Chapter 38

"Father, I have something important to tell you, even if it means delaying today's state affairs."

King Izahar and Queen Berna were surprised when their son suddenly entered the room where they were enjoying breakfast together.

"Oh, Markus, that's unusual. Are you going to join us for breakfast?"

Markus, who seemed about to have his breakfast prepared, said, "No, it's fine. Rather, could you please excuse us for a moment?"

"What's the matter?"

"Father, there's actually a reason why Mother's illness was cured."

"Oh, can you talk about it now?"

"Yes, Mother."

From there, Markus explained that the reason all of the Queen's symptoms, starting with her headaches, had disappeared was due to a "silk cloth woven in a certain farm."

At first, the King, who is Markus's father, listened with a skeptical expression.

"Bern, is this true?"

he asked, and when the Queen, looking apologetic, replied,

"It is true. Markus made me keep it a secret. I am sorry for hiding it from you, Your Majesty,"

the King's expression changed.

"Markus, why did you hide such an important matter? And why are you telling me now?"

"Because I made a promise to them. I promised never to reveal to whom it was given. If I had broken that promise, they might have abandoned the farm and fled to another country."

There was a moment of silence.

"Them?"

"The people of a certain farm have been hiding and protecting a girl, the source of a miracle, from the country and powerful nobles for fourteen years. When they heard about Mother's illness, they gave us the miracle-working cloth in exchange for a promise."

Markus took out a small white silk cloth from his pocket, which had been given to him the previous night.

"Is this a different cloth from the one at that time?"

"Yes. They say that if it cures a life-threatening illness, the cloth no longer has the power to heal diseases or injuries. I will demonstrate the power of this cloth for you."

With that, Markus reached out and took a knife that was placed next to his mother's seat.

"Watch this."

"Hey! What are you planning to do?"

"Markus! Stop!"

"Quiet! Don't make a sound."

The door was knocked on and opened slightly, and a voice called out.

"Your Majesty, is everything alright?"

"Nothing is wrong. Please step back."

"Excuse me."

Markus glanced at the door, confirming it was closed, and then, placing a handkerchief on the table, he slid the knife blade forcefully across his palm.

"!!!"

Markus's palm was cut deeply, and blood dripped. He winced and pressed the white silk cloth to his hand. The wound was deep, and the white cloth quickly turned red. The Queen covered her mouth to stifle a scream.

"It's fine. Watch this."

After a moment, he removed the cloth, carefully wiped the blood, and showed his palm to his parents.

"What?!"

"There's no wound."

Markus folded the bloodstained cloth and wrapped it in the handkerchief, putting it in his pocket.

"As you can see, the silk cloth woven in that farm has the power to heal diseases and injuries. One of the people there has been recording its effects for three years. Mother's illness was cured by this cloth."

He went to his parents and showed them his palm. They leaned in to confirm there was no wound, even touching it with their fingers. Markus returned to his seat, closed his mouth, and waited for his parents to process the situation.

Eventually, the King regained his composure and, with the face of a ruler, asked,

"I see. I can't deny what I've seen with my own eyes. So, why did you decide to reveal this secret now?"

"Late last night, Prince Helrod was seen walking around the farm. It seems the Faril Kingdom may have some information."

The King clenched his fist involuntarily.

"Faril. If they get their hands on information about this cloth, it could be disastrous. They might try to take the girl herself."

"I've already placed surveillance on him and his guards. From Helrod's behavior, it's clear he has noticed something about the rain falling on the farm."

The King looked at Markus sharply.

"Rain? Could this be related to the 'circular farm' in the desert?"

"Indeed. Do you remember?"

"Don't underestimate me. That was a very intriguing story. Were the people who wove this cloth the ones there?"

"Yes. They started weaving after moving to the capital and discovered the cloth's healing properties by chance."

The King lowered his voice even more.

"Markus, could this person be a sorcerer?"

"That's... not exactly the case. She seems to do nothing consciously. Except for making it rain while she sleeps."

"Rain while she sleeps..."

The Queen remembered the times she had gone out to the terrace for a change of scenery during her severe headaches, and the occasional passing showers. The maids had often talked about the frequent night showers recently. The rain was fine and gentle, lasting only a short while before stopping.

"That rain was from the girl. I see. A person who can bring rain to our country. What a blessing."

"How does the rain connect to the cloth?"

Markus couldn't help but smile at his father's sharp question.

"The rain itself has a gentle healing power, which is absorbed by the mulberry leaves. The silkworms, which eat the leaves, further concentrate this power, and the silk threads contain strong healing properties. The cocoon is meant to protect the pupa, after all. Additionally, another girl who drank the water from the farm and ate its crops was cured of a lung disease."

"The Faril people must have caught wind of the rain."

"Probably about the rain."

"We need to do something about Helrod. No, not just Helrod. There are likely many of Faril's agents already in the city. We need to protect the girl."

"Father?"

"What is it?"

"I promised them that I would protect the farm, and I would protect it in the name of you and Mother. Not just from Faril, but from the powerful figures of our country, including our royal family, to ensure they don't take her for themselves. I made this promise to gain their trust and learn the secret. I cannot back down on this."

King Izahar stared at the ceiling with a tight-lipped expression for a moment, then asked, still looking up,

"Markus, do you know how much of this cloth exists and how long it takes to weave?"

"I don't know. The silk cloth is their property. Asking them, 'How much of your property do you have?' would lose their trust. They would think it would be taken from them. It was only because I kept my promise not to reveal anything that they trusted me to heal Mother and share their secret. I don't want to lose that trust."

"I see. That's why the Queen was saved."