Chapter 90: The Prelude of an Awakening Star.

Chapter 90: The Prelude of an Awakening Star.

Wellwelcome to my house, Lorena introduced us to her home, a multi-familial house built due to the villages need for houses after the bandits burnt everything down. Then again, my family is sharing it with another family, so I dont know if we can really call it ours, yet.

Opening the door, she welcomed us in, Uhhh, make it yourself comfortable? Excuse me, the house isnt exactly fit to welcome somebody from your status, Lady Hestia. Chief Colwyn and Harriet would be mad if they knew. I dont even have anything to serve you as drinks.

Oh, if that is the case then let me make some tea for us, Saori offered as she entered her home.

T-Tea?! Oh, that drink you three gave me when we first met, Lorena bumped her open palm with a fist, remembering our first meeting. Ahh, I heard from Harriet how expensive good tea can be, so is it really alright for me to have even more although I havent even paid for the first? It was very, very delicious but

Thats all we needed to hear, dont worry about it. We dont need any payment, like Ive told you a thousand times already, Lorena, I told her to ease her worries. Were doing this for a friend and youve already answered our question, so consider that our payment if you will. Youre one of the few who arent acting submissive in front of me, so Id like to have our relationship stay that way.

On our way to Lorenas home, we asked her if she knew anybody who had an oven or if there was anybody who baked in the village. She told us two families were responsible for the bakery in the village, but similar to everybody else, their bakery burnt down after the bandit raid. They still havent had the time nor chance to get the ovens rebuilt.

It is what it is. So instead, I asked Lorena if she could introduce me to them the next time we had the chance.

If there arent any ovens in the village, then it is time for me to bring out the craftsman inside me and build it myself. Nothing will stop me from eating some cake!

Although Saori and I didnt have any other reason to visit Lorenas home, we still did it anyway just for fun. She was one of the few villagers who treated me like any other person, if you overlooked the part that Harriet and her parents forced her to address me with Lady at the very least.

Hie, I thought it would be awkward to suddenly change it after we got along at first. But I can understand why the other villagers cant adapt. They dont know you, after all, Lorena stated, before having to pause as she witnessed Saori taking teacups and a teapot from her [Storage Magic]. W-Wow, mages are amazing. You can do so much with the Origin Gods power.

Watching Lorena dazed by this mundane sight was surprising, however, once I reminded myself how wonderous it must be her, I simply shrugged and entered the house. The interior of the house was made in a very similar style to ours, only larger as it was supposed to hold multiple families inside.

The floor was practically just grassless earth and the walls were made from stone blocks, supported by wooden pillars. The roof was made from a combination of thatch and rice plant straws, hastily assembled together to finish the house. There were signs that it needed maintenance, but I guess Lorenas family will do the repairs once the village was rebuilt.

The furniture inside was also basic. A few crudely made wooden chairs and tables, four family-sized beds, and a hearth where the cooking was to be done. Aside from these inanimate objects, Lorenas family also kept farm animals in their house.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.

Chocochuckle

A small, flightless bird with powerful legs designed to enable the bird to run away. Coated in a thick plumage that can protect them from winters cold and predator attacks, they usually shed the majority once spring comes, and regains them in autumn. They have a sharp beak as a last resort weapon. Rank G

Wooly Gheeper

A medium-sized gheeper variant that possesses thick wool that protects its entire body from its bottom to its neck. The thick white wool acts as a great insulator while also enables good defense. Aside from their defenses, these animals can only run from strong predators. Rank G

Horned Gheeper

A medium-sized gheeper variant with two tusk-like horns. Although having horns strong enough to compete against a predator of the same rank, these animals would prefer to run away using their strong legs than to risk fighting. Their milk is strong and nutritious, enabling the growth of these strong horns and legs. Rank G

Chocochuckles are literally chickens without their innate cowardice. Due to them being a bit larger than our lovely Earthen chickens, their eggs are also larger with a very sticky and firm yolk. Even without baking powder, I had the feeling that I could make any cake if I used them as an ingredient.

