Train thy body and mind
The royal training grounds were quiet as the first rays of morning light cut through the trees.
Seraphina stood facing Reiner, her sword in hand, the weight of it grounding her.
It had been a while since she'd last trained, but today, she was determined to prove something to herself and maybe to Reiner too.
"You're really doing this?"
Reiner asked, eyeing her with a mixture of surprise and concern.
He had a reputation for being a formidable opponent even amongst the older guards, but seeing Seraphina in full battle stance was a different sight altogether.
"Of course," she replied, her voice steady, masking the slight tremor she felt in her hands.
"Why not? I've had some... experience"
Reiner raised an eyebrow.
"I know you've been busy with other things, Princess, but combat isn't like making medicine or running a shop"
Seraphina smirked, the memory of her mandatory two years in the army creeping into her thoughts.
The grueling drills, the long nights, the exhaustion, it had been hell.
But it was also where she'd learned how to stand her ground.
She squared her shoulders, took a deep breath, and lunged forward.
Her sword sliced through the air, aimed at Reiner's chest.
She didn't hesitate.
She wouldn't.
Reiner was quick, parrying with ease and stepping back, watching her closely.
"Not bad," he said with a grin, clearly enjoying the challenge.
"For a princess, that is"
Seraphina didn't have time to respond before she pressed the attack, her blade dancing as she aimed for his side.
Her body moved with the muscle memory of her army days, quick and sharp.
Reiner blocked each strike effortlessly, but the look on his face was more impressive than mocking.
"You've certainly got the moves," he said, raising his sword to block another swing.
"But this isn't going to be a friendly spar, Seraphina"
"I'm not looking for a friendly match," she shot back, her voice sharp.
She kept pressing on, not giving an inch.
The knights around them had stopped training, all eyes on the scene unfolding in the center of the grounds.
Whispers began to spread like wildfire.
The princess, the one they had always seen in delicate gowns, was holding her own against Captain Reiner.
How was that possible?
But it wasn't long before Seraphina's body started to protest.
The exhaustion she'd been ignoring all week, the strain from her nonstop duties, caught up with her.
Her legs began to feel heavy, and her breath came in ragged gasps.
The fight was slowing down, and so was she.
Reiner's sword came down again, his strikes getting sharper as he noticed her slowing down.
"You're pushing yourself too hard," he warned, stepping back, eyes narrowing.
"If you don't stop now, you'll collapse before the end"
"I'm fine," she gritted through her teeth, sweat dripping from her brow.
Her movements were more sluggish now, her swings not as precise as they had been just moments ago.
She could feel the familiar weight of exhaustion pulling at her.
But it was too much.
As she went to block a swing, her feet tangled beneath her, and she stumbled.
Reiner didn't hesitate.
In one smooth move, he disarmed her and brought his sword to rest against her throat.
The match was over.
Seraphina stood still, panting heavily.
The defeat stung, but she didn't show it.
Instead, she stared up at Reiner, frustration boiling in her chest.
"I told you," he said, stepping back, his voice gentler than before.
"You're not invincible. You can't push yourself this hard"
"I'm fine," she muttered, brushing her damp hair from her face, trying to stand tall despite the aches in her body.
"I just need to get back at it"
Reiner shook his head, looking at her with a mixture of concern and admiration.
"It seems the days you spent during the war, served another purpose, I must say, I truly am impressed"
Seraphina didn't answer immediately.
Yes, she served in a war in this world but it was nothing compared to the two years she spent under the harsh gaze of military commanders, which made her feel something between resentment and a strange pride.
She had never talked about it before, but now, with Reiner's unexpected understanding, it felt like the right moment.
"Thank you," she said, her voice softer.
"But I know that I have a lot to learn. It wasn't all about learning to fight. It was... surviving"
Reiner nodded, his gaze softening.
"You're not just playing at this, are you, Princess?"
She shook her head, wiping the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand.
"No. I'm not. I may not be the best soldier, but I've had my share of training"
Reiner studied her for a moment as if trying to read between the lines.
