“…”

The problems caused by the princess on her first day managing the orphanage were making my head throb.

“The people you ordered to be dismissed are neither dolls nor toys. They’re human beings—living beings. Unjust dismissal is against the law. What of the lives of the dismissed staff members?”

Currently, the staff members who were dismissed by the princess, the director of the orphanage, and the princess were gathered in my office.

“It’s not unjust, per se. They’re mistreating the children. If anything, this dismissal is only appropriate.”

At her words, the staff members shared a look of disapproval. However, as they were nothing more than commoners, they couldn’t interrupt the conversation between a princess and an aristocrat. In the end, they could only gnash their teeth.

If conflict were to arise between management and the staff, it could hinder operations.

Moreover, the children were attached to the staff. If they were all to be dismissed, leaving no one but strangers, it might sow distrust among the children as well.

The princess, who strove for honest management, was obstructing that path through her own actions.

What else can I say? She’s a fool.

“Do you have any evidence to back your claims of abuse? Did you receive any such testimony from the children?”

At my words, the princess frowned in frustration. I see, no evidence to back her own claim.

Well, it’s only natural because no abuse has ever taken place.

“Nothing as of now. The children are so brainwashed, they can’t even testify.”

“What is your basis for asserting that they’ve been brainwashed?”

“Because they deny themselves the benefits that they so deserve.”

“How is that a basis?”

My head was starting to ache really badly now.

“Your Highness, you and the children live in different worlds. Therefore, their values are also different from your own. Imposing them is neither mercy nor kindness—it’s pure arrogance.”

“Wha—!? I’m not speaking out of arrogance! Don’t you pity those children for having to work? Despite having lost their parents, they aren’t being shown even the slightest bit of mercy. It’s just the worst.”

…If she wasn’t a princess, I’d have slapped her over and over again.

Aah, I want to kill someone.

When I saw the very princess that I wanted to strangle had gone pale and was trembling all over, I exhaled deeply. I had to calm myself down.

“… ‘Pity’, you say? By that, do you mean expecting that everyone will continue to feed them, clothe them, and even provide them shelter just because they don’t have parents? If the other party is wealthy enough to do it, then sure. Feel free to do just that until they die. Humans who grow accustomed to being given everything on a silver platter will lose their purpose in life. They’ll be reduced to mere pets—a slave to your whims. Just like that man.”

I glanced at a fine-looking youth accompanying the princess. Naturally, the princess followed the direction of my gaze.

“You can decorate him with clothes and accessories of your choice and carry him around for virtue signaling.”

“Lou is not like that! How can you disgrace him like that!?”

“Or what? Your father will know of this? I don’t know what your father thinks of the man his daughter picked up from the slums and has since paraded around as her younger brother, but if as you said, you see him as your sibling, then you should treat him accordingly. At least to me, you don’t look like siblings with a deep bond. Just an owner and a pet. I made an arrangement with His Majesty, so I’ll put up with your tyranny for six months. We agreed at the beginning that the royal family will compensate all the damages caused, and there’s a contract to confirm it.”

I showed the contract to the princess who was shaking with anger.

“I’ll allow you to dismiss the staff. In exchange, they’ll receive six months’ worth of salary. Those who’ve been dismissed are to view this as a six-month vacation. After six months, I’ll have you return to the orphanage. Are there any objections to this, Director?”

The staff reluctantly agreed, saying, “If that’s the case…”

“I can’t believe you’ll be welcoming those abusive staff members with open arms!” Said the princess, expressing her dissatisfaction.

“There’s no evidence of abuse. Also, please don’t misunderstand. You’ll only be studying management at the orphanage for half a year. You have no right to act as the lord or the director. Employment rights belong to the director and me. Director, while I apologize for the inconvenience, I will appreciate your continued support for next six months.”

“Understood.”

“Also, be sure to submit a report daily.”

“Of course.”

Even though it was only the first day, she already had me worried about the future.

I was relieved at having delegated some of my work to Eric. Otherwise, I might’ve died from overwork.

Oh, right, didn’t this fool say this before?

“…—make Elda shoulder all the costs.”

…I wondered if I should prepare for war.

---

***T/N: AAAAAAAAARRRGHHHHHHHH IM HEMMORRAGGHINGGG, MY POOORRR BRAINNN

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