Chapter 17

Now that we've turned eleven, it's time to start our official duties seriously.

"Let's use the 'knowledge from the previous life' and really get into it, Cerea. We can't lose to the heroine."

"Hmm, I didn't go to school much..."

"You were in the hospital all the time, right?"

"Yes."

"In that case, you must know a lot about hospitals, right!"

"That's true!"

My older sister studied abroad in the advanced country of Halfa and, upon returning, established hospitals and orphanages in our country. The buildings are repurposed existing structures, but supervising them is my first official duty. Of course, the Minister of Health oversees the hospital, and the Minister of Education oversees the orphanage, so I won't be the one in the spotlight. However, I can point out and improve any issues. This will become my life's work, inherited from my sister. Since Cerea lived in the hospital for so long, her knowledge will surely be useful.

First, we'll visit the orphanage.

I think it's too heavy to start with a hospital, where lives are at stake. Since we're still children, we can see things from a child's perspective and identify areas for improvement.

We won't be visiting as the prince and princess (in waiting); Cerea and I will wear civilian clothes and visit as the children of orphanage staff.

"I'll look around the facility, but what about you, Cerea?"

"I'll play with the children."

Yeah, that's a good idea. We need to hear directly from the children.

The director showed us around the facility. It felt a bit dirty and dark.

"The children live in a well-organized manner, with roles assigned to ensure they can take care of themselves."

The director says this, but there are still many issues. The orphanage system is new, and its operation is still in the trial-and-error stage.

When we returned to the children, Cerea was sitting on the floor with everyone, playing cards.

"Page One!""Stop!"

Wow, the children's laughter bursts out. They look like they're having fun.

"Cerea, it's time to go. We have a meeting."

"Ah, yes."

"Aw, nooo!"

The children protest.

The director claps her hands, and the children disperse.

"Alright, break time is over. Everyone, back to your duties!"

"Big sister, come back again, okay?"

"Sure, I'll come back!"

They're so cute.

The director and a few senior staff members start the meeting in the staff room.

"First, the facility is too dark. We should replace the wallpaper to make it brighter. We also need new curtains."

"Agreed."

"Please open all the curtains during the day to brighten the place. Keeping them closed all the time isn't good."

"Understood."

"Also, open the windows to ventilate the air. Do this regularly."

I'll start with the things that can be done immediately.

"Also, the children smell."

Wait, Cerea? That's a bit much...

"I'm sorry, Lady Cerea, we'll make sure it doesn't happen again..."

The director is flustered.

"No, that's not what I meant. The smell indicates poor hygiene. Children have weak immune systems and are more susceptible to illness. This is why infant and child mortality rates are high. Therefore, the children must be kept clean."

"I understand, but..."

The director wipes his sweat.

"First, have the children change clothes during the day and before bed."

"Bedding?"

"Yes, wearing the same clothes all the time can cause skin diseases. Ensure they don't sleep in their clothes. Provide them with several sets of clothes and wash them regularly."

"We'd like to, but the budget is limited..."

"Also, have the children bathe daily."

"Bathe daily?"

"What do you do now?"

"We have them wash their bodies in a tub once a week."

Bathing daily? That's on par with the royal family. It's not a luxury for ordinary citizens!

Cerea's advanced ideas are impressive!

"Also, wash their hair. Cleanliness is very important for children."

"But bathing each child individually is a lot of work..."

"We should build a large bathhouse that can accommodate many people at once."

"A large bathhouse? We'll need a lot of fuel like wood."

It will be a large bathhouse. In ancient times, there were great nations with such a culture.

I don't think it's impossible. We have a plan for the fuel.

"I'll talk to His Majesty. We've started mining coal, so we can use that as fuel."

The Minister of Industry has been focusing on coal mining, so it's becoming more widely available in the city.

"I'll talk to the Minister about building the bathhouse, Cerea."

"Still, daily baths..."

"Daily baths and tooth brushing."

"Tooth brushing too?"

"Ensure the children brush their teeth after every meal."

Cerea emphasizes this.

"Many people think it's okay for baby teeth to get cavities because they'll fall out anyway, but that's not true. It affects the permanent teeth, and it can lead to misaligned teeth. It's sad to think of children suffering with teeth they'll use for the rest of their lives."

"I see..."

"Thorough hygiene management is essential. Ensure they wash their hands before meals and brush their teeth after meals."

"Ensuring all the children do this will require more staff..."

We need more people. The church might be the solution.

"Should we ask the church to send people?"

"The church?"

"Yes, we could ask monks and nuns to come and help as a service."

"Hmm, I'm not sure..."

"I'll talk to the bishop."

Everyone is surprised!

As a prince, I can go straight to the top without hesitation. I'll use this privilege to my advantage.

"Also, in addition to making the children work regularly, please give them time to play."

"Play?"

The staff are surprised by Cerea's suggestion.

I think it's obvious that children should play.

"Yes, if you only discipline children and make them obey, they'll grow up to be adults who can't make decisions on their own. They'll become homeless adults. Through play, children learn to follow rules, understand the consequences of not following them, develop a sense of competition, and learn to care for others. Play is about making everyone happy, not just oneself."

