I'm selling medicine, what about it?

Two weeks had passed since the opening of the chicken shop, and it had already become a popular establishment in the kingdom. 

Seraphina had managed to gain a loyal following, with her fried chicken being a hit among the common folk and nobles alike. 

Thanks to Lady Argi's efforts in supplying ingredients and keeping the shop running smoothly, they had seen business soar. 

Even the medicine sales were growing, with people from neighboring countries coming to buy the carefully crafted products. 

Seraphina had officially become a force to be reckoned with, but not all of the kingdom's elite were as pleased with her success.

The royal court was in an uproar as Seraphina stood at the center of the marble hall, her expression calm despite the pressure. 

Today, she was here not as a princess, but as a businesswoman, and in the eyes of the court, that was a very different thing.

"I don't understand why the crown princess has chosen to lower herself to such common practices," a noblewoman sneered from her seat, her tone dripping with condescension. 

"A shop for fried chicken? And selling medicine for cheap? What would people think?"

Seraphina resisted the urge to roll her eyes. 

She had heard this argument before, and it never seemed to get any more original. 

The noblewoman, Lady Vivienne, was notorious for her disdain for anything that didn't fit the traditional mold of nobility. 

Seraphina couldn't care less about her opinion.

"Lady Vivienne," Seraphina began, her voice smooth and composed. 

"I'm doing what any responsible leader should do, taking care of my people. The shop provides not only food but also jobs"

"The medicine I've created has saved lives, and if the common folk appreciate my efforts, then I'm doing something right"

A murmur of agreement rippled through the court, though there were still some disapproving glances. 

The king, who had been silent up until now, finally spoke, his voice firm.

"I am aware of the crown princess's... unconventional methods," he began, his gaze heavy on Seraphina. 

"But her efforts have indeed yielded results. The chicken shop is proving popular, and the medicine sales have been profitable"

"She may not be following tradition, but she's achieving something no one else has"

The murmurs quieted. 

Seraphina had to admit that her father's words carried weight, he was the king, after all. 

But she also knew that his approval was grudging at best. 

She couldn't read his mind, but she could guess what he was thinking. 

The crown princess was straying too far from the royal image, and that made him uneasy.

Perhaps this was also another one of his techniques to lower her guard, to act as if he supported her in order to destroy whatever plan she might have.

One of the older councilmen, Lord Amara, who had been a fixture in the court for years, leaned forward. 

"What of the reports of your shop selling products to neighboring kingdoms, Your Highness? Some of the nobles there have begun to speak out, questioning the legitimacy of your business practices"

Seraphina met his gaze without hesitation. 

"The products are legitimate, Lord Amara"

"They have been inspected and tested, and they are of the highest quality. If foreign nobles are concerned, then they can take it up with me directly"

"I'm more than happy to show them the results of our work"

There was a noticeable pause, and for a brief moment, Seraphina could sense that her words were having an effect. 

But then, a voice interrupted one that always seemed to have a way of making her blood boil.

"I still don't see why this is necessary, Your Highness," Lady Verena Oakley's voice rang out across the court, dripping with false sweetness. 

"Surely a woman of your status has more important duties than running a common business. Have you no shame?"

Seraphina's fingers curled slightly into fists at her sides. 

'Me not punching you is shameful…'

Lady Verena had always been a thorn in her side, even back before Seraphina had become the villainess in the novel. 

She had never liked Seraphina, and it was clear that nothing had changed. 

But this time, she was ready.

"Shame?" 

Seraphina repeated, her tone sharp. 

"Shame for helping my people? Shame for providing them with food and medicine they desperately need?"

"You must be mistaken, Lady Verena. You see, I've come to realize that my duty as a princess is not just to sit idly by in the palace, but to do something real for my kingdom"

"If that bothers you, then perhaps you should reevaluate your priorities"

There was a collective gasp from the court. 

Seraphina's boldness was something they hadn't seen in her before. 

She had always been polite, reserved, and obedient in public. 

But this? 