The two gheeper variants respectively are the sheep and goat versions of Peolynca. At first, I didnt really recognize the wooly gheeper as a sheep as they looked more like rice balls with how bulky their wool was. However, to nobodys surprise, the wool was so soft that it felt like a real cloud. Colwyn mentioned that he would like to give us pillows and bedding filled with gheeper wool, so I cant wait.

On the other hand, the horned gheepers were a bit of a disappointment. It honestly surprised me how pathetically cowardly they were. If horned gheepers didnt recognize you as one of its owners, then their first instinct was to run away. At least their milk was pretty delicious. The only good thing about them, in my opinion.

Never judge a gheeper by their appearance, huh?

However, as you would expect from keeping farm animals indoors, the smell of animal dung was intense.

Urgh, I groaned, holding my nose with a hand to block the smell.

As I was checking out the animals, despite the smell they were exuding, Saori was preparing the tea. She poured water into the pot with [Create Water], then placed it on a small stone table that I made, stacked some twigs under it for kindling, and then

Ah, Saori, let me get the flint for you, Lorena offered, but before Lorena could actually run off, Saori stopped her and asked me for help. I snapped my fingers, causing a spark, which grew into a flame after I poured a bit of mana into it. Using [Pyrokinesis], I moved the levitating flame over to the kindling before pouring even more mana into it to allow it to grow faster, shocking the already baffled Lorena. "I-Is this magic? There was no circle-thingy this time though"

Come to think of it, I never did show her that I could produce fire with my claws, right?

After blowing the dirt off a chair with a wind spell, I sat down and called Lorena to sit down to, before elucidating the truth to her, Nah, thats something that my body can do. I also used a skill to help me, but thats all. The wind was magic, not the fire.

T-This is honestly so confusing, but if you say so, Lady Hestia, scratching her head in total confusion, she just accepted the situation and sat herself down.

After Saori served us tea, I took out some fruits, especially a lot of fragassa, from my storage. As these fruits were from the Belzac forest, Lorenas surprise also spread to them. Lorena has been to Firwood, the town north of Carine village, to sell the villages produce with her parents before, but she never saw these fruits there before. At least, not at the farmers market.

Unable to accept us being the only one to offer something, as the host, she took out some gheeper milk for our tea. It wasnt a lot, but it was enough for us to share with each other.

Also, to the tea itself, it was alright. Definitely not Tasianna-tier, but I could see that Saori took some pointers from her. Its crazy how much you can do to make warm leaf water taste better, huh?

Mhmm, after getting a feeling of how much all of his might cost me, I cant help but think that you two are really generous, Saori, Lady Hestia, Lorena stated with a beaming smile, having just tasted the tea and fruits. I bet the others would like it too.

That might be truebut I dont think they can calm down with me around. Aside from the people I helped out during the bandit raid, none of the villagers really seem to like me," I said, chomping down on a fragassa as I thought of it.

Hmm, I did hear from the other villagers that they are feeling nervous having a noble living inside the village, instead of our lords manor. They do like Saori though, Lorena admitted, stinging me a bit in the heart.

Urgh, but I never admitted to it. I even said that Im not a priestess, but everybody just ignores me, I complained.

But, Lady Hestia, if you really were trying to hide it, then why are you wearing such a beautiful white robe? Lorena suddenly revealed, causing me to utter huh? before continuing listening to her explanation. Our Goddess priests always wear beautifully embroidered white robes and cloaks whenever they visit our village, granting sermons to the whole village and the white grace to our sick. Chief Colwyn told everybody in the village that priests were mana bloods, people born into nobility, so we had to be polite otherwise we might cause trouble for our lord. Is it different from where you came from, Lady Hestia?

W-What?! Why did nobody ever tell me that?! T-Tasianna!? Wait, maybe this is only a Kingdom of Artorias thing, so I guess Tasianna couldnt have known that

Fuck! And here I thought, I made a cool white mage reference, but I just doomed myself! Maybe I should take it offbut I really like wearing it

Well, I certainly didnt know that, I admitted, meekly scratching my cheek.

