Chapter 30

Jill's words left everyone with a blank look on their faces.

"Oh, I see... I didn't explain enough..." Jill thought. However, when she considered what to start with, she realized that she couldn't explain anything without revealing her biggest secret.

"Alright, let's just come clean," Jill resolved.

"Actually, I used to be a princess. I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want people to distance themselves from me... But I guess it's time to say it."

"Miss, that's a bit much, isn't it!?"

"Master, that's way too casual!?"

Galdar and Maureen responded in shock. Matthew was holding his head, and Ionias had a wry smile.

"But, living in such a mansion, it's not hard to imagine that I'm not just a commoner, right?"

"Exactly because it's easy to imagine, we didn't bring it up! And why are you saying this in front of outsiders!?"

"Well... I'm embarrassed."

Jill laughed awkwardly and tried to dodge Matthew's questioning. Ionias was also confused, and his usual fluency was gone as he struggled for words.

"But, Matthew and everyone else must have noticed, right? I didn't hide my name or anything... Recently, I felt like you were treating me with extra care..."

"Well, that's... We didn't expect it to come out like this."

Matthew nodded. In fact, he and the others had been working behind the scenes, hearing from the lord and doing some groundwork, all centered around Matthew.

"So, let's consider this safe and move on to the main topic. I'll continue as I always have, and I hope you all treat me the same. I don't have the rights or status of a royal, and I don't need formal etiquette or manners."

"Is that okay...?"

"It's fine! Alright, let's start over!"

Jill ignored the amazed looks from Matthew and the others, clapped her hands, and forced the conversation back on track, even though she herself felt a bit forced.

"I think it was about Elina, right? Ionias, please continue."

"Elina...?"

Ionias repeated Jill's words in surprise.

"What is it?"

"Well... You seem unusually friendly towards the person who removed you from the line of succession."

Jill, sensitive to being treated like a child, responded.

"First of all, wasn't it Ionias and Matthew who brought up this topic?"

"Well, that's true... I'm sorry."

"Sorry."

The two men shrank and apologized.

"To be honest, I do have some resentment towards my mother and father... especially my grandfather. But I don't have any grudges against Elina."

Jill sighed.

"In recent years, Elina has been so busy that we hardly see each other, but we were like childhood friends. If Elina becomes queen, I have no reason to oppose it."

Jill had complex feelings towards her cousin Elina. While she didn't have zero resentment, her concern and sympathy were much greater. She understood well that the life of a queen was difficult and harsh, and that those who led happy lives were far fewer.

"Besides, becoming queen in this situation is like drawing the short straw. Would you be happy if everyone told you to do it?"

"Someone might... be happy?"

Galdar's simple response made Matthew shake his head.

"No, that's not necessarily true."

"Why not?"

"Because, even though things seem stable now, the future is very uncertain."

Matthew's words made Jill and Ionias nod, while Galdar and Maureen listened with interest.

"King Alan expanded his territory through military force, but the pace was too fast. The military has outpaced the civil administration, and there are not enough civil servants. So far, the increased taxes have been to maintain the military, but in the future, there will be even more taxes to focus on internal affairs."

"Seriously?"

The mention of increased taxes made Galdar realize it was a personal matter.

"The king is trying to hire various knowledgeable people regardless of their status, but it doesn't seem to be going well. If the current king abdicates and the next ruler doesn't govern well, it could lead to a return to a warring states period in a few decades."

Matthew's explanation made Jill nod in agreement.

"The next king will bear the full responsibility for all the troubles that will arise in the future. They won't have a moment's rest for decades."

Galdar muttered, "I'd be reluctant even if they offered me a fortune."

"So... the next king has to be smart and a good ruler, right?"

"Indeed, but that's not enough."

"Huh?"

Galdar tilted his head at Jill's words.

"My mother's strength and charisma are what keep this country running, even with poor internal affairs. People follow her reluctantly because she's as terrifying as a demon. But if the next king is weaker than my mother, it could be dangerous. When my mother reaches an age where she can no longer maintain her power as a mage, all the pent-up dissatisfaction will explode."

Jill paused.

"Without anyone to control the situation, a terrible civil war will break out."

A chill ran down everyone's spine.

"So... the next king has to be as strong as Bazalde and able to govern the land effectively?"

"Yes. Or..."

If someone could defeat Bazalde now, the peace of the Algenes Island could be maintained. If Bazalde were defeated properly, everyone would have to acknowledge it.

But Jill didn't say this outright and left it vague.

