Chapter 68

"Your Highness!"

A girl of about ten years old, who had been trying to run to Princess Alesia, was stopped by the guards. The guards stood in front of her, spreading their arms to block her way.

"It's fine. Let her through."

"But—"

"It's fine, really. Isn't she a lovely girl?"

When Alesia said this with a calm smile, the guards lowered their arms.

"Hello. What's your name?"

"My name is Mira! I heard you were here and there's something I really want to tell you."

"What is it? It's tea time, so why don't you join me?"

"Your Highness!"

The guards looked displeased.

Alesia understood that they felt their duties were being disregarded, so she tried to reassure them.

"Thanks to your protection, I can leave the palace and feel safe. I'm grateful. But listening to the people is also part of my job as a princess. I would appreciate it if you could be lenient today."

"Hmm."

The guards couldn't argue with the princess and returned to their original positions.

To be honest, Alesia could repel fifty trained men if they attacked her simultaneously. If she covered their faces with water, they would be helpless. However, she didn't want to reveal this, so she always tried to speak in a way that wouldn't undermine the guards' dignity.

Today, she was in a region about two days' carriage ride from the palace.

There had been a massive outbreak of pests in the crops, and she was there to eliminate them.

Gill had said, "Even without Your Highness going there, we can transport healing water," but it would be inefficient to transport large barrels one by one. If Alesia went and made it rain healing water, it would be much simpler. There would be no need to transport water or distribute it evenly. Since Gill prioritized efficiency, he agreed to Alesia's expedition.

"So, Mira, what did you want to tell me?"

"Yes, I can use magic. But my father says I have to keep it a secret. I want to be useful for the country, though."

"I see. What kind of magic can you use? Can you show me?"

"Yes!"

Mira stood a little away from Alesia, picked up a pebble from the ground, and held it in both hands. She said, "Shine," and the stone began to glow as if it had a light source inside.

"Wow!"

Alesia was surprised, and the guards around her were also gaping in amazement.

"That's amazing. How long can you make it glow?"

"Probably all night."

"Does it keep glowing as long as you stay awake?"

"No. It will continue to glow even if I sleep."

What does that mean? Alesia had seen magic that made things glow, but it usually only worked while the caster was conscious. Normally, the magic would dissipate if the caster's attention was diverted or if they fell asleep.

When Alesia said this, Mira explained with a slightly proud look.

"I can do that. But I infuse the stone with magic. So, a stone that glows for a long time will eventually crumble into sand."

"I see..."

This is quite a powerful magic. Why hasn't her father reported her to the government?

"Why hasn't your father reported you to the government?"

"Because my mother isn't very strong. If I go to the capital, it would be a problem."

"What does your father do?"

"He's a carpenter."

"I see. I understand. Mira, your power is wonderful. I think you should work for the country."

Mira's face brightened.

The Kingdom of Raminb was known for its poverty until Alesia became engaged to Marks. Now, thanks to the healing silk and Alesia's water, the treasury is flourishing. However, not all citizens are living comfortably yet.

"Sometimes, rare talents are buried because they have to help with household chores. There are still many challenges for the royal family to address."

Alesia called one of her attendants and whispered to them.

"Can you tell Isabelle to deliver healing silk to Mira's house? Also, ask Mikhail to check how many people in the area are unwell."

"Understood."

After the civil servant left, Alesia turned back to Mira and continued the conversation.

"Mira, you want to use your magic for the country, right?"

"Yes. But I have younger siblings, so I have to help with household chores. I don't know what to do."

"Don't worry. Your mother will be much better soon."

"Really? Thank you! Your Highness."

Thus, Mira was visited by Isabelle and Mikhail, who brought the healing silk. After confirming that her mother was suddenly well, Mira came to the palace. Now, she was demonstrating her magic in front of King Marks.

"This is..."

Marks was speechless as he saw many stones softly glowing in the dark room.

"Is there such magic?"

"I've never seen it before. From the warmth of the stones, it seems to be a spell that affects the stones. Mira, can you make other things glow besides stones?"

"Wood glows brightly but quickly fades. Glass can glow for a long time, but I don't want to damage the glass, so I haven't tried it much."

"No, stones are fine. Rather, stones are perfect. The idea that all the stones around us can be used as lighting is like a dream."

Thus, Mira became the palace's official magician.

Since Alesia became a princess and was cherished, more magicians began to report themselves. For the once-poor country of Raminb, magicians are now a national treasure.

Mira began to work and receive a salary equal to or even greater than that of adults.

After that, the number of tourists in Raminb increased.

The glowing stones placed throughout the palace gardens and corridors illuminated the surroundings fantastically. The streets surrounding the palace were also lit by the soft glow of the stones enchanted by Mira.

The capital of Raminb became known as the "City of Light" thanks to Mira.

As Mira grew, her magical power increased, and she eventually asked Gill, "I have excess magical power, so please let me infuse more into the stones."

Thus, the desert country of Raminb became a nation where healing magicians, water magicians, and light magicians thrived, gradually transforming into a prosperous land.

The generation that would witness this transformation would be Alesia's twins, but that is a story for another time.

The book will be released around May 15th.

Thank you very much! (*´꒳`*)