As preparations progressed for the exhibition, Cordelia visited Earl Hale’s mansion, where her friend Hazel resided. Because Hazel had sent her a letter inviting her over, “The flowers in the garden are blooming beautifully, so I would like you to enjoy them too.” Like the Pameradia House, the Hale House also welcomed the season of beautiful flowers.
Various flowers were also drawn on the card that was attached to the invitation, and Cordelia visited the Hale mansion with high expectations.
The garden, which she saw, was filled with a wider variety of flowers than she’d imagined, and it was gorgeous. Spring is a really calm and beautiful season, she thought as she asked someone to convey a message to Hazel, at the entrance, and then she heard a large quarrel as if it was trying to spoil her mood.
“Dahlia! Wait! You haven’t finished your studies, have you?!”
“I’m going to be a knight! I can’t be late for sword practice!”
Cordelia looked up at the surprising interaction and saw Hazel and another girl appear on the second floor. Hazel grabbed the girl’s arm, but the other girl was stronger, so she shook off Hazel’s hand in no time. Cordelia widened her eyes.
(I wonder if that’s Hazel-sama’s sister.)
The Hale House has Hazel as their eldest child and four other children.
Cordelia had only spoken to the small heir, their eldest son, but Hazel often boasted that they are all cute. I wonder if one of them is the person she’s quarrelling with right now, she wondered, and the girl jumped from the railing.
“Huh?!”
Cordelia’s voice instinctively leaked out, and Hazel shouted at almost the same time, “Stewart!” In response to Hazel’s voice, the servant, who was receiving Cordelia, quickly moved and caught the falling girl.
“That’s dangerous, Dahlia Ojou-sama.”
“Stewart! Stop getting in my way all the time!”
But even if the girl named Dahlia shouted, the servant named Stewart didn’t move. Meanwhile, Hazel walked down the stairs in a grand manner. Her back seemed to be clad in a dark aura.
“Fufufu, you can’t escape even if you try. At least, you won’t be allowed to leave the house today unless you finish today’s schedule!”
“But I’ll be late for practice! Didn’t Okaa-sama say it was fine as long as I come back!”
“Okaa-sama is too soft! The things you are doing now, I’d already finished when I was 10!”
Cordelia was flabbergasted as she watched the violent exchange, but soon, Stewart deliberately cleared his throat.
“Ojou-sama, there’s a guest.”
The two girls hadn’t noticed that there was a guest until he had said that.
“How do you do, Hazel-sama? And little sister-sama.”
“Oh my, Cordelia-sama! Pardon me, welcome. Ah, this is my stupid sister, Dahlia Will Hale. She’s 12.”
Unlike Hazel, who had a smile on her face like nothing significant had happened, Dahlia had an extremely uncomfortable expression.
“Nice to meet you, Dahlia-sama.”
“… Nice to meet you.”
Dahlia answered while averting her gaze, and it was clear that she hadn’t wanted anyone to see the previous scene. Hazel, on the other hand, felt as if she’d received unexpected reinforcements and was overjoyed, she didn’t have a bit of shyness or any reserve.
“Now, come back, Dahlia. This all started because you won’t study properly.”
However, Dahlia snapped at Hazel.
“Because today is my sword practice day which is more important than lectures! I’m going to be a knight!”
Dahlia declared, folded her arms and turned away.
Cordelia was surprised. This was her first time meeting a girl who wanted to become a female knight.
“Hmm… Do you want to become a knight, Dahlia-sama?”
“Yes. What’s wrong with that?”
Dahlia, who was in a bad mood, wasn’t friendly to Cordelia even though this was their first meeting, and Cordelia smiled wryly. However, her attitude made Hazel raise her voice as if her hair was standing up.
“Dahlia, that was rude! This is Cordelia-sama, the daughter of the famous knight family, the Pameradia’s, whom you admire!”
“… Eh, the Pameradia’s?!”
Dahlia instantly brightened up when she heard that. She approached Cordelia and took her hands.
“Cordelia-sama, please speak to Onee-sama. She’s trying to obstruct me from practising the sword!”
“Huh…?”
“I admire the Queen and the knights who guard her. Therefore, I also want to become a knight and enter the Imperial Guards someday, so I have to improve my sword skills. Even so, Onee-sama keeps nagging me about studying…”
“You’ll be the one who’s troubled, since you can’t become a knight if you’re dumb!”
“It’ll work out somehow if I’m skilful with the sword!”
