Chapter 38: Chapter 30: Shameless Flirt

Echoes of Fire and Shadows

Chapter 30: Shameless Flirt

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 I was sitting in the back of a carriage, contemplating my Status.

(Sigh…) I sighed internally as I looked at the troublesome title that was added…

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STATUS

Name: Julius / Crux Navar

Race: Human

Age: 9 years old 

Ability Points: 3,174 points

Titles: Reincarnator(?) / Transmigrator(?) / Novice Lady Killer / Experienced Goblin Slayer / Experienced Hunter / Skilled Chef / Skilled Weapon Master / Renowned Soap Artisan / Juli NEW!  / 'Humie' of the Fairy Princess NEW!  / Shameless Flirt NEW! 

Jobs: Unemployed

Level: 17 

EXP: 6,401/ 8,975

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Attributes

• HP: 1,568 (224 → 1,568)
• MP: 5,464 (601 → 5,464)
• DEX: 410 NEW!
• STR: 499 (77 → 499)
• VIT:  950 (200 → 950)
• DEF: 160 (40 → 160)
• RES: 175 (31 → 175)
• LUCK: 102 (56 → 102)
• SPD: 541 (60 → 541)
• INT: 198 (149 → 198)

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Common Skills 

• Appraisal / Level 3
• Charm / Level 3
• Cooking / Level 9 ↑ LEVEL UP!
• Enhance Mind / Level 5 
• Hunting / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL! 
• Riding / Level 4
• Stealth / Level 7

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Combat

• Archery / Level 9 ↑ LEVEL UP!
• Armed Combat: Daggers / Level 8
• Armed Combat: Scythes / Level 2
• Fighting Spirit / Level 3
• Spearmanship / Level 3
• Swordsmanship / Level 9
• Throwing Weapons: Chakrams / Level 6
• Throwing Weapons: Knives / Level 6
• Unarmed Combat / Level 7

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Magic

• Mana Manipulation / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
• Mana Perception / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
• Magic: Earth Element / Level 9 ↑ LEVEL UP!
• Magic: Fire Element / Level 7
• Magic: Wind Element / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
• Magic: Water Element / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
• Magic: Light Element / Level 8
• Magic: Dark Element / Level 4 

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Resistances

• Charm Resist / Level 5
• Elemental Resistance: Earth / Level 3
• Elemental Resistance: Fire / Level 6
• Elemental Resistance: Wind / Level 9
• Elemental Resistance: Water / Level 7
• Elemental Resistance: Light / Level 6
• Elemental Resistance: Dark / Level 3 
• Pain Resist / Level 7
• Paralysis Resist / Level 3
• Poison Resist / Level 2 

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Crafting

• Accessory Making / Level 4
• Alchemy / Level 4
• Construction / Level 6
• Magic Tool Creation / Level 1
• Smithing  / Level 1
• Soap Making / Level 10 - MAX LEVEL!
• Tailoring / Level 2
• Woodworking / Level 3

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The Status Window has changed a bit over the years, but it is still the same good ol' classic blue screen. The Status Screen is now a little bit longer since my skills are now divided into categories and some of those skills have even changed their names, but they are essentially the same skills.

The status window now shows the amount of EXP I have, the amount of EXP I need to level up and it shows my dexterity as a stat.

The system actually implemented the changes I suggested, and it was quite surprising for me when I woke up one morning and those things were there.

Anyway… I have evidently put quite a bit of effort in the last three years, so much so that I was able to reach Level 17 last year.

That means that I'm just 3 levels shy of the level limit for children below ten years of age. 

I wish I could say that I reached the limit, but unfortunately, I seem to have hit a huge developmental wall as I haven't been able to gain any experience points in the last 4 months even after hunting tons of goblins and other monsters…

Both my dad and Auntie say that I'll eventually break through that wall if I continue to train like I usually do, so I'm not too concerned about it.

On the contrary… Even with this developmental wall on my way, I'm confident in my current strength.

It really might not seem like it thanks to my childish appearance and the beating I took from Auntie this morning but I'm quite strong!

