Chapter 32

Wolfs run around in the mountains and fields. This was one of the reasons why Wolfs protected the Black Forest without developing it in the territory.

Instead, there weren't many vast plains where they could ride horses. As a result, when they arrived at the riding ground where they could gallop freely, Diare pushed the pace to the limit.

Lilica's horse riding skills had also improved significantly, and she rode quite fast.

"Riding any faster might be too hard for Saebyeol."

Lilica said, panting. Her cheeks were flushed red.

Diae nodded as she approached.

"Then let's stop here for today and have a meal."

"Okay."

The two of them took the basket from Breen and set up a place to sit. Diare explained the various plants, flowers, and insects around them. Lilica listened with great interest and then said,

"Diae, I want to tend a garden. Would you like to come and help me?"

"A garden?"

"Yes, a secret garden inside the palace."

Diae was deeply moved by the whispered words.

"Of course. I'll help you."

"Even though it's in a mess and will be hard work?"

"It's fine."

"Got it. I'll invite you next time."

"Yes. It's a promise."

Lilica was delighted to have secured another pair of hands. Diare was also happy.

After Diare left, waving goodbye, Lilica asked Breen,

"Breen, how's the gardener you said you'd bring?"

"It's all ready. I can bring them whenever you say."

"Really? Then can you bring them tomorrow?"

"Yes."

Breen smiled. Lilica smiled back and said,

"Thanks, Breen. You make everything so easy for me."

"Of course, that's why I'm here."

Competence is the proof of my existence, Breen thought, lifting her head proudly.

The silver brooch Lilica had given her sparkled.

Lilica quickly wrote a letter to Diare, inviting her the next day.

* * *

The next day, Lilica secretly met the gardener with her group. Breen always amazed her with how well she knew the less-traveled paths.

The gardener was a robust woman in her forties with tanned skin.

"My name is Ulang, Your Highness. It's an honor to meet you."

Ulang removed her hat, placed it over her heart, and bowed deeply.

"Nice to meet you, Ulang."

After reiterating the need for secrecy, Lilica unlocked the garden gate.

"Wow, this is incredible. It doesn't feel like a palace garden at all."

"Is it that messy?"

"No, it's not that. Palace gardens have a specific formality and appearance, but this place seems to aim for a more comfortable atmosphere."

"Ah, that's why. I like it here."

When she left the palace and lived with her mother, she wanted to have a garden like this. A beautiful garden with herbs and wild strawberries.

'I need to study hard now to make that happen.'

Ulang brought out her gardening tools and said,

"Let's start by removing the weeds."

Lilica took a hoe.

"What a strangely shaped tool."

"It's a new invention. It helps to pull out weeds by their roots. But for those tall weeds..."

Lauv drew his sword.

"I'll cut them down."

Ulang laughed and took out a scythe.

"Let's do it together. Then the others can..."

Under Ulang's direction, the group started working on the garden. Diare picked up a rake.

Being small doesn't mean being weak. She raked up the grass Lauv had cut. The sun was hot, and sweat began to drip. Diare looked up.

'Wow.'

At first, she thought, 'What is this wild forest?' But as they started cutting and clearing the grass, the garden began to take shape.

'Amazing.'

She felt a sense of accomplishment.

Sword practice is endless. You can't see immediate growth. It's an endless path where you can't tell if you're improving.

But gardening had a set amount of work, and you could see the changes as you worked.

The smell of cut grass was strong, and the uneven stone path was revealed.

Diae found that gardening was more enjoyable than she expected. It wasn't as tiring as sword practice, and the visible results were satisfying.

"Everyone, let's have a snack."

The attendant brought a basket, and Breen distributed it. Lilica cheered and ran over.

A large cloth was spread out, and on it were thickly sliced cold beef sandwiches, warm scones covered with a cloth, clotted cream, and jam. Most welcome of all was the iced tea with droplets of condensation.

There was enough for everyone, and a special ginger-infused cold drink was prepared for Lilica.

Breen said proudly, "The ginger-infused cold drink won't upset your stomach."

The food was simple but incredibly delicious. Breen made a cold towel and placed it around Lilica's neck.

"Refreshing~"

Lilica wiped her sweat and smiled happily. Breen distributed the towels to the others. Ulang laughed.

"Removing weeds is the hardest and most rewarding part. But weeds will keep coming up. Do you have any specific plants in mind?"

"Hmm, I want it to be as close to this as possible but even prettier. I don't know much about gardens, so I'd like to hear your opinion, Ulang."

"Similar to this, you say."

"Yes, with wild strawberries to pick and herbs to use in cooking. I also want to fix up that cottage."

"You want a practical and beautiful garden. Understood."

Ulang nodded vigorously.

"I'll prepare accordingly."

"Okay."

Breen removed a crumb from Lilica's mouth and said,

"I noticed there's a well near the cottage. The cover is old, but the water seems usable."

"Really? That's great."

Lilica smiled and watched the two Wolfs eating enthusiastically. While Lilica ate one sandwich, they had already finished four.

Breen must have carried the basket full of sandwiches and water in both hands.

Lilica felt grateful and a bit guilty towards the three of them.

"Thank you all so much. This is my and Ulang's job, but you helped with the garden work too."

"Not at all."

"It's nothing."

"It's fine."

Lauv, Breen, and Diare answered almost simultaneously. Lilica decided to show her gratitude to them later.

The garden work continued. Meanwhile, Breen secretly mobilized people to dismantle the cottage, rebuild it, and furnish the inside.

Lilica gasped when she entered the bright new cottage.

It was more than just a cottage; it was a spacious place. There was a living room with a fireplace, and a kitchen on one side.

Dishes were neatly arranged on the shelves, and shiny copper pots and pans hung on the walls.

Large windows in both the kitchen and living room let in plenty of sunlight. There was even a small but proper bedroom. A loft was also set up, accessible by a ladder.

It was filled with charming details, like a dollhouse, and Lilica gasped in amazement.

The palace is grand but feels unreal. But this cottage was exactly the kind of home Lilica had always dreamed of.

A cozy, warm home that wouldn't leak when it rained and where sunlight would shine brightly.

It was the dream home she wanted to live in when she had enough money.

"Breen, it's really beautiful. How did you do it?"

"The Sol family always completes the tasks entrusted to them. Do you like it?"

"Yes, it's incredibly beautiful."

The wooden floor was smooth, and it seemed she could run barefoot without getting splinters.

Breen showed her the side door outside. It turned out there was a small underground storage room. Shelves were installed in the storage room to store things like homemade jam.

"Breen, you're like a magician."

Lilica kept exclaiming in amazement. Outside, the well had a new step and a heavy lid.

Breen warned her,

"Don't use the well when you're alone. I'll fill the kitchen water jar for you."

"Okay, I understand."

The garden was transforming. As they planted seedlings, Ulang said,

"A proper garden is made over time. We just help it along."

Ulang, seeing Lilica's enthusiasm, continued to teach her about pruning and planting bulbs, and talked endlessly about gardening.

Lilica resolved to have a garden like this when she left the palace.

Even though she was tired at night, she didn't skip her magic practice.