Side: Ren

“—Ren, words aren’t the only way to obtain information. People, just by being there, become a source of information. Be it their gestures, facial expressions, breathing, posture, or even eye movement. Observe them carefully, and you’ll be sure to get information.”

Such were Lady Iris’ words.

Lady Iris sometimes asked us to gather information. There were all kinds of people in the orphanage. Some had abandoned as babies and had only known life in the orphanage while others had been left at the orphanage by their parents at a young age. Some even came from the slums.

Those from the slums had committed all kinds of misdeeds. Sometimes, they were caught by the knights and put in an orphanage.

Therefore, not only were they wise beyond their years, they were also familiar with the way of the world. Lady Iris would take us and have us gather information.

She’d teach us everything we needed to know, and provide us with all the tools needed to get the job done.

“Teacher Lou, I’ll help.”

That’s why I want to be of help to Lady Iris.

To do so, I had to get rid of that troublesome princess.

Thus, I approached the man called Lou. He was different from the rest of the personnel that the princess had brought, and was more like us than anyone else. I observed him with one thing in mind—

—Should I invite him to our side, or should I eliminate him?

“…”

Teacher Lou stopped cleaning the hallway and stared at me for a few solid seconds.

Looking at his vigilance, I almost couldn’t believe he was a servant of that princess.

No, maybe it’s precisely because the princess is like that?

This might be more difficult than I thought.

“I’m not a teacher.”

After saying that, Teacher Lou continued to mop the hallway once again.

“Then, what should I call you?”

“Call me whatever you like.”

Is he not interested in others?

“Usually, adults who work at the orphanage are called ‘teachers.’ So, I’ll just call you ‘Teacher Lou’, after all. Feel free to call me anything!”

“My life isn’t so honest that I can teach children anything.”

“Not a single person who lives here is proud of their way of life. Not even Lady Iris. So, who are we to judge?”

Thus, I laid out all my cards.

About how I couldn’t forgive myself for being a helpless child who couldn’t do anything.

About how frustrated I was for being overly reliant on Lady Iris, and the fact that I was made to feel that way.

“…What kind of person is she?”

“Who? Lady Iris?”

“Yes.”

Hmm, so that’s what got him interested.

Come to think of it, I heard that Lady Iris called Teacher Lou a ‘pet’ right in front of the princess.

However, Teacher Lou didn’t seem to be particularly angry.

“She’s a serious person with a strong sense of responsibility. She shows us the ropes, not just through her words, but also through her actions. That’s why I want to repay her kindness.”

“…I see.”

“What kind of person is Her Highness?”

“Do you even need to ask?”

I saw his eyebrows twitch. At first, due to the almost nonexistent changes to his expression, I thought he’d be a challenge to read. After a closer look, I realized that wasn’t the case at all.

I saw it—somewhere amidst his expression and gestures.

I see, he hates the princess.

“But I want to hear it straight from you. I want to know the image of Her Highness from Teacher Lou’s perspective.”

As things stood, even if we couldn’t bring Teacher Lou to our side, drawing him away from the princess would be an easy matter.

Hey, Your Highness.

I bet you wouldn’t even dream of what I’m about to say next.

Every time you called Lady Iris’ name in a friendly manner,  every time you tried to slander her with baseless accusations—

—I want to kill you.

Because to you, I was just a pitiful child who should be protected. A helpless orphan.

That’s why a brat like me can pull a fast one on you.

That’s why your supposed brother, whom you treat more like property, is going to be snatched away from you.

You came here to give your grace, but the grace I wish for is your disgrace.

I’ll drag your name through mire, so much that you’ll regret ever coming here.

“The princess is someone who knows nothing. She’s been given everything; she doesn’t know there are those who have nothing. Yet, in her world, she’s allowed not to know. Her world is different from ours. Being involved with her will only make you miserable.”

As Teacher Lou spoke, both his voice and gaze were devoid of emotion.

---

***T/N: Dish out your revenge on the princess just like how she dish out those inedible food, Ren!!!!

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