The Villainous Lady Doesn't Speak Chapter 127

Exchange of Opportunities 5

The final destination of the inspection was the dyeing district in Duke Clark’s domain, though the itinerary was quite different from the time Riley, Clyde, and Liliana had visited. Furthermore, since Princess Edith was not originally scheduled to join them, the inspection sites were not particularly suited to a young girl’s tastes. Riley regretted not including places she might enjoy more, but his concerns were unexpectedly dispelled.

"Welcome."

The person who bowed deeply with a tense expression was the abbot of a monastery located between the territories of Margrave Calvert and Duke Clark. He was young but known for his charitable spirit. Following the abbot's lead, Liliana and the others entered the monastery.

"This building we are currently in is the infirmary. We provide medical care for the common folk and also take care of the elderly who have no family."

The infirmary was a facility offering free medical treatment to the people, and recently, many monasteries had started incorporating such services. However, few facilities extended their care to the elderly as well. Only a limited number of people could fund the operation of these monasteries. Most of their funds came from donations by nobles or wealthy merchants, while any shortfall was made up by selling specialty products such as beer or wine. Most monasteries did not generate enough income to afford caring for the elderly, and yet this infirmary was housed in an impressive building.

"The building you see on the left is where the monks live and study. Orphaned children also reside there. The building on the right is used for brewing wine, which, without, this monastery could not sustain itself—"

Each of the buildings on the vast property was harmoniously integrated and beautiful. If one looked closely, they could spot monks here and there near the left building.

As Liliana and the others listened intently to the explanations while touring the facility, Princess Edith suddenly stopped in the hallway.

"Oh my, how beautiful! What is this?"

With great curiosity, she gazed up at a large piece of fabric hanging on the wall. But it wasn’t just any fabric—it was a patchwork of many sewn-together scraps. The abbot, following the princess’s gaze, allowed a small, genuine smile to slip through his previously tense demeanor.

"That is a patchwork, a craft taught to us by someone who once resided in the monastery in Margrave Calvert’s territory. Originally, it was something the common folk started as a way to make use of leftover fabric scraps when making clothes. Although it’s time-consuming, it can result in intricate and beautiful designs if made from small pieces. It’s so well-received that we believe patchwork may one day help support our monastery, just like our wine."

In other words, the abbot intended to sell the patchwork, just as they did with wine, to generate funds. Indeed, the patchwork hanging on the hallway wall was too beautiful to be dismissed as merely a collection of sewn-together fabric scraps.

"It’s truly a work of art."

Riley murmured, impressed. Hearing his words, the abbot smiled gratefully.

"Such praise is too kind, Your Highness. If I were to convey your words to the one who taught us the craft, they would be overjoyed beyond measure."

"Talented individuals are the lifeblood of institutions like this monastery."

Riley concluded warmly, prompting the abbot to bow deeply. While Princess Edith had shown little interest in their conversation, her eyes suddenly lit up with an idea, and she stepped closer to the abbot. The guards, sensing a change, tensed slightly, but the princess seemed unfazed.

"I’d love to see how this fabric is sewn! May I, Brother?"

"Edith, that’s not something I can decide. I don’t even know if they’re working on it at the moment."

The princess eagerly asked Prince Roland, but he only smiled wryly as he glanced at the abbot. If no one was currently working, it would be unreasonable to make the staff drop their usual duties to indulge the princess's whim. The abbot, sensing this, appeared momentarily flustered by the sudden request but then quickly obliged.

"Of course, that would be no problem. However, the workspace is quite small and not particularly tidy. It tends to be littered with fabric scraps and thread."

"That’s fine."

Prince Roland nodded magnanimously, though the abbot still appeared concerned. The idea of "messy" held vastly different meanings for royals compared to commoners. Even if they said they didn’t mind, there was always a risk that the royal visitors could become displeased upon seeing the actual conditions, which could lead to punishment. Hence, the abbot hesitated at first and was now subtly seeking reassurance from the prince.

"Understood. However, many of the workers have little education. There’s a chance they may inadvertently show disrespect, so I must ask that you observe from outside without entering or interacting with them."

"Oh, really? But aren’t they poor, unfortunate people? Wouldn’t it be kinder for us to speak with them?"

While the abbot had initially agreed, he added the condition that they could only observe from outside and not speak to the workers, a stipulation that left the princess pouting in dissatisfaction. Prince Roland said nothing. Liliana narrowed her eyes slightly as she observed Riley, who stood beside her. He wore a troubled frown.

