Chapter 58
Chapter 58
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 58
Chapter Title: 6. Slaves Are an Excellent Source of Labor
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I couldn't help but lament. This empire didn't seem like a proper country at all.
'They've got inspectors for a reason! Use them!'
These madmen, sending royalty for an audit? And not even hiding their identity—they openly revealed their status, even bringing guards??
No matter how conscientious an orphanage merchant I am, my heart drops. What's the difference between this and the prime minister or a minister personally checking restaurant hygiene?
"I greet Your Highness the Princess!"
"No need to be so formal. I know I've caused trouble."
"No! It is an honor to meet the empire's most radiant bloodline!"
"......Raise your head. Really, it's fine."
Good, I've permitted it twice now? That old spirit user said this is the proper etiquette when meeting royalty. I have no idea how that old man in so many ways knew such things, but anyway.
If they keep bowing after two permissions, it becomes an insult to the imperial family instead. As soon as I raised my head, the princess widened her eyes in surprise.
"You know imperial etiquette? As expected......"
"Your Highness?"
"It's nothing. More importantly, you've applied for orphanage establishment permission, correct?"
Sure, I applied. But......
"......Don't tell me Your Highness came here because......"
"To confirm if this place is truly worthy of permission."
"E-even so, for Your Highness to come personally......"
"The orphanage subsidy policy is something His Majesty personally championed and holds dear. As his child and a member of the imperial family, is it strange for me to check personally to ensure the imperial funds aren't wasted?"
Strange? Of course it's strange! Why would royalty handle this?!
Of course, our great emperor is graciously providing subsidies. But the amount isn't huge for the imperial family ruling the entire continent, and if they were going to inspect so thoroughly, they should've weeded out trash competitors like Happy Orphanage long ago.
More than that, I've paid attention to industry trends, but even in Luton, the number of orphanages barely reaches double digits. They've proliferated thanks to subsidies, but overall, there are very few orphanages.
No, is it because there are so few that they can visit each one personally? Am I the weird one, and this is normal for capital orphanages?
'......No point thinking about it now.'
One clear fact: the princess came to inspect the orphanage herself.
Actually, thinking about it, it was startling but not a big problem. Whether the health minister or the president comes for a restaurant hygiene check, if the hygiene is impeccable, there's no issue.
And as a conscientious and thorough orphanage director, I had confidence in my products' quality, improvements, and environment.
"......Understood. I will fully cooperate with the inspection. However, due to circumstances, we must go underground."
"Got it."
She didn't even question heading underground despite the orphanage being right there, so my sowing discord or poaching from other capital orphanage department stores must already be known. Not surprising with the imperial intelligence network.
Yet not pursuing or mentioning it means they're treating it as healthy competition.
"Celine, let's go."
"Y-yes. Master."
Glancing at the guards trailing us with hidden presence, I entered the hidden basement with the princess. Celine came too. I'd planned to have her clean the basement today anyway, and she already knew it existed.
As soon as I entered the basement, one product ran toward me with a bright smile, then flinched upon seeing the princess behind me.
"Director...? Who's that?"
"A friend of mine. Remember when Eric's fathers brought bread? Someone like them."
"Ah! Mr. Milton's bread was so delicious! So did sister bring bread too?"
"Sorry, not today. I'll bring some next time."
"Aww, okay...... Anyway, Director! Are you here to see Kyle? I'll guide you!"
"Thanks, Lily."
"Yes!"
Lily was the pro-orphan spy I'd called with Tricksy. A 1-star orphan without special talents, but with performance second only to Tricksy, so a product I quite cherished.
Giggling, Lily took my hand and led the way, while the princess watched sharply.
Passing through the surprisingly clean basement interior, a wide space appeared. There, Kyle was quality-checking products gathered in one place.
"Yes, injured ones over here for now...... Ah, Director?"
"Ignore the people behind me, it's fine, Kyle. What are you doing now?"
"As you said last time, Director, I'm sorting out the ones with severe scarring."
"How far along are you?"
"Almost done, but......"
Kyle trailed off, pointing to one spot. There, a girl stood blocking the low-durability products Kyle had selected.
The girl, Rene, hesitated briefly before shouting at me.
"Director, please! Don't send them away!"
"Rene, what do you mean?"
"I know. Orphans this hurt can't work and are a hassle to manage, so you secretly chase them out. But if they go back to the back alleys or their old orphanages, it'll be real trouble! Please, please......!!"
Ah, I get it. She's worried I'll discard or resell the damaged products.
Not entirely unfounded. Capital luxury orphanage department stores differ from Luton's trash, but they specialize in luxury orphans, preferring top-quality raw materials from the start over injured, low-durability ones. Like dumping ugly sweet potatoes or potatoes cheap.
So I approached Rene quietly, placing a hand on her trembling shoulder as she squeezed her eyes shut.
"A-ah......!!"
"Don't worry, that won't happen."
"......Huh?"
"Didn't Tricksy tell you? This is only for you all. Even if you're hurt, scarred, rejected, or pushed me away, I won't abandon you."
Such luxurious selection is for established luxury orphan dealers. As a new business, I must polish even low-quality raw materials to sell. Laila proved that.
