A lone cabin sat on the edge of the 'Almaya' village; at the highest vantage. From there you see the lively villagers working in their fields, busy growing up fruits and vegetables.

Sunrays filtered through the windows, filling the room with warm hues. The aroma of jasmine and other wild plants wafted through the room.

You sat in the chair, feets kicking back and forth as your forearms rested on the round table. You watched as your Momma scanned rows and rows of shelves lined up on the wall stuffed with vials filled with shimmering liquid and preserved plants. Occasionally she would let out a hum before picking up a vial and placing it on the round table.

You observed the shimmering liquid inside. It looked like science experiments you conducted during your practicals.

Your mind wandered off looking at the mesmerizing liquid. It's been 4 years since you came into this world. Four years of constantly being on edge.

You thought that you were reincarnated like one of the characters you read about.

Aside from the fact that whatever was happening was insane and impossible the chance of dying again was high probability.

So far from your knowledge of reading so many novels and watching anime, you either get to be an awesome hero who's out on an adventure of slaying some ridiculously op villain and saving the world, becoming famous, and living a luxurious life with your harem.

Or you're gonna be some antagonist who's coming between the fated lovely couple and getting killed by the male hero to prove his love for his darling love.

Or if you're unlucky enough you'd be some side character getting murdered for some quality plot.

So the most important question was what role did I play?

Waking up in a small peaceful village wasn't exactly the start of some demon-hunting adventure.

God, you hoped it wasn't the latter. Because it would a real shame to be given a second chance at life only to die again!

You slowly relaxed when no demons came to slaughter your village or any war soldier to recruit for the incoming magical war.

Yeah, you were grateful since you weren't exactly the type to exert more than necessary. You were a lazy person who loved to sleep and laze around all day.

Your thoughts broke when a vial dropped. Thankfully it didn't break. Nora picked it up, examining it carefully, breathing out in relief when she didn't find any damage.

Your Momma was a Herbalist. Experimenting with different medicinal plants and selling the final successful product into the main district of the Abelian Empire. This happened every month. The only source of money. You had discovered the truth that your Mom was an orphan and an outcast because of it. It made you mad that people treated her so different like she's some ticking bomb that'd go off on them. Being a fatherless child you too were an outcast though not to the extent of your Momma. Some people did treat you kindly.

The only way to earn money was to trade here in Almaya since it was too small. Give and Take policy. Many of the villagers did take up the policy like your Momma but instead of medical herbs, they sold fruits and vegetables. The village didn't have a significant contribution to the food stock but did fine on its own.

The Obelian Empire, huh?

Something stirred in you. Something foreign yet familiar feeling. Your eyes glazed over in thought. Why did that name make you feel..... restless?

You never visited the Empire since you lived on the borderline of the Empire. But you wanted to!

"Momma, can't I come with you too? I promise I'll behave and won't cause trouble." you plead to your Momma.

Nora paused. She shot you a warm smile that screamed 'That's a bad idea since I don't want to upset you I'll butter you up.'

"No, sweets. It's a long journey ahead from here to the Empire. You'll get bored and exhausted. Besides you're too young to travel"

"But I won't. And I don't want to be alone when you'll go." you tried again, giving her the best puppy eyes.

She tensed before giving her billion-shooting star smile. "You won't be alone since Nana is here. She'll play with you and even tell you your favourite stories"

Tempting but not enough.

You shot a look at Iseka aka your Nana who had made herself comfortable on the chair beside the door, a yarn in her hand as she knitted a sweater for you for the incoming winter.

Uh-huh, no thanks. She's crazy scary when upset. And upset she is all the time.

Iseka let out a very unladylike grunt, not commenting on your Momma's claims.

Mission: Journey to Obelia failed!!

Your shoulder slumped in defeat. You wanted to explore the world around you more rather than be caged in one place unprepared.

So far you had discovered that this world was different from yours. Magic was a phenomenon that existed in this world. From magical creatures to Magic-welding human beings roamed this world. But not everyone had magic. Only the Royal lineage was gifted with magic along with other humans known as Magicians who worked under the Royalties. It was a rare occurrence for a commoner with no magical background to have magic.

Since you lived on the edge. Most of the information came in the form of rumours from the noisy traders that travelled in and out of the village. And from what you have heard The Obelia Empire is leading in dominance and power among the ranks on the globe. Though the outer image is that of a prosperous Empire, the truth was different.

There were internal conflicts between the Royals and Nobles. Power-play was a common theme among the royals amidst deceit and lies.

The Empire's inner workings were fundamentally flawed and the hierarchy system was false. The life of the people in the lower rank was difficult under the Emperor's rule. But not many dared to voice the injustice instead they just endured it and tried to make the best of it.

Though you weren't interested in politics. Never had and never will. You didn't want to associate with people who put up friendly facades when they had ulterior motives to use you for their gain. A small pawn in their grand scheme. You just felt sick imagining it.

Magic, huh?

You grumbled, feeling upset. Man, it'd be cool if you had magic. Imagine all the awesome things you could do but no such luck.

You grumpily laid your head on your folded hands on the table, eyes fixed on your Momma.

