Chapter 26

As planned, Lillis was eating a slightly late lunch while thinking about the dream she had just experienced. She eventually concluded that there was no point in worrying about it alone.

"Hey, Tena. Is Mr. Fu available today?"

"Master Frederick was seen carrying a large number of books into his room just a while ago..."

"Then he must be engrossed in reading. It would be rude to disturb him..."

"Not at all! If it's a summons from Lady Lillis, Master Frederick will come running."

The "Mr. Fu" Lillis referred to was the sage Gregorius, who recently went by the name Johann Frederick. He was a bundle of curiosity and a bookworm, but of course, when it came to Lillis, he would drop everything to rush over and listen to her.

"Hmm, I don't have any particularly interesting stories today. I just have something I want to ask him, so could you tell him that and see if he can come?"

"Understood."

After asking Tena, Lillis opened the industrial white paper again, but before she could read a single page, Frederick arrived. He came so quickly it seemed as if he had flown.

"Lady Lillis, it's a pleasure to see you in such good spirits. Congratulations on your marriage. I wish you a long and happy life. So, what dream have you seen that you have questions about?"

"...Thank you, Mr. Fu. Unfortunately, I didn't see many dreams, so I'm not sure if they will interest you... Is it okay?"

"Yes, of course."

Meeting Lillis for the first time since her marriage, Frederick spoke as quickly as he had arrived, and then got straight to the point. Lillis, smiling wryly and expressing her gratitude, asked for his help, knowing that she might not be able to meet his expectations. For Frederick, even the smallest detail of Lillis's dreams was fascinating, so it was natural for him to accept her request. Then, Lillis, who usually seemed carefree, listened to Frederick's teachings as a good student.

"Hmm... That's a strange story."

"Really?"

"Yes, indeed. It's true that the wealthy around the world are obsessed with Shana, but I don't think the sales of Stoneware have dropped so much that wages are unpaid. Shana is called white gold because it is so rare. And many of those who obtain it display it ostentatiously without using it, so Stoneware should still be in use. Therefore, it should still break and chip, and people should still buy it. Of course, sales may have dropped compared to before, but still... Dishes are meant to be used, not displayed, and it's frustrating to see so many fools."

Lillis laughed at Frederick's blunt words. Frederick, who always spoke this way, had once narrowly escaped being hanged for offending a powerful figure, but fortunately, he was only exiled.

"Well, there could be various reasons, such as increased material costs or new equipment, but the most likely one is embezzlement."

"Embezzlement? You mean someone is stealing money?"

The conversation had shifted from the possibility of Lillis going to Shana to the content of her recent dream. Lillis was surprised by Frederick's insight. Of course, she only shared the details of such confidential dreams with a select few who knew her secret. Frederick nodded at Lillis's surprise and continued in more detail.

"Quite a high-ranking official... perhaps a financial officer, sales manager, or factory manager... or even all of them."

"Surely not! The Toisen factory was built with money contributed by the people of Toisen. If some people are embezzling funds and the people of the town are not getting paid... And there are inspectors sent, and their reports say nothing is wrong... Could the inspectors be deceived?"

"Indeed... It's also possible that the inspectors received bribes."

Lillis was shocked, knowing that bribery was common in many countries. She had just learned that the Toisen factory was built with the help of the government and the financial contributions of the town's people, which had moved her. The factory had developed the industry by mass-producing Stoneware in large kilns, reducing fuel costs and improving quality management.

However, the industrial white paper noted that Toisen had declined despite the popularity of Shana among the wealthy. If this report was false, it would be a betrayal of the emperor. The factory managers, related parties, and inspectors who failed to report the truth would be guilty of a serious crime. Even the people of the town could be punished.

"Lady Lillis, if that's the case, does the emperor really believe the inspectors' reports?"

"Hmm. I suppose so."

"But Mr. Fu, you're smart, and of course, the emperor built this country. He must have noticed what you just explained."

"Lady Lillis is right, but the emperor also has his flaws."

"Flaws?"

"Yes, they can also be seen as virtues... The emperor does not doubt his subjects. Therefore, he has been betrayed many times."

"Such..."

Being betrayed after trusting someone must be incredibly painful. Lillis felt a pang of sympathy for the emperor. Perhaps Jesarld had also been betrayed and that's why he became so prickly.

"Well, because the emperor is like that, the crown prince has become quite suspicious... cautious and strict. In a way, it's a carrot and stick approach."

"Oh, I see."

Lillis had almost sympathized with the emperor, but it seemed she was overstepping.

(Well, if you're raised being told you're cursed or something, you might end up with a twisted personality...)

However, it was clear that the emperor treated his son with affection, and she had heard that the late empress also doted on her son. Moreover, in her dream, Jesarld's first wedding was very different from what it is now.

(That means, it must be because Empress Corina passed away...)

Thinking about this made Lillis feel sorry for Jesarld, and she became depressed. Frederick's voice interrupted her thoughts, bringing her back to reality.

"So, what do you intend to do, Lady Lillis?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why did you marry into this country?"

"That's... to protect the Kingdom of Freud from the invasion of Fontae, and to form an alliance with this country as soon as possible..."

"Hmm. So, that goal has been achieved. What do you intend to do now to spend your time in this country?"

"What... take a nap?"

Confused by Lillis's answer, Frederick laughed, "Foh, foh, foh." She was clearly being mocked. Lillis, her fighting spirit ignited, stood up and glared at Frederick. Despite the lack of respect, Frederick, of course, did not mind.

"Fine, I've decided. What I should do is use the knowledge I have gained to work for the further development of this country and the Kingdom of Freud, and to foster friendship between the two nations!"

"Hmm. That's a good goal. So, what will you do first?"

"Of course, have a child!"

"Ho?"

Surprised by her unexpected answer, Frederick's face, which had been smiling thinly, showed surprise. Seeing this, Lillis smiled triumphantly.

"Because I'm the crown princess. No matter what Jed—His Highness the Crown Prince says, I'm supposed to provide the next heir. Most importantly, I want a baby!"

"That's wonderful."

"Furthermore, for the sake of that child—no, for the children of this country, I will aim to build a better nation!"

"First, have a child, then build a nation. Hmm, that's the basics. Well, do your best. A child is a gift from heaven. It doesn't always go as planned."

"Of course, I know that."

Frederick, who had been watching Lillis's enthusiastic nod with interest, also stood up. They had been talking for quite a while, and the sun was already setting.

"Well, I should take my leave. Lady Lillis, I wish you good luck."

"Thank you, Mr. Fu."

The fact that Frederick called her "Lady Lillis" suggested that he was satisfied with her answer. Lillis smiled and saw Frederick off, and Tena, who had been waiting, peeked in.

"Has Master Frederick left?"

"Yes, he has. It was very productive today."

"I'm glad to hear that. Shall I prepare dinner?"

"Thank you, Tena. And I plan to work hard tonight, so please make sure I'm well-prepared before bed!"

"...Understood."

Given this, Tena suspected that Lillis intended to visit the crown prince's chambers again tonight. Normally, it was the man who visited the woman, but Tena swallowed her sigh and said nothing.