Like extracting gold or copper from a broken phone, even damaged products might hold value.
I had no intention of discarding or giving up on the products in my hands.
"Rene, including you, many kids don't trust me yet. You've heard from Tricksy, Kyle, Lily, but still wary, thinking maybe. That's perfectly natural."
"Natural......"
"You've been in bad environments, suffered physical or mental abuse. Wary of strange adults is natural. But it's not your fault. It's the orphanage director's."
If a product leaves hating the store, is it the product's fault? No, the store owner's poor management. Like blaming the rancher, not the cows, for escapes.
Plus, gaslighting them that their orphanage director was wrong reduces return chances.
Looking at all products, not just Rene, she replied hesitantly.
"But......"
"Of course, I'm an orphanage director too. That's why I'm atoning to you. Our only commonality is the title, but that doesn't excuse ignoring your wounds."
"........."
"Hate me, curse me, doubt me—fine. Leave if you want. But if someday you see my sincerity, call this home, and find happiness......that would be wonderful."
Of course, just words—I won't let them leave. How would they escape this basement? What if after surfacing? That's why Kyle's here.
From their view, peer orphan Kyle is more trustworthy than strange adult me. Spending time together here builds emotional reliance on Kyle, slashing escape chances even after release. I won't mistreat them anyway.
Plus, Lily beside me shouted angrily.
"Director Yujin is kind! I've told you so many times! He would never───"
"Lily, it's okay. You were like them at first, right?"
"Th-that's......"
"Thanks for getting mad for me, but understand them now. Please."
"......Yes."
You need their goodwill too, to reduce future escapes. Go mingle.
Relieved or deciding to trust for now, Rene stepped back slowly. Instead of approaching low-durability products directly, I handed Kyle potions and bandages.
"Treat them well. Tell me if you need more."
"Got it."
"Celine, help Kyle."
"Yes, Master!"
Less resistance if Kyle or Lily treats, boosts product unity. Celine's for cleaning/labor, earning her keep.
After checking other products and pre-bought supplies like food, we left the basement. Without those, managing dozens would've been tough.
The princess said nothing throughout. Just scanned supplies, products, stared at my back.
But that was it. Nothing more to show.
Thinking enough, she spoke upon entering the temporary director's office.
"Honestly, the audit was an excuse. The result was decided anyway."
"Pardon?"
Good, an excuse. I'd thought the capital routinely sent royalty for audits.
Excuse? For what? What's this about results?
"I've heard everything already."
"What do you mean......"
"I know about what you did in Luton too."
Ah, no way.
'That bastard Heinkel.'
Did he blab about the 'business' to the princess? Did I just get backstabbed?
......No.
'Heinkel only helped once with Karen, got a small fee, done.'
Wrong timing for betrayal. Business unknown to others, no big score, Heinkel not cornered.
Considering the ruthlessness of someone who heard and actively joined───
Flutter.
"What is this......?"
"Since you know everything, showing is faster."
One possibility. The princess is 'medieval noble average' like Heinkel.
As crisis is opportunity, this is Heinkel's gift. Not just baronet—imperial connections!
"It's a detailed business plan. You may have heard, but reading confirms."
"........."
The princess's eyes scanning my orphanage business report and plan.
......Shook violently.
*
Princess Ariel Haizenberg doubted her eyes.
The young orphanage director's plan exceeded imagination.
'Treating orphans as raw materials, processing into products for sale, then mapping sold orphan networks......?'
Mind-numbing. The wordplay paralyzed thought; speechless.
Insane. Must say something now.
Must.
'But those kids earlier......'
Kyle and Lily.
Reports confirmed: from Yujin's Luton orphanage, long with him.
Orphans, especially, sense emotions toward them keenly. Two—actually all from Luton per reports—trust and follow Yujin.
Thus, harder to understand. Mad orphanage director earning orphans' fervent respect and love?
Skill soothing poached kids superb too. To Ariel, Yujin's words rang true.
In this gap between Yujin's sincerity and mad appearance/plan.
'Old man.'
Ariel recalled her most trusted guard, rare imperial 'spirit user' old man.
A young adventurer he'd partied with opened an orphanage in Luton, most trustworthy man.
Ariel didn't trust the new young director. She trusted the old man.
"......Al-right."
"Your Highness?"
"Let's......cooperate."
Ariel nodded eventually.
Couldn't comprehend him or the shocking plan.
But she desperately needed an ally now. Yujin fit perfectly in experience and status. Old man's strong endorsement too.
Old man's request for secrecy nagged, but Ariel decided to ally with this devil.
"But grant one request."
"Anything."
Yujin nodded immediately. Knows non-cooperation means trouble over poaching despite no permit yet. Sharp.
Composed, Ariel continued coldly.
"I aim to completely clean the capital's back alleys."
Clean.
Not gentle euphemism. Ariel knew the weight—she'd participated, killing imperial tumors.
To finally clean completely, she sought Yujin.
"That'll be difficult."
"Right, cooperation...... Pardon?"
Yujin.
Refused firmly, without hesitation.
As if absolutely unacceptable.