Chapter 35: Tasianna’s Story.

Chapter 35: Tasianna’s Story.

The world we live in is called Peolynca. The meaning behind this name comes from the lingua franca of this world, the common tongue. It means "Our home".

A long time ago, before the sentient beings of today were born, the world was filled and covered with a special energy that we call mana now. This power can be used by the many creatures of this world to perform magical phenomenon, that only the powerful and gifted were able to do.

As civilizations started to be established, four races have emerged from the struggle of power: The Humans, the Elves, the Dwarves and the Beastmen confederation.

All of them had different cultures and strengths but it was undeniable to them that only those that could use magic were blessed to become the strongest.

However, life wasnt fair for two races of this quartet.

The Dwarves with their hardy body strengthened by all the mana in the air could only store and discharge mana through brute force. While they could easily contest with the fighters of the other races, they were never able to participate in magic battles, for they are unable to create the magic circles needed to cast spells.

The Beastmen are a race of half-humans and half-monsters that were born through the union between them. Human society considered this a vile act and ostracized the progenitors of this race from society, even banishing the mothers of this new race.

Through this union, most beastmen were only able to hold limited amounts of mana in their body but were instead blessed with the monster features of their monster fathers. Due to the discrimination, races like Leonids, Foxians, Wolfkins, and many more beastmen variations joined together to stand tall against their human cousins.

However, despite the dwarves hardiness and the beastmens confederation, they couldnt contest with the other two.

They were still weaker than the mass population of humans and their trained mages; and the elves and their elite warriors and mages that have developed and trained for years due to their long lifespan.

That was the status quo until the Origin Gods appeared.

They established the System and allowed all living beings access to it. The dwarves were able to use this new system to better themselves as warriors and craftsmen, the beastmen could alleviate their low mana capacity and were able to finally train magicians, while the elves continued to better themselves even further with the System.

With the appearance of the gods, also came the birth of the first Demonkin. This race is also considered beastmen, but their union was between demons. Through their demon ancestry, they possessed strong magic and strength.

The humans, however, were left behind. While all races and monsters benefitted from the System, humans were the ones that benefited the least.

The beastmen had higher physical parameters, the dwarves were able to use the System to help them construct and create many powerful weapons and tools, the elves having longer lifespan could use their wisdom to outsmart and outlive any human.

Even with their high population growth, humans were not able to catch up with the rest of the developing races.

With the System, quality beats quantity.

An elite squadron of elf magicians would annihilate a human army with magic, while human armies couldnt contest against the technological development of the dwarves.

In their desperation, the humans found a way to close in the power gap between the dwarves and the beastmen. A vile and cruel act of ingenuity that forever marked the human races in the books of historyas the cause for the War for the Faefolk.

The Faefolk are beings of pure mana. While other races bled blood, we Faefolk bled mana. Our lives were entirely dependent on the mana in our bodies and we would die if it ever depleted.

Fairies and Spirits are among the most common Faefolk.

The idea that humans have thought up was to use faefolk as fuel for mana batteries. Mana batteries are a creation of the dwarves that uses an Arcanite as the core of the tool.

Arcanites are special minerals that can absorb and store mana for a prolonged time. That was why mana batteries were perfect for manatech.

However, once the mana in the mana batteries was used, they had to be refueled. The amount of mana needed to fuel all the manatech that human society used was too much for their magicians to use.

That was when the Humans had the idea to rework the dwarven mana batteries into one that suited their needs more. The original dwarven version only consumed mana when the donator was willing, but these ones could forcefully take it.

Beings made of pure mana cannot accumulate arcane corruption and can continuously use mana without any risk of death.

However, Fairies can regenerate their mana much faster than the other Faefolks. The number of fairies caught for human greed was devastating. As more fairies were caught, the number of human mana batteries produced increased.

These are primarily used by trainee magicians to level up their skills. With the batteries as an outside source for mana, humans have been able to establish the much-needed foundation to develop any fledgling mage, until this day.

Mana batteries were also used as an alternative energy source for the many manatech inventions that the dwarves made, usually unable to be used by the humans lack of talent in controlling mana compared to a dwarf.

This was what I heard that happened before I was born but fairies and other faefolk were hunted down by human hunters, which reduced our population greatly.

Fairies are born randomly from mana, which doesnt happen very often. Luckily, we fairies maintained a very pleasant relationship with the elves, who look at us favorably as we are a race watched over by our patron goddess Zephira, the Goddess of Winds.

