Reincarnated as a Phoenix

Chapter 47 – Playing a Role

"So... let me get it straight, you're a prince, Ariza is a princess, Petra's the king and I'm the freaking queen!?"

(Petra) "Seems that way Ikarus"

"Yup orangey"

(Ariza) "I like this body"

Once we sent the royal advisors away and the guards in this throne room, we had Zeki explain to all of us what's going on right now since he had already been here an hour or two already. Clearly it seems like time flows different in here like with the other dungeon. We're all standing talking to each other since those thrones actually aren't that comfortable.

It also appears this dungeon has a twisted sense of humour; Ariza now has a female body and Petra has a male. They still have the same hairstyles and facial appearances but the body proportions are different now, Ariza is definitely female from two very noticeable features and Petra literally has the body of a well-toned male, similar shape to that captain Jekyll.

All of us are dressed in extremely expensive regal attire with me and Ariza both wearing fancy, long, classy dresses while both Petra and Zeki look to be wearing something the royals in the capital like the prince might wear.

I can't help but get extremely annoyed and frustrated about something. If there's a dungeon God, then he needs a piece of my mind.

"Why the hell is Petra the king when I used to be a fucking guy? Damn it, wouldn't that have made more sense than keeping me in the exact same body?"

That's what I can't get over. Sure, I like this female body but how does this make sense? Ariza got a gender change, shouldn't I as well?

"It probably has something to with older sis being more suitable for the role orangey, you defo wouldn't have fit the role of a wise and intelligent leader"

This damn irritating... he probably has a point if that's who this king is supposed to be based off, I do wonder why we have all kept most of our appearances though, Petra's even blind in this as well again.

Considering he doesn't like people, he seems pretty happy at the moment.

"Why are you so happy about this situation kid?"

"Cause it's just like being in VR game, we can do whatever we want and we literally control an entire country, what's there to be unhappy about?"

Petra very quickly corrects his stupidity though.

"No Zeki, that's not how it works inside here. You still can die and it's not a video game"

Damn it, even Petra's voice sounds slightly more masculine, my brain is confuzzled.

The thing is, I like Petra but I hold no attraction to guys and the thought with being with one makes me queasy, is this why the dungeon decided to take this route? Just to screw with me?

"I just can't get over why you're male Petra, it does my freaking head in"

"Love knows no gender orangey; you should still love older sis even when she looks like that"

Damn it, this kid is fucking annoying.

(Petra) "Stop it now Zeki, your humour isn't making anyone laugh"

I need to have a quick think now, if this is like the other dungeon, then shouldn't we have a narrator again?

"Aesa, are you with us?"

...

"If you're trying to contact your voice orangey, they don't work inside here. Mine hasn't spoken a word as well... you hear me dickhead!? Speak thou blasted words of wisdom!..."

He shouts and looks up the last bit of his sentence, obviously trying to see if he'll get a response from his system voice.

"... Like I said, nothing"

This is really problematic, how are we supposed to get out then? It's not like we have any hints or clues right now. If system doesn't work, I'm guessing this won't work as well.

'Status'

Yeah, nothing, I even aimed it trying to give Zeki a headache and nothing. But wait, do we still have the OP powers of the confusion dungeon?

"What about the magic situation kid? Is it unlimited?"

"Unlimited? Why would it be unlimited?"

Ignoring his response, I start charging up a small fire ball in my hand and very quickly find there's no issue there, I could do this indefinitely. Magic has the exact same properties as the northern island dungeon, at least we're able to defend ourselves. I cancel it very quickly after though.

"Phewww... looks like we aren't defenceless"

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"Are you forgetting something orangey? We are a royal family; nothing can hurt us with all the peasants and knights under our command. It truly is a brilliant thing"

Zeki responds in a condescending way, is unlimited magicka not a big deal to him? Petra very quickly has to explain once again why's he an idiot.

"Zeki, use your head for one minute, how do you think we'll find a way out of here by just staying safe inside a castle? Dungeons aren't that easy"

"We can just... yeah, you've got a point, anyone got any ideas how to escape?"

