Chapter 13

Prince Markheim Raming was standing in the "Circular Garden" with a small group of guards. As expected from the reports of his subordinates, the garden was withered and being buried under sand.

"Hey Gil, do you think something as strange as this could happen?"

"Your Highness, did the people living here know that the rain would stop falling?"

"Or perhaps they lost the means to make it rain."

"If we had the means to make it rain, it would be a great blessing for our country."

"The people's lives would become easier."

Prince Markheim decided that there was nothing to gain from looking at it and mounted his horse. He planned to return slowly from here.

"Gil, do you know about the rain that has started falling at night recently?"

"Yes, it's a passing shower that comes and goes quickly."

"It's happening quite frequently."

"Even so, it's probably only once or twice a week."

This frequency of rain had never been seen in the country before.

"Do you think it's related to the garden we just saw?"

"Hmm, a garden can't be maintained with just that level of passing showers. My maternal grandfather was a farmer, so I know this."

"I see."

(Maybe I'm overthinking it.)

Riding through the vast desert was enjoyable. Hunting with hawks was also fun. Being in the palace was annoying because the prime minister kept bringing up candidates for marriage. He knew he would eventually have to get married, but he wasn't in the mood for it now.

Since his grandfather, who was the second prince of a neighboring country, became the king of this country, the Kingdom of Raming has been peaceful. The Kingdom of Shemel, which was the predecessor of this country, continued to exist even after the royal family and high nobles were executed, simply by changing its name. His father often said, "As long as the people are there, the country will not disappear no matter what happens." He also said, "That's why we must live for the people."

Prince Markheim remembered his father's words as he moved through the dry, hot wind.

......

......

"Mom, the hawthorn berries are already growing. Look! Can we make hawthorn candy?"

"Oh, that's early. If you buy a larger seedling, even at a slightly higher price, it will bear fruit sooner."

"Trees that bear fruit are so much fun. I plan to propagate more hawthorn trees by cuttings."

"That's a good idea. By the way, when I was a child, I also loved hawthorn candy, but sometimes my parents would treat me with mulberries, which were leftovers from the market."

Mulberries? I've never seen or tasted them.

"What do they taste like?"

Hakim, who was there, answered.

"They are a deep purple color that looks black, and they are sweet and delicious when ripe. I was once given a few by a gatekeeper when I was selling water in front of the botanical garden in the capital. Since they like water, they are not seen very often."

"Wow."

We have water. Can we grow them at home?

I want to grow many and eat them crunching when they bear fruit.

In the evening, I asked for hawthorn candy to be made using a handful of hawthorn berries. My mother showed me how to make it by melting date sugar, which is made from date fruit, and coating the berries with it.

"If we divide it among seven people, it will be just a small bite each. We can make more when we harvest more."

Saying this, my mother placed about ten pieces of hawthorn candy on the corner of everyone's plates. Everyone ate them happily, saying, "Delicious" and "Nostalgic," but Hakim only smiled and didn't eat the candy.

I was curious, so after the meal, I asked Hakim, who was sitting next to me, in a low voice, "Do you not like hawthorn candy?" Hakim turned red and replied in a low voice,

"I do like it. I've never tasted it before. I want to give it to my sister, so can I take it home?"

Oh no! I should have thought of that!

I was embarrassed that I, a grown-up in my heart, didn't notice that thirteen-year-old Hakim could be considerate. Why didn't I think about his family?

"Oh, Hakim, don't worry. I've set aside a little for your mother and sister."

"Really? Thank you. But, I still want to take it home to eat with my family."

My mother smiled and said, "You're so kind."

I hugged her from behind and rubbed my face against her back. Ethan and the uncles were surprised. I wasn't usually such a clingy child.

"Oh, what's the matter?"

"Mom, I love you so much."

"Hehe, thank you."

In my previous life, I don't remember ever hugging my parents. I really love this mother. I was genuinely happy to have such a kind and wonderful woman as my mother. The mother who raised the family-minded Hakim must also be a wonderful person.

"Mom?"

"Yes?"

"I'm so glad I was born as your child."

"I'm glad Alesia was born, too."

"Alesia, what about Dad?"

"Of course, I love your father too! I'm glad to be his child!"

This is true. I am grateful every day for being able to have such a happy childhood.

I also sent my gratitude to the god who gave me a second chance in life, while hugging my mother. For the next few days, I think it's not a lie to use the "heartwarming" tag.