Chapter 74
Wish
It had already been a month since construction began on the Bialitskal hot spring.
What once seemed like a crisis due to supply issues had turned into an opportunity.
The project to convert the salt mine itself into a hot spring was proceeding without major problems.
“The work should be finished soon. Thanks to reusing the existing mine, the schedule has been shortened by more than fivefold. Costs have also been greatly reduced.”
“So, when’s the completion date?”
“Once the detailed interior work is done, we should be able to hold the completion ceremony no later than next month.”
Hearing Saturn’s report, Akkia nodded with satisfaction.
“Don’t let your guard down until the very end. Who knows what tricks the Parchia Merchant Guild might be plotting.”
“Yes, understood.”
Rising from his seat, Akkia looked out the window at the salt mine.
The hot spring of Bialitskal, made to be enjoyed in harmony with nature, was becoming more unique than any other hot spring on the continent.
This is only the beginning.
After this project was successfully completed, he planned to head to the capital to carry out the task he had postponed for so long—
the long-cherished wish he had prepared and yearned for.
Just as a cold glint flickered in Akkia’s eyes, the office door burst open and Lea rushed in.
“Duke! Is today some special day? There are so many people outside!”
Unable to hide her excitement, Lea approached him. Instantly, the heavy air around Akkia lightened.
“Today’s a festival day. I hear it’s the first time since the salt mine’s prosperous days that they’ve held one this big.”
“A festival? Really?!”
Seeing Lea’s sparkling eyes, Akkia’s lips curved slightly.
“Shall we take a look around the festival?”
“Truly? But you’ve been so busy…”
Lea, who secretly wished to enjoy the festival together with the Duke, brightened.
“Today I’m not as busy.”
At those words, the delighted Lea followed Akkia outside. Though Saturn, left alone, wore a dark expression.
❀ ❀ ❀
It seemed the rumors were true—this was indeed a long-awaited festival. The villagers preparing it looked happier than ever.
“I heard there isn’t a single vacant room left in all of Bialitskal’s inns. People have even come from nearby territories to enjoy the festival!”
“Many have longed for the Bialitskal of its golden days.”
Once the hot spring was completed, it would shine even brighter than before. Akkia intended to make Bialitskal the greatest tourist destination in the Croatea Empire.
As the two strolled leisurely side by side, Lea suddenly pointed at the pink fluff carried by a child.
“Oh? Someone must be selling cotton candy.”
Glancing between the cotton candy and Lea, Akkia smiled faintly.
“Do you want some?”
“Yes! Will you buy it for me?”
Why she wanted something only children usually ate, he couldn’t understand. But Akkia couldn’t look away from her sparkling leaf-green eyes.
Finding Lea’s innocence endearing, he nodded.
“Alright. Wait here quietly. If we get separated in the crowd, it’ll be hard to find you.”
“Okay! Then I’ll look around the apothecary while you’re gone. I heard a new one just opened.”
As more people gathered in the once-barren land, new facilities had naturally begun to spring up—like the apothecary.
“I’ll be quick.”
Lea hadn’t really expected the Duke himself to go buy cotton candy. His thoughtful gesture left her smiling uncontrollably.
“I’ll wait for you!”
Watching Akkia walk off, Lea entered the nearby apothecary.
Though smaller than those in the capital, the cabinets were filled with northern herbs.
“So this is the thistle I’ve only heard about.”
As described, its petals gave off a subtle fragrance.
It’s said to help cleanse the blood vessels, right?
Thinking it might prove useful someday, she reached for the thistle—only to brush hands with someone else reaching for it.
Huh?
Startled, she looked up. Her eyes widened. It was a face far too familiar.
“Oh? Doctor Franken!”
“You are…?”
Franken, too, looked surprised to see her.
To think I’d meet him here…!
She remembered when Dmitri had introduced her to Dr. Franken. They had once spent hours engrossed in discussions about new medicines.
Smiling brightly, she asked,
“What brings you here? Are you visiting the festival?”
“It seems Dmitri hasn’t told you. I’m staying in Bialitskal now.”
“What? Here?”
It was news to her. Last time, he had said he was living in a town near the Belarus Duchy.
Seeing her puzzled look, Franken explained:
“Dmitri asked me to come. He said you wanted to establish a medical institution here.”
“Ah…”
Lea recalled her conversation with Dmitri before coming here.
[“You want to build a medical facility in Bialitskal?”]
[“Yes. I heard that when the mine collapsed, the damage was far worse because there wasn’t a proper hospital. Now that the hot spring is being built and more people are coming, there should be proper medical care here.”]
[“I see. Do as you wish. If Ariel had seen this, she would have been proud.”]
He had patted her hand as he said it.
Though she could not see with her eyes, Lea knew—Dmitri had been such a kind father to her late mother.
He must have asked Dr. Franken for my sake as well.
It was the first time Lea had ever felt true familial warmth. She had thought the love she received at the orphanage was enough. But the love of real blood family was overwhelming beyond imagination. Her eyes welled up.
Grandfather… Surely Mother is rejoicing in heaven too.
Watching Lea’s soft smile, Franken also smiled warmly.
In truth, even without Dmitri’s request, he had planned to come. He, too, had long awaited Bialitskal’s revival.
And now, a medical institution…
Bialitskal had been so underdeveloped it lacked even proper hospitals. With soil too salty for farming, the people had survived solely on the salt mine. At first, mining thrived. But once sea salt became available, even that industry declined.
As residents left, Bialitskal’s development had been endlessly delayed.
At last, I’ll see it…
The true Bialitskal. As Franken smiled with satisfaction, Lea suddenly clapped her hands.
“Oh! There’s someone I’d love for you to meet. Please wait here. Don’t go anywhere!”
“Heh. Alright. I won’t move an inch. Hurry back.”
Franken’s gaze was that of a grandfather doting on his granddaughter.
“Yes!”
Leaving the apothecary, Lea went to find Akkia. But the crowd was so thick she couldn’t see him.
Where did he go…?
After searching for some time, she finally spotted Akkia walking into the square. He too was looking around, seemingly searching for her.
“I’m here, Duke!”
“Lea! Stay there, I’ll—”
But Akkia’s words trailed off. He had noticed a man approaching Lea.
Who’s that?
The man walked toward her as if he had been waiting. Did she know someone from this town? Akkia had never heard her mention anyone.
Then, something metallic glinted in the man’s hand, catching the sunlight.
That’s…
As Akkia realized what it was, a chilling thought raced through his mind.
No… it can’t be…!
From that moment, he remembered nothing clearly. His mind went blank.
He tried calling out to Lea, but his voice cracked, strangled by panic.
No…
Maybe it was a mistake. No, it had to be.
In that fleeting instant, he prayed desperately. That it was all in his head. That Lea would be safe.
“Lea!!”
Akkia flung the cotton candy aside and sprinted toward her.
Damn it!
In the thick crowd, Lea’s figure kept disappearing and reappearing. The suspicious man was nowhere to be seen.
“Lea! Are you alright?!”
He cupped her cheeks, panting heavily. Feeling her warmth under his palms eased his panic slightly.
“Let’s head inside. Just now, some shady guy was—”
But something about her face wasn’t right. She was paler than ever, drained of all color.
Akkia fell silent.
“Your face…”
“…Duke…”
Lea’s trembling voice called his title. Seeing her state, Akkia frowned deeply and looked down.
— drip. drip.
Drops of blood fell onto the ground.
Why…?
His head turned upward stiffly. His eyes froze at the sight of crimson soaking into her white dress.
“…Lea?”
In the end, the gods had not granted his wish.
