Chapter 61

The creation of Shyana began with the preparation of the base material.

During this time, Hans worked separately from Lilith and Edgar to create the glaze.

The task of crushing the rocks brought from the town of Bumini into fine pieces was entrusted to a few former miners he had hired.

Edgar, who was quite physically fit and apparently good at manual labor, was still outmatched by the miners when it came to handling rocks.

Then, as Lilith had seen in her dream, she soaked the fine rock powder in water, scooped out the top layer, and dried it in the sun.

She asked Edgar to judge when the clay would be ready for use.

While they were working on this, they let the townspeople believe that the Crown Princess was just playing to regain her strength for the long journey.

Edgar successfully shaped several cups and vases from the base material, but they couldn't be fired immediately.

They needed to be dried in the sun for a while.

"Will it take about twenty days from here?"

"Yeah, that's right. First, we dry them in the shade for about three days, then we expose them to the sun... In reality, we have to judge by sight, but it will take at least that long."

"I see..."

Lilith knew the process, but hearing it from Edgar made her feel disappointed.

The excitement of creating something new usually thrilled her, but now it didn't seem to lift her spirits.

It had already been ten days since they had seen Jesarado off in the town of Bumini.

There had been no word from him.

Lilith, who had returned to the inn and sat on the long bench by the window, sighed deeply.

"At least, couldn't he have sent a letter saying he arrived safely at the palace?"

"Well, even if he wrote a letter immediately upon arrival, it wouldn't have arrived until yesterday or today unless he used a fast horse, right?"

"True..."

"Besides, wouldn't it be fine if you wrote a letter to him? The Prince might be interested in the progress of Shyana."

"That's true, but..."

Taina immediately understood what Lilith was complaining about and tried to comfort her, even offering advice, though it might have been unnecessary.

After all, Jesarado hadn't replied to the letter Lilith had written before their marriage.

"So, how about writing something that requires a reply?"

"Requires a reply?"

The awkward silence was broken by Rese's bright suggestion.

Lilith tilted her head in confusion.

"Yes, for example, 'Has anything changed at the palace while I was away?' or 'How did the meeting go?' or 'How's the weather?'... Make it a question. That way, he'll have to answer. After all, you and the Prince are now a married couple. I'm sure he'll reply this time."

"I see... That's right! Yes, I'll do that! Thank you, Rese! I'm sorry for worrying you, Taina. Thank you."

"No, I didn't do anything..."

Lilith was greatly convinced by Rese's explanation.

Indeed, in her first letter, she had written that she wanted to get to know the Prince better, but it was more about her own feelings, like looking forward to the wedding.

After thanking Rese and apologizing to Taina for complaining, Taina looked a bit apologetic.

She might have been worried about that letter all along.

Lilith stood up and hugged Taina tightly.

"Lilith-sama?"

"Really, Taina, you always put up with my troubles... Thank you for not giving up on me."

"That's such a wasteful thing to say..."

Taina's voice caught a little as she smiled.

Lilith also smiled and, after hugging Taina, she enthusiastically hugged Rese, who was smiling brightly.

"Thank you, Rese! I love you!"

"Yes! I love you too!"

Hearing Rese's enthusiastic response, Lilith smiled and took a deep breath.

"Okay! Then, I'm going to bed!"

"Huh!?"

Rese almost stumbled at Lilith's sudden decision.

Taina, used to such behavior, didn't mind and went to prepare Lilith's bed.

"It seems she's a bit tired. I think a nap will make her feel better. Then, she'll be able to write the letter without any strange content."

"That's true. I'm sorry I didn't realize Lilith-sama was tired..."

"Rese, you don't need to apologize. You know, I'm not good at thinking."

Lilith laughed again and, with Taina and Rese's help, got ready for bed.

As soon as she lay down, she fell asleep and, when she regained consciousness, she realized she was in a dream.

"Huh? What? Could it be..."

Lilith, surprised but familiar with the place, slipped into the anteroom where Taina and the others worked, then floated into her own bedroom.

She was sure it was the room she was staying in while traveling.

"So, maybe..."

With her heart full of hope, Lilith floated into Jesarado's room and looked around.

Then, without realizing it, she headed toward her destination.

"Yes! He's here!"

Lilith, peering into Jesarado's study, jumped with joy.

At that moment, Jesarado, who had suddenly looked up, seemed to meet her eyes. But that couldn't be possible.

Jesarado, it seemed, had good instincts.

Despite her heart racing, Lilith didn't leave the room but slowly approached the wall, pressing her back against it.

Of course, he couldn't see her; it was just a feeling.

"Is something the matter?"

"...No, nothing."

Filio, Jesarado's aide, seemed puzzled by his sudden look up.

However, Jesarado answered curtly.

Filio, used to such behavior, didn't seem hurt and even smiled with concern.

"Shouldn't Your Highness take a break? You returned from the inspection without resting and immediately attended the meeting with the envoy from Fontae. The meeting went well, so you should rest."

"I'm not tired. But... don't you find it strange?"

"What do you mean?"

Lilith, who had been reflecting on her own complaints about not receiving a letter, focused on Jesarado's words.

Filio looked completely confused.

"Didn't this meeting go too smoothly? It's as if they knew our moves in advance. They seemed to give the most neutral answers."

"...Do you mean they have an excellent spy?"

"Or an informant."

"An informant?"

Filio paled.

Lilith was also surprised and, though she knew he couldn't hear her, she pressed her hand to her mouth to keep from speaking.

"It's not that surprising. Spies and informants are necessary pieces in diplomacy. We can even use them to our advantage. The problem is—"

Jesarado suddenly stood up and walked toward Lilith.

As her heart raced, Lilith couldn't move, and Jesarado lifted the tapestry hanging next to her.

"Your Highness? This room has thicker walls than others and no secret passages like the King's room..."

"Yes, you're right."

Sighing deeply, Jesarado returned to his seat.

Lilith, still with her heart racing, let out a sigh of relief.

She felt bad for making Jesarado use his energy unnecessarily, but she couldn't leave the room.

This moment was probably a few days before the present, but for Lilith, it had been over ten days since she had seen Jesarado.

So, she stood still, watching Jesarado as he started reading documents again.

Her moment of happiness was interrupted by Conrad, who entered without waiting for a response to his knock.