The idea had been brewing in my mind all day. If I could convince my family about the importance of cleanliness, maybe, just maybe, I could change a few minds around here. After all, I’d had a taste of success with the servants. A few had even commented on how their hands felt softer and, more importantly, cleaner after using my soap. But convincing my family would be a whole new challenge. They were used to a certain way of life and might not understand why I was so obsessed with something as mundane as washing hands. Still, I had to try.

I spent hours rehearsing in my mind, crafting different angles and imagining their reactions. The duke, my father, would likely be skeptical, but I hoped to at least plant a seed of curiosity. My mother, I thought, might be more open to it, considering she had been somewhat supportive of my soap experiment. After all, she had noticed the improvement in the castle servants’ hygiene, hadn’t she?

Dinner time finally arrived, and my stomach twisted with a blend of excitement and nerves. The dining hall was as grand as ever, filled with flickering candles and the mouth-watering aroma of roasted meats and fresh-baked bread. My father sat at the head of the table, cutting into his meat with the same look of determined focus he reserved for business matters. Mother sat beside him, her expression serene, always the picture of elegance and order. I took a deep breath, reminded myself that I was Lady Liana of the North Duchy, and seized the moment.

“Father, Mother,” I began, breaking the comfortable silence, “I’ve been thinking about something that could help improve the health of everyone in the castle.”

My father glanced up, brow arched. “Oh? And what grand idea is that, Liana?”

“Well, it’s something I started experimenting with already. It’s a bit… untraditional, but it’s quite effective,” I said, trying to sound confident. “I’ve introduced a soap, you see. I made it myself, and the servants who’ve used it seem to notice a difference. They say they feel cleaner, even a bit healthier.”

Father let out a soft chuckle, looking amused. “Healthier, because of soap? Now that’s a new one.”

I smiled but pushed forward. “Yes, actually. Washing our hands before meals and keeping ourselves clean can prevent sickness. Illnesses can often be spread through touch—if we don’t keep clean, we might be unknowingly spreading germs.”

“Germs?” he echoed, frowning slightly. “Is this another one of your peculiar interests, Liana? I didn’t realize we needed new rituals before meals.”

I expected that reaction. “It’s not just a ritual, Father. It’s a practice that could help protect everyone. I saw many villagers come to the infirmary for illnesses that could likely be prevented with regular hygiene. If we make simple habits like washing hands a routine, we could keep everyone healthier. Fewer fevers, fewer coughs…”

Mother, who had been quietly listening, tilted her head thoughtfully. “I have noticed that some of the servants have mentioned this… soap of yours. They said it was different, a bit unusual but not unpleasant.”

A spark of hope ignited within me. “Exactly, Mother. It’s a small thing, but it could have a big impact. And if the castle sets an example, maybe the villages will follow.”

Father shook his head, still doubtful. “Liana, I admire your enthusiasm, but you’re suggesting that we upend our customs, all because of some… invisible ‘germs’?” He said the word as though it were something imaginary.

I tried to explain further. “Father, it’s not about changing customs. It’s about protecting everyone. I know it sounds unusual, but trust me, even small changes in hygiene can make a difference.”

He looked at me with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. “You’ve always had odd ideas, Liana, but I’ll admit that you’ve stirred the castle servants with your… soap. Though I fail to see how washing hands can stop an illness from spreading.”

Seeing the conversation slipping, I turned to Mother. “Wouldn’t you agree, Mother? Even just washing hands before meals and after certain tasks could help reduce sickness. If the servants and everyone in the household made it a habit, we might see fewer people getting ill.”

Mother tapped her finger thoughtfully on the table. “Perhaps there’s merit in encouraging cleanliness among the servants,” she said. “If nothing else, it might improve their morale and appearance.”

I felt a surge of relief. This wasn’t a full victory, but it was something. “Thank you, Mother. It’s a start, and maybe, over time, we’ll see even greater benefits.”

My father, though still skeptical, seemed to soften a bit at Mother’s words. “All right, Liana, if you’re so passionate about this, I won’t stop you from continuing with your… experiment. But I expect you to keep it within reason. Let’s not turn the castle into a marketplace of newfangled ideas.”

I nodded, choosing my words carefully. “Of course, Father. I’ll be mindful. But I do hope you’ll see the benefits soon. Even just one healthier winter season could make a difference for everyone.”

As dinner ended and we retired from the table, I found myself walking through the castle halls, reflecting on the conversation. I felt both encouraged and frustrated. Father’s skepticism had been stronger than I expected, but my mother’s mild support gave me hope. It wasn’t the enthusiastic reception I had dreamed of, but it was a step in the right direction.

In the days that followed, I focused on the small victories. With Mother’s approval, I began encouraging the staff to wash their hands regularly, especially before meals. I made a fresh batch of soap and placed it in key areas where the servants and staff could easily access it. I couldn’t force anyone to adopt these practices, but I could lead by example and encourage them gently.

One afternoon, I noticed a young maid washing her hands in one of the basins where I’d placed the soap. She looked up, startled to see me watching her, and gave a shy smile.

“Good,” I said, smiling back. “How do you find it?”

The maid glanced down, rubbing her soapy hands. “It’s… unusual, my lady. But it does feel… cleaner.”

“That’s exactly the point,” I encouraged her. “Clean hands are healthy hands. Keep it up, and maybe you’ll avoid the colds that go around every winter.”

The maid nodded, her smile growing a bit. It was small victories like these that kept my spirits up. With every person I saw embracing the idea, I felt a step closer to proving my point to Father and everyone else. And maybe, just maybe, this little act of cleanliness would spark something bigger in the castle and beyond.

The journey was far from over, but I was determined. If it took every ounce of my patience and persistence, I would make sure this place—and perhaps even this world—understood the power of a little soap and water.