Chapter 96

This is a bit early update.

It seems that a heat wave will come before the rainy season. Even if you stay indoors, if the air conditioner is not on, hot air from the concrete heater will come in... The heat wave is coming with such force that it could make your IQ drop by 3 points.

There are already reports of heatstroke in the news, so please be careful, everyone!

While dealing with a painful problem, I also think about other things.

The small passages that run through the palace and the detached palace, which I found before, are not visible to the eye but should be called secret passages. Using these, it might be possible to bring people in secretly.

However, what I know is only a rough sketch. If there are traps or magic circles carved, it could be dangerous.

Is there any way to investigate?

Considering the historical romance stories of Mrs. Kahlman and the ancient ruins legends of Sir Vania, these two seem to be not entirely unrelated.

If I pinpoint the analysis directly below, there are many strange hollows. Are they passages? I've written them down several times, but there are still discrepancies with hand-drawn sketches. There are limits to what an amateur can do.

If I could print them like a copy machine, that would be great... but this country doesn't have such technology.

The civilization is indeed advanced, but life is rich because of the various cheat items in this fantasy world, like recovery magic, potions that can heal injuries, and plants that can detoxify instantly.

Of course, such items are very valuable. But they do exist.

However, resurrection is particularly difficult and has very limited conditions. Many magicians have tried resurrection magic but have not succeeded. Necromancy, a lower-level alternative, has been deemed a forbidden art.

It seems that this aspect is the same in any world.

In my previous life, even with serum or detoxification, it took time for the effects to show.

Considering that, it's quite impressive.

Even without dynamite, large explosions can be caused by powerful magic. It all depends on the individual's aptitude.

Ah, no, that's not good. I shouldn't think about such things.

Basically, books are handwritten. Magic books, in particular, are very strict. Not only the material but also the writer must be proficient in magic, so they are all handmade.

I doubt there is movable type printing... Is there a newspaper in this world? Has something similar been developed? Julius isn't here to help when I'm in trouble.

Even if it exists, it might not be very common. The castle is far from the industrial area, and I've been allowed to do as I please, but I don't know the technological level here...

It's no use demanding things that don't exist or are unknown.

For now, I need to search, investigate, and confirm.

I try to have trustworthy people around me, but it's important to verify things myself.

I've read many books in this palace, but they are often vague and ambiguous, making them difficult to understand.

There's no choice but to investigate myself.

Anna didn't look too pleased, but she agreed, partly because the destination is the "Royal Library," where only eccentrics and knowledge enthusiasts gather. As a princess, I can visit many places!

Mrs. Kahlman also volunteered to come, and Bella warned her not to cause trouble.

Ideally, I should specify the books I want and have them brought to me, but that would be too inefficient. Besides, items I don't want to be read might be excluded.

Sigh, there are more guards and surveillance from the Latitsche family, which is quite stressful.

But staying busy helps distract my mind from that overwhelming sadness.

Wearing a simple dark blue dress, I was about to set out when Bella had a concerned look on her face.

"What's wrong?"

"Princess, wouldn't it be good to have a new dress made?"

"Is it necessary? I'm still in mourning for my father, and I have dresses from Latitsche and gifts from others."

"But I heard you haven't even spoken to a designer since coming to this palace.

To know your preferences, it might be a good time to have a few dresses made."

I don't really feel the need. Basically, I only wear items from the Rose Company's "Under the Rose."

From the existing dresses, I think you can get a general idea. New prototypes keep appearing without me asking for them, so I haven't been concerned.

Most of the dresses I have are gifts from my father and Latitsche mother.

Even on birthdays, my father strictly regulated gifts, and most of the gifts from people outside the family didn't last long.

"Princess..."

"What is it, Bella?"

"Miss, as the crown princess, you receive a certain amount of money from the state. You're not using it, and it's raising some suspicions."

"Why? I'm mostly here, and I can't attend or host tea parties or evening gatherings yet."

