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Eastern Alberan, which had only recently become subservient to Grabareine, rejoiced at the establishment of a nation in opposition to Alberan.

Before its formal establishment, Elsreine formed a loose anti-Alberan alliance, bound by a web of defensive agreements. However, to solidify relationships with these entities, Elsreine established a central parliament.

 Incorporating influential figures from across the land as members, Elsreine rapidly took shape as a nation while Alberan was preoccupied with internal issues arising from its split.

This was largely due to Elsreine’s military exploits, which showed her overwhelming military talent during the recent Alberan Civil War, and her genius, which allowed her to solve the various problems that arose during the establishment of the nation with divine skill.

It was said that she had the magic eye to see into the future, and with the funds she raised, she made huge profits in a short time, and built the foundations of a nation for the helpless rebel army.

A month and a country, two months and a great power.

In a very short time, Elsreine took control of the economy of the center of the continent, and great merchants from all over the country, amazed by her ‘alchemy’, rushed to gather in the capital, Linaria.

It is said that this was also the reason why the two major powers――the Natrias family and the Livasrebe family, who would later become the three great dukes of the Holy Elsren Empire, expressed their intention to participate in this.

"The chairman\'s intentions should be praised... However, the current situation requires us to focus on domestic stability and prepare for the inevitable invasion by Alberan. The establishment of an orphanage should be postponed, and the time and budget should be allocated elsewhere."

"That may be true, but…"

In the heart of Linaria, the First Assembly Hall.

The men sitting in chairs around a large round table were the most influential nobles of Elsren.

At the head of the table, where a large map of the surrounding area was displayed, sat a young girl with golden hair――Reine wearing a troubled expression as she pondered how to respond.

Elsren was originally a territory that had only recently been incorporated into Alberan territory.

The Alberan invasion had left many war orphans, and public order was in disarray, making it far from stable.

The original plan after the rebellion was to provide ample protection to solve these problems and restore public order――and this plan remains unchanged even after the country became the Republic of Elsren.

However, the situation was very different now that there was a powerful enemy nation called Alberan.

The council members made military expansion their top priority, and were eager to pour funds into it.

While Reine understood their reasoning, she believed the current defense forces were sufficient for a defensive battle.

The disagreement stemmed from their apparent aim to conquer Alberan.

Reine never had any thoughts of killing her mother or conquering Alberan.

She simply wanted to create a country where everyone could live happily.

That was all.

However, that was merely Reine\'s logic.

Most of the people were on the side that had been conquered by Alberan――she could understand their reasoning for resenting their mother, but she couldn\'t deny it outright, nor did she have the right to do so.

Reine was the chairperson, and decisions regarding the country had to be made by everyone discussing them together.

"Well, wait a moment. What the chairman is concerned about is the long-term future, ten or twenty years from now. Expanding the military too much will incur heavy expenses. The chairman believes that the current defense forces are sufficient for now, doesn\'t she?"

"Yes, that\'s right. Reine believes that, for a defensive battle, we have enough strength to counter Alberan as things stand."

"I agree with the others\' concerns, though I do have some reservations... But at least in military matters, the chairman is more knowledgeable than anyone here. From what I\'ve heard, there’s no major flaw in her reasoning. Does anyone disagree?"

The man next to Reine, Kirias Livasrebe, was thin and lanky.

 Though his face seemed gentle, his sharp eyes glared at the other members.

"It seems to me that emotions are getting the better of everyone here. Alberan is indeed formidable… It\'s unlikely we could defeat them with a hastily assembled force. Even if we assume everything goes perfectly, we would at best reach a stalemate. ...if that happens, we will inevitably lose in the face of Alberan’s superior national power. We lack the foundation for a long-term war."

Reine nodded, feeling that Kirias had articulated her thoughts perfectly.

Kirias was the most vocal person in the council.

He was quite a sharp and good speaker, and he understood Raine\'s intentions well.

"This country is overflowing with orphans. In ten years, they will become rebels and cause great disturbance to public order. They are like debts, and if they grow, they will bankrupt the country. If we refuse to pay one gold coin now, in ten years they will demand ten, twenty... or even a hundred gold coins. It will be too late once that happens."

‘We should think about the future of this country’, Kirias continued.

"Now is the time to solidify the foundations of this country. With a country, we can achieve our wish to defeat Alberan. The chairman is not proposing an orphanage out of simple pity. Please understand that. I agree with the chairman and vote in favor."

