Chapter 45

My farm continues to produce delicious vegetables and fruits. However, a change has occurred.

It has been decided that our farm will supply the vegetables and fruits for the royal family. At first, Gil asked if we could sell all the produce from our farm, but we declined that request.

The amount of produce our farm can produce is small, but my father pleaded with Gil, saying, "Please prioritize the common people who cannot easily rely on doctors or medicine. That is my daughter's wish."

As a result of my father's negotiations, we were allowed to supply only enough for five members of the royal family. This was made possible thanks to the silk cloth that saved the princess from her illness.

Every morning, my father delivers the vegetables and fruits to the market by carriage, and the designated person picks up the portion for the royal family.

Ethan is spending his days at home, taking care of the housework. If the people of Falir Kingdom were to see Ethan, who has such a serious injury, it would be troublesome.

Prince Hareed was safely, or rather, forcibly sent to the border. So our family is currently at peace.

There have been no troublesome demands from the government, and it seems my secret is being kept. However, Prince Marcus keeps saying he wants to thank me for the silk cloth. After refusing him multiple times, he said,

"Then, tell me, Alesia, can you be at peace without thanking the person who saved your dear mother's life?"

"My keeping your secret is my thanks. Besides, you protected me when the Fourth Prince came to the farm, so I have already received my thanks."

"You are stubborn."

"Yes, I am stubborn."

Incidentally, this conversation is taking place at our kitchen table. His Highness is eating chicken stew, shoveling a spicy country dish made of chopped salted pork and mashed beans into his mouth with a spoon, and drinking juice made from squeezed ponka and hawthorn.

It seems that the princess has given permission for him to come here with a guard. My parents welcome him, saying, "He saved Alesia from being taken away."

It seems that my parents' fear of the royal family is fading.

"Since I am causing Alesia so much trouble," His Highness always pays more money than necessary.

(This person eats a lot. I am amazed at how much food he can consume.)

"Ah, it's really delicious. Why is the food here so delicious?"

"His Highness doesn't have any food preferences and eats everything, but it's rare to see him enjoy it so much."

"Oh, Gil, is that so?"

"Yes, it might be even more delicious when Alesia makes it."

Suddenly, His Highness choked and glared at Gil.

After finishing all the dishes and straightening his posture, His Highness said he had a request.

"Edna wants to meet you. She would like to come here, but she hasn't received permission from her mother."

"Should a commoner like me visit the palace? After the incident with Prince Hareed, the neighbors have been paying more attention to us. The guards who are protecting us because the princess likes our fruits also attract attention."

"In that case, I have a good idea!" Gil said with a smile.

"When you deliver vegetables to the market, Alesia can ride in the palace servants' carriage with the vegetables."

"But I don't know what to talk about. I'm just a farmer's daughter, so I don't have much to discuss."

"Edna is surrounded by young ladies with strong ambitions. It seems to tire her. Edna is apparently healed just by having Alesia around."

I see.

There are two princes of marriageable age, so girls who aim to become part of the royal family are flocking to Edna. It's like they are being used as bait to catch the princes. Poor Edna. She is a gentle princess.

"I understand. If it's me, I can do it."

"Great! Thank you! He has his own share of misfortunes too."

His Highness presented a schedule, and since I am free whenever, I chose the earliest date.

"Thank you. Edna seems to notice when I am here. She glares at me on the days I come."

"Maybe it's because our dishes use a lot of garlic, ginger, herbs, and spices. The delicious smell might be coming from you."

"Oh, that makes sense. I hadn't thought of that. Also, I want to assign a guard to you. This is my wish. I couldn't protect Ethan. Even though I knew about the cloth, his injuries were so severe that he could have died. I don't want that to happen again."

Indeed. If he had died from a head injury, there would have been no way to save him. We must not be complacent just because we have the silk cloth. Even with its healing properties, it cannot bring the dead back to life.

After using the cloth, people always say they are thirsty and hungry. We speculate that this is because their bodies are using nutrients to repair themselves. Once someone is dead, the repair process does not start, so we must be cautious.

I decided to meet Princess Edna in three days. I can apparently bring a gift, so I might bring a basket of fruits in addition to mulberries.

I decided to approach the meeting with Princess Edna positively. To be honest, I have many painful memories of the palace, and I am not looking forward to it.

However, dwelling on the painful memories of my past life won't accomplish anything. The people who caused me pain are no longer in this world. I, who am alive, have no reason to be afraid.

"Yes, I should enjoy my time with Princess Edna with a light heart."