I have raised the levels and even maxed out a few of my skills! I also got a few random skills of some hobbies I picked. 

Not to mention that my lowest stat is in the hundreds and the highest is in the thousands! That is the result of all the hard work I had to put into my training! 

It was all true what Lia said about the value of training instead of just leveling up all those years ago.

There’s also the fact that I have a ton of Ability Points that I don’t know how to use yet… Lia simply told me to save as many of them as I possibly can since they will be useful in the future, apparently.

I’m still curious about what they do… I think have a vague idea of what they do, though.

Anyway, it is needless to say that I'm quite excited to put myself to the test at the tournament! 

Putting aside those adventurers I beat when I first visited Norvek, I have never actually fought anyone other than my dad and my Auntie, so I actually don't have a standard to measure what is the normal level of strength is in this world… 

Still, the students of the academy that Marina is attending supposedly will be the future elites of this country, so my expectations are high.

Hmmm… It seems I rambled quite a bit…

Anyhow, my new troublesome title… I am apparently a Shameless Flirt for complimenting and telling Liliana, Luna, Mia, and Leaf what I think of them…

I literally just told them what I like about their smiles! And that I love Mia, but that is beside the point!

…

Sigh…

How am I supposed to look both of my mothers in the eyes now!? I absolutely cannot let them even get a single glance at my Status!

(Oh don't be so dramatic!) Thiasis was very amused. (If anything, the two of them will probably be overjoyed since they are going to get grandkids sooner!) She said with a teasing tone.

(Hey, I'm not even 10 years old yet… Can you at least let me enjoy my childhood before giving me some imaginary children?) I replied with a flat tone.

(In any case, you were really cool back there!) Thiasis complimented me and ignored what I said. (It seems like I have a future heartbreaker in my hands~.) She was making fun of me.

(I'm not going to break anyone's heart!) I shouted in my mind.

(That's a lie if I ever heard one! Right now, you're just a cute and adorable kid, but I'm certain that you'll grow up to be an incredibly handsome Lady Killer!) Thiasis seemed to be convinced of what she said…

(Thiasis… Just because I have that stupid title it doesn't mean I'll go around breaking women's hearts, especially when I have someone like Mia by my side.) I said with annoyance.

(Riiiiight~. Whatever makes you feel better, my little heartbreaker~.) She seemed to be having way too much fun teasing me.

(Whatever…) I tried to ignore her.

Sigh… I was genuinely over the moon when I told Mia what I felt for her. Seriously, I had only felt like that when Claire and I got together back in my previous life.

Unfortunately, my happiness merely lasted a few seconds thanks to a certain mechanical voice who announced my 'achievement'...

(In any case… Thank you for helping me today…) I thanked her while feeling a bit embarrassed thanks to what had happened.

(You know you don't need to thank me~. Knowing that you're happy is enough payment for me!) Thiasis replied excitedly.

You see… After I was suddenly tackled by Mia while on my way back to the village, I decided to listen to Thiasis' advice and just confess to her.

As expected, I was a bit overwhelmed and nervous at first, and it took me a bit of self-convincing, but I managed to gather the courage to confess.

Everything was going fine until the poor Leaf started crying and Mia also started crying after her…

Comforting them both was not particularly fun… Thank Lia that both Liliana and Luna had arrived, otherwise, I might have started crying too…

Then, after I was able to calm them both with the help of my sisters and the advice of Thiasis, I just had to dig myself into a hole by saying out loud what I was thinking about Mia at that moment…

Something which led my sisters and even Leaf to ask me for compliments and what I thought about their smiles. All of that while I was deeply embarrassed about what I had said about Mia a few moments prior…

But thanks to Thiasis and her godlike moral support, I was able to get myself out of that situation just by being honest with them and I was even able to gather the courage to say "screw it" and confess to Mia once again.

I didn't get a response though, but I have the feeling that things went pretty well.

"Julius! Jeez! Are you even there!? Don't ignore me!" A small white-haired fairy suddenly appeared right in front of me.

