Kays Translations

Prologue

The Kingdom of Forlant is a country supported by the power gained through “Summoning.”

Although not a particularly strong nation, Forlant has maintained its current territory for over a hundred years because it excels in a certain type of magic—summoning—that no other country can match.

　Through the “Sacred Relic Summoning” ceremony, members of the royal family are granted their sacred treasures and presented to the people, becoming officially recognized as part of the ruling family.

　I thought that if everything went smoothly, that would happen to me too, so I didn’t have any doubts.

However, during the ceremony in the grand cathedral, with many people including the royal family and nobles watching intently,  memories of a time when I was not myself suddenly came flooding back to me – and then, I understood.

(It seems I… have reincarnated. Into another world that I somehow recognize.)

“Princess Ashrina Lil Forlant. From now on, you are to offer up your celestial power, Cortia, and summon the sacred relic.”

Cortia—the thing that is needed to spin the so-called “gacha.” In the game I know, there was also “Sacred Relic Summoning,” and “Heavenly Power” there as well.

In that game, Cortia could be obtained by paying, but in this world, it’s a bit different. Every person has a small amount of Cortia, and members of the Forlant royal family are born with a significantly larger amount.

Since I am also a member of the royal family, and even with just ten years passing, my Heavenly Power gradually accumulated, so I currently have enough to summon once.

(Wouldn’t it be absurd to get a good item in just one go? But it’s not exactly the same as the game; it’s a world that looks similar… will it be okay?)

“Ah, finally! The Sacred Relic of the ‘Princess of White Radiance’ will be revealed.” 

“It must be a truly divine and beautiful relic… I look forward to it.”

The “White Radiance” refers to the month corresponding to December in this country’s calendar—simply the month I was born. And since my hair looks white, it became something of a nickname. To be precise, it’s more of a silvery color than white.

As the nobles buzzed with excitement, the priests began to pray. The magic circle beneath my feet started to glow, and in response, light flooded the altar.

“Come forth from a distant land, blessed by all gods—receive the blessing, and take on your noble form…!”

The bishop chants solemnly. Amid the expectations of many, a figure slowly appears from the light—

“…W-what…”

The bishop is at a loss for words. A sudden silence fell all around—the atmosphere thick with surprise—after the shock, a sudden surge of emotion erupted.

“What is this…? Is this really a sacred relic?! I cannot accept this at all!”

One of the nobles who had been silent up until then was the first to speak up. Seeing an adult, dignified middle-aged man, get so angry was quite intense that even I, at ten years old, felt it.

“Silence… but, this—”

“Bishop, was there a flaw in the summoning ritual? A sacred relic should shine and captivate people just by its appearance… but what is this? It’s just an old wooden stick!”

“Exactly, this does not fulfill the duty of a royal relic! The blessing of the relic we summoned this time has been regrettably lost!”

(Star rarity: lowest, one star—‘Red Oak Wooden Sword.’ Is that how it’s rated?)

Although it was a very uncomfortable situation, there was no point in panicking, so I observe the wooden sword from a distance. The maid who always accompanied me had turned pale – all I could do was give her a reassuring smile.

“Ah, Lady Ashrina… to push yourself so hard like this…”

(That’s probably counterproductive…)

She thinks of me as a fragile princess, so it’s understandable she sees me that way— though I am not particularly strong, so her words are just a small comfort.

“Uhh…”

Suddenly, my maid stiffens. What she saw was the King and the Prince – my father and older brother – looking at me from the seats on the second floor where the royal family sat.

(…This truly makes me feel like I’m living on borrowed time.)

Both of them are so beautiful that, now that I have memories of my past life, it’s hard to believe that we are related by blood. Yet, even when our eyes meet, neither of them shows any particular expression.

No — I think my father looked a little distressed. That was probably because I had brought shame upon the royal family, but I feel some remorse from his side as well.

“Regarding Ashrina’s fate, that will be decided later. It shall not go against my wishes.”

“…Y-Your Majesty…”

The noble man unable to say more as the king leaves, and after casting a glance of disdain at me, he left—as did the others.

At the bishop’s command, I am taken to another place. The wooden sword from earlier is being carried away by my maid—it was summoned during the Sacred Relic Summoning, so it probably won’t be disposed of immediately.

　After that, I never returned to the palace, but was instead put in a carriage and taken to my place of imprisonment, which took several days.

What happens to royal family members who fail in the Sacred Relic Summoning? One example is Ashrina, whose name appears only briefly in the story – that is, me.

What kind of circumstances did she actually find herself in? When I was just a gamer —my former self—I mean, I’m just guessing a little bit.

(Seems like I’ll be in for quite a rough time from now on. But if I survive this, what will happen? Reincarnated as a princess with life on hard mode…?)

I glance at the corner of the carriage’s interior. There, wrapped in cloth and treated as mere trash, lies the wooden sword that I was allowed to take with me.

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