“Your Highness, you mentioned earlier having gone to a relief center and an orphanage.”

“I have, frequently, in fact. I merely work as a helper, but I also have nursing experience.”

“Is that so.”

I’m certain she’s ignorant to how real relief centers and orphanages are like.

Which lavish facilities did she provide her services to? After all, she had been trapped in a box her whole life, and would probably die without realizing it.

It’d be nice if that were the case.

Although, that blissful ignorance of hers would come to an end today—and no, not because of me, but because of what Paides did.

“As you sound proud of it, would you like to visit the relief center and orphanage in our territory?”

It wasn’t included in the inspection. However, since she went so far to make such a claim, why shouldn’t I take her to see the real thing? I’d be supplementing her education.

Now, would it help her grow? Or would her ignorance come crashing down on her? Until that point, she still saw the world through rose-colored glasses. Of course, she was also free to stay naïve and follow her emotions. After all, she wasn’t my responsibility.

As a citizen of her country, I just wanted her to grow up. That way, I wouldn’t have risked my life for nothing.

Otherwise, those who died in the war would have done so in vain.

Oblivious, the princess rejoiced. “Yes, by all means!” Sneering inwardly, I lead the way. I noticed that the crown prince was watching from behind, but I didn’t care.

The princess had already disgraced her country. A few additional shameful acts wouldn’t make much difference. Like the crown prince said, she was akin to a child.

If she wanted to act like a benevolent princess, then I, as an adult, would entertain her. Although, I had to admit, I had a mean streak. I wanted to destroy this child’s illusions.

“Welcome to our territory’s relief center.”

“…”

Due to the lack of manpower and hygiene, adults weren’t the only patients groaning in pain, but also children and babies.

“This is… your relief center?”

“That’s right.”

I was about to say, ‘This is the reality of a relief center.’

Said reality was hidden in the places frequented by the princess. Not just her, but also from other aristocratic ladies. After all, if they felt the slightest discomfort, the head of the facility staff would fly. The harrowing reality of actual relief centers were too much for the sheltered princess and noble ladies alike to stomach.

Up until now, she only had to maintain her dignified appearance to fulfill her royal duties. Such was the reality of the service provided by the princess. Despite being unaware of it, she dared to boast about her ‘experiences.’

“Uh, what’s this smell?”

A putrid odor filled the area.

“Oh, that. The wounds of some patients have become infested.”

“Infested—eek…”

I rubbed the back of the princess as she held her mouth to suppress the rising nausea.

“Are you okay?” I asked in concern, only to be glared at by the princess.

“Why haven’t you tended to their wounds!? Inconceivable. If I were the lord, I would do my utmost to prevent this from happening!”

“What would you have done?”

“Shouldn’t that be obvious? I’d ask the country for support!”

Oh, so she’ll just leave it to someone else. Probably because she doesn’t know how to solve it herself.

“What’d the country gain in return?”

“What?”

“The country isn’t kind enough as to offer free support.”

“You’re sorely mistaken. If it’s to save his people, Father would spare no effort!”

“Still, you can’t help people for free. Be it medical supplies, rations, or any other form of support, it all costs money. Post-war countries don’t have that luxury. How do you intend to cover the expenses? Tell the public to hand it over? Our territory isn’t the only one that needs support. Of course, while Lowenberg suffered the most damage, it doesn’t mean that the other territories are intact.”

Even if she has trodden carefully so as to not fall, she’ll still get hurt if she fails to realize the existence of a wall right in front of her.

That’s why your kindness can’t save anyone.

“Also, nothing about this is new. Your Highness, please go to the relief center where you usually volunteer. However, this time, incognito, without informing the facility beforehand.”

The princess went wide-eyed as she stared at me.

“…The place where I usually volunteer is the same?”

“Yes.”

“But then, that would mean they were hiding it from me.”

“Exactly.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re a princess.”

The princess had an incomprehensible look on her face. Born as a princess of a great nation, she seldom had to read between the lines. As a result, she failed to understand those who had to do so. No one has taught her, after all.

“Let’s conclude the inspection here.”

“…Of course.”

Unlike when she arrived, the princess seemed weary.

---

***T/N: Good job, Princess. Please re-take your whole education again.

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