This was a different Seraphina, one who wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

Lady Verena's face turned red with frustration, but she couldn't find the words to retaliate. 

Seraphina had effectively silenced her.

'That's right, keep that damn mouth shut, hehe'

The king cleared his throat. 

"Enough. I believe the crown princess has made her stance clear. There's no need to belabor the point" 

His voice held a finality that meant the discussion was over.

Seraphina straightened her back, exhaling a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

As she turned to leave, she caught the eyes of her father for just a moment. 

There was a brief flicker of something in his gaze, but it was gone too quickly for her to read. 

She didn't have time to dwell on it. 

The battle had been won, for now.

As she stepped out of the court, her heart was pounding, but she couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. 

She had stood her ground, and she was owning it like a queen.

"Still… I must inform them of what just happened"

10 Minutes Later

Seraphina had spent informing Rhea, Lady Elira, and Lady Argi entered, of the situation that happened in the court.

She was still processing the tension from the royal court, as she sat down at her vanity, running a hand through her hair. 

She stared at her reflection for a moment, the weight of her actions settling on her shoulders. 

The court had been ruthless, but she had held her ground and she wasn't about to let that moment pass without reflecting on the future.

Rhea, ever the steady presence in Seraphina's life, was the first to speak. 

"You did well today, my lady," she said gently, moving to stand by Seraphina's side. 

"I didn't think Lady Verena would have the nerve to challenge you like that"

Seraphina let out a small sigh. 

"I don't know about it well, but I did what needed to be done," she muttered, rubbing her temples. 

"The court doesn't understand what I'm trying to accomplish. They think I'm just indulging in 'common' pursuits"

"As if helping people is somehow beneath a princess"

Argi, who had been pacing near the window, paused and turned to face her. 

"Regardless it is clear that you were brilliant out there. No one could have expected you to respond like that, but you kept your composure"

"It's like they didn't know who they were dealing with"

Seraphina smirked, a glint of mischief flashing in her eyes. 

"The 'villainess' they branded as is now making a change. But, it's because of their way of thinking, that allows us to turn the situation to work in my favor"

"They underestimate me, and that's the advantage I need" 

She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. 

"I just hope the king doesn't see me as a threat. He already looks uncomfortable with my... progress"

Lady Elira, who had been silently observing, raised an eyebrow. 

"You think your father doesn't see your success as a threat? He may not show it, but he's starting to recognize that you've become someone people listen to"

"And while that may unnerve him, it can also work in your favor"

Seraphina frowned slightly, her gaze flicking to the window as the evening sun dipped below the horizon. 

"Maybe. But it's still a tightrope walk. If I push too far, too fast, I risk losing everything. I've got to be careful"

Rhea nodded. 

"You've always known how to play the long game. This is no different"

Seraphina looked at Rhea, appreciating her unwavering support. 

"True. It's just... sometimes I wish I didn't have to play this game at all. I could just... stay in my shop, sell fried chicken, and be left alone"

Argi grinned. 

"If only it were that simple, huh?"

Seraphina chuckled lightly. 

"Yeah. But what's the fun in that?"

Lady Elira's voice grew more serious as she leaned against the wall. 

"You have to remember, Seraphina, that your actions are already starting to create ripples. The people are starting to see you in a new light, both as a ruler and as a person"

"They love the medicine, the chicken, and the changes you're making. You're building something no one expected"

Seraphina met her gaze in the mirror. 

"I know, but the court still has so many eyes on me. And there are enemies out there, people who want to tear everything down before it even begins"

Argi crossed her arms. 

"And we'll deal with them. You've got us, Seraphina. Whatever comes, we'll be ready"

Seraphina smiled, grateful for her friends' loyalty. 

"I know. And I'm glad you're all here to help. I'll need all the support I can get to keep moving forward"

Rhea stepped closer, her hands gently resting on Seraphina's shoulders. 

"We're with you every step of the way, my lady. You're not alone in this"

Seraphina took a deep breath and stood from her chair, her eyes flicking to the window again. 

The light illuminated the garden outside, casting a calm glow over the palace grounds. 

