chapter 8

What do the people of Ursla want from me?!

"Do you want me to drive them away?"  Henry asked

I shook my head. I will face them. I thanked and apologized to the staff because of the inconvenience that the crowd caused.

Henry instructed me to walk behind him. When he opened the door, a group of people gathered outside the boulangerie kneeled and bowed before him.

Hold on a second. The novel indicates that the people of Ursla didn't show respect towards the Emperor. Many men were executed because of treason. People here are always doing mass demonstrations whenever the members of the Imperial family are around.

Hmmm. This novel was told in Cassiopeia's perspective so there might be inaccuracies when it comes to other details. She hasn't visited Ursla too so I'm clueless now. Never mind. There are kids and mothers carrying their babies so I guess they are just curious to see me.

"Tell me, what is the meaning of this commotion?!" Henry demanded

"You're Highness, We want to apologize for disturbing your precious time. The people of Ursla wanted to thank Lady Falsen for saving our lives. Please allow us Your Highness" 

"Chichi, don't worry they won't harm you"

This man! How dare he call me Chichi in front of his subordinates! Is this guy testing my patience?!

"Miss Valeria, I know this gift is nothing compared to the expensive gifts that you have received before but I'd like to personally thank you for saving my wife and my babies in the brink of death. If you didn't discover, the poisonous cosmetic products and toys, I think I became crazy because of their loss" a man in his 30's handed me a purple silk ribbon.

George announced that people who just wanted to hand their gifts could just put them in the horse wagon beside him. I also ordered him to tell the boulangerie owner to provide bread for all the people who spent their fortune in buying presents for me.

Children started to approach me as well. They gave accessories made out of flowers. From flower crowns, rings and necklaces they have it all. It reminds me of my trip to Hawaii when a hotel staff gave me lei upon my arrival.

Other kids gave me their artworks. These are cute. I truly appreciated it. However...

WHY ARE THESE DEPICTING ME AND HENRY AS A COUPLE?!

First picture: Me and Henry holding hands in a sunflower field.

Second picture: A 4 panel comic telling a story of how did Henry saved me from a dragon. The kid who drew this enthusiastically narrated the story to us. He even acted it out with matching sound effects.

Third picture: Me and Henry kissing under an oak tree.

Their imagination is really something. I was about to head inside the carriage when an idea struck me.

There is a tradition in Veluven where women can give blessings to children. Nobilities used this tradition as another excuse to brag about how many blessings their child got or who is the prominent person who gave them a blessing. But for commoners, they keep it low-key. They care more about the sincerity of the person.

I ordered all the mothers who are carrying their babies and even the kids to form a horizontal line. I touched their foreheads one by one, closed my eyes, and prayed :

" May God show  favor to these children and be gracious to them"  

When I opened my eyes, the mothers were in tears. I think it is really a big deal to receive a blessing from a noblewoman.

"All Hail the second Prince and Lady Falsen!" 

Although I received praise from these people, I was wondering if I deserve this. I'm not the great lady they think of.

Callista always seeks my advice when it comes to writing. I am the one who suggested that Henry must get "the cursed district" so he will have an interesting character background. I also told my best friend to make Ursla a barren and poor land.

This is also the reason why I don't want Henry to know that he is one of my characters in my best friend’s novel.

When I went to Ursla, I realized that I had messed up. I saw before my eyes how impoverished people are. From dilapidated buildings, streets which look like patchwork to people who wear old and shabby clothing. I won't forget their kindness. I will end their suffering.

"Chichi" someone's snapping his fingers in front of me

"I'm sorry Your Highness, what is it?"

I was deeply absorbed in my thoughts again.

"Is this enough?" he pointed at the mountain of mica sheets in his basement.

"Yes Your Highness, These are more than enough" I replied

"Is it true that you are planning to share 30% of your profits to Ursla?" Henry asked

"Yes Your Highness, I want to make it 50% but Father didn't agree with me"

"You're a kindhearted person Chichi"

I shook my head upon hearing his statement "No, I'm not. I'm just doing what I think is right (because I'm the cause of all your miseries) "

"You're Highness, may you please grant another wish?" I requested

"Go ahead"

"Could you please propose a law that prohibits the children from mining mica, diamonds, or anything that will put their life at risk? In my world, mining this mineral was the cause of the death of many children. They're so poor that the only way for them to have food in their dining table is by running the chance and go to the caves. I don't want to make something horrible in return for a profit" I explained

"Rest assured that I will relay it to the Emperor"

After the conversation, we had a nice meal. I even burped in front of a Prince. Dang! Eschia you ate too much! I can't help it, the food seduced me.

Because of the embarrassment, I told him that I want to take a bath which I really did because I felt so icky and glittery bits from the mica transferred to my body.

Now that I feel refreshed, I took a stroll outside Henry's manor. I was surprised to perennial plants with bright yellow flowers in his garden.

"It seems that you're really interested in plants"

"Yes, You're Highness, I was surprised to see them here. In my world, we call these Angelita Daisies. My grandmother planted these in her ba-g-garden! Yellow flowers make her happy plus, it can withstand sub-freezing temperatures and tolerates punishing heat"

Whew! I was confused for a moment there. I'm more comfortable in speaking American English than British English. I was about to say backyard when the term that they use here is the garden.

"We also call it Angelita Daisies" he replied

"May I ask a question, Your Highness?" I uttered

"Of course, If it is you, it will be fine"

I breathe in. This may sound too personal but I want to know how did he face the challenge.

"This may be too personal but why did you decide to manage Ursla? The former princes avoided this district because this is a slum area. Didn't you feel bad? "  after I said that I looked down.

He held my hand and asked, "It was a long story but will you listen?"