Today she had to leave to go and sell the products she had been experimenting with for the past few weeks. It had been a successful transaction. Nora had been so happy. She almost set fire to the kitchen when hugged Iseka in excitement while she was cooking. She is the only source of income in this house.

The topic of your father was taboo. So you avoided asking no matter how curious you were.

Nora heaved a sigh of relief looking at her handy work. She was ready and packed to go! Her eyes softened when she took in your dejected expression.

"Sweets, if you behave and follow the rules I'll bring you whatever you want. Just say it" Nora sweetly offered.

You perked up at this. Man, you had been craving chocolates for the past week. You didn't have a sweet tooth per se but you liked a bit of sweetness.

But you hesitated. She's already straining herself to make money for expenses, you didn't want to add up the burden.

"I'll happy with whatever Momma brings for me" For effect you gave her your cute toothy smile.

Nora was taken aback before beaming at you brightly, "My baby is so sweet! Momma is so proud of you!"

She hugged you one bone-crushing hug.

You tried not to choke on her astray strands of hair. Yikes!

"I'm proud of you too, Momma!" You let out a giggle that sounded distorted and strangled.

Woman, you're killing me.

Iseka rolled her eyes, "Release her, Nora. You suffocating the child"

Thank you, fat lady! You saved me from my impending doom!

Nora released you and you took a deep breath.

"I'm not!" Nora pouted at her. "Is it wrong for a Mother to show affection towards her only adorable child!?"

Iseka just deadpanned, "Yes, if the affection is borderline torture. Then definitely yes."

Nora deflated before she let out a hearty chuckle, "You're too mean!"

"So want me to bring something for you too" Nora looked at Iseka expectantly. "You know something you want. You've helped me a lot. So I want to show my gratitude!"

Iseka looked at her before going back to her knitting. "The yarn is finished. If you'd be so kind as to bring me another ball of it. Make it red one."

Anyone could hear the sarcasm in her voice.

Nora tilted her head, confused. "But that's for the sweater you made for (Y/N). Tell me something you want!"

"I want a yarn" she flatly replied.

"But--"

"No buts. Just bring me a red ball of yarn"

Man, though the fat lady is dry as autumn leaves she is a good person!

Nora shook her head in disbelief. "You've always been so kind"

Iseka grunted flashing an irritated look as if she was offended by the compliment.

Nora looked at you. Your paled face finally had gained some colour. You reminded yourself to never underestimate your Momma, ever.

"Remember what Momma said. No going alone anywhere without Nana, especially the forest"

"Why?" You tilted your head, curious. As long as you can recall -which was not too much since you're only 4- your Momma always forbade you from going into the forest. No reason was provided.

Nora's face darkened, "Because it's dangerous and I don't want you getting hurt"

"But--"

"No, no buts" She raised a finger and wiggled it sideways. "Just listen to Momma. She knows what's best for you"

You nodded slowly. For some reason, the topic of the forest always made Nora antsy and agitated. You didn't want to cross the line by asking for reasons and making her upset.

But seem like someone didn't have a problem with that.

"Leave her alone, Nora. Don't scare the child with your paranoid imagination" Iseka shot a piercing glare at Nora. "Stop exaggerating!"

Nora returns the glare, "I'm not exaggerating! It's dangerous for her and I don't want her anywhere near it."

You gulped suddenly feeling nervous. This doesn't look good.

Iseka rolled her eyes, "Do enlighten me. What oh so dangerous is lurking in the danger that I been living for forty years of my life here and never encountered it"

Nora clenched her fists, knuckles turning white. "You don't understand. That forest is dangerous for her. There are things that could harm her" She looked at you with sorrowful eyes. "I don't want to lose her"

"You're just being paranoid," Iseka warned in a low tone. "Don't coddle her too much or else you'll severe her wings off. She won't be able to face the world when the time comes all because her mother didn't let her!"

Nora tensed her eyes darkening into glare, "You'll never know the worries and fears of a Mother, Iseka."

Iseka looked at her exasperated. "I was a mother too!"

"Was" Nora snapped. "You aren't any more!"

A deafening silence ensued. The atmosphere thick with tension. Your head bounced from your Momma to Fat lady. Skin crawled at the sudden animosity between them.

Iseka froze, a dumbfounded and hurt expression flashing on her countenance.

Nora's face fell as if realising what she said. She looked guilty. She opened her mouth to say something before clamping it shut. She stood up abruptly almost giving you a heart attack.

She collected her travelling bag and mumbled an apology to Iseka before running away.

You nervously looked at the frozen Iseka who had yet to say something. Shit, what the hell just happened. Things were lighthearted and fun. Then how did it escalate to this?

Iseka's face contorted in pain. You swore you heard her sniff. She stood up. Looking at you she mumbled, "Stay here. I'll be back soon"

Her voice was strained and strangled as if she was trying to force back tears. Your heart sank when you saw a tear drip down her cheeks before she turned and rushed away. As if the room was suffocating her.

You looked at her distancing figure, upset. Nora shouldn't have said those hurtful words. Even when it was the heat of the moment. You didn't know Fat lady's background so you couldn't exactly find the source of her agony. But it did give you an inkling feeling.

She had lost her children.