#78. After Winter
Winter had quietly arrived.
Sighing, Belia blew out a puff of breath, watching it turn white in the cold air—it really made winter feel real.
Compared to the Kingdom of Ronica where Belia had grown up, the Empire’s winter couldn’t be called very harsh. The winters in Ronica were bone-chillingly cold.
“Princess, shall I stoke the fire more?”
“No, it’s fine. It’s not that cold right now.”
At Belia’s words, everyone’s eyes widened in surprise.
She didn’t mean it wasn’t cold at all—just that it was still bearable for the time being.
“Then, shall I bring you an extra blanket?”
The maids asked, obviously worried about her delicate appearance.
Belia smiled and nodded.
“Hm. Would you do that?”
Several of the maids hurried out with bright expressions to fetch blankets.
This winter will probably be quite productive.
The firewood, blankets, and provisions stored at local infirmaries as a trial to prepare for next year’s heavy snowfall would be distributed sequentially over this winter.
Fortunately, there had been no reports of problems with the stored items so far.
Of course, that didn’t mean everything was perfect.
A few infirmaries built far from the capital had reported damp blankets due to moisture.
But the caretakers had immediately checked, dried everything thoroughly, and taken follow-up measures, so the situation was quickly resolved.
What a relief.
Had they not prepared in advance this year, it could have become a very troublesome situation.
Thanks to the rehearsal, they would likely be able to endure the coming heavy snow. Of course, next winter might bring unprecedented cold and greater challenges, but having faced this year’s preparations, they would manage just fine.
“Have you heard any interesting stories lately?”
Belia asked the remaining maids.
They all seemed eager to please her, sharing any small tidbits or rumors they knew.
“I heard that Princess Canterif has been attending parties frequently with His Highness the First Prince. There are rumors that they seem very close.”
“Really?”
Belia’s eyes widened at the unexpected news.
Raoul had been seen spending a lot of time with Elin Canterif? Was he managing his image?
“Recently, the princess has been very cheerful.”
It seemed Elin’s mood had lifted, likely because Raoul had been focusing his attention on her.
At that moment, one maid muttered gruffly,
“Before, His Highness the First Prince always paid attention to Princess Belia and ignored his fiancée.”
“Shh! How could you say that!”
“Well, everyone knows it anyway…”
Because it was a sensitive topic, the two bickered quietly, realizing they were speaking in front of Belia and quickly shutting up.
“I’m sorry, it was careless of me.”
“I’m sorry too…”
Belia found it more astonishing that such gossip had spread naturally than the argument itself.
Recently, Belia had been limiting her outings, barely encountering Raoul. She only saw him occasionally at parties.
Khalid had been careful to prevent accidental meetings with Raoul, even pretending not to notice him when unavoidable encounters occurred.
Yet the rumors had spread regardless.
“I don’t mind, but others should be more careful with their words.”
“I’ll remember, Princess.”
“Make sure you do.”
Belia’s rare strictness made the maids bow their heads in acknowledgment—they understood they had made a significant mistake.
Watching this, Belia allowed a moment for reflection before speaking in a softer tone.
“How is the atmosphere in the Empress’s palace these days?”
The maids, somber at first, exchanged glances before one finally answered.
“Uhm… it seems Her Majesty the Empress has been feeling unwell.”
“Really?”
“The palace officials visit more often now, and the atmosphere is quieter than before.”
Belia listened attentively.
“However, it doesn’t seem dangerous. I overheard the maids say she’s just a bit weak.”
“Yes. They said her condition hasn’t worsened.”
“That’s a relief.”
The antidote was being properly delivered. Everything was proceeding according to plan. A small smile appeared on Belia’s lips.
As she stared absentmindedly at the crackling fire, lost in thought, Khalid entered the room carrying the blankets the maids were supposed to bring.
“Belia.”
The maids quickly greeted him and left the room.
“Oh, Khalid? Weren’t you supposed to inspect the guards today?”
“I already did, on the way back.”
Khalid draped a blanket over Belia’s lap, surprising her as she glanced out the window. Time had passed so quickly.
The sky outside had already darkened into a deep blue.
“How was it today?”
When Khalid had first received authority over the guards, he had sighed in despair at the situation. Though not knights, he had expected at least a basic level of competence from the guards. However, they were far below the standard of his mercenary group.