After that little revelation, we drifted away from that topic and talked about something more important to me. Festivals, celebrations, and holidays; humanity has always loved to celebrate ever since they started congregating into large groups.

Afterparties, Christmas, Thanksgiving, the founding of a country; if youre creative about it, there is always a reason for somebody to just celebrate. People love to slack off and just take it easy, have a drink with buddies, feast with the family, or just spend money to make somebodys day.

To assimilate myself into Peolynca, I learned how to speak and read Common tongue, the universal language for this world. The next step was to adapt to its culture. Luckily, Lorena knew that I wasnt from this kingdom, so it was easy to draw information from her.

Dedicating a song to a holiday would also be great. I mean, on Earth, we produced so many Christmas songs that I wouldnt be able to count them up. An Idols job is to bring happiness into peoples hearts for just a moment, touch their souls with music, as my papa liked to say. A song that fits the festivals mood would be too perfect.

While I did learn of quite a few events, there were only three close enough for us to focus on.

On the 28th to the 30th of this month, they would have the Barracuda Migration event. Barracudas, and other fish, would stream down the river of Carine village towards their spawning place. The villagers would use this opportunity as their last chance to acquire meat for their winter rations. This sounds pretty similar to what a grizzly bear would do when salmons migrated.

Next month on the 7th, they have something called Origdiviel Arashan, which directly translates into Thanking Origin Gods. God Thanking Festival is the general term for it. Essentially, it was Thanksgiving, where the whole village would celebrate together with a feast, as this would most likely be the last time they could before the snow starts dropping. Compared to the former event, this was a universal one throughout Artorias.

The last event of the year was during New Years Eve, on the 31st, the last day of AutumnMoon. The day that I will give my first Idol concerthopefully, itll be good enough to send them into the next year well.

SoLorena, as time flew by as we had fun, I suddenly remembered something that I wanted to ask her. well, uhh, I know you dont want to talk about it but have youhave you told your parents about that yet?

, Lorenas smile faded, frowning sadly as she looked down to her tea, probably having anticipated the discussion. No.

I see, I uttered, feeling bad that I had to bring up the subject when we were having so much fun talking about other stuff.

Pausing for only a second, the mans smile never faded as he bowed politely from the waist, No, it is I that must apologize for my rudeness, Miss Segawa. I acted on my rashness and pushed your companion, for that, I personally apologize. Let me introduce myself, I am Barathan Kiesmay, steward and head-butler of Lord Count Andre Helvas, Lord of Carine Village. I am here today to deliver your mistress an invitation to my Lords manor for dinner and also his welcome presents to you. May I?

Saori stepped aside, signaling to me that it was time for me to play along. But what the hell does she mean by that? What am I supposed to do in this situation? She said three lines, listened to him speak, and then threw the hardest part to me. How the hell is a noble lady supposed to answer in this situation?!

Verdammt nochmal, this stupid white robe! Why did you want to be funny, huh? Hestia?! Verdammt, oi, parallel minds, I need your help, now!

Running through all the books, movies, tv-series, and mangas Ive consumed in my past life, I hoped something would help me solve this problem. There was a big difference between casually acting like a noble and actually being one, okay? Even with [High-Speed Calculation] and [Multi-Thought Processing], I only had a few seconds to think about it and that certainly isnt enough to go through everything I experienced in my past life.

But the biggest problem was that I didnt know any etiquette rules in this world, or in this kingdom specifically. Every country has different rules after all. But one rule that would always exist would be to never imitate a noble, and using my [Princess] title to get me out of that situation should be a last resort.

Barathan stepped forward, bowing from his waist up with his right hand on his chest and left hand on his back, Under her gaze, I would like to apologize to you, my Lady. Please, be assured that my intrusion was not under the wish of Lord Count Helvas, only mine.

For now, lets actually play along and stick to something safe. You can do this, Hestia.