‘Thank you’, Reine said, bowing slightly. He smiled wryly and shook his head.

The next person to speak was a large man with a beard, Orlos Natrias.

"I agree as well. But I also understand the concerns about our military. How about sending more troops from various regions to the western front, where the fighting is expected to be most intense? At least, I don\'t think there are any fools who would want to cause internal strife in the current situation. I think the people in the west will feel a little more at ease with that."

Though not particularly skilled in domestic affairs, Orlos had considerable influence and was good at rallying the nobles.

He also had the largest territory in the region, which contributed to his influence.

There were some minor issues, but nothing significant.

Elsren\'s start was going well.

Leaving the First Assembly Hall, Reine headed to her office.

The Vice-Chairman, Golzarias Lukazan, spoke up.

"The meeting must have been tiring. They seem to be getting more comfortable, voicing their opinions freely."

"It\'s true that it\'s a bit tiring, but... this is fine. Reine would also like to hear various opinions, and if Reine is a king, they won\'t be able to say what they wanted to say."

Golzarias wanted a country where Reine could hold absolute power, but what Reine wanted was a parliamentary republic.

In Alberan, his mother thought about everything and made all the decisions.

She suppressed any other opinions, or executed anyone who spoke them.

A dictatorship was not a bad system at all, and her mother\'s reasoning was understandable.

It was undoubtedly her mother\'s achievement that she was able to unite Alberan, which was on the verge of fragmentation, and made it so large, and it was because she strengthened her own power and freely controlled the country.

Her mother made the country bigger and increased the population.

If a big, stable country was a good country, then her mother was a good queen.

But what Reine wanted to build was a place where everyone could be happy.

‘...It\'s hard to say what society is...but. It’s something that is made by individuals complementing each other\'s shortcomings, I guess?’

‘Complementing each other...’

‘For example, just as Elsreine-sama looks at my paintings and wishes to be taught something, I also learn from Elsreine-sama paintings what I lack. Isn’t a relationship in which we give and receive something from each other also a society?’

‘It\'s a small society, though’, Fili said.

‘You use your strengths for the other person, and get help with your weaknesses...Everyone in this world helps each other like that, and lives within that role. Whether you\'re a soldier, craftsman, or noble, it\'s just one role in a larger society. In any era, the most important thing an individual should do is to fulfill the role that is assigned to them in that larger society.\'

\'... It\'s a bit difficult.\'

Fili looked amused when she said that.

‘Fufu, but I\'m sure you already understand, Elsreine-sama.\'

She laughed as she said that.

Reine closed her eyes for a moment, remembering her smile.

“Reine wants to listen to different opinions, learn from them, and understand different ways of thinking. The only thing Reine is good at is calculations... Even if Reine works hard on her own, Reine \'ll end up with an Alberan like Mother.... That\'s why Reine wants to exchange opinions with many people and build a country and society where many people can live happily.\'

――The seed of a better society is the desire to understand others.

Fili\'s stories were always a bit difficult.

But she thought  that\'s probably what it\'s all about.

What the other party likes, what they don\'t like, what they wish and what they want.

It wasn’t about how smart someone is, it\'s important to have that kind of personality.

If it\'s a good thing, it\'s fine even if it\'s a stupid suggestion.

If they lack wisdom, Reine could help them.

By listening to various opinions and understanding everyone, and granting their wishes, it would surely lead to a better society in the future.

For Reine, strangers were a little difficult.

But they were all human beings――they would always connect in some way, and she believed that one day they would understand each other like Fili and herself.

And she wanted her mother to see the place that was created in this way.

"...If such a place is created, I\'m sure Mother will..."

"Don\'t say such things too much outside. Many people harbor resentment towards Her Majesty..."

"Ah... yes. I\'m sorry..."

When she entered the office, Golzarias gave a wry smile and shook his head.

"Of course, I understand your feelings... but I hope that at least a little of Elsreine-sama\'s feelings can be conveyed. Of course, the dead will not come back to life..."

"... Yes."

"But I\'m sure Fili would be proud of Elsreine-sama. She probably wanted to heal Her Majesty\'s illness more than anyone else."

Raine nodded, and Golzarias continued.

"From what I\'ve heard... it seems that after Elsreine-sama went out to battle, Fili was summoned by Her Majesty."

