“Do you know the bakery cafe in front of the clock tower square?”
“You mean the one with the red sign? I know it.”
It was a place where a delicious smell of bread wafted every time she passed by. Though she couldn’t buy as much bread as she wanted, the smell alone filled her with a sense of satiety. She intentionally passed by often.
“Actually, you’ve been very helpful to me as I was doing my assignment. To show my gratitude, how about I gift you some bread from there?”
“Really? That would be wonderful!”
“Then let’s meet there when the clock tower chimes five times.”
She could have given the child money she urgently needed, but it seemed that would make her uncomfortable. So instead, she chose to give her bread. She planned to talk to the bakery so that the child could choose any bread she wanted anytime.
‘But this is not a fundamental solution.’
Idel was lost in thought, watching Ena’s retreating figure after making the promise.
She knew that the scale of the factories in the capital was increasing due to modernized industry achieved through new trade routes.
The waterway project she was currently promoting also focused on connecting the bustling factory area on the eastern outskirts of the capital with the western area where the port was located.
However, she was unaware that even young children were being employed and exploited, unable to receive proper education.
Concerned about Idel’s clouded face, Rainien cautiously spoke.
“Idel, are you alright?”
“Ah… Rainien. I’ve been thinking, perhaps our next project should focus on child labor.”
“I thought you might say that. I was also surprised to hear what the child said earlier.”
“I knew factories were being built, and a lot of manpower was coming into this place… but I didn’t know even young children were being exploited. It’s shameful.”
To Idel’s selfreproaching words, Bien spoke in a comforting manner.
“Idel, don’t blame yourself too much. I didn’t know either. Which noble would care about such matters?”
But Bien’s words provided little comfort to Idel. High social standing was no excuse for ignoring the struggles of those less fortunate.
Particularly if one had power and influence, they should be even more proactive in understanding and alleviating the difficulties of others. Idel and Reinian began discussing the issue of child labor in the capital indepth.
“Is child labor really justifiable?”
“Workforce is an indispensable factor for industrial development. Also, if you are struggling like that child, employment can be direly needed.”
“That may be so. However… children should also be guaranteed the opportunity for basic education before labor. The value of labor should also be properly evaluated.”
Reinian agreed with Idel’s opinion but offered his view for the sake of balance. Debating back and forth, they found common ground on ways to improve child labor.
“Based on our discussion today, we can summarize from each of our perspectives.”
“Sounds good. Let’s discuss this after the next Public Administration Theory class.”
Upon Reinian’s suggestion, Idel nodded. The task for today was done, but she still had more to do.
Idel looked at Reinian momentarily before speaking again.
“Reinian, do you have some time?”
“Yes, I have no special plans for today.”
“Then, could you help me privately?”
“Privately…?”
“Yes… it would be great if Reinian could help.”
Though the task was over, it was hard to part ways. As Idel asked for personal help, Reinian’s azure eyes swelled with joy.
“Of course. I’ll help with whatever you ask, Idel.”
“Thank you for saying so, Reinian.”
Interrupting the moment between the smiling Idel and Reinian, Bien stepped in to change the atmosphere.
“Let’s head back to the city center, then.”
Bien, who already knew why Idel had asked Reinian for help, led the way.
‘Even if that benevolent prince gets hurt…’
Today, Bien also realized that Reinian was a more gentle and intellectual man than the rumors suggested. Just looking at his warm and cautious gaze towards Idel, one could feel how considerate he was.
‘Still… clarity is best when it comes to relationships between men and women.’
Strengthening his wavering resolve, Bien looked at Reinian.
The Male lead Always Seduces Her with His Beauty (Matriarchy)
Xin Jiao Zhou is the leader of the world’s premier sect. She has just experienced betrayal from all sides, was poisoned in an assassination attempt, and faced death squad attacks while the poison was taking effect. After finally clearing out the scum from her sect, she was drugged again while trying to detoxify.
After waking up from a night of unconsciousness, she gained a “beautiful and kind-hearted” husband.
Xin Jiao Zhou: “???”
He fell ill.
She came to see him, bringing breakfast.
As she put down the breakfast and was about to leave, his hand slipped while holding the spoon. “Clank!”
She turned around upon hearing the noise.
He looked up at her, his eyebrows drooping: “My hand… has no strength.”
“Shall I… feed you?” she asked tentatively.
He opened his mouth cheerfully: “Ah—”
Thinking she was drowning, he jumped in without hesitation to save her, but nearly drowned himself. In the end, it was she who swam over to rescue him, giving him air underwater.
After emerging from the water, his ear tips turned red. He lightly brushed his cheek, tucking his sideburns behind his ear, revealing delicate, pink-tinged ear tips. He lowered his gaze, too embarrassed to look at her.
Xin Jiao Zhou: He’s truly beautiful, kind-hearted, and adorable.
A certain someone when disciplining subordinates behind the scenes: “If they don’t obey, just kill them.”
What’s that? She might already have someone she cares about in her heart? A certain someone: Find out who it is, kill them, and then there won’t be anyone.
What? She met a man by the riverside? What? That man even hurt her? A certain someone: Whichever hand hurt her, chop off his entire arm.
Love at first sight without realizing it, gradually falling in love, slowly getting closer…
Family and national grudges, schemes and desires, good and evil, crime and punishment, she and he face the future together, seeking justice with passion!
A naturally dark female lead who could accidentally destroy the world but is actually an honest person VS a weak, pitiful, and helpless but skilled fighter, beautiful white-cut black male lead
My heart is not of stone, how steadfast is your love? — Tao Yuanming “Imitating the Ancients (No. 3)”
— Reading Guide —
Cold female lead & dramatic black lotus with hidden yandere traits male lead