Riley had visited monasteries before for inspections, but all such visits were strictly scheduled, with limited interaction and only with carefully selected individuals. He had met orphaned children raised by the monastery, but each visit involved meeting just two or three children who had undergone background checks and interviews to ensure they were deemed "fit" to meet the Crown Prince. In other words, Riley had never had any real interaction with the majority of the people who lived in these institutions. The same was true in the Empire, though Princess Edith was clearly unaware of this fact.

Riley, however, was keenly aware of it. And at this moment, he was the only one who could stop Princess Edith. Prince Roland had no intention of reprimanding his sister, and Liliana, for her part, was meant to remain silent.

"Will"

Lilliana called out to Riley. He almost turned to face her but realized it would be unnatural, so he simply moved closer while keeping his gaze ahead.

"Please advise Princess Edith. It is dangerous to have the royalty meet those individuals without confirming their backgrounds or temperaments beforehand."

Riley gave a small nod, as if agreeing, then called out, “Princess Edith.” The princess, still looking dissatisfied with her puffed-up cheeks and sparkling eyes, couldn’t resist muttering, “I’ve told you to call me Edy.” Riley, however, deftly brushed off her complaint with a soft chuckle.

“As someone responsible for ensuring the safe conclusion of this trip, I must insist. While your kind intentions will surely bring joy to the people, given the concerns about security, let us heed the abbot’s suggestion and observe from a distance this time.”

Princess Edith blinked in surprise, clearly mulling over his words, before turning a questioning gaze toward Prince Roland. He simply shrugged slightly in response.

“He’s saying it’s dangerous, Edy. Best to listen.”

“What? Why is it dangerous?”

She furrowed her brows, looking puzzled, but the prince showed no sign of offering further explanation.

“I know you mean well, but no means no. Just listen, Edy.”

Gently scolded by her brother, Edith eventually nodded, her eyes glistening with disappointment. Roland softly patted her head, while Lilliana stifled a sigh. An awkward silence settled over them, but Riley broke it by speaking in a slightly brighter tone, addressing the abbot.

“Abbot, I know it’s inconvenient, but could we trouble you for a tour?”

“Of course.”

With that, the abbot led them toward the building on the right. Passing the winemaking facility, they reached a small, cramped space at the far end. Prince Roland and Princess Edith hesitated, momentarily recoiling from the musty odor and gloomy atmosphere. Riley, while slightly surprised, didn’t show it, and Lilliana remained composed. The abbot didn’t open the main door to the workshop, instead leading them through a small side door into a garden, from which they could peer through a small window.

“This is our workshop. Those unable to work in the winemaking process—either due to injuries or lack of strength—are thrilled to have found something they can do, thanks to patchwork.”

After confirming it was safe, Prince Roland peeked through the small window. He gasped softly and stared inside for a while, before eventually stepping back, looking slightly pale. Next was Princess Edith, who reacted similarly. Riley and Lilliana followed.

The room inside was dark and oppressive. Perhaps to save on candles, there was only a dim light illuminating the space, where people huddled together, engrossed in their work. Their robes were old and tattered, and some had visible disabilities, such as missing limbs or eyes.

Riley had encountered people like this before, and Lilliana, thanks to her memories from a past life, wasn’t particularly shaken either. However, for Prince Roland and Princess Edith, the sight was clearly shocking. Though they both remained silent, trying not to betray their emotions, their faces had turned pale.

The abbot, after a brief glance at the prince and princess, shifted his gaze to Riley and Lilliana, his expression softening slightly when he noticed how composed they were.

“We have been taught, under God’s guidance, to extend our helping hands to all, regardless of who they are. For Your Highnesses to show interest in the lives of the common folk is truly a divine revelation. This will be remembered as a source of great joy for us.”

Afterwards, they toured the infirmary and listened to the abbot’s explanations before finally leaving the monastery. Although Princess Edith seemed gloomy right after seeing the workshop, by the time they arrived at the lord’s manor and were treated to a banquet, her mood had visibly improved.

*****

That night, they stayed at the residence of the High Priest, who governed a territory further beyond the monastery they had visited. The pastoral landscape stretched out peacefully in all directions. However, the High Priest was clearly eager to impress, given the royal and noble guests staying under his roof. As they sat before the lavish dinner prepared for them, Lilliana found herself gazing distantly. She wasn’t particularly in the mood for a large meal after such an exhausting day, but she couldn’t refuse and quietly took her seat.