"I'll take your word for it, then"
They stood there for a moment, the sounds of the other knights returning to their training now filling the silence between them.
"I think I've had enough combat for today," Seraphina said, trying to steady her breath.
"Maybe I'll stick to medicine for a while"
Reiner chuckled.
"I think that's a good idea"
As they walked back toward the palace, Seraphina couldn't shake the feeling that her physical limits weren't the only thing that had been tested today.
She knew that the difference in skill was large, but she didn't expect to lose in five minutes.
'Welp, I should probably just stick to medicine…'
"..."
'Medicine… what if I make… a power drink…'
'Something that could give me a boost when I need it'
'I mean, I've got the knowledge. A quick, energizing tonic would do wonders, especially for someone like me, who keeps pushing themselves too hard…'
Seraphina grinned, the idea blossoming in her mind.
If she could perfect it, maybe she could sell it alongside the medicine and food.
A new way to keep people healthy and energized.
A little boost for the tired soldiers, the overworked merchants, and of course, for herself.
Reiner glanced over at her, noticing the spark in her eyes.
"Are you planning something again?" he asked, his voice teasing.
Seraphina laughed, brushing off the sweat and the idea of another defeat.
"Oh, just thinking about how I can improve my product range," she said with a wink.
Reiner raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.
"If you say so, Princess"
Her smile widened.
Maybe the key to her redemption wasn't just about medicine and chicken.
Maybe it was about finding her way to stand strong, in both body and mind.
And she wasn't done yet.
The next week was a blur of trial and error.
Seraphina threw herself into perfecting and creating the power drink, her hands stained with ingredients and her mind slowly burning out.
The days were long, and her energy was spread thin, but she couldn't stop.
She needed to make this work.
She began her experimentations early in the morning, dragging herself from bed even before the sun could warm the sky.
The ingredients were simple enough, ginseng, honey, and a few other herbs but the real trick was getting the proportions right.
She had learned a lot in her previous life, and a part of her hoped she could apply that knowledge here.
The first attempt tasted horrendous.
She cringed after swallowing, but there was no turning back.
"Well, that's a no-go," she muttered to herself, pouring the rest of the drink into the sink.
The second attempt was bitter, so bitter that it made her gag.
She quickly realized she had used too much of one herb, and her stomach twisted in protest.
"Alright, that's it. I'm going to get this right," Seraphina gritted her teeth.
The persistence she had developed from years of hard work in her past life kicked in.
She couldn't afford to fail here.
Another hour, another failed attempt.
Her headache, and her hands were shaking from the strain of constantly mixing and experimenting.
And yet, she pressed on.
It felt like every time she was on the verge of success, something would go wrong, one ingredient was off, the mixture was too thin, or her measurements were slightly off.
After what felt like days of trial and error, Seraphina finally had a drink that didn't taste like she'd been drinking liquid dirt.
It was sharp, refreshing, and filled with an energy that surged through her veins almost immediately.
She sipped slowly, marveling at the fact that it wasn't bitter or overwhelming.
It had just the right balance.
"Yes," she whispered, staring down at the concoction.
"I think this will work"
The energy wasn't instant, but it was undeniable.
It didn't take long before her mind was clearer, her body more alert.
Her eyes widened with excitement.
This was it, she had done it.
With that victory, the next phase began.
Physical training.
Seraphina had never been the strongest person, but Minseok always kept her body in shape, especially after his time in the military.
'A strong body is a strong wall'
Now, the only thing standing in her way was the unfamiliar weight of Seraphina's body.
Despite his previous military experience, this body was still weak, fragile even.
And with the energy drink at her side, she was determined to toughen up.
Every morning, she would stumble out of bed, sore from the previous day's training.
But the soreness was just another reminder that she was still alive, still in control.
She ran laps around the courtyard, her breath ragged and her legs burning from the effort.
It was harder than she expected.
This body wasn't built for endurance like she was used to.
Still, she pushed through, ignoring the aches that screamed for her to stop.
When she wasn't running, she was doing push-ups.