As time went by, the friction between the elves and the humans exploded into what is now known as the War for the Faefolk. The elves called for their allies, the dwarves, and together they fought against the humans, leading to an overwhelming victory for the Elf and Dwarf alliance.

Consequently, it was decided that certified dwarven smiths were the only ones allowed to produce a mana battery. The Humans were further punished by being forbidden from entering the elven kingdom and the fairy village, ever again.

Many fairy hunters and those that allowed it were judged by the elven court and severely punished under the laws of the elves.

This was long ago in history, but even now neither elves nor faefolk were able to reconcile with the current generations of humans. Only the dwarves have mended human relationships.

Normally, fairies are born without families and are inducted as a new member of our village, becoming our family. Fairies that are granted by the System with a title that designated them like royalty, are all related to each other by mana.The inaugural upload of this chapter took place via N0v3l-B1n.

[Princess], [Prince], [King], [Queen]; these are the titles that the gods grant to people that belong to royalty. This is a god granted title, so nobody can argue against the legitimacy of that persons lineage.

I was an attendant for a newly born fairy princess. I was not a guard, but I still had to learn magic to aid in my princess's daily life.

The life of fairies is carefree and filled with celebrations and playing, so why was this necessary?

You are an attendant and you must take care of your mistress, seriously, those were the words of my seniors. Being serious goes against a fairys nature, but everybody serving the royal family had to overcome it.

My family name, Silverpond, comes from a family that has served the royal family since it was first established. I wanted to make sure that my adopted family was proud of me, so I did my best to follow what they told me.

It was hard to change my nature, so the other attendants scolded me for it. I was making progress, so I thought it was alright. I had fun spending my time with the princess, so I was content with everything that was going.

Until a certain day.

Tasianna, lets go into the forest, my Princess said during a peaceful day like always.

The forest?" I looked at her while preparing tea. But Princess Schuri, we arent allowed to go outside the village.

Schuri Estria Iggdrasyl. That was the name of the princess that I serve.

But I want to go out. I saw the other children bringing back pretty flowers from the forest. I want to see them, she urged me as any other child would.

Then Ill ask a few of those children to bring us a few when

No! I want to see them in the forest, before I could finish speaking, I was interrupted by Princess Schuri.

Fairies are known to be cheery but mischievous faefolk, and that is especially true for the newly born ones.

I understood what Princess Schuri wanted but I knew I shouldnt do it. The forest outside of the fairy village was relatively safe, but I felt taking a princess outside unannounced would lead to trouble for me.

And we both knew nobody would allow us to go out if we told them.

After thinking a bit, I consented, Alright, but lets not go too far away.

Yay! Thank you, Tasianna, she was overjoyed and began flying around the room. She was happy, so I was happy. I still had to be strict though, otherwise, I wouldn't be doing my duty.

Yes, but we need to come back to the village before anybody notices, promise?

Promise!

The villages security is rather lax, as problems rarely happen in the village, so I thought it would be easy enough to sneak in and sneak back in.

What they dont know, wont spill their nectar jars~

And as I predicted, it was easy to bypass the guards around the village. We entered the forest without any problems.

Tasianna, look at these flowers. They are so funny looking, Princess Schuri immediately dived into a bed of flowers once we found one. I, admittedly, also wanted to jump in but I had to stay serious here.

Im here to serve and protect Princess Schuri. Even if the forest is safe and we can be carefree as much as possible, I will shame my adopted family if I indulged myself.

Princess Schuri, this flower is soft to lay on. You should try it!

Woah, these are so soft Tasianna.

I tried but my will couldnt fight against my nature

We stayed and played around in the forest for quite a while and we ventured a bit too far into the forest. As the sun started to fall, I had to assume my role as an attendant before we got into trouble.

Ok, Princess Schuri. I think we should go back before everybody worries about you, I said.

Mhmm, but I want to stay a bit longer, my mistress, however, was frolicking around without a worry. Its more fun out here, right Tasianna?

Everybody in the village would be very angry if they notice us leaving. You promised me, Princess Schuri, I reminded her of the promise that we made in the morning.

Casting her eyes down and puffing her cheeks out, she reluctantly agreed, Ok, Tasianna...

It was a fun day. Princess Schuri was hiding it behind her sulkiness, but I knew that she tired herself out with how much she flew.

I was the one at fault.

I was the one that agreed to her wishes, despite knowing that I shouldnt have.

I took us further in without being wary of it. I was neglecting my duty.

I did not take care of her when we were captured.

I didnt put in more effort to make Princess Schuris situation better.

I wasnt even able to be there when Princess Schuri died.

