Chapter 64

Although it is not directly related to the main text, Mikhail is the son of Professor Yaer.

The Karim Institute, which receives support from the government, has its director, Demir Karim, checking documents while listening to Mikhail's report.

"You've changed quite a bit."

"Yes. Infant mortality has significantly decreased. Also, the number of abandoned children has decreased by more than 30% compared to last year."

Demir tapped the documents with his fingertips and looked up at Mikhail.

"Is it the healing water, then?"

"It's not just the effect of the healing water. The fact that crops were not defeated by pests and could be harvested is a significant factor. The improvement in nutritional status also had an impact."

Director Demir leaned back in his chair and shook his head.

"Just the appearance of a single mage has changed the country's statistics. It's a terrifying amount of power."

"Yes."

"Please continue your investigation and statistical work on disease-related matters. You work quickly and accurately."

"Thank you."

Mikhail returned to his seat and focused on the statistical tables of the survey he was working on voluntarily. Six months ago, the government launched an education policy to actively raise the literacy rate of the citizens and began to invest funds in the health management of children.

(I wonder where the country got the funds for this), he wondered, investigating out of personal interest. However, he was surprised by the amount of information he could not obtain, even though the institute received government support.

It should take several years for tax revenue to improve as the number of patients decreases. Where did the funds for the children come from?

(No matter how I think about it, the only thing that could have happened is that the country started exporting a small amount of domestically produced silk. But can silk really earn that much?)

Recently, there is a farm in the area known as the "rainy district," which is the hometown of Alesia, the fiancée of the crown prince. Surrounding this area are mulberry fields managed by the government. Although it has not been officially announced, it is likely that Alesia is making it rain in this area.

It has also not been officially announced, but the rumor that all the water Alesia produces has healing power is constantly circulating in the city.

"People say that drinking the water Alesia produces can alleviate illnesses and heal injuries faster." The residents of the three areas that received water supply all say this. It is probably true. I wanted to take statistics on this, but the government rejected my application for the survey.

"Is it because making it clear with numbers would lead to a fight over the water?"

They might have predicted that if the effects were clearly demonstrated, the water Alesia produces would be bought and sold at high prices.

"It's all just speculation and full of mysteries."

As a statistician, it is truly frustrating.

...

A little while after Alesia became the fiancée of the crown prince, a significant event occurred.

When Alesia and a military squad were sent to a northern village to make it rain on the fields and fill the reservoir, they were greeted by men who all had excellent physiques. Alesia and the squad leader wondered if this was a village where people barely had enough to eat.

Even before Alesia asked, "Isn't it strange that no women or children came to greet us?" the soldiers were already suspicious of the village's silence. They kept their distance while talking, and just as the soldiers were not letting the men get close, dozens of hidden men attacked. They moved in a coordinated manner.

The soldiers guarding Alesia drew their swords and surrounded her, ready for battle.

Alesia, who was being protected, loudly chanted, "Water," and swept her right hand horizontally. Water spheres appeared, enveloping the heads of the fifty to sixty enemies.

The water that enveloped the enemies' heads did not disperse even when they tried to shake it off or struggle violently. It quickly returned to their faces, blocking their noses and mouths. Alesia was moving her arms finely while looking at the dozens of enemies.

As the enemies, unable to breathe, struggled and fell, Alesia lowered her right arm. The water flowed off their faces and was absorbed into the ground. Most of the enemies, finally able to breathe, were coughing violently and could not fight, and were quickly subdued and tied up. Those who tried to fight again had water spheres reattached to their faces.

All the villagers were tied up and rolled into their houses. Alesia, relieved that no one had been killed, though some were injured from being hit or kicked, calmly told the captured enemies:

"Since you did not kill our citizens, I will spare your lives for now."

After a discussion, the squad leader untied one of the enemies. Alesia spoke to him:

"Go and report that everyone has been captured. Tell the one who ordered you what you have experienced. Tell him, 'I can make you suffer the same fate, and distance is no obstacle.'"

The enemy was released and ran away.

"Is it probably Faril?"

"We will interrogate the captured ones, but it is most likely Faril. They might have been anxious about the agreement between our country and the neighboring countries."

Silk had not been exported to Faril by the royal family. Perhaps Faril had only recently learned about the silk and targeted Alesia.

"Excuse me, Lady Alesia, was what you said earlier true?"

"What? That distance doesn't matter? Of course, it's a lie."

Alesia confessed with a carefree face, and the squad leader smiled wryly.

(The soldiers were impressed by her composure, which was unlike that of a farmer's daughter.)

"Let's fulfill our mission here," Alesia said, using silk to treat the injured, making it rain on the fields, and filling all the water bottles. On the way back, with half the soldiers left to guard the prisoners, Alesia's guards were quietly discussing the magic she used.

"That's more reliable than any sword skills."

"Moreover, it can be used from a distance, ensuring complete safety."

"It's good that Alesia is on our side."

"Absolutely."

Recalling the scene, the guards shuddered.

Alesia, hearing the rumors nearby, laughed on her horse.

(That was a method I thought of when I was resentful of people in my past life, but I never thought it would be useful like this.)

The captured men were identified as Faril soldiers.

The Kingdom of Raminb formally demanded an apology and compensation from Faril, requesting 700 gold coins in exchange for the prisoners. The soldiers thought they would be abandoned due to the large amount, but Faril paid, perhaps for the sake of the country's reputation.

The king of Faril apologized politely and insisted that it was "the actions of deserters from the military."

"Well, you can make any excuse. Since I got 500 gold coins in exchange for myself, 1,000 would have been fine this time."

Gill made an indescribable face when he heard Alesia's words.

"Gill, do you think I'm a greedy woman?"

"No, Prince Marcus said exactly the same thing."

"Oh."

Alesia was a little pleased.