Seeing them fight, Cordelia was able to understand what was happening. Dahlia was a young lady who didn’t like studying very much and wanted to become a knight.
(And… Dahlia-sama also seems reckless.)
It was a bold remark since one wouldn’t imagine that from her image if she didn’t open her mouth.
(… No, I can tell that she’s energetic since she jumped down from the second floor.)
For the time being, I should mediate between the fighting sisters.
“Dahlia-sama, my brothers are excellent at martial arts, but they also have a variety of knowledge. I’ve been taught a lot of things from them, and I think having a lot of knowledge would be useful for your work.”
“…”
Dahlia was full of energy as if she had gained an ally, but her expression rapidly changed.
“See. Studying is also important.”
“Of course, I think it’s better to be able to study rather than not, but…”
Even with this she’s still not convinced. What should I do? Cordelia thought a little.
From her reaction, I understand that she also thinks that studying is necessary. However, does she believe things will work out somehow with the way things are now, or is she more fascinated with sword practice…?
She couldn’t come up with an answer even if she thought about it, so she gave Dahlia a proposal.
“Dahlia-sama. If you don’t mind, would you like to come to my house?”
“Huh?”
“We might have things that will be interesting to you.”
“Is that alright?”
“Yes. Hazel-sama always invites me over.”
Dahlia’s eyes sparkled when she heard what Cordelia had said. I don’t know the cause yet, but if I can get her motivated to study, then these two sisters might not have a reason to argue anymore, and Dahlia-sama is this happy about it, so she might be able to get something just by seeing our possessions.
“I would like to go there straight away!”
“Today is a bit… Dahlia-sama, you also have practice, don’t you?”
“Y-yes…”
Dahlia was taken aback and dropped her gaze to the floor in disappointment. She wanted to go to the Pameradia mansion straight away.
“Cordelia-sama, we can’t bother you. This child is simple, she heads straight into things that she’s interested in, so I’m sure she’ll bother you.”
(She’s just like Hazel-sama.)
Cordelia smiled wryly inside at Hazel, who had spoken when Dahlia went quiet.
She held it down, smiled at Hazel and turned to Dahlia.
“Hmm. If you give me a few days, then I can discuss this with my Onii-samas, and prepare items that you can enjoy. However, since this invitation shouldn’t interfere with your studies, please study so that your parents and Hazel-sama will let you go cheerfully.”
“Ye… s.”
It was a slightly stiff reply, but Dahlia still replied without hesitation. She seemed pleased, and her expression said, “Make Hazel promise!”
“Dahlia, if you understand Cordelia-sama’s words, then you can go today. But keep that in mind when you get back, alright?”
Hazel put her hands together and smiled superbly, and Dahlia replied reluctantly. Then, Dahlia curtsied to Cordelia and left.
“I’m sorry about that. This way, Cordelia-sama. I’ve troubled you.”
“It’s okay. It was a new experience since I’ve never met a girl who wanted to be a knight before.”
“Dahlia has good reflexes, but she isn’t good at studying, so she quickly dozes off.”
Hah, Hazel sighed and put a hand to her forehead.
“You’re worried about her, aren’t you?”
“She’s my cute little sister, and I hope her dream will come true. But as things are, she would definitely fail the written exam before she can show her skills. Even if I tell her that academic ability is necessary to stay by the Queen’s side, father and mother don’t say anything, so she won’t believe me.”
(Hazel-sama is right, but maybe all she says to Dahlia-sama is study, study, study.)
I remember their fight, and it seemed like Dahlia-sama feels that Hazel-sama’s words are a disturbance. If someone else said something, then she might understand… Cordelia thought as she continued to listen to Hazel.
“Neither father nor mother is against her becoming a knight. However, they’re also not supporting her. As I thought, they’re worried about her.”
“About her swinging a sword?”
“Yes. And it’s a rare occupation. I think they would honestly feel relieved if she failed the exam because she hadn’t studied enough. But they also want her to study a little more.”
“… In that case, was my invitation unwelcomed?”
Hazel looked slightly mixed, and Cordelia put a hand to her mouth and thought. Even if they don’t oppose, it might not be good to differ from their education policy.
But Hazel slowly shook her head.
“Even if you hadn’t invited her, she won’t change her mind about being a knight. And it’s pitiful if she doesn’t get motivation once in a while. Of course I’m worried, but she’ll regret it if she doesn’t do what she wants, right?”
“You’re a wonderful older sister.”
“Stop it.”
Cordelia laughed a little at Hazel, who had turned a little red.