“Now, they’re getting the hang of it.”
Recently, Asid, Khalid’s aide, had been stationed with the guards to oversee them.
Sending Asid was a good decision. The morale of the guards soared when one of the prince’s personal bodyguards supervised them. There was almost no resistance to Khalid’s leadership, and the group’s cohesion greatly improved—a very positive development overall.
“Asid has been working hard,” Belia said with a chuckle.
Khalid glared at her and asked,
“Why are you laughing?”
Belia tilted her head.
“Me?”
“Yes. I’ve been working hard too.”
Ah—so he wanted praise as well? Belia found him oddly endearing.
“Alright, you’ve worked hard too.”
“…I don’t feel sincere, Belia.”
Khalid pouted, a look that seemed amusingly mismatched with his large frame, causing Belia to burst out laughing.
After catching her breath, she shifted the topic.
“More importantly, the antidote seems to be working well.”
Belia felt reassured after hearing the maids’ reports. The Empress had not noticeably weakened, even as palace officials visited multiple times.
If she showed even a small weakness, the Emperor would spread rumors of her poor health and naturally push her toward death, as if he were not responsible.
“I was really worried at first.”
On the day she delivered the antidote, Belia had been anxious, fearing discovery. Very few knew the Empress had been poisoned, and they certainly didn’t know an antidote existed—it wasn’t a poison with a known antidote.
Even if her condition improves, they won’t suspect us.
Since their first meeting with the Empress, Belia and Khalid had never visited the palace. They would never suspect that Belia was secretly delivering an antidote.
“It’s about time to start spreading rumors that Her Majesty the Empress will attend our wedding.”
Even the Empress appearing would stir the palace.
The Dowager Empress, who carried herself as though she were the Empress, was still formally subordinate to the real Empress. No matter the Emperor’s favor, she was not the Empress. The wedding would remind everyone that the Empress was still very much alive.
And it will reaffirm that Khalid is the legitimate heir.
No matter how influential the Dowager Empress was, the weight of being the legitimate heir could not be ignored. This wedding would ensure everyone remembered.
Moreover, Duke Tessa, leader of the Western Nobles’ Alliance, would attend.
Although he mainly resides in the Western territories, his presence here will remind everyone of his status and his loyal knights.
Additionally, Belia’s maternal grandfather, a high official from the Divine Kingdom, and the Queen of Ronica would also attend.
Western Duke Tessa, the Divine Kingdom, and the Ronica Queen—the wedding would firmly establish the presence of the Second Prince.
“Our wedding will be magnificent.”
It would be more lavish and grand than any other.
“…I hope it’s over soon.”
As a princess, she would gain more freedom to act. Belia smiled meaningfully.
“Me too.”
Saying this, Khalid hugged her from behind.
“I hope we can be bound together perfectly as soon as possible.”
He hugged her tighter, burying his face in her neck.
“After we marry, will this thirst I feel for you be somewhat satisfied?”
Heat flared wherever his breath touched her. Belia turned, reaching for him.
“There’s not much time left.”
“…Time passes too slowly.”
Holding him close, Belia spoke with more urgency than ever.
“Don’t worry. Everything we desire will come true.”
As winter drew to a close, familiar and welcome faces arrived in the Ingot Empire.
“Sis!”
“Belia!”
It was Cloze and Herald.
Belia hurried to them as they stepped down from the carriage.
“Brother! Cloze!”
As she approached, Cloze’s nose and eyes were red, tears welling up.
“Sniff… Sister…”
“Yes, yes.”
Belia hugged Cloze, patting her back. She felt on the verge of tears herself.
“I missed you.”
“Me too.”
Although they often exchanged letters, meeting in person was far more joyful.
“Belia, it’s been a while.”
While greeting Cloze warmly, Herald approached.
“Brother, how have you been?”
“I’ve been well.”
Herald, glancing at Belia, smiled with relief.
“You look well.”
Belia grinned, thinking that if they knew how attentively she had been cared for here, they might faint from shock.
Perhaps Herald and Cloze would even grumble that they had suffered more. The thought alone made Belia’s eyes curve into a crescent.
“Welcome to the Empire.”
Now, the wedding was truly just around the corner.
