A Snake’s Life Ch 17

Chapter 17

People were running around in every direction. Normally, Ian would’ve shouted at them to get in line, but even he was walking quickly back and forth.

The commotion was centered around Zerpell’s room, where attendants and maids were busy carrying ornaments and accessories. Zerpell and I were in the middle of being dressed up. I, who had a solid reputation as a divine messenger, was adorned with golden chains draped over my long body and decorated with bright blue jewels. It was lace fabric—what was this? Something similar to cotton was draped over my body. On my forehead was an heirloom called the Tear of the Water God. During the bath, they had poured on plenty of scented oil, and my body now shimmered. The reflection in the mirror looked truly noble, just like a divine messenger.

Clothes really do make the man…

“Shuiren. It suits you very well.”

Master, same goes for you.

Zerpell, too, was dressed quite differently from usual. In the morning, Ian had prepared an outfit for him in advance. When Zerpell received it, he frowned at the sheer extravagance of it. Ian, with eyes wide open, urged him to wear it. With a sigh, Zerpell put it on without resistance. It was a special day, after all. When Ian clapped his hands, the maids who had been waiting outside entered and began working on Zerpell’s hair. He had a fancy shoulder decoration attached to his side-swept hair, and the cloak they had prepared was embroidered with a golden dragon soaring toward the sky. Even the small ceremonial dagger brought by the attendants had multiple jewels encrusted into the sheath. At the center of his tie sat an obsidian brooch I had given him as a gift.

In fact, the brooch looked rather plain compared to the other ornaments, and some attendants tried to remove it. But in an instant, his eyes turned fierce and he slapped the attendant’s hand, telling them not to touch it. He said it was the first gift I had given him, and that he was wearing it on this important day for that reason. In the end, the brooch took its rightful place on Zerpell’s tie.

Feeling his affection, I found myself humming unconsciously. Tch, this is all a sign of how much he adores me. The master’s appearance truly shined thanks to his clothes.

I looked him up and down like a proud mother admiring her handsome son and nodded at his flawless looks. Once we were fully prepared, we set off. What awaited outside was even more spectacular. There were luxurious carriages and horses, animals to be offered to the Water God, knights, and attendants lined up. Of course, I had intended to ride with Zerpell, but a separate seat had been prepared for me. It was a very lavish palanquin.

Honestly, it looked intimidating to even climb into.

Following Zerpell’s orders, the attendants lined the inside with cushions. Even the cover over the cushion was embroidered with a dragon. He gently placed me inside and said,

“Stay still.”

He reached out carefully, brushing my cheek while avoiding the ornaments. Such a worrier.

“By the way, the sunlight is disgustingly bright.”

I lifted my face to see his expression, but I couldn’t make it out due to the sunlight. Soon, he turned around and his cloak billowed. The embroidered dragon on the back shimmered as if it might ascend to the heavens at any moment. He gave instructions to Casa, who was standing nearby, to stay by my side.

From afar, the white carriages carrying the pope arrived, and the procession began to move. At the very front, Zerpell rode his horse with dignity, and beside him were Cedric and Ian. Behind them were Casa and me.

Our destination was the sacred ground where no commoners were allowed to enter—the Lake of the Water God. The lake was located behind the imperial palace, and there was even a theory that one of the reasons for the imperial palace’s existence was to protect this lake. It was a lake said to be the dwelling place of the Water God, and under normal circumstances, no one was allowed to enter this inviolable area. But due to the severity of the drought, the rainmaking ritual would be held there.

No matter how fancy, a palanquin was still a palanquin. The constant up-and-down rocking was no joke. I hated it… My body was weak to motion sickness. I stuck my head out, hoping a bit of fresh air would help, and inhaled deeply. That’s when something strange caught my eye. There were white orb-like objects floating around the palanquin. When I looked around, they weren’t just around the palanquin—those orbs were floating and moving with the entire procession.

What in the world are those for? They’re defying gravity?? I was curious, but there was no one I could ask. The sense of wonder was brief, though—my nausea was overwhelming. How did people in the old days ride in these things…? Are snakes like me supposed to suffer?

At last, the procession came to a stop. Is it over now? I had high hopes, but then heard we’d just reached the entrance, and felt defeated. A priest stepped forward and chanted a spell, and a faint blue barrier appeared, then began to fade like mist dispersing from above.

Once we entered, a completely different ecosystem unfolded before our eyes—lush forests spread out in all directions. I could vaguely understand why this place was called a sanctuary and believed to be the dwelling place of the Water God.

It was as if the boundary lay just one step behind us—even the air felt different here. As if the forest knew our purpose, a straight path opened before us.

Strangely, from the moment I entered, I felt a warm sense of comfort. It felt like I had returned home. As I looked around, fascinated, I heard a strange noise. It was more like a whisper.

[The child has come. The child is here!]

[How beautiful he is……]

Soft voices echoed faintly. The sound of the carriage wheels should’ve drowned them out, yet the voices reached me clearly. And they were… strange. What child? Am I hearing things from the motion sickness? I ignored it, and eventually, the voices stopped.

