If I Were To Be Given A Choice, I Would Save You Again; Ophelia

Experiences

Luna’s PoV

Seven years had passed since my first visit to the academy. I am now fifteen years old, and I must say, I look quite like myself when I was empress Celestia. Weird.

There were countless books and references about reincarnation, but none depicts that person possessing their old features. Am I an exception? Was it because I was once a tyrant and the benefactor of this proud empire? Perhaps part is my benevolence manages to seduce the goddess to be lenient towards me.

Hmmm- who am I kidding? It must be part of my punishment.

“Luna, table five.” Oh- the owner of the tavern calls out to me. I must have been daydreaming yet again.

“I’m sorry. On it.” I went to table five and took their order before giving it to the people in the kitchen. I cleaned the table when Gaia walked into the tavern with a huge smile.

“Well, well. To what I owe this pleasure to see you, Gaia?” I asked with a smile. Gaia showed me her pouch.

“I got paid. I think it’s enough for us to have some fun on the field trip. It’s our first time going out from this village after all. I can’t help to be excited.” I smiled. The only reason why both of us are working is because of the school field trip.

We are among the students that got selected to be part of this trip, and from what we have heard, this year's field trip will be at the capital of the empire, the place where my precious self was born hundreds of years ago. Even I got a little excited after hearing it.

“That’s good to hear. I can’t wait for the trip as well. We manage to gather enough for our expenses too. Not to mention some working experience.” Gaia nodded as she took a seat at one of the free tables.

“I think I’ll have my usual.” I nodded and when to the kitchen while get the order for table five. Gaia waited for me until my shift ended before we walked home together.

“Luna- did your parents mention anything about me?” Huh? What sort of question is that? Let’s see- Gunther mentioned that someone from the village went to see Cyrus and his wife about Gaia. If I’m not mistaken, that person wants his son to marry Gaia. But Cyrus decline because he knows what sort of person that man’s son is.

“Someone asked for your hand in marriage? Yea, I heard about it. But didn’t your father decline the offer?” Gaia nodded. I noticed Gaia’s expression turned dark.

“I overheard that our family’s business is in a bind right now after declining the offer. I didn’t hear the reason, but I knew that man had to do something about it. I don’t want to see my parents’ affected by this. I love them, and seeing them get worried left a scar on my heart. Luna, what should I do?” I do feel a bit of sympathy for Gaia.

“Well, if I have to choose what to do, I would kill the whole family. After all, our magic is above average. It won’t be hard to deal with a couple of nincompoops.” Gaia finally laughed.

“How could you call the village chief nincompoop? Luna, you’re going to get into trouble.” I waved my hand off. The goddess shouldn’t try to save the chief’s son back then—what a waste of energy and time.

“Here is my stop. Thank you for walking me home, Luna.” I smiled at Gaia.

“Don’t worry, Gaia. I’ll think of something to help your family.” Gaia smiled before she walked through her front door. Now, should I visit the chief, or should I go home and have some rest?

Visiting the chief might be a little too early since I probably get into trouble with Juliet. If Mariana didn’t tell me, I wouldn’t know that Juliet was part of the ministry of magic before marrying Gunther. If Juliet continues to work at the ministry, she might have become the head herself instead of Mariana. I wonder why she quit.

Juliet was quite a strong witch back in her heydays. Not as strong as my previous self, but Juliet can probably put up a fight. After all, she defeated an ogre twice her size when she was my age. Now that I think about it, how old was Juliet when she became a full-fledged witch?

“Luna? What are you doing all alone at this hour? Didn’t I tell you about the village’s new curfew? You should be on your way home by now.“ Gunther? Why is this man doing out here? He’s usually at home with his wife. I- hold on. What is he carrying?

“Your mother told me to buy some ingredients for tonight’s dinner.” I see.

“Do you need some help?” Gunther shakes his head no. Of course, this man would decline my offer. He would never let me carry anything even though he obviously couldn’t.

“I can manage. Besides, you’re probably tired from your shift.” I can’t say that I’m not. Today’s shift is quite overwhelming for me. I had to face people and put on a smile even though they were rude. Even the owner was challenged by one of the customers, but somehow she managed to control her composure.

“Luna, are you excited about your first trip to the capital?” I nodded. Not that I have any expectations, but I hope whoever took my brother's place as the emperor or empress after his death would make some change.

“Dad, have you ever been to the capital?” Gunther shakes his head no. I see- it’s not a surprise since Gunther was born and raised in this village, and he took over the farm after his father's death.

“You should ask your mother since she was born in the capital.” Oh, really? Juliet’s background is quite scarce. I can’t help but get curious about Juliet’s story before she met Gunther.

“Is that so? I will ask mom at dinner. There are many things I don’t know about mom after all.” Gunther smiled.

“You’ll know soon enough, Luna.”