A few days later, Avril visited an orphanage near the royal capital of the Kingdom of Claughton. She wanted to meet Lynn, a girl she befriended on the Victoria.

Officially, this visit was considered an inspection, so Dylan was accompanying her. The stone orphanage was attached to a monastery. It was covered with ivy, and a fresh breeze blew from in from the neighborhood forest.

Surrounding the area were towering mountain ranges and a tranquil lake. Within this environment rich with nature, dozens of children ran around in a spacious courtyard.

Free time was granted once the inspection was completed. Avril took the opportunity to search for Lynn and call out to her.

“Lynn, have you been well?”

“I’m fine! Avril doesn’t seem to have changed much, though. Same for Lord Dylan.”

“Indeed. We haven’t met since the Victoria. You appear to be doing much better now. I’m glad you seem to be living comfortably.”

Dylan emphasized that he was here on a professional capacity with Avril. Lynn, seeming to understand the situation, nodded.

“I see. But, I’m really happy you two came today. The language I speak seems to be a bit different from everyone else, so I don’t usually get to talk with the others. Of course, I’m learning their language little by little, but some of the details don’t always get through. Today I’ll be able to talk as much as I want!”

“I believe the language you speak, Lynn, is the language of a minority group in the Kingdom of Claughton. I hear it’s sometimes used in rituals, so those of aristocratic families may learn it. That said, it’s rarely spoken on a daily basis.”

“…Avril.”

Dylan whispered, prompting Avril to follow his gaze. She saw someone from the Kingdom of Claughton nearby, seemingly keeping an eye on them.

Avril, remembering she needed to keep her role as a “villainess,” cleared her throat in a panic. Then, with a haughty tone, she addressed Dylan. “Uhm… Marquis Sherard, what is this girl rambling about?”

“She’s explaining that the language she speaks is unusual.”

“I see… Feelings are more important than words. I’m sure everyone can sense your desire to talk to them. You’ll become friends soon, so keep your spirits up.”

When she pressed Dylan to translate the advice for Lynn, the girl laughed as if to say it was unnecessary.

“I don’t really get it, but I can tell Avril is saying something strange for a so-called villainess. Avril is really funny!”

“…”

Dylan gave her a meaningful look, making her decide it was best to not speak anymore. Instead, she quietly watched the children play from a bench in the courtyard under the shade of a tree.

Avril liked children.

Truthfully, she wanted to join Lynn and the other children, but if those from the Kingdom of Claughton accompanying the inspection saw, it would ruin her image as a villainess.

I have to endure.

As she was gazed at the courtyard, dejected at not being able to join in, Lynn quietly spoke to her.

“All those kids were rescued from around here. There are orphanages like this all over the Kingdom of Claughton, and every single one of them is full and barely managing to get by.”

As Avril had decided she wouldn’t speak, she simply blinked in surprise while Dylan responded in her place.

“The Kingdom of Claughton has been trying to move away from tourism as the previous king’s reign was ending. No country can prosper when employment vanishes. I’m suppose the number of impoverished children will only increase as a result.”

“That’s why we’re studying, to escape this life.”

“By studying, do you mean reading, writing, and arithmetic?”

“Nope.”

In response to Dylan’s question, Lynn smiled proudly and continued. “Not just that. We’re learning about the history of this kingdom, the way important people think, the stars, geography, and how to make a nation prosper. It’s a bit difficult, but we study all sorts of things like that! There’s a lot to learn, and it’s hard.”

“…Lynn, what lies at the end of all that studying?”

Dylan seemed to feel her studies were strange. Avril had the same doubts.

This is rather advanced for children of Lynn’s age… If anything, it’s closer to what noble heirs who will one day govern a nation would learn.

However, Lynn didn’t seem to understand oddities Avril and Dylan had sensed. She happily continued explaining.

“After we study a lot, we’ll take a national exam. It’s an exam for recruiting talented people outside of nobility. If we pass, we’ll be able to serve in the royal palace and become rich.”

—!

Avril gasped at the dreamlike prospect. However, Dylan’s reaction was different. He maintained a gentle, almost father-like smile as he calmly sought confirmation.

“Then, do you intend to take that exam in the future, Lynn?”

“Of course! I’ll get top scores and become a civil servant. After that, I’ll come and visit you two!”

“Well, I’ll be looking forward to it.”

“I don’t know when I can take it exactly, but this year is the first year the exam I being held under the new king. It’ll be soon… Right, the exam is in two months.”

In two months?

Avril, who only nodded along to give the impression she didn’t understand what Lynn was saying, froze with a surprised, “Oh?”

Lynn innocently continued, “The application deadline is coming up soon, and the older kids are all busy preparing their documents. After that, there’s a preliminary exam, and the main exam in two months. The results will be announced one week after that.”

Avril instinctively glanced up at Dylan who was beside her.

…Our stay was arranged to last three months by Prince Lawrence’s arrangements. I was surprised by how long we’d be staying away from home… Is it a coincidence that our stay overlaps the exam schedule?

Dylan also seemed to be deep in thought, but only for a brief moment before suddenly standing up.

“I have an urgent business to attend to. I need to contact Lawrence, so I’ll be returning to the palace first. I’ll leave Chris with Avril. You can stay with Lynn as long as you want.”

“L-Lord Dylan…?!”

Dylan, who was uncharacteristically flustered, made a show of bowing respectfully to Avril, clearly intended for those watching them, before quickly leaving the orphanage.

Lynn stood up from the bench and said, “I have to go back soon,” as she patted the dust off her skirt. Then, she continued, “About what I was saying earlier, the part about studying to be appointed as an official? Actually, passing the exam isn’t just about leaing the orphanage and becoming independent.”

“Is there another reason for wanting to pass?”

Avril spoke in a hushed voice, and Lynn nodded, blushing.

“If you pass the exam with the highest score, you can get a special reward— you can ask for anything you want, a house, land, anything at all!”

“Oh, how wonderful!”

“…I’m really grateful to this orphanage. But there are still so many children without homes. I want all the orphanages across the kingdom to be better supported. I’m working hard to for that.”

“You have a very mature and wonderful way of thinking, Lynn.” Avril said, deeply moved.

She recalled the first time she had met the girl. Lynn had rushed to the first-class deck to find help for Clarissa, who had fallen ill while imprisoned on the ship.  She had found Lynn’s courage in risking herself to save her older friend admirable, but now realizes it is simply part of Lynn’s nature.  As she felt touched, Lynn gave a carefree grin.

“Well, I’m not good at studying. I don’t think I’d be able to pass with the highest score even if I had a hundred years to study.”

“Having such strong aspirations is a wonderful thing. I’m sure you’ll succeed!”

“You really think so?”

“Yes, I’m rooting for you, Lynn!”

As Avril clenched her fists, Lynn’s smile softened into a bashful one.

“I wanted to work for Duke Lancester household, but succeeding in my own kingdom would be better, right? So, I’ll do my best!”

Lynn has her own goals and is working hard toward them. I need to make sure I succeed in accomplishing the purpose of this visit, too…!

Lynn’s profile looked much more mature than when they met a few months ago. Avril sent her heartfelt praise to the girl.

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