"Even in war, one must never forget how to smile — it confuses the enemy."
The morning sunlight spilled through the tall windows of the reception hall, its warmth glinting across the polished jade floor. The faint scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, blending with the aroma of freshly brewed spirit tea.
When Crystal Aserra stepped inside, the attendants at the door bowed deeply before retreating, leaving her alone with the man seated near the center of the room.
The Fourth Prince of Asterion, Prince Faren, rose from his chair the moment he saw her.
Even without his royal robes, he was unmistakable — tall, poised, and effortlessly elegant. His dark hair was tied back neatly, and his deep green eyes carried the calm sharpness of someone who'd seen too many battles yet still smiled like life was simple.
"Lady Crystal," he greeted warmly, his voice smooth and composed. "It's good to see you awake."
Crystal smiled faintly, though inside, her thoughts were a tangled mess.
Faren…
The name brought a flood of memories from her past life — memories of war, loyalty, and companionship. Of a man who had stood beside her when everyone else turned away.
He had been one of her most trusted generals, loyal to the end. And she had failed him — her choices had led to his downfall.
But now… here he was again.
And she was no longer the same woman he once knew.
To him, she was still the spoiled fifteen-year-old daughter of the Asura Clan.
But in truth, she was a thirty-five-year-old queen trapped in a teenager's body.
"Your Highness," she said smoothly, dipping into a respectful bow. "You honor my home with your presence."
He smiled lightly, waving a hand. "No need for formality, Crystal. I heard you had been unconscious for several days. When I returned from my mission and heard the news, I sent word to your guards to call for me once you awoke."
So that was it. He'd been called by her own order — one she'd made before her death.
How poetic, she thought dryly. The old me calling for help that came too late.
Still, she smiled, keeping her expression graceful. "You've always been dependable, Faren."
He looked genuinely pleased. "It's been a while since we spoke like this. You've grown since the last time I saw you."
Crystal blinked. "Ah… yes."
He smiled faintly. "You seem… different, somehow."
Crystal froze slightly. "Different?"
He tilted his head, studying her with quiet curiosity. "Calmer. Less… fiery."
Her lips twitched. If only you knew, she thought. The fire just burns deeper now.
They both sat down at the low jade table. Servants appeared briefly to pour tea before quietly withdrawing, leaving them alone.
The faint sound of bubbling water filled the silence.
Faren took a sip and sighed with contentment. "Still the best blend in the capital," he said.
Crystal smiled politely and nodded. "Yes. The best."
He continued talking — something about his recent campaign in the northern borders, the state of the outer provinces, and a new treaty being formed between the border clans. His words flowed easily, articulate and intelligent, his tone smooth and commanding.
Crystal tried to follow. She really did.
But after five minutes… her mind began to drift.
She nodded. "Yes."
Faren continued, unaware. "Of course, the border tribes remain a problem, but—"
Crystal: "Yes, yes, exactly."
He blinked. "Exactly?"
Crystal froze for a second before taking a sip of tea, pretending to ponder something very important.
The truth was, she had no idea what he'd just said.
Spirits above, she thought. He's still so serious. Was he always this talkative?
Her eyes wandered for a moment — from his sharp jawline to the faint scar under his right ear, one she remembered patching up herself in another lifetime.
He was handsome. Too handsome.
And young. Much younger than the Faren she'd last seen in her past life — back then, his hair had been streaked with gray, and his eyes carried the exhaustion of a man who'd seen the world collapse.
Now… he looked bright, strong, alive.
Her thoughts began to spiral. He's definitely not bad to look at… Maybe he's my soulmate? The system did say I need to find one… right?
Her mind immediately conjured up the scene — kissing him under the moonlight to test the theory.
Would that even work? Maybe if I kissed him, the system would say "Soul Mate Found"?
A small blush touched her cheeks.
"Are you all right?" Faren asked, noticing the faint color in her face.
Crystal sat straighter, clearing her throat. "Ah, yes. Perfectly fine. Just… tea's a little hot."
Faren nodded and smiled, returning to his discussion about border trade routes and taxation.
Crystal tried again to listen. She really did. But her mind drifted again.
He's younger here… she thought absently. And stronger than I remember. Maybe fate's trying to make this easy for me. Handsome prince, loyal general, potential soulmate. It would almost be funny if it weren't so tragic.
She bit her lip, suppressing a laugh. Wouldn't that be something? Dying for love once, reborn to maybe… kiss another prince?
Her imagination began running wild. Maybe if I kissed him, a green light would appear and say "Soul Bond Established!"
A small chuckle escaped her lips before she could stop it.
Faren blinked mid-sentence, confused. "Did I say something amusing?"
Crystal straightened instantly, waving her hand. "No, no! Please continue."
He frowned slightly but continued talking.
She nodded along solemnly, taking delicate sips of tea at random intervals, all while not understanding a single word that left his mouth.
Politics, trade, military… blah, blah, blah, she thought, her expression perfectly composed. How did I deal with this as queen again? Oh right — I didn't listen then either.
Faren, oblivious, kept speaking about his mission's success and his next assignment.
Crystal, meanwhile, was lost in her own world of chaotic thoughts.
If this is my second chance, maybe I should be less… rash. Or maybe I should just… test my theory. A small kiss wouldn't hurt anyone. It's for research.
She nearly snorted into her tea at the thought.
Faren paused again, now clearly confused. "You seem… amused today."
Crystal tried to hold a straight face. "I just remembered something funny."
"I see," he said, though his tone was uncertain. "Should I assume it had nothing to do with me?"
Her lips curved in a mischievous smile. "Maybe. Maybe not."
For a moment, their eyes met — his calm and questioning, hers bright with unspoken laughter.
And for the first time since her rebirth, Crystal genuinely laughed.
Not out of cruelty or irony, but simply because the absurdity of everything was too much to take seriously anymore.
The mighty general of death — the queen who once commanded legions — now sitting across from her old general, trying to act like a fifteen-year-old while daydreaming about fate and kisses.
If her old self could see her now, she'd probably have died of embarrassment.
But for the first time, the laughter didn't feel wrong.
It felt… human.
Faren smiled faintly at the sound, though he still looked puzzled. "I'm glad to see you in better spirits, at least."
Crystal managed to compose herself, sipping her tea again. "I suppose it's the tea."
He chuckled softly. "Perhaps. Though I think it's something more."
She tilted her head. "More?"
"Your eyes," he said simply. "They used to look… empty. Now they seem alive again."
Her hand stilled around her cup. For a brief moment, she didn't know what to say.
Alive.
He had no idea how true that word was.
The silence stretched for a moment, warm and comfortable.
Then Faren finished his tea and stood. "I'll take my leave now. I only wanted to make sure you were well."
Crystal rose with him. "Thank you, Faren. Truly."
He smiled faintly, bowing his head. "Rest well, Lady Crystal."
As he turned to leave, Crystal watched him go — her mind once again spinning with thoughts she didn't want to acknowledge.
Faren… loyal, steady, kind. Maybe fate isn't mocking me after all.
She chuckled softly to herself as she sat back down, resting her chin on her palm.
"Maybe," she whispered, "just maybe… he's my test subject."
The laughter that followed echoed quietly in the stillness of the hall — soft, amused, and a little bit mad.
"Rebirth grants wisdom, but it rarely cures insanity." — Old Cultivator's Saying