Chapter 10

Her husband's sharpness is a bit inconvenient for Alicia. If he were to see through the fact that she can only use her foresight ability twice more, it would put her at a significant disadvantage.

However, she did not let this show on her face and smiled at the male attendant.

"There's no problem. I can manage all my preparations, including bathing and changing, on my own."

"On your own? But—"

"Ah, but if it's not too much trouble, I would like to borrow some soap...! I would try to make some makeshift items, but there are no materials here."

"Make soap?"

The attendant's eyes widened, but for Alicia, this was a daily routine.

"It's very convenient to make it from wild flowers and inexpensive materials. While it's true that the foam isn't as rich, I've read in books and confirmed through actual comparisons that the amount of foam doesn't affect how well it cleans."

"..."

In the slums where she had gone incognito, she had taught people how to make soap to improve hygiene and even made and sold some herself. After a moment of stiffness, the attendant cleared his throat and bowed.

"Please don't hesitate to ask for anything you need for your life here. ...And may I report your conversation to Prince Felix?"

"?, Yes, of course. It's just casual conversation."

"Casual conversation... about the princess making her own soap."

The attendant looked puzzled, and behind his back, Alicia was formulating her strategy.

(If I change after the bath, will Prince Felix finally ask me about the situation? The first battle will surely be then.)

Prompted by the attendant, Alicia walked on, her chest puffed out.

(There's no point in being on guard now. First, the bath! I'll warm up thoroughly and then probe his intentions!)

However, even after Alicia finished her bath and changed into the dress that was delivered, she was not summoned by Felix.

Not only that, but when dinner time came, Alicia was alone in the dining room. No matter how long she waited, Felix did not appear.

(...What should I do? The food is incredibly delicious, I'm wearing a beautiful dress, and my body feels warm and refreshed...)

Surrounded by the pleasant scent of soap, Alicia was in a daze after finishing her dessert.

Since her parents died, she had lived by eating weeds and using old cloth to keep warm. This was a far too blessed moment for her.

(This feels like I've just become happily married...!?)

What happened to the "crisis of being interrogated by a cold-hearted husband"?

"Excuse me,"

Alicia gently asked the male attendant who was standing by the wall in the dining room.

"Where is Prince Felix now?"

"His Highness is out on business and is expected to return in about an hour."

Given that he knew this much, he must be someone who usually takes care of Felix's daily affairs.

"What are His Highness's plans after that?"

"After his bath and some work, he will go to bed."

(Clearly, he's leaving his troublesome wife alone...)

Alicia was confused as to why she wasn't being questioned at all.

(I was prepared to be interrogated by Prince Felix about my foresight ability. Could it be that making me spend the night like this is the start of the interrogation?)

The male attendant seemed to sense Alicia's confusion. He didn't change his expression much, but he was considerate of her.

"Alicia-sama must be tired tonight. It's your first night after the wedding, so please rest well in the room we have prepared for you."

"...First night"

Those words made her realize something.

"A maid will guide you to your room. It's been arranged to be separate from Prince Felix's room, so you will spend the night there..."

"No."

Alicia smiled and looked up at the attendant.

"Could you please guide me to Prince Felix's bedroom? I will wait for him there."

"...Alicia-sama?"

"His Highness will surely allow it. Because today is..."

***

"Our wedding night, isn't it? My lord."

"What are you doing in my bedroom?"

Felix said this as soon as he entered the room. Alicia, sitting on Felix's bed in a nightdress made of lace and soft fabric, tilted her head slightly.

"Exactly as I said, just before you spoke."

"..."

The moment Felix opened the door, he gave her a look that suggested he was seeing something very strange. She was answering the question his expression posed.

(I absolutely don't want to be sent back to my room and spend the night in a state of unease. To build a cooperative relationship and reclaim the country, I need to understand this person's true intentions.)