A dozen at first, then two dozen, then three.
Her arms trembled with each movement.
Her palms grew raw and began to bleed from the constant pressure of pressing them to the stone floor.
"Come on, you can do it," she whispered through clenched teeth, her entire body screaming at her to quit.
But she wouldn't stop.
She couldn't stop.
Every time her hands slipped, every time her arms buckled beneath her, she forced herself back up.
Her bruises became badges of honor, her cuts signs of progress.
The sword practice was the most brutal part of it all.
Seraphina had spent years training with blades in her previous life, but this body?
It felt foreign.
She swung the sword, but the weight of it made her movements feel clumsy and slow.
She stumbled during the first few rounds, nearly tripping over her own feet, her sword flying out of her hand more than once.
"You're better than this," she muttered to herself, sweat stinging her eyes, each breath coming in ragged gasps.
But she wouldn't give up.
Not after everything.
The bruises were deep now, a mix of training injuries and sheer determination.
Her legs, arms, and shoulders were constantly sore, the muscles stretching and contracting in ways they hadn't in a long time.
Every movement was deliberate.
She had to rebuild this body from the ground up.
She tried to force her body to do things it simply wasn't prepared for.
The sword felt heavier than she remembered, and her arms trembled from the exertion.
At first, she could barely get in five or six swings before her arms burned with the effort.
Then, ten, then twenty.
But still, she couldn't keep up for long.
By the end of each day, Seraphina would collapse into a heap on the training grounds, breathing heavily, every inch of her body throbbing.
Her hands were raw from the sword hilt, her feet bruised from the ground, but she didn't care.
Every time she trained, she felt a small spark of change.
Slowly but surely, she was becoming stronger.
It took a full month of grueling effort before Seraphina could swing her sword with anything resembling fluidity, and even then, she couldn't do it for long.
But when she glanced at her reflection one evening, after another full day of training, she could see the change.
Her body was stronger than it had been before.
Her hands no longer shook when she held the sword.
Her legs didn't ache from a simple run.
And though the energy drink wasn't a cure-all, it helped push her body past its limits.
It gave her a little something extra, a kick she could rely on.
Seraphina wiped the sweat from her brow and grinned.
She was getting there.
Slowly, but surely.
As she wiped the sweat off her forehead, her entire body ached.
Every inch of her muscles screamed for a break, but she knew the routine wasn't done yet.
Her hands trembled, still raw from the sword's grip, and her legs burned from hours of practice.
She was standing by the training grounds when she heard the soft sound of footsteps behind her.
"Your Highness," Rhea's voice called softly, cutting through the exhausted haze of Seraphina's thoughts.
Seraphina turned, only to see Rhea holding a towel, her face a mix of concern and professionalism.
She knew Seraphina's training routine, and she knew better than anyone how grueling it had been.
But even Rhea couldn't hide the concerned glance as she surveyed the princess's appearance, bruised, battered, and still clearly in pain.
"I thought you might need this," Rhea said, gently offering the towel.
"The bath is ready for you, my lady. You've pushed yourself enough for the day"
Seraphina sighed, taking the towel and wiping it across her damp face.
"I'm almost done here," she mumbled, but the weight of her body seemed to pull her down, and she realized just how much effort it had taken to even stand.
Her body had been pushed past its limits.
Rhea was too perceptive to let it slide.
She stepped closer, eyeing Seraphina carefully.
"You've been overworking yourself, haven't you?"
Seraphina didn't answer right away.
Instead, she glanced down at her bloodied palms and the bruises that now marked her arms and legs.
She hadn't been aware of it, but her body had become a canvas of her dedication, each bruise and cut a sign of progress, albeit painful progress.
"I'm fine," she muttered, forcing a smile, but even she could hear the weariness in her voice.
Rhea didn't seem convinced.
Her sharp eyes studied Seraphina's battered form with a gaze that felt almost too knowing.
