I Won’t Pick Up The Trash I Threw Away Again

Only a few years left.

What Duke Giltian said was a conviction, not an assumption. There must be a reason why he was so sure. 

What could be the reason?

I was curious, but there was no way to find out. Because he wouldn’t tell me even if I went to him and asked him.

“What are you thinking about?”

Baron Delrond, who sat at the desk across from me, organizing a document, asked. 

"Nothing."

I couldn’t get the answer even if I talked about it to Baron Derlond anyway, so I swallowed my words.

“But your expression looks bad for that.”

Is that so?

I checked my expression in my hand mirror, but it didn't look too bad.

“Are you nervous about the opening ceremony?”

"No. I think it’s not me, but Baron Delrond who was nervous though.”

His expression was stiffer than usual, and the tip of his slightly raised lips looked unnatural.

“Is it because of the press conference?”

Baron Delrond would speak on Kalian’s behalf at the opening ceremony today. What he was seeing now was the speech he would read at the press conference.

"Haa."

Baron Delrond let out a long sigh and grabbed his head.

“Why did His Majesty leave this to me…”

“That’s because Baron Delrond is His Majesty’s aide.”

"Yes. Being his aide is the problem.”

Baron Delrond clicked his tongue in annoyance.

His words and actions made it seem like he didn't like being an aide to the emperor, but it wasn't. He was very proud and satisfied. Still, it was fun seeing him express such complaints, so I laughed softly, then Baron Delrond stared at me with thin eyes.

“Why are you laughing?”

“I think Baron Delrond really likes His Majesty.”

"Yes?"

Baron Delrond asked me back in bewilderment.

“How on earth do you see that I like His Majesty?”

“Then do you hate His Majesty?”

“No, it’s not like that…”

Baron Delrond hesitated, then shut his mouth.

As expected, he likes him.

I picked up a document with a smile.

Baron Delrond rubbed his face bigly and spoke bluntly.

“But I think Baron Aster also likes His Majesty.”

"I like him."

Rattle, bang-!

"Really?"

Baron Delrond asked, standing up in surprise. His rough movement pushed his chair back.

Why is he so surprised? 

I looked at Baron Delrond, a little perplexed.

“Ehmm, hmm.”

Baron Delrond then coughed shyly and raised the chair that had fallen down.

“Is it so surprising that I said I like His Majesty?”

“No, well… It’s not like that.”

Baron Delrond, who sat down again, said awkwardly.

“I was just a little flustered because I had never seen anyone who says they like His Majesty as proudly as Baron Aster.”

He didn't look a little flustered though.

“It’s because everyone doesn’t express it outwardly. I’m sure they like His Majesty inwardly.”

“…”

Baron Delrond frowned as if he heard something he couldn’t hear.

“How on earth do you think like that?”

“That’s because His Majesty is a kind and good person.”

“I guess Baron Aster has never truly seen a kind person before.”

There’s no denying that he is a good person, huh?

Of course. Because Kalian was a good person to anyone looking at him.

Of course, those who didn’t know Kalian would be afraid of him after only hearing the rumors. I was like that too. However, after experiencing it myself, I changed my mind. And I was sure it was the same for other people who worked next to him.

Although he still didn’t have a very good reputation among the Imperial people, he would sooner or later. There was no doubt that if Kalian did what he was doing now, it would get better soon. Their fear would turn into awe in an instant.

“It's time to go.”

Baron Delrond, who checked the time, grabbed the document and stood up. I also stood up with my stuff.

“Haaa.”

Baron Delrond sighed again, enough to sink the ground in. He clearly looked like he didn’t want to do it.

I wanted to help him, but there was nothing I could do.

“Cheer up, Baron Delrond.”

All I could do was support him from the side.

“If you need my help, feel free to tell me.”

Baron Delrond's eyes twinkled instantly.

“Are you going to help me with anything?”

"Yes."

I nodded, and Baron Delrond held out the paper he was holding. It was the speech he was going to read at today's press conference.

Why does he hold out that to me?

Looking at him in wonder, Baron Delrond looked at me with anticipation and asked.

“Can you speak at the press conference on my behalf?”

I smiled lightly and pushed the speech back into his arms.

“I will refuse.”

Baron Delrond's expression turned sullen.

*****

It was the norm for the emperor to ride a carriage while his aides and other attendants rode horses. However, since I didn’t know how to ride a horse, this time, with an exception, it was decided that the aides also ride a carriage.

What on earth is this nonsense? 

My face was hot.

I need to learn how to ride a horse.

