The days kept passing. Whenever I visited the new town, Clara was always
among the workers. The clang of hammers and saws split the air, dust and the
scent of damp timber mingling with the scorching sun. Clara moved from place to
place—stooping to inspect foundations, lifting her head to give instructions.
"This road is too narrow," I once heard her say. "If two wagons of grain
meet here, they'll block each other. Widen it by half a fathom."
The workers nodded and immediately redrew the lines with white chalk. I
stood a little farther away, pretending to study the large blueprint in
Karrel's hands, though my eyes never left her. She spoke plainly, yet everyone
obeyed. Her voice never rose, never faltered—calm, clear, and convincing.
I found myself searching for more and more excuses to come. Each time, I
lingered longer, watching her, listening, feeling something I had not felt
since Laraswati was gone.
That night in the castle, I summoned Marcel, Boris, and Cici. The chamber
glowed with candlelight, shadows stretching across the stone walls.
"I have made my decision," I said, my voice filling the room. "Clara… will
be the Queen Consort of Valoria."
Marcel nearly dropped his notebook. "Your Majesty… that is impossible
without proper stages. A commoner cannot simply become queen. The nobility will
demand an explanation."
I let out a long breath. "She is no ordinary woman. I asked Hadrick to
investigate. The grandmother she lives with—Marta—saw her tending to a ring
engraved with the mark of flowing water."
The room fell silent. Marcel stiffened. Boris held his breath. Cici lowered
her gaze, her fingers clutching at her gown.
I went on, "That is why only I and the Council of Intelligence know the
truth. And so it must remain. To the people of Valoria, she is Clara—a humble
woman. That is the best way to protect the rightful heir of Riverbend from her
enemies."
Marcel exhaled slowly before speaking again. "Then allow me to explain, Your
Majesty. A commoner may become queen, but the path requires three stages.
First, she must be granted a noble title. Second, her contributions must be
recognized by both the council and the people. And third, only then may the
royal marriage be sanctified by both religion and the nobility."
I fixed my eyes on him. "And your suggestion?"
"With her service in building the new city," Marcel replied, "grant her the
title of baroness. Baroness of this new city. From there, the path to Queen
Consort will be far easier for all to accept."
I nodded slowly. "A wise proposal. Very well, that is what we shall do. But
remember—this secret remains sealed among us. Until the time comes."
My gaze drifted toward Cici. Her face was shadowed, her eyes holding
something unspoken. I offered her a faint smile, hoping to ease her unease.
Months later, the new city was ready for inauguration. Rows of houses stood
neat, the roads were packed firm, the marketplace complete. The train station
was still under construction, but I could not wait. The peace treaty with
Solaris lasted only five years—and nearly one year had already passed. I had to
strengthen Valoria's foundations now, not later.
The square overflowed with people that day. Flags waved, drums thundered,
the crowd packed tightly into every street. Nobles stood in their cloaks, while
the council gathered to the left of the stage.
I stood upon the wooden platform, the voices of the people roaring like a
tide. I raised my hand, and the cheers slowly faded.
"Today," I declared, "we inaugurate this new city. Its name—Ciolove. A city
of cooperation, a city of hope, a city born from the hands of Valoria's own
people."
The crowd erupted once more.
"And there is one among us we cannot overlook," I continued. "Without her
mind, without her effort, this city would never have been completed. And so
today, I crown her as Baroness Clara of Ciolove."
Clara stood frozen. Marta, her grandmother, covered her face with her hands,
tears streaming freely.
I drew my sword, gently touching Clara's shoulder. "With this, you are now a
noble of Valoria. Guard this title as you guard your people."
The people roared again. The nobles whispered among themselves, but none
spoke with scorn.
Karrel looked at Clara with shining eyes. At last, her sacrifices had been
recognized. I had not been wrong to bring her into the city's design. And our
king… truly knew how to value people, no matter who they were.
Erel, Head of the Economic Council, weighed his thoughts in silence. This
city would become a new hub of trade. And elevating Clara? A shrewd move. The
people trusted her, the markets would flourish, and taxes would flow. Arthur,
you truly are a king who looks far ahead.
A senior noble stroked his beard, watching Arthur with respect. The young
man who once seized the throne now ruled without being bound by rigid
tradition. He was just, firm, yet gentle. No other king would dare raise a
commoner to nobility without losing authority. He was truly different.
Thrain folded his arms, his beard shaking as he smiled. Hmph… at last the
king listened to the stone. Clara was worthy. And Arthur… you were not merely
building a city, but a future.
I swept my gaze across the crowd until it met Thrain's. The dwarf looked
straight at me, raising both thumbs with a broad grin. No words, but I
understood: I know what you are doing, and I support you.
After the ceremony, the square emptied. Only the flags still fluttered and
dust swirled in the air. I stood before the grand house that was now mine—the
home of a baroness.
Marta gazed at me with tearful eyes. "Clara… I am happy for you. But I am
old. My old house is enough. I do not deserve to live in a noble's home."
I clasped her hand firmly. "Grandma, I cannot be alone. You have been my
family. I want you with me."
She shook her head. "That house is too grand for me."
I lowered my voice, soft and steady. "Remember, Grandma… once we sat by a
small fireplace, eating stale bread together, yet I felt warmth because you
were there. I don't want to lose that warmth. Without you, this house is
nothing but empty walls."
Marta was silent for a long time, tears falling. At last, she gave a faint
smile. "You are stubborn… very well, I will come. For the sake of your sincere
heart."
I pulled her into a tight embrace. Night fell slowly, oil lamps flickering
to life across the new city. My chest trembled as I gazed at her.
Clara… Elara… whoever I am, this path can no longer be turned back. And
perhaps, my true destiny in Valoria has only just begun.