Y/N POV

I was walking around the capital with a rather depressed Aria. While we were walking, I decided to pull her in close which took her by surprise but she didn't fight back and instead continued walking with me while I wrapped my arm around her shoulder so I could comfort her. Once we came across an area where we were alone and surrounded by a rather beautiful scenery of the land outside the Capital's walls, I sat down and patted the ground next to me. Aria sat down next to me and after a few minutes of silence, Aria spoke up.

Aria: I was reading my mother's journal again... I feel so disgusted that I'm her daughter. I just... maybe I'm too young to understand still?

Y/N: Trust me... I didn't think they could be capable of such horrific acts either... and I'm sorry I killed without a fair trial. I was consumed by anger.

Aria: I don't blame you... What did you see in the barn?

I stayed silent, clearly not wanting to speak about it, which Aria nodded her head and said that she would rather not know if I was that disturbed by it.

Y/N: Aria? Are you scared that you'll become like your parents?

Aria: Scared? ... I guess not really... more worried but I'm not outright scared. I think I'm spending too much time in the palace and I need something to do to keep my mind occupied...

Y/N: How about helping out the maids?

Aria: No... I'm not cut out for that kind of work... I want to be the opposite of my parents, now that I know how they truly were... But what can I do?

Y/N: Well, you can help at soup kitchens or maybe help out the nurses and doctors?

Aria: I feel as though I'd become squeamish at the sight of someone suffering... but I guess it's better than sitting around and moping.

I nodded my head and we sat there for a bit longer, allowing Aria to let her mind wander. Once she was ready to go, I stood up and offered her a hand up which she took. Once she was up on her feet, we began to walk back but I decided to take her to the clinic to introduce her to the staff and see if they'd be willing to let Aria help them. They talked with Aria and decided that she could be useful after a bit of training. To my relief, Aria seemed somewhat satisfied with their decision to let her help out. We then proceeded to walk back to the palace.

Aria: Thanks for inviting me to walk with you, Y/N... I desperately needed the company, to be honest.

Y/N: Of course. You can always talk to me, Aria. You know that, right?

Aria: Hmph~... *Smiles and leans on him* Even with the duties of being the ruler of your kingdom, you still make time to hear about your friends' problems... this is one of the reasons you're so popular, you know?

Y/N: Your words humble me, Aria. Thank you.

Aria: Of course... *Mumbles* • •••• •••.

Y/N: What?

Aria: *Shakes and laughs* Don't worry about it.

???: *Gasps* It's you! Your majesty!

I quickly turned my head and noticed a woman in clothes that were in poor condition and I couldn't help but think that she looked faintly familiar.

(That's the only photo I got)

Y/N: Are you okay?

???: I would be in worst shape if you hadn't intervened when you did with that bastard, Orge...

Aria: *Sighs quietly with a smile* I'm gonna go seek out Sayo and apologize for my parents' actions against her.

Before I could say anything else, Aria was gone, leaving me with the woman.

Y/N: I see. Well I'm glad you're okay but uh... *Eyes begin to wander, causing him to blush avert his gaze* You seem to be uhh...

???: It's my attire or rather, what remains of it, right? *Sighs* It's a long story and it's Orge's fault as well but I've been forced to resort to... *Looks down in shame but looks back up with a stern expression* I've had to sell my body to stay alive. Ogre killed my husband and I had no other way of supporting myself... I hate that I've had to resort to such acts to stay alive, but I don't regret surviving... and now that Ogre's dead.... I suppose I get the last laugh. Sorry, I'm Layla, just a lady of the night doing her best to stay alive. You may not see it, your majesty, but your kindness has even reached us lowly prostitutes and so I'd like to thank you. While it sucks that we remain on the streets, we haven't had to worry about being maliciously attacked by corrupt soldiers so things have improved.

Y/N: You're a prostitute? Mmm... S-Sorry, I'm not trying to stare and be rude.

Layla: *Small laugh* It's okay. I wish I could greet you in a more respectful and appropriate manner but... yeah.

Y/N: Layla? Would you be willing to accompany me back to the palace so I can discuss life on the streets with you?

Layla: Y-Your majesty... I don't think that would be a good idea... I'd hate to sully your public image.

Y/N: Nonsense. I beg of you to come with me. I promise you a new change of clothes and a place to stay for the night if you do.

Layla: Y-You mean sleep with y-you? That's not a good idea, your majesty but I am humbled.

Y/N: *Blushes heavily* N-No! Not like that! As compensation, you can stay in a spare room in the palace! Consider it a thank you for helping me understand where I should continue with improving the living conditions of my citizens!

Layla began to blush and laughed as she apologized for misunderstanding my words. I told her it wasn't a problem and asked her once again to accompany me, which after a few seconds of consideration, she accepted my request. I then had a soldier pick up a carriage and a few minutes later, we were on our way to the palace but I could tell Layla was nervous but thankfully, she wasn't scared.