Chapter 67

Standing amidst the vast wheat fields, King Markus and Queen Alesia stood close together.

"There should be no more hunger from now on."

"We've finally come this far."

"It's thanks to Alesia."

"It's because of your hard work."

Standing nearby were their ten-year-old children, Nigel and Emilia. The two of them watched their affectionate parents with smiles. The children were eagerly waiting for their mother to make it rain over the vast fields.

"Rain, fall!"

As Alesia extended her arms toward the sky and chanted, gentle silver rain began to pour down on the dry wheat fields.

"Wow! So far! Amazing, Mother!"

"Nigel, you shouldn't talk to someone while they're using magic."

"Emilia is so naggy."

The two children were not yet allowed to make it rain over the fields, as they might accidentally drop water in large clumps and ruin the crops.

"Alesia, Nigel, would you like to try? You've been successful in the palace garden recently."

"Really?!"

First, Emilia raised her arms and closed her eyes. She didn't chant any spell, but gentle rain, similar to Alesia's, began to fall. The range was much smaller than Alesia's. After a while, she was replaced by Nigel.

Nigel, also silently extending his arms to the sky, managed to make it rain over a much wider area than Emilia. Emilia looked a bit disappointed. After a while, Alesia called out to Nigel.

"That's good enough. The fields are sufficiently watered. Thank you both. Let's go back now."

"Okay. Mother, can you tell us the story about the secret room on the way back? The one about when you found it."

"Emilia loves that story. I've told it many times. She especially likes the part where Uncle Moshe sticks his head in and makes me panic."

"Hey! Don't say that now!"

The soldiers guarding them tried to suppress their laughter as they listened.

Markus and Alesia held hands as they boarded the carriage.

Alesia looked out the carriage window. The poor country of Laminb, where three-quarters of the land was arid, had been transforming into a prosperous nation over the past thirteen years. Irrigation channels and wells had been built, and people no longer struggled for drinking water. There should be no more children like Ethan, who nearly died from lack of water.

There was also a pleasant surprise.

Since Alesia became queen, there had been a steady trickle of magic users registering.

The parents of those who registered said they had gained the courage to come forward after seeing Alesia being accepted and cherished by both the royal family and the people. Markus and Alesia were delighted that once things started going well, they continued to improve.

"Eventually, when you pass the throne to Nigel, I want to travel."

"Yes, let's do that."

Markus answered immediately.

"I want to see every corner of the country, and even the landscapes of foreign lands."

"If that's your wish, I'll make sure it happens."

"I hope Faril remains calm."

"The first prince has not done anything foolish since becoming king. He won't be foolish enough to make all the neighboring countries his enemies. I believed his words at the time."

In the Kingdom of Faril, the previous king had died of illness eight years ago, and the first prince, Fassar, became king.

King Fassar personally visited the Kingdom of Laminb, bowed his head, and begged for silk cloth. He already knew about the silk cloth. His youngest son, who was only two years old, was seriously ill. Markus, after dismissing the attendants, had a long discussion with Alesia and the child before giving him the silk cloth. Since then, there have been no incidents involving Faril in Laminb.

He couldn't get any information about the current status of the fourth prince of Hired, but he promised, "I will never cause any more trouble for Alesia."

"Mother, tell us the story about the secret room!"

"Sure, sure, I remember."

She lived with gratitude for being protected and loved in this life. King Markus listened happily in the noisy carriage. After the story, Nigel asked a question.

"Mother, by the way, how did you meet Father?"

"Oh, I haven't told you that yet. Gil was still a squire to the crown prince and came to our house. I happened to be making petit fours, so I treated him."

"Alesia, talking about the past is embarrassing."

"But the story about soldier Al is quite interesting."

"Who's Al?"

"Alesia, let's not talk about that story anymore."

The carriage carrying the royal family was heading back to the summer palace. The mulberry fields managed by the country had been increasing slightly each year.

The range of rain Alesia could make fall stopped expanding when she was around twenty. The final range was about 4,000 meters in diameter.

"I like the summer palace more than the palace. The food from the farm is delicious. I want to eat the hawthorn candy that Grandma makes every day."

"Emilia loves hawthorn candy."

"I like the sweet and savory roasted chicken."

Markus and Alesia watched their children, who were playing in the opposite seats, with smiles. Eventually, the children, tired from playing, leaned their heads together and fell asleep. Soon, gentle rain began to fall outside the carriage.

If these two can make it rain, this country will be well-watered for several decades. During that time, it will be their task to ensure the country can thrive even without magic users.

Markus put his arm around Alesia, and Alesia placed her hand on top of his.

"The foundation for this country's growth was laid by you, Alesia. The next generation will see even more prosperity."

"I'm proud to be a part of this country's history. It's all thanks to you for choosing me, despite my many troubles."

Markus, who had been listening with a gentle face, became serious.

"Alesia, there are three things I've always wanted to ask."

"Three? What are they?"

"I hear you send flowers to Eitana's grave every year on the anniversary of her death. Sometimes you even visit the grave. I've always been curious, but I don't think you knew Eitana that well, did you?"

Alesia flinched.

"I might tell you someday, or I might not. But why didn't you ask me about this for so long?"

Markus's face softened again.

"I was waiting for you to tell me on your own."

"For over ten years? You're either very patient or very persistent. What's the second question?"

"You've always tried to help people since I met you."

"Yes."

"Why?"

Alesia looked up at Markus, who was leaning in to look at her.

"The answer to that question overlaps with the first one."

"Is it related to Eitana?"

"Not directly, but it is related."

"The third question is about the secret room. Did you really know about its existence?"

"Hehe."

"Is this also related to Eitana?"

"It's not directly related to Eitana."

"Are you still not going to tell me?"

"No."

How to explain a life closed with hatred and resentment, and two lives filled with love?

"I might tell you someday, but I might take it to my grave."

"…I see."

"Can you accept such an answer?"

"Of course. I wouldn't interrogate you if you don't want to talk. I've been in love with you since the day I ate the petit fours… but let's stop there."

Markus, with a slightly embarrassed look, pulled Alesia closer to his shoulder. Alesia rested her head on Markus's shoulder and closed her eyes.

"Thank you for loving me."

Her voice was small, but it seemed to reach Markus's ears. The arm around her shoulder tightened, pulling her closer.

Thank you for reading to the end. I was greatly encouraged by the many bookmarks and reviews I received.

I always tried to avoid the red text indicating errors, but I think I had about 5 wins and 61 losses (T ^ T). I will keep working hard.

I hope to publish my next work soon. I would be grateful if you could join me then.

Thank you very much for your support.

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Thank you for reading to the end. I was greatly encouraged by the many bookmarks and reviews I received.

I always tried to avoid the red text indicating errors, but I think I had about 5 wins and 61 losses (T ^ T). I will keep working hard.

I hope to publish my next work soon. I would be grateful if you could join me then.

Suyu