Chapter 61

Alesia and Prince Mark's cooperative efforts continued to thrive.

"Let's prioritize distributing my water to homes with infants and young children."

Thanks to Alesia's suggestion, water was prioritized for homes with infants and young children, referred to as "water to build strength."

To ensure water reached beyond the capital, the elders proposed that Alesia travel to various regions. As part of the preparation, several water towers with large water tanks on top were being built on high platforms in the fields.

Water tanks were placed in the mulberry fields, vegetable gardens, orchards, and wheat fields. Alesia would fill them with water and then ride her horse to different locations. Even when out, she would fill the prepared water tanks and return.

During long journeys, Alesia would make it rain on the fields at her request, ensuring that vegetables and wheat grew abundantly despite pests and diseases. The people looked at the veiled magician and the prince, who always accompanied her, with a certain expectation.

Such days passed for about a year.

"Is the magician a young woman?"

"Her voice sounded like a young woman's."

"Is she going to marry the prince?"

"Surely she will."

"But why does she hide her face?"

"Perhaps she has a scar?"

Gradually, a rumor began to spread among the people that "the magician might have a scar on her face, which is why she doesn't show it."

Negative rumors spread more easily. Soon, the rumor that "the magician wears a thick veil to hide her ugly face" became widespread.

That day, Alesia and Prince Mark were riding together. For Alesia, who had been living on a farm, the monthly four-day trip was also a pleasure.

"Still, that rumor is infuriating. Alesia works tirelessly for the people, and they say such things."

"It's fine. It's more relaxing to be called a beautiful woman."

"Alesia, why are you smiling! I want to do something to get rid of this unpleasant rumor."

"It's fine. It doesn't matter what they say about my face."

In fact, it didn't matter to her.

Riding through the vast, arid regions, she would visit isolated oases, make it rain on the fields, and fill the water tanks. If there were seriously ill people, she would use silk to heal them.

It was a fulfilling life for Alesia.

The prime minister proposed a commendation ceremony for the hardworking Alesia, and the nobles who wanted to get closer to her were in full agreement.

"Is it a commendation ceremony? Do I have to attend?"

"I opposed it, but since Alesia works the hardest, it would be difficult for others to attend if she doesn't."

"I see. That makes sense. I'll attend then, so as not to cause trouble."

"I'm sorry. I'll tell the prime minister not to make unnecessary proposals in the future."

Oriella, the daughter of the prime minister's assistant Jibril, had been a candidate for the princess since birth. Though not officially, she was two years younger than Prince Mark, and her father Jibril, who was rumored to be the next prime minister, was capable and of good lineage. Her status as a candidate for the princess was an unspoken understanding.

However, the talk of her being a candidate for the princess faded after the young magician registered in the country and began to act alongside Prince Mark.

"Oriella, give up. The prince is infatuated with her. She is not only a powerful magician but also intelligent. Even without considering her background, you can't compete with her."

"Father, what about me, who have not been engaged to anyone until now? Isn't it too miserable? Don't you feel sorry for your daughter!"

"I'll find you a good husband. So, give up."

"But the rumor says the magician is ugly! An ugly peasant girl becoming the prince's wife just because she can use magic?"

"Oriella, be careful with your words. If someone hears you, our family will be ruined. The magician is protecting our country from the threats of the Faril Kingdom with her power."

Jibril, the prime minister's assistant, is one of the few who know Alesia's true face. She is not ugly at all; rather, she is a beautiful girl with a gentle aura. However, knowing her face was a secret, he couldn't even tell his daughter.

Oriella, who had always thought of becoming the prince's wife and eventually the queen, couldn't accept it. As she became more and more depressed, she began to isolate herself in her room, which her father saw as dangerous. He was reminded of the second son of the finance minister, Rehabeam. On the day of the commendation ceremony, Oriella was not allowed to approach the palace.

"Alesia, the commendation ceremony is at the palace tonight, right?"

"Yes, Ethan. I'm not looking forward to it. I'm sure I'll be pierced by prying eyes. But there's nothing I can do about it."

"Is it the rumor that Alesia is ugly? Why don't you just show your face?"

"No way. If people know my face, I won't be able to go to the market and the library. I don't care if they think I'm ugly. It's just a hassle to be the center of attention at the ceremony."

Alesia's parents listened to their conversation with anxiety. Serio and Ilda were prepared for the possibility that Alesia might be asked to become the prince's wife. But as parents, they were extremely worried when her presence became more prominent and unpleasant rumors started.

"But, you know, this is something Alesia decided for herself. She works hard to help people. We should support her without worrying about rumors."

"You're right. Alesia is strong. She's more mature than we are. We can only believe in and watch over her. Still... she's not ugly! Our Alesia is beautiful!"

Alesia smiled wryly and approached her father, who had suddenly raised his voice.

"Don't worry, Dad. I won't die from a rumor. I'll go to the commendation ceremony and ignore it."