Why do I smell something burning? Where in the world am I? Am I still alive? Or is my soul in the burning depths of hell already?

*sfx for the light breeze and the flames

"Sera-chan, we're sorry..! Mommy and daddy are sorry, okay?" A voice of a woman said that I opened my eyes.

Wow, she's so beautiful! But why do she seem big?

She was a woman in her early 20s; she has gun metal hair, emerald eyes and pointed ears. She has also an angelic appearance similar to a doll.

By her side was a man in his late 20s; he has auburn hair, sapphire eyes and some weird scales on his cheeks and neck like that of an armadillo. He had a stern look in his face, with his stern eyes, furrowed forehead and pursed lips.

In the background, I saw a small wooden hut being engulfed in ravaging flames. The roof was falling out and the whole view was reminding me of a housefire from my distant past I partially remember.

They looked at me like someone who has to abandon the thing he deeply cherished that I stared at them, wide eyed.

"Rena, survive with our daughter. That is the only thing I want you to do as my last request." The man said in a desperate voice so I looked at the woman.

"But Phil, do you really think they'd stop after killing you?! Remember, they were after us before Seraphine was even born! So don't just sacrifice yourself for naught! We'll find a way to escape... somehow..!"

"Get a grip, Rena, and run when I give you the signal!!"

"Bu-But..!"

*sfx for blazing flames

The man called Phil held Rena's shoulders and made eye contact with her. Tears began to stream down his face so he wiped all of it with his arm. He wore a pained expression and kissed her and me on the forehead.

"Please Rena, I promise to follow you when I finish them off. I'm begging you, survive for my and our daughter's sake." She cupped his cheek.

"O-Okay, I understand. But if you break your promise, I will personally go to hell to bring you back. Got it?" He nodded his head vigorously at her words. "Good, please be careful. I love you, Phil."

"Me too." He picked up the sword on the ground and gripped on it tightly. He gazed at us once more before he headed further away from view. Rena got up while holding me in her arms and ran opposite from him.

What is happening? Why did that man looked as if he's not coming back? And who is pursuing them?

This woman, how could she carry a teenager easily?

Wait, wait, wait, I'm sure I died. Wait, I already died? Then why am I alive right now? Is this what happens in fantasy-isekai novels I read before dying?

Then does this mean that I reincarnated? Or should I say that I isekai'd?

*sfx for rustling grass and footsteps

"Your Highness, where are you?" A creepy voice of a man said, a dozen of meters away from us. Hearing that, Rena's face paled and she started to shiver.

*huff huff

*bathump bathump

Rena was slowly panting with all that running, meaning she's already tired. There were dark bags under her eyes and her lips were cracked.

"Your Highness, let me escort you back to Liliace. I'm sure His Majesty is worried sick about you!" There was a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Suddenly, Rena murmured weird words and something weird happened. Her hair floated in the wind and glowed in green hue just like her eyes. Several vines went up from the ground and reached out their buds to us.

"... please, protect my daughter... I'm afraid I can't take care of her any longer, so dear friends, please find someone who can..." She wryly smiled and placed me in their leaves.

The vines grew thicker while the leaves became wider and bigger. It obscured my vision that I couldn't help but bite my lips with my gums since I haven't grown any tooth yet.

Jijue left to fend off those bad guys, and now you're leaving me hahaue? Why are you entrusting your daughter to a suspicious plant?

Due to the uselessness of my sight in the current situation, I relied on my sense of hearing to have a better grasp of my surroundings.

"Well, well, well, look who we have here. You finally appeared, right Your Highness?" The creepy voice from earlier said in mockery.

"... please... just kill me already..!"

"As per 'his' orders, I can only end your life once you told me the whereabouts of the hybrid."

"... dead."

*slap

"What did you just say?!"

"I told you... the hybrid you're talking about... is dead..!"

*slap

"You dare lie to me?! How dare you!! Miguel, find her. I know this bitch hid that hybrid somewhere around here. Go!!"

"Yes, Captain!"

"No!!!"

Am I the hybrid they're talking about? How could I, a normal high schooler from Japan, be a hybrid?

