"Your Highness, you're already awake."
Edina, Jacinta's personal maid, was surprised to see the princess sitting on the balcony, writing something.
"What's on my schedule today?" Jacinta asked without looking up.
"Since Your Highness has just recovered from your fever, you've been given the day to rest. There are no tasks planned," Edina replied.
"Edina," Jacinta tapped her fingers lightly on the three letters she had just finished. "Fetch a pen and some paper. Then, please take a seat." She gestured toward the chair across from her.
Though confused, Edina obeyed without question. "Yes, Your Highness." She carefully took the seat and waited for the princess to speak.
"Do you believe in past lives? Or perhaps in someone seeing the future?" Jacinta's gaze lingered on the sprawling city skyline beyond the palace.
"The Goddess of Light has been known to summon saints who deliver prophecies, often saving the world from calamities. However, no saints have appeared in our time."
"So, your answer is?" Jacinta turned her eyes to Edina. The maid's brown curls were neatly tied back, her hazel eyes steady, framed by her delicate heart-shaped face.
Edina had served Jacinta for a decade. While she maintained the respectful demeanor expected of a maid, Jacinta knew she was also dependable and unwavering. She would be a key part of Jacinta's plan.
"I believe in them, Your Highness," Edina answered firmly. "There are records of saints in our history. Like Saint Beatrice, who saved countless lives during the three-year famine, or Saint Felicia, whose brilliant writings continue to inspire scholars today. And of course, the heroes summoned by the Goddess Lumiera to fight against the darkness..."
Jacinta's brows lifted in surprise. It was rare to see Edina so talkative. Realizing her enthusiasm, Edina cleared her throat, regaining her usual composure.
"In short, yes, I believe in them. Foresight, prophecy — even past lives."
Jacinta's lips curled into a smile. "This world truly is fascinating. With the existence of magic, such things become far more credible. That makes it easier for me to say this — Edina, I can see the future. Do you believe me?"
Edina studied Jacinta for a moment before bowing her head. "Apologies, Your Highness. But I don't."
"Hah." Jacinta chuckled softly. "Fair. Even I thought I was losing my mind at first." She leaned back in her chair, glancing at the magical book that hovered lazily above.
"But Your Highness," Edina spoke firmly. "Whether I believe it or not, whatever you ask of me, I will not hesitate to follow."
Jacinta's smile grew. "That's what I admire about you. You've always been this way. I'm grateful to have you by my side, Edina."
She slid the letters across the table. "Copy these. Use your left hand. Then deliver them to the recipients without revealing they came from me."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Good. And once you've read the contents, I hope your answer will change." Jacinta rose from her seat, slipping on her robe.
"Your Highness, where are you going?"
"The library." Then, as an afterthought, she added, "Ah, one more thing. After you're done, bring me a list of lands for sale and investment reports from the trade halls."
Without waiting for Edina's response, Jacinta left the room, her steps light but purposeful.
***
One day later...
April 10th, 1320, Monday
Illiah Empire
Lemroz Cathedral, Lemroz City
Lemroz Cathedral, the grandest place of worship dedicated to the Goddess of Light, Lumiera, stood tall as the heart of faith across the continent. Two towering statues of angels, each standing twenty feet high, flanked the entrance in majestic splendor. Priests and nuns dressed in white robes adorned with light blue lace bustled about, their serene presence mingling with the throngs of devoted followers gathered to pay homage to the goddess.
Despite the sun already high in the sky, the air remained comfortably cool, as though Lumiera herself had blessed the day.
Jacinta brought only her personal maid, Edina, and two knights assigned by the emperor's aide. Her attire was deliberately modest — a simple garment of muted tones, devoid of any lavish embellishments. A wide-brimmed hat with a delicate veil concealed her features. She wished to avoid drawing undue attention; the imperial family's golden eyes and the platinum hair inherited by the second empress' children were far too recognizable.
Inside, the cathedral's magnificence overwhelmed the senses. Colossal statues of the seven gods and goddesses, believed to govern the world, stood vigil in every corner. At the altar, Lumiera's image reigned supreme. The ceiling was an artistic masterpiece — angels in flowing robes played celestial instruments, brought to life through enchanting magic that made them seem to dance across the painted sky. An orchestra's harmonious melodies echoed through the vast chamber, adding to the ethereal atmosphere.
"Welcome, Your Highness," Bishop David greeted Jacinta with a warm, albeit weary, smile as she stepped further into the cathedral. He was a thin man with unruly curls, and the heavy bags beneath his eyes betrayed countless sleepless nights.
"Greetings, Bishop David. I would like to offer my prayers immediately, if you don't mind," Jacinta said, maintaining a gentle yet composed tone.
"Of course, Your Highness. Right this way," the bishop responded with a respectful nod.
He led Jacinta past the main altar and down a narrow, dimly lit hallway. After a short walk, they reached a private prayer chamber. Jacinta's knights and Edina remained outside.
The chamber was modest and serene. A single kneeler rested before a small statue of Lumiera. Unlike her ancient depiction as a veiled woman cradling a child, this statue portrayed her as a radiant figure pouring water from a pitcher onto the flourishing flowers below. The shift in her image had occurred two thousand years ago, when the discovery of unknown continents reshaped the world's understanding of the divine.
Jacinta lowered herself onto the kneeler, the soft flicker of candlelight casting a golden glow over the goddess' serene expression.
It was a legend. A common story of a hero fighting against the forces of evil called demons. But the fun twist was… the demons were the ones who first discovered these new lands.
And the so-called legendary human king, Maven of the old kingdom on a distant continent, wasn't the hero of the tale. He was the one who aided the demons and fought against the real threat — the so-called hero. That truth changed the world's perception of demons and other races, leading to a more open and accepting society.
It was a fascinating story. One of Jacinta's favorite historical events in this world, called The Discovery of the New World.
Jacinta folded her hands into prayer and closed her eyes.
"Dear Goddess Lumiera, I remember everything from my past life."
As soon as she whispered those words, a warm breeze brushed against her skin. Her eyes snapped open.
But nothing had changed. She was still in the same dimly lit room.
She paused, her gaze fixed on the statue of the goddess. "I only have one question, dear Goddess. The novel I reincarnated into — it exist in an already existing world. I admit, as I grew it is truly a fascinating one. If I choose to change my fate, you won't stop me, will you?"
The wind stirred once more, a gentle whisper in the stillness.
"I'll offer my prayers again soon, dear Goddess," she said softly. "For now, I take my leave."
Jacinta rose to her feet and turned toward the door. Just as she did, she failed to notice that the statue's eyes flickered with a golden light — glowing for a fleeting moment before dimming once more.