The crimson princess

Pov Inglis,

In the world I came from, I was hailed as a hero king—a person who succeeded in bringing peace and prosperity to the world.

I had no regrets about the way I lived my life when death came, but I would have liked to have another chance to perfect my skills and be free from all the burdens of royalty. The goddess who had granted me the power to perform miracles heard my wish and decided to reincarnate me.

I was reborn not as a man but as a woman named Inglis. It wasn't really a big deal since I had enough wisdom not to be upset over something like that.

I don't know if I was reincarnated into another world or into the future, but it was astonishing. The houses were made of a material I did not recognize. Objects that would have required magic to function no longer needed it, though I had no idea what kind of energy had replaced it.

My mother was a beautiful white-haired woman, and I did not know who my father was.

I discovered that I could still use the energies of this world, but my body was not yet prepared to absorb large quantities.

While everything was fine, I was awakened by the smell of something burning. Something was wrong, and when I opened my eyes, I saw that the room was on fire.

Mother: "Inglis, don't panic. Everything will be fine."

My mother took me in her arms, though she was the one panicking more than I was. She also had some injuries on her face and other parts of her body.

Mother: "Don't worry. Mom knows how to fix everything, but just know that I love you with all my heart."

She's not even going to die.

She carried me down many more stairs than the house should have had, according to my memory. The further we descended, the older the walls became, made of materials I recognized.

We arrived in a large room with something drawn on the floor.

Mother: "Come to me and grant my wish. Come to me, Chysis Gremory."

At the same time she said this, the arm that wasn't holding me—covered in blood—dripped onto the drawing.

The pattern on the floor began to glow crimson, growing stronger and stronger. At the same time, my mother collapsed but still shielded me with her body.

A gust of wind burst from the circle, and an alarming energy surged within it.

When the light faded, a girl who looked about thirteen, with crimson hair, stood in the middle of the drawing. But I wasn't fooled by her youthful appearance—she was very dangerous.

She looked around before glancing down at the ground.

Unknown: "I really should ask Grandma how many people she's given this summoning circle to. Not only am I being called in her place, but the trip was way too uncomfortable. I feel like I was tossed around in all directions."

Even if I understood his words, I did not understand the meaning of these sentences.

Unknown: "You could have made the effort not to die before asking for your wish."

A crimson light appeared in her hand, and she made a sweeping motion directed toward my mother.

Without thinking, I created an energy dome to protect both myself and my mother.

The girl seemed greatly surprised when her attack was repelled by an invisible force.

Unknown: "Try not to disturb me before your mother's soul disappears."

She repeated the movement, but this time, it was too fast for me to react. The moment it touched my mother, a bluish substance emerged from her body.

This substance took the form of my mother before she began to speak.

Mother: "Please, Chysis-sama, protect my daughter."

And then, the substance disappeared.

Unknown: "It was not worth rushing to die, especially since there was no contract, so I am not obliged to accept your request."

She looked at me with an analytical expression. I feel that this day will be even more chaotic than it already is.