But it makes sense, I got isekai'd in a fantasy world after all. Anything can happen, an example is kidnapping like what is happening right now. Also, hahaue probably used Plant magic earlier which is a given since she's an elf.

Magic, magical beings, alchemy, monarchs, nobles, knights, mages and people with divine powers probably exist here.

Jijue had some scales earlier, is he possibly... a lizardman? The daughter of a lizardman and an elf, I really am a hybrid! Why do they want to get a hold of me? Am I that valuable?

*sfx for footsteps

Are they really that eager to find me? Why are they so immersed in it? Do lizardmen have some kind of unique power? I don't think so.

*bathump bathump

The plant shook strongly but instead of bulging and revealing me from inside, the leaves curled up and closed even more. It seemed that the subordinate of 'Captain', let's call him Mikkun, was having a hard time opening it.

"What the f*ck is this?! Why won't it f*cking open?! Ugh, f*ck!!" He sighed in frustration.

"What is it, Miguel?!" The Captain asked, annoyed of his subordinate's reaction.

I can't blame Mikkun though, the plant is protecting me like what hahaue said. Bleh!

"Captain, the plant won't f*cking bulge!! It seems she hid the hybrid inside this f*cking... thing!!" The plant stopped shaking.

"Then slice it open, you f*cking idiot!!"

"Ye-Yes Captain..!" He stammered.

*shiing

I felt the plant uprooting itself from the ground and started running. I was juggled up and down that I felt some bruises on my petite body. It went on for tens of minutes, then the plant stopped in its tracks.

*sizzle

I heard the leaves moving away from my vision little by little. The vine placed me on the ground gently and left quickly as it arrived leaving me alone.

Wha, jijue and hahaue left me... now that plant too?! Mou, what kind of reincarnation is this?! If I'm meant for something extraordinary, why did the guy who reincarnated me left me to die?!

[... oh~ho~, watch your mouth mortal.]

Who are you? How can you enter my mind nonchalantly? Don't you know what privacy means?!

[Appease your anger, young mortal, for I am not someone who has a short temper. Lend me your ears, and I shall tell you the reason why you're here.]

Get on with it then!

[I am Meerschaum, the god of fate and the future. Centifolia-neesama assigned me to watch over you, which is against my principles. I mean, why should I do that just for a mere mortal?]

... go on.

[Centifolia-neesama told me that you should survive alone until you turn 14. Even if you ask me, I don't know why she said that particular age.]

Who is that 'Centifolia-neesama'?

[A mere mortal like you doesn't deserve to even speak her name..! Anyways, I should go now.]

What about the reason why I'm transported here? And how did I die back on Earth?

[I shall tell you on another day. For now, your first priority is to survive in the wilderness with the difficulty of being a helpless baby. Farewell, for now.]

H-Hey, what are you..! Hey, come back!!

Millions, or even billions, of twinkling stars scattered across the bluish dark night sky. The gibbous moon was in the horizon, acting as my natural light to see through the mists and darkness. Sounds of owls and ravens echoed through the surroundings; beady red eyes of some animals, or more specifically magic beasts, stared at me.

Survive, you say? I wonder how I could do that.

*whoosh

The cold breeze brushed past me. I could hear the crickets nearby and thd gushing water from who-knows-where. As the winds blew, the leaves of the trees and shrubs danced under the moonlight. Stratus clouds partially covered the constellations in the sky.

*sfx for footsteps

I froze when I heard some tapping sounds. I got up on my four limbs with a ragged and thin cloth draped on me. Adrenaline rush took over me and before I knew it, my hands and legs were moving. Of course I was crawling my way out.

"Did I really see a baby? Maybe it was just an illusion..?" A voice of a woman said in confusion. "I did lost the child inside an egg not too long ago..."

What? Why?

I sure hope she won't find me. Who knows, maybe she's a witch who would eat me when I let my guard down. For now, let's be alert.

*hisss

I slowly turned my head behind me and stiffened when I saw a two-meter long magenta cobra. It has two greenish white fangs, turquoise eyes, and some black and white stripes on its body. It locked eyes with me that I shuddered.

"... sh..!" I cursed under my breath.

How lucky am I to meet an esteemed specie of a cobra? Now I'm being sarcastic. Even if I just saw it for the first time, I can infer that it's one of the poisonous kind.