You may rise, I responded, lifting my hand up a bit. I accept your apology. Do not let this happen again, please.

My deepest gratitude, my Lady. May the Goddess bless your gracious soul, Barathan responded before taking an envelope from his jacket pocket, bowing his head before handing it to me with both hands on it. "This is an invitation to Lord Count Helvas's manor to join him for dinner. As you are the most recent guest in his domain, he wishes to express his goodwill. More information will be contained inside it."

I took it from his hand, gave it a short glance, and then gave my thanks, I thank you for your time with the deepest gratitude, Mister Barathan. I will consider it.

He raised his head, showing me a smile that certainly sent a shiver down my spine, before talking again, Thank you. My Lord has also sent you presents, will you accept them?

I glanced over to Saori, signaling her to take over, Certainly, Mister Barathan. However, this is not your responsibility as the task belongs to us, our Mistress retainers.

With another bow, Barathan accepted the suggestion. He told the other butlers to unload everything and then to place them beside our house. He then gave another bow but this time to tell us farewell, driving away with his group in the carriages.

After thanking and seeing Harriet off, the three of us entered our house, Do you think I did everything properly? I asked.

Im not sure, Lady Hestia. Fairy etiquette is pretty lax, compared to other races, I believe. At least I saw no wrong, Tasianna replied, worry on her face.

Well, we can only hope that we did everything properly. You made the correct choice by not letting them in, Tasianna, good job, Saori commented.

True enough, nice one, Tasianna. Now, we only have to deal with the presents and this letter, but before we do that, I paused before jumping on Saoris back, grabbing her long wolf ears and pulling them up as if I was trying to tear them off. Verdammt nochmal, du Dummkopf! Warum zur Hlle musste ich alles tun, whrend du zur Seite standest und drei Zeilen gesagt hast! (Damn it, you Idiot! Why the hell did I have to do everything while you stood by and said three lines!)

Ahhh, Hestia, I cant understand German! Ow, ow, ow! Stop pulling on my ears, please! Saori cried out in a panic, struggling to move as I controlled her like a rat would a chef using his hair.

After I cooled down from Saori apologizing to me, I opened the envelope, taking out a letter made from parchment. In it, the letter stated that Lord Count Helvas invited me to come to him on the 27th to join him for dinner, which would mean that I had six days to get ready for it. There would be a carriage to pick me up and that I may come in my priestess outfit or whatever else I liked.

I know that nobles love using fancy doublespeak due to Earths media, so I guess this letter was also filled with it. Both Saori and Tasianna never experienced any of it, so all three of us were pretty bad in deciphering thisif it even had any codes in the first place.

However, I do understand what he meant with whatever else I liked. He was considering me a noble priestess right now, so I had to act that way. Fine dresses and no punk style, I guess.

Shame, and here I was thinking of coming in my dragon form. How do you do, Lord Helvas? Would you like to experience a firework?

Heh heh

Alright, that settled it, lets go you two, I announced, handing Saori the letter for safekeeping.

Huh? they both uttered.

Whats there to huh out? We have six days to prepare, so that means I have the time to evolve, I answered with a grin. You guys wanted me to do it, right? So lets do it before I second guess myself. Lets visit the saurians.

With my mind set, we first placed all the presents inside our house before leaving the village, entering the woods where the saurians were camping. There, I told them of my intentions which naturally excited Mister Kushlekzar to the point that he took out his tablet and charcoal pencil.

Upon his suggestion, we moved deeper into the woods, as far away from the village as possible, where the risk of being detected was lower. Mister Kushlekzar materialized a massive [Xohulotels Scaled Barrier] while Saori placed her mana threads among the trees like a spider web. This was sensitive information, after all, so we needed to be sure that nobody could enter the area and see me.

After Mister Kushlekzar told Krim-Slak, Grazlahta, and Akasht where to guard while I was evolving, he told me that he wished to see Saoris and my original forms. We agreed to it, knowing that he deserves to see them, but before we actually did it, I gave Saori a wooden tablet for the recipe for homemade yeast, telling her that we will need it for the cake once I wake up.

