I Won’t Pick Up The T*ash I Threw Away Again - Chapter 134

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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#134

 

Only a few years left.

 

Duke Giltian had spoken with certainty, not speculation.

 

There must be a reason why he was so confident.

 

What could that reason be? I was curious, but there was no way to find out. Even if I went to Duke Giltian and asked, he wouldn’t tell me.

 

“What are you thinking about so deeply?”

 

Baron Delrond, who was sitting at the desk across from me organizing documents, asked.

 

“It’s nothing.”

 

I swallowed my words since telling Baron Delrond wouldn’t likely get me any answers.

 

“Your expression doesn’t look good for it being nothing.”

 

Did it? I looked at my expression in a hand mirror. It didn’t look particularly bad to me.

 

“Are you nervous about the opening ceremony?”

 

“No. And it seems like Baron Delrond is the one who’s nervous, not me.”

 

His expression was stiffer than usual. The slightly raised corners of his mouth looked unnatural.

 

“It’s because of the press conference, isn’t it?”

 

Baron Delrond was scheduled to hold a press conference in place of Kalian at today’s opening ceremony.

 

What he was looking at now was also the speech he would read at the press conference.

 

“Haa.”

 

As if I’d hit the mark, Baron Delrond let out a long sigh and grabbed his head.

 

“Why did His Majesty have to entrust this to me…”

 

“Well, Baron Delrond is His Majesty’s advisor.”

 

“That’s right. That damn advisor position is the problem.”

 

Baron Delrond clicked his tongue irritably.

 

From his words and actions, it seemed like he hated being the Emperor’s advisor, but that wasn’t the case.

 

He was extremely proud and satisfied with his position.

 

Yet it was amusing to see him voice such complaints, so I smiled faintly, and Baron Delrond narrowed his eyes and looked at me.

 

“Why are you smiling?”

 

“Because Baron Delrond seems to really like His Majesty the Emperor.”

 

“What?”

 

Baron Delrond asked back as if bewildered.

 

“What exactly makes you think I like His Majesty the Emperor?”

 

“Then do you dislike His Majesty the Emperor?”

 

“No, that’s not it, but…”

 

Baron Delrond mumbled and then closed his mouth.

 

As I thought, he does like him.

 

I smiled and picked up some documents.

 

Baron Delrond rubbed his face roughly and said gruffly.

 

“Baron Aster seems to be the one who likes His Majesty the Emperor.”

 

“I do like him.”

 

Crash, thud-!

 

“Really?”

 

Baron Delrond jumped up from his seat in surprise and asked.

 

His rough movement caused his chair to fall backward.

 

Why is he so surprised? I looked at Baron Delrond with slight bewilderment.

 

“Ahem, ahem.”

 

Then Baron Delrond cleared his throat awkwardly and set up the fallen chair.

 

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

 

“No, well… it’s not that.”

 

Baron Delrond, who had sat back down, said sheepishly.

 

“I’ve just never seen anyone boldly say they like His Majesty like Baron Aster did, so I was a bit flustered.”

 

It didn’t look like just a bit of fluster.

 

“Everyone just doesn’t express it outwardly, but inside they probably like His Majesty.”

 

“…”

 

Baron Delrond frowned deeply as if he’d heard something he shouldn’t have.

 

“What exactly are you looking at to think that?”

 

“Well, His Majesty is kind and a good person.”

 

“Baron Aster must have never met a truly kind person.”

 

He’s not denying that he’s a good person though.

 

Of course he wouldn’t. Kalian was obviously a good person to anyone who looked.

 

Of course, people who didn’t know Kalian well feared him based on rumors alone.

 

I had been the same way.

 

But experiencing it firsthand changed my mind. It would be the same for others working by his side.

 

His reputation among the imperial citizens was still not very good, but that was only temporary.

 

I had no doubt it would improve quickly if Kalian continued as he was now.

 

Fear turning into reverence could happen in an instant.

 

“It’s time to go now.”

 

Baron Delrond, who had checked the time, gathered his documents and stood up.

 

I also gathered my preparations and stood up.

 

“Haaa.”

 

Baron Delrond sighed so deeply it seemed like the ground would cave in. His face clearly showed his reluctance.

 

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

 

“Cheer up, Baron Delrond.”

 

Cheering him on from the side was all I could do.

 

“If you need my help, just say so anytime.”

 

Baron Delrond’s eyes sparkled momentarily.

 

“Will you help with anything?”

 

“Yes.”

 

When I nodded, Baron Delrond held out the documents he was carrying.

 

It was the speech to be used at today’s press conference.

 

Why is he giving this to me? When I looked puzzled, Baron Delrond looked at me with hopeful eyes and asked.

 

“Could you give the speech at the press conference in my place?”

 

I smiled faintly and put the speech back in his arms.

 

“I’ll have to decline.”

 

Baron Delrond’s expression became dejected.

