'My head hurts, what happened? Wasn't I shot in the head? Huh? Why do I feel so small? Eh?! A ten-year-old body, am I back or is God tricking me? Argh, too many questions in my head. Too noisy...'

"Ah, my lady! You're awake, are you hurt? Are you alright?"

'So noisy...oh it's Kevin.'

"Can you be quieter? I just woke up, what date is it?"

"In the imperial calendar it's year 370 my lady. Why? It was your tenth birthday yesterday. Have you forgotten that you fell in the lake?"

'Oh right, that incident. I got accused of stealing a toy of another child and ended up as me pushed down the lake looking like I fell by myself. What an idiot I was.'

"Enough of that, help me change i'm going to see father."

'The lady seems a little out of it. Did she hit her head? Oh dear what do we do if the grand duke finds out the lady is acting strange. She also talks a bit too maturely.'

Yeridia Scarlett Aurelia, daughter of the Grand Duke and Duchess Aurelia, was considered a genius all her life. Well, in both her lives. Previously she has ranked top of the class in school with flying colors at a young age. She has also learned a good deal of languages both ancient and modern. When she turned thirteen, she mastered her martial arts and was gifted a dagger by the emperor. In other people's eyes, she was a perfect lady.

'I think i'm little too calm for someone who was able to survive a reborn. In my past life, my death was horrible. After being abused to the point of no recovery, I was shot dead in the head. How bothersome. Why did I come back? Was it because I haven't completed my mission? Did I do something?'

"My dear, what's on your mind. Do you want me to buy a new toy?" Her father, grand duke Aurelia, is quite the man. He used to go around and wander in bars but when he met her mother the grand duchess, he immediately fell inlove and decided to change.

"I don't want one father. I wanted to ask something. May I have your and mother's permission to learn martial arts and alike?"

"Of course dear, whatever you want but your still a kid. How on earth do you know such things?" The duke was curious of this sudden interest.

"I just dreamt of something last night." 'Though it wasn't really a dream.'

"Alright, you may start preparing and I'll get to you later this-"

"I would like to study alone father."

"Alright," followed by a sigh.

[Yeridia Scarlett's POV]

I'm now on my own wondering how the h*ck I was reborn. Atleast ten years earlier than my death and eight years earlier than my capturing. How unfortunate for my dear brother. In my last life I was an untamed killer who kills anything and anyone who gets in my way. Because of this I was locked up by my brother unknown to our parents. Ah, come to think of it there was something that kept me sane. Right, the d*mn diamond. In this life, do I have to meet him too? I also killed that b*stard in my past life. 'Sigh' I guess I'll just kill him once more.

[In the afternoon]

"My sis is really cute and small. Even while sleeping. Right Kevin?," an excited voice was let loose.

"I couldn't agree more my lord."

'Argh, noisy...wait is this my brother's hand?'

"Brother?," a child's voice clearly stated as she rubbed her eyes.

"Yeah Yeri, it's your dear brother, Owen."

'The boy in front of me is my brother. The person who locked me up in ny past life because of a killing spree I had in another Empire. Though I dearly loved him, his subordiantes took it as an opportunity to abuse me physically and mentally without him knowing. And the diamond I thought of earlier was embedded inside a simple white gold ring that I had been given after I killed that man. It was reinforced by a spell that can soothe my bloodlust. How fortunate for them and not for myself. I wanna go for a spree after I restore my abilities in this life. Will that take long?'

"Sis, anything bothering you?"

"Oh, nothing brother. How was your school? I heard you got a high rank in your class."

"Of course I did. I am the best after all."

"Hahaha, I missed you bro," a murmur came out of Yeridia's mouth.

"What?"

"Nothing, come join me take a picnic outside. I missed being normal."

"Uh, did you hit your head yesterday?"

"Nope, I'm totally fine."

[Yeri's POV]

It's been around 3 months ever since my reborn. I have once again attempted to strengthen my own abilities but won't be able to use them since everyone sees me as my ten-year-old self. Rather than being horrified, my family found it amusing at how 'fast' I am maturing though I am already twenty-two years old sincerely speaking.

Today is an unordinary day since me and my brother is called for an audience from the emperor. I actually hate that old man. All he thinks about is his concubines. Come to think of it, he was one of the favored princes given he is to be crowned at the age of sixteen. Atleast four years from now.

...

"Lady Yeridia Scarlett Aurelia and Lord Owen Neil Aurelia has arrived," announced by the guards.

"We greet Your Majesty, Sun of the Empire," said in unison by Yeri and Owen.

"Please take a seat. I have called for both of you for a reason I feel I need to tell you both."

'Ah yes. The Hunting Season.'

"As you may know, the Hunting Season is now nearing atleast three days from now. I want both of you to participate. Do you find my request reasonable?," followed by an icy glare by the Emperor.

"Pardon me Your Highnesses, but my sister is only ten years old and I fear she might faint at just the sight of the grounds," Owen replied through his gritted teeth.

'In my last life, he replied those same words.'

The Hunting Season is not your ordinary event. This isn't where you simply hunt down animals as prey. Rather, you include people as well. Yes, it is correct. Live. Human. Beings.

"Your Majesty, I would like to give my own opinion on this matter." 'First, let's change my future with this simple conversation. After all, I do quite miss the sight of blood.'

Yeri smirked at the thought.

"Go on."

"As I am young and, forgive me if I use the wrong word, unknowledgable I would still like to participate and learn more of this event. This is a humble request since I am to take care of the Empire in the future."

"How impudent! What does that mean young lady?! Are you saying i'm already incapable of ruling?"

It was obvious the Emperor catches on rather quick.

"As a citizen and daughter of the Grand Duke, I am obligated to take care of the Empire and the Duchy alongside my brother. Was I not?"

