Eliza Barkova stopped by the general store and bakery before heading back to the construction office today.

Sometimes, she also visited the tea house. This was because they made sandwiches with fresh ham and tomatoes on the spot. It was a simple and inexpensive option, but it was enough to fill her stomach.

“Add one more slice of ham, please.”

Eliza said, paying extra. She also picked up strawberries and blueberries separately. She bought something to eat with the money she deducted from the given activity allowance.

“Here you go.”

She neatly folded the received paper bag, put it in her arms, and the way home was familiar. Today, too, stories praising the emperor echoed from various places in Shalea.

In the past, she heard more insults than praises for the emperor. But now she understood. It was just that she noticed more because she paid attention to Eliza’s curses.

After realizing that those who cursed were just a few predetermined people, everything became clearer and more certain.

It was all the more agonizing. It was more painful to know. There was anger, injustice.

“Oh, take this too.”

The tea house owner is a woman. She is over thirty and unmarried. Such women could never be found in Kaleita. Living alone was difficult unless you were a knight or a magician, and economic activities were also challenging.

“I didn’t order cookies.”

“I know. It’s the leftovers from today, so I’ll give it to you as a bonus. You come here often these days.”

Shalea was generally overflowing with leisure. It wasn’t that there were many affluent nobles, but the middle class and commoners had affection and leisure.

And it was free. In Shalea, even if a gentleman got drunk and insulted the emperor in the Huang Dynasty, the police didn’t arrest him. Similarly, if a noble insulted the commoners, it was the same.

“…Thank you.”

How rich life is when you have a wide range of choices.

The tea house owner, handling the hot tea pot and the kitchen knife on the cash register with a scarred hand, smiled brightly.

She was free. She made a living by baking cookies and selling sandwiches in the common street frequented by gentlemen smoking cigars and chatty ladies. Nobody pointed fingers at her for not getting married, and no one chased her away, saying she didn’t have the qualifications to live in Shalea because she was neither a knight nor a magician.

“The sandwich is very delicious.”

“Oh, that’s so nice of you to say. I’m so glad. Thank you. Come again!”

Eliza wanted to live like that too. Dealing with people was annoying and tiring for her, but doing an honest job without shame was good.

A life that had nothing to do with continued scrutiny of whether she could cast magic, whether she had the qualifications, and, above all, whether she was loyal to Emperor.
Yes, that’s right. It’s better. A better country was here. So Eliza felt unfair and tormented today as well. She learned that deep-rooted beliefs should not be shaken. Everyone said it should never happen.

But because it was so easily shaken, Eliza was in great pain. Guilt piled up. How dare she betray the Emperor and say that Perseta, the country of these monsters, is good.

“But there were no monsters, right?”

In her mind, no, in her head, a clear truth whispered. That’s right. There were no monsters here, just ordinary people. What seemed like a monster to her was a monster she hadn’t seen yet. Monsters that appeared in the distant western or eastern Hermoa Sea, or in the northern Karkekan Mountains.

“Have you been well?”

When they arrived at the construction office, Martin came out and bowed his head. He was faithful to his role, managing the construction office, hiring more people, and selecting chefs and gardeners. But today, everyone was still walking on eggshells, just like Lucilla’s situation.

“How’s the chief?”

“He says he’s not feeling well today.”

It’s not that his body is unwell; it’s probably that his pride is hurt. Aldwin never dreamed that Carlos would use him as a means for his appearance at the banquet. He just thought he would go straight and say a word to the traitor, Lucille.

That’s Aldwin’s thought, and if the Emperor had said he would use him as a tool, that would have been an honor. It was an honor. In Perseta, it was shameful.

“Martin, you always work hard.”

Martin, as if he didn’t expect Eliza to say such words, opened his eyes slightly, then quickly collected his expression.

“Not at all. Have you had your meal?”

“Yeah. You don’t have to worry about it.”

Eliza was curious. Martin, who had to face ordinary people in Shalea every day, did he have no complaints? What about Aldwin?

People from Kaleita who came to Perseta all had to change. Rustica Genesis is an exception. She was already changed before crossing the barrier.

So Eliza wanted to ask Martin too.

“Aren’t you really troubled?”

But it didn’t seem like that. Instead of going to her room, Eliza headed to the small room where the employees stayed.