...

Of course, all of us fall silent, my best guess is we could use guards and peasants for help but even then, what do we ask them to look for? A big fancy portal to our world? A person that I can kill that might end this place? There clearly has to be a way out of here but how do we go about achieving such a task?

At least Petra has an idea on how to go about things for the time being.

"Our best bet would be to just act how these lot normally would and try to pick up bit and pieces of information along the way, there is a slight problem that I've got though"

"What issue do you have Petra?"

She gives of a smiling response to me but I think it's more of a forced smile.

"I'm as you would say Ikarus, heh... I'm blind as a bat. My system doesn't allow me to see a thing in here"

Damn it, she's has to bring what I said in our first meeting. She's seriously one hundred percent blind now? No bullshit ability helping her? I'm still calling Petra her, no chance I'm using him.

I start to wave in front of her and she's correct, no response nor does she even know I'm doing it, I think.

"Seriously older sis? Can you really not sense how many fingers I'm holding up right now?"

"No idea Zeki but guessing if it's you, then probably none"

Heh, she was right, he didn't even lift up his hand or put any fingers out.

(Ariza) "We'll protect you Petra, me, Zeki and Ikarus will be able to help"

"The person who had your body beforehand older sis got loads of help from the guards and servants, we'll still help as well"

Clearly, the king must've been blind to begin with. Still wonder why our appearances are the same but these dungeons always will leave questions unanswered so no point dwelling on that.

It really does suck that Petra is going to have such a rough time in here, being actual blind is a terrifying thought, her system really works well for her in that regard.

"You two forget, was permanently blind for a good couple hundred years before it unlocked itself. This isn't new, just need something like this walking stick and a day or two to figure out my surroundings"

She was already carrying a fancy jewelled walking cane, at least she's not looking so down about being properly blind again. That should help I guess but it still isn't great.

"Still Petra, we'll give you a hand if you need it. Should we start going about our day then?"

(Petra) "Sure then Ikarus"

(Ariza) "Uh huh"

"Yup orangey"

So with that, we called in the royal advisors and returned to our thrones.

__________

"Urgh... I'm so freaking bored! And hungry now"

It's already evening and we've spent all day since morning going through person and person asking for advice, investments, agreeing to laws, basically anything that you might wait in line for to speak to the king. This obviously is extremely boring for me to deal with.

I swear royals are supposed to have other people who do this type of thing for them, maybe it's different seeing that everyone who's come forward looks to be well dressed and maybe is a noble or lord of some kind. I guess the royals still need the support of its residents but still, it's not fun at all.

The throne room we're still doing this in is filled with guards, several advisors with one main guy who seems to talk more than the others and looks average and uninspiring, as well as me and Petra on these dumb, uncomfortable thrones. There's only so much I can realistically distract myself since every question is always aimed towards the king so I'm just a passenger here.

Zeki and Ariza went off to explore the palace a long time ago, no point in those two sticking around seeing that everything that's happened today needed the king's confirmation. I'm only here since it would've been unfair to Petra having to deal with everything alone so I'm basically only providing moral support to her.

Petra has taken to this like a duck on water, she's handling the role of king perfectly. I can definitely see why I'm not in her role now, the way she talks almost sounds like something you could actually imagine a king saying, she takes command when needed but also shows a compassionate side. Why do I get the feeling she might've done something like this before? She's just that good at it.

"I agree Ikarus, I'm growing weary as well now... Advisor! How many are now left? My wife is getting hungry"

"Just one more today your royal majesty"

Okay, I don't like being called wife but then again, it fits the role we're playing right now so I'll ignore it. She really has gotten into the role too well.

"Send them in"

A different advisor opens the door once again and another noble enters, he takes a bow in front of us and then goes to speak.

"Greetings your royal highness, I came here today to plead for your support and monetary wealth, thi-"

'Oh God, it's another one...'

