“Nightmares?”

“Yes.”

May I ask what kind of dream it is?”

Carsatuna muttered with a vague expression on her face.

“People turning into demons in my dreams… It’s very dreadful. Because of insomnia, I can’t remember when I last slept peacefully. Even though everyone knows it’s just my delusion, I can’t get close to people.”

Her complexion turned melancholic.

“Living feels suffocating. The air is stuffy.”

She was transparent and fragile like a bead about to break.

Given her state, it’s no wonder she couldn’t bear the news of the imperial prince’s marriage.

I silently stared at her.

The dim and hazy appearance, contrary to her enchanting beauty, seemed incredibly pure. It was a different kind of purity compared to the naive Princess Larratu, who grew up without knowing anything.

Suddenly, she smiled at me.

“Today is very nice. Yeong-ae, you make my mood bright.”

“…”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Anything.”

I accepted nonchalantly.

“By any chance, is Yeong-ae a disguised priest?”

I looked at her in surprise. It was a genuine question. When I shook my head, she raised her eyebrows as if I was strange.

“Really? That’s strange. I felt somewhat comfortable around the priest.”

It felt strange. Leo’s words about my priestly qualities came to mind.

Although Carsatuna is just an ordinary person and not a priest, her words seemed to support my potential.

I kindly replied, “I’m glad I could help. Whenever you’re having a hard time, feel free to contact me. I’ll do my best to help.”

Carsatuna showed the brightest smile I had seen today.

“Thank you. Indeed, Yeong-ae is a good person.”

“It’s not necessarily true.”

It might be true for someone quick-witted, but calling me a good person…

Carsatuna widened her eyes, then burst into laughter.

With a humble appearance, she bowed her head.

“Oh, it’s hot.”

The princess, who was eating sherbet made from frozen blueberries, looked up at the sky.

Although the maids had set up tents to create shades and block the pouring sunlight, they couldn’t stop the rising temperature.

“Lately, the sun seems unusually hot.”

Carsatuna remarked.

“Yeah. That’s why the flowers keep wilting.”

Princess Larratu complained like that, covering the surroundings with a spoon while eating sherbet.

The princess’s patronage had created an extensive garden around the artificial spring, filled with a harmonious mix of grass and flowers. However, the soil surface was slightly dry under the intense sunlight.

The water level of the artificial spring was low, and the water spouting from the fountain was weak.

“So, we have to water it often.”

As the garden was so beautiful, it was somewhat pitiful to see the state of the family.

“Shall I bring some water?”

I suggested, and the princess nodded.

“No need to burden yourself.”

With that said, the princess unfolded her hand, holding the spoon like supporting the sky.

It was a melodious voice that I had heard in the banquet hall. Not long after, a refreshing rain started to fall.

Plants that were withering under the scorching sun revived vividly as they welcomed the rain. It seemed as if the princess herself was joyfully welcoming the rain.

I stared blankly at the plants, regaining their vitality.

The princess’s voice flowed into my ears.

“Because of the scorching sun, it seems the priests dispatched from the temple have increased. I’ll also be busy for a while.”

A beautiful spring with rising water and sparkling flowers.

As I watched the miracle brought by the rain, I recalled a wish I had kept hidden for a long time.

More than sparkling jewels, more than a high position, I want that miracle.

At the front gate of the royal palace, Princess Larratu personally escorted me.

“The conversation we had today.”

“It’s the ladies’ secret.”

“As expected of Igraine!”

It was easier to please Princess Larratu by aligning with her preferences than to tease Ares.

Her eyes looking at me were already glittering with favor.

“It’s not something I anticipated, but it’s not bad.”

Considering that the day when my head will be severed on the guillotine is less than a year away, having more connections to help me is a very positive development.

I pondered earnestly.

“I need to get closer to the princess, but Giovanni is in the way.”

Giovanni took up half of the conversation today. Princess Larratu was already captivated by him.

There was a need to reduce formal dates with the prince.

“I have to be mindful of the king, align with the princess’s preferences, and stay busy.”

When Princess Larratu, who spoke in a lighthearted voice about how useful and enjoyable today’s meeting was, spoke like a nightingale, it was time to diligently join in.

The princess’s eyes widened.

“Oh! Your Highness?”

I quickly turned my head.

Giovanni was approaching with his subordinate Kichef.

Wide shoulders, a head taller than others, and a robust build made him look like a different race from the refined kingdom men.