Chapter 18

" How is married life? "

" ...There's nothing particularly special about it. "

" What, you're so cold. Princess Amaryllis is so adorable and she even smiled at you. And yet, you won't even make eye contact... Go and see the princess right away! Don't just stand there!"

Yes, yes!

Lilith agreed wholeheartedly in her mind as she watched the exchange between the Emperor and Jesarald.

However, if Jesarald were to come and see her now, it would be troublesome since she was sleeping.

Two days after the wedding.

Lilith, who had no plans for the day, was spending her time leisurely in her room—taking a nap.

But, perhaps because she hadn't explored the palace well enough yet, she was wandering around in her dreams.

She effortlessly passed through doors and marveled at the various rooms.

Indeed, as the imperial palace of the Aerlas Empire, every place was truly magnificent.

Being able to go wherever she wanted in her dreams was rare, and Lilith was thoroughly enjoying herself.

It was during this time that she encountered the current scene.

It seemed to be a meeting, and there were several other men present besides the two of them.

These men were the ministers who had been introduced to her before the wedding.

They were chuckling at the exchange between the Emperor and the Crown Prince.

From their reactions, it was clear that these ministers were not afraid of Jesarald.

Even Lilith, who had only spent a few days in the palace, could tell that many people were afraid of Jesarald.

She found this very puzzling.

Why should people be so afraid of the Crown Prince of their own country, who had achieved numerous military victories and led them to triumph, just because his eyes were red?

(Hmm, that's strange.)

While she was thinking this, the meeting continued.

It seemed that Jesarald had no intention of coming to see Lilith and remained in the room.

"The problem is the people living on the western side of the Hottar Mountains. That area has never been suitable for livestock like in Freud, and the small amount of minerals has been exhausted. Yet, they cannot relocate from that place."

"Yes, they are currently able to survive the winter with the revenue from firewood and wood products, which are made from the timber used to extract minerals, and with aid supplies. However, we cannot continue to provide aid indefinitely."

"True, we say that those who do not work should not eat, but there are no jobs available. Should we provide relocation funds?"

"But, there's no guarantee they will find work in a new place. Moreover, it's uncertain whether they will agree to leave their familiar land. It would be ideal if we could find an industry to replace the mining."

While listening to this exchange, Lilith visualized a map in her mind.

When she heard about the Hottar Mountains, it didn't feel like someone else's problem.

The western side of the mountains—Bunmini, a town that had once thrived due to mining.

"Apparently, we have received direct complaints from the workers in Toisen."

"Even so, what more can we do? We just received a report that no particular issues were found when we sent an inspector. We cannot rescue everything just because wages are unpaid due to poor management."

The meeting content seemed to have shifted to another topic.

Toisen, if she remembered correctly, was a town near Bunmini, in the western region of Aerlas.

"But, we cannot just leave them as they are. They are citizens of our country. If Toisen's pottery isn't selling, shouldn't we buy it?"

"Your Majesty's concern for your people is truly admirable. However, even if we were to buy it, the nobles are all captivated by goods from Shana and no longer pay attention to Toisen. The same goes for other countries. We cannot burden our treasury with unsold inventory to save them."

"But, while aiding Bunmini and neglecting Toisen..."

"Then, how about lowering the wholesale price?"

"That would not be a good strategy. It would devalue the stone ware we have built up so far, causing market confusion. Even if the price were to drop, the common people would still prefer wooden utensils they can make themselves from leftover wood over pottery that can break if dropped—"

She had heard the name Shana before, but she didn't know where the country was located.

She made a mental note to check later and, while listening to Jesarald's pleasant voice, Lilith woke up.

When she tried to sit up, her body felt extremely lethargic.

"Lilith-sama, have you woken up? Can you get up now, or would you like to rest a bit more?"

"...I'll rest."

"As you wish."

Taina, who was standing by, seemed to have anticipated her answer when she saw Lilith's tired face.

She immediately prepared cold herbal water with a relaxing effect, and after Lilith drank it and lay down, Taina adjusted the blanket for her.

"Thank you, Taina."

"You're welcome. Please rest well this time."

Smiling back at Taina's gentle smile, Lilith closed her eyes.

Taina was like an older sister, and her presence was very reassuring.

As Taina had said, Lilith slept soundly this time.