"...summoned"

"I don\'t know the details... but considering the results, it\'s probably fair to assume that Elsreine-sama battle was also to get rid of her. Maybe Her Majesty wanted to keep Elsreine-sama away so that she wouldn\'t hear about it."

He lowered his eyes and sighed.

"...The day that Kaa-sama told Reine that she wanted Reine to go and put down the rebellion, we had just...got into an argument about Fili."

"Yes I heard. I can\'t say for sure what the final trigger was, but...I think it was Her Majesty the Queen who took her life. I thought it might be possible, so I had someone I had hidden investigate as much as possible, but..."

"...Thank you. I appreciate the sentiment, but...I don\'t think Mother would leave a spy alone. I think it would be best to withdraw."

"...Ha"

――Mother said that it wasn\'t her.

It was true that Reine had lost her composure, and the thought that maybe that was really the case flickered through her mind, but based on the words of Golzarias, who seemed to have continued to investigate afterwards, it was probably her mother who killed Fili after all.

"Whatever the case, it’s about what to come."

"... Yes."

"Since they\'ve been suffering under heavy taxes, an orphanage is a good idea. They need charity to gain the support of the people. Even Reine-sama might be a little resistant to portraying Her Majesty as evil and strengthening the conflict structure but..."

"... No. If it\'s necessary, there\'s no other way."

The tyrant Grabareine――a cruel and wicked overlord.

By showing her mother as evil and presenting Reine as the rebel against her as good, she widely communicated this to the people, clarifying the just cause and gaining the support of the people.

There was some resistance to Golzarias\' proposal, but to create a country, it was necessary to gain the support of many people.

The conflict between good and evil was easy to understand even for the uneducated, and when it\'s good and evil, people usually want to side with the good.

His thinking was rational, and there was no disagreement except for emotional issues.

Reine still had no doubt that her mother was a fine queen.

She didn\'t think she was evil either.

To Reine, she was a kind mother, wise, and at least she was trying to create what her mother thought was a good country.

If this hadn\'t happened, if she had accepted Fili, maybe they would all be able to live happily together in ten or twenty years\' time.

However, Rayne had her own thoughts and position, and her mother had her own thoughts and position.

She thought that was the only difference.

‘...Good and evil are very scary words, Reine-sama.’

‘Scary...’

‘From what perspective do they seem right and wrong? To label someone as evil is to stop thinking and understanding the other person... To label yourself as good is to lose the heart to correct your own mistakes. ...By labeling yourself as something, people can become endlessly foolish.’

‘It is wrong to speak lightly about what is good or bad’, Fili said.

If you put it into words, you would be bound by them, and one day it would become an assumption.

You would only try to find reasons why the other person was evil, and reasons why you yourself were good.

"...However, I don\'t think that way of doing things is very good. Once the country stabilizes, I want everyone to be able to spend each day as happily as possible."

"Yes. Of course, I understand your feelings, Elsreine-sama, and I feel the same way. If we can gather the support of the people, I\'m sure we will be able to change that gradually."

Reine nodded.

Golzarias was always considerate of Reine\'s feelings.

It\'s very reassuring for Reine to have such a trustworthy person by her side.

"Let\'s think about various things regarding the orphanage. I\'m going to exchange some opinions with Livasrebe-dono and Natrias-dono and think about a trustworthy person to steer the ship. If you have any opinions, I\'ll ask first..."

"As long as they have the minimum level of ability... As Lukazan said, find someone you can trust. We\'ll be entrusting them with a lot of money..."

"Yes, I\'ll meet your expectations. Well then."

Golzarias left the office, and Reine sat at her desk.

The desk was piled with reports――much less than the amount her mother used to process.

It was not a matter of the size of the country, but the shape.

The lords of each region were merely listed as council members, and the land is currently their property.

The financial situation was unclear compared to when she was in Alberan.

She must make predictions based on the land situation that was submitted when she was in Alberan and the surrounding areas that Reine manages, and think about how to proceed from there.

With all the information in her head, it was easy for Reine to raise funds, but it would become more difficult from now on.

She took a sip of the tea she had brewed and lowered her eyes.

She had used the same tea leaves, brewed it the same way, and even adjusted the temperature to be the same as Fili, but it didn\'t taste like she remembered.

――She would never be able to drink the tea she had drank with her again.

Every time she took a sip, Reine realized this.

An old mansion in a corner of the outskirts of Linaria.

The first orphanage was first built there.

It was spacious enough, the security was not bad, and although it had deteriorated, it was a sturdy structure.

