“We’ve already sent the official documents, so he should arrive in the capital right after winter.”

Belia sighed.

“I’ve looked into the Eastern Nobles’ Union. I received information about their vulnerabilities that can be exploited.”

“Are you planning to use that to undermine the East?”

“Yes.”

They intended to use the weaknesses that Raul held to divide them.

Belia’s expression became serious.

“Now it’s going to be a real showdown.”

Now, the decisive battle to determine the next emperor would begin. And it would make the entire empire buzz with excitement.

“The fight has probably started since the moment he moved to kill me.”

Khalid said with a light smile, as if it were nothing.

“I’m more worried about you than myself.”

“I’m fine.”

“Raul is showing an abnormal obsession with you, and the First Prince’s Consort has been unusually quiet lately. Moreover, Marquis Canterbury’s actions after that day are very suspicious.”

To be honest, there might not be anyone who wasn’t suspicious, but Marquis Canterbury had been unusually quiet lately.

Even after the war was declared.

“…Do you think the First Prince’s Consort is targeting me?”

Khalid hugged Belia without saying a word.

“I’ll assign knights to be by your side. Even if it seems excessive when you’re doing external activities, let the knights accompany you.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t worry, Belia.”

Belia leaned her face against Khalid’s chest.

“Yeah. For now, it’s important to get through the winter safely.”

Regarding diplomacy and war, she couldn’t compete with those who had experience on the battlefield. However, winning over public sentiment and making them allies was something Belia could do well.

Now, relying on the memories of her past life to twist the situation in her favor would be difficult.

Assuming Raul had recovered all his memories, the difference in information between him and her had disappeared.

Now, the one who could move faster and more skillfully based on the current situation would win.

Belia clenched her fist.

“I’ll do my best with what I can. So, please stay strong too. Of course, without getting hurt.”

Khalid laughed and hugged her again in response to Belia’s words.

“Of course. There won’t be anything to make you worry anymore.”
In the underground of the infirmary, logs and blankets that had been collected since early autumn were piled up. On one side, dried fruits, grains, and jerky were well-packaged and stored.

“With this, we should be well-prepared for this winter.”

The infirmary caretaker said with a proud expression.

However, Belia, aware of the severity of this upcoming winter, carefully procured supplies.

“Please store the blankets slightly away from the walls to prevent moisture. Also, make sure to release only a sufficient amount of stored food that can last for at least three months.”

“Yes. Understood, Visionary.”

Belia sighed.

As the thought of Raul having recovered all his memories grew, her anxiety about the upcoming winter increased.

Already concerned about the harsh winter cold and heavy snow, they now had to pay attention to the continent’s situation due to the declaration of war with the Yakum Kingdom.

“Was there no contact from Lain?”

The infirmary caretaker, also an associate of Lunis, nodded with a solemn expression.

Currently, Derek, who had firmly established himself under the influence of the First Prince, seemed to have little contact with Lunis.

It was the same for Belia.

Although she had left a message predicting that there wouldn’t be any contact, the complete absence of any news led to worries that he might have betrayed her.

“Shouldn’t I have not given him the complete cure…”

Belia shook her head and pressed her cheeks with both hands. No, that couldn’t be the case.

He genuinely expressed gratitude and promised to act for his own sake.

“Well then. Please intensify the investigation into the atmosphere of Shinkoku, Yakum Kingdom, Ronica Kingdom, and Ingot Empire. Check if there have been any suspicious movements or troop deployments secretly.”

“I’m doing my best.”

“I know it’s an unreasonable request, but please hang in there a little longer.”

Belia faintly smiled and then turned to go up the stairs.

“Visionary.”

Rachel, who had come to the infirmary together, noticed Belia ascending from the underground and quickly approached.

“All the healers responded positively to the healing service.”

Belia decided to continue the healing service throughout this winter, even if the infirmary had to close. Although there was a salary provided by Belia, and it was uncertain whether they would agree without additional incentives, all the healers working at the infirmary willingly accepted her proposal.

“That’s good news.”

Belia replied happily.

“Has there been no news from Marcus?”

“No. Not yet.”

Although she expected extensive winter preparations at the palace.

It was strangely quiet.

And that silence was suspiciously unbearable.

“I’ll keep an eye on the situation. There will surely be some movement.”

“Yes, of course.”

Rachel replied confidently.

“Then, I’ll be heading back now.”

Belia, finishing her schedule for the day, boarded the waiting carriage. Rachel followed behind. As Belia quietly whispered to Rachel.

“…Please keep an eye on the movements of the First Princess Consort as well.”

Rachel nodded silently.

The silence of Elin Canterbury had been bothering Belia.

As if trying to alleviate the frustrating feeling, Belia let out a small sigh.

But her discomfort still lingered, making her feel uneasy.