“I heard that crops can’t grow because it’s not raining. The priest sent by the capital only brought a short rain, and the situation hasn’t improved. It seems worse than expected. There are even people starving to death.”

In Riorsha, where resources were abundant, there were rarely cases of the poor starving.

The situation in the western land seemed more severe than expected.

Karasatuna, whose expression darkened at the news, muttered.

“We should open the warehouse and send relief supplies.”

I looked at her quietly.

She, who had secluded herself like a sleeping princess with chronic depression and insomnia, still hadn’t lost her compassionate heart for others.

It felt strangely complex to know that such a kind person had made tragic choices in her past life.

“Perhaps the royal-sponsored Gije Festival will be held sooner than scheduled.”

The festival sponsored by the royal family was one of the biggest events in the kingdom.
When the Gije Festival is held, cool rain falls for several days, calming the unsettled public sentiment. I nodded my head.

“We should also prepare in advance at our family.”

“Oh, isn’t it the Lorenst family that took the lead in the territorial festival? Because Lady Aris Dorensia is from the Lorenst family.”

Princess Laratu glanced briefly at Aris, who was conversing with people.

“Is Lady Dorensia hosting the territorial festival?”

“I’m handling the overall ceremony preparations.”

“Oh, indeed, Eigrain has the ability! Please invite me to this year’s Count’s festival. King Bawang is likely to attend as well.”

“Your Highness?”

Before the royal festival, each noble family holds its territorial festival, and it is uncommon for the king to attend.

Seeing my surprised face, Princess Laratu laughed brightly.

“Not only King Bawang, but many people will also come from the temple. They want to confirm Lady Aris Dorensia’s abilities and pay homage.”

She gestured towards Aris and her friends among the people. They were somewhat more subdued now, compared to the earlier lively atmosphere.

Observing Aris and her friends who were now quieter, I asked, “Wasn’t it like this in previous years?”

“These days, the atmosphere is unsettled.”

Princess Laratu glanced around, then lowered her voice.

“This is a secret, but recently, a priest in the central temple lost their blessing.”

My heart pounded. I stared at Princess Laratu with stiff, unyielding eyes.

Karasatuna frowned, as if she couldn’t be here.

“The ability disappeared? Is such a thing possible?”

“That’s the problem! As everyone knows, the power of water is considered a god’s blessing and shouldn’t disappear.”

Wondering what was going on, I swallowed my saliva as I grumbled while watching her.

“How did Your Highness find out about this?”

“It seems that the priest was surprised and kept their mouth shut, but recently, they confessed to the chief priest. Rumors about some kind of anomaly inside the temple are circulating. Oh, this is definitely a secret.”

Princess Laratu pressed her lips with her finger.

“If it becomes known, the already anxious public sentiment will be further unsettled.”

“Of course.”

I nodded emphatically and glanced around discreetly.

“But it seems strange. Could it be that the blessing disappeared because the priest is old?”

“No, they are a young priest with a lot of work ahead of them. It’s even more strange because the reason is unknown.”

Swallow. My Adam’s apple moved up and down.

Although I had absorbed more strength by stealing divine power according to Giovanni’s orders, I felt like I knew who the priest Princess Laratu was talking about.

‘The priest I first laid my hands on.’

I unconsciously covered the back of my hand with my hand. I knew that, other than me, no one could see the tattoo, but I couldn’t help but feel creepy.

‘Don’t get caught.’

Instinctively feeling a sense of crisis, my mouth closed like a clam.
“Well, that’s a very unusual situation, so there’s no need to worry about it. It’s the same with the drought. Since several noble families are joining forces to assist the royal family, wouldn’t the problems be solved when the territorial festival is held?”

The princess brightened the atmosphere with a cheerful expression.

I nodded my head, concealing my complex thoughts.

“Your Highness must be worried as well.”

“Probably. I also want to offer prayers at the temple, but since King Bawang doesn’t allow it…”

She grimaced with dissatisfaction, pouting her plump lips.

“Your Highness received significant blessings even among the priests. It would be helpful, so why are you against it?”

Even as I asked the question, I anticipated the answer.

She probably wants to keep it hidden.

‘But even so, would she want to keep the princess inside in this situation?’

The princess hesitated.

“Well…”

“Is it because of Prince Hwangja?”

At my words, Princess Laratu widened her eyes and sighed.

“Yes. Actually, I planned to send an invitation to Prince Hwangja for this tea party as well, but King Bawang objected unexpectedly, so I gave up.”

“…”

“But prayers are a different matter, aren’t they? It’s for our kingdom, so why would he object when it’s noticeable? Don’t you think it’s too much?”

With a pained expression, I casually made a suggestion.

“If that’s the case, how about wearing a veil like before?”

“Hush, hush! That’s a secret!”

The princess exclaimed in alarm. Seeing her turning her head quickly and glancing around, I burst into laughter.