Episode 1

▪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 •

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