How many resolutions had I made? I couldn't even remember. Every time I made a resolution, I couldn't put it into practice. 

It was an excuse to say I didn't have time to do it because I was so busy. I should have learned to sleep less.

This time, I must do it.

As soon as I return home after the opening ceremony, I will look for a teacher first.

With a firm resolve in my heart, I checked the opening ceremony schedule.

Beside me, Baron Delrond continued to read the speech. As the carriage got closer to the orphanage, his face became as white as a blank sheet of paper.

“Don't be too nervous. Baron Delrond will do well.”

Baron Delrond laughed helplessly.

“I hope so, too.”

Baron Delrond concentrated on the speech again.

Not to disturb him, I quietly checked the opening ceremony schedule and looked out the window.

A towering white building was seen in the distance. That building was the orphanage.

It was what I had wished for. I had wanted to save the poor children, who were abused by the temple as if losing parents was not enough, and I finally achieved that wish. With my own hands.

My chest filled like a balloon at that fact. My heart was pounding.

I can’t wait to see it. 

I wanted to see the sign hanging on that building and the children running around laughing.

After a while, the carriage arrived in front of the orphanage.

The front of the building was crowded with people who came to watch the opening ceremony. There was no end of the crowd in sight.

“It’s dangerous, so get out of the way!”

“Come on, go away!”

The guards pushed the people to one side so that the carriages and horses could pass.

The golden carriage on which Kalian rode passed first, followed by our carriage, then followed by the horses on which the attendants and escort knights rode.

After a while, the carriage stopped.

“Please get off.”

I got off through the door opened by the coachman and looked up at the orphanage.

When I came here just a few days ago, the paint job hadn’t been done properly, so it was very sloppy, but not now. The walls of the building were clean, with no stains. Even the creaking clock tower was working properly.

The garden, which was overgrown with all kinds of weeds, was neatly arranged, and the angel statue of the fountain constantly poured water.

The trees planted along the long wall were evergreens that boasted lush leaves even in the cold winter. It was chosen with the hope that the children would grow up properly unchangingly, and I thought it was good.

Later, Kalian got off the carriage.

His facial features became more distinct as his bangs were neatly raised. The black coat covering his hips fitted him well. 

His thick eyebrows that drew a straight line went up slightly.

Looking at where the dark blue eyes were staring, I saw Duke Giltian and several nobles approaching this way.

"Your Majesty."

“You’re early.”

Kalian smiled and talked to Duke Giltian.

They seem to be very close, huh?

Well, they had lunch together before, even though he didn’t have any special schedule with him.

I thought they were on bad terms, so it was unexpected.

“You completely suppress the temple’s arrogance. As expected from Your Majesty.”

“How did you take away the childcare matter from the temple side?”

Instead of responding to the nobles’ flattery, Kalian smiled and entered the orphanage.

“Welcome, Your Majesty.”

Entering the large hall, Adrina and a few others greeted Kalian and us. There were also a few reporters. It seemed that the reporters were allowed to cover the opening ceremony.

“We ask for your understanding that the other teachers aren’t able to come out because they are taking care of the children.”

Kalian nodded.

"I understand."

"Thank you."

Adrina retreated, and Baron Delrond stood before the podium. This was to start the opening ceremony.

Before starting, Kalian sat at the higher seat. Next to him, the nobles, including Duke Giltian, sat in order according to their rank.

I stood next to Baron Delrond to help him.

“Then we will begin the opening ceremony of the Empire’s first orphanage.”

Clap, clap, clap, clap-!

The opening ceremony of the orphanage began with thunderous applause.

*****

“…then, we will hang the sign.”

Finally, the order to hang the sign, the highlight of the opening ceremony, had come.

From here on, it was held in front of the main gate, not in the hall. It was so that everyone could see it.

What could be the name Kalian chose? I’m very curious.

With a pounding heart, I looked at the sign people were bringing. The onlookers were also holding their breaths and staring at the sign, whether they felt the same way as me.

Soon after, as Kalian raised his hand, the servants turned the sign.

“…!”

"No way."

Everyone who saw the sign buzzed in unison.

“What’s going on here?”

“Why on earth did he choose that name?”

Even the nobles, who had been watching the situation happily, were bewildered and murmured.

Baron Delrond also forgot what to say next and looked at the sign blankly.

It was the same for me too.

Undoubtedly, the name of the childcare institution that Kalian chose was neither Yousveldia nor Cardin.

[Aster Orphanage]

It was Aster Orphanage, named after my surname.