Side: Sheila

I often went to the relief center to provide solace. However, I didn’t do it out of my obligation as a princess, but rather to aid those in need to the best of my capabilities.

I had witnessed many victims suffering from injuries and illnesses, although I had never seen any injuries myself. When I stated that I had change bandages, the wounds had already been dressed in gauze.

…Now that I think about it, they were almost healed.

The staff and patients at the relief center would welcome me with smiles.

On the other hand, the relief center that Iris took me to was filled with the stench of blood. Furthermore, even though I, the princess, had arrived, no one took notice. The same went for the lord of the territory, Iris. If she hadn’t spoken up, no one would have been aware of her presence.

They couldn’t afford to.

Such was the reality of a relief center, said Iris. Apparently, the place I volunteered at was no different. So why weren’t they honest with me?

If they had, I’d have been able to provide them with support.

“This is the orphanage.”

I was brought back to reality by Iris’ voice. We came to the orphanage we were supposed to visit yesterday. In consideration to me, who was shaken by the state of the relief center, Iris had postponed the visit.

I was remorseful at having delayed the inspection. Today, I had to do my best. Moreover, my father also said that this inspection would be useful for once I eventually became queen.

“Where are the children?”

I expected to see children roaming freely in the spacious garden, yet I was greeted with none.

“They’re inside.”

“Inside? Why aren’t they playing in the garden despite the fine weather?”

“The princess seems unable to differentiate between an orphanage and a nursery.”

I was rather annoyed at how Milan made fun of me. Or rather, he shouldn’t be here. As was the case with yesterday, various times along the way, I saw people clearing debris from and fixing the road.

The remnants of the war were still at large, not just on the outside but also within the hearts of the children. Therefore, bringing him here was no different than rubbing salt in their wounds.

—Yet, Iris didn’t care.

“What are you trying to imply?”

“Your Highness, the children of the orphanage work during the day.”

“What…?”

When Iris answered instead of Milan, I tensed up. As the meaning behind her words fully dawned on me, I flew into rage.

“Iris, how could you!? Why are you making children work!? That’s absolutely horrendous! Children should be protected and raised with great care! Also, child labor is prohibited by law! This is a crime!”

I never thought that my friend, Iris, was actually a criminal. I’d been deceived by her!

“No, Your Highness. This isn’t a crime because orphans are exempt from paying taxes until they reach adulthood.”

Of course, I know that! That law was made to protect those poor children! Why would you mention that now!?

“Well, it doesn’t seem she understands.”

Oh, so now Milan is in on it too?

As expected of the crown prince from a country that monopolized magic ore! He was rotten to the core! I’d never turn out like him! I’d be a just and fair queen, one who’d help and protect her people!

“What is it that I fail to understand, Your Highness Milan?”

“It’s in the name, [To prohibit the labor of children who’re liable for tax payment.] In other words, the children of orphanages, who do not have tax obligations, aren’t eligible.”

“Enough with your quibble. Only criminals quibble.”

“Yet he speaks the truth, Your Highness.”

“Iris, not you too!”

I can’t believe it! Are they sane?

“In truth, the same applies to other orphanages. The children there are also working.”

“I refuse to accept that. That’s nothing more than an excuse for those who prey on the weak! Iris, even if I consider you a friend, I won’t overlook this! I’ll report this to my father! Repent for your sins and live a proper life!”

“Let me ask you a question, Your Highness. A penniless child in the slums stole bread to feed himself. What would you do?”

“I’ll explain that it’s a crime, and kindly admonish him to return the bread.”

“So you’re telling the child to die?”

“Dear lord, Your Highness Milan—!”

“I’m just stating the truth. Children in the slums don’t have proper jobs. And yet, just because they’re orphaned and live in the slums, society has turned them into pariahs solely on the assumption that the former are more likely to commit crimes. They do this despite the present system, ‘If you don’t work, you don’t eat,’ was created by the country itself. If a child is hungry, he’ll have no choice but to steal. Those in the slums cannot survive solely by depending on whimsical goodwill and idealism, after all.”

“…”

“Your Highness, the support funds given to orphanages by the country and aristocratic families are far from enough to cover the operating costs of said orphanages. The children have to work to put food on the table.”

…Impossible.

In the orphanage I frequented, children played in the garden all the time. Although their clothes were of lesser quality than those worn by nobles and myself, they still looked adorable.

They’d smile from ear to ear as they ran around the garden.

“This is all thanks to the support of the princess.” The director said that every time I visited.

Well, even though I said “support,” I usually left it to the civil officials of the royal castle. I couldn’t put a number on it. Regardless, I always told the officials to be generous with the amount so the children could afford to buy new clothes.

But is reality different?

Am I being embezzled?

Did Father and Iris realize this… and put those children to work?

“By letting them work from childhood, they’ll be able to secure employment upon reaching adulthood because the people will already be aware of their capabilities. Well, it’s a waste of time to stand here any longer. Since we came all the way here, let’s go inside.”

“…All right.”

I had fully understood the current situation.

I couldn’t simply stand idly by as children suffer from this injustice. I had to listen to the cries of their hearts!

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***T/N: Somehow I… can see how someone can be as stubborn yet so blind as the princess… This is quite believable… But still annoying nonetheless.

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