"I know. And I'm not going to stop until I change things"

"Until I change her fate," she murmured, more to herself than to anyone else. 

"Just be careful," Lady Elira added, her voice filled with concern. 

"The road you're on is a dangerous one. There are those who will want to see you fail"

Seraphina turned to face them, her expression firm. 

"I've faced worse. And I won't let anyone take this from me" 

She smiled faintly, a glimmer of determination in her eyes. 

"Not when I've come this far"

Rhea gave her a knowing smile. 

"We'll help you build it, then. One step at a time"

Argi clapped her hands together. 

"And in the meantime, we'll keep those fried chicken orders coming in! We're not just changing the kingdom, we're feeding it!"

Seraphina laughed, the tension lifting from her shoulders. 

"If only I could change the court's opinion as easily as I can fry chicken, huh?"

The group shared a laugh, the mood lightening as the evening stretched on. 

Morning

The light filtered through the curtains of Seraphina's room, casting a soft glow across the polished floors and delicate tapestries. 

Seraphina was already wide awake, preparing herself for the meeting that was to come. 

Today wasn't just any ordinary day, it was the day she would face the nobles from the neighboring kingdoms who had raised concerns about her medicine.

Sitting at her vanity, Seraphina carefully combed through her hair, her mind swirling with thoughts of the upcoming discussion. 

She'd anticipated this moment for days. 

After all, her influence had been growing, and with that growth came the inevitable resistance of those who didn't like how things were changing. 

They were scared of what her work might mean, both for the kingdom's established systems and their own power.

She sighed, letting her comb fall onto the table. 

"Let's get this over with," she muttered to herself, standing up and walking toward her wardrobe. 

It wasn't just the noble resistance she was worried about, it was also the fact that the more her work gained traction, the more she felt like she was stepping into a rigged game. 

But what choice did she have? 

She couldn't back down now.

As she dressed, Rhea knocked lightly at the door, stepping in with a concerned look. 

"My lady, the meeting is soon. Do you need any assistance?"

Seraphina turned, her expression neutral but her voice laced with a touch of humor. 

"I'm fine, Rhea. I've faced worse than a room full of nobles and their complaints. Besides, I'm starting to think I'm more of a politician than a princess at this point"

Rhea smiled warmly, though there was a hint of worry in her eyes. 

"You're certainly more... experienced than most would be, my lady. Just be careful. There are those who won't hesitate to find a way to discredit you"

Seraphina nodded. 

"I know. But I'm not going down without a fight" 

She adjusted the cuffs of her dress, giving Rhea a determined look. 

"I'll face them head-on and make them understand why my medicine is necessary. I've come too far to be stopped by a few stubborn aristocrats"

Rhea gave a small bow. 

"I will stand by you, my lady. You need only ask"

"Of course," Seraphina said, turning back to the mirror. 

"I'll need your advice later, but for now, I've got to handle this myself"

As Rhea left the room, Seraphina took one last glance at herself in the mirror, and then made her way to the royal court. 

She could feel the pressure building in her chest, but there was no turning back. 

This meeting was crucial. 

If she didn't convince the nobles that her medicine was in the best interest of the people and the kingdom, then her progress could be undermined and probably stop for a while which could be a huge problem.

5 Minutes Later

The grand meeting hall was filled with noblemen and women from other kingdoms, their faces stern as they muttered among themselves. 

They came from distant lands, each one holding a vested interest in the kingdom of Lumastra and its progress or, more accurately, the success of Seraphina's recent ventures. 

There was an undercurrent of tension in the air. 

These weren't just ordinary nobles; they were part of a more intricate web of politics and business, and Seraphina knew that her rise was shaking up more than just her kingdom's internal affairs. 

As she stepped into the room, all eyes turned toward her. 

She walked to the center of the room, meeting their gazes with steady confidence. 

These were not just the traditional nobles of her land, but representatives from neighboring kingdoms who had heard about her medicine and were not entirely sure whether it was a threat to their established ways of doing things. 

