As the days passed, Diana finally began putting her plans into motion to address the Kingdom's pressing problems, especially reducing taxes for the people and lowering market prices.

  It had taken days of preparation, but the moment had finally arrived.

  In the center plaza, where crowds usually gathered each day, a single booth had been set up in the middle of the open space.

  Curious eyes followed the unusual sight.

  A man sat confidently in a chair, his ruby eyes gleaming under the bright sun, while beside him, a woman methodically aligned stacks of papers, tapping them lightly on the table. Her long, curly brown hair swayed subtly with each movement.

  It was Lucas and Beatrice.

  A middle-aged man, unable to contain his curiosity, approached the booth.

  "Excuse me… may I ask why you've set up a booth here in the plaza?" His tone was polite, but inquisitive.

  Lucas's lips curved into a warm, welcoming smile the moment he heard the question.

  He gestured openly with one hand, keeping his posture relaxed.

  "Good morning, sir. Thank you for stopping by. We are currently looking for workers to fill certain positions we are offering." He paused briefly, clearing his throat.

  "If you have a moment, may we explain the details to you?" His tone was calm yet inviting, designed to put the man at ease.

  The man's eyes widened slightly before he let out a sigh.

  "Another day, another scam." Without another word, he took a step back and walked away.

  Lucas clenched his fists, trying to quell the anger bubbling in his chest.

  "Y-You didn't even give us a chance to explain," he muttered under his breath.

  Beatrice shook her head and sighed softly.

  "Forgive me for being blunt, Mr. Lucas, but judging the way you approach people." She let out a faint chuckle.

  "I can see you really aren't cut out for recruiting workers, huh."

  Lucas sank into his chair, conceding the point, though frustration still lingered.

  "It's not that I don't know how." He argued back.

  "They just don't give me the chance to speak. The moment they hear our objective, they judge us based on past experiences and never let us explain ourselves." He curled his fist tighter.

  "It drives me mad."

  Beatrice let out a louder sigh this time, emphasizing her point.

  "Exactly why this job isn't for you."

  Lucas narrowed his brow sharply.

  "And what exactly does that mean?"

  She lifted a finger at him, her gaze locking onto his with an intensity that made him shift slightly in his seat, feeling the force of her conviction.

  "When recruiting," she said firmly, her finger still pointing at him, "you don't need to ask for permission to speak."

  "Present yourself clearly. Explain the opportunity in a way that sparks interest."

  She clenched her fist tightly, eyes blazing with conviction.

  "Make them curious!"

  "But!" she suddenly raised her voice, making Lucas flinch in surprise.

  "You also have to be comfortable enough to answer questions. Confidence and honesty build trust. Only then will people truly consider joining."

  Her final words carried weight, her head nodding with unshakable resolve.

  A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead.

  "Y-You sure are passionate about this job," he said, forcing a shaky laugh.

  But then his expression stiffened, confusion creasing his brow.

  "W-Wait… why do I need to do all that when I'm offering them a job that would actually help them?"

  Beatrice shook her head, a knowing smile curving her lips.

  "Because people don't act purely on logic. Even if the job benefits them, they still care about their time, effort, and safety." Her voice is soft, filled with sincerity.

  "If they sense something unusual or risky. They'll back away immediately." Her eyes sparkled as she leaned slightly forward.

  "That's why you need to reach their hearts first, to earn their trust and truly spark their interest."

  Lucas blinked, hesitant, before blurting out,

  "Then… show me how it's done." His voice laced with quiet irritation, while his eyebrow furrowed ever so slightly.

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  Beatrice nodded slowly, her expression calm yet confident.

  She stepped out from behind the stall and placed herself a few paces away, her gaze flicking over her shoulder to meet his.

  "Watch carefully and be sure to learn, Mr. Lucas."

  Beatrice scanned the plaza, her head turning left and right, searching for someone receptive.

  Her eyes landed on a man walking with a gloomy expression.

  She swallowed, straightened her back, and strode confidently toward him, her smile graceful and poised.

  "Hello," she began, her tone warm yet confident. "From the look in your eyes, you seem a bit lost. Are you looking for work?"

  The man clicked his tongue, suspicion lining his features.

  "Why do you care?"

  Beatrice's smile widened, and with deliberate elegance,

  "I'm offering an opportunity to change your life."

  She extended a flier toward him.

  "This single piece of paper could set you on a path toward whatever you aspire to achieve."

