Yearning For Familial Love

Chapter Nine: Nicole's Tea Party

[Nicole]

Chapter Nine:
Nicole's Tea Party

************************************

To be clear, I didn't want this reincarnation business... Yuri scoffed when I told her as such. After a long argument, she admitted it was too late. Once awakened, she only has a little time to converse with her chosen. before dumping them here in her world. Usually she grants a wish... The only thing that came to mind was freedom. I had no desire for magic or even an interest in gaining any power, be it political or physical.

I certainly didn't want a clingy twin sister... She lights up at the sight of me. Regardless of my efforts to drive her away, the naive girl just keeps coming back. I almost felt bad about hurting her all the time. But it's the only way to get her to leave me alone. I know firsthand that getting close to family is a bad idea.

I was relieved when she did eventually take the hint. Finally, I was able to live my life in peace. That was until the garden accident. At this time, I'd just remastered my speech skills, so I took the opportunity to cut off any chance of us becoming close. I challenged her position as the crowned princess. I thought that even a young child would cling to a position of power, but instead she offered it willingly. In an attempt to reconcile with me...

More disturbingly, I realized late in the conversation that we were speaking in the wrong language for this world... As I thought about it, I decided not to question it. I truly don't want to know if she's like me...

When she said she didn't want the crown, I thought, It's got to be a trick. Then I realized that if I'm not careful, she may dump it on me. It's disturbing to think that, at such a tender age, she's already plotting to use me. It's clear I must avoid suggesting interest in the crown; that's much too complicated of a life for me.

I learned the hard way in the early years that I'm immortal in this life. Rena (my nanny) found me squashed by the bookcases. I had been practicing a defensive spell. when I lost control and knocked them over. Fortunately for me, Mr. Goodwin caught my useless twin, whom he instantly blamed. This incident taught me that we share the same magical signature.

Which made her a perfect scapegoat, as I definitely wasn't about to fess up and get banned. Being immortal makes it even more pressing. that I learn to defend myself. It still hurts, even though you can't die.

In my first life, it was a car, then in this one, a bookcase. I really don't want to experience such things again.

As much as I despise her, the fact that Cleo is so persistent does make me feel bad at times. I've allowed more tea parties. Partly out of guilt but also because I realized. I can use her to get the peaceful freedom I desire. Just as my family tried to do with me. I can manipulate her if needed. All I've got to do is play along for now.

Unfortunately, this business of arranged marriages is still a problem in this world. Though the reasons are slightly different, it doesn't change the reality of it.

When I met Aeric, I was planning on being polite, as he also did not have a say in this. Except, well, he immediately seemed determined to bait me into taking his life. To think such a small child could be so... awful, all I was trying to do is ease the tension in the air...

He cut me off between his sips of tea and said, "Ladies should be seen, not heard."

Rena saved his life by managing to flee with him before I could strike. while the guards blocked my path. I, of course, was scolded, though it was clear that Rena's heart wasn't in it this time. Cleo came to me out of worry. It was sweet in its own way, though the subject of her tea time came up.

This naive little girl questioned what the tea party was about and why she must go. But I couldn't bring myself to explain; I just smiled and said, "You will find out tomorrow." After all, she has a long time before she needs to fully understand. Also, I hate to influence her only for it to make her life worse in the long run... Well, if I'm not getting anything out of it, that is, don't think for a second that I care about this brat.

Though it's hard not to empathize, given that we are in basically the same situation, Well, besides the fact that she's got a title that will make her inherit the second most powerful title in the kingdom.

I hope you enjoyed!
************************************
[End of Chapter]