Reincarnated Into A Dead Woman's Body In Another World-Chapter 154: Arc 3, - 64: Not Alone

Barely taking a glance at the long and wide streets of brown bricks, the scent of spices fluttering through the air and the various rows and heights of buildings, the four were rushed to Galuvit Station.

Made of dark metals, steam slightly blowing at the front, the train was ready to go. Several other trains were parked, not yet sanctioned to leave.

Two tracks for arrival and departure. The first train of the day had been reserved—the number four painted on the front. They had two entire passenger cars to themselves that had been booked.

Lavish interior, carpets of purple and gold, cushioned seats coloured bronze and tables in between. Each window had shades of their own—a long cable to tug on for an emergency stop.

With their luggage taken care of, they were rushed into the train, three of them surveying every inch with their mouths agape whilst Jotou looked around, mildly amused.

As Jotou stepped in, something slipped into her coat pocket; Jotou immediately turned, squinting around. "Is there an issue?" the Royal Guard behind her queried.

’He would be too occupied, he couldn’t have... Wait.’ Jotou saw a hooded figure, walking off in a hurry. Jotou placed a hand on her pocket to feel out—a thin something—like an envelope. "Nothing, just, nervous," Jotou replied.

"Do not worry, we have accounted for that. Please, get comfortable in your seat," she reassured as Jotou nodded and stepped in, following her friends.

"Woah... it’s like a carriage, but longer!" Asobi ran inwards.

"Well, duh genius," Fumeko’s head looked to the ceiling... She grumbled, "This is too awesome... WE’RE IN A SUPER EXPENSIVE TRAIN CAR!" she blinked all over the place, admiring the interior.

Hotaru grinned, her fangs shining, "So Jotou, is it like the ones in your world?" Her tail wagged, gawking at the interior herself, wondering how it would feel when it started moving.

"It is a beautiful train, I’ve never been in one like this before," Jotou gave up in trying to act aloof and glanced about.

After their little look around, they were requested to sit down together; a woman in dull pinks—pale, tanned skin, approached, "Hello, I am the regulator of any public appearances of the princess.

My name is Marney Yevary and I will be teaching of you all the etiquette when meeting with the princess; her majesty has not made a public appearance in months," the diplomat spoke in a refined tone—stood next to the table as she explained.

Royal Guard sat around, talking to one another and away from the four of them. The train began moving with a chug and a whistle of steam.

Asobi and Fumeko tuned out the diplomat completely as they looked out the window; the train left the station, gaining speed rhythmically. Hotaru tried to listen, but even her eyes darted out the window every other second.

Soon, their trip had begun. The wilderness was a nice sight, so were some of the towns in the distance the train passed by. But the lady kept repeating the same instructions, forcing them to listen eventually.

They never got a chance to talk to each other, lest to interrupt the woman of some nobility. ’Again. Thrown into a hectic spontaneous plan... Sigh. I should be used to it by now.’

Fortunately, with all the distractions and Asobi sitting next to the blonde instead of the detective, Jotou was able to pat the document that had been snuck into her coat.

"Uhm, sorry to interrupt, but I have to use the restroom," Jotou spoke.

"Oh, of course dear, please," Yevary let pass.

Jotou walked off, staring out the window—trying not to look suspicious to any of the guards. A waiter walked past with the scent of mushrooms and fresh garlic steaming off on the tray he carried.

’Ugh, of course I miss the food.’ Jotou shook her head, rushing to the restroom onboard.

Spacious enough to take three steps and a window able to slide open that displayed the scenery going by quickly. No shower, but all the other essentials.

Jotou sighed and fished out the brown envelope from her pocket. "For your eyes only," Jotou read the penmanship on top.

’Good thing I didn’t tell everyone then. Not like I could, these royal people are everywhere.’ Jotou opened it up—no seal, no mark, not even an address. Simply, a folded piece of paper with writing.

