The meeting concluded with a success, and the participants, led by Pascal, began to leave the room. Unless they had any business, Frederick didn’t like anyone staying behind after the meeting.

Frederick’s overwhelming murderous intent and menacing aura made them steer clear of him.

Apart from fear, Charlotte also felt unbearable agony whenever they were in the same space. She headed for the office, only to be stopped by Frederick’s secretary.

Despite her reluctance, she had no choice but to remain. After all the bureaucrats had left, a servant instructed by Frederick’s secretary handed her some documents pertaining to an orphanage in a certain village.

“The dilapidated orphanage is in a state of disrepair, so we decided to build a new one.”

Upon hearing that from the most powerful man in the kingdom, a slight frown of suspicion appeared on Charlotte’s face.

“As far as I can remember, this orphanage wasn’t included in the top priority list. According to the judgment of experts, there wouldn’t be a problem even if we postpone it for a few more years.”

“Juliet visited this orphanage the other day and suggested that we rebuild it as soon as possible.”

Frederick didn’t even spare her a glance. The entire time, he was looking over the minutes that had been compiled that day. She found his attitude infuriating, and the fact that Juliet’s name was mentioned even more so.

Indeed, the orphanage mentioned in the documents was the place Juliet recently visited for charity work.

It is true that the building is old.

Growing up in a magnificent royal castle, Juliet must’ve felt heartbroken seeing how pitiful the environment was, even compared to other orphanages.

—Again…

Even in national affairs, Juliet’s emotionally driven opinions sometimes took precedence. After all, if even Frederick himself allowed it, who were they to refuse?

As was the case for the person in charge for establishing the previous hospital, changes are going to be made to plans related to welfare facilities such as orphanages and hospitals merely because of Juliet.

“The budget for the construction of the new orphanage has already been determined, and there’s no room for change. Therefore, most of this matter will be covered by the reserve funds. I’ll leave the adjustment to you.”

…And this is our so-called, “Hero”? Our “Perfect King”?

A man who couldn’t get his priorities straight because of his favorite daughter?

But, of course, the man would have been able to smoothly coordinate everything so that no issues would hinder the other top-priority items, and therefore she should, too!

Thus, it fell on Charlotte to do part of the project, which was to coordinate the construction of the orphanage, as he had already made other the adjustments.

That man truly thought he was making a concession.

“…If Juliet proposed it, why don’t you entrust it to her? You can always hire an assistant for her.”

Even if Juliet couldn’t analyze the report on her own, getting someone to help her would solve the issue. If she were to assume charge until the end, she should be able to understand to some extent just how troublesome the tasks she left to others actually were.

In spite of that, she already knew how Frederick would respond.

“I’m sure I told you earlier that Juliet wants to focus on her studies.”

Frederick sounded fed up, tired of having to explain the same thing over and over again.

The same old Juliet, still self-absorbed and doing whatever suited her fancy. Not that it mattered—at least not to that man, because that was how his children were expected to behave.

Juliet was carefree, while Charlotte was diligent.

“Even if it wasn’t your duty, to begin with, it’s your responsibility to support your sister’s wishes.”

“…Understood.”

You talk as you please, how about following through on your words for once?

How about her father, Frederick, grant his daughter, Charlotte’s, wishes for once?

Then again, she already knew his answer. It would be the same old despicable answer.

‘For the sake of your sister.’

“If that’s all, please excuse me.”

Resisting the urge to crumple the papers in her hands, Charlotte bowed and headed for the door.

***

“Your Royal Highness the Crown Princess.”

Charlotte was called as she left the grand conference hall, prompting her to turn around.

It was the prime minister who attended the earlier meeting and his son who acted as his secretary.

Indeed, they were none other than Quentin’s father and brother.

“We’re leaving in two hours.”

“Yes. The preparations are ready, so we have plenty of time.”

That said, her workload had just increased, so she needed to look over the documents.

“Is Quentin being of any use to you?”

“…If His Majesty hasn’t complained, he is probably doing well, at least for the time being.”

After all, no matter how utterly dissatisfied Charlotte was with something, as long as Frederick dismissed it as something trivial, then that would be the truth.

Although Frederick didn’t disapprove of Quentin’s work, it didn’t necessarily mean that Charlotte was satisfied with his results.

However, the prime minister took her words at face value and placed a hand on his chest, respectfully bowing his head.

“My apologies. I’m aware that my foolish son doesn’t compare to His Majesty and Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess, so I sincerely wish that you teach him from scratch.”

Despite the politeness of his words, they also hinted to his strictness. Regardless, from the tone of his voice and the gentle expression on his face, the love he had for his son was apparent.

“Father!”

Perhaps embarrassed to have such a thing like that spoken in public, Quentin blushed softly as he accusingly called out to his father.

Rather than feeling apologetic, the prime minister smiled.

“Your role is to ease Her Highness’ burden as much as possible. Don’t let your guard down and give it your best.”

“I understand.”

“That’s good.”

Quentin nodded at the prime minister’s words, while his older brother watched the entire exchange with a gentle smile. His older sister, the second daughter of the Sargent family, did the same. Quentin was one of his three sons, and his mother, Mrs. Sargent, was a central figure in the social circles.

The closeness of his family was well-known to everyone.

It wasn’t to say that the prime minister wasn’t strict just because he was both courteous and austere. However, he was soft-spoken and had a certain amount of kindness. Thus, a loving, family-oriented father who was always concerned about his son came to be

No wonder he’s admired.

Aside from being brilliant, he was someone that Quentin and his siblings could be proud of.

“—You are a good father.”

Although the prime minister was especially concerned about his youngest child, Quentin, as the head of his family, he didn’t forget to shower his other children and wife with love. An ideal father through and through.

“Your Highness, I’m honored to hear that.”

The prime minister was unlike anyone else, anywhere.

In spite of that, the prime minister was also kind to Juliet, as usual. He didn’t see any issue with Quentin wasting his time on Juliet. He fully believed that Charlotte would be able to adapt.

That man who held his friend and master, Frederick, in high esteem was also known as Curtis Sargent. He was the one who strongly influenced Quentin with his most annoying ideals.

From Charlotte’s perspective, he was someone she couldn’t really consider an ally, and someone she didn’t think would make a decent father-in-law.

“—But I’m nowhere near as good as His Majesty.”

As if someone who could say that unironically, with a smile plastered all over his face, would understand Charlotte anyway.

“…I wonder about that?”

Charlotte’s words could only be interpreted as humility due to her status.

---

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***T/N:

“Your role is to ease Her Highness’ burden as much as possible. Don’t let your guard down and give it your best.”

I wonder which “Her Highness” was he referring here… Yes, by all means, ease the burden of Her Highness #2 by dumping everything on Her Highness #1.

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