Her heart pounded, but her posture remained flawless, her face serene as she took her seat at the table. 

The atmosphere was stiff and formal, a far cry from the relaxed vibe of her shop, but she held her own, uncowed by their judgment. 

"The Crown Princess Seraphina Lumastra, it is an honor to have you among us," one of the nobles, a tall man with sharp features and a severe expression, began. 

"We come today with... some concerns regarding the new medical practices you've introduced. Your efforts, while ambitious, have raised questions across the lands"

"We are not opposed to progress, but the manner in which you're introducing these changes is, how do I say this… unorthodox"

Seraphina kept her expression neutral, though her mind whirred with thoughts. 

'Unorthodox? You mean 'revolutionary,' she thought, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes. 

But this was not the time for sarcasm. 

It was the time to convince them that what she was doing wasn't some fleeting trend, it was essential to the future of the kingdom and beyond. 

"Let me clarify something for you, my lord," Seraphina began, her voice steady and commanding. 

"What I am doing is not just for my kingdom, it's for the people. For too long, the common folk have suffered from preventable diseases, infections, and injuries, all because of the monopolization of medicinal resources"

"I've opened a door for them, a door that has remained shut for too long. Now, they have access to what they need to survive and thrive"

She let the words sink in, watching as the noblemen exchanged skeptical glances. 

Some seemed unsure, others resolute in their disapproval. 

She could see the doubt in their eyes, but she wasn't backing down. 

"I understand that change can be uncomfortable," she continued, leaning forward slightly, "but I am not here to disrupt your business"

"I am here to make sure that the people of all lands, whether from Lumastra or elsewhere, do not suffer from something as simple as a fever or an infected wound"

"It is not just a kindness, it's a responsibility" 

Another noble spoke up, his voice dripping with disdain. 

"And what of the established merchants and healers who rely on their profits from selling these goods? What will happen to them when the people no longer need to rely on their medicine?"

Seraphina smirked inwardly but kept her tone respectful. 

"What will happen? They'll have to adapt. Just as any other business does"

"The market is shifting, and rather than oppose it, those who are willing to innovate will thrive. The world is changing, my lady. You can either be a part of that change or be left behind"

A silence fell over the room. 

The noble who had spoken last seemed taken aback by her confident response. 

There was a subtle shift in the air as if her words had made some of them reconsider their positions.

"I assure you," she added, "I am not out to ruin anyone"

"But I won't sit idly by while people suffer. That's not the kind of ruler I will be" 

There was a pause. 

And then, much to her relief, another noble stood up, a woman from a distant kingdom who had previously been silent. 

"I must admit, Princess Seraphina, your words are convincing," she said, her voice thoughtful. 

"Perhaps we've been too hasty in our judgments. If your medicine is truly as effective as it seems, then perhaps it is worth considering the greater good"

Seraphina gave a small, but genuine, smile. 

"Thank you, my lady. That's all I ask for, an open mind"

"If you give it a chance, you'll see that this isn't just about making a profit. It's about saving lives"

The room was still, but now, a few more nobles seemed to consider the weight of her words. 

It wasn't a victory yet, but it was a step in the right direction. 

She hadn't won them all, but she had made them think and that, for now, was enough.

Later That Evening

After the meeting had concluded and the nobles had filtered out, Seraphina stood in the garden, looking out over the vast expanse of royal grounds. 

The sun had set, casting a golden hue over everything, and the cool night air helped clear her mind.

The sound of footsteps behind her caught her attention. 

Turning around, she saw Lady Elira approaching with a smile. 

"Well done today," she said, her voice light and approving. 

"You handled them well"

Seraphina let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. 

"It's not over yet. But I think I made them think. That's all I can do for now"

Elira nodded. 

"And you'll keep pushing, won't you?"

Seraphina met her gaze. 

"Of course. After all, the only way forward is to keep moving" 

As the evening grew darker, Seraphina made her way back to her chambers, the weight of the day's events slowly sinking in. 

The meeting with the nobles had been draining, but she felt like she'd made progress. 

Still, there was more to be done. 

