Side: Sheila

“I’m Sheila, the first princess of the Kingdom of Paides. Starting today, I’ll be operating this orphanage in place of Iris for a period of six months. I noticed a few issues Iris had overlooked when she was still in charge. I intend to solve them.”

Previously, I told my father that I wished to manage an orphanage. However, as he deemed starting from nothing too difficult, he assigned me to an orphanage in the Lowenberg territory. Apparently, it was something similiar to a trial period.

My father made that decision because I said that the orphanage was problematic. Therefore, he desired to see what sort of solution I’d create.

As expected of Father…

With that, I could save the orphanage. Furthermore, it could also serve as a learning experience for me, the one who’d become a queen someday.

“This is my younger brother, Lou. We’re going to work together.”

“I’m her servant, Lou.”

Ugh, Lou? How could you say that?

Given that I had introduced him as my brother, he should just act as such. I knew he was feeling self-conscious, but we had to avoid words and actions that’d make the children ashamed of their status. Otherwise, they might feel inferior for being orphans and grow up to be subservient.

Iris, on the other hand, seemed to be someone who’d do the exact opposite.

I have to see that Iris corrects her mistakes and operates the orphanage properly.

“First and foremost, the orphanage is too understaffed. This simply won’t do. Come on in.”

At my call, the maids and other attendants who’d been serving me entered the orphanage one after another. For the time being, I decided to appoint ten people. If that didn’t suffice, I’d simply hire more.

“From today onwards, they’ll clean the orphanage, do laundry, and take care of everyone.”

“Uh, Your Highness…?”

Both the children and the staff looked bewildered. Well, my reforms are only just beginning. They were probably unaccustomed to the sight. Unlike Iris, I wouldn’t spare any effort in ensuring that they were treated the way they deserved.

For commoners, the world that was given and shown by the aristocrats were their everything. After being forced to make do for so long, it was no wonder they were dumbfounded. They had just discovered they’d been wrong this whole time.

But like I said, that was only the beginning. I hoped that eventually, they’d accept it.

“What’s the matter, Mr. Director?”

The director had a deep connection with Iris. Worst of all, he welcomed the crown prince of Elda to the orphanage. I had to be wary of him as he might interfere with my decisions.

“I appreciate your concern, but at this rate, our own staff would become unemployed.”

We need to rid ourselves of those who exploit children.

“You can just dismiss them, then.”

They’re a bunch of adults. Even if they become unemployed, they can just find more work.

“No way…”

“That’s just unfair!”

The original staff, who’d been benefitting off the children’s labor, protested.

I definitely didn’t see that coming.

What a bunch of horrid people.

If anything, they should be grateful that being dismissed was their only punishment. Yet, they dared to argue back.

“I-I don’t want it. I don’t want to be separated from the teachers.”

“Me, too…”

“Me, too.”

“Hey, stop speaking nonsense! Who do you think you are!? Lady Iris won’t forgive you!”

“Yeah, I’ll tell Lady Iris!”

The children started crying out.

…These poor children.

They’d been brainwashed by Iris and the original staff. I knew this change would be difficult for them, but surely, they’d eventually realize that I was right.

“Your Highness, I was informed you’d only be here for six months. Once you leave, I’m certain Lady Iris will be troubled if her original staff is no longer present…”

“Don’t worry. I’ll instruct her to maintain the current arrangement.”

Is this director THAT scared of Iris? He keeps mentioning her. I don’t need a director who ignores the children in favor of Iris.

“The expenses for the new personnel exceed our budget.”

“Then just raise the budget.”

There, simple. What was so difficult about that?

“We can’t afford to.”

“Iris can.”

“She can’t just spend all her money on this orphanage. Our hometown still bear the scars of war. The reconstruction requires a massive amount of money, and it can’t be put off.”

…Come to think of it, Lowenberg suffered the most damage from the war.

The fact had slipped off my mind.

“In that case, I’ll ask my father to make Elda shoulder all the costs. Elda will be notified of this.”

Now the director will have nothing to fret about.

“Is Your Highness trying to start another war?”

“What are you talking about?”

“—Your Highness, if I may?”

Lou, who’d been silent until now, interrupted the conversation between me and the director.

How unusual of him.

“What’s the matter?”

“These changes are so abrupt, the surroundings are being overwhelmed. As we have half a year, it’d be better to implement them gradually. While Your Highness is overseeing the orphanage, the director still has the right to determine employment. Even if that isn’t the case, we’re in Lowenberg. Considering our six-month deadline, I think it’d be better if we ask for the duchess’ permission.”

Actually, I wanted to solve all the issues before commencing the operation. But he’s right. It might’ve been unreasonable to ask a commoner to match my pace.

“…I shall accept Lou’s opinion. Nevertheless, the personnel I brought with me will work at the orphanage. For now, I’ll talk to Iris and gain her approval. There shouldn’t be any problem with this, right?”

Upon hearing that, the people at the orphanage agreed. “Well, if that’s the case…”

Apparently, the opinion of Iris, who was only a territorial lord, was more valuable than me, the princess.

What kind of dictatorship is this?

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***T/N: Me during this entire chapter

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