you lost? Or are you hurt?"

The boy just nodded while wringing his own fingers.

"I am not a bad person. You hurt your hand. Wait a minute..."

I pulled out a handkerchief that I kept in my pant's pocket.

I gave a blessing on the handkerchief. I rubbed his injured hand and his face.

"E-eh? Are you an angel? The wound on my hand has healed!"

"Shhh! Later the wound will reappear if you speak too loud."

The boy nodded many times. The handkerchief has the blessing of being able to heal wounds and soothe a sad heart. Though the effect won't say so long.

"Can I bring this handkerchief? I want to give it to my mother! Mother was injured when she got off the carriage this morning, even though she helped me who almost fell. Now I want to bring this handkerchief."

"Please, just bring it. Don't tell them that it's me who gave this to you. Just say as you said before, angel."

I patted his head. He is a small and innocent boy. It doesn't hurt to help a noble like him, right?

"I go first, see you little brother!"

Nathan looked horrified at my previous treatment of the little boy.

"You say an angel? So childish."

"Whatever, whatever. Nathan, please bring my small bag as well as your sword. I'll wait in the alley earlier."

"Okay, lazy sister."

Calm down Emeline, calm down.

• to be continued* •