"Leaf? For how long have you been in front of me?" I tilted my head.

"Ever since the carriage stopped moving… You have been ignoring me the entire way here!" Leaf pouted in a very adorable manner.

What Leaf had said was true… The carriage not only had stopped, but we were right in front of our house…

As I looked around, I saw that Mia was sitting on my right, holding my hand tightly while smiling meekly, then sitting on my left was Luna, holding my other hand who was looking up at the sky while looking a bit flustered and finally Liliana, who was sitting on Luna's left with her arms crossed and looking extremely satisfied.

All three of them seemed to be lost in their own little worlds, just like I was a few moments ago.

I decided to let them be since they looked quite happy, and focused on the annoyed fairy in front of me.

"I'm sorry… I was talk- I mean, I was really lost in thought…" I smiled wryly after I apologized. "And you should know that I would never ignore you, Leaf." I said with confidence.

"You mean it…?" She tried to pretend that she was angry, but the little smile on her face was not very convincing.

"Of course, I'm your humie after all." I nodded and smiled back at her.

(See? You're already on your way to becoming a total heartbreaker!) Thiasis whispered in my mind with a lot of amusement.

(...) I was clearly annoyed., but chose not to say anything back.

"Hmmm…" She leaned closer to me and narrowed her eyes. "Okay, I forgive you!" She immediately hugged my cheek while she had a wide innocent smile on her face.

"Thank you for your forgiveness." I kept smiling at Leaf while ignoring the antics of the Goddess I follow.

"Hehehe~!" Leaf simply giggled in response.

I simply enjoyed the cuteness of the little fairy in front of me until I heard the sound of the door of the carriage being opened.

“It seems that you’re as lively as usual.” A familiar deep voice spoke to us… “Then that should mean that you’re prepared for our usual lessons, I hope.” That voice belonged to my professor of etiquette and Marina’s butler, Tian Sebas.

He gracefully and quickly walked over to us and stood in front of me before bowing politely.

The years have been very kind for the old butler. At first sight, he seems to be no older than sixty years of age, but in reality, he is apparently in his eighties… 

As unbelievable as it sounds, he told me his age once. Lia told me once that humans in this world actually have a higher life expectancy compared to the ones on Earth. Something which was quite surprising and reassuring to learn about…

Anyway…

The only proof of the real age of Professor Tian are his perfectly combed short white hair and also his sharp brown eyes, which carry the weight of decades of life experience. 

Despite his age, he moves with the vigor and energy of a young man… No… You could even say that he could put some of them to shame thanks to how much energy he has…

"I do! I have been practicing very meticulously ever since our last lesson." I quickly jumped from where I was seated, and as soon as I landed, I bowed to my teacher. "It is a pleasure to receive you again in our humble village, Professor Tian." I said to him while I bowed.

"Your back looks too stiff, and your arms are in an odd position… You look like a headless monkey instead of a dignified friend of a future empress." He immediately criticized my bow…

"Ugh…" I groaned as I realized my mistake.

Sheesh… Even though I have been practicing this for a month, I still messed up huh…

That's another thing about him… He's a really really really strict teacher… I remember that I once rolled on the ground laughing when he told me his name and said that he would be my teacher… Yeah, if I could go back in time, I would slap myself and warn me about this old man… Not because I'm scared of him or anything like that, on the contrary, it is because I respect him a lot.

He takes etiquette and manners very seriously and won't accept anything other than perfection… It was pretty difficult to get used to him as a teacher, but I can't deny that he's a damn good one, even if he's harsh sometimes.

His explanations are short and concise, and he won't hold back his tongue whenever you make a mistake, but that just motivates me more, you know?"

 "We clearly need to work on that in the next few weeks." He nodded to himself.

"Wait… Next few weeks? Are you staying that long? That's unusual." I narrowed my eyes.

Usually, when he comes to deliver Marina's letters and to teach me, he stays for a day or two, maybe three, but that's it.

"Indeed. The reason for my extended stay is that Lady Eliana has assigned me the task of escorting you and your family to the capital and to ensure that your manners are perfect for the tournament." He replied with his usual politeness.

