Chapter 566: Forgotten Memories

'I turned ten, well, I'd like to think so. My body, my memories, they're all jumbled up. I remember dying, being assaulted, then transported inside a tube, and then reawaken. People say I'm a princess, they act like I'm a princess, and in all sense of the word, I'm a princess. My face isn't the same, I remember being part of an adventuring party. Enrolled at a school, I met many people and did many things. Was I reincarnated or saved; I don't know. Father Staxius, lady Auic, and Avon took care of me. It's been a few years since then, my memories are slowly returning. Servants take care of me, I've grown fond of my retainers, handsome folks. I still don't believe I'm a princess, I've lived my whole life as one, it's second nature. For a thirteen-year-old… not bad, I think. This new life is a blessing; I'm going to cherish it the best I can.' 

The day always began with Seiran parting the curtains. Life now, after abdicating claims to the throne, was very much lavish. Per the good faith of her aunt, Lizzie returned to her 'home' a castle given by her late father. A memorial grave with Lizzie amidst the garden. '-I knew it,' thought she on the days running about the property. Time was mostly spent playing the piano. Memories from the previous life slowly added over time until fully grasping the mind.

The troubling flashes and dreams would soon conclude on a particular day. All went on as usual, Seiran came to wake the princess. Breakfast was served by Rosetta, Rile and Laurance were out in town. Laura jumped about to clean the furniture from the never-ending fall of dust. 

Food laid on the large table, eating alone didn't bother much. A vintage radio always had music adding to the atmosphere. Training one's ear was best done early, said one of her many tutors.

Gates to the mansion opened, Seiran and Rosetta hastily made for the porch. '-a visitor?' she ate without indifferent to the ordeal. She had been very melancholic during the past few days. Laura concluded it is puberty whilst Seiran argue it was pressure from leaving her lady mother. None consulted her during said time, Rile and Laurance gladly spoke and kept company. Word of warning from the ladies had them tread lightly. 

'My friends,' thought she, '-they're always trying to keep me happy. Protecting me and my future. They're my family. Lady Mother never truly enjoyed my company, her eyes, always fixed on the path ahead. Father Staxius died, or so what big sister Eira and Lord Lucifer said. Brother Julius argued a lot to mother – fighting and crying, I don't understand it or didn't want to understand. My plate is full as is, memories of a past life, and complication from mother. I don't resent anyone, I'm grateful for this life of comfort. Who would have known, a gutter rat suddenly became a princess. His blood flows through my veins, I can take comfort in that.' 

A car noisily halted at the porch. Murmurs exchanged into steps leading towards the dining hall. 'Who's the new guest?' she glanced over, '-I don't.' 

"Good morning Princess," gestured Igna, "-I came to pay a visit."

"F-father?" 

"My lady," interjected Rosetta, "-please, keep your wits about you."

"Don't worry," said he to the head-maid, "-it's quite alright. Might I take the princess on a little promenade?"

"Sure," she smiled. Seiran crawled about the shadows, her piercing stare spoke volumes. Laura waited at the other end of the corridor murderously. 

"Let's go then," said Lizzie hastily taking his arms.

"If it's not much trouble," stopped at the entrance, "-could you take care of my companion here." 

"You're leaving me alone?" she exclaimed.

"Not alone," a playful tap on the head, "-the maids here are graceful and considerate. A nightwalker, a demi-human, and an arachnid." 

*Cough,* "-p-please, we'll do as is needed."

The situation wasn't much to speak of. Laura took to Celina, Seiran and Rosetta stood in the kitchen. "Are you sure we shouldn't guard the princess?" asked Seiran rather crudely.

"No, leave them be," said she operating the station, "-Igna Haggard's family." The tone implicated another matter, '-how does he know so much. Our race, the way he threatened without an expression. The air emanating feels so much like him. I wonder, is our master back, or is he just a copy?'

"Whatever you say," said Seiran, "-the resemblance to King Staxius is uncanny."

"Not just the resemblance," said she under her breath.

"Pardon?"

"Nothing much," she pointed to spices, "-was asking for pepper."

"Alright." 

Flowers, butterflies flapping from one to another. With a hint of fragrance, the garden stood bigger than memory served. More plants were displayed, all carefully labeled and cared for by Laura. The memorial serenely rested at the center. The treelined walls spread upwards to shield the inside. The expansive plot of land and higher stature built the façade of being alone and tranquil. The well-built noble district blushed inactivity, parties, and functions organized by bored nobles.

Soon seated, "might I ask a question?" inquired Lizzie swaying her feet upon a raindrop-shaped swing. 

"Go on," returned he observing the premises. 

"Not a question, more of a story," her fingers twirled, the swing swayed.

"I'm all ears."

"There was once a girl, left alone in a world in arms. People fought and did battle many times. She did battle too, fighting against the world to stay alive. Then, one day, a certain man entered her life, he leaped from a window to break apart a fight. Not for the sake of justice… instead, it was to argue about losing sleep. The girl wanted death, she gave up until the man took her in. There on, she grew accustomed to the ways of the party and was happy. Regret brought her savior back, he vowed to make her his daughter. The duo led a pretty nice life, things were looking up until the day the girl was kidnapped."

"The girl died," interjected Igna, "-The worthless savior did naught. The girl died with the hope of being rescued. Then and there, the trauma broke what little semblance of humanity remained. However, as fate would have it, another opportunity presented itself. To have the girl be saved and return as his daughter, as a princess, and as someone he cared about."

