Baby Pharmacist Princess

Looking at the village chief, a thought crossed my mind.

“What do people do when they can’t go to the temple? What if they don’t have money? What if they’re in an accident and get badly hurt?”

“Our Princess is so kind. Hehe, people like that usually go to the Baba.”

“What’s a Baba?”

“Well, when someone gets hurt, they either treat it at home or go to the Baba… It’s a term for the oldest woman in the village, someone who knows a lot.”

I suddenly remembered a conversation I had with Tombi Grandpa a long time ago.

The Baba is like a doctor for the poor, someone who knows how to use herbs and can even set broken bones. She’s gained the trust of the village all this time.

If the Baba actually has proper medical knowledge, she could become a licensed pharmacist. This way, the Baba, who worked in the shadows, could proudly step out into the light.

The village already trusts her, so the pharmacy would easily find its place without much resistance.

‘But what if the Baba is a fraud? What if she’s been feeding people dried frogs’ legs or centipedes all this time without knowing anything?’

This could be her chance to get exposed.

‘Perfect.’

There will be opposition from the temple and other forces, and I don’t know how long it will take, but…

Even though the kids were giving me strange looks, I couldn’t help but giggle to myself.

30 billion gems.

There’s nothing I can’t do.

There’s plenty of time, too.

I don’t know what kind of obstacles lie ahead, but I’ll make it happen.

‘Thinking about that much money is making me dizzy…’

Climbing a high staircase-like structure, I found a small wooden window used for ventilation. I struggled to open it, poking my nose out into the cool night air.

The fresh air made my mind clear for a moment.

‘This place is really nice. The air is cool, and my body feels warm. I wish Dad could experience a sauna…’

The knights have probably never tried it, but if they did, they might pass out from sheer enjoyment.

“Did you say your parents are nearby?”

“Ah, yes!”

At that moment, the village chief spoke to me quietly.

“Your parents must be worried, not knowing where you are.”

“But they’ll figure it out and come get me soon.”

I smiled and closed the little window again.

Hisss.

The village chief added more water to the heated stones to keep the steam flowing.

The kids, having had their fun, rushed outside as they started to feel the heat.

‘Oh, right… This sauna is meant to relieve both mental and physical exhaustion.’

What if I built one of these winter elf saunas next to my pharmacy?

If there’s only a pharmacy, not many people will come. After all, a pharmacy can only sell medicine, nothing else.

But what if I could introduce the people to this wonderful sauna?

‘Grandmothers and grandfathers love going to the sauna, don’t they?’

Once they’ve tried it, there’s bound to be a steady stream of customers!

I know this from my previous life as Yoon Chaeri!

And don’t the elderly visit pharmacies the most?

‘Oh my goodness.’

I suddenly covered my mouth in excitement.

It’s perfect. There’s no better business idea than this!

“Excuse me, Chief!”

“Hm?”

“How about starting a business with me?”

“A business…?”

The chief’s expression became a little uncertain.

She must have been worried. After all, a four-year-old child was proposing this.

But I decided it was time to reveal my true identity.

“I’m actually a Princess. I had plans for something, and I think it would be great to combine it with your winter elf sauna.”

When I revealed that I was a Princess, the chief’s expression changed.

“My, what an important guest we have.”

I wiggled a bit in excitement but kept calm as I explained my idea.

As I spoke, the chief’s expression shifted several times.

“That way, you could teach humans the winter elves’ philosophy while managing the sauna! It’s a win-win.”

“It’s certainly an appealing offer.”

“Right? And of course, you’ll be compensated for your work.”

“But still…”

At the mention of compensation, the chief’s eyes wavered.

They were the Banholion tribe, known for avoiding contact with humans.

But I wasn’t about to let go of this golden business opportunity… or, more accurately, this valuable business partner.

Someone once said, ‘It’s not that it can’t be done; there’s just not enough money.’

“And in gratitude for sharing your precious winter elf culture, I’ll give you 40% of the sauna profits, plus fresh seasonal fruits delivered every three months.”

“!”

“And by the way, your buildings seem a little old. How about I have new houses built for the village? We could even add necessary facilities, like a school.”

“…That sounds good. Let’s do it!”

Bang!

The chief, who had previously been squinting, now had eyes gleaming with excitement.

I smiled and extended my hand.

“So, shall we shake on it? When Dad comes to pick me up, we can talk about the details.”

