Chapter 3

When there's no water in the summer, I wonder if I could drink the muddy water that collects in the garden. In a book I read the other day, it mentioned 'filtration' and 'boiling to sterilize.' This book explains how to prevent stomach problems and methods to avoid them. Perhaps it might not only help me survive but also be useful as a princess!

What I have learned must be tested to know if it works. However, to take on any challenge, one needs the appropriate physical strength. Alicia resumed her independent sword training, which she had been learning since childhood.

(I couldn't protect Father and Mother... but I must become strong to protect the people!)

To avoid being beaten by the queen, she practiced with her sword early in the morning when no one was around.

The people in this castle, under the king's order that 'no one should be an ally to Alicia,' openly despised and mocked her, even the servants.

"Do we really need to clean Alicia's wing?"

"Of course not. If we were found taking care of her, we would be scolded by Her Royal Highness."

For seven-year-old Alicia, it was convenient that the servants stayed away. This was because she used the strength she gained from her sword training to secretly go out into the town during the day.

"Hello, uncles!"

"Oh, Princess Alicia!"

There were many people who said they owed a debt of gratitude to her deceased parents.

Alicia learned about the world from them and gained practical experience with the knowledge and skills she had acquired from books.

"Princess Alicia, would you like to ride one of our horses today? I can show you how we gather the sheep by chasing them on horseback."

"Wow, really!? Thank you!"

"Of course. Your parents were always concerned about people like us, the shepherds. I never thought I would meet their forgotten princess, who sneaks out of the castle every day."

Each of these people had petitioned for Alicia's life after her parents' death. She learned a lot from the priest at the church, the shopkeepers, and even former convicts.

"Huh? Isn't Aunt here today?"

"Ah... actually, her youngest daughter is sick with a contagious disease. She's not getting better, so they're taking turns to take care of her."

"Contagious disease..."

"Her son, who works abroad, is trying to send medicine, but the high taxes on imports make it impossible to pay for them..."

Alicia's position in the royal palace began to change when she was between seven and eight years old.

"Your Majesty, I humbly beseech you."

Alicia bowed her small head before the throne, prepared to face the king's anger as she made her proposal.

"I have heard that a very serious illness is spreading. I would like to provide the people with medicinal herbs that can cure the disease and teach them how to cultivate them."

"Why should we bother with insignificant commoners? What is important for our country's future is how we compete and grow with other nations. There are no resources or manpower to spare for such trivial matters."

"The herbs grow wild, so there will be no cost for the materials. I will teach everyone how to make the medicine and identify the herbs. All I ask is for the villagers to be allowed to enter the royal forest for just one day."

The queen glared at Alicia with a puzzled look, and the king seemed indifferent.

The forest Alicia mentioned was a small one with no obvious resources, but it had the perfect conditions for the herbs she had seen in books.

"Very well. However, if any trouble arises, you will be the one to face the consequences."

"…! Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Her proposal was somehow successful, and she managed to prepare the medicine that cured the epidemic.

This was labeled as a 'royal charity activity,' and Alicia's name was kept secret, but that didn't matter to her.

Seeing the adults cry with joy as they hugged their recovered children, Alicia felt relieved.

(For the first time, I was able to do what I should as a princess!)

Even if no one patted her head and smiled, saying she had done a good job.

From then on, Alicia was frequently ordered by her uncle, the king, to solve various problems.

"The orphanage in the capital is complaining loudly about a shortage of staff due to an increase in orphans. Alicia, this time, silence the sisters without using money or manpower."

"Your Majesty, such problems cannot be solved with temporary measures. First, we need to increase the staff and address the root cause to prevent more orphans from being created..."

"If you are unwilling to act, then the country will do nothing more. We are already providing the minimum support that can be explained to other nations."

"!"

Her uncle snorted and laughed menacingly. Alicia bowed her head and obeyed.

"…I understand, Your Majesty. I will assist them temporarily and teach them how to grow high-nutrient crops."

"You should have been this cooperative from the start. Remember, the reason we keep you in the royal family. —However,"

At that moment, her uncle made one promise.

"When this country becomes a recognized great nation, I will pay more attention to domestic affairs."

"Really?"

"Of course."

(…I can't believe him after being betrayed so many times. A country that neglects its people cannot compete with other nations... but I must avoid angering my uncle and failing to save those I can now...)

From then on, Alicia began using all her knowledge to save the people as ordered by her uncle.

(I mustn't expect anything from my uncle. Until 'that day' comes, I must do what I can within my reach. It's okay; the happier the people are, the stronger the country will become.)

However, this was only knowledge she had read in books. That's why she worked tirelessly to make it a reality.

Even so, if she angered the queen, her notes would be taken and burned, and she would be locked up for days as punishment.

(I must memorize everything I learn, or the queen will take it away. …I must burn it into my memory… Okay, I'll do my best!)

Alicia desperately learned memorization techniques and used her time effectively, even when she couldn't leave her room, by building her strength.