The next day they left. All men abled to go to war proudly geared up and left to fight for their land. And i along with every women was left to prey for their safe returns. I haven't been sleeping much lately, two months already in and we are already facing problems. Other than managing our own estate, the common folks came to me for help. With the refugees who lost their homes in the war coming in, our Empire was getting too overcrowded.
With now scarcity of food, drinks and clothes and not to mention our lack of money everyone was desperate for a solution. What was the Palace doing? And also the Church. They've been quiet for a while neglecting the people's cries. What was she doing?
I assured the people i would talk to the Crown Princess. With the Emperor in bed rest and His Highness fighting for war she was the hope for all. At such times she was the one we all looked up to and yet she's nowhere to be seen.
Does she not know that if we don't prepare more food our husbands and men will starve? Reluctantly I took the time to visit our Crown Princess. This was the first time I have ever seen inside the palace, other than the throne room i have never been anywhere.
As expected there are many luxurious items as I walked past the many paintings my heart began beating fast. I was somewhat nervous for what reasons I don't know.
As the palace maids led me to the Crown Princess, i couldn't help but wonder what she was doing at this time. When the door opened there she was, holding his son and singing a lullaby with a smile. If this was any other time the sight would be lovely but all I could think was how can you smile like that when people are suffering.
"Ah Duchess Vivian Casara, welcome." She said.
Clearly that was an attack right? I no longer bear the Casara name, I took my husband's name and yet why was she calling me that. Perhaps it was a mistake afterall our Crown Princess was known for her sweet and kind nature loved by all.
"Your Highness" I bowed. Her smile was beautiful, so much more than mine. I agree, my husband, i get why you love her. "Your Highness, the people are struggling we need some help from the palace..." I started speaking but she cut me off, " Duchess, we've already given out as much money as we can. All that's left is to hope for the better." She said.
"What? But Your Highness money is important yes but right now we need solutions, the farmers are having trouble with the crops and the people from the slums plus those coming in are dying due to the cold. The Church won't open up either."
"Duchess, we've done all we can from our side. I'm sure the Church is also facing problems of their own and that's why they couldn't help them so I advise that you end this discussion." She said.
I was dumbfounded. Was this our Crown Princess? The one who was kind even to ants right now is leaving people to die. And just like that I was thrown out. What now? Do we just let the people starve and due? I don't know. There's too many problems.
In the end I sat back in the office and did my work. My mind began to wonder what would my husband do? Even that didn't work. I was left to solve everything on my own. The other nobles have fled after the execution of Viscount Reddy. It turned out he was the traitor and was feeding information to the other side. My husband stormed his place and killed him. How unlucky to die by his hands.
"My Lady" Heinz called me. I quickly snapped back and looked at him. "There are people wishing to see you." He said.
Ah the people, they're the ones who sent me to the palace but what can I do now. I nodded and went outside.
"My lady what did her highness say?" An old man asked. He was the representative of the farmers. I can only lie.
"Everyone Her Highness has heard the problems faced by all and is willing to think up a solution." I said. As if I could say I was thrown out. In the end I ended up lying on the spot one after another.
For the people in the slums I gave them clothes and built a large house for them to stay which gave me an idea for when the war is over, i would charge them rent for providing them a place to stay. Everyone helped with the building so it went smoothly. Our duchy opened its gates to allow more people in. This too was something I said that day when I lied. Now I was spending from my own pockets and from the Duchy. I'm sure if we go broke my husband will understand.
Retired doctors and nurses i could find were put to employment for looking after the people as most of them left to help with the war. For the food problem was another thing. Right now we could only plant winter crops and dividing these crops for both us and those at war was a huge problem. We have too many people here and there they need more food.
I was almost loosing my mind until Jared said something, "I wish we could just give them ready made food.". That's right we've been sending them 1/2 of everything carrots, potatoes, onion everything we cultivated we were sending them half for them to cook there but if we could send them already cooked food I'm sure we can save a lot.