Chapter 43

Surrounded by Marks and his companions, Heraldo's group returned to the palace.

"Your Highness, I will file the application, so I will come to visit tomorrow morning."

Heraldo said this with a thin smile and then left for the room assigned to him. After confirming this, Marks discussed with his parents.

"Marks, you did well. If you hadn't, they might have forced their way in."

"I let my guard down. Although I had guards at the farm, I didn't expect them to act so quickly and forcefully."

"Your Majesty, not only Alesia, but all the people at the farm are my saviors. Please protect them."

"Berna, your saviors are my saviors, no, the saviors of this country. Especially with such power, we must protect them with all our might."

As a result of the discussion, Marks, accompanied by ten guards, would accompany Heraldo's tour. King Isaiah informed the Minister of Military Affairs and the Chancellor about Alesia's power and suggested strengthening their protection, but Marks bowed his head and said, "Please wait a little longer."

Marks was concerned about how the Chancellor and other ministers would react upon learning of Alesia's power. He was not yet fully confident in his ability to stop them once they started moving. Alesia's power is incredibly attractive. In a country where even the most powerful are helpless against illness and old age, it is a dream-like item that can eliminate life-threatening diseases and injuries.

That day, Marks went to the farm and informed them that Heraldo's group would visit the farm for a "tour" the next morning. Alesia's father, Serio, responded with a grave but composed demeanor.

"I understand. I will tell Hakim and Chana to take the day off."

"Thank you. Alesia, I don't think Heraldo knows whether the cause of the rain is Alesia or Ethan. Do you have any thoughts on this?"

Alesia's eyes widened as she looked at Ethan, who also looked surprised, not having considered that he might be targeted.

"Should we assume that adults are excluded?"

"Yes. He probably visited this farm soon after arriving in our country because he received a report from the agents of the Faril Kingdom. They must know that the rain has been occurring for several years."

"If we must answer about the rain, I will honestly say that I am the cause. I cannot involve Ethan."

Alesia remained calm as always. Marks felt even more uneasy about her composure.

"Alesia, I will be there with the guards. Don't let your guard down, but don't be too pessimistic."

"Yes, Your Highness. Thank you. And there is something I need to tell you."

Alesia shared her thoughts. Marks, after hearing Alesia's idea, agreed, saying, "Yes, that's good. Make sure you do it."

The next morning.

The adults at the farm took the day off to welcome Heraldo's group. The silk looms, the woven fabric, and the silkworms were secretly hidden at Isabelle's house the night before.

"Hello, I'll be staying for a while. It seems you have quite an impressive guard with you."

Heraldo visited the farm with a charming smile and a handsome appearance. The people at the farm, except for Alesia, all had tense expressions. Alesia alone stood behind the adults with a calm smile.

"I wonder if that young lady and boy can show me around the farm?"

"Yes, Your Highness."

Alesia responded politely, and Ethan silently stood beside her. Heraldo, in high spirits, asked questions while touring the farm, with his guards, Marks, and Marks' guards following behind.

Heraldo marveled at the vegetables and fruits, genuinely praising them, "This is truly excellent," but did not try to eat any. Marks and Alesia, though not showing it, felt relieved. It seemed the rain's effects were still unknown.

Heraldo's tour ended in less than an hour. As they returned to the front of Alesia's house, Heraldo suddenly ordered his guards to step back and changed his tone. The guards from the Raminb Kingdom reluctantly stepped back, but Marks remained.

"So, which one of you is causing the rain?"

Ethan froze at the sudden question, glancing at Alesia and then looking down. Alesia, however, maintained her smile and asked, "What do you mean?" Heraldo, looking at her intently, smiled calmly.

"I see, it's you. You're the one causing the rain, right? It's no use hiding it. Our country doesn't lack water, but you're quite cute, and it might be nice to keep you around."

As he said this, Heraldo grabbed Alesia's chin with his fingertips and lifted her face. Alesia's smile faded, and she stared at Heraldo expressionlessly.

"I like your strong spirit."

He said this and grabbed Alesia's arm, pulling her forcefully.

Marks shouted, "Stop it!" and Ethan, from the opposite side of Heraldo, tried to intervene. However, Heraldo, in a position where Marks couldn't stop him, kicked Ethan in the chest with the sole of his shoe without even looking at him.

"Ugh!"

Ethan, kicked in the chest by the large Heraldo, was thrown back and hit the wooden bench near the entrance with a loud thud.

"Ethan! Nooo!"

"You bastard!"

Alesia's scream and Marks' roar echoed.