Especially as a princess, I should avoid large public events.

Even if I changed from a reclusive young lady to a reclusive princess, I don't feel like dressing up. I only dressed up to show my family, like my father, mother, Kistaria, and close confidants like Anna, Julius, and Sebastian.

What's the point of dressing up during mourning?

"Even in mourning, many ladies enjoy shopping."

Queen Ophelia used up her budget in a month when her biological father, King Mil Dons, passed away.

Is she a shopping addict?

Incidentally, Mil Dons is a small country that belongs to our Sandis. The country's name remains, but the king is more like a lord. The superior relationship is with Sandis.

"I see. I'll think about it. But not for the repairs of the Vayu detached palace..."

"That's not your budget. Besides, Fortuna and Latitsche have already sent mountains of gold to ensure your comfort.

Most of the national treasury hasn't been strained, so your budget has been increased."

"Then, about the recent incident with Princess Elmedia..."

"That should be compensated by Princess Elmedia or the two consorts who invited her and failed to supervise her.

You are the victim, so you should receive an apology, not bear the cost."

"What about Aunt Patricia and the injured people..."

"Patricia is completely unharmed and is excited about holding the princesses' weaknesses over them. She is in excellent physical and mental condition.

The gifts and arrangements for the injured were already made under your direct instructions.

They were all very grateful. It's rare for someone to care so much about servants and guards."

What have I been doing? What should I do? How do I spend money? I don't really have the desire to consume...

"Let me think about it..."

"Please do. Wasteful spending is bad, but not using it at all doesn't set a good example for nobles and commoners."

Bella nodded firmly.

Ah, I can't fool her. If I don't use it properly, I'll probably be nagged until I reach the amount Bella deems acceptable...

After much thought, I decided to create a boarding school for the impoverished citizens.

I will take in children from the slums, teach them reading and math, and provide them with food, clothing, and shelter in exchange for simple labor, such as cleaning. This includes cleaning the streets, sewers, and slums.

However, there are limits to what children can do, so I will also prioritize hiring adults who are interested or show potential.

Slums and back alleys are breeding grounds for crime, and uncleanliness is the source of disease.

Many of these children are orphans of war or their children, who lack a proper foundation and often turn to crime.

Initially, it will be an expense, but in the long run, it will cultivate talent, reduce crime, and decrease deaths and illnesses.

There are also people who want to work but can't, and those who want to learn but can't.

Action is better than inaction.

I want to be a person my father would be proud of, bearing the name of Latitsche.

My father was a meritocrat, and I want to create a system that welcomes capable people.

I'm not trying to replace the nobility with more capable people.

There are proper nobles like Kistaria and Michaelis, and even in the royal family, there are people like Emperor Lauses.

For now, I'll create a draft and consult someone.

I did something similar in the Latitsche territory, providing job opportunities for cleaning and other tasks to children and the underprivileged.

Hmm, for this, I should consult Julius? He joined the nobility from a commoner background, so he should know the necessary elements and issues.

Consulting Kistaria... no, she seems busy. I hear the branch family is still resisting.

Since Patricia is busy elsewhere, I'll settle for the bearded uncle.

The Fortuna family is my guardian, but I absolutely don't want the bear duke.

When I asked if I could call Julius, Anna's reaction—stop it. I'm not thinking anything extra.

"I have a small business idea. For this, I should consult Julius, right?"

Sebastian is supporting Kistaria.

Julius should be the same, but as the head of the household, Sebastian is more experienced. Julius is also familiar with my whims.

I've made him do many things, but I'm not good at managing people.

"Please give this to him. When he has time, tell him to come after he finishes reading."

It's a secret ritual, "Pass to Julius."

I'll involve the bearded uncle... cough! I'll ask for his help. He's enthusiastic, and it's better than involving incompetent nobles.

Especially since my letters to Latitsche mother and my attempts to interact with the Latitsche family seem to be obstructed. If I have to involve extra people, I'll settle for a safe option.

