The days that followed were a whirlwind of activity as Ash struggled to implement the small reforms he had discovered in the soap-making guide. With Sebastian's help, he set up a basic washing station in his quarters, using the instructions provided by the System. Ash was fascinated by the simple yet effective techniques.
Sebastian stood patiently as Ash practiced the soap-making process, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"You're a natural, Your Highness," Sebastian said with a smile, wiping his hands on a clean cloth. "Who would have thought that the prince would show a knack for hygiene?"
Ash chuckled, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
"We'll see how the servants react," he said, his eyes narrowing in thought.
The response from the servants was predictably hostile. They whispered among themselves, their faces twisted in disgust, as Ash demonstrated the new hand-washing protocols.
"Peasant tricks," one of them snickered, under her breath.
Ash sighed, but he refused to give up. He repeated the process several times, each time trying to persuade the servants to adopt the new ways.
However, it was the nobles who made the most of the situation. They mocked Ash's reforms, calling him "the peasant prince" and "a foolish idealist." Ash ignored their jibes, focusing on the changes he wanted to make.
Betrothal preparations continued, with the kingdom's advisors pushing for the wedding to proceed as planned. Ash was relieved when he was granted permission to meet Lyra privately, but he knew that such meetings would be closely watched.
Their second meeting took place in a quiet corner of the palace gardens, the sun casting a warm glow over the tranquil surroundings. Lyra smiled warmly as Ash approached.
"I see you've improved your language skills," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "And soap-making skills, I might add."
Ash grinned, feeling a sense of ease with Lyra that he hadn't experienced with anyone else.
"I think I'm starting to get the hang of things," he said, settling into the bench beside her.
Their conversation flowed easily, a dance of ideas and discovery. Ash was fascinated by Lyra's insights, and he found himself sharing his own thoughts and experiences with her. The air around them seemed to vibrate with the spark of intellectual chemistry, a connection that went beyond words.
"I've been thinking," Lyra said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "We must learn to navigate this world together. We have a shared history, a common language, and…and a future, of sorts."
Ash nodded, feeling a sense of excitement build within him.
"We have a lot to discuss," he said, his voice filled with anticipation.
Lyra's smile was a promise, a hint of what was to come.
"I think that's what makes this all so intriguing," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We're not just talking about a marriage of convenience or politics. We're forging a new future together."
Their words hung in the air, a fragile yet unshakeable promise, as they sat together, two people brought together by chance, yet bound by a shared destiny.