Chapter 65

A new, modest palace was built on the wasteland adjacent to the farm, and immediately after its completion, the wedding of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Alesia was held at the palace.

The people welcomed the birth of a commoner queen, as if it were a fairy tale. After all, more than 99% of the population were commoners. Even considering her status as a magician, the fact that a farmer's daughter became a crown princess significantly increased the people's favor towards the royal family.

The nobles, who were thought to oppose the marriage of the crown prince and a commoner, did not have a single person who opposed it. This was because a rumor had secretly spread that "Lady Alesia can do more than just produce water; she can heal even the most severe injuries and incurable diseases."

The rumor was intentionally leaked by Gil at Mark's instruction. It was a rumor designed to make the nobles think that if they openly opposed Alesia becoming the crown princess, they and their families might be excluded from the benefits of the magician's powers.

Alesia was expected to take time to learn the manners and knowledge required of a royal and the affairs of foreign countries.

However, when it came to the actual test, there were no problems at all, even with the etiquette that had to be learned through practice. This was because she had memories from her previous life, but when the teachers were surprised, she simply replied, "I learned from the books in the library."

Even those who thought, "That's ridiculous," had to admit that once Alesia was explained something, she understood it perfectly. In the end, the education of the princess, which was expected to take at least a year, was completed in less than a month.

"His Highness acts like a simple, good young man in front of Lady Alesia, but he's actually quite devious, you know. He silenced the nobles with that rumor, and he never gave up after falling in love with Lady Alesia at first sight."

"What else would you do if you fell in love with someone?"

Gil was teasing Mark with a grin.

"Lady Alesia doesn't know, does she? About His Highness's persistent and devious side."

"Try saying he's devoted and thoughtful instead."

Gil and Mark were as close as ever.

......

Two years after Alesia married His Royal Highness, she finally became pregnant. It seemed to be twins. While everyone around her hoped for the birth of children who would inherit magical power, Alesia laughed it off, saying, "Magicians are said to be born only once every few decades. It's a waste of time to hope for it."

However, Isabelle told Alesia's parents, "My husband and son were both healing magicians, so it's not impossible."

Alesia, who had struggled with the weight of her pregnancy, gave birth to twins without any complications two weeks before her due date. The twins were a boy and a girl.

"What about the children's magical power?" the dignitaries asked eagerly, to which Mark replied, "As long as Alesia and the children are safe, that's all that matters. It's too greedy to wish for them to be magicians as well."

Silk cloths were prepared in case of any emergencies, but the birth went smoothly without their use. The twins were named Nigel and Emilia.

The children had black hair and intelligent features, very much like Mark, but their eyes, which were blue with golden specks, clearly showed their mother's heritage.

Ever since the twins were born, a light drizzle has been falling over the palace day and night. When the babies woke up and cried, the rain stopped, and when they drank milk and fell asleep, the drizzle started again. The king and queen, as well as the dignitaries, were overjoyed.

The day after the birth, Alesia and her mother, Ilda, were whispering to each other.

"Alesia, it's the same rain that fell when you were born."

"Mom, can you tell which one is making it rain? I can only hold them when they're awake."

"Both of them. The rain always falls, no matter which one is sleeping."

"Oh, oh. The important people must be thrilled."

When Gil tasted the drizzle the children produced in a glass, he exclaimed, "Great! The rain tastes just like Lady Alesia's! This is a good omen!"

......

About ten days after the twins were born, His Royal Highness Mark was discussing the future with Alesia while looking at the sleeping babies.

"Even if the children can make it rain and produce water, the country cannot rely solely on them forever."

"Yes. For the long-term future of the country, securing water and advancing medical science are essential. We can't expect water magicians to be born generation after generation by sheer luck."

Mark's face, which had relaxed while looking at the babies, became serious.

"You're right. In the future, we will focus on securing deep wells and improving medical care."

"Scholars who study diseases are also important."

"You understand a lot from a little. Thank you."

With that, Mark gently kissed Alesia's forehead.

......

Kareem Statistical Institute.

"Mikhail, the prime minister has called for you. The reason is unknown. Do you have any idea why?"

"Perhaps it's because I asked detailed questions about the breakdown of export sales."

"Try not to cause any trouble."

"I don't intend to. I'll go now."

The prime minister's office.

"Are you Mikhail? I'm sorry to trouble you."

"No, not at all. What is it you need?"

"You've been collecting statistics on the occurrence of diseases and the number of deaths in various regions of the country, haven't you?"

"Yes."

"And you were also interested in the breakdown of export sales, right?"

"......Yes."

"I have a job that's perfect for you. I'd like you to take it on. A veteran in the field is waiting in the next room. You should listen to his explanation."

It seemed there was no way to refuse.

Had he gotten too close to some secret? Was he being demoted?

Mikhail hid his inner unease and followed the guide into the next room. There, a woman was sitting.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Mikhail, a member of the Kareem Statistical Institute."

"I'm Isabelle. No need for formalities."

"Um, what kind of work does Isabelle do?"

"I assist the magicians. Recently, I've been short-handed, so I asked Her Royal Highness Alesia to find someone she trusts."

"Assist the magicians, you say?"

"Yes."

Isabelle took out a pure white silk cloth from her pocket.

"This must be kept strictly confidential, as it would cause a big fuss if it were known. I want you to travel to various oases and villages and heal patients who can't be treated with medicine."

Mikhail asked many detailed questions.

It seemed that the job involved using a cloth imbued with Alesia's power to heal patients in various places. When he heard that he would be allowed to conduct statistical surveys after the treatments, Mikhail was overjoyed.