At the meeting being held in the grand conference room of the royal castle, Charlotte proposed a new education system for the people.

For those who were struggling with food, clothing, and shelter, working was more important than studying. However, without opportunities for education, their career prospects would be limited, foiling their escape from poverty.

Not only was that a major loss for the kingdom, it also proved that the kingdom was unable to rectify its errors in policy. There was a consensus that education should be provided equally to the poor, even more so when the number of students wasn’t proportional to educational facilities.

“Children might be incapable of earning a decent income, but even that meager amount is critical to their survival. We’ll compensate by providing them with meals, hence the school lunch system. We’ll expand dormitories and affordable housing managed by the government to support those who don’t have a place to live, including anyone who has to travel vast distances. I’d also like to gradually implement the programs listed in the documents shared to everyone.”

Which system should they introduce first, and how long will it take to further increase support measures? Documents pertaining details determined through repeated discussions with experts had been distributed in advance, and bureaucrats had also read them.

The discussion with Ethelbert had given her a deeper insight regarding support programs.

“May I have a moment to speak?”

“Certainly, please go ahead.”

She gave permission to the person who raised his hand to speak. He belonged to the finance department.

“I understand the need for benefits that are equal to the children’s income, but have we assessed the financial impact of this decision? Especially when it comes to making secondary education and above free of charge as show in document three…”

“Investing in future generations is an investment in the kingdom. Nothing will be gained from getting caught up in the immediate costs.”

“But…”

“In a certain country on another continent, when economic growth tanked, the first thing they did was scale back child-related support measures that didn’t immediately contribute to the economy. As a result, not only did their population decrease, children also grew up without receiving adequate education. The inability to develop talented human resources led to the country’s decline, and even civil war. You’ve probably heard of it too.”

“…I certainly have.”

While that example was somewhat extreme, it provided an example from which valuable lessons could be learned.

If we focus on reducing short-term burdens and discard weak people who cannot produce big results, what awaits us in the future is devastation.

Countermeasures against the declining birthrate and human resource development were priorities for the country.

“Facilities, teachers, teaching materials… These are going to incur significant expenses. But eventually, the educated children will develop into adults who develop this kingdom even further. As their income rises, they’ll buy things they otherwise couldn’t afford. If the number of consumers increases, the economy will grow, leading to an increase in tax revenue.”

It would go around and benefit them in the long run.

“Let me clarify, I’m not saying we should just spend money blindly. If we can keep costs down, even better. For example, in the case of school lunches, we can reduce costs to some extent by proactively purchasing unmarketable yet edible consumables from farmers. They will likely be willing to sign a contract even if it’s inexpensive, as they will generate income from something that will be disposed of.”

Some farmers seemed to be consuming those products themselves or distributing them to their neighbors, even though they weren’t for sale. However, in cases of surplus, they were forced to dispose of them.

“I also believe we should develop fields on the school grounds, have the children grow their own vegetables and fruits, and use what they harvest for their school lunches. Growing food can be rewarding, and it will provide them opportunities to develop their abilities.”

“Indeed… Some children will come from farms. It’ll be a good learning experience for them.”

“By being able to read, write, and do arithmetic, they’ll be less likely to sign into unfair contracts. Isn’t this very important for protecting the people?”

Unfair contracts against the weak were rampant during the tyrannical era. Since most commoners were illiterate, many ended up signing disadvantageous contracts.

“Currently, only elementary education qualifies for the free provision, but eventually, secondary education and higher should be made tuition-free. Developing excellent human resources is the key to the future of the kingdom.”

Reading, writing, and simple arithmetic were basic knowledge. If they were satisfied with just raising awareness, they’d never be able to develop human resources. There was a need for advanced education, and an environment where everyone could receive it.

“There are undoubtedly many talented individuals out there, but due to their family’s economic situation, they are denied the opportunity to learn and consequently fall behind. No words can describe this tragedy. On the other hand, there are also those who have been blessed with the opportunities to learn, yet refuse to do so because they’re too spoiled. Children who abandon learning will only grow physically. Children who, in spite of their inadequacies, still attain power through inheritance or family connections will only grow to be arrogant and will pass that trait down—just like the shunned royal family and aristocrats of the former Kingdom of Lymore.”

The former Kingdom of Lymore, a tyranny lasted until the generation of Frederick’s father, was a reign of terror by those in power.

The era ended before Charlotte was born.

“Your Majesty, don’t you think it’s irresponsible to receive privileges without fulfilling your duties?”

“Indeed. There are few things more foolish than having unnecessary pride and not having the ability to hold that position.”

Frederick declared smoothly.

You’re one to speak.

Although Charlotte wanted to point that out, she was aware of how meaningless the act would be.

