Chapter 139: The Beginning of a Maiden’s Fall (53/140)

Winnie’s condition showed a marked improvement, and upon hearing the news, Hill Yu and the others came rushing in.

They were instantly overjoyed.

“This way, Imperial Younger Sister, your crime is a bit lighter now.”

Hill Yu had a smile on her face.

“You make it sound like I’m some unforgivable sinner.”

Willis pouted.

“But it’s all thanks to Becky. Just as I thought, her singing really has healing power.”

Willis was very happy. Today felt like finding a treasure just by stepping outside.

Ever since Grandpa arrived, has she been getting luckier?

Willis wondered if she should send a pigeon letter to call Grandpa, who had already left halfway, to come back.?

Not to mention the Space Stone and ring and all that—

Even if he could bring her good fortune and talent, it would be nice!

“Achoo!”

Far down the road, Sylvester sneezed.

“Headmaster, have you caught a cold?”

The coachman asked.

“It’s nothing. Speed up. The farther from Ushi City, the better!”

The old man sighed softly.

“Probably that brat thinking about what little family fortune I have left again.”

He muttered.

Upon hearing that Becky was the one responsible, Hill Yu and Ofilia were equally surprised.

As for Becky herself, she wore a shy smile.

“I… Someone like me, being able to help Her Highness, to help others… It’s, it’s my honor.”

***

Evening.

“Today, 13,127 civilians have been registered, and nearly 30,000 jin of relief grain distributed…”

“Among these, nearly 7,000 families have miners working, so 1.4 million Silver Dragons were distributed…”

“And in 5,000 families, relatives died in the mines, so close to 500,000 Silver Dragons were given…”

Anne read off today’s recorded statistics to Willis.

Beside her, Ofilia, wearing the Collar of Magic Suppression, obediently massaged Willis’s shoulders.

On the other side stood a girl wearing the Jade Fox Mask.

Anne knew that was the one called Becky.

“Mm, not a bad day’s results.”

Outside, the shouts of civilians crying with excitement and shouting ‘Long live the Lord, long live Her Highness’ could be heard.

Willis was naturally very satisfied.

However, she had no intention of going out again today.

Because those civilians came to the Castle Lord’s Mansion one after another, kneeling on the ground, weeping and shouting.

Willis did not order anyone to stop them, but she also forbade anyone from staying too long.

“Next is the most important population census, and registering all useful talents!”

Willis looked at Hill Yu.

“Sister, I’ll leave this to you all.”

“From masons, to carpenters, blacksmiths, artisans… Anyone with a skill, record them house by house.”

At her words, Hill Yu nodded.

“Rest assured, the City Defense Army, Tiger Battalion, and Shadow Horse Battalion can cooperate…”

“We’ll start from the outermost commercial Trade Long Street and gradually tighten the circle.”

“It won’t take long to complete the first population census.”

Hill Yu also understood the meaning behind such actions.

It not only strengthened the Castle Lord’s Mansion’s control over all of Ushi City, but also gave Willis confidence in her heart.

In future planning, she would have a basis to work from.

It also helped identify talented people among the civilians.

What Willis lacked most now was talent.

Whether for managing mines, organizing the army, or developing the economy, agriculture, and industry

And most importantly, the mines and associated industries.

So many things!

All required talented people!

Aside from that, the entire social, cultural, and sanitary environment of Ushi City also fell under Willis’s governance.

But for now, she hadn’t decided what needed urgent attention and what could wait.

Those decisions had to be made by her.

“Anything else? I’m done reporting, so I’m going to rest.”

Before leaving, Anne gave a little humph at Willis.

Willis was puzzled.

She looked at Ofilia.

“What’s wrong with her?”

“Earlier, someone outside was making a fuss, saying, .”

Ofilia explained dully.

“Then Miss Anne argued with them and even started a fight…”

“Uh…”

Willis felt that Anne’s anger might not have been about that.

After dinner, Ofilia, Anne, and Hill Yu went back out to continue overseeing the population registration—

As well as the distribution of relief and compensation funds.

To prevent further trouble.

As Willis’s most trusted people, they had to go watch over things personally.

Willis herself followed Nidnia, Borden, and the others, spreading her ideal of everywhere.

“Don’t fear pain, don’t fear hardship! My people!”

“Now that Ushi City is finally stable, so that everyone can have a good life and a bright future—”

“We must work hard and with steadfast spirit to build and create!”

“My people! Are you willing!? Are you willing to follow me, to raise your blades against those demons who stole everything from us, and take back what rightfully belongs to us!?”

Then came the deafening cries.

“We are willing! We swear to follow Her Highness to the death!”

Nidnia and Borden, standing nearby, felt their blood surge.

“Indeed, choosing Little Wei was the right decision. This day has finally come!”

“She will surely lead us to a bright future!”

Nidnia was overjoyed in her heart, just like Borden beside her.

Looking at the Imperial Princess gathered under the Illumination Spell, even in the darkness, she shone like the sun!

“Swear to follow Her Highness to the death!”

Nidnia and Borden shouted until their throats went hoarse, while the dense crowd of civilians beside them became even more frenzied.

When had they ever been cared for by an Imperial Princess herself?

Everything Willis did today, and everything she would do in the future, gave them dreams and hope.

At this moment, she truly became one with the people!

Constantly consolidating her position and image in their hearts!

Only Victoria watched with a complicated expression.

Late at night, after returning to the Castle Lord’s Mansion, Willis collapsed tiredly into Ofilia’s arms.

“Massage me…”

“Yes, Master!”

Ofilia obeyed, gently reaching out to massage her.

Willis kissed her now and then, making Ofilia blush and shy away.

Occasionally, when she couldn’t stand it, she’d apply more force and even scold her.

“Take off this collar.”

Willis reached out, a small magic circle appearing as she removed the Collar of Magic Suppression from Ofilia.

The golden-haired girl froze, her eyes growing moist.

“What’s wrong? Can’t bear to part with it?”

“N-no…”

Ofilia sniffed.

“Um… Master, I…”

“I want to keep learning magic. Is that okay?”

“Of course.”

Willis smiled.

“Anytime you want. As long as you follow me, any magic in the Empire’s Magic Archive is yours to study!”

“Thank you…”

Getting what she wanted, Ofilia burst into tears with a smile.

“Still saying thanks to me?”

Willis patted her chest.

“Be more careful next time.”

“Yes, I understand, Master.”

“This is the most sincere ‘Master’ I’ve heard in days.”

Willis closed her eyes, then asked again.

“If you had the chance, would you still want to escape?”

Her body stiffened, and Ofilia became flustered, as if her heart was being seen through.

“I… I… I don’t dare…”

“So it’s only not daring, not not wanting?”

Willis sighed and said no more.

At that moment, seeing the lonely expression on Willis’s face, Ofilia felt a sudden ache in her chest.

If she were gone, would no one be left for her…?

The strong Imperial Princess, now silently showing her vulnerability, made Ofilia feel lost.

Where would she even go if she left her?

Back to the family that sold her?

Or abandon everything and start over with a new name?

“Master…”

Ofilia called softly, but Willis seemed to have fallen asleep.

That beautiful face, now without the hard aura of an Imperial Princess, appeared so delicate and gentle.

It tugged at the heartstrings.

Ofilia couldn’t help but stare.