"I see. That would make sense." I nodded to myself. "I'm looking forward to your classes, professor." I replied in the same polite tone he used.

"Good. We will start by reviewing everything from scratch later in the day." He seemed pleased. "Well? Are you going to introduce yourself, little one? And what about you, young ladies? It is considered pretty rude to not greet a guest." He looked at Leaf who was still attached to my cheek and then at my sisters and Mia, who were all still at the back of the carriage.

As soon as he said that, I heard several panicked murmurs coming from behind me.

"He's staying for weeks!? We might have to postpone tonight's plan! We absolutely cannot do anything if Professor Tian is around!" I heard Liliana muttering about something strange.

"Why? I don't think he would say or do anything against it." Mia said with amusement.

“Don’t you remember that he thinks that sudden announcements at the dinner table are tasteless!? He’ll get mad and will interrupt us before we can actually confess!” I could barely hear about half of what Liliana had said thanks to fast she was whispering to Mia…

Tonight's plan? Were they planning a surprise party or something…? No, she just said ‘announcement’... What do they want to announce then?

“Right… He’s really strict about manners at the dinner table… But what are you going to do now? I won’t be waiting for you for another three years… I’m not gonna hold back! ” Mia nodded in agreement.

“We’ll find a solution, okay!?” Liliana seemed a little bit pissed off

"Sshh! You two, he's going to hear you!" Luna shushed our older sister and Mia.

(Sigh… A pity. It would have been very entertaining to see your face after their announcement, Julius.) Thiasis sounded very disappointed.

(On that, we both agree.) Lia suddenly joined in. (Now we will have to wait…) She was also very disappointed.

Both of them seemed to know about what my sisters were talking about. I obviously decided to ask them about it.

(Can I get some clarity please?) I asked.

(Julius, women have their secrets, okay? You'll find out when the time comes.) Both Lia and Thiasis spoke in unison.

(Umm… Okay?) I was confused.

What was that all about? I wonder what my sisters and Mia are secretly planning to announce that even Lia is not willing to tell me…

This smells fishy…

"Nice to meet you, I'm Leaf! I am Juli's best friend!" Leaf suddenly flew away from me and imitated the way I bowed to my professor.

"I see. I am very pleased to meet you, little one." The professor acknowledged her and bowed as well.

"Professor Tian, it is a pleasure to see you." Liliana, Luna, and Mia all jumped from the carriage and walked up until they were right beside me.

All three of them grabbed the tips of their coats, just as if they were wearing dresses, and bowed to our professor.

Of course, all three of them had been learning etiquette with me and Professor Tian since our parents thought it would help us in the future. 

I have to agree with them since nobility is a thing here, so it is great to know how to deal with those of ‘higher’ standing than me. 

My sisters and Mia have been doing great with their lessons. I, on the other hand,  have been having more trouble than them… All because the manners in this country are very different from the manners that I used when I was living as the prince of all demon-kind…

Even after three years of studying, I’m having trouble learning. The fact that I’m also recovering the memories as Crux doesn’t help either…

The only solution is to keep practicing, unfortunately.

"You three have certainly improved, good job." The professor bowed yet again and sounded pleased. "Still, there are many things that you could improve if you wish to keep being friends with her highness." He said.

Hahaha… He's still strict as usual even when giving compliments…

"Oh! Speaking of Marina, did she write us any letters!?" Liliana asked with excitement.

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"Indeed. As always, she wrote a letter for each of you." He nodded and his hand went into his shirt pocket. "Unfortunately, she wrote the letters before the date of the tournament was changed and I was already out of the capital on another assignment when the news reached me. For that, I apologize." He was apologetic as he showed us four letters that were in his pocket.

"That's a bit unfortunate then…" Luna said while being understanding. "I would still like to read it, of course." She held up her hands to receive her letter.

"Very well, I will hand out each letter in order." The old butler said.

"I wonder what's she's up to!" Mia stood beside Luna and imitated her.