How strange, even though she received his approval, rather than feeling happy, she was repulsed.

“Furthermore, the targets of this educational support won’t just be children and their families, but also those who were born during the time when the education system was inadequate… This will provide adults the opportunity to learn as well. So that they can respond flexibly to their economic situations and family circumstances, a few things such as a certain amount of income compensation, a facility where they can leave their children not only during work but also during other study periods, and improvement to the employment support system are necessary.”

If talented youths were trained, opportunities for those of less fortunate generations would become even more limited, the employment would become more demanding, and the wages might no longer be adequate. Therefore, some efforts were needed to prevent the generational disparities from widening.

“Don’t you believe it unfair that there are those who can’t study even if they want to, but there are foolish, lazy people who can afford it and end up wasting their education opportunities? Rectifying this is the ideal form of politics. Rich and poor, education, discrimination—unjust disparities are nothing but a negative legacy of the previous era. We need to make a grand gesture and emphasize to both the people and other nations that this country has changed.”

She spoke crisply, yet not overly loud. Nevertheless, perhaps due to the quality of her voice, Charlotte’s voice was mysteriously expansive, filling the chamber. Despite being only a student, she spoke with dignity and magnificence.

Silence descended upon the room, as if engulfed by Charlotte’s monologue. Then, an applause echoed in the conference room, gaining everyone’s attention.

“I support Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess’ idea.”

The gray-haired, rotund man was Count Pascal Starkey. He was the first to express his approval, and with an exaggerated, “But!” He placed his hand on his chest and continued plaintively.

“We are faced with a massive issue regarding funding. The kingdom’s tax revenue is steadily rising, but the lack of rain in the eastern region this year, my territory included, has resulted in a drop in crop productivity. Tax reductions and exemptions have been implemented in conjunction with this, and the cost of dealing with soaring prices of agricultural products also needs to be taken into account. I think we should carefully consider the timing for introducing free education.”

“Yes, I have that in mind, of course.”

The damage caused by that year’s poor harvest was immense.

The territory of Count Starkey was located in the southern part of the eastern region, and the effects of the poor harvest were felt greatest there than any of the other eastern territories.

“The eastern region is the key to the agricultural supply of the kingdom. The rising prices due to the poor harvests are burdening the lives of the people, and countermeasures are necessary. I plan to deal with it soon.”

“Specifically, how do you plan to ‘deal with it’?”

 “First of all, there’s something I need to clarify.”

I’m grateful for your bringing up the topic yourself.

“Allegedly, the harvest failure in the eastern region of the kingdom was caused by less rainfall than usual, which cannot be explained.”

Even the bureaucrats, including Pascal, gasped at her words, expressing their agitation and surprise.

“But a thorough investigation conducted by experts determined that no significant factors other than rainfall could be confirmed, and even when compared to a poor harvest from 30 years ago when the amount of rainfall was similar, the decrease in crop yield matches…
“—And that’s precisely why. The fact that it matches so well with the poor harvests of the previous king’s time is already jarring. Unlike when this country was under the tyrant’s rule, some support measures are now in place to compensate for emergencies such as low rainfall. Surely, the idiot behind this situation didn’t put that much thought into this.”

With a smile hanging on her lips, Charlotte shifted her gaze to Pascal. He was looking down with a blue face, h is mouth was slightly agape and quivering—perhaps due to fear.

A man sitting next to Pascal noticed something was off and called out to the count, startling him. Pascal smiled as if to pretend that nothing was wrong, but even his smile was twitching.

How transparent.

While she was astonished by the adult who couldn’t even mask his own emotions, Dexter raised his hand and spoke.

“—In other words, are you saying that the crop failure in the East was deliberately caused by someone?”

Dexter had the largest territory in the East.

The city where the main residence of the Marquis of Allport was located was one of the most developed in the eastern region. It was bustling with people and was a famous tourist destination. Agriculture was thriving in the surrounding villages, and many trademarks sweet fruits were grown there.

The Marquis of Allport also suffered from a poor harvest that year. Although the damage wasn’t as bad as in the territory of Count Starkey, that year’s harvest was far below of the previous years, so the damage couldn’t be said to be small.

“Yes. Whether individuals within the investigation team or within the territory falsified their reports, someone else set them up to it.”

“Do you have solid evidence?”

“Of course. To confirm it, another investigation team will be dispatched. Rest assured, there’s a prospect of making up for the shortfall in taxes.”

“Then I’d like to request a detailed report.”

“Of course, I’ll submit it as soon as the investigation team completes their new investigation. They’ll be dispatched in three days.”

She intended to finish the preparations as soon as possible.

“I know it is sudden, but I ask for the cooperation of all the lords in the East.”

Charlotte smiled.

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