A Twist of Fate

Evaine

Time-skip to four years

Four years had passed and somehow, I had gotten used to my small body, it also felt good to be cared for once more. Back in my old life, it was only me and my mum, and she died before I could even turn fifteen. I had to look after myself then and live on the small inheritance mum left me. Although I had some friends, it still felt kind of lonely sometimes, going home to an empty house.

I was lucky enough to be born to loving and caring parents in this life. They provided me with all my needs and maybe spoiled me a bit in the process since I was their only child. Eventually, I even got to comfortably call them mom and dad, even if I was probably close to the same age as they are. It was weird at first, but I brushed it off, and plus they regarded me as their own daughter. They were kind and patient with me, and they usually made time despite their classes, mom actually took a year off from teaching when I was born – or perhaps reborn in my case.

Both Mom and Dad were scholar mages and conjurers who taught at Xyrus Academy, but that didn't mean they weren't any good at combat. My dad, Len Miren, was already at the light-yellow stage of his mana core and wielded two elements to boot, fire, and wind. I got my violet eyes from him, though mine were a bit lighter and they sometimes took on a silvery-lavender hue. He was rather too serious and mostly kept a stoic face, mom was usually the only one who could get a good reaction out of him. In comparison, my mom, Kahoku, was cheery and bubbly. She always kept a smile on her face for me and dad. I was her little junior as I inherited her straight strawberry blonde hair and breezy smile. Kahoku Miren, or Kaho as dad would endearingly call mom, had a solid yellow mana core and was a healer skilled in the element of water.

Secretly, I wished that I had more time with my parents in my new life. I wanted to experience the things I never got to do with my own mum. My father had never been in the picture, and mum told me he died when I was still a baby. There were no pictures of him at all, but mum said I took after his midnight black hair and blood-red eyes. Since I never really knew my father before and I never really had a complete family, this was all kind of new to me.

I just hoped that the fates would be kinder to me this time around and would let me keep this life.

Thankfully, my parents here were strong. I was such a wimp in my past life and if not for Grey teaching me a few self-defense moves, I'd be hopeless. But both mom and dad were excellent fighters and somehow, I wanted to be as strong as them, especially now that I have the chance to truly learn combat.

From what I had learned, my parents used to be adventurers when they were younger, and sometimes, they still went out of the academy and would spend a day or two adventuring in the dungeons. During those times, I was left at the Helsteas for playdates with their daughter, Lilia. My parents were good friends with the Helsteas and growing up we often frequented their mansion for tea and chit chats.

Lilia and I, well, we eventually became close friends too.

*****

"Lilia!" I rushed to hug the younger girl. Okay, I know I'm supposed to be the older, mature one, but well I'm in a child's body, I should make loads of friends, right?!

LIES, that's what Grey would probably say if he were here right now. And I hate to admit it but it's actually true, I um, I do like giving hugs. The library staff at the palace usually had no choice as I greeted them with morning hugs.

"Evy! Good morning!" The brunette awkwardly returned my embrace.

"What do you want to do today, Lilia?"

"Mother and father bought me a new doll and dollhouse. Do you want to play with me?"

"Sure!"

Back in my past life, I never owned a dollhouse, I don't even recall having playmates. Our little house was stacked with books - dusty old novels, musty parchment, and bits of paper and ink littered from the small living room all the way to mum's bedroom. Somehow, all my life revolved around words and books back then. But this time around, I intend to change that and make the most out of this new life given to me.