A sigh escaped from my mouth.

Now what?

"Oh, it's just a baby." It suddenly talked that I jolted unconsciously. "And here I thought I could have a delicious meal, too bad."

Well, I hope you would just let me escape if you think of it that way. I'll definitely repay you in the future if you did.

*hisss

"Wait, those ears... I see, so you're an elf. This is getting interesting, along with your golden eyes." I glared at her in suspicion. "It seems that you can understand me even if you're still baby. I've decided, I'll bring you to our clan." I stiffened up even more hearing her words.

*whoosh

I don't wanna tag along with her, I hate snakes!! Especially if it can converse with me in human language!!! Ugh, I don't want to! I'd rather die!!

"Sorry Elfu-chan, you're just too cute. And just so you know, my name is Scylla and I'm the wife of the Leader of the Snake Clan Hydrange." She 'crawled' towards me. "I don't know where you came from but I can promise you, even my husband won't eat you."

Wha-What? Scylla? Hydrange? What the hell is this snake saying?! Why would she take me in?!

I shot her a glare with a hint of confusion mixed in the expression. She chuckled and smiled at me showing her greenish white fangs.

I get it that she wants to 'invest' in me because I might be able to use magic in the future just by having elven blood, but I think there's another reason.

Should I really come with her so I can survive another day? Or should I just turn her offer down? But I don't think she'll let me escape if I go with the latter.

Humu, humu, this is harder than I thought. I am a 14-year old inside this baby body, is my thinking capabilities being corrupted by my current physique?

Oh no, this is bad. I only have two options: dying here or dying there. Which is better? I guess dying here is not that bad, I wanna return to Earth after all.

[... no.]

Oh, you're back! Why not?

[Do you really want to incur the wrath of the gods?! Just stop hesitating and go with that beast, you moron..!]

Wha, how grateful am I to get advice from the great god Meerschaum!

[Shut up, you lowly mortal. Your sarcasm is tainting my holy existence. If not for Centifolia-neesama's ominous wrath, I'd rather let you die than giving you some tips..!]

Yeah, yeah, think however you like. Is it my fault I was brought here?

[Partially, yes.]

Wait what?!

[Farewell, young mortal, Her Divine Sanctity has called for me.]

You--!!

"Elfu-chan, are you still there? Hello?" I snapped back to reality when she spoke. "Have you decided?" I nodded and flashed a business smile.

If the god of destiny himself told me to follow Scylla, I guess it's meant to be considering that Meerschaum is also the god of the unknown future.

"Ish!!" I replied, trying so hard to speak properly. She just giggled at my helplessness.

"I think that means 'yes', is that correct?" I nodded again. I was suddenly lifted off the ground by her tail and got carried as she 'crawled' for a kilometer and a half.

Where she stopped stood a tombstone-like wall made of batholith. A paragraph of an unknown language was engraved on the stone, and it started to glow when Scylla 'stood' on a circular platform made from limestone carved with the same language of the words.

"You might wanna brace yourself, Elfu-chan." She warned me that I gulped. Bright light enveloped our entire beings from the platform and before I knew it, a new scenery of straw huts replaced the eerie forest where I witnessed unparalleled atrocity.

*whoosh

The word that lingered in my mind as I took in the beautiful sight was... breathtaking.

I thought snakes like damp places, like a cave. Oh right, this is a fantasy world. Beasts like her have human mentality, meaning that they think and act like a human.

Hundreds of huts scattered across the valley and 'humans' were seen as little ants from my point of vision. Some children played tag while the adults tended to their farms and their fishnets submerged in water.

The women covered their breasts and private area with a croptop and a short skirt made from sewn leaves while men just placed a single long, wide leaf over their treasure.

This looks like a hidden tribe from my previous world. Perhaps, were they called Apaches?

"We've arrived." She informed me and teleported right at the gate. The guards looked at each other and then to the she-snake with me.

I admit, having her with me is more convenient than I thought. Well, she is the wife of their Clan Leader.

"Welcome back Scylla-sama!" The guards greeted her. The she-snake transformed into her human form, with magenta hair while her turquoise eyes were sharp. She wore a gown made out of palm leaves.

