.
Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months, brought the changes in the Seasons, and like a swift breeze, the Nineteenth year was here!
There was a spectacle at Blixia's Central Square, and the gathered crowd consisted of some of the Capital's poorest, who watched in awe as the dazzling beauty spun in the air before them, casting spell after spell.
Her first spell added a glimmering sheen to the falling snow, making it seem like glitters showered down on them.
"Oooooh!"
"Aaaaaah!"
The dazzled crowd applauded, and gasps filled the crisp night air as the next spell set off a string of magnificent fireworks which brightened the night sky!
"Momma! Look!" Children began pointing at the sky, jumping in excitement as the fireworks first formed the greatest elves in Luxia's history, then swirled into an image of the Palace, and finally disintegrated into little beautiful images of the sun, the moon, trees, flowers, butterflies, squirrels, little bunnies, and other cute animals.
Finally, with a wave of her hand, beautiful light streaks surrounded her, then moved to weave around the onlookers, before shooting into the sky and exploding into fireworks, which spelled,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The onlookers gleefully applauded as the lady floated down to her feet, her silvery white hair and red gown settling around her.
"Happy New Year!" Celia greeted them all with a humble bow. "The Scarlett Family, Magic Council, and the Noble Houses celebrate with you all!"
There was a rain of thunderous applause!
This hadn't always been a tradition, but word had it that the Scarlett daughter, whom everyone was now calling 'Lady Celia', had rallied the Magic Council and Noble houses to celebrate each new year with the poor, and not just in Blixia, but in all of Luxia!
This was the second of such celebrations, and the people looked at Celia as if she were an angel!
And with a bright smile, she continued addressing the crowd before her. "This year, there will be more free schools and health tents! The adult groups will also be accepting more men and women who want to learn various trades!
"But for tonight, the noble houses will begin sharing a hot meal, some drinks, wine, and some wealth! Please proceed in an orderly manner, and come to me if you're left out!"
This was met with more applause, as she gave a final bow and disappeared in a swirl of colours.
"So humble!" An old beggar stated, and several others nodded their agreement, as the crowd began to disperse, heading to the noble households.
Meanwhile, Celia reappeared atop a high manor, hiding in the shadow of its chimney, but she gasped softly as an arm wound around her waist, and a familiar aura wove itself around her, making the chilly winter night air feel warmer than usual.
'Taze!' A smile broke out across her face as he spun her around to face him.
"Celia!" Taze pushed back the dark green hood of his cloak to reveal the features of someone Celia had once called, 'Nineteen-year-old Taze'!
The years had seen them blossom into the familiar looks from their memories, and though they had watched it happen, it was still a bit shocking to see.
Taze leaned down and kissed her forehead, and she flushed, wondering how she was still so fluttery in his presence!
"All of Luxia is singing your praises!" Taze was saying with clear pride. "That's not exactly new, but it's a lot more in this life. Father even threatened to kick me out, if I ever offend you, and I get the same death stares from perfect strangers, whenever I so much as 'speak' with a Lady!
"Oh! And Grand Mage Patiel even choked out a compliment!"
Unlike his twin, Grand Mage Patiel presented a cold front, and was unapproachable. That, added to his clear dislike of Taze, made Celia laugh at the absurdity of him complimenting Taze!
But her face fell as the lighthearted moment passed.
"This popularity isn't well deserved... I'm merely taking advantage of the people."
Taze understood how she felt, so he pulled her into a hug.
"Don't feel so down. A ruler must tread a few uncomfortable steps for the good of the people..." He consoled. "And besides, you're actually helping them. You aren't throwing temporary food and wealth to win their affections. You're taking active steps to pull them out of poverty!
"It's better than a certain someone we both know."
In her past lives, Celia had always cared for the people, but avoided stepping into the limelight. She would secretly find ways to help the poor and sick, and convince the Magic Council and other Nobles to assist.
But Vitav had taken advantage of her anonymity!