Reine had gone there to inspect the building to commemorate its completion.

It was also a chance to meet and greet, and to think about what would happen next.

She was wearing a white dress that was not overly flashy, and a white veil over her head.

She had thought that there was no need to hide her face as she was the chairman and this was not the kingdom, but at the request of Golzarias and the others, she hid her face with a thin cloth.

Whatever Reine\'s role, she was the symbol of Elsren.

She cannot be lightly revealed to the public, and if her face becomes widely known, there would be major security problems, so she had no choice but to listen.

"Well... I was thinking about celebrating the opening of the orphanage... what do you think?"

"My, this is wonderful... I never thought we would receive such a beautiful painting."

Golzarias was also in the orphanage common room, and the head director, Narko Livenils, was admiring the painting Reine had brought.

A tall, thin man with black hair and a young, calm-looking face.

He was born into a branch of the Livasrebe family, and seemed to like art.

She knew his name from my knowledge of the time in Alberan, but there was no information that he had done anything in particular.

There were many people who were listed as nobles.

The painting was that of paradise.

Image of people living happily together.

“...It’s a beautiful painting. It seems to convey Elsreine-sama’s wishes.”

"...Really?"

"Yes. I knew at a glance that this is the kind of place Elsreine-sama’s wants to create. ...It\'s a truly wonderful painting. Of course, in terms of technique, it\'s something such that I\'ve never seen before...but you can\'t paint a painting like this with skill alone."

Hearing those words, Reine smiled happily.

"I\'ll treasure it and put it on display. I think the hall would be good so everyone can see it."

"Ehehe...Yes. Reine\'d like lots of people to see it. Reine, well... Reine is not very good at talking, so I can\'t speak very well...but I thought something like this would get the message across."

"Such a magnificent painting...I\'m sure it will get the message across."

Reine nodded and then talked about the future.

This was the starting point, the headquarters, for now, but there would be a separate director, and from now on Narcor will basically be steering the other orphanages that were newly built.

Once again, they briefly discussed the general outline, and when she asked about his thoughts on working out the details, the plan he had prepared was very similar to what Reine had in mind.

If he was a decent person with the minimum level of ability, Reine would make up for any shortcomings.

That was what Reine had thought, but his abilities were more than adequate.

Listening to what he had to say, she felt quite at ease.

"...Livenils is excellent. It seems there isn\'t much for Reine to say."

"No, that\'s not it... I\'ve been desperately trying to meet Elsreine-sama\'s expectations ever since I heard the Headmaster\'s words. I may show some areas where I still fall short."

"It\'ll be fine. Just don\'t push yourself too hard, and if any problems arise, please consult Reine anytime. Reine feels a little more at ease after talking to Livenils."

Golzarias nodded at Reine\'s words and said.

"Noble families have their own problems. There are many cases where talented people are left unemployed. It\'s fortunate that someone with an eye for talent like Livasrebe-dono is in charge."

"Livs Livasrebe is very thoughtful about many things... and it\'s all thanks to Lukazan’s efforts."

"No, it\'s all thanks to Elsreine-sama... I guess that\'s about it for now."

"Hmm...right."

"I also have a few things to talk about with Livenils-sama... What do you think, Elsreine-sama? Why don\'t you go and see the orphanage for a bit?"

‘That would be a good idea’, Reine said, nodding and standing up.

"There may be some things you can\'t understand without seeing them... and Reine\'d like to see how the children are doing."

"If that\'s the case, please do. The children will be happy. The director will show you around."

"Yes. Lukazan, please call me when you\'re done."

"Yes."

Raine then left the room, and Narko bowed deeply to Golzarias as he saw her off.

"Well, Livenils. Isn’t she as I said?"

"Yes, Lukazan-sama. She seems like a very pure person... but this is quite surprising."

Narko\'s gaze fell on the painting on the desk.

A painting with intricate detail, with clear and vivid contrasts――a divine work like nothing he had ever seen before.

It was like a slice of another world, and it was hard to believe it was painted by human hands.

Even for Narko, who had seen a lot of art, this was an unparalleled painting.

"Not only was the skill impressive, but the pigments used were ones I had never seen before. I had heard about it, but seeing it in person was... astonishing."

"Thanks to that, your reaction was really good. I have high hopes for you."

"..."

Golzarias looked out the door where Reine had left.

"Elsreine-sama is very obsessed with paintings, and as I\'ve heard, your role is to play with them... like a child. At the very least, keep this orphanage clean so that Elsreine-sama will be pleased."

