Chapter 72

That morning, I wrote a letter to Edgar and Hans, informing them that I wasn’t feeling well and wouldn’t be able to go to the kiln for a while. I added that it was just a bit of fatigue, nothing to worry about, and that I would definitely be there for the kiln opening.

When the baron’s invitation to dinner arrived, Lillis was genuinely surprised. However, she quickly composed herself and wrote a polite refusal, citing her health.

After that, there was no further move from the baron. On the third day of Lillis being confined to her room, the news that the baron had been taken to the capital by the emperor’s envoy, along with the factory’s financial officer and sales manager, became a major topic in the town of Toisen. It seemed that the baroness’s wailing had made the news widely known.

The man from the Kingdom of Fontae who had incited the baron—indeed, it was Saul—left a nearby inn two days later, as reported by Frederick’s friend who had been keeping watch. Lillis was somewhat disappointed but decided to be cautious and stay in the inn until the final firing was complete and the kiln had cooled enough to open.

Lillis didn’t mind being confined to her room, so she spent her days napping and occasionally doing embroidery. The handkerchief she planned to give to Jesarado was a disaster on the first try due to her rusty skills, but the second one was readable, and the third one was decent. At this rate, the fifth one would be good enough to give to Jesarado. She had bought five handkerchiefs in total, including extras for practice.

Lillis began receiving many letters and gifts from the townspeople. It seemed that the news had spread that the crown prince had exposed the baron’s wrongdoing, and that it was thanks to the crown princess’s interest in stoneware. Lillis, though perplexed, had no choice but to accept them, and her room was filled with gifts.

Finally, the day of the kiln opening arrived. As Lillis was about to leave her room and go down the stairs, she was surprised. At the bottom of the stairs, in the small foyer leading to the inn’s main entrance, the innkeeper and many employees—perhaps all of them—were lined up.

“What…?”

Taina answered her involuntary question softly.

“Everyone was informed in advance that you would be going out, so they are here to see you off.”

“Huh? But I’m not leaving yet?”

“Even so, everyone wants to express their gratitude to you.”

“Gratitude…?”

All of this was due to Jesarado’s efforts, and Lillis felt she hadn’t done anything. Despite feeling a bit guilty, she couldn’t linger on the stairs, so she put on a smile befitting a crown princess and descended.

Everyone bowed deeply, and the innkeeper spoke.

“It is truly wonderful to see you looking well, Your Highness. We are all very pleased.”

“Thank you…”

“Please be careful, and have a safe trip.”

“…Thank you.”

With the innkeeper, employees, and Taina seeing her off, Lillis was about to board the waiting carriage. However, many people had gathered outside the inn, surrounding the carriage, and they cheered as she appeared. Lillis was startled but quickly resumed her regal smile and waved to the crowd, which only made the atmosphere even more enthusiastic.

The townspeople shouted things like, “It’s good to see you looking well!” and “Thanks to you and His Highness, this town will improve!” and “Thank you!” Someone even shouted, “Long live the crown princess!” and the crowd echoed the sentiment. Lillis’s smile was a bit strained, but she managed to wave and board the carriage.

“It’s nice, but… I’m so tired…”

Lillis’s murmur made Rese giggle, and Frederick grinned.

“The townspeople were very worried about you, Your Highness. Every time I went out, I was asked, ‘How is the crown princess feeling?’”

“It’s nice that they care, but it’s all a lie, and it’s uncomfortable to be misunderstood when I haven’t done anything.”

“What are you saying! It’s not a misunderstanding at all! While it’s true that the matter was resolved under His Highness’s direction, it’s a misunderstanding to say that you did nothing!”

“Is that so…?”

“Being popular is quite a burden.”

Overwhelmed by Rese’s enthusiasm, Lillis reluctantly accepted it. She gave Frederick a light glare for his teasing. With so much goodwill from everyone, she resolved to give something in return. As she renewed her determination, the carriage left the town and entered the rough road leading to the kiln at the foot of the mountain.

Lillis sighed as the carriage jolted. There were many things she wanted to tell Jesarado, including this recent incident. The letter she wrote about the baron and Saul received a very polite response. Jesarado knew that stoneware was being smuggled to the Kingdom of Fontae, but he was unaware that it was being done by corrupt officials. He promised to interrogate the baron strictly and warned her to be cautious. However, Saul had already left by the time the letter arrived, so she had only caused unnecessary worry. She immediately informed him of Saul’s departure, but the letters had crossed in the mail. The subsequent response expressed relief that nothing had happened and urged her to be careful.

Jesarado was genuinely concerned about her, which was very touching, but the distance between them was frustrating. If they could meet in person, they could talk freely about many things. Most of all, she wanted to be held in Jesarado’s strong arms.

“Soon…”

“Yes, it is. Ah, we can see the kiln’s chimney.”

If this final firing went well, Lillis planned to return to the capital. She knew how to make Shiana but was, after all, an amateur. Therefore, she would leave the rest to the experts and wait for the report in the capital, where she could also meet Jesarado. Her murmur was about this, but Rese seemed to think they had arrived at the kiln and was visibly excited. Lillis stifled a laugh.

As the carriage pulled up to the front of the kiln, Edgar and Hans were already waiting, looking very cheerful. Lillis’s heart swelled with anticipation as she stepped out of the carriage.