The scorching summer sun had calmed down, and a refreshing wind blew at night. During this period as the earth cooled down, Velia and Khaled had accomplished much.

A strong foundation allows one to build a sturdy fortress.

Currently, they were diligently strengthening that foundation.

“Firstly, let’s approach Raul tomorrow.”

(This is a time divider.)

The clinic was mostly complete, with only the finishing touches remaining. Velia went around the clinic, meticulously inspecting the walls, floors, and interior.

A space was prepared underground for emergency stays.

The construction workers questioned why such a space was necessary underground.

To that, Velia said it was for accommodating patients when they became too many and asked for the design to be implemented as is.

The end result was very satisfying.

‘Pleasing. With this much space, many people can stay here.’

Moreover, because the space was underground, it would be much warmer in the winter than a regular house.

If people were reluctant to stay here, it could also be used as an ordinary warehouse.

Because the space was ample, it was sufficient for storing food, firewood, and clothes for the winter.

“Is it similar to what you had in mind?”

“Yes, more than enough.”

“All the other clinics being built in different regions will also have the same design. We’ll visit them one by one later on.”

Khaled put his hand on Velia’s shoulder and said.

“I’m already looking into places for trading preservable food for the winter.”

“We should start preparing firewood now that it’s already fall. We should also figure out where to get it from. That way, we can be prepared for next fall.”

“Yes, I’ve already taken care of that, so don’t worry.”

A year would go by quickly.

So, as a dry run, they were planning to try with slightly fewer quantities than initially planned.

There were many things to check, such as whether there was no problem with the longterm storage of food and firewood, and whether the basement’s thermal insulation was consistently maintained.

“I’m relieved that we can wrap things up before winter. That way, we can check in advance.”

Velia said with a grin.

If they could reduce variables, they would be able to obtain more certain results.

“Is today’s schedule over?”

“Yes, we’ve checked everything important.”

As Velia and Khaled left the clinic, they continued their chitchat.

“Remember we decided to recruit healers? There are more applicants than expected, so the operation of the clinic will go quite smoothly.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Khaled’s expression was bright as well.

It seemed like an ordinary day on the surface.

But tonight.

It was the day they would wrap up all the preparations they had been making.

“Khaled, don’t go straight back to the palace tonight, go to the mansion.”

It seemed better to go to the mansion considering the matters ahead.
Velia gently grabbed Prince Khaled’s arm, and his face brightened considerably more than before.

Flushed by his overt reaction to her unintended signal, Velia slapped Khaled’s back.

Yet, Khaled couldn’t help but smile and took Velia’s hand, walking forward with a light hop.

“Wait…!”

Caught by him, Velia found herself almost skipping along, yet her face showed no displeasure.

“Khaled…!”

Velia called his name.

Then, Khaled stopped walking and looked back at her.

“Ah… Sorry. I was in a bit of a rush.”

Then Khaled slid his hand under Velia’s knees and lightly lifted her up.

“Khaled!”

“This way we can get there faster, right?”

“How long does it take to reach the carriage…! Ahh!”

Before Velia could finish, Khaled moved swiftly ahead. Velia couldn’t endure the embarrassment as everyone looked at her.

But as he didn’t seem to be planning on putting her down, she quickly covered her face with one hand and buried it into his chest.

‘Really unbearable…!’

Growing increasingly absurd.

However, Velia wasn’t entirely displeased, she sneakily extended her finger to gauge the distance to the carriage.

They had plenty of time until nightfall.

Velia chuckled softly, adjusting her posture with both arms around Khaled’s neck.

(This is a time separator.)

In the evening, someone quietly visited the mansion.

Having completed all preparations, Khaled and Velia immediately called him into the office.

“So, the guards are on the move?”

“Yes. They will head there immediately after the report of illegal activity.”

“What’s the timeframe?”

“It’s tight. You have to leave now.”

Khaled nodded.

Velia’s expression turned icecold in a flash.

“…Let’s go.”

“You remember what we discussed earlier, right?”

“Of course. We are just visiting an entertainment district.”

“Good.”

Khaled affectionately stroked Velia’s cheek, then rose from his seat.

“We leave immediately.”

“Yes. The carriage is already waiting.”

Khaled extended his hand to Velia.

“Shall we have some fun again today, Princess?”

“Yes, Your Highness Khaled.”

They both exchanged villainous smiles and clasped hands.

Taking brisk steps, they got into the carriage, and Velia’s heart pounded as they headed for the casino.

Though they had been working on various tasks, this was the first time they were directly cornering Raul.

“Whew…”

“Why so tense?”

“I’m not tense. I’ve always been waiting for a chance to get back at him.”

Velia’s mouth corner lifted, her calm demeanor entirely unlike her usual self.

“I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he sees us.”