Hazel said again, “Please stop!” before sighing.
“… I think she’ll be motivated if she sees something different than what she’s used to. As her older sister, I’m happy that you’ll show her a world different from the one she knows.”
“Then, I’ll have to make sure she has fun.”
“I’m sorry for troubling you. She’s a really good girl… but she just can’t study. I think it’s disappointing and unbearable.”
Hah… Hazel sighed once again. She’s really considerate towards her younger sister. Hopefully, she can convey a little of those feelings… Cordelia thought, and, next to her, Hazel complained, “She really doesn’t think of anything else except for what’s in front of her…!” It seems like it would be difficult. Cordelia smiled wryly.
After that, they chatted, had tea, enjoyed the garden and Cordelia headed home.
On the way home, Cordelia thought of ways to entertain Dahlia, but unfortunately, she couldn’t think of anything by the time she arrived home.
She arrived home before she could come up with an idea, but she still had a few days before Dahlia would come over.
(I don’t have to rush; I can take my time to think.)
Cordelia got off the carriage and headed straight to the entrance. She saw an uncommon sight of her two brothers talking at the entrance, and she blinked.
(Cyrus-oniisama and Isma-oniisama?)
Cordelia tilted her head in confusion, since she had only seen them together a handful of times. Oh my, do they have a special engagement today?
“But, brother, that’s-…”
“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. I’ve already made the request, and father knows about it.”
I don’t know what they’re talking about, but I don’t want to disturb them if it’s something important. But if I don’t walk through here, then I can’t go back to my room. What should I do? Cordelia thought, but they probably wouldn’t stand here and talk if it’s important. She kept on walking.
“I’m home, Onii-samas.”
If I’m disturbing them, then I can just keep on walking… Cordelia greeted, and Cyrus and Isma turned around at the same time. Her two brothers were handsome today, even though they both wore different trends… The aura around them became more brilliant when they were together.
“Welcome home, Cordelia.”
Her second brother, Isma, replied first in a soft voice. The eldest brother, Cyrus, on the other hand, was silent, but he looked like he was troubled and looking for something to say, since Isma had stolen his words. In any case, it didn’t seem like they were having a secret conversation.
“It’s rare for you two to be together.”
She was hesitant to ask them what they were talking about, but she still spoke honestly. Isma smiled.
“Brother returned because of business, but he’s going back to the castle now. I’ll be staying here tonight.”
“I see.”
“… Yeah. Isma, I’ll leave the rest to you.”
“Yes, be careful.”
Cyrus lightly patted Cordelia’s head as he passed her and left. They had already finished their conversation.
“So, where did you go today? Did you go to Marquis Flantheim’s mansion?”
“No, I was invited to visit Earl Hale’s mansion today by Hazel-sama.”
“Oh, so you have a young lady friend who is the same age as you.”
“Yes. Onii-sama, there’s actually something I would like to talk to you about… Would you listen to my request?”
“Request?”
Cordelia nodded at Isma, who had tilted his head slightly.
“Hazel-sama has a little sister named Dahlia who is aiming to be a knight. I invited her over next time, and I wondered if I could show her anything to make her happy. So, I would like to talk to you about this.”
Cordelia said, and Isma crossed his arms and hummed a little.
“Well, Earl Hale’s family usually do jobs that involve languages, and you don’t hear many of them becoming knights, so I think most people would be happy about this… There are a lot of interesting things in the basement treasure room.”
“Interesting things?”
“For example, the outfits of Beatrice-sama, the younger sister of the former head four generations ago. There are also items from victory parades, so I think she’ll find them interesting. There are also a lot of other things, so let’s go see them together.”
“Thank you very much. I’m glad I talked to you about this, Onii-sama.”
If that’s the case, then I’m sure Dahlia-sama will be happy. She must know about Beatrice-sama, the Black Princess General, who galloped through the battlefields.
As expected of Onii-sama, he gave me wonderful choices… she thought, I feel bad if I stopped their conversation. Even if they’ve finished their discussion, they probably had other things they wanted to talk about.
“What’s wrong? Are you worried about something else?”
“It’s rare for you two to be together, and I thought I came home at a bad time…”
“Oh, it’s not like brother has much time, and we sometimes meet during work. It’s not like we don’t meet as often as you think we do, Cordelia.”
Indeed, if Cyrus-oniisama is in the middle of work, then he wouldn’t have much time to talk like Isma-oniisama said. Isma also patted Cordelia’s head lightly like Cyrus had before.
