Chapter 56

In the secret room, gold, silver, and jewels were piled up haphazardly, covering about half the area. The tallest pile of treasure seemed to reach the ceiling.

The three of us entered and gazed at it in the dim light. There were simple bracelets, necklaces, and anklets, as well as golden figurines and silver tableware, all piled up in mounds.

There were no bodies with expressions of agony.

......

"Most likely, these are the items taken from the people after the great flood. It's quite a pathetic story that the missing portion was hidden in the palace all along."

His Majesty the King looked grim, while the Minister of Finance seemed very pleased.

"Your Majesty, with this much, we can cover the cost of the waterway to the dried-up well!"

"Oh, the power of the sorceress is truly remarkable."

The dignitaries were overjoyed. I was also happy to remove the pebble from my shoe. I might have a good night's sleep tonight.

After the meeting, I tried to get a ride to the farm in my usual simple dress, but for some reason, Prince Moshe the Second wouldn't let me go. Princess Edna had returned, citing prior engagements.

"Alesia, is there any other place that feels bad?"

"I don't think so."

"Really? That's a shame. I thought there might be more rooms like that."

Prince Moshe, looking disappointed, was so cute that I couldn't help but smile.

"What are you doing?"

A slightly stern voice came, and Prince Markus approached.

"Welcome back, Brother! Alesia just found a treasure in the secret room!"

"Is that so? I heard the report. What are you doing here?"

Prince Markus's gaze was on Prince Moshe's hand, which was holding my wrist.

"Oh, no, Brother, it's nothing. I'll take my leave, Brother."

Prince Moshe, as he left, whispered playfully, "Brother is jealous!" and ran off. Prince Moshe...

"Alesia, I'm sorry for making you deal with my siblings when you're tired from the water supply work."

"No, it was my suggestion to look for the secret room."

Prince Markus frowned for a moment.

"I've been meaning to ask you, can't you use the tone you used when you were Al at the farm? It's too formal. Do you dislike it?"

"I don't dislike it. But if the farm girl speaks casually, she will be criticized."

"I see. I'm putting you through a lot of trouble. If anyone says anything to you, use my name."

In my past life, I was a middle-class noble's daughter. I entered the palace at eight due to my magical abilities and was bullied and harassed a lot. The perpetrators were not limited to women; there were men too.

Eventually, when my powers became known and I became the king's fiancée, the harassment stopped. But what I learned was that "enduring quietly only makes the harassment worse; it never stops." The first impression is crucial. If they think "this one is weak," the bullies will take advantage.

"Alesia? Is something wrong?"

"No, if anything happens, I might use your name."

"Ah, do that. When it happens, I want to know the name of the person involved."

But when I meet Prince Markus, I'm usually in my sorceress attire with a robe and veil, so nothing happens. The problem is when I meet Princess Edna in civilian clothes. It's surprising that nothing has happened so far.

The incident occurred some time after this conversation, on my way back from a tea party with Princess Edna.

The man walked up from the front, muttering and scowling. He noticed me.

"Hey, you there! You're a commoner, right? You're sunburned, so you must be a farmer. Why are you in the inner palace?"

"Lord Rehabeam."

A maid who was accompanying me tried to stop him.

"I'm not talking to you. Stay back!"

Why doesn't he think about why the maid is with me?

"Hey, girl, answer me. Why is a farmer here?"

"Because I was called."

"What? That mouth of yours! You were called? Don't lie. You must have sneaked in out of curiosity. A mere farmer!"

"I answered because I was asked. I'm not lying."

I was angry at his arrogant attitude and deliberately met his gaze, lifting my chin. If you can do it, try it.

With a "slap!" sound, a hot pain and shock hit my left cheek, and I fell to the floor.

I wasn't scared. Men like him don't have the courage to kill. But such people can't be ignored. Pests don't become beneficial insects as they grow; they just become bigger pests.

While lying on the floor, I nodded to the maid, who ran to Princess Edna's room with surprising speed. The man, still holding my collar, slapped my left cheek again. What a fool. The maid had already run off. I didn't want to use Prince Markus's name yet. I wanted him to continue his violence and overstep.

Soon, Princess Edna, with a fierce expression, ran in, accompanied by two guards. I was being shaken violently by Rehabeam, who was still holding my collar.

"Stop it!"

Rehabeam quickly released my collar. The princess, rushing to my side, saw my red, swollen cheek and scolded the cowering Rehabeam.

"You hit my friend!!"

"Wh-What? No, this one was being insolent—"

"Alesia, what happened?"

"I was asked why I was here, and I answered honestly that I was called, but I was accused of lying and hit."

"Guards, take Rehabeam to the dungeon. I will report to my father."

"No! Your Highness! Please forgive me! I didn't know—"

Princess Edna glared at the restrained Rehabeam.

"Yes, I knew you were foolish, but I didn't know you were this despicable."

She nodded to the guards, and Rehabeam, hanging his head, was led away. I tried to thank her and leave, but she wouldn't let me. I had to go to her room to cool my face.

"Rehabeam is the second son of the Minister of Finance. He's overstepping because his parents are powerful. I won't forgive him. I absolutely won't. I'll have him executed!"

The princess was furious. But execution is too much.

"I also took a slightly insolent attitude because of his rudeness."

"That's only natural! I hope your cheek doesn't turn blue."

"It's fine if it does. It will heal quickly."

"No, it will probably last for a while."

It would heal instantly with a piece of silk. I'm sorry, Your Highness, for worrying you.