Yeah, must’ve been a hallucination.

Soon, the procession arrived at the large lake.

“Let us begin.”

People began preparing for the ritual with military precision. But I couldn’t focus on any of that. As soon as we arrived at the lake, another strange voice rang out—not in my ears, but inside my head.

[You have finally arrived. My child. Awaken.]

This… doesn’t seem like a hallucination. I tried ignoring it three times, just in case, but the voice persisted until I finally responded.

What child! Go away!

The constant mention of a child was enough to drive me mad. I was already sick, and now my head was being bombarded with voices. When I finally responded, the voice replied in a tone that was both joyful and sorrowful.

[You’ve finally answered! I need your power, my child……]

What a random thing to say.

What are you talking about?? I unwrapped my tail from around my ears and raised my head in confusion.

[I heard your prayer well. Your wish was granted, wasn’t it? Perhaps I lacked the power to fully convey the message… That’s why you didn’t come.]

So it really wasn’t a coincidence—my wish had truly come true. But when did I pray…? Ah, there was that one time. After hearing the chef’s story, I prayed. I thought I just got sleepy for no reason—but there was an explanation. So I really am a divine messenger???

[Now you understand. That’s right. Receive my power and bring rain to save this empire. It hurts me to see children praying in suffering. I would do it myself, but……]

…So it was you. You’re the one responsible for my suffering! You reincarnated me into a snake! Do you have any idea what I went through?? And what’s with the tone?? Who said I needed your power? I don’t want it!

Memories of crawling desperately to survive after being reincarnated as a snake… flattering others as a snake just to stay alive… those days flashed through my mind and I lashed out at the voice in anger.

[W-What do you mean……]

I could feel the voice’s owner flustered.

I could feel the owner of the voice getting flustered.

It was obvious—one of those “I’ll give you power, so go save the world” kind of things. Yeah, go give that to a dog or something. I’m perfectly satisfied with my life as it is now.

I went all the way back into the palanquin, burying my head in my body so I wouldn’t hear anything more. The voice, flustered, desperately tried to persuade me.

I mean, why should I, in the first place? Unfortunately, I have no reason to do so.

[P-Please, don’t say that. Just hear me out. It’s a bit embarrassing to say myself, but… I am the Water God who protects this place. And my power is incredibly useful. Controlling water is just the beginning—I can also heal wounds. Right now, you’re the only one who can bring the rain… Please, child.]

The voice spoke as if lamenting. My ears perked up at the mention of rain. When I slowly emerged again, the Water God seemed delighted. I turned my head to look at Zerpell, who was performing the rain ritual. I knew better than anyone how much he had struggled and suffered because of it. And now, hearing the Water God’s words, I was convinced that no rain would fall from this ritual.

As I looked at Zerpell silently staring at the lake, I asked the Water God,

If I receive your power, will it really rain?

The Water God, who had been eagerly trying to persuade me, grew excited when I spoke a word of approval and said yes. Then he added sorrowfully,

[If I could use my original power, it would be simple. But there are restrictions on me. Normally, I could summon rain, but wicked beings are stealing our power. That’s why I called you. Someone who can directly wield divine power among humans. Though your body belongs to this world, your soul is not bound by its laws.]

His voice was full of lament. What?? I’m not bound? Wicked beings? The Water God wasn’t wrong. It was true—I wasn’t originally a person… or a snake from this world.

Why me?

The Water God responded vaguely, as if the question was difficult to answer,

[Uh… well, it was a coincidence.]

I understood right away. Yeah, even I would feel awkward admitting there was no particular reason. I wanted to argue, but what would that change now? Honestly, I should be thankful I even got reincarnated after dying.

Looking up, the sky was disgustingly clear.

I don’t care about wicked beings. But I’ll bring the rain. Because my master wants it. And besides, why refuse something that’s being offered for free?

[That child must be very precious to you……]

It was the first time anyone had directly said that, and I started stammering in embarrassment.

Well, I mean, as my master. He provides my food and shelter!! Of course he’s precious……

The more I talked, the more it felt like I was digging myself into a hole, and my voice gradually grew quieter. The sound of “hohoho” laughter echoing directly in my head was really irritating.

…Stop laughing and if you’re going to give it, then just hurry up and give it.

[Alright. I’ll be asleep in the depths of the lake for a while. Come visit anytime. This place is your home, too.]

With those words, the conversation ended. I had been expecting something to happen when he said he’d give me power, but there was no reaction.

Huh? You said you’d give me power??

And then it happened. I felt my body grow unbearably hot. And it felt like my body was twisting. My breathing grew ragged. The moment I felt the pain, I regretted accepting it—but the power was already entering me. As I thrashed from the pain, I slammed into the side of the palanquin. Casa, who had been standing next to it, heard the thudding from inside and peeked in, puzzled. Inside, he saw me writhing in agony. At that moment, the gem on my forehead responded and began to emit a blue light.

People near the palanquin witnessed the scene, and the growing commotion behind me caused Zerpell to turn around.

“Shuiren?”

Master… it hurts…