  "Such as?" he asked, curiosity flickering despite himself.

  She leaned forward slightly, eyes sparkling.

  "A life where you can eat three meals a day and still have money left over." Her eyes moved from left to right, noticing that the people's gazes fell on her.

  "A job that doesn't drain you completely. Isn't that amazing, Mister?" She clasped her hands together, her expression playful yet earnest.

  The man hesitated, then slowly reached for the flier.

  His eyes widened as he read the details.

  "T-This isn't as grueling as my previous work… and the pay is better?" A faint smile tugged at his lips.

  "Please… let me take this job!" He bowed deeply.

  "Of course. I'm happy to hear that." Beatrice's eyes swept over the crowd, taking in the curious gazes fixed on her.

  A gentle, confident curve tugged at her lips. She lifted a flier and waved it.

  "If anyone is interested in a job with fair pay, this is the opportunity for you." She gestured toward the booth where Lucas stood silently, observing her every move.

  "We are now open to hiring workers!"

  Within moments, murmurs spread through the crowd. Questions flew, bodies pressed closer, and people jostled toward Lucas's booth.

  He blinked in surprise, utterly unprepared for how quickly Beatrice had drawn everyone in.

  "M-Mister, please explain the job you're offering!" a woman called out.

  "My previous job fired me this morning for no reason. Please… let me have this job," a man said, desperation cracking his voice.

  "I'm struggling to eat three meals a day. Please… I need this job!" another pleaded, hands gripping the flier tightly.

  The crowd swelled, pressing around the booth, eager for answers.

  Lucas raised his hands, trying to regain control, his ruby eyes scanning the crowd.

  "P-Please! Calm down! I will speak to each of you, one at a time! So… please, FALL IN LINE!" His voice rang out, but the eager crowd barely paused, excitement and hope mingling in the air.

  In the royal office, Diana sat surrounded by piles of documents detailing the Queen's past, her personal records, hobbies, decisions for the Kingdom, and how she had raised Towa since infancy.

  Her eyebrow arched as she read each line deliberately.

  She gave up the role of Queen and handed it to Towa after the King's death by fleeing from the palace…

  "I see… Just like what Leo told me back then." She said in a low voice.

  The only sound in the room was the soft tick of the clock, echoing steadily against the walls.

  Diana's eyes lingered on another revelation: she had a secret affair with the Duke of the North. Even after being caught, the King forgave her, blinded by his love for her.

  Diana let out a relieved sigh.

  Thank goodness Towa takes after her father. She muttered, fingers curling slightly as they traced the edges of the documents.

  The Duke of the North, on the other hand, I read some documents about him being caught leading the rebel army in secret.

  Her gaze shifted to another article: the former Queen was a princess from a neighboring Kingdom.

  That detail made Diana pause, curiosity flickering in her chest as she absorbed the implications.

  "This is getting suspicious."

  Suddenly, the office door creaked open.

  Diana looked up and found Leo stepping inside without saying a single word.

  "Good morning, Leo. May I ask why you're here?" she asked.

  His gaze was fixed on her, sharp and unwavering.

  "Lucas told me you wanted to know what kind of person the Former Queen is."

  "Yes," Diana replied. "I'm trying to understand Towa's mother so I can act like Towa whenever I'm around her."

  Leo pressed his lips together, eyebrows furrowed slightly.

  "I have a favor to ask."

  Diana tilted her head, "A favor?"

  He nodded. "I want you to act like yourself when you're with her."

  Her eyes widened in surprise. She had been carefully studying Towa's mannerisms to avoid raising suspicion, yet now Leo was telling her to act like herself.

  "W-Why? That's dangerous! What if she realizes I'm not Towa? That a stranger is controlling her daughter's body? It could cause chaos in the Kingdom!"

  Despite her warning, Leo's gaze never wavered, resolve burning in his eyes.

  "You don't need to worry. Her mother doesn't actually know her that much. In fact, she despises her for being timid and weak, someone easy to manipulate." He exhaled sharply, frustration evident in his expression.

  "She sees Towa as trash, and it drives me mad. But you… You're different. That's why I want you to act like yourself when you're with her." He smirked.

  "To show her who truly holds the highest authority."

  Diana's lips curved into a smile, finally understanding his plan.

  This guy… is very cunning.

  "I see… I like your plan. Let's do that," she said, determination matching his.