He had presented himself as the one behind the scenes...a humble ruler who deeply cared for his people. And in any situation where Celia's face had already been seen, he would simply drop a few hinting comments which suggested that Celia had been acting on his orders!
And he had taken it even further...
He had personally discussed with as many commoners as possible, solidifying his stance as a humble ruler, while sowing seeds of doubt and discontent against King Vien.
In the end, the commoners had thrown their support behind Vitav, and barely any of them batted an eyelid when King Vien abdicated the throne at such a young age.
But this time, Celia had gotten ahead of him!
She wouldn't simply go around offering shallow help, but would make sure the people were not desperate enough to be easily swayed.
Playing Vitav's game of manipulating the commoners made her feel dirty, but she would put herself front and center, making it impossible for anyone else to take advantage!
.
On his own end, Taze hadn't remained idle...
As Crown Prince, he was required to attend every government meeting, but he didn't simply attend. He actively participated, offering up wise suggestions to the issues raised by the noble lords who governed the pillars of Luxia.
Taze proved himself well-read in politics, magic, health, science, and education, making it easy for him to tackle matters arising around Luxia.
When he wasn't in the palace, he was heading out of Blixia on an excursion to personally handle one issue or the other.
Whether it was a plague in the hot and temperate south of Luxia, or a flood in the Canal cities to the west, or a drought in the dry and severe northern regions, Luxia's Crown Prince personally showed up to resolve the issue, or ease the tough lives of the residents.
Darnia, one of the bordering Fairy Kingdoms, had attacked Luxia three times now, but each time, the Crown Prince personally led an army to defeat and push them back.
And when he was free, he joined his fiancee to help the needy around the Capital.
Taze's accomplishments were piling high to the sky, and his engagement to 'Miss Celia', was seen as a destined match, blessed by the heavens!
So even if Vitav found a way to clear his name, it would be pretty hard for him to gain solid footing within the royal family, much less in the eyes of the people!
.
In addition to all this, Celia and Taze had formed a small group, with the sole aim of checkmating any of Vitav's possible moves.
The group included Lord Scarlett, Dr. Sylvadeen, Grand Mage Sidian, Carla, three trustworthy High Mages from the Magic Council, and two other mages, whose letters were the final two in Celia's little tin box.
Celia and Taze didn't tell anyone about the past lives... Rather, they both pretended that Celia's Foresight magic was back, while she cleverly showed them memories from the previous lives!
It worked like 'magic', and soon they all had tasks.
Carla, Dr. Sylvadeen, and one of the 'tin box' mages were tasked to observe and investigate the borders, or the places Vitav had struck in the previous lives... The 'tin box' mage could teleport extremely long distances, and Carla could observe anything in minute detail for miles and miles, all within a minute!
Dr. Sylvadeen was there to protect them both from any emergency. With his knowledge of magic, they could count on him to find the fastest solution out of any pinch they found themselves in.
With their combined powers, they could teleport to three different regions in a day, and be back with news before nightfall!
Grand Mage Sidian monitored the Palace and passed any pertinent information to King Vien.
The High mages monitored the Magic Council for any strange movements or behaviours.
Lord Scarlett began a sweep of the combat mages and general army, cross-checking the records of every single Mage and Soldier, in a bid to harvest any of Vitav's spies.
And finally, the last 'tin box' mage, was a pretty mage simply known as Yulia.
Much like the Mage who could cancel techniques, Yulia had been arrested in the previous lives, but her crime was petty theft, and spreading 'false' rumours about Prince Vitav.
Rumours Celia now realised had always been true.
And that made Yulia a perfect candidate for this group!
Yulia was a master of disguises who sang or danced at local pubs, while picking the pockets of the most prominent guests!
Celia didn't let her steal, but she was the group's gossip and rumour specialist, travelling from region to region with a dance troupe.
The group met twice a month at the Scarlett estate, whenever possible, and with all their efforts, they managed to block almost every way Vitav could think of seizing the throne.
Now they only needed a way to find him...
.