"So…" soft fingers interlocked with his, "-you knew, didn't you," looking up, "-Staxius, it's you."

"Yes," he knelt, "-the memories are slowly returning?" he wiped her watery cheeks. 

"No," her head shook, "-they've fully returned," no warning, she jumped into a tight embrace. Off-balance, he tipped backward and landed onto the dirtied stone path.

"Careful," remarked he whilst patting her back.

"Yeah, yeah," she breathed softly, "-I don't get it." Settled on her knees, "-what happened next?"

"I don't know," shrugged he, "-Lizzie, to be fair, I don't remember much. I know I died and got reincarnated as Igna Haggard, the nephew of Staxius Haggard. I know right, confusing." 

"Your uncle is yourself?" the puffed cheeks crinkled at her nose, "-yes?"

"Stop that," he poked her forehead to which her face relaxed, "-things are changed, it's a new world, a new life, and a fresh start. A family is waiting inside, Rile, Laurance, Rosetta, Seiran, and Laura, they all care. Besides, the brilliant pianist of Arda made her name in the world of classical music. I'm proud, truly."

"Well, it's not like I did it for you," she pouted.

"Good, you're not related to me anymore. Be what you wish to be, I'll do my best to ensure the future ahead."

"What do you mean?" she pinched his cheeks.

"What I said, I'll do my best," coldly watching her curious expression, "-are you done playing?"

"Sorry. So slumped and emotionless, I thought it was a mask." 

"Not a mask," he stood,"-time's running late."

"Hey," she tugged, "-what about us, what are we now?"

"Cousins?" he shrugged; "-I don't know. You're Lizzie, I'm Igna, nothing more, nothing less. Works with you?"

"Fine."

"By the way, do try to be the gentle thirteen-year-old princess."

"Whatever," she refuted the jestful comment. 

The past coincided with a present to affect the future. Many people of interest, those who once shared a deep bond with Staxius, knew it in their hearts, Igna was the king. The awakening of the Death element made it so. Even if the truth got out, there was no way to prove it. 

"Princess Lizzie," called Rile, "-we're back."

"Rile, Laurance, welcome back."

"Highness," said Rile, "-we've brought the records." Suspicion rose at the guest.

"Highness," said Laurance effortlessly stood to shield, "-go to your room."

"Oh please," said she running back to Igna, "-Brother Igna is a good person." The ruckus felt more of an argument through the walls. Seiran spared no time in making for the front door. Rosetta followed closely behind.

"Gracious me," said he, "-do try and hide the belligerent aura. Rile and Laurance, jealousy is a good trait in mild increments. There are many who'd think to take offense," the tone deepened, "-be mindful. Princess Lizzie's reputation and safety are on thy shoulders."

Celina's smaller stature swam across the maids, "-Igna, let's go!" 

"Rosetta, is Void still around?"

"Void?" she squinted.

"Yes, the black car."

"Ohh," back to her senses, "-yes, it's in the garage alongside Red-Fury."

"Good," he nodded, "-I'll be taking Void."

"You can't," interjected Laurance.

"Why not," he displayed the noble-crest, "-I'm Igna Haggard, son of the head of the family. What is here is my property as well."

"But-" 

"-Laurance," voiced Lizzie, "-that will be enough. Brother Igna, do as pleased." 

Laura reluctantly showed him to the car. Celina watched with a rather ignorant look. A press of a button had the gates lift.

"Young master, mind I speak a few words of caution?"

"Go ahead," said he in anticipation.

"Void is a car usable by a certain man. He's long gone, the car won't react to anyone else. The same goes for Red-Fury, ever since Princess Eira moved to Arda, they've remained dormant."

"Laura, there's no cause for concern." The garage fully opened; the two majestic beauties stood side by side. No matter the vehicle, Void held a special place. 

'Since joining with Origin, I feel more and more like myself. Igna's personality doesn't seem to cloud my judgment. The complexities, such a troublesome existence. Wait, is it maybe that his persona was also taken after the link. Regardless, I like who I am now, a better version of myself.' From the hood to the back, the body's unique shape reminded of a sharpened blade. 

"Here are the keys," said Seiran.

"Right," the beast toggled by a flash. The leathery interior and complex-looking driver's seat stood strong over the years. The maids cleaned it regularly, that much was apparent. Seat belt locked, hands on the steering wheel, '-alright then,' he smiled, '-take my mana.' 

"AFR connected," said Éclair, "-Void is the perfect host for a spirit. Tis scary how smoothly the connection went."

"It was host to a spirit named Avon," the reserves filled. '-My mana capacity isn't much to speak of.' *Mana Control: Regeneration,* '-I'll just take the mana outside.' 

Thus, without another word said, Celina jumped into the passenger seat, and off they were. The black car soon returned to Lai where Julius worked. 

Part of him forced the reunion. Void's handling and speed felt right. Anything owned prior couldn't compare to said beast. The streets trembled by the roar. Time showed 08:45, the destination – Gnah's University. 

"Bad news," reported Éclair, "-Princess Eira is on the move. Lord Lucifer's holding a conference later today. From what I gathered, the airport is getting ready for the departure of a noble. Law enforcement in Alphia is ready to welcome someone of high birth." 

"I see," paused at the intersection, '-we can't allow Arda to form an alliance with Alphia. Things are bound to get hard. What to do, what to do. The assignment is to take control of Eira. Maybe it's better to let her fly for Alphia, if push comes to shove, we can always shoot her out of the sky. Éclair's jet is ready to fight.'