"I'm back so you can open the gate now."

"But Scylla-sama, we need to inspect that 'thing' with you." One of the guards said that a vein popped on my forehead.

Excuse me, thing? How dare he! If he knew that I'm a descendant of a dragon, I doubt he'd still say that. Hmph!

"Heh? Can you repeat that?" Scylla asked with a hint of annoyance in her tone that the guards flinched. "Hm? Say it again!"

"We were just curious about that thing in your arms, Scylla-sama. It's a suspicious object that could endanger us."

"This is not a thing, you lowly snakes, this is from now on, my daughter. Anyone who wants to object can do so in the arena. Do you still wanna inspect her, hmm?!"

"Of course not, Scylla-sama." They unlocked the gate.

*creak

"Please, you can now go inside." He added so she did and headed straight to a hut.

In front was two red satin banners and a matching red flaglet atop the roof. Two brown snakes were outside and they bowed when they saw her.

"Greetings Scylla-sama, and welcome back. May we return to our home and come back later?" The younger snake said and she nodded. "Thank you Scylla-sama." He stated and they hurriedly left.

They're so peculiar. I thought beastmen only have brawls in their minds, I guess I was a bit rude thinking that just because they are part animals means that they act like one. Mataku, how biased I am.

We came inside and what awaited us was a gorgeous man in his late 20s with crimson hair and amethyst eyes. Miniscule scales were partially visible on his face and his crossed legs were on the table full of paperwork. He smiled smugly.

"Oi Scylla-san, it seems you forgot our anniversary just because of a worthless thing like that!" He said, putting an emphasis on those last words.

Somehow, this person irks me.

"Charybdis-sama, can you refrain from insulting my child. As a mother, I'd hate it because the insult could be intended for me as well. Do we have an understanding, hm?" He chuckled.

*chuckle

"Huh, your child? Don't make me laugh!" He got up from his seat and stood a few inches away from her. "Oi Scylla-san, how dare you disrespect your husband?! Did you learn to talk back after taking this... I don't know, child?!"

He's her husband?! What the heck! Well, he is handsome and Scylla is also beautiful so there's nothing wrong with it. But he's an asshole!

"Not at all Charybdis-sama, I never changed my attitude by the way. I've always been like this." She looked down to me. "Elfu-chan, don't worry. I'll protect you like what I promised." I just nodded and dozed off.

*zzz

***

Scylla's POV

When I saw the silver-haired infant for the first time, I felt that I needed to protect it whatever the cost. I even talked back to my domineering husband just to preserve the baby's pride of being a hybrid.

She looks like an elf, but she only have a faint smell similar to that particular race. She reeks of other races, what in the world is she? Did I perhaps... pick up a dangerous creature? No way right?

She fell asleep in my arms so I asked my maternal mother to take care of her. I placed her on my bed and went back to my husband.

"Charybdis-sama, please do not annoy me any longer. I am not in the mood to handle all your childish tantrums." I calmly told him so he clicked his tongue and smirked.

*tch

"Huh, are you sure? You're disgracing our clan for bringing in that filthy thing! You of all people should know the rule, you're my wife after all." He stroked then gripped my neck. "What's with you and that thing?! Are you seriously going to take care of her? You?" I slapped his hand.

*slap

"Shut up, it's none of your business. I can't have children so might as well adopt one. Won't you just think of this as one of my pasttimes?" I made eye contact. "Hm, Charybdis-sama?" He sighed in defeat.

"Fine, but make sure that it won't die in your care. And it's none of my concern if she gets bullied by the brats outside or not. Good night!" He huffed angrily and went out.

"Thank you, Charybdis-sama." A smile crept up on my face. "Even if you're a little stubborn, I still like you." I added and went back to my room.

I can't believe what just happened! I thought he's gonna kill me along with the child, how relieved I am to know that he trusts me.

But what name suits her? How about... Selene? Dulia Selene... that's it! It suits her!

I'll raise her to the best of my abilities and watch her as she slowly grows up into a stunning beauty. Many men will court her and I'll help her find a suitable husband.

"Hey!" A familiar voice of a man suddenly called out that I shuddered. Shivers ran down my spine and my knees felt so weak.