"Princess, you have a wonderful idea. I will do my utmost to assist you."

He came the next afternoon.

Wow! That's fast! How did he know I was at the Royal Library!? Was he lying in wait!?

How did he get in!?

As I was stunned, Julius tilted his head and pressed further.

"Or, would you like to leave it to me?

And, if you could add a note for the Fortuna family, that would be great."

"I have one prepared in my room. I've told Aunt Patricia and Count Klyftov verbally, but..."

"Then, may I have it?"

"Yes."

He snatched the books I was holding.

After a quick glance, Julius narrowed his eyes behind his glasses.

"By the way, what are you looking for, my princess?"

"Romantic history and palace mysteries???"

"Why the question mark..."

"I've been avoiding everything related to the royal family, but I thought I should relearn the country's foundation and the royal family's history..."

"That's reasonable. Knowing your enemy is necessary to defeat them."

"I don't want to defeat them..."

I don't think it's a complete lie.

Finding an escape route and a secret meeting place will make things easier in the future.

My engagement selection has become a recent trend among the nobility, which is unpleasant and troublesome. Security for eligible unmarried men has been tightened.

I'll leave out the part where Anna looked at Julius like he was G when I brought him to the detached palace that day.

Anna's facial muscles are a bit stiff, but her eyes speak volumes.

"Anna, don't look at Julius's back like you want to stab it."

"I am thinking about stabbing him."

"Anna, what did Julius do to you?"

The perfectly crafted smile of Julius and the stable expressionless face of Anna met.

There was no sweet atmosphere. It was sugar-free, more like a cool mint.

Snowflakes seemed more visible than hearts. Or lightning or a flash. If you don't understand, that's fine too.

"Right. Julius, I want to send a letter to my mother. Can you help?"

"Of course, I will gladly accept. Then, may I take this as well?"

"Sure," I handed over another letter.

He bowed, took it from my hand—then held my hand.

What is it? I tilted my head but met his steady gaze.

"Right. The recipes and designs I gave you before, are they usable?"

"Yes, thank you. The guild members were very pleased. The kitchen is also practicing based on the recipes."

"I think there are many unfinished and incomplete ones. If you notice anything or need more, please let me know."

Honestly, I was hesitant to give such incomplete things.

But if they fall into the wrong hands, it's better to give them to Julius, who I trust. He will manage them properly and use them without issues.

"Thank you for your consideration, Princess."

There's no need to thank me, so I shook my head.

"Julius"

"Yes"

"Support Kistaria. Don't let outsiders like the branch family touch Latitsche or the Rose Company."

"As you wish."

He gently pulled my hand. Kneeling on one knee, he touched his hand to his forehead.

His neatly styled black hair. The light reflecting off the frame. Clear lenses. Lowered eyes, closed eyelids, long black lashes. A straight nose, thin lips. A quiet yet very handsome face. Not flashy, but the more you look, the more you realize how well-structured and fair-skinned he is. His shoulders are broad, and I know his arms can easily lift me. He is strong, and his long legs are quite athletic, moving with surprising silence.

It feels like a solemn vow.

"Please. I have very few people I can rely on."

"...That's a powerful line. Where do you learn such tricks?"

"Is it bad? Is it a cheap way to ask?"

"It's not bad. It's a perfect 10... Please don't use such lines on just anyone."

Julius sighed deeply and covered his face with his hand.

Even his shiny, beautiful glasses got fingerprints on them.

I didn't ask in such a way that would make you sigh like that. I don't understand why you're so exhausted.

"Of course. I don't even get close, talk to, or let anyone into my room, let alone touch their hand. I can only ask Julius because it's you."

"Anna, Princess is very unaware, so please keep an eye on her."

"I don't need to be asked. It's my job."

She subtly insulted me.

I do think and act carefully! I choose who to ask for help and who to consult!

Why don't you support me, Anna!

Thank you for reading!