I Have Reincarnated Yet Once Again

Chapter 19 - – Igniting The Flame Of Confidence.

The days slipped by like sand through fingers. Under the cover of silence and hidden hours, Ella and the others trained with relentless diligence. No matter how tired or busy they were, they would sneak away to the corners of the palace, to the woods behind the courtyards, or sometimes even behind the library shelves—wherever they could go unnoticed.

Ella, especially, was determined. She absorbed everything like a sponge, learning quickly and practicing with unmatched intensity. The trust Evelyn placed in her had become a fire within, pushing her past exhaustion and doubt. She would not fail the princess. She would never disappoint her.

It had been over two months since their secret training began.

On a cool afternoon, when the sun hung lazily in the western sky and the air held a crisp edge, Evelyn gathered them in the palace's secluded backyard garden.

Sunlight filtered gently through the thinning branches, casting long shadows over the assembled group: Cassy, Gerald, Lily, Lora, Ella, Melinda, and Claire. They stood in neat lines, their breaths mingling with the chilly air, nerves silently dancing in their chests.

Evelyn, composed and regal as ever, stood before them. Her sharp eyes scanned them like a general before battle.

Evelyn: "How is your training going these weeks?"

Evelyn asked, her voice steady.

"It's good, Your Highness," they chorused, almost in unison.

Evelyn nodded slowly.

Evelyn: "Hmm... It has been almost three months since you all started. Then now, it is time for the real work."

The air shifted. Eyes darted between one another, each person wondering what her words could mean.

Then, Evelyn's eyes fell on Lora. "First, Lora. Come here."

Lora stepped forward, her heart pounding in her chest. Evelyn handed her a long, sheathed sword. The polished hilt glinted faintly under the afternoon sun.

Evelyn: "This is for you. The books I gave you contain many swordsmanship techniques, and you've practiced with Gerald too. Consider this your official sword."

Lora reached out, hands trembling as they grasped the sword. It was beautiful, crafted for more than ceremony. She had always dreamed of becoming a swordsman, but her humble origin and gender had crushed that dream early. Her path had seemed fixed in servitude, her desires buried beneath obligation. But now, the princess had handed her that very dream.

Lora dropped to one knee, bowing like a knight sworn to her liege.

Lora: "I vow to give my utmost loyalty and dedication to Your Highness. I will lay down my life for you if needed."

Evelyn reached forward and helped her up. "There is no need to go that far. never allow yourself to fall behind."

Lora nodded fiercely, clutching the sword like a lifeline, eyes brimming with emotion.

Evelyn turned next to Lily. "Now, Lily. Come here."

Lily stepped forward nervously, hands clasped in front of her.

"Your Highness, isn't it a bit..." she began.

Evelyn: "It's not. You need to have trust in yourself first. Know that you can do it. Understand?"

Lily: "Yes, Your Highness."

Evelyn: "Close your eyes."

Lily obeyed, letting her eyes flutter shut. Evelyn's voice turned low and soothing.

Evelyn: "Now, try to gather mana. The books I gave you detailed how. By now, you must know how to feel mana. So gather it into your body, just like it was written."

Lily inhaled deeply. Her body relaxed as she tried to sense mana, her heart slowing to a calm rhythm.

"Think that there's no one around you," Evelyn's voice whispered, "that you're standing in a vast sea of darkness."

And in Lily's mind, the world fell away. She was alone, enveloped in pitch black.

Evelyn: "Now, try to feel the mana around you. Just like you did before."

As Evelyn's voice washed over her, Lily sank into a strange calm. In her mind's eye, she found herself drifting in pitch-black space. Then, like stars appearing in the night, points of light emerged—tiny motes of different colors, floating all around her. Orbs of multicolored light, drifting gently in the dark like fireflies.

"Do you see the lights?" Evelyn's voice echoed again. "Now, find the one that shines the brightest to you. Touch it."

Lily looked around. All the lights shone beautifully. It was overwhelming. But then, she noticed a particular light. It wasn't the most dazzling, yet it called to her. It felt right.

She floated toward it and reached out.

As her fingers brushed it, the orb expanded, glowing with immense brilliance. The darkness was swept away by its radiance.

Then everything vanished.

Lily's eyes snapped open. She was back in the backyard.

The others were staring at her, concern on their faces. Lora placed a hand on her shoulder.

Lora: "Lily? What happened?"

Melinda leaned in. "If it didn't work, it's okay. You can try again."

Lily: "I touched it... and then... I felt this huge source of energy flowing inside me."

Evelyn smiled, her gaze gentle. "Good. Now try to feel that energy again. Concentrate fully on your hand. Bring it out."

Lily nodded, took a deep breath, held out her hand and focused. Nothing happened.

"It's not working," she murmured.

Her face fell, the others looked worried. Evelyn remained impassive.

Evelyn: "I told you, if you don't trust yourself, then no one will. First, you need to trust yourself. Only then will those powers acknowledge you, choose to entrust themselves to you. You must have the mindset that you can do it. You are capable of doing it. These powers are yours. They must listen to you. You are their master."

Evelyn's voice was calm but firm.

Lily lowered her gaze. Actually while trying to bring out that energy she had doubted herself. Her thoughts had been clouded with fear: What if I can't do it? What if it's all an illusion? What if I disappoint the princess?

Those thoughts plagued her before—but no more

The princess is right. If she doesn't trust herself, how can she expect others to trust her?

No. She can do it, she absolutely will not disappoint the princess.

She straightened her shoulders, closed her eyes, and whispered to herself: I can do it. I'm the master. They must listen to me. I'm the master. I'm the master... They must listen to me.

She closed her eyes again, and this time, her heart beat steady and strong. Her right hand slowly began to glow with an orange light—the very same hue of the orb she'd touched.

The light expanded, flickering like flame but gentle, warm.

Lily's voice trembled, filled with wonder. "Your Highness... Look, I'm..."

"Yes," Evelyn said, a rare smile gracing her lips.

Evelyn: "You're doing magic. Congratulations, Lily. You are now officially a mage."

Lily burst into tears, rushing forward and embracing Evelyn tightly. Her emotions overcame her.

Lily: "I never thought I'd be able to become a mage in this lifetime. Thank you... Thank you so much."

Evelyn hugged her back briefly and then patted her shoulder. "I told you, you all have untapped potential. You just have to reach for it."

Lily stepped back, wiping her eyes, her face still glowing with joy.

Melinda, Cassy, Claire, and Ella stared with awe and hope.

Hope flickered in each heart like a newly lit flame—fragile, yet ready to burn brighter.

~ To be continued ~