Naruhito (60)
The next day, Aoba came and taught me about money. I learned that I could buy one piece of candy for ten yen.
I like the silver one-hundred-yen coin. It shines, and you can buy ten pieces of candy with it!
The five-hundred-yen coin is also shiny, big, and beautiful.
Apparently, you can buy all sorts of things with money.
The clothes I wear, the food, water, picture books, and puzzles—I was told that all these things are bought with money.
Until now, I had only ever received things. I didn't know.
I didn't know that you couldn't get money unless you worked, and that you can't live without money.
Seeing me feeling down, Aoba said,
"Being a soldier is a job too, so you did work properly before, Naru. Since you weren't getting paid, it's no wonder you didn't know. You were doing your job properly and getting food, clothes, and weapons provided for you, so it's not like you weren't doing anything. The strange thing is that you weren't getting paid."
"But now, I don't have any money, and I'm still receiving all kinds of things. What should I do?"
I panicked. I can't fight anymore, so what kind of job can I do to live from now on?
"Children are supposed to be supported by their parents, so you started working way too early. You were working so hard, but you weren't even getting paid—what a predicament. Since you were working when you should have been studying, it's fine for you to focus on studying now."
"... But."
"His Highness is covering your expenses, Naru. He is working hard, right? When you grow up and get better, you can help out a lot. Rikimaru isn't working yet, either."
"He said he'll start working soon."
"Well, he's three years older than you."
Even so, I want to do something. Now that I understand.
"If you're worried about it, why don't you try helping out?"
Seeing me deep in thought, Aoba suggested.
"Why don't you ask the people who are working if there's anything you can help with, and if you do help, earn ten yen each time? Once you've saved up, we can go shopping."
"I want to go with Rikimaru..."
Aoba laughed.
"I'll let him know. It's about time you stopped overthinking."
What do you think about this chapter?