 

* * *

 

The standard was for the Emperor to travel by carriage while advisors and other attendants rode horses.

 

However, since I couldn’t ride a horse, this time the advisors would exceptionally travel by carriage as well.

 

What kind of inconvenience was this? My face burned with embarrassment.

 

‘I really need to learn horseback riding quickly.’

 

How many times had I made this resolution? I couldn’t even remember. I kept making resolutions but never put them into practice.

 

Being too busy to have time for it was just an excuse. I should have learned even if it meant cutting back on sleep.

 

‘I absolutely must do it this time.’

 

As soon as the opening ceremony ended and I returned home, I would look for a riding instructor.

 

I made a firm resolution in my heart and checked the opening ceremony schedule.

 

Beside me, Baron Delrond kept reading his 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 smiled weakly.

 

“I hope so too.”

 

Baron Delrond focused on reading the speech again.

 

To avoid disturbing him unnecessarily, I quietly checked the opening ceremony schedule and then looked out the window.

 

In the distance, I could see a towering white building. That building was the orphanage.

 

It was something I had longed for so much. I wanted to save those poor children who had not only lost their parents but were also being abused by the temple, and finally that wish was coming true.

 

And by my own hands at that.

 

At that fact, my heart swelled like a balloon. My heart was pounding.

 

I wanted to see it quickly. I wanted to see that building with a sign hung up, and children laughing and playing around.

 

Shortly after, the carriage arrived in front of the childcare building.

 

The front of the building was bustling with people who had come to watch the opening ceremony. There were so many that I couldn’t see the end of the crowd.

 

“It’s dangerous, so move aside!”

 

“Come on, get out of the way!”

 

The guards herded people to one side so the carriages and horses could pass through.

 

The golden carriage that Kalian rode passed first, followed by the carriage we rode in, and then the horses carrying attendants and guard knights.

 

Shortly after, the carriage stopped.

 

“Please get out.”

 

Getting out through the door the coachman opened for me, I looked up at the orphanage.

 

Just a few days ago when I came here, the paint job wasn’t done properly so it looked quite shoddy, but now it wasn’t like that.

 

The building walls were clean without a single stain. The clock tower that used to creak was working properly too.

 

The garden that had been overgrown with all kinds of weeds was neatly organized, and the angel statue of the fountain was continuously pouring water.

 

The trees planted along the long wall were evergreens that boasted lush foliage even in the cold winter.

 

I had chosen them hoping that the children would grow up properly without changing, and I thought it was a good choice.

 

Kalian got out of the carriage belatedly.

 

With his bangs neatly swept up, his features became even more distinct. The black coat that covered down to his hips suited him like it was part of his body.

 

His thick eyebrows that formed a straight line were slightly raised.

 

Looking at where his deep blue eyes were gazing, I could see Duke Giltian and several aristocrats approaching this way.

 

“Your Majesty.”

 

“You came early.”

 

Kalian smiled and conversed with Duke Giltian.

 

‘They seem to get along well.’

 

Come to think of it, they had lunch together before even when there was no special schedule.

 

I thought they wouldn’t get along, but it was unexpected.

 

“To completely humble the temple’s pride. As expected of Your Majesty.”

 

“How about taking away the temple’s childcare business.”

 

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

 

“Welcome, Your Majesty.”

 

As we entered the large foyer, Adrina and several people greeted Kalian and us.

 

I could see some reporters too. They seemed to be reporters who had been permitted to cover the opening ceremony.

 

“Please understand that the other teachers couldn’t come out because they’re taking care of the children.”

 

Kalian nodded.

 

“I understand.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Adrina stepped back and Baron Delrond stood in front of the platform. He was about to start the opening ceremony.

 

Before starting, Kalian sat at the high table, and next to him Duke Giltian and other aristocrats sat in order according to their status.

 

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 orphanage’s opening ceremony began with thunderous applause.

 

* * *

 

“…Then we will proceed to hang the sign.”

 

Finally, the highlight of the opening ceremony, the moment to hang the sign, had arrived.

 

From here on, it would proceed in front of the main gate rather than in the foyer, so anyone could see it.

 

I wondered what name Kalian had chosen. I was very curious.

 

I looked at the sign people were bringing with a pounding heart.

 

The onlookers seemed to have the same feelings as me, holding their breath and staring at the sign.

 

Soon, when Kalian raised his hand, the servants turned the sign around.

 

“…!”

 

“This can’t be.”

 

People who saw the sign all murmured without exception.

 

“What is this about.”

 

“Why on earth did he choose that name?”

 

The aristocrats who had been watching the situation contentedly also whispered in confusion.

 

Baron Delrond also forgot what he was supposed to say next and stared at the sign with a dumbfounded expression.

 

I was the same way.

 

And for good reason, because the name Kalian had decided for the childcare institution was neither Yusbeldia nor Cardin.

 

[Aster Orphanage]

 

It was Aster Orphanage, made after my surname.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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