Chapter 92

A long procession appeared at the entrance of the hot spring resort.

At the vanguard was a group of cavalry bearing a crest. Their armor gleamed dully under the sunlight, and their movements were without disarray.

Following them were standard-bearers, messengers, and retainers. The ordered ranks gave off a sense of unified will just by advancing.

Behind them trailed a line of carriages. Large, heavy chassis. The decorations were not excessive, but the difference in the quality of the wood and metal fittings used could be seen even from afar.

Escort knights secured the left and right, and further outside, soldiers surrounded them.

Wagons followed as well. Wardrobes, tableware, bedding, books, medicines—it was as if the court of an entire nation had mobilized just like that.

“…There must be no less than a hundred.”

I muttered softly.

It was not intimidation. But they were demonstrating power. Is this the state of a Great Nation?

Eventually, one carriage gently pulled forward. Its design was slightly more refined than the others, but there was no excessive decoration.

The door opened, and a retainer quietly stepped back one pace. Princess Elysia revealed her figure.

Her trailing dress had a subdued hue, yet swayed softly depending on the light. An attire without waste. However, it could be seen that each and every piece of it had been carefully selected.

She glanced at her surroundings and walked toward me.

Her stride was constant, her gaze unwavering, yet there was no intimidation. People’s eyes naturally gathered on her.

…I see.

I stepped forward one pace. I measured the distance, and stopped.

Princess Elysia’s eyes wavered slightly. Her princess-like smile was a little softer than before.

“I express my deep gratitude for your reception of our party this time.”

Her voice was quiet, yet carried well. Her choice of words, the way she took her pauses, everything was refined.

It followed formalities, but it was not merely form; it was flowing.

I gave a light nod and responded.

“Thank you for the trouble of traveling this long distance. If we were able to welcome you without a hitch, that is better than anything.”

I returned words without excess or deficiency. The Princess, without breaking her smile, continued just like that.

“The reputation of this land has already reached our nation as well. I am honored to be able to see it in person.”

I answered shortly.

“…If you look, you will likely understand.”

For a brief moment, we looked at each other.

The Princess bowed quietly.

“Then, for our brief stay, I will be in your care.”

“The pleasure is mine.”

Everyone present understood. This was not a mere visit, but a face-to-face meeting holding meaning for both sides.

Princess Elysia’s party was welcomed straight into the medical university.

People were already lined up in front of the main gate. The university president at the head, professors, clergy, and the influential figures of this land. Their clothing differed respectively. But everyone was in formal attire.

The gates opened, and the Princess slowly advanced. As if matching her steps, the center of the line quietly opened up.

The university president stepped forward one pace. He was an older man. He sported a well-groomed beard mixed with white hair, and wore a deep-colored cloak. His back was not bent, presenting the figure of one who had accumulated learning over a long time.

“We are all deeply honored that you have traveled this long distance to come to this land.”

The slow classical language spread heavily through the area.

Following that, a short congratulatory address was stated. The development of this land, the significance of learning, and gratitude for the royal family’s patronage. Words conforming to formality. But they were not light.

The Princess quietly received them and pulled her chin back slightly.

“I have heard that the learning in this land is saving many people. I am proud to be able to confirm that work with my own eyes.”

Her words were concise, but sufficient.

The university president bowed deeply. Following his example, the professors also lowered their heads.

The royal family and learning, their mutual authorities intersected here.

Eventually, the Princess headed to the chapel as she was guided.

A small stone-built space. The polished floor and arranged altar maintained a quiet solemnity. The lit candle flames flickered.

The Princess approached and knelt. The maids, the knights, no one uttered a word.

Only the time of prayer flowed.

…It was a short one.

Even so, to show respect to God and acknowledge the activities of this land. That holds meaning beyond words.

The Princess, having stood up, quietly crossed herself.

And then outside once again.

The next place she was guided to was a lecture hall. A hall surrounded by stone walls, tiered seating, and in the center, a desk with books placed upon it.

A lecture had already begun. The students stood up in unison. There was no stir. There was only a taut air. The professor bowed and said:

“We would like you to observe a normal lecture.”

The Princess nodded.

“Please continue.”

Short, just that.

The professor turned back around and began to speak. Records of illnesses, case studies, treatments. The words were esoteric, yet somehow organized.

The Princess’s gaze moved slightly. The hands of the students taking notes, the records placed on the desks.

When the lecture ended, the Princess slowly stepped forward one pace. She gently placed her hand on the book on the desk.

“Is this… all being recorded?”

The university president answered.

“Yes. Including failures, all of it.”

A moment of silence. The Princess received those words. Her breathing became shallow.

“…That becomes power, doesn’t it.”

She said so softly. Not directed at anyone in particular. But everyone present understood the meaning.

The inspection continued. To the archives, the treatment rooms, and to the actual patients.

But at this point, everyone felt that it would not end as a mere formality.

Elysia’s Perspective

Guided to her prepared room, Princess Elysia finally let out a breath.

Over a year since she parted with Prince Leonhart. That much time had passed.

“…He hasn’t changed, has he.”

She muttered softly, in a voice no one could hear. Quiet, unshakeable, eyes looking only at what is necessary.

The man she faced again today had not changed one bit.

…No. It’s not that he hasn’t changed.

“…He has become, larger.”

The words spilled out absently.

Turning her gaze outside the window, she could see the flow of people. Pilgrims, those harboring illnesses, merchants, attendants—there was a stir, but no chaos.

“…He did this, in one year…?”

Hard to believe, but it is reality.

She had heard. She had read the reports. Even so, seeing it in person was entirely different.

“…He is creating a flow.”

Such words naturally floated up.

Deep inside her chest carried a slight heat. The scene from the lecture revived in the back of her mind. Organized words, records, accumulated knowledge. The students’ hands did not stop, and there was no hesitation in the professor’s voice.

“…It is wonderful.”

This time, she voiced it clearly. That is not mere knowledge. They are giving it shape, leaving it behind, and passing it to the next. Not even our country is this thorough.

“To think he could do this in such a short period…”

An admiration akin to exasperation mixed in quietly. Just what, and how far, is that person seeing?

Suddenly, she remembers.

That moment their gazes met, the voice that merely said, “If you look, you will likely understand.” It was truly exactly as he said.

She slowly let out a breath. As if arranging the things deep in her chest.

…I am no match for him, am I.

She admits it softly. Even so.

Her fingertips touch the pendant at her chest. The stone, catching the faint light, was the same color as her eyes.

“It is the gemstone that suits Princess Elysia best.”

The words of her former maid.

…Why did he choose this?

Just a tiny bit, strength entered her fingertips.