The truth about Dexter was hidden from Juliet. As per the official announcement, she was told that he was sick, and she believed it.

The involvement of Count Starkey and his wife in the poor harvest in the East had been made public, and when Juliet heard about it, she was fuming for a while, saying, “What a terrible thing to do!”

That day, Charlotte and Juliet rode in a swaying carriage together.

“I’m so glad the construction was expedited! The floors, the doors—everything creaks! When it rains, the place also leaks… To provide a cozy environment for children, I believe we have to start from the place they live in. I’ve been there before, but isn’t this your first visit, Sister? The children are so lively, adorable, and friendly—”

“—Juliet.”

Charlotte lifted her head and stared coldly at Juliet who was endlessly bantering.

“I only allowed you to ride with me so long as you don’t bother me, but I wonder if you have forgotten?”

“I’m sorry… I’m just excited I can spend time with you, Sister…”

Juliet slumped.

This is enough to make you cry?

Juliet’s abnormal sensitivity only frustrated Charlotte even more.

Charlotte didn’t answer; her gaze returning to the documents she was reviewing. She could feel someone staring at her from across the carriage, but in the end, nobody spoke a word.

The two were on their way to an orphanage that was to be rebuilt. It was the same one that Frederick had instructed Charlotte to visit on the day of the meeting.

After determining a basic course of action, Charlotte was ready to go ahead with the plan. But just the day before, Juliet asked to accompany her.

Knowing those around Juliet, turning her down wasn’t an option. They even took it a step further and granted her wish, which was to share a carriage.

Even in the middle of the trip, Charlotte still had to take care of paperwork. If there was anything to be grateful for, it spared her from a conversation with her sister that could’ve lasted for hours.

This is not good. There’s barely been any progress…

Charlotte slightly furrowed her eyebrows.

Her head was already throbbing from a lack of sleep and fatigue, and the shaking of the carriage only added to it. As if that wasn’t enough, Juliet was also there, ruining her concentration by being a distraction. At that point, she would rather sleep.

Regardless, even if she could make the smallest bit of progress, she couldn’t just neglect it. It was either do it or enduring a long, excruciating conversation with Juliet.

If only Quentin was there. He could serve as Juliet’s conversation partner while Charlotte traveled in a different carriage. Unfortunately, Quentin was on an inspection tour in the southern part of the country at the moment.

For him to be useless at the most crucial time…

Well, that’s just like him.

After three hours of traveling by carriage, they finally arrived at their destination.

The land formerly belonged to a nobleman who had been purged not too long ago because of the crimes he committed pre-rebellion. With no successor, the territory was currently under royal authority. Nevertheless, in the near future, someone with merit would be bestowed with peerage and become the lord of the land. The plan was to get construction underway before that, with the country covering the cost.

To keep the budget down, the orphanage would be rebuilt alongside the school that was initially planned. Since it would accommodate children already present in the orphanage and new comers, the building had to be large. There were a lot of things to consider—the number of children, new teachers to hire, and the construction fee.

“Welcome, Your Royal Highness the Crown Princess and Your Royal Highness the Second Princess.”

The woman overseeing of the orphanage was the first to greet them. The staff members behind her bowed as well, but they all seemed tense and stiff.

Meeting Juliet, who, for better or worse, lacked the dignity of royalty, was one thing, but it was a stretch to expect them to remain calm in the presence of the crown princess, Charlotte.

“It’s been a while, Director.”

“It’s a pleasure to have you visit again.”

When Juliet spoke to her in a friendly manner, the director seemed to relax somewhat. As always, Juliet’s ability to effortlessly win over people was at play.

The two were escorted inside.

Seeing the inside of the building, Juliet’s gaze turned pitiful. Of course, it was understandable and even wonderful to feel that way. It wasn’t like Charlotte didn’t feel anything either.

It’s old, worn out, and shabby… Just as the report said.

She didn’t need to be an expert to spot the problems. The floorboards creaked with every step she took and dented under her weight. The walls were thin, allowing outside noises to be clearly heard. The ceiling was stained all over from leaking rain.

The place, which was in squalor, couldn’t be compared to the royal castle—that much she knew.

She also knew there were homeless people living on the streets. That there were those who search through waste for something to eat. That there were those who scavenged through garbage for something to wear.

More than twenty years had passed since the country was liberated from tyranny—a dark age that Charlotte wasn’t present to witness. Under Frederick’s rule, some things gradually improved, but much still remained the same.

As for why he didn’t prioritize them, Charlotte was truly at a loss.

She didn’t think a leader who made decisions based on emotion rather than objective observation could fulfill his responsibilities.

Royalty is blessed…

Hence, to be able to pity was a luxury.

“—Ah! Lady Juliet!”

As they walked down the hallway, they came across some small children and what appeared to be staff members. They were likely orphans living at the orphanage.

Before the staff could stop them, the children gleefully ran up to Juliet.

“Because of Lady Juliet, this place is finally getting fixed!”

“Thank you!”

“Huh? Uhm…”

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