The materials that filled the basement of the infirmary are now completely empty. This place has been truly helpful.

The citizens of the Empire didn’t stop praising Belia and Khalid. Although the Emperor and Raul took many actions during the winter, it was a bit late to truly penetrate the hearts of the citizens.

From the previous winter to this winter…

Sincerely concerned and inspecting the disaster areas, the Second Prince, who established the infirmary with a warm heart, will forever be remembered by the citizens of the Empire.

“As expected, seizing the initiative was crucial.”

After Belia looked around the infirmary and made some requests to the manager, she stepped outside.

The citizens of the Empire were waiting, cheering for Belia.

“Your Highness! Thank you!”

“Thank you, really, thank you.”

“We won’t forget!”

Along the road, many people lined up on both sides, expressing their gratitude. Belia’s expression subtly softened at the sound of their voices.

Starting with a calculated move for her own purpose, even if it was such a beginning, the scene of many people being helped by her actions, expressing gratitude in return, seemed unforgettable.

Just like the trust they showed in front of the funeral home of the former Lord Ceylon, today’s appearance should also be cherished in her heart, Belia thought as she approached them a little more.

“Lovely and grateful people…”

Though the knights blocked the way between the people and Belia to prevent her from getting too close, it was not a great distance.

One by one, the expressions of the people came into her view. Everyone was smiling. Belia, whose heart had warmed, shook hands with them, smiling back at them.

And at that moment…

“Ugh!”

Someone leaped out from the crowd and instantly attacked Belia.

“Your Highness!”

“Ack!”

“Your Highness! Your Highness!”

The one who attacked Belia was a very young boy. The boy was cornered by the knights in that spot. However, a knife was already stuck in Belia’s abdomen.

Fresh blood dripped. The blue dress Belia was wearing turned deep red, soaked with blood.

“No…”

Belia’s consciousness gradually blurred.

Between the hazy vision, she saw the boy, trembling and holding her blood-stained hand. The boy was crying.

“Why…”

Her thoughts couldn’t continue.

Her uncontrollable body swayed, and her knees gave out.

The knights quickly supported Belia, who was about to fall to the ground.

“Gather the healers! Quickly!”

The manager and healers rushed out of the infirmary with pale faces.

“Your Highness! What is this…!”

“There’s no time to explain! Quickly, treat her!”

“Yes!”

The situation turned chaotic in an instant.

Citizens of the Empire, witnessing the moment Belia was stabbed, shed tears in front of the infirmary, praying.

Carefully moving Belia into the infirmary, the healers removed the knife embedded in Belia’s abdomen and began to infuse energy into her.

It was a power different from divine power.

“Ugh…”

“Your Highness, don’t lose consciousness.”

The healers continued the treatment until Belia’s bleeding stopped.

“Inform the palace about this immediately and return!”

“Yes!”

One knight hurriedly went to convey the news to the palace.

Belia couldn’t hold onto her consciousness in the face of pain.

Eventually, Belia’s consciousness completely faded.

As soon as news of Belia’s attack reached the palace, Raul hastily headed to the infirmary where she was.

Since Khalid was currently absent, there was no one to stop Raul.

“What happened.”

Arriving at the infirmary, Raul asked the manager in a hurry.

The manager lowered his head deeply and apologized, “I’m sorry. It’s my negligence.”

“I’m not blaming you. What happened?” Raul’s voice was cold.

“Someone among those who came to see Her Highness rushed at her.”
Raul walked toward the place where Belia was with a thoughtful expression on his face.

Belia lay motionless on a bed prepared in the infirmary. Her complexion was pale, as if she had lost a lot of blood.

Raul looked down at Belia in silence, made an unreadable expression, and closed his eyes.

“I will take the Second Princess to the palace. Since the culprit has already been taken to the palace, let the royal family handle the interrogation accordingly.”

“…Understood.”

The manager had a worried expression, wondering if it was okay to let Belia go with Raul. Perhaps this incident, too, might have been orchestrated by the First Prince.

However, the manager had no power to stop him.

As if sensing that concern, Raul spoke as if guessing his worry.

“Don’t worry. I have no intention of doing anything to the injured Second Princess.”

Thanks to the dedicated treatment by the healers, Belia’s wounds were almost healed. It was truly fortunate that the incident happened right in front of the infirmary, allowing prompt treatment.

However, Belia was still struggling internally, not fully recovered.

Raul inserted his hands around Belia’s neck and legs, lifting her gently. Then, he held her and left the infirmary, boarding a carriage heading to the palace.