Renesmee's POV
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a very important job for you! You will all be creating a new idea on how to improve our country. Your home country, of course." Esme grinned. "On the Capital Report in two weeks' time, you'll be asked to present your idea and propose how you might start it."
"Is this really helpful?" Regina asked. "I'd rather learn about something we'll actually use." I could tell that beneath her concerned tone, she was either bored with this idea already or intimidated by it.
Esme looked appalled. "You will use this! Whoever becomes the new heir will be in charge of a philanthropy project."
I hated that Regina wanted the position with none of the responsibility.
We were dismissed for the day, being sent back to our rooms. I already knew what I wanted, and I couldn't wait.
Gavril spent Friday explaining the project, and talking about the elite.
Finally, the two weeks passed. I already had my project done and ready to go. I was very excited yet nervous to present it. I was going to go last, so I'd go out with a boom! I was dressed in a light blue V-neck, spaghetti-strapped dress, with light blue heels.
Everyone wanted to do something to help their country or the world. Like to have all the countries make peace. Revamp the public school system. Help the lower castes.
Finally, it was my turn.
I placed my poster—a diagram of the castes—on the easel, and set my books in order on the desk. I took a deep breath before beginning.
"Good evening, world. I come here to you today, not as an elite, or a two, but rather as a citizen. I genuinely care about the world and everyone in it, and I want to help everyone.
"What I propose wouldn't be simple. It might even be painful, but I genuinely believe it would benefit our entire kingdom." I inhaled. "I think we should eliminate the castes."
I heard more than one gasp. I chose to ignore them.
"I know there was a time, when our country was new, when the assignment of these numbers helped organize something that was on the brink of not existing. But we are no longer that country. We are so much more now. To allow the talentless to have exalted privileges and suppress what could be the greatest minds in the world for the sake of an archaic organization system is cruel, and it only stops us from becoming the best we can be. Perhaps our country is flawed, but we cannot deny its strength. My fear is that, without change, that strength will become stagnate. And I love our country too much to let that happen. I hope too much to let that happen."
I swallowed, grateful that at least it was over now.
"Thank you for your time," I said, and turned slightly toward the royal family. I curtsied and walked off the stage, taking a seat in the tiers.
Once again, my father looked impressed.
I like his approval. I was still a child who needed her parents, after all.