Chapter 53

The princess's efforts are clear.

But...

"Your Highness, there is one problem with that..."

"Hmm? What is it?"

"Um, well...," she said, looking at the burly female guard.

Then the woman spoke, "It's fine, young master Orion. I am here to watch over the princess, and if she tries to go out, I will stop her by force if necessary. I won't report on the children's conversations."

She is quite a likable woman.

"Thank you. I have something I would like to say to the princess. Is it all right?"

"What is it?"

"Your Highness, your dream is something you can't achieve alone, right?"

"Yes, that's true."

"In some cases, you might need my help."

"Yes, that's true."

Then,

"Your Highness, do you know how many people lost their jobs because you went out without permission?"

"Huh!? I, I don't know..."

"Twelve," she said. I had just asked my father as soon as I left the room. It was the maids, guards, and tutors.

"Do you understand? Twelve people lost their jobs! Because of your selfish actions, they are now struggling to put food on the table! Do you understand that?"

I don't want to lecture her, but I have to. I was also incredibly selfish.

"I, I didn't know..."

The princess was taken aback by the sudden words.

"It's fine that you didn't know. But they now have to travel far to find new jobs. The maids won't be welcomed back home. It's only natural, as they were forced to leave their positions, not by their own choice. They are now wandering the streets because of your actions."

I can say these things because I've been in similar situations, and they often come back to haunt me.

"You said you need the help of others, right? Who will help you? Me? I'm sorry, but I must decline. Why? Because I don't feel like helping you. I don't want to be around you. I'm a worrier. I don't want to get involved, thinking you might trap me."

Trust is built on trust. I don't trust or believe in her. My past selfish and foolish words to my parents are different. This time, there is a valid reason. There is a limit to how much inconvenience one can cause others while living. Unrecoverable inconvenience cannot be excused.

"I don't like saying these things," I said. It's foolish to lecture others while avoiding my own mistakes.

"Still, I say these things to you because..."

I looked at the princess's hand.

"I believe your efforts are genuine. I want you to succeed. But if you continue like this, you will fail in the end. No one will accept you."

She made a mistake that can't be forgiven, yet she continued without realizing it. She ran towards her dream without knowing the mistake, and I, who would be the one she would turn to for help, found out about it. How would I react then?

Should I not point it out to her now? Should I leave her to her own devices?

I came to this world regretting the mistakes I made in my past life, which I didn't realize until it was too late. If she continues without knowing, she will definitely fail. Only a select few can get away with being insensitive to others. She, who wants to rely on others, is not one of them.

"Look around more," I said, even though I felt hypocritical.

"Consider how your actions affect others, both now and in the future. Don't end up alone."

But I think I can say these things because I have failed before.

"That's all from me. I apologize for my rude words. I am truly sorry."

I bowed and concluded.

The princess was dazed for a moment. Then she suddenly stood up and ran off.

I was left alone with the maid.

"Did I go too far?"

"Oh, not at all. I was surprised by your tone, though. I thought you were used to speaking to the princess, but even I was taken aback."

"R-Really?"

"Yes, it was as if you were speaking from a long life of experience."

I made a grim face.

"Please don't worry. I won't say anything. And I am grateful."

She bowed deeply.

"Why?"

"That young lady is very intelligent and diligent, but because of that, she often overlooks people's feelings and doesn't consider those around her. Your words seemed to have an effect on her."

"But it might not be in a good direction..."

"It will be, I'm sure. I've only been here a short time, but I can say with certainty that it will be for the better."

"Why?"

"Hehe, that's a secret. I'll follow the princess now. Excuse me."

She was about to run off, but I quickly said, "My name is Rain."

She turned back, as if remembering something.

"My name is Barina. Nice to meet you. Goodbye..."

And she ran off again.

I left the room and went to the carriage to return home. I don't fully understand, but I hope she will turn out for the better.