Page 69 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
Right.
Of course.
Why wouldn’t you do that?
Although, seeing how much the people of Stein suffered… hanging the heads of corrupt nobility in the middle of the city didn’t seem like such a bad idea after all.
Look at that. I was fitting right in here.
Much of this society was based on medieval times, although there were a few modern conveniences… like sanitary pads for periods. Magic also filled the role of many of the technological advances I was accustomed to in my past life. Electricity was one of those things—nobles lit their homes and businesses by magic stones, and even fridges and freezers could be replicated with the right spells.
Even medicine had its variations. With divine power came the ability to heal serious wounds, so the priests and priestesses of the temple were often dispatched to war or tended to nobles, although I’d never been treated in such a manner, even after my accident.
Herbs were still the most common way to treat and heal minor ailments, and such salves and medicines were open to all. The quality varied, of course, and many commoners chose to mix their own. For those who could afford it, potions filled the gap of a lot of more powerful modern-day medicines, even down to contraceptives.
I was still trying to get my head around some of it, but I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth where contraceptives were concerned.
I bet none of these involved getting stabbed in the arm or having something shoved up through your cervix.
“I suppose that’s good, although I pity those who had to clean up the mess.” I sighed and rubbed my temples. “I’m beginning to regret taking this task on.”
“Nonsense, my lady.” Bella reached over and poured me more tea. “Even if you require assistance, your kind heart is what will make this possible.”
Sir Hayes raised his eyebrows. “She’s right, Madam. This will take many weeks, if not months, to be implemented successfully. Even the emergency fund will take us some time because there’s no framework to base it on.”
“Yes, but you’ll be back at the Grand Duke’s side when he returns. Unless you’d like to change your mind and work for me instead.”
He smiled. “I swore my sword to my lord.”
“Yes, yes.” I waved a hand. “Just find me someone suitable to help me with this.”
“Now that His Highness is returning, your aide will be quickly selected.”
The sound of a horn pierced through the air, and I jumped. Bella did the same, almost knocking a candle off the desk as she did so.
“What is that?” Bella gasped, clasping her hand to her chest.
Sir Hayes stood. “The Grand Duke is approaching the city walls. I’m afraid I must leave you, my lady.”
“Very well. Thank you for your help today, Sir Hayes.”
He bowed. “You are most welcome. Are you sure you won’t join us greeting His Highness?”
“I’m sure he’ll be busy now that he’s returned,” I said, dropping my attention back to the reports in front of me. “As am I while I draw up this emergency aid for the displaced villagers.”
As soon as he’d left, Bella picked up one of the reports, rolled it, and bonked me on the shoulder with it.
“Ow! What was that for?” I glared at her, rubbing my shoulder.
I had no idea why I did that.
It was paper.
It didn’t hurt.
“He’s your fiancé. I know better than anyone how you feel about this betrothal, and I will always be on your side, my lady. That said, you must follow basic etiquette if you’re to carry out your escape successfully.”
“I’m aware that he’ll be expecting me to greet him on his return. However, I can’t be bothered.” I took her weapon from her. “So let us compromise. Deliver this to Ark for me.”