Indeed. People without such experiences might become criminals in the future.

"Hmm, that's true, but will the citizens understand using tax money to let orphans play?"

Please don't be so stingy.

"That kind of thinking comes from discriminatory attitudes. Orphans are children just like us. First, change that mindset."

The staff look uncomfortable.

It's unacceptable for the staff of an orphanage to have discriminatory attitudes.

I'll also mention what Cerea said.

"Also, ensure the children learn to read, write, and do basic arithmetic."

"Study?"

"Yes, without these skills, they can be easily deceived, lose their money, and end up working in poor conditions, leading to poverty and more orphans. Improving labor conditions starts with education. I'll talk to the church about this."

"Hmm... Educating orphans... I hope it's not a waste."

We can't do everything at once, so this is a good start.

"Frankly, I'm surprised... Both Your Highness and Lady Cerea have remarkable insight. The founder of this orphanage, Lady Saren, would be amazed."

"I'm taking over this responsibility. Please don't think of us as just eleven-year-old children."

"Understood."

We got the church's approval.

I talked to the Minister of Education and convinced him to accompany me to the church.

With the bishop, I pushed the idea that "the church is a non-profit charitable organization" and "the church preaches equality under the name of the goddess. Orphans are also children of God. Not loving orphans equally would contradict the teachings." I pushed this argument to a point where they couldn't say no.

Being a prince, I can be quite pushy when I use my position effectively.

I went directly to the king's office and made a direct appeal.

As a prince, I don't need to hold back.

Cerea and I visited together. It might be a bit sneaky, but the king can't openly refuse in front of the cute Cerea.

Instead of just talking, I gave them a written list of improvements.

"Will this cost a lot of money, and you want to do it?"

"Yes."

"You've already talked to the minister and the church?"

"Yes, but since it's a child's opinion, no one takes it seriously. They always say, 'Get the king's approval.'"

This is a bit sneaky, but I'll use it, Father.

"What kind of results do you expect?"

"Homeless children and adults will disappear from the city. Poverty will be reduced, and there will be fewer criminals. Not all, but many."

"Education for orphans? Isn't there something more urgent?"

"No, it's the opposite. 'Even orphans are learning this much' will raise the awareness of the citizens. It's easier to start with orphans and set a good example."

"Looking ahead to a decade or more?"

"Yes. My ultimate goal is for all citizens to be able to read and write."

The king is impressed.

"Very well. I'll instruct the ministers and allocate the budget."

"Thank you!"

Cerea and I bow.

"I appreciate your efforts to expand your influence beyond the palace and help the people. Continue to be my eyes and a source of strength for the people. I have high hopes for you."

"We will remember your words."

A month later, the orphanage had a large bathhouse!

Cerea and I visited with a cart full of coal.

"Cerea! What are you wearing?"

"I want to help wash the children."

"Are you going in with them?"

"Yes."

When we went to check the water temperature, Cerea was in the changing room, wearing only an apron over her naked body, with the children!

"Please join us, Shin-sama."

"No, I'm good!"

"The coal has made everything black, and it smells."

Is that so? I'm not sure...

The water temperature is good. A bit lukewarm, maybe. We should add more coal.

We need to record how much coal is used per bath. We'll weigh it before adding it.

"I'll take care of the rest, Your Highness. Please return."

"Okay, thank you!"

I left the rest to the staff and went to the bathhouse.

Cerea was scrubbing the children with soap.

Her naked body, covered only by an apron, made her look even more alluring.

I joined Cerea in washing the children. She focused on the girls, and I focused on the boys.

The dirt is incredible... The soap isn't even lathering. We need to soak them first.

I can see how important it is to keep children clean and have them bathe daily.

Splash, rinse, and one child is done.

"Hey, you're a guy! Get a towel!"

"Why are you hiding?"

It's fine, right? I have my reasons.

Because Cerea is naked... I can't help but glance at her.

"Lolicon!"

"Pervert!"

Wait, wait, wait. How can you call an eleven-year-old a lolicon? That's a ridiculous accusation. Dealing with children is tough.

I'm sorry, staff. This will be a daily task.

The children come out of the bath, their faces red.

"Shin-sama, it's your turn."

"No, I'm good! I can wash myself!"

"Your face is still black."

"Really?"

Cerea washes my body.

I can't help but look at the pink parts visible through the gaps in her apron.

Ah, no good. My towel is standing up.

"..."

"Sorry..."

Cerea's face is red.

"Hey, Cerea, do you know how babies are made?"

Cerea's hands stop scrubbing my body.

"You do know, right?"

"I don't know!"

"You definitely know by that face."

"I don't know!"

"You're so mature, Cerea!"

"Shut up!"

She gets angry, rinses off the soap, and leaves the bathhouse.

I wash myself alone.

...What should I do about this?

I'll ask Shriegan next time.

In the story, I changed "modern knowledge" to "knowledge from the previous life."

Next: "18. Medical Reform"