These winter elves welcomed a lost Princess. Whether they were human, elves, or even monsters, Dad would definitely want to repay them.

He’ll have no problem building new houses in this small village.

‘Because Dad cherishes me that much!’

After the sauna, Sihat and I sat together on an old birch bench.

Our cheeks were flushed red—it was both funny and adorable!

“Sihat, your cheeks are all rosy.”

“And you look like a lovely little apple, Shuya.”

The snow had stopped, and the village was aglow with torches.

There was even a campfire in front of the bench, so it wasn’t too cold.

“It’s so special being here with you, Sihat. Is this the second time you’ve been to a place like this with me?”

“No, this is my first time here too.”

“Then even you don’t know how wonderful this village will become in the future.”

“Yeah, I’m excited because I don’t know.”

Sihat’s eyes crinkled into a soft smile.

The night air was cool and refreshing. As I gazed up at the sky full of stars, I asked quietly, without turning to him.

“Are the male elves also thin?”

There was no need for an answer.

Sihat’s silence said it all.

“Oh, Shuya. Here, take this.”

“Huh?”

Just as I was feeling serious, Sihat poked my cheek.

I turned around to see what it was, and…

“Chocolate! You didn’t eat it?”

It was the same chocolate I gave him earlier!

Sihat, you said you ate it!

“I saved it in case we needed it later. Aren’t you hungry?”

“I’m not hungry. You eat it, Sihat.”

“How about we split it in half? Does that sound good?”

He had that look on his face, the one that said he wouldn’t eat it unless I insisted.

I stared at Sihat for a moment, then sighed and nodded.

“Okay, but you have to eat it too. In front of me.”

“Alright, I will.”

Sihat obediently nodded and broke the chocolate in half.

The rich, slightly bitter yet sweet taste filled my mouth.

As I nibbled on my half, I kept my eyes fixed on him.

This time, he had no choice but to eat it.

“Wow, it really does warm you up.”

Finally, he ate it.

I’d been watching too closely for him to lie this time! So I enjoyed my half of the chocolate.

‘Good thing we had a proper dinner before coming here.’

Meanwhile, Dew was playing with the sparks from the campfire, intrigued by the crackling flames.

The deep, melodic singing of the winter elves wrapped around the little village like a lullaby.

I was getting sleepy, my eyes closing and opening again and again, until I finally leaned against Sihat.

“S-sorry…!”

“There’s nothing to apologize for. You can use my lap as a pillow.”

Sihat must be tired too.

But this drowsiness was impossible to resist…

A little while later, I fell into a light sleep, resting my head on Sihat’s lap.

“Cherry!”

Huh? Dad’s voice?

“Daughter. Are you alright…?”

After about 30 minutes, Dad appeared in front of me, moving at lightning speed.

I was startled and tried to get up from Sihat’s lap but almost toppled over.

Luckily, Sihat caught me.

“Careful, you might fall.”

“Mm.”

“Welcome, Your Highness the Prince. As you can see, your daughter is perfectly fine.”

Dad opened his mouth as if to say something, then hesitated, his hands twitching slightly. Instead of hugging me right away, he knelt down, looking at me closely.

“Were you hurt at all?”

“Nope… I had a lot of fun here.”

I rubbed my eyes, still a little groggy, before looking up at Dad. If it hadn’t been nighttime, I would’ve been shocked.

Dad was covered from head to toe… in the blood of monsters.

Drip.

A drop of the blackened blood from his wine-colored hair fell onto the pure white snow, staining it gray.

It was like a reflection of Dad’s worry.

As if his heart had been burned black.

“Dad! I missed you!”

Instead of being scared, I threw myself into his arms, spreading my arms wide.

“Guess what? These people helped me out. I even tried the sauna! I had a great time with Sihat.”

Dad stared at me in silence for a moment, flinching when he saw the monster blood on my cheek.

But I just hugged him tighter, refusing to let go.

“You were helped…”

His low, emotion-filled voice resonated deep in my chest.

A moment later, as if finally regaining his senses, Dad used magic to cleanse himself of the blood before wrapping me in a tight embrace.

“Ah, you’ve arrived.”

The village chief appeared, her eyes still squinted, to greet Dad.

Dad and I exchanged knowing looks with her before she and I both nodded.

“You must be the village chief of the winter elves. I cannot express my gratitude enough. If there is anything you desire, please, let me know.”

“What we need is something your little Princess already understands, human king.”