Owen flinched at her sister's words. Was this really the shy little girl who was brave but quiet? As for the Emperor, he was also taken aback from her words and apologized for his sudden impulse.

This discussion continued for almost an hour without anyone even noticing a young prince listening to them through the walls behind the throne. He was the young man Yeri has been wary of.

...

"How could you suddenly say that Yeri?," an overprotective brother snapped as they got home back in the mansion.

"Because I could say it?" This was hinted with a bit of sarcasm if one pay's attention on how she said it.

"What am I going to do with you," a sigh came from her brother.

"Nothing really. Father and mother knows of this already. There is no need to fret."

Yeri knew her brother was beginning to suspect her.

"Brother...do you want to know of the dream I had after the lake incident?," Yeri clenched her fists.

"I do...does that have anything to do with all of this?," Owen answered cautiously.

"Yes. Let's go to my room."

Owen curiously treaded behind her. When they had reached, she locked the door and started.

"I'm only saying a few points. Listen closely. In my so called dream, I was an uncontrolled killer. That was not the cause of my downfall. After I killed Li- someone important, I was given something very precious. A diamond ring that had a spell that helped me be sane. The reason I was like that was because it was part of the fight for the throne and revenge. I know how I said it is not really organized, but I do hope you understand a little." Yeri patiently waited for an answer.

"So in short, you became a madwoman in your dream because of revenge and you need a diamond thinggy to be sane and this dream proved that you had to be more reserved and mature now in 'this life' and you want to change that so called 'future' of yours? Did I sum it up correctly?"

"Yes. You did. The hunting event is only an excuse of mine to improve my skills even with a small and delicate body of mine."

"Alright. Sounds crazy but ok. If you need assistance call for me. I'll be processing this in my head for a bit. Rest well."

...

'Strange indeed. I get why people are somehow intrigued by my mannerism as of now.'

As what was stated earlier, the event also supports the killing spree concept. It involved humans. The good news was it didn't claim innocent lives. Only those who are due that date to be executed are involved. This has been a part of the Hunting Season ever since the third emperor ruled. He thought of it as a better way to execute people. They become the 'prey'.

'Hmm...it's rather amusing to see a ten-year-old going around killing right? Let's have fun for now before the set tragedies. It's going to be a long week.'

It's been three days since the children was called by the Emperor. Today is when the event shall take place. Yeri starts to look around to see if he is around.

Since she is basically still a child, she is only obligated to watch how this event unravels rather than participating. Though we all know it, she is going to participate.

"Yeri, over here." Owen starts to wave his hand as soon as he saw his sister alongside their mother.

"Manners dear. Manners."

Duchess Aurelia is a strict but loving mother to her children. She is a daughter of the count and she fell in love with the grand duke only after a lot of persuading and courting. Just how she always says, 'Effort is needed for what you want to achieve.'

"Sorry mother. I'll keep that in mind. Now, if you'll excuse me and Yeri, we'll now be going. Thank you."

"Eh...kids," followed a hopeful sigh. The duchess watched as Yeri was dragged away by Owen.

"What is it bro?," Yeri's eyes were filled with confusion.

"How are you going to participate in the competition if you're so tiny and you sound like a kid? People will recognize and talk about you," Owen was expressing his worries while walking back and forth.

"Bro have you forgotten?"

"What?"

Yeri held up a small bottle that had a tag tied to it.

"What in the heavens?! How on earth did you get that?"

"Oh brother. Your hopeless."

Owen could see the disappointed look on his sister's face and realized that he himself gave that to her on her birthday.

"Oh right, hehe... you're welcome?," followed by an apologetic look from him.

The bottle, or rather, the pill bottle Yeri was holding was made by their second cousin. The court mage. It's purpose was to help the person who took the pills become older or younger than their current age. If you took one, you become older and if you take two, you become younger. Since Yeri wanted to look amd sound like an adult, she only needed to take one pill. The effect lasts for fifteen hours.

"Uhm, do you have an armor sis?"

"Yes, I prepared it the other day. It won't hide my face entirely but it can manage."

'What really was that dream...she seems like an adult now.'

Yeri could feel her brother's gaze drilling into the back of her head

"Stop staring bro or do you wanna see me change?," Yeri then let out a soft chuckle at how flustered her brother got.

"N-no, sorry!"

Just like that, Owen dashed off.

...

"The Emperor and Empress has now arrived. Make way!"

"Greetings your Majesties, the sun and moon of the Arrod Empire. Peace be upon you and the land."

'Quite a boring greeting, over and over. Repeatedly said without even knowing if one is truly wishing that.' Yeri has now changed into her armor. Her long light brown hair can be seen by the sides of her helmet. Her armor fit perfectly over her now adult body.

"Let us not give way to the start of this grand and exclusive event of this year's Hunting Season. May you all bring glory to each household you originate in. I officially welcome you to this year's competition!" There were cheers from the crowd.

Though her parents know that she will be wandering the garden, the duchess can't keep herself still at the thought of suddenly losing her daughter while the event is ongoing.

"Owen, go find your sister."

"Please don't worry yourself mother, I left her in the garden just now. She is completely alright." 'And crazy too, how did I even wind up agreeing again?'

"Fine, make sure to check on her once more after a few minutes."

"Yes mother."

...

'It's only been four hours. I missed this. No restrictions. No rules. I'm free to move around. I even hunted seven foxes, six rabbits and oh, four wild boars. Hmm, they go all in this year. Not my business. It's now time for my main event, those useless pieces of sh*t. Just thinking about it makes me wanna laugh out loud.'

"Yeridia Scarlett Aurelia."

'Hmm?! Th-this voice...it can't be-"