"Greetings Your Highness!" I greeted him respectfully with a bow.

"Yes, yes, I want you to take care of something."

"What is it that you want, Your Highness?" I curiously asked as I looked at him in the eye.

"You will take care of my nephew, but he'll only arrive here in the next few years. Do expect to deal with necessary but little troubles along the way, do you understand?" I made a quick bow and looked at him again.

"Yes Your Highness, this lowly servant of yours understood your words." He suddenly disappeared into the night.

That removed a decade of my life! Phew, that scared me. Who knew that the Grand Duke came here to tell me something about taking care of his nephew.

Wait, I have to raise another kid other than Dulia?!

No!!!!!!!!!

Selene's POV

*timeskip, seven years

I am now seven years old. Okaasan, or Scylla, named me Dulia Selene but she told me that I'll be the one to decide what my lastname is. But so far, I haven't found one.

When I was a year old, I was meant to say my first words based on the common knowledge of this world which is Walpurgis. But I didn't, I should say I never said even a word. I know it's weird for me to be like this, given that I was a free-spirited girl in my past life, but I was just too traumatized of my parents' death.

I want hahaue and jijue to hear my first words, not my adoptive parents. If only they didn't die, I could have been happy even if I reincarnated in a fantasy world. Sigh, how did I end up like this?

"Dulia-chan, where are you?" Okaasan called me from inside our hut.

I went in. What awaited me was a young boy with obsidian, or purplish black, hair and amethyst eyes. He wore expensive clothes fit for nobles and he had a blank expression on his face. I just stared at him, dumbfounded at how cute he was.

"Say hi to Max, Dulia-chan. Max-sama, this is my daughter Dulia Selene." Okaasan said awkwardly that he stepped forward and placed his hand on his chest.

"Hello, I'm Max." He coldly greeted and scanned me from head to toe. I just raised my right hand to say hi and gazed at okaasan. "What, won't you say something? Scylla-sama, is she mute?" He asked consecutively.

"Sorry Max-sama, it's just what she is. Even I, her mother, haven't heard her voice yet." Okaasan ineptly.

Yep, only hahaue and jijue must hear me! And what's up with your tone? You act like your superior to okaasan... are you?

"I'll forgive her, but don't expect a next time." He sternly said that okaasan bowed in front of him. I was alarmed so I walked towards her and raised her head.

I shook my head desperately and glared at the boy. He chuckled and grabbed my neck that she shivered.

"You... even ojiisama won't glare at me like that..!" He stammered and let go of me.

*sniffle sniffle

"I just... I was just surprised that you can't talk..! I'm sorry, okay?"

Eh?

*sniffle

What the heck? You were just acting haughty long ago, was that just a facade of your real personality? Are you really this kind of person, a crybaby?

Let's just forgive this kid, I'm a teenager inside this child's body so I should be forgiving. He's just an innocent child, nothing more.

I placed my hand on his left shoulder, shook my head and beamed out an apologetic smile. He stopped crying and swiftly hugged me. I was surprised but I just let him be.

"I'm sorry but to make up for it, you can just call me Max with no honorifics! Try it." He stated in a chirpy tone that I balked. "You won't?" His happy tone changed into a sad one.

I pushed him away so he can see me. I moved my hand like a chirping bird, pointed to my lips and shook my head.

"... I see, you can't speak." I nodded in response.

*clap clap clap

We turned to its direction and saw Charybdis-sama, or I call him ottousan in my mind.

What is he doing here? I bet he's gonna tease me about making a new friend, finally.

"You finally have a friend, I see. Would you look at that? Dulia, my dear daughter, I congratulate you as your father." He sarcasticly said that a vein popped in my forehead.

"Charybdis-sama!!" Okaasan exclaimed.

"Charybdis-sama, why are you like that to your daughter? You don't know what'll happen to you if you won't be careful." Max-kun said that he widened his eyes.

*gulp

"I-I'm s-sorry..!" He stuttered and ran away from the scene.

What just happened?

I looked at the obsidian-haired boy and he just smiled innocently.

Maybe I was just imagining it, he's just a young boy.

"Do you wanna play? I know a game!" He exclaimed excitedly that I giggled at his childish actions. I tilted my head to let him know that I'm curious. "Let's go somewhere first!" He dragged me away, leaving okaasan speechless.