Meanwhile, Princess Edith, who had regained her energy, excitedly inquired about the dish she had taken a liking to.

“Oh my, this is delicious! What is it?”

“It is a pie made with suckling pig. It contains apples, figs, raisins, and plums, which is likely why it tastes sweet.”

“That's why it's sweet! I didn’t expect there to be fruit in it.”

The princess’s eyes widened in surprise. Some of the dishes served were unfamiliar to them, while even the familiar ones had unique twists. It was evident that the High Priest had gone to great lengths to prepare the dinner. Once the four of them had finished their meal, Riley turned to address the High Priest on behalf of the group.

“Thank you for going to such lengths, even though we made such sudden requests.”

“Your words are too kind, truly.”

The High Priest bowed his head humbly, though his face showed a hint of pride. Riley smiled and continued.

“We usually spend time conversing after dinner—Prince Roland, Princess Edith, my fiancée, Lady Lilliana, and I. Would it be possible for us to borrow a drawing room?”

“Of course, by all means.”

The High Priest agreed readily.

It had already been about a week since the start of their inspection tour, and the custom of gathering after dinner for a discussion had become routine. Naturally, it wasn’t just idle chatter. The discussions served as a way to exchange information and ideas on that day’s observations and to plan for future inspections. Given their positions, they couldn’t afford to waste their time on trivial matters.

However, it seemed fatigue was starting to catch up with Princess Edith, who soon claimed tiredness and retired to her room early. Despite regaining her energy during dinner, it was clear that her real reason was likely her disinterest in the discussions she didn’t fully understand.

As she left, Edith cast a reproachful glance at Lilliana, but Lilliana pretended not to notice. Princess Edith had no way of knowing whether Lilliana, who couldn’t speak, actually understood the conversations between Riley and Prince Roland. Because of that, Edith likely assumed Lilliana was just as confused as she was, and probably concluded that the only reason Lilliana remained present was because Riley was there. Regardless, Lilliana had no intention of correcting that misunderstanding.

With Princess Edith gone, Prince Roland, Riley, and Lilliana moved to the drawing room, where tea was promptly served. Riley asked if the High Priest would like to join them, but he respectfully declined, likely feeling it inappropriate to intrude among royalty, nobility, and the fiancée of a Grand Duke’s heir. He left the room, saying they should call on him if needed.

Once the room was reduced to only a few guards and the three of them, they finally began their discussion.

“Next up is the Dyeing Special District, right? That would be in Duke Clarke’s territory, wouldn’t it?” Prince Roland asked, turning his gaze to Lilliana. She smiled and nodded, to which the prince snorted softly.

“Crimson dye, huh? If only our kingdom could breed cochineal insects ourselves… But unlike the kingdom, the empire doesn't rely on imports from other nations.”

“Yes, the kingdom suffers a disadvantage due to the double tariffs it incurs,” Riley responded gently. The Yunatian Empire only had to pay tariffs when importing from southern countries, but the kingdom had to pay additional taxes to the empire. Naturally, this made cochineal insects much more expensive in the kingdom.

Prince Roland nodded, a sly grin spreading across his face.

“Of course, climate and geography are crucial for breeding cochineal. But rather than that… today’s patchwork seems more feasible for us to adopt.”

“I agree. It’s innovative and might become quite popular with the ladies of high society.”

Their conversation continued smoothly, focusing on future plans and reflections on the day’s inspection. After some time, there was a quiet knock at the door. When Riley gave permission, a civil servant from the kingdom of Slyvagrande, who had accompanied them on this tour, peeked inside. It seemed he had something to discuss with Riley. Tilting his head in curiosity, Riley apologized to Prince Roland and Lilliana before excusing himself from the room. Lilliana assumed it was likely something related to their upcoming schedule.

As soon as Riley left, Prince Roland turned to Lilliana, calling her name in a serious tone. When she looked at him, their eyes met, and he lowered his voice.

“I have a favor to ask,” he said. Seeing Lilliana tilt her head, he continued, speaking evenly.

“The Crown Prince calls you his fiancée, but in reality, you're just a candidate, aren’t you? And Duke Clarke opposes your engagement to the prince. He’s concerned about the future of the kingdom. So…”

––Step down and give Edith the spot.

The request, spoken so smoothly, was exactly what Lilliana had expected.

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ToC

Chapter 128