“It’s true. But whether it’s a newly born body, a body about to be born, or a body born long ago, a body is a body, right? Souls don’t care about that.”

“Huh? Wait a minute. So, I could have just gone back to my original body? And her too. Why did we switch? Can’t we go back?”

“That’s…”

“Hmm, cough…”

Just as the god was about to explain, the person who looked like me (but was actually Richeli) forcefully cut in.

“It’s impossible. Please give it up, Richeli. From now on, you’ll live as Richeli. I’ll live a proper life as Rin. I’m doing just fine right now, on your behalf.”

“What…?”

“While you’ve been asleep for the past three days, I’ve already grasped much of your world and have almost planned out your life. You entered your current university to become a preschool teacher, right?”

“…Yes? It’s been my dream since I was a child.”

“Sorry, but I will reapply to a top university, get a job at a first-class company, travel the world, become an Instagrammer, and build a fortune. It’s effortless with my brain. Then, I’ll freely fall in love and live as I please. It’s been my dream for a long time. It was unthinkable in Richeli’s world. I’m thrilled. Thank you, Rin.”

“No, no… You’re welcome…? Wait, what about me?”

Seeing my shocked face at the unexpected life plan, the person who looked like me (but was actually Richeli) broke into a wide grin.

“You’ll live the best life as the Duke’s daughter in Elrand without any deprivation. Your marriage partner is a prince from a powerful kingdom. You’re going to be a queen. How about that? Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?”

Hearing that, I was taken aback.

“Queen?! Marrying a prince?”

“That’s right. I have a strong sense of independence, so being a queen feels suffocating, but for someone like you, it’s perfect. You can live a life of luxury forever. It’s great that being a preschool teacher is your dream. As a queen, you’re expected to produce and raise as many heirs as possible, so it’s perfect for someone who loves children like you.”

Overwhelmed by the sales-like presentation of the person who looked like me (but was actually Richeli), I was confused and speechless. I couldn’t keep up with the conversation as my mind spun.

With a face close to tears, I looked to the Christ-like figure bathed in light, who claims to be a god, for help.

“Well… Rin, first, let’s wake up. I’ll give you a week to see if you can adjust to your new life. Think carefully during that time, and let’s meet here again in a week. Richeli, you too.”

The god says this, but Richeli (who looks exactly like me) frowns momentarily before turning to face me resignedly.

“Rin.”

“Yes?”

“My diary is in the top drawer of my desk in my room. The key is in the music box. You can read it. Think carefully about the future after reading it.”

“Can I really read your diary?”

“Yes. I’ve seen something even more amazing of yours.”

“What? …What?!”

At those words, I went pale for the first time today, no, in my life. Could it be…

Did she possibly… No, she’s kidding, right? Please tell me she’s joking…

“Not just me; your mother and sister saw it, too.”

What is she talking about?

“Wait, are you talking about my phone?”

“Did you say ‘phone’? The convenient magic tool about this big?”

“It’s not a magic tool… why… I had a password on it…”

“Oh? Was it that fingerprint thing? While you were unconscious, I opened it with my finger and looked inside. Of course, I would. If you were lying there in practically nothing, soaking your underwear, I would want to know what you did to pass out. Well, such indecent…”

“Ahhhhhhhh!!!”

My scream, loud enough to pierce the clouds, left them stunned and frozen.

“Wait, when you said my heart stopped, do you mean…”

As I started to tremble, the god gave me a wry smile.

“Yes… it’s like… a solo version of dying from sexual overexertion… It puts a great strain on the heart.”

What a revelation.

I had forgotten about the fingerprint authentication.

This is hell. -Nothing but hell.

I wish I could crawl into a hole and never come out; as I writhed in embarrassment, my face beet red.

Richeli, wearing my face, shrugged sympathetically at me.

“It’s okay; I went through something similar.”

“…?”

“I was just as embarrassed. Having the contents of your smartphone and the aftermath of your self-satisfaction seen by your family on your behalf is nothing compared to my shame.”

“Enough… stop… I don’t want to hear anymore…”

“Your sister is obsessed with something called ‘otome games.’”

Suddenly, Richeli mentioned something I hadn’t expected, and I furrowed my brow.

“Otome games? Oh, otoge?”

“Yes, that’s it. I heard from your sister that you’ve never played otome games. But you understand the game’s story, right?”

“You mean the lovey-dovey one Kokoro was playing? She’s been reporting about it almost annoyingly every day since last year, so I guess I know most of it… but what about it?”

Then, Richeli fell silent.

After a while, she opened her mouth.

“You’ll understand soon. See you in a week.”

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Return to Elrand is next~