__________

After we've dealt with the last noble and eaten dinner, darkness has already fallen on this palace and I'm exhausted now, even Petra looks tired from the day we've just had. If this is going to be a normal thing, screw that. This isn't even my impatience coming back to haunt me, this is just boring.

As for what's going on now, we are currently being led by a servant to the bedroom areas of the palace, this place is extremely large and fancy looking so it's taking a while.

"How you fairing Ikarus?"

"The faster we get out of this place, the better"

"Heh, agreed"

Both of us aren't even in the mood for a long conversation right now, this dungeon really needs to hurry up and show us what to do.

I'm already guessing the other two have gone to bed by now. In future, I'm forcing them to sit in the throne room with us, might as well make everyone enjoy the absolute boredom that comes with this place. Hang on, that isn't the theme of this place? To get out, you need to physically die from boredom? No, even I think that's stupid as hell, there definitely has to be a goal to this place that hasn't been shown just yet.

At least that advising thing isn't all that common, apparently the next one isn't scheduled for a least another week so that boredom isn't something that has to be experienced every day.

Now we've walked to where we need to, the servant opens the door to the master bedroom for us and speaks.

"Here you are your royal majesties, I'll awake you both at the usual time"

I don't like being called majesty all the time by these lot but appearances still need to be kept up... wait, me and Petra sharing a bedroom? That isn't happening, no chance.

"Petra I like you and all but there ain't no way we're sharing a bed while you're male"

I realize shortly after I made a mistake in what I just said. The servant however doesn't seem to pay attention to what just was said though, I get the feeling the queen was known for being a little crazy or odd around here so I can say what I want to, probably

"So... you'd be willing to share a bed if I wasn't male then? Good to know"

Damn her stupid happy smile, I fell right into that trap. How am I supposed to respond to that now?

Despite her making the odd tease like this, I get the feeling she's not all that experienced with these types of things, mainly the fact of what Zeki has blurted out about her heart and all that crap. I think she just enjoys teasing me, maybe I should start trying to give her some back, see how she responds to teasing but that could backfire though.

How do I respond?

"Heh Ikarus, you don't have to think so heavily on this, I'm clearly just winding you up... although, I'm always up for sharing if you want"

She really is too smooth at times, I don't think I'm even close to being ready for such a thing though, I'll just ignore her for now and go back to the servant.

"Prepare me a guest bedroom and wake me up at the same time"

"Of course your majesty"

Before following the servant to another room, got to say goodnight.

"Night Ikarus"

"Night Petra"

__________

(Petra) "Morning Ikarus"

(Ariza) "Hello"

"Alright orangey"

The three of the party are sitting around a large dining table having breakfast when I enter.

I decided to sleep in despite me wanting to wake up at the same time. Turns out, extreme boredom is a good method for sleeping like a rock. Also, didn't help that bed was more comfortable than any bed I've ever used, the nightwear I wore as well was extremely comfortable. Having a servant even get me dressed seemed a bit odd but nothing I can do about it otherwise it might seem weird.

I guess there is something to be said about living in luxury, the food those three are eating also looks luxurious. Zeki has a rare steak on his plate, Ariza scrambled eggs on toast and Petra has smoked fish as well as some salad. It's not something you would typically have for breakfast but who cares? I've had curry for breakfast on Earth before, homemade chilli as well, might as well clean out the fridge if you've got nice food left.

"What would you like to eat your majesty? I'll inform the chef immediately"

As I sit, I get spoken to by to a butler who is serving our little family, might as well make the most out of everything good inside here, I am supposed to be a queen after all.

"Medium-rare steak with a fried egg, make sure it's runny"

The butler nods and leaves the dining room, maybe I should've said please but then again, is that something a snobby royal would say?

"Ah, orangey has good taste in food"

He says that with a mouthful of steak, I'm not going to say anything since he's actually not being insulting for once. I'd rather not see the contents of his food in his mouth though.

"You sleep well Ikarus?"

Still can't get over male form Petra, my mind can't help but be confused.

