Reincarnated: An Anti-Tryhard Tale

02 / Here Come Nonexistent Trust Issues

Epione's POV, a time skip into 7 years later.

The palace bustled around with glee, embodying the flamboyant streamers and balloons set in the usually stoic abode. Servants and guards alike all donned grins from ear-to-ear, merrily inciting words of joy. Citizens put up azure ribbons as they celebrated both their princess's birthday and their most sacred holiday, the Ascension of Gods.

One would presume that the jolly vibes made their way to the celebrant herself, but that's where they'd find themselves off target. And whereas some may think blessed for having a grand birthday, I thought otherwise.

I heaved deeply as I lazed under the sunlight. I was currently sprawled across the castle rooftop in a desperate attempt to clear my thoughts. It was only the break of dawn yet I was already stifling my growing desire to doze. Recalling how giddy everyone else was, I refuse to believe I'm the only one who's indifferent.

I'm grateful, truly. Having everyone cheer and thank you for being born was euphoric. The thought of your existence being gratifying instilled a sense of belonging. Even so, it's in that sense that one would feel small. Like the world was caving in on you and you were but a speck of dust. I say it's exhilarating. But Brother often reminds me that not everyone has as much adrenaline as I do, so suffocating would be the right term.

Color me conceited, I'll accept the names. Back in my past life, I was born to an average family. We lived off of minimum wage salaries, giving us enough per se, but I knew that our enough was never enough. For my once broke ass to whine about riches is ironic. It just goes to show how much I've moved on. Anyhoo, I shouldn't get too ahead of myself. It's not like they're only celebrating my birthday anyway. It was the Ascension of Gods, or in other words, Nesta and Aecyl's too.

With my hair spread out around me topped with my silk nightgown, and adding the rising sun overhead on top of that, I was quite the picturesque scene. Pushing my petite build up, I took four steps forward and let the morning breeze waltz through. "What if I just...jumped?"

Obviously I wouldn't. I've already died once, and if not for my superficial luck, that would've been the end of my supreme reign. Nevertheless I should really be more careful of what I say. There are people who care for me now, least I could do is look after my wellbeing. Such as my brother, who quickly pulled me into his embrace following the careless remark. "What are you doing here?"

"Don't say such things." He fiddled around with my locks as he planted a soft kiss on my forehead. Burying my head in his chest, I hid my grin. "I didn't mean it."

"Pray not." Cephalus Reese Étienne, Crown Prince of Glaciose. My older brother. To this day, our first meeting still lingers on my mind for an unhealthy amount of times.

I remember it vividly. I was five years old at the time and had heard a one too many rumours surrounding my supposed brother. Regardless of his age, he was known to be intimidating and ice cold, befitting of his status as future emperor. Mom and Dad told me that he was sent to a specialized program for magic training at age two, as expected from an overpowered royal. Anyway, this led to us never meeting.

To be frank, if not for the portraits and the novel, I would've doubted his existence. And although he was my brother, he was still dear Ivory's love interest. Needless to say, I didn't want anything to do with him.

But fate walks down anfractuous paths, as do I. Our encounter was set in stone so I should've known. Because on a deceivingly regular day, as I was enjoying my array of cakes, he showed up out of nowhere. He randomly pointed his finger at me and teared up. As a result, I aborted my plan to ignore him as panic devoured me. Frantic, I offered him to join me for my afternoon snack.