"My lady, you need to take better care of yourself. You're pushing yourself too hard. These bruises, blood stains, muscle growth… it's clear you've been putting everything into your training"
"I have to," Seraphina replied, her voice steady but tinged with resolve.
"I have to keep up. I can't afford to be weak"
Rhea didn't argue.
She simply smiled, though there was concern behind her eyes.
"Come, my lady. Let me get you into the bath. You've earned it, and you deserve to rest"
Seraphina paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright," she said softly.
"I guess I do need a break. But only for a little while"
10 Minutes Later
The bath was a welcome relief.
The warm water soothed the aching muscles in Seraphina's body, easing the tension that had been building from the last few weeks of grueling training.
Rhea helped her settle in, the gentle lather of soap and the scent of lavender filling the air.
Seraphina allowed herself to sink into the warmth, letting her body float for a moment, forgetting about the pain and the strain.
As Rhea gently washed her hair, she couldn't help but notice how different Seraphina looked.
The muscle definition was becoming more pronounced, and her frame was no longer as delicate and fragile as it once was.
The bruises still lingered on her arms, remnants of her tireless training.
Bloodstains clung to the edges of her skin in places where she had pushed too hard.
Her shoulders, once soft and elegant, now showed the strength of someone who had endured hardship.
Rhea's brow furrowed slightly, but she didn't say anything.
She simply worked quietly, massaging Seraphina's scalp with care.
There was a lot more to this transformation than just strength.
It was also a shift in Seraphina herself, a shift that went far beyond the physical.
Seraphina closed her eyes, leaning back into the water.
Her thoughts drifted to the shops.
Lady Elira and Lady Argi were doing wonders for the business, especially with the chicken restaurant and the medicinal supplies reaching farther than ever before.
She wasn't concerned about those at the moment, she trusted the two of them to keep everything running smoothly.
Still, she needed to check on the progress.
Once the bath was done, she had to get moving again.
The work wasn't over.
An Hour Later
After drying off and slipping into a comfortable set of robes, Seraphina made her way to the dining room, where a quick meal awaited.
She needed to eat before heading to the shops, to ensure she kept her energy up.
Rhea had insisted on serving her, her eyes still worried but masked by her usual calm composure.
Once finished, Seraphina made her way to the chicken restaurant first.
The place had been bustling more than usual these past few days, the new energy drink being an unexpected hit with customers, and Lady Argi had worked tirelessly to promote it.
The lines were long, the atmosphere lively, and the scent of fried chicken wafted in the air, mixing with the faint smell of herbs and spices.
"Your Highness," one of the servers greeted her as she walked through the door.
"Everything is running smoothly, as always. Lady Argi's promotions have been a huge success."
Seraphina nodded, pleased to see the restaurant thriving.
She glanced around at the tables, noticing the happy faces of the customers.
It warmed her heart to see the results of her hard work.
Next, she made her way to the medical shop, where Lady Elira was overseeing the distribution of more medicine.
The shelves were stocked, and several buyers were in the process of picking up supplies.
"How's it going?"
Seraphina asked as she entered.
Lady Elira looked up, a smile breaking across her face.
"It's going splendidly. We've expanded to several new kingdoms, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive"
"The medicines are selling faster than we can restock"
"That's good to hear," Seraphina replied, her heart swelling with pride.
She'd worked so hard to get to this point.
The fruits of her labor were finally starting to show.
Before she left the shop, she caught a glimpse of a small child looking at the medicine curiously, and for a moment, she felt a flash of emotion.
She was doing this.
She was making a difference, one step at a time.
It wasn't perfect, but it was enough.
She stepped outside, feeling the cool air on her skin as the day continued.
With a determined glint in her eye, she whispered to herself, "One step closer"
The Next Morning
The sun rose over the training grounds, casting a warm light over the dirt paths and the scattered training dummies.
Seraphina stood at the ready, face flushed and heart pounding in her chest.
The rematch with Reiner was upon her.
The past week had been a blur of preparation, of pushing her body to the brink in ways she hadn't imagined.
The training, the bruises, the blood, everything had led to this moment.