"You have no idea, need a bed like that in my storage ring"

Wait, could I actually store a bed in my storage ring? Why didn't I think of that? Obviously, I can't do anything like that inside here, it's a system type thing and I don't even have my ring as well.

"Good to hear, didn't sleep great but it might be down to me feeling lonely"

Is she seriously starting her teasing again already? It's a good thing I don't mind it otherwise it would get annoying. We both know there's zero chance of that happening while she has a third leg, I'd trust her but still. Once again, it just sums up how shallow I can be but I really don't care, everyone has their own personal tastes, I cannot find men attractive in any circumstance, whatsoever.

It just means and potential developing relationship with Petra gets put on hold for the time being, that kinda suits me right now with everything else going on. Got to deal with the empire, the threat of me causing the end of the world and getting out of this dungeon is more than enough to worry about.

The four of us end up discussing any random crap for five minutes and then my food is ready.

"Here you go your majesty"

The butler brings in my food and I swear, this might be the best cut of steak I've ever seen and the egg looks absolutely mouth-watering as well, how the hell can they make food look like this?

Just before I have the chance to tuck in to my lovely breakfast, someone opens up the door and interrupts everything.

"Your majesty, I have an update from the frontlines!"

Wait, frontlines? Nothing like this came up yesterday, is this country at war?

"Halt! The royal family is not to be disturbed while eating!"

I forgot to mention the several guards on duty inside the room. Everywhere we go in the palace, we are constantly followed and kept safe except in the bedrooms. Even then, there was always two guards outside the door all night, this family do be taken protection seriously. I wonder if there's a sinister reason behind it, I guess any royal in power needs serious protection.

"Guard, stand down! Let him through"

I think Petra was about to say something similar but I beat her to it, I am the second most powerful person here so I can flaunt my authority every now and then, want to sort this out quickly and eat my food. Both the other two phoenixes don't look like they're paying attention to what's going on though.

"Thank you, my queen, but I must focus my attention on his majesty right now"

"Fine then"

I feel like his response might have been a little rude but I don't care all that much.

I'm not sure who this guy actually is but he takes a knee and stays down while facing me and Petra. I think he's a type of battlefield messenger for the knights but not completely sure.

"Speak then, you have my attention"

"Thank you, your majesty. The elves have destroyed the fort on the frontlines, they have finally broken through past the border. They'll be hitting the second line of defences in the next week or two if they keep progressing at their current pace, this is all I have to share your majesty"

The way he said that, it almost seemed like that was seriously bad news, everyone serving or guarding us in the room looks really concerned from that.

"Thank you for your information, take some off time and get some rest"

"I'm honoured to be serving under your rule your majesty, praise to be the kingdom and your family"

The messenger leaves us alone now looking happy and I once again can't help noticing how good Petra is at this, she's a complete natural. Was she is a secret princess or queen or something like that? A character being a secret princess is a troupe I'm sure I've read about too much already.

"You better not be a secret royal or something Petra, you really are too good at this"

After I ask that, a different thought comes to mind, something that might explain what the main goal in being here is.

"Was born to dragon parents just like you Ikarus, nothing like that is even possible"

I guess she is right, it's strange that none of the guards even pay attention to our conversation, I'm definitely seen as the mad queen around here so they probably think Petra is just humouring me. I need to go back on topic now though.

"Anyway... do you think that might be the way out? To win the war against the elves?"

All three other phoenixes take a second to think but all seem to be in agreement with my thinking, we were looking for something and it looks like this might be it.

"I'm starting to like your thinking orangey, winning a war sounds epic"

"It might be something like that"

Before Petra even has a chance to answer, the other two have responded to my observation. She responds after though.

"There hasn't been any other noticeable announcements so it could be something like that"

At least everyone is an agreement, winning a war does sound like it could be the end goal for this place, it's obviously going to be harder than just dropping into the battlefield and demolishing everyone, my luck isn't that easy.

I believe we may have found a potential way out but there's another terrible issue right now, who cares about war and death anyway?

"Damn it, my food is now cold"