Piece 20 (part 1)

Demonic Reincarnation…?

I… don't even know what that is.

"W-What is that?" I asked out of genuine confusion, but the old knight isn't going to be the one telling me. 

Instead, another knight next to him stepped forward, and I recognized him to be the younger talented knight that was once Sir Marvel's opponent in the spar earlier. The two of them seemed to be here for this precise moment, to investigate me. 

"A 'Demonic Reincarnation' is an event that involves the return of a very powerful being or deity, as they are reborn inside the body of another. The powerful being or deity would cast a powerful reincarnation magic, which will allow them to die and be reborn within a different body that was just born, or babies."

The young talented knight who I remembered to be a Vice Captain explained to me what a demonic reincarnation is, and I can already tell that it's a load of bullshit. Still, such a thing can be used as a reason to investigate stuff, so I can understand their perspective towards me.

"The perfect example is the rumored demonic reincarnation that occurred not too long ago that involves the most powerful man in the whole continent. The Death Knight of Veldonia."

… eh?

That's… huh?

That's Dad. The Death Knight of Veldonia is Dad.

"T-The Death Knight of Veldonia…?" I echoed the name, and the younger knight noticed my reaction.

"It was just a rumor. But, his strength should already be the living proof that he was indeed a reincarnated deity. I'm sure you've learned from the history books regarding how powerful the Death Knight is."

Y-Yeah… I think I'm well aware of Dad's accomplishments.

But, a reincarnated god? Dad? I'm not really sure about that…

"And now, we suspect that you have a similar case. From the description given by my three students, plus young master Jeremy himself, the way you fight seemed far too clean and experienced for a seven year old." The old knight took over the conversation, and I turned my attention back to him.

"So… just because I'm stronger than your students, you're suspecting me of being a reincarnated deity…?" I basically summarized what this whole situation was about, and everyone can definitely tell how stupid it sounds.

The old man, however, seemed to be very certain.

"I truly wish that we're wrong as well. However, we have learned from history about what could happen if we ignore such presences. Another Death Knight could appear in the world, and we'd like to learn about their existence early.

I wish you'd comply, young miss. If you can prove us wrong, then we'll leave all of this behind." The old knight offered, and I only took out a smirk on them.

They are not gonna release me after they investigate. Because once they learned about my true identity, they will for sure do everything in their power to keep me at bay. As Mom and Dad have already mentioned, everyone in this continent will not so easily accept us as a nation right away. They will do everything in their power to stop us from standing back up.

"I'm afraid I must deny." I said to them with confidence, and the old knight looked quite surprised.

He sharpened his eyes once more, and I realized his suspicion had risen.

"And why are you declining?"

"I believe I have the right to decline such a fairytale accusation. A god reincarnating as a mere commoner? Are you kidding me? I didn't suffer my whole life just to grow up and have people pointing fingers at me calling me a demon.

If I was a god and I were to reincarnate, I'd be a god damn princess of an empire. Why would I be some random girl who runs a diner alongside her grandmother all alone?"

I explained to them about my life, my situation, and just how nonsensical it was for them to accuse me of such things. And hearing my words, the old man only looked really terrified.

"Don't tell me you people haven't done a background check on me…" I asked with such an annoyed tone, but the old knight cleared his throat.

"We… have not learned much about your life outside of school. Certainly, a deity being would not reincarnate themselves to have such a difficult life. However, that still doesn't explain how you are stronger than my students." The old knight asked again, but I just shook my head.

"Just because I'm poor doesn't mean I don't have a teacher… Look, can you please just accept that your students are lackluster? Look at them. They lost a school fight and sent the military to deal with the girl who beat them." I once again turned the tide, and the old knight let out a sigh while shaking his head.

"It seems like you're eloquent with your words. The past four years haven't been about nothing for you, has it, Milly?"

From the back, a child slipped past the line of knights and arrived right next to the old knight. Sir Marvel turned his confused gaze to Jeremy who has stepped forward, but the confidence in his face only tells me that we're not close to being done.

"What proof do you have that can void you from the accusation?" Jeremy asked with confidence, but I only returned with a confident answer.

"None, because the accusation itself is baseless. What proof do YOU have for accusing me of being a reincarnated deity?"

"The fact that both your parents magically came back to life? If I'm not wrong, you're an orphan. Aren't you, Milly?"

Jeremy's words quickly startled the knights, and I realized that my true opponent in this room is him, not the old knight. He is the reason why I'm in this situation, and I can't help but get really agitated for no reason.

"Oi… Jeremy. I let your ass go many years ago because I thought you'd behave. I didn't beat you up after Roy tried fighting with you, even though Roy personally asked me to. And you're only brave enough to look for trouble now? When you have an entire fleet of knights backing you?"

"And I have no shame. After all, what I'm facing isn't a twelve year old girl who is in her sixth year of elementary school. I'd bring an entire army if I could.

Admit it. You're not human, aren't you Milly?"

Haa~, how annoying.

What should I do? Should I just let them know that I'm the princess? Should I fight them and make an enemy out of everyone that I know in Cytus?

I just… don't know what to do now.

"Well, young miss? Do you mind answering?" The old knight supported Jeremy, but I'm already cornered in my thoughts. I don't know how to convince them that I'm not some reincarnated demon without revealing my identity, so I'm not entirely sure what to do.

"I'm…"

"Time's up." From the side, Roy spoke as he lifted his body away from the wall.

All the attention has turned to him, and Roy seemed to be smiling about something. He didn't look at me, but instead kept his gaze locked towards Jeremy and the old knight.

"It's been a pleasure doing business with you, Jeremy. However, I must break the agreement for personal reasons." Roy said as he lifted his right hand, and I did not notice him holding that item.

It's… a stick? A pencil? What is that? It has a red button at the top.

The old knight quickly realized what Roy was holding, and his eyes were opened widely. He quickly grabbed hold of Jeremy who was right next to him, and his mouth was opened widely.

"EVERYBODY GET DOWN!!!!" The old knight shouted, but I'm still not too sure what's going on.

I turned my gaze back to Roy, and I realized he had finally turned his smile to me. However, the smile on his face only showed regret.

"I'm sorry… Milly."

Roy...

You...--

TICK!!!!

Without realizing, everything around us has turned blinding. A loud sound has completely deafened my ears, and my eyes were fully blinded by the flash of light. My entire body felt punched around powerfully from below, and I can only tell what I'm experiencing right now a few seconds after.

It's… an explosion from below.