Reincarnated to switch places with a princess (PART 1)

Arc 2 :Chapter 15

I wiped away my drop of sweat as I sat on a howdah. Not bothering to conceal the fact that was suffering in the heat.

" To think that every major-senior royal needed to come." I mumbled under my breath as I took a hand fan from god knows where to cool myself under the scorching heat.

"At least the King was kind enough to loan us a elephant and are the both of you going to be alright?" Kevin turned to open a fabric of the shade opened, revealing Claude and Maximilian right behind us. Their faces red and sweating profusely.

" Of course, we'll fine! After all, we won't be men if we...we..we."

next thing we knew, we had drag the two bodyguards into the shade as I waved my fan at them, trying to help them stay cool. Alexander and Alfred were in another howdah so I couldn't interact with them.

While fanning, I couldn't help but contemplate my thoughts . It was weird,why the hell did the story go so awry. And why can't I remember! Thinking was definitely better than doing nothing and with hyegong back in the koun empire, his probably investigating.

(Flashback)

"Excuse me, your highness."

I looked around to face Tadao, Hyegong's personal valet.

"Good day assistant Tadao, how may I help you?"

"Good day is to you too, but his royal highness has sent this for you."

With that, he handed me a rolled up parchment before taking his leave. Once he was gone, I slowly untied the satin ribbon, revealing a letter with a sort of pendant.

' Dear princess Eira ,

I am writing to inform you of my return to my home. Although this is sudden, I hope you will not be deeply saddened. Knowing this, I have rewarded you a sacred pendant that I hope will make you remember me.

yours truly,

His imperial highness,

Hyegong'

Throwing the letter aside, I examined the pendant, it had a carving of a phoenix along with several characters, though there was something that was evident. It was a small compartment, but removing it, I found a small piece of paper with a address along with a small threat to write back my location.

(Flashback end)

Just thinking about that damn prince made me curl my hands up in a small ball.

A small wind blew through, causing the fabric of the curtains to waver, revealing the howdah behind us, which belonged to Ella. She smiled and waved, her face like a saint. I waved back before covering the curtains back on, to prevent the scorching sun from entering.

Finally, we had reached the capital. There a large sandstone fort stood.Surrounding many tall buildings made of almost similar material, with the tallest being a huge dome. Claude and Maximilian had thankfully recovered enough to last a few more hours, hopefully.

Helping me out of the compartment, I lightly lifted my sun hat. The glaring sun was slightly less intense, making our way to the entrance, I noticed a large entourage greeting us.

Standing in the lead, was a wizen old man who looked like a pharoah. ( and kinda reminded me of a illustration I had seen from a children's book) despite being old, he was actually quite well built and noticeably had quite a bit of battle scars. His kind blue eyes radiated wisdom and bravery. Behind him were countless men and women, probably a little less than mine but what the heck- i had forgotten to count.

But there was one thing that caught my attention, a young man with messy dark brown hair, his aquamarine eyes illuminated against his dark skin tone. He wore a long robe, with a tight neck shirt, his sleeves having a layer made of sheer ,precious jewels and gold decorated his body.

Reius La abbas, the second hero.

I felt my throat go dry but I averted his gaze and examined the rest of the family. Immediately, I noticed that the members of the dynasty all had different skin tones from pale to dark, and not just them, from behind the entrance, a good amount of people were already crowding around to look at us.

The rest was a blur of events but eventually we settled in the royal palace. The hall was very egyption inspired with numerous paintings, a pond in the corners of the chamber with floating lily pads and papyrus, musicians and dancers were spread across entertaining us.

We had also been assisted into ethnic costumes, mine being simple and modest without giving away an midriff.

"Let me join you.."

Joining me was Alexander, he had been dressed in a prussian blue shawarni with a matching headband. It was intricately designed with gold embroidery and bronze bracelets decorated his arms.

"Geez, this gold really hurts. I don't understand, why Alfred and Kevin can't join us." he grumbled as he grabbed a goblet of wine. Nibbling on a piece of sweetened rice cake, I kept the same thought, but it was no use, there was a strict policy that said that servants were not allowed to dine with the masters.

"Can I join the both of you."

We were suddenly greeted by a cheerful Reius, his attire was now changed to a slightly more casual one but it was still formal nonetheless. Hands extended, he said " My name is Reius La abbas, the 10th prince of Scarabia.pleasure to meet you!"

"10th?"

"Yup, I have over 30 siblings..I think...."

At this, we both choked on our respective food and drink.

"You think!" exclaimed Alexander as he wiped away some wine with his sleeve.

"Yup, I got like a ton of siblings but I stopped counting after 30 and that's not counting my cousins, aunts, uncles and distant relatives. But I remember everyone's names!"

Oh my god, this guy has almost the same amount as me but he can remember their names.....I can't even remember like half of them. Suddenly, my hands were pulled and clutched tightly in his, looking at him I couldn't help but find him like a puppy.

"Say! You have a ton of siblings too! right? what are they like?!"

Before we knew it, we had spent the time chatting merrily together, maybe this trip wouldn't be so bad.

(Meanwhile)

"AAAAHHHH!"

A figure lands rather roughly on the floor. His hands clutching his bag as he massaged it.

"Ow....why the hell did I land here in all places. Never mind, I need to figure out what the hell is going on." Quickly, the figure scrambles away, hiding in the shadows.