I couldnt take it. I wanted to be punished. I wanted to be judged for the terrible thing I did. I wanted to hear them insult me and tell me that I never was worthy.

I wanted somebody to tell me that it was my fault. Why couldn't goddess Zephira grant my wish to be punished for my sin?

After a year of waiting, I left the village. I exiled myself.

I couldnt be in that village anymore. Their positive outlook was suffocating me every single second that I stayed there. Nothing but suffering waited for me if I accepted their forgiveness. I would shame the memories that I had with Princess Schuri if I forgot about everything that I did.

If nobody wanted to punish me, then I will do it myself. I couldnt die just yet. I carry the memories of the good and the bad moments of my mistress, Princess Schuri.

I trained myself while I traveled. I trained so that I will never sin again.

I was a royal attendant and I once served Princess Schuri Estria Iggdrasyl.

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

[Then, I was captured by those trolls when I entered the Belzac forest and was once again used as the fuel for a mana battery. That is how I ended up here,] with that, Tasianna finished her story.

I, Hestia, began massaging temple after hearing all that, [We wanted to hear your life story but that waswell, it was something.]

[Sigh, the beginning about Peolyncas history was very interesting but that tragedy was unsettling.]

While laying my head on Saoris lap, I slapped her hand in annoyance. She was acting as if her favorite TV show just ended.

Its a bit frustrating to hear that shes being so apathetic when Tasianna just told us about her worst trauma!

I opened my mouth to scold her, [Hey, Saori you shouldnt]

[Its alright, Princess Hestia,] however, Tasianna interrupted me. [I'm not seeking anybody's pity. Actually, Im more appalled that I made everybody feel worse with my story.]

Tasianna knew what I was about to say but she rejected my support. Looking at her eyes, they told me that her past was weighing heavily on her but that she wont let it hinder her progress. She was ready to use it as the motivation to keep walking forward.

I could only shake my head in exasperation as I silently reminded myself that we were the ones that wanted to be nosy about her personal history.

[Well, in any case. I believe I now understand why you want to join us so badly. Is it for atonement? Do you wish to cleanse your sins off by serving, Lady Hestia?] ignoring my annoyance at her lack of sympathy, Saori asked Tasianna in a more stoic, business-esque tone.

[Yes, if I must say the truth then I will admit it.]

Once everything settled down a bit, we asked Tasianna why she wanted to join. While it was unfortunate that she learned about the whole Princess thing, it was too late to complain about it. We had to address the consequences now.

Saori, in her own exhaustion, was being more blunt than usual and refused her, confessing that she couldnt just trust a stranger that came out of nowhere. We might have saved her, but it was only due to my personal morals.

I agreed with her words. She was only a stranger and we only knew her name at that point. It was natural to be slightly apprehensive, however, I also couldnt just outright refuse her without asking for her reasons, signaling Saori to at least give her a chance.

[My reasons are selfish, I know. I cant deny that at all,] Tasianna laid her right hand on her chest and began putting more power behind her voice, fully resolved to persuade us. [However, Madam Saori, once I saw both of you today, it also awakened something in me. I know this will all sound like an excuse for my self-centered wish to atone for my sins, but I truly want to protect your mistress. Seeing your strength, the power that you carry, made me wish that I could have had it back then.]

Tasianna breathed in deeply, readying herself for the last part of her speech, [I have resolved myself to work hard this time! I will not let my nature control me again and get in the way of my duty as a retainer and attendant. If you would allow me, then I will not hold back if it comes to protecting her highness, Princess Hestia's life, even if I have to go through hell again! If I go back on this vow, then you may do whatever you want with me, Madam Saori. At that point, I would be irredeemable anyway.]

It was a request from the heart, fully convincing me that it was alright to have Tasianna travel with us. I looked at Saori and could see that her lips were curved in a small smile, completely satisfied with the response.

Saori valued hard work and dedication, and it seems like Tasianna was able to convince her of her determination.

["I think it is alright, Saori. It's not like traveling with her will change our goals anyways,"] I said while looking up to her face.

Saori put a hand on her chin, [Hmm, I guess that is true. Well, it seems you have convinced me, Miss Tasianna.]

[Then does that mean] Her wings were fluttering at a rapid speed, as her face started to shine even brighter, anticipating our answer.

However, Saori wasnt done just yet, [There is just one more thing. We need to tell you about us first.]

Saori began telling Tasianna everything about us. About our [Otherworldly Reincarnator] titles. About my two God-given titles. About the fact that we were humans. About the world called Earth.