The paper was cold to the touch, compared to the mild heat of the air around her. "Hm," Jotou unfolded it—silent as the train chugged by, the steam whistling.

’Hey. I have some intel for you, so keep reading. I heard word of your latest conquest near Hartamat. There might be hope for you yet if you’re still kicking after that.

Who am I kidding, I know you can handle yourself. I’m sure you know now what Trailon was up to there. You want to know why a lowkey operation like that brought in more soldiers and two whole tanks? Well I’ll tell you why. It’s because of you.

All secrecy and the idea of dodging blame by using a ’rogue battalion’ went out the window when they realized the Thundering Blade was in the picture. It was all out to eliminate you; you’ve gained quite the reputation as a thorn in Trailon’s side.

Still, this lets you know how many geniuses actually run Trailon. Sure, they’re not as dumb as Malecise, but Trailon still doesn’t have its head screwed on right.

They abandoned the entire operation which could’ve gotten them a powerful weapon and a flanking route to gain more land in Galuvit—just so they could get rid of one person. And they failed gloriously.

Not even a proper agent, no one with an affinity. That operation was doomed the minute you showed up in that ’experiment’. It’s like pitting a worm to fight a cat; and the cat can cast lightning magic.

Sure, maybe it’s not the WHOLE of Trailon’s decision to focus on you, but just some war ministers’ decisions, which they are going to be punished for.

However, decades of war have pushed and pulled political power in Trailon; each new position of power occupied by a better idiot with a thirst for control and power.

You want an actual threat? Watch out for the Vandlevela Regime; you’re on their radar now, congratulations. Try to keep your head down before they slice it off.

And if you somehow missed it, this letter is strictly confidential. I’m sure you have the honour of keeping this hush-hush, don’t you?

I’m serious, this is very important. Don’t go telling your friends either, this is for YOU. We’ll have that fight again someday and till then, see you later pretty Princely~’

Jotou knitted her brows, "The Frosting Wind...? Why is she...?" she muttered. The blonde sighed and glanced out the window, "What is this war I’ve been roped into...?

No, I chose to do this... I wanted to leave a mark and try to help in this war. Don’t have regrets now Jotou," Jotou held the bridge of her nose.

She took a breath, then looked to the bathroom door and back to the window. She crumpled the envelope and the note in one hand; sparks went over her fist as she casted zap, a few times.

She slid open the window, putting her left hand out and opened her fingers; black ash blew into the wind. The loud rumbling of the train and nothing but savannah, leading into a more lush, tree-filled terrain.

Jotou washed her hands and stepped out of the restroom. Their journey continued without the freedom to admire the trip nor have the chance to talk together properly.

The food was indeed delicious and before long, they were at Cravolta City Station—the wheels of the train squeaked against the tracks.

They were moved into another lavish carriage, driven by horses. The curtains were shut as per the diplomat’s instructions.

They had reached Cravolta City by late afternoon and they could not even obtain a short glimpse of it; merely a station and a small audience.

The carriage went along for an hour or so—Hotaru’s watch ticking to five. At least now, the four of them were left alone, followed by a line of Royal Guards in other carriages. The four of them could hear people outside, some cheering.

Jotou had a moment to ponder, elbow to the side and chin in her hand. ’You know, all things considered... I’m quite proud of myself. With all the mistakes I made came wisdom.

Not only in the two weeks in Hartamat... My life as a whole. I wonder what my teachers would think of me now—my bullies, my parents—my... friends...

I’ve changed a lot since that cringy-angsty teenager; in more ways than one. I had my friends, but I also had myself. I’d keep fighting; now I’ll keep doing the same... and if I fall I’ll stand back up... for the people I love and against the people I hate.’

Jotou chuckled slightly, thinking of all her past mistakes and stupid moments. "What’s so funny Jotou?" Asobi queried.

"The fact that we’re here, the destination we were heading to from the beginning and can’t see shit?" Fumeko tried to peek out the curtain.