*pant pant

*huff huff

We passed by many snake people and and trees.

"We need to run a little longer..!" He managed to say. I nodded and focused my strength in my legs. We finally arrived at our destination.

Beautiful, just beautiful!

There were many maple trees and cherry blossoms, which their leaves slowly fall on the grassy ground and water, surrounding the lake. The clear water, with reeds and lotuses in the sides, reflected the ever-so-blue sky decorated with feathery clouds or also called cirrus clouds back on Earth. Overall, it was an ethereal sight.

I never knew a place this breathtaking could be found in the territory of the Snake Clan. Moreover, a guest like Max knows about it while I, the adoptive daughter of the Snake Clan Leader, don't.

*whoosh

"Sese-chan, isn't it beautiful?" I balked at the sudden call of my nickname.

Sese-chan, why would he call me like that? He's too innocent for his own good. Let's just get along with him for now.

"..." I nodded my head vigorously.

"Hehe, Sese-chan is so cute!" He pinched my cheeks that it numbed. "I just can't get enough of you!" He added and continued on pinching it and murmured something inaudible.

*chills

I suddenly shuddered at his domineering tone. When I looked at him, it was swiftly replaced by an innocent grin.

What the? What just happened?

"You know Sese-chan, can't you at least let me hear your voice? Even if it's just saying my name, I'll be satisfied." I flinched at his sudden request and cold sweat ran down my back.

"..." I didn't open my mouth.

"Come on, please..!" He begged me with his folded hands and bent knees. I shook my head and sat on the grass. I tapped the space on my left so he immediately sat down. "Why can't you?"

Why should I? I never associate myself with a stranger, much less a boy from who-knows-where. I need to get to know him a little more before I could trust him.

"Sese-chan?" His cheerful expression from earlier became a dark one. He clearly grimaced due to the fact that I turned down his request which is, to speak.

Due to my parents' death, I developed a condition called glossophobia, or the fear of speaking in public. I am also a thanatophobe, or afraid of death or dying.

I don't know why I got the latter, given that it was like yesterday that I wanted to die but soon stopped by Meerschaum-sama. Seriously, why would I be afraid of dying if it means I could go back to my previous world?

"I understand, don't force yourself to do what you can't okay?" He told me and smiled amorously.

*shalalalala

He's so cute!! The cutest boy I've ever seen in my two lifetimes! How could a normal human like him be this adorable?!

"... ute..." My mouth spoke on its own that surprised the both of us. He looked dumbfounded, the most normal reaction. He then wore a weird expression that sent shivers to my spine and when I blinked twice, he wore his usual easygoing smile.

***

Max's POV

My bastard of a father blamed me for the death of my mother and even abused me. He'd beat me inside the dungeon every chance he gets and the servants just left me unattended, not even caring if I was still alive or not.

Until ojiisama, or the Grand Duke, found out about and secretly took me from the manor. He put a roof over my head, had some servants take care of me and even arranged my studies. He personally taught me swordsmanship and martial arts and asked a mage from the magic tower to teach me how to use magic.

It went on for years until he told me that someone else will take care of me, and memories about ottousama and the servants' negligence flooded in my mind. My newly-built mentality immediately shattered.

Why? Because he's already fed up of taking care of me? Just why, ojiisama?

"Don't worry Max, I received a report that Scylla-san adopted a girl two years younger than you. You never know, maybe you can play with her a bit?"

"But ojiisama, can't I stay here? You know that those assassins sent by my stepmother keep on pestering me every night, what if they burn the village of the Snake Clan down? What do I do?"

"That's why I taught you how to fight. Just go, I can assure you that it's safer there than here where aniiki can come anytime. Do you understand, Max?" I nodded obediently and proceeded to pack my belongings.

The day for my departure came. All the servants, including my personal maids and the Head Butler saw me off that I felt warm in my chest.

I can't believe I'm really leaving from this place.

The journey took a few days before I finally arrived at my destination. Scylla-sama and Charybdis-sama welcomed and hurriedly lead me to their abode.

It was quite different from what I imagined, I thought I would be seeing mansions, not straw huts.