"Hey, you two! We still need to talk about…-" Liliana ran up to them and wrapped her arms around their necks. I couldn't hear the rest of their sentence as she started whispering to both Luna and Mia.

Seriously, what are they hiding?

(Julius, don't dwell too much into it, okay? I will only tell you that it is something guaranteed to make you unbelievably happy!) Thiasis was still covering for them.

(Something guaranteed to make me happy?) I said to Thiasis as I got lost in thought.

Hmmm… There are many things that they could do to make me happy… Sharing sweets with me, spending time with me, giving me a gift, a hug would work too, and even talking for a while about magic would do… 

But they already do all of that with me… 

But an announcement at dinner… Ugh… I can’t think of something that they could announce that would make me happy… 

Hmmm…! 

Perhaps it is about Mia is going to say that she loves me back? I mean, I already know that she does and there’s no real reason for that to be a secret announcement… It would be nice and embarrassing for her to say that in front of our parents, but I don’t think that’s what they are going to announce…

Maybe they are going to tell our parents that I said that I love Mia? It wouldn’t be a far-fetched idea for them to do so, but to keep something like that as a secret? Yeah, I don’t think it is about that either…

It is settled… I don’t have the slightest clue about what they are planning to announce…

(Can I get another hint?) I asked the Goddess after overthinking things for a while.

(Nope! You already got plenty to figure it out, you little heartbreaker~. So I guess you will just have to wait!) She said with a teasing tone.

(C'mon! Just a little hint! I'll solve this mystery on my own, I swear!) I pleaded with her.

(Julius, as a woman I have to protect their secret. If you keep insisting on this, I will have to tell them and your mom about your hideout!) Thiasis threatened me with a friendly tone.

As soon as my brain registered those words, I felt chills down my spine.

(On second thought, we all have our little secrets, don't we?) I immediately relented.

Seriously… What the heck are they hiding!? I'm genuinely getting scared now…

(Indeed, we all have our dirty little secrets, right~?) She agreed. (Anyhow, you just need to wait patiently and you'll be happier than ever before~!) She was extremely excited about this secret announcement…

(That feels like an ominous premonition for some reason…) I was obviously concerned.

Before Lia could give me a reply, an envelope was placed in my hand, it was a letter. The envelope was sealed with red wax and stamped with the emblem of the Royal Family.

"And lastly, your letter." The professor patted my shoulder for a second as he handed over the letter to me.

As I looked to the sides, not only did I notice that my sisters and Mia already got their letters, they were already reading them. Even Leaf had flown over to them and was seemingly reading with Luna.

"You have my gratitude." I tried to bow to my teacher while being mindful of the position of my arms and that my back wasn't as stiff as my previous attempt…

"This attempt is certainly better than the last, but you still need to practice more." He nodded with satisfaction to acknowledge my efforts. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I will go and take my belongings to my usual lodging and then I will have a talk with your parents about the schedule of the trip." The professor said before walking back towards the door of the carriage.

He opened the door and got into the carriage, but he stopped right before the door was fully closed.

"We will see each other later in the day for our lessons. We have a lot of things to study before the tournament." With those final departing words, he closed the door and the carriage started moving forward towards the stables.

I stared at the carriage for a few seconds before focusing on the letter in my hands.

"Might as well read it while having a snack and some tea…" I mumbled.

Man, I miss coffee… Sigh…

Yep… After three years (almost ten years technically) in this world, I still haven't found any coffee… It is not like I have gone out of the village to search for some, but every single merchant that I have asked about this wonderful delicacy didn’t know about it, so the only assumption I can make is that it hasn’t been discovered yet… 

Everything about this topic is simply depressing… Sigh…

While I was having little success remembering the glorious taste of my favorite hot drink and being depressed about not being able to have it, Liliana walked over to me with a big smile on her face.

"Julius, we're gonna go to Mia's house and have a girl's talk, okay? Do you mind if Leaf comes with us?" She asked happily before giving me a hug.

"We'll take good care of her!" Luna also approached us. She seemed very eager to go have their secret talk.