"Fumeko! Behave," only for her hand to be slapped away by Hotaru, "We need to keep up appearances."

"Oh boy, here we go, it was the same with you and the mayor, guess what? He was a dick!"

"But Meko, this is the princess! Princesses aren’t bad! They’re magical people!"

"Who the hell told you that?"

"I once had a fairy tale book! It was left behind in the circus, a lot of the pages were torn out, but I got all the important stuff!"

"Uh huh... If anything, a princess would be worse than a mayor. Privileged, thinking they’re better than everyone. I mean, look all the stuff just to get us to her," Fumeko raised her arms.

"I think you mean, bratty, like you. Besides, this is quite enjoyable," Hotaru smirked.

"Oh please princess Kinoshita, forgive my sins," Fumeko snarked, crossing her arms.

Jotou looked to all of them and smiled brighter, "I miss my old friends and I’d miss all of you too. I would’ve gone mad without any of you.

A lot of things I can regret; but I can move on now, my past is behind me. I’m just happy, with my life. Whatever comes next, I’m happy that it’s with you guys."

"Hmph, I’m glad you feel better," Fumeko muttered.

"Aww, you’re the best Jotou!" Asobi cheered with a little hug.

Hotaru’s tail wagged, a little twitch of her ears as she formulated what to say, in front of the two of them as well... "I’m happy it’s with you too," she blushed.

The carriage came to a stop and a guard immediately opened the right door, "We’re waiting for you."

They all looked to each other with a smile. A nervous heartbeat within each of them—except the elf. They stepped out as the sunlight made them wince an eye, in between the relatively tall buildings.

Octagon bricks made up the streets of shiny grey; caution tape of brown, with Cravolta’s symbol kept the public on the sidewalk.

The public, oh the public... Thousands of citizens had gathered—carrying children, some people coming off work, mobbing in front of buildings. Their cheers and yells nearly deafened everyone in the middle of the street.

Another carriage—gold trimmings, beautiful black stallions, the purple and gold of Cravolta blending into the carriage with bits of white; it had parked twenty or so metres away from them.

Carriages lined themselves behind both Jotou’s carriage and presumably, from the extravagant display, the princess’s carriage; both lines filled with Royal Guard.

The princess’s carriage opened, stairs popping out gold in hue. Polished black shoes stepped out, midnight-purple trousers going up to a midnight-purple blazer.

He wore a white shirt and a black tie, a pin of Cravolta on his blazer pocket. His black hair coifed, skin tan and light violet eyes; perhaps the most noticeable of all, two ears that were pointy—an elf.

His eyes shifted nervously through the crowd and then looked to the four of them and the surrounding guards. There were some that held picket signs, but before they could even be read, the Royal Guard had entered the crowd and subdued the holders.

Now the few boos through the crowd could be heard as well, albeit less enough to be drowned out. The elf boy nodded to the guards before taking a deep breath to open up a scroll.

The Royal Guard all kneeled on the street, facing the carriage; the onlookers went silent. A purple carpet with sides of gold rolled out of the princess’s carriage.

Hotaru signalled the other three to follow along. They all kneeled in similar fashion, head in a bow. As instructed, none of them raised their heads.

The elf took another deep breath, "Ladies and Gentlemen; to all the citizens present. With us now is the Thundering Blade, Jotou Howllett and her companions, Fumeko Namora, Hotaru Kinoshita and Asobi.

And now, gracing us with her presence, her majesty, the princess in line to the throne of the Empire of Shattering Earth, the Undying Princess, Xia Lan Daiyu!" he announced as the crowd began cheering and clapping.

’WHAT!?’ Jotou’s eyes widened as she looked up without a second thought. In a dress of purple and gold, anklets on the heels, she wore earrings, necklaces; she shimmered in jewellery as she stepped out.

Lighter yet still tanned skin with purple hair that had black ends; a hint of green on some strands. With her chin kept high, her brown eyes faced the four...