"Yes, I understand."

"Although she is the daughter of that queen, she seems to have been raised very well. However, on the inside, she is the same... as a precaution in case of an emergency, this orphanage must be the paradise that Elsreine-sama desires. ... First, you must do your best to make this place pleasing to Elsreine-sama."

"I\'m indebted. But... a paradise?"

Narko said, smiling bitterly.

Golzarias smiled, even as he told him not to laugh.

"It seems that Elsreine-sama believes in a childlike utopia from the bottom of her heart."

As he said this, he narrowed his eyes and looked at the painting on the desk.

A beautiful utopia where nothing unfortunate exists.

A paradise full of happiness.

"Maybe because she grew up without ever leaving the palace, she sees the world as a flower garden. I was happy that the opportunity came, but... it pains me to see her trust me so innocently."

"Haha, saying things you don\'t really mean."

"I\'m serious.... I offer my wholehearted loyalty to Elsreine-sama."

‘What a joke’, Narko said, deepening his bitter smile.

Then he put his hand to his chin and spoke, thinking deeply.

"But is it okay? She still has feelings for Grabareine..."

"It\'s a problem to be too pure. Still, it\'s better than being consumed by hatred and going on a rampage.... If we stir up conflict between countries and create a situation where skirmishes continue, it won\'t be a big problem."

Narko nodded at Golzarias\' words and said, ‘Let\'s hope it goes well’.

"I have already won a somewhat aggressive bet. The rest will be what it is. I doubt Grabareine would seriously consider attacking and destroying the \'paradise\' that her beloved daughter is trying to create. It\'s difficult to know how to get rid of her... but, well, the current situation is about solidifying the foundation, so don\'t get carried away. I will convey Elsreine-sama’s requests as much as possible in advance, just like today."

"Yes. I tried to be careful not to sound unnatural, but... I was a little taken aback."

"She has a frightening talent, but... she’s foolish and doesn\'t know how to suspect people."

‘My goodness’, Golzarias laughed.

"I have to thank this Fili thing."

"...Is that Elsreine-sama’s?"

"Yes, she must have loved her very much. Her name comes up every time she speaks. You\'ll probably hear it a lot from now on, so be thankful....We’re here thanks to her."

――Albeneria Royal Castle at night.

A hallway lined with servants\' rooms――a servant inspecting the lanterns opened her mouth as she gazed upon one of the rooms.

"Hey, that room... is it okay to leave it like that?"

It was cleaned almost every day, but no one ever returned.

It was left alone for a while, but after a while it started to be cleaned during the day.

The owner of the room was the de facto head servant, respected by everyone.

It was somehow hard to ask the other daytime colleagues――perhaps it was due to the quiet atmosphere of the night.

It was the first time she had asked.

"...You don\'t know?"

"...?"

"Ah... well, it\'s hard to ask. I\'m usually on the day shift."

The colleague spoke as if remembering something, and opened her mouth.

As soon as she saw the figure, she bowed her head with good posture.

The two of them followed suit and bowed――the hem of a beautiful negligee came into view.

The woman disappeared into the room they had been talking in without saying anything. The two looked at each other and left the room without making a sound.

Then she spoke in a low voice.

"...She comes here sometimes at night. It\'s a room where Elsreine-sama’s often spends her time in, and we weren\'t sure what to do with the painting, but...we decided that it would be best to clean it up for now."

"Why...is Her Majesty?"

"...Don\'t ask me."

Elsreine left the palace and founded a country called Elsren in the east.

All the servants here know the meaning of that name.

Before she left, she happily showed the servants a painting called Elsren.

She said with a childlike smile that she wanted to give the painting to her mother when it was finished.

"...Is it really Her Majesty the Queen?"

Her colleague seemed a little hesitant before speaking.

"...A little while before she passed away, Fili-sama was invited to her Majesty\'s room."

"Invited..."

"...Because of the circumstances, it was a tacit understanding only for the night shift."

Looking at the room in the distance, she said.

"Elsreine-sama\'s room is on the floor above....If the rumors are true, would Her Majesty have come all the way here?"

"Then..."

"Please don\'t tell anyone. I told you because I trusted you....Besides, there\'s nothing we can do."

Continue with work, her colleague said, and the servant nodded with her eyes downcast.

The little paradise the princess showed them with a smile sparkled like a distant memory.

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