"In any case, the next king will face a difficult situation. It's not just about poor internal affairs; they can't be weak either."

"Miss, it's a good thing you gave up on being a candidate. It's an impossible task."

"Really, it is..."

Jill nodded with a wry smile at Galdar's words.

"Still, I was a minor royal. If I had to become queen, I would have tried to behave with dignity. I studied and practiced magic to fulfill my duty as someone who benefits from taxes."

Though it was in vain... Jill didn't say that. Because of that, she could live in this mansion now. Thinking about it, she no longer felt the urge to complain.

"But now that I'm not, I can support Elina. The job of being the queen of Dylar is tough, and it's better for someone capable to do it. Elina could make it all work, and it's not just a dream."

Ionias chuckled at Jill's casual attitude.

"I see. If that's the case, it makes it easier for me to consult with you."

"Finally, the main topic, huh."

"First, as Matthew said, Elina is one of my patrons. I recently received a letter from her, and I need to go to the capital to pay my respects. I also need to bring a gift for the celebration of her official succession."

Ionias shrugged and began to explain.

"This isn't related to Jill, right?"

"No, it's not. I came here by chance. I was wondering what to do with the gift."

Ionias answered Matthew's question with a wry smile.

"Elina is indeed known as a connoisseur."

"Yes. So, a simple gift won't do. I need to create something of the highest quality to satisfy Elina, and I don't want to compromise."

"Then, are you going to give her a painting?"

"I intended to, but... this time, she made a specific request. She doesn't want my painting; she wants to wear it."

" Wear it?"

Matthew didn't understand and asked for clarification.

"For example, like this..."

Ionias took a piece of paper from his belongings.

"There's a painting here."

A vase held a vivid blue and purple gentian flower. The background seemed to be a common inn or restaurant in the country. It was an ordinary scene.

Yet, Jill and the others felt a strange pull. Despite the simple composition, the painting conveyed a dignity that surpassed a hundred roses. In short, they were captivated by the painting and the flower.

"...You can draw such paintings. The last time I saw your work, it was mostly portraits and mythological scenes."

Jill couldn't help but comment. Matthew and Galdar were so absorbed in the painting that they couldn't speak.

"I get more requests for portraits, but I like these too... Don't you think a dress with a gentian pattern would be beautiful?"

At this, Jill and Matthew fell silent, holding back their enthusiastic praise.

"A dress with the gentian pattern on the skirt would be elegant. Or, the flower could be hidden on the back, revealed only when the dress is taken off..."

"Indeed. That sounds good. But how do you make it...?"

Jill asked, trying to dodge the question.

"That's the problem."

"You hadn't thought of it?"

"That's why I came to consult with you."

Jill pondered, then spoke her thoughts.

"Could you embroider the dress?"

"Yes, that's one option. Elina would certainly be satisfied... but it's practically impossible. A simple decorative embroidery might be manageable, but to recreate the painting entirely in embroidery would take too long. Making it smaller to save time would be unsatisfactory."

"Then, a tapestry or woven fabric... Oh, no, that's also difficult."

Woven fabric is made by weaving threads and dyeing them. Jill had considered getting a loom to try weaving.

However, the challenge of recreating a painting in woven fabric was similar to embroidery. It would require an enormous amount of effort, possibly taking years.

"It would be a years-long project. I was in a bind because of this unreasonable request."

"Here, we're not a fix-it shop, and do you think we can take on a request from a suspicious customer like you?"

Matthew interjected, exasperated. But Ionias didn't seem offended and smiled wryly.

"Indeed, no one would take on such a suspicious request from a suspicious person. Even if I weren't suspicious, there's no one who could make it happen."

"Well, I can make it."

"Really? That's a real problem."

Ionias sighed, looking tired.

"King Alan has hinted at retirement recently. The official coronation is expected in a year, but various celebrations will be held before then, giving us a practical deadline of about six months."

"That's an impossible task. Wouldn't it be better to give a portrait as a gift instead?"

Matthew's words made Ionias nod in resignation.

"Yes, I considered it, but it seems to be the best option. I was prepared to give up if I couldn't find a solution here."

"No, I can make it."

"Really? You can make it?"

Everyone's attention focused on Jill.

"Can't you just paint the fabric that will be used for the dress? It's fine, right?"

Thank you for reading! If you found it interesting and want to read more, please rate it with the stars below the ads. (Star ratings are a great encouragement for authors, not just for my work.) Thank you very much!