Activating [Humanization], mana mist emitted from our body.

How long has it been since I was last a dragon? Damn, I didnt look at myself after I had my little accident with Danterno. I got so used to being a dragonewt, huh?

Oooooooh, magnificent! Mister Kushlekzar shouted, sticking his tail up to the sky. Tasianna is a rare fairy, Saori is a mighty wolf, and Princess Hestia is such a beautiful dragon. Incredible, a sight to behold. How I would like to use [Identify] to learn more about you!

[Mister Kushlekzar, youre actually embarrassing me here. I personally think I look intimidating instead of beautiful, really,] I gave my honest opinion.

Oooh, this is [Telepathy]. I guess it must be hard to talk with your throat, Hestia. I bet Akasht would love that skill, the saurian priest looked over to the giant sarcosilian, who nodded firmly.

Having established a telepathic connection with everybody, Saori began talking, [So, Hestia. What evolution will you take? [Young Ragnarok Dragon]?]

Hmm?! I know this is your choice, Hestia, but please dont consider such a blasphemous choice. You might still be young but please remember that the Gods are holy, even if you have defied some of them, Mister Kushlekzar warned me. I personally believe that [Young Angel Dragon] would be the best choice. Do not forget your duty as Goddess Aurenas chosen champion, young scale. It would do you good to show her more devotion.

If I may, I would like to agree with Priest Kushlekzar, Lady Hestia, Taisanna agreed. Youve shown your dislike to God Danterno so [Young Infernal Demon Dragon] is impossible. Taking God Kargryxmors evolution choice might also worsen your [Battle Frenzy] condition, while [Young Angel Dragon] sounds like a serene choice.

[Hmm, I understand what you guys are saying,] I nodded with my dragon head. [However, I wont be choosing any of those choices, because I will take [Young Sunfang Dragon].]

The saurians widened their eyes, clearly showing that they couldnt understand why I would just abandon the thought of taking a gods evolution choice. Tasianna, on the other hand, could only show a wry smile, maybe already anticipating this choice before she gave her opinion.

[Hmmm, may I ask why?] Saori asked with what looked like a smile.

[Hie hie,] I giggled as I thought of my reason. [I actually already decided on it the moment I saw it. I knew that it was the correct choice for me. I will become an Idol, and an Idol always seeks the spotlight to become a star. If you think about it, the sun we see in the sky is just a star for all the planets outside our solar systemmaybe itll even reach other dimensions]

Solar System? A sun is a star? What are you talking about, Hestia, Mister Kushlekzar questioned me, curiosity and confusion having morphed his expression.

Ignoring him, I continued my speech, looking up into the blue sky, staring deeply into it, [If I become a sun, could I become a star for those far away from me? To the people that Ive disappointed, who I told that I will become a star, could I actually become one now?]

While the saurians were looking extremely confused at this point, Saori and Tasianna stayed silent, knowing exactly what I meant with my words. They gave me a small nod, before telling me to go for it.

System, I wish to evolve. My choice is [Young Sunfang Dragon].

Will you choose to evolve into [Young Sunfang Dragon]?

Ja.

Evolution choice decided. Commencing evolution of [Young Spark Inferno Dragon, Hestia Atsuko]

Those familiar wordshow long have I not heard them? With this evolution and my new life in this kingdom, I guess the next time I will hear them will be a ways off.

But thats ok. Even if it will take a while, Ill reach it eventually. And so will Saori. Tasianna too will become as strong as us. I saw their burning fire in our fight, shining so brightly that it was able to dwarf mine

One of the few things that Saori told me when I made her my retainer was that I needed to build up more confidence, which I have to agree. [Young Sunfang Dragon], you say that youre a calm dragon, right? Well, you better hold onto your promise there, dude.

Before I finally lost consciousness, I sent my friends one last telepathic message, [Trust you guys. See you tomorrow~]

And darkness consumed me as I fell to the ground.