I couldn't help but look at them with curiosity and suspicion thanks to what Lia had told me before.

I was about to ask my sisters what they were up, but I stopped myself as I heard an echo of Thiasis' previous threat in my mind.

(Julius, what did I just say to you?) I wasn't hearing things, she was actually talking to me with the terrifying yet friendly tone from before…

"As long as Leaf is on board with it, it is fine by me..." Cold sweat started streaming down my back while I nodded vigorously.

(Secret!? What secret!? I didn't ask them anything!) I tried to play it cool in order to not provoke the wrath of the Goddess.

(Good boy~.) She was pleased. (Girls don't like impatient guys, so you better just sit down tight and wait for them to tell you, okay?) I didn't need to physically see her to know that she was smiling menacingly.

Umm… Thiasis can be a bit terrifying when she wants to be, doesn't she…? I'm really glad that both Lia and Thiasis are my friends…

I think it would be better to not tempt my luck further… Divine retribution ain’t no joke…

"You're acting a bit weird, Julius…" Liliana backed off and narrowed her eyes. "Are you okay?" She asked.

“Yeah, you look kinda spooked…” Luna was concerned.

"Yes! Totally fine! Everything is great!" I nodded vigorously.

I, of course, couldn’t tell them that I had just been threatened by a goddess who was guarding their secret… 

"Okay…?" Liliana was not very convinced by my acting.

“Are you sure?” Luna was not convinced either.

“Absolutely!” I nodded again.

“Alrighty then…” Liliana just shrugged.

“If you say so…” Luna seemed to be worried about me.

"Let's get going! I wanna have some snacks and get to know all of you!" Leaf said with increasing excitement. "I'll be away for a while, Juli! Don't miss me too much!" Leaf flew over to me and winked at me. She had a joyful expression on her face.

“I’m really happy about becoming your friend, Leaf!” Liliana suddenly started poking Leaf’s belly with her little finger.

“Me too!” Luna nodded vigorously. “There’s a lot of things I want to ask you about your home and the other fairies!” She got closer to Leaf and started patting her head.

“Okay! I really like you too! Juli’s sisters are really nice to me!” Leaf smiled innocently. She seemed to be enjoying being pampered by my sisters.

“Aaawww!” Both of my sisters were melting thanks to the cuteness of the adorable fairy.

I mean, I understand how they feel, Leaf is incredibly adorable. I’m really glad that they like her… I knew from the beginning that they would like her, but I’m still glad.

In the end, both of my sisters simply stood there pampering Leaf and playing around with her for a while until they actually took her away into Mia’s house.

“Well, I guess I should get going too…” I mumbled to myself.

Before I could make my way back home, I noticed that someone was still nearby.

“What happened, Mia? Why didn’t you go inside with my sisters?” I quickly approached her.

She was restlessly playing with the corner of the letter she was holding. Her face was painted in a deep red color, almost the same shade as her lovely hair. Her captivating deep blue eyes were looking at mine very intently.

“...” Mia was completely silent. She was smiling meekly just like when we were in the carriage.

Holy crap! She’s super cute!

Of course, after seeing how cute she looked, I just couldn’t resist teasing her…

“Could it be that you actually wanted to stay with me?” I smiled at her.

“M-M-Maybe...” Her face got even redder as she got closer to me and grabbed my hand. “Do you really love me…?” She suddenly asked. She was nervous and embarrassed, but she didn’t avert her gaze.

“Of course I do!” I said without any hesitation. “Do you think I would lie to you about something so important? I mean, it should be obvious since we are getting married in the future.” I held her hand tightly and reassured her.

“I know you wouldn’t… Your honesty is one of the many things I love about you, after all!” Her eyes immediately sparkled with happiness while looking at me. Her gorgeous smile made my heart jump…

“Is that so? What else do you love about me?” I asked Mia while getting lost in her almost angelic eyes.

“Hmmm~? Do you really want to know~?” Mia brought my hand closer to her face and then pushed it against her cheek.

