Chapter 40

"Alesia, I have heard from Marks about your abilities and have a general understanding. You can make a literal rain of blessings, a healing rain, but you cannot control it yourself, can you?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I cannot make it rain at will. However, I want to use this power to help the people of this country. So, if the Kingdom of Faril has its eye on me, I hope you will protect me."

"Alesia, last night I had Hareed and his guards followed. They shouldn't be able to approach that farm easily anymore. I will also place guards around the farm to ensure that Hareed and his men don't act rashly while they are around."

"Then, if I may, what would happen if the Kingdom of Faril formally makes any requests regarding me? They might eventually discover more than just the existence of the 'rain.'"

King Isaiah responded to that.

"Regarding that, it depends on how much the Kingdom of Faril knows about you. If it's just about making it rain, Faril is a country rich in water, and it rains frequently. If you can't control the rain at will, it won't be considered that important."

"But Father, if they find out about the power contained in the rain, they might threaten us with military action to demand that we hand over Alesia."

"The issue is whether the secret could leak from the mouths of those who have benefited from the cloth."

At that point, Isabelle spoke for the first time.

"I can only say that no one has spoken about the secret for three years. The people to whom I delivered the silk know my identity and where the silk cloth was woven. However, not everyone knows the causal relationship between Alesia's rain and the silk cloth."

"Isabelle, if that's the case, the person who needs to be most careful is you, who carries the silk cloth alone. If someone follows you to the farm, they might notice that the people you visit suddenly regain their health. How about living in the palace for a while? It would be less conspicuous and safer than having guards posted at your home."

"Your Majesty, that would be too much. Please forgive me."

However, both her parents and the royal family all agreed that "it would be the safest and most secure."

Isabelle repeatedly declined, saying, "Please don't. It's out of the question," but added, "I don't want to stop visiting the sick and injured with the silk cloth; it's my life's purpose."

"When you visit with the silk cloth, we will assign guards who will blend in as commoners. Otherwise, it would be best to live in the palace with peace of mind."

"Occasionally, please be my companion. I want to hear about the silk cloth and what you see and hear in the city."

The royal couple concluded the conversation, and it seemed that Isabelle's stay at the palace was decided. However, Isabelle firmly and strongly declined the proposal.

"Though I am deeply honored, I must decline."

"Isabelle!"

I called her name in a questioning tone without thinking.

"Isabelle, if you don't, there will be no one to deliver the silk cloth. No one else can use the cloth without arousing suspicion like you can, and if we do, the source of the silk will be revealed. It would be safer for you to be protected in the palace when you're not delivering the silk."

Isabelle gave a faint, bitter smile at my words.

"I started this to thank the elderly for healing my knee, but I decline the royal family's protection. I have my own pride to uphold."

"But Isabelle, our royal family has the duty to protect the citizens of our country. If the value of the silk cloth you deliver is known, it is entirely possible that the Kingdom of Faril will target you."

"If they target me and demand to know the source of the silk, I will show them my resolve. I will protect the secret of the silk even at the cost of my life. Please rest assured."

"Isabelle, why do you refuse so strongly? We can prepare a room for you in the area where the more relaxed members of the royal family live."

"Alesia, there are reasons why I cannot. If I accept the protection of the royal family out of self-interest, I will not be able to face my husband and son who died in the Kingdom of Faril."

Prince Markus, who had been listening silently, interjected.

"Isabelle, are you saying that our royal family is involved in the past of your husband and son?"

Isabelle looked straight at Prince Markus and answered, "Yes," then turned her gaze away and continued, her expression unchanged.

"Please forgive my impertinence. The late king, Your Highness's grandfather, sent my husband and son as offerings to the Kingdom of Faril. They were used until they died in Faril. I, who was left behind, was called a useless person who fled from my duties by the officials of this country."