TRETTHD 93

#93. Life Without Him

From secretly trafficking gems from foreign mines to falsifying the number of private soldiers without reporting it to the Emperor—
The Duke of Canterif was moving solely for his own profit, even though the Emperor firmly believed he was his ally.

“Since the Duke is the Crown Prince’s strongest supporter, imagine how bitter he’ll feel when he learns the truth.”
Rachel spoke as if amused.

“Watching everything come to light right before the wedding… that will be entertaining.”

What kind of expression would the Emperor and Raul wear then?

With a sly smile, Belia tapped the documents against the desk and stacked them neatly.

“Shall we head out now?”

Today was the day to visit the clinic.

The reputation of the clinics was steadily rising among the people of the Empire, and every time Belia thought of them, her heart grew warm.

“They say the development of the new medicine is nearly finished.”
“Really? Then I should give word to start the project I requested last time.”
“And apparently, the Central Palace is sending escorts today, so we can depart with them.”

Escorts from the Central Palace…

“Would that include your brother, Sir Locus?”
“Please don’t bring up my brother. Every time I think of him, my head throbs.”

Rachel shook her head, exasperated.

These days, Locus Caprié frequently visited the Prince’s Palace under the flimsy excuse of “coming to see his sister,” when in fact, he only wanted to see Belia. Yet, it wasn’t out of romantic interest…

“He seems to regard Your Highness as some sort of… good luck charm, you know?”

Every time Locus met Belia, he claimed things went well for him. So, he had started visiting daily, as if praying for a safe day. A sort of personal superstition.

Seeing Rachel sigh in frustration, Belia chuckled softly.

“If I’m someone’s good luck charm, then that’s a joy in its own way.”
“Your Highness…! You shouldn’t be so kind to everyone! You should have driven him out coldly!”

Rachel clicked her tongue and scowled.

Her second brother was the shame of their family.

“Your Highness.”

And, of course, his timing was impeccable.

How did he always appear just as they were speaking of him?

Rachel heaved another sigh and glared at her brother.

“I knew you’d come, but for you to really show up…”
“What’s that supposed to mean, Rachel?”

As always, Locus spoke with scholarly composure.

And yet, this supposedly rational man was the same one who came all the way to the Prince’s Palace for “good fortune.” Truly, an amusing person.

“So Sir Locus will be my escort today.”
“If it’s to guard Your Highness, who else could it be but me? And my sister’s tagging along as well.”

He grinned playfully.
“Tagging along?”

Rachel bristled, and Locus burst into hearty laughter.

Watching them bicker, Belia smiled brightly.

“Very well. I’ll be counting on you again today.”

In response, Locus thumped his chest with his fist in a gallant salute, laughing as though to say, leave it to me.

After arriving at the clinic, Belia immediately met with the administrator.

He reported gravely that the number of patients had sharply increased and that more healers were needed.

Belia nodded and swiftly gave her approval on the spot.

It seems we’ll have to expand—or perhaps even build more clinics…

For now, she would continue monitoring the situation.

In the west, with Duke Tessa’s cooperation, a site had already been secured. But what Belia was considering now was the northeast.

That region would suffer the most from blizzards and freezing temperatures in the coming winter.

Since spring was nearly over, if construction began in summer, completion could just barely be achieved before winter arrived.

Last winter’s supplies had been distributed to orphanages and slums, or sold to lesser nobles and wealthy citizens, all in excellent condition.

Judging by that, storage for the coming winter would also likely be manageable.

Building more clinics at this level would surely be of great help.

“Thank you for your efforts. I’ll be counting on you going forward as well.”

Belia smiled warmly and turned away.

She continued to tour the facility, greeting both patients and healers, encouraging them. Seeing the clinic become more established filled her with joy.

If only she had more time, she wished she could visit the regional clinics too. But with Khalid away, she couldn’t leave the capital.

If I could see them in person and feel the atmosphere… But, it can’t be helped.

That concluded the day’s schedule. Which meant…

“Since we have some time, how about tea back at the palace?”
“Oh! That would be my honor.”

Rachel answered with a bright smile, and Belia returned it as they headed toward the waiting carriage.

“Your Highness!”
“Princess! Thank you!”

Every time Belia went out in public, crowds somehow gathered to greet her.

Though some still addressed her as “Princess,” the affection people showed her was undeniable.