The battle wasn't over.

She was tired, physically and mentally and so when she entered her room, Rhea was already there, waiting with a soft smile.

"My lady, I've prepared your bath," Rhea said, stepping aside to reveal the steaming tub of water.

Seraphina sighed in relief, grateful for the simple luxury. 

"Thank you, Rhea. I could use this after today. It feels like my mind won't stop racing"

Rhea nodded sympathetically. 

"It's been a long day, my lady. But you handled yourself well. The nobles may be hard to convince, but I think they've started to listen"

Seraphina stepped closer to the tub, letting the warm steam envelope her for a moment before she began to undress. 

As she settled into the water, Rhea began to gently wash her hair, her fingers working through the strands with care.

"Thank you," Seraphina murmured, leaning back and closing her eyes for a brief moment. 

The warmth of the water felt soothing, and for a second, she let herself forget about the responsibilities weighing on her shoulders. 

"You've earned this," Rhea said quietly, continuing to massage the shampoo into Seraphina's hair. 

After a pause, she added, "I also wanted to give you some advice, my lady"

Seraphina opened one eye to glance at Rhea. 

"Yes?"

"Yes," Rhea said, moving around to the side of the tub to start rinsing her hair. 

"I've noticed that you've been… holding back a bit when it comes to presenting yourself in front of others"

"You've come so far, and the people are starting to respect you, but you have to show them that you're in control"

"You mustn't let them see any doubt or weakness. It's not just about what you do, it's how you appear to others"

Seraphina frowned, leaning forward slightly. 

"What do you mean?"

Rhea smiled gently, placing a hand on Seraphina's shoulder. 

"It's about carrying yourself with confidence. When you stand before them, when you speak, you must do so with assurance"

"Not arrogance, but poise. It will help them take you seriously and follow your lead"

Seraphina thought about it for a moment. 

The advice made sense. 

She was used to being Seraphina Lumastra, the princess, the one they all expected to be composed and perfect, but in her mind, she was still Minseok Lee.

The person who had to navigate all of this. 

But perhaps Rhea was right. 

To truly change things, she needed to embrace the role fully, without hesitation.

"I see what you mean," Seraphina said, nodding slowly. 

"I've been so focused on the task at hand that I forgot how important my presence is in all of this"

Rhea gave her a soft smile. 

"Exactly. You are Seraphina Lumastra, the crown princess. The people need to see that strength, that resolve"

"You're capable, and you're more than what they expect"

Seraphina felt a sense of warmth from her words.

It wasn't just about convincing the nobles, it was about showing everyone, herself included, that she could handle the responsibility. 

She could balance both the weight of Seraphina's fate and the mission she had set for herself.

"Thank you, Rhea," Seraphina said, finally allowing herself to relax. 

"I'll keep that in mind. I need to stop doubting myself. I'm here for a reason"

Rhea nodded, her hands gently washing Seraphina's back. 

"Of course, my lady, and I know that you'll be able to make the hard choices when need be"

After a few more moments of silence, Rhea finished washing Seraphina's hair and helped her out of the tub. 

As Seraphina dried herself off, she felt the day's exhaustion leave her body. 

She was tired, yes but at least her mind was starting to get in order.

She gazed at herself in the mirror for a long moment. 

There was still much to do, and the road ahead was uncertain. 

But today had shown her that even when the path seemed unclear, the power of conviction could carve a way forward.

"I'm Seraphina Lumastra," she whispered to herself quietly, her reflection staring back at her with determination in her eyes.

And with that, she knew she would stand tall, not just for the crown, but for the people she had sworn to help.

As Rhea finished up, Seraphina turned to her, offering a small but genuine smile.

"Let's get some rest. Tomorrow is another day," she said.

Rhea gave a slight bow. 

"As you wish, my lady."

With that, Seraphina climbed into bed, the weight of the world still on her shoulders, but the fire in her heart brighter than ever. 

Every day was a new battle, a new challenge but regardless it would end the same way it always did.

With her victory of shoving the facts up the nobles asses.