I and Saori agreed, through [Telepathy], that we had to tell her about it if we wanted to travel together. It would be hard to hide the whole Skill Points stuff or about our knowledge from Earth.

As Tasianna seemed to be a believer of Zephira, the Goddess of Winds, I thought it would be fine to mention my titles. We could just shut her up that Im some kinda champion of god or so, in the worst case.

Im pretty sure that I watched enough movies to imitate some over-the-top zealot.

She listened to our entire life story with an expression filled with confusion, surprise, and interest. She didnt say a word and just diligently listened to our story until the end, which prompted Saori to ask Tasianna what her answer was to this.

[My answerMy answer is that it doesnt matter.]

Huh? Both me and Saori were in disbelief with how fast her answer was. I mean, shouldn't this be a big revelation to warrant asking about the details?

Why would you believe something like reincarnation or about the fact that we were once humans? Im pretty sure she mentioned that she hated humans, which should be enough of a reason to not believe in us.

[My hatred lies with the humans of this world. Those vile creatures who let themselves be consumed by their gluttony and desires. They are even worse than demonkins!]

We heard from Tasianna that demonkins aren't very liked in this world, so I guess hating something even more than them, must be a really strong hatred.

After letting a bit of her anger out, she resumed her calmness and continued speaking to us with a smile, reassuring us that she believed us and that her wish hasnt changed.

[Princess Hestia. Madam Saori. I do not care that you were once humans. You lived in another world and are now reborn as a dragon and a garm. You both saved me, and these are your new forms in this world. How could I hate you because of your past life, especially when you came from another world?]

Saori was the first to respond, [Hmm, I guess that is satisfactory.]

Saori tried to return back into her usual self, but I guess Tasiannas sincerity was completely out of her expectation. Admittedly, I was expecting her to start hating us since we were once humans, but I guess that just shows that Tasianna is committed to becoming our ally.

Her eyes widened sparkling stardust, [So, does this mean that I can?]

[I welcome you, Miss Tasianna.] Saori extended her hands towards Tasianna. [May we both work hard for Princess Hestias ambitions and dreams.]

Saoris stiffness disappeared, shedding off any hostility and was now gesturing for a handshake. When Tasianna began bowing and shaking it with both of her hands, Saori couldnt help but give an earnest smile, clearly having accepted Tasianna into our little party.

[Looks like youre in now, Tasianna!] now sitting on my butt, I activated [Noble Aura] and started speaking formally. [From today onwards, I, Hestia Atsuko, graciously welcome you into our midst. I foretell that our travels will shine ever so brightly and bring us joyous memories in the future.]

It wasnt perfect but I was sure that I still beamed some nobility while I spoke. I was sorta a princess so speaking like one occasionally was fine with me.

Tasianna, on the other hand, was crying, thanking both of us for giving her this chance. We really have made this whole recruiting for the party thing into a real drama.

[Princess Hestia Atsuko, royal princess of the Dragonewt country, Loatryx, and the Dragon Empire, Kargryx. I, Tasianna Marina Silverpond, hereby pledge my life into your service. As your retainer, I shall both protect you and fulfill any wishes you have. That is my vow to you.]

Loatryx and Kargryx? Wait, what is she trying to say?

This is even more formal than Saoris. This must be the difference between somebody with [Royal Etiquette] and somebody without it. It also helped that she seemed to know what kinda princess I was!

[Wait, what do you meanoh?]

<>[Fairy, Tasianna Marina Silverpond] has received the title [Hestias Retainer] and is now your follower>

[S-Something came up in my Profile,] Tasianna shrieked a bit, not anticipating System Voice.

[Oh yeah, that. Saori, you can handle this, right?] honestly, I had enough info dumps for today, so we can leave that whole dragon princess thing for later. ["Guys, Im tired so Im going to sleep. Good night.]

Ill act selfishly and let my retainer inform my new retainer. That was my right as their princess, right?! He he.

Slowly drifting into sleep, I still was able to hear my two companions speak, [It seems I inconvenienced Princess Hestia. I should apolo]

[Oh, you do not have to worry about it. She did her best to stay awake because she was willing to accept you even without your story. I should be the one to apologize, as I made everything complicated,] Saori apologized.

[She must have expended quite a lot of energy]

Saori chuckled, [Her usual peppiness dies a bit when night falls, especially considering the fight we were participating in. Anyways, Miss Tasianna, I will earnestly expect a lot from you.]

[Yes, I will do my best to meet your expectations. You can count on me.]

Before sleep fully embraced me, I could also hear her mumble, This time, I will do everything correctly.