“Nothing would make me happier.” I couldn’t help but smile and blush thanks to how ecstatic this situation made me.

“Hmmhmm~.” Mia started humming happily as a response.

“So, you’re not gonna tell me?” I pretended to have a sad look on my face.

“If I had to say… I obviously love everything about you! You’re my Beloved Prince after all~.” Mia stuck out her tongue to tease me.

“Hehe. It has been a while since the last time you called me that, you Romance Addicted Rabbit.” I let out a chuckle before teasing her back.

“Meanie! You know it makes me embarrassed to be called that! It reminds me of my dark past!” She started pouting.

“And how do you think it made me feel when you first called me your Beloved Prince? I think it is only fair that you’d let me call you that.” I continued to tease her.

“Please pick another nickname…” She vigorously shook her head.

Cute… It is really cute that she’s so embarrassed about that nickname.

“Alright! Then how about… My Fluffy-Eared Princess?” I said to Mia with a silly smile on my face.

“Jeeez! Take this seriously!” She gently smacked my arm while she was on the verge of giggling.

Damn… Flirting with the one you like really is something else! I had almost forgotten how good this feels.

“Mia! Are you done flirting already!? We can hear all of that cheesy stuff from your here!” Liliana shouted at us… She was poking her head out through the window. “C’mon! You lovebirds flirt every single day, we have a lot of important things to talk about!” She retreated inside as quickly as she had appeared.

Thank you, sis…

“That killed the mood… Seriously, I might need to teach a lesson to my dear older sister…” I was peeved.

“Yeah… It did…” Mia also looked mildly annoyed.

“Wanna steal all of her candy? I know where she hides her stash.” I already had plans to get revenge.

“Oho! Count me in for that!” Mia had a mischievous smile on her face.

My vengeance shall be swift and merciless! Liliana will not know…-

While I was lost in thought again, Mia suddenly took a step forward and grabbed my cheeks, pulling me closer to her…

“I love you too, Julius!” She whispered in my ear in the most cheeky tone I had ever heard in my life.

Her words and her beautiful voice almost made my heart skip a beat.

“Thank you for coming into my life, my prince~.” She said before giving me a peck on the cheek. “See you later!” She quickly backed away from me and then ran into her house at an inhuman speed.

She just left me there, with a racing heartbeat, my words stuck in my throat, and a silly grin on my face. I was sure that I was also blushing…

Truly… I had not felt this happy in years… But… That happiness then became a bittersweet feeling in my chest…

My memories from Earth came flooding in as I stood there watching the door of Mia’s house.

Memories of my biological parents, my aunt and uncle (who later became my adoptive parents), my adoptive sisters, my best friend Chris, and finally, Claire, the girl I thought I was gonna marry…

There were many beautiful memories as well as many terrible ones from my previous life… I was certain that, although my life on Earth was short and tragic, I lived a good life there.

I cannot say that I do not feel regret for leaving all the people I loved behind, but I am happy that I came into this world, even with the circumstances behind my reincarnation…

I will avenge the loss of my previous life, but I will move on. I will move on while treasuring the memories of those I left behind.

“I’m moving on… I hope that all of you are living the great happy lives that you all deserve… I pray that you all didn’t cry many tears about my death and… Claire, I’m sorry for leaving you like that… From the bottom of my heart, I hope that you can find someone that makes you as happy as you made me…” I mumbled a prayer directed to the family I had left behind.

I stared at the sky for a few moments and smiled.

“They are a strong bunch. I’m sure that they are already moving on as well.” It made my heart ache to say such a thing, but that was truly the best for all of us… To move on with our lives.

And I will continue to move without forgetting my objective…. Making Agmos pay for his crimes and for what he did to me.

(...) 

For a brief moment, I thought that I had felt Lia’s presence in my mind… I don’t know why, but I could feel regret and sadness in our connection…

“Hmmm… It must have been my imagination…” I shrugged. “Well, let’s see what my other self-proclaimed best friend is up to.” After having an emotional moment with myself, I started walking back towards my house.

---

Chapter 30: Shameless Flirt

END

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