Reiner stood across from her, a smirk on his face.
He had no idea what she had been through, how much she'd trained herself, how much she had changed.
He wasn't taking her seriously, and she was going to make him regret it.
"Ready to lose again, Princess?"
Reiner taunted, spinning his sword in a lazy circle.
His cocky grin only fueled her determination.
"I don't intend to lose this time," Seraphina replied, her voice steady as she raised her sword, her grip firm.
"Let's see what you've got"
The clash of steel echoed through the grounds as they locked swords.
The air was thick with tension, and onlookers gathered from all corners of the training field, watching the duel unfold with wide eyes.
Seraphina's movements were precise, and calculated, every strike was an attempt to end it quickly.
She had spent the last few weeks preparing, mentally and physically.
She had fought countless invisible battles in her mind, and now it was all coming to a head.
Reiner was fast, his strikes heavy and powerful.
But Seraphina was quicker than he expected.
Her training had paid off, she could dodge, block, and strike with surprising speed, her body moving in ways she hadn't thought possible just a month ago.
She parried his blows with a fluidity that took him off guard.
For a moment, it seemed like she might actually win.
Seraphina could feel the power of her body, her muscles reacting, her mind sharp.
But then, fatigue set in.
She was pushing herself beyond her limits, and her body was beginning to betray her.
Her sword wavered for just a moment, just long enough for Reiner to press his advantage.
He landed a blow to her side, knocking her back.
Seraphina stumbled, her feet losing their grip in the dirt, and she nearly fell.
But she didn't.
She dug deep, steadied herself, and gritted her teeth.
"Not yet," she muttered under her breath.
Reiner rushed forward, attempting to finish the fight, but Seraphina was ready.
She pivoted on her heels and launched herself back at him, faster than she had before.
Their blades clashed again, and this time, it was she who held the upper hand.
The battle raged on, neither side giving an inch.
Sweat poured from Seraphina's brow, her body aching from the intense exertion.
Her arms burned, and her legs threatened to give out beneath her.
But she refused to stop.
And then, with one swift and well-timed strike, she knocked Reiner's sword from his hands and stood above him, her blade at his throat.
It was over.
Reiner stood there, panting and wide-eyed, his pride clearly bruised.
He slowly raised his hands in surrender.
"Well... I'll be damned," he muttered under his breath, looking up at her in disbelief.
"You've improved"
Seraphina lowered her sword, her breathing heavy but controlled.
She had won.
But even as she felt a surge of pride, she couldn't shake the exhaustion in her limbs.
Before she could turn to leave, she heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps approaching, slow, measured, and heavy.
Seraphina's chest tightened.
She didn't have to look to know who it was.
The King.
The knights immediately straightened up in fear, saluting the King as he walked through the training grounds, his eyes scanning the field with a sharp, calculating gaze.
He stopped when he reached Seraphina, his eyes narrowing.
"So… this is what you'd rather do than attend the court?"
His voice was like ice, biting and cold.
Seraphina's stomach dropped, but she refused to show any weakness.
She stood tall and met his gaze, her hand still gripping her sword, though her strength was beginning to falter.
The King scoffed, his lip curling in disdain as he looked her over.
Her sweat-soaked hair, the faint bloodstains on her tunic, the way she stood so defiantly in front of him.
"I thought a crown princess would have more important things to do than swing a sword"
Seraphina didn't answer.
Instead, she looked at the King with a cool expression, knowing full well that his words were a test.
The King sneered and turned away, his eyes lingering on her for a moment longer before he spoke, almost under his breath.
"Attend the court, Seraphina. Or I'll have to make sure you remember your true duties"
With that, he walked off, leaving a tense silence in his wake.
Seraphina exhaled slowly, her body still burning with the aftereffects of the fight.
She had won today, but she couldn't shake the feeling that the old fart was up to no good again.
But all she could do was watch the back of her father retreating, knowing that she'd have to prepare for whatever came next.
The war wasn't just on the battlefield.
It was everywhere.
And Seraphina Lumastra was ready to fight.