Belia waved with a smile before boarding the carriage with Rachel.

“It really is such a beautiful sight every time.”

Rachel’s eyes glimmered with admiration.

She had been fond of Belia from the very beginning.

Even if no one noticed, even if no one praised her—Belia quietly served the weak and helped them. That had moved Rachel deeply.

To Rachel, it was only natural that the people loved her.

Belia never acted for appearances or reputation. She genuinely gave her best to help others.

Her attitude hadn’t changed at all since the days when she was merely the neglected fiancée of the Second Prince.

“I’m just grateful that the people are happy.”

And she remained humble.

Rachel silently thanked fate that allowed her to meet Belia like this.

Father was right to side with the Second Prince. The Marquisate of Caprié made the best choice.

Back at the palace, while they were enjoying chilled tea in the drawing room, Rachel suddenly brought up something.

“Come to think of it, society has been abuzz lately, hasn’t it?”
“Ah… you mean the Ceylon Marquisate’s illegitimate child?”

Belia answered knowingly, and Rachel nodded.

“Yes, that’s right. I was so shocked when I heard.”

At a recent party, the Ceylon Marquisate’s illegitimate son had appeared for the first time.

After the heir of the house died suddenly, everyone speculated who would succeed.

And then—an illegitimate son surfaced.

The revelation caused an uproar, especially since the Marquis was known for being a devoted husband.

“But he looked quite refined. I wonder what he did before? His manners were impeccable, and he spoke eloquently.”

Rachel seemed utterly fascinated.

Far too well-educated to have been simply abandoned.

Belia only smiled and listened.

“Everyone who spoke with him said he was very knowledgeable.”
“Oh my, how curious.”
“My mother told me he’s already popular among the noble ladies. Apparently, he converses so engagingly that they want to keep talking with him.”

Belia widened her eyes in mild surprise.

“Some men do shun him for being illegitimate, but still, he’s of the Ceylon Marquisate. He’ll settle into society quickly.”

Rachel nodded confidently.

Watching her, Belia smiled faintly.

Derrick is doing well.

The Marquisate’s illegitimate son—of course, it was Derrick.

He hadn’t been at the clinic lately because he was undergoing succession training.

Naturally, there was fierce opposition within the Marquisate, but once it was confirmed he was indeed the Marquis’s son, few dared object openly.

It seemed the Marchioness had fallen ill since Derrick’s appearance.

“I didn’t find him unpleasant.”
“…But he’ll end up siding with the Crown Prince.”

Rachel pouted irritably.

The Marquis of Ceylon was a staunch supporter of the Crown Prince. Naturally, his son would be expected to join that faction.

“If he were a little lacking, it might have been better.”

Belia only smiled in response.

It was too risky to reveal that Derrick was already on their side.

“In any case, we’ll need to keep an eye on this new player.”

Belia took a sip of tea, and Rachel nodded.

Then Rachel shifted topics again.

“By the way, Your Highness… tomorrow you’re invited to the Empress’s palace, together with Lady Canterif. Will you be all right?”

Of all times, when the Second Prince was away.

Rachel bit her lip in suppressed anger.

“Don’t worry. It seems she only wants to put me in my place a little.”

Belia’s expression was calm as ever, but that calmness itself upset Rachel.

The Empress, who had never summoned Belia before, was now inviting her—and with Lady Canterif at her side, no less.

It was obvious she planned to find fault, humiliate, or belittle her.

“…I wonder how His Highness is doing.”

Perhaps missing Khalid, Rachel asked after him.

Belia recalled the letter she had recently received and smiled softly.

“He’s doing well. Marquis Caprié seems well too.”
“Was there something amusing in the letter?”

Rachel’s curiosity made Belia laugh as she remembered.

“He seems tormented by Marquis Caprié’s nagging. But since the Marquis only speaks the truth, there’s nothing to worry about.”

The letter had been filled with long complaints.

“Oh dear… Father really…”

Rachel blushed with embarrassment.

To think her own father scolded the Prince—and that she was hearing it directly from Belia.

“Those two get along quite well.”

Belia dismissed it lightly.

There was no reason for Rachel to be embarrassed.

The journey to the Kingdom of Yakum should be fine. The real issue will be the return after negotiations.

Belia set her teacup down.

“In any case, don’t worry too much.”

Both Khalid and she would be fine.