“It’s rare for you to say that you want to invite a friend over.”
“Huh? Is… that so?”
Vernoux and Hazel come over even if she doesn’t invite them, and Fulvia comes over as her teacher. She didn’t recall ever inviting friends over, even if they invite her over.
“If necessary, I can provide commentary if you invite her over on my day off?”
“Huh? Is that alright?”
“Of course.”
Cordelia, who hadn’t anticipated such an offer, couldn’t understand what Isma was saying as he stood in front of her smiling. However, it was sudden, but she couldn’t ask what he meant if he was concealing it.
A few days later, a little before the sun rose to the top.
In the parlour at the Pameradia mansion, Dahlia’s eyes sparkled at the number of items in front of her.
“I can’t believe it… Those there… Those there are such wonderful things!! I can’t believe that the items that Beatrice-sama loved exist!!”
To the excited Dahlia, Isma, an active knight, smiled wryly as he explained.
“You may already know this, judging by how you’re acting, Dahlia-sama, but Beatrice-sama, the owner of this outfit, was very brave. She played an active role in the war against the north, and a lot of heroic stories are written about her in history books.”
“Yes, yes! I searched her up! She didn’t surface at all after the war and was called the Goddess of War, the Black Princess General. Oh… I can’t believe that the symbol of Beatrice-sama, this black jacket, exists…!! The stone on this chest piece is also very rare.”
“That’s her reward from the Battle of Talpa Fortress.”
“Oh my, from that time?!”
Dahlia, who was looking at the items with her hands folded while listening to Isma’s commentary, became increasingly excited.
Cordelia watched on from a close distance.
(She even knows about that niche battle.)
Cordelia also learnt about Beatrice because she was a part of her family, but she didn’t remember what she had learnt in that much detail. The Battle of Talpa Fortress was also an important battle, but there was another critical historical battle on at the same time which had more impact, so the Battle of Talpa Fortress might be omitted from some textbooks.
However, Dahlia was saying it like it was normal. Her figure looked like she was having a lot of fun as if she was dreaming… and looked like Hazel, who was talking to an imaginary Vernoux in the past. Her feelings were different from Dahlia’s, but the way they expressed their feelings were the same.
“Beatrice-sama is someone who has left a lot of stories, I’m sure she was burdened with expectations by those around her from a young age… She had a strong will that doesn’t lose to pressure. She’s so wonderful. I’m in a completely different situation, but I want to have a strong will like Beatrice-sama.”
Dahlia’s words made Cordelia feel something indescribable.
She didn’t object Dahlia’s words of a『strong will』. Cordelia also thought the same when she entered the treasure room with Isma the other day that was until she found a diary written by Beatrice.
However, she had found things in the diary that stated that the people around Beatrice hadn’t had any expectations of her. 『People say that I’m a tomboy, a wild horse and that I do what I like. If that’s the case, maybe I should show them what wild is.』『I held it in and wore a dress, but they scolded me, saying that heels aren’t weapons. Even though things that can be thrown are weapons.』
(It wasn’t that people expected things from her, but rather she was someone who persevered even though she was opposed.)
If she thought about it carefully, there are no other records of young ladies wielding swords, much less stand in the front line, even within the Pameradia House, which produces many knights. In that sense, it might be close to Dahlia’s situation.
(I also respect strong wills, but I don’t think I need to tell that to Dahlia-sama.)
Dahlia might be delighted to learn of the existence of a diary that no one knew about. But Beatrice already seemed like the ideal existence to Dahlia, so there was a possibility that this image would be destroyed.
(And Beatrice-sama probably didn’t expect anyone to read her diary in the future.)
I’m not sure if I should say this as someone who has read it, but it’s horrible to think that someone would read my diary. Diaries aren’t written so that they can be read by others… She thought, and Dahlia spoke cutely again.
“Oh my, this is a nice protection pouch. Is it Beatrice-sama’s? These days, you put birthstones and War God carvings at the top of pendants for luck. I wonder if I should make one.”
“Dahlia-jou, you really like knights, don’t you? Nowadays, not many people have protection pouches, some knights don’t even know about their existence.”
Isma was impressed, and Cordelia generally agreed with his opinion. She must really admire strong knights.
(But if she likes history this much and has a good memory, then she didn’t have to jump down from the second floor to run away from her lessons.)
She had lured Dahlia to study hard, but at the very least, it didn’t seem like Dahlia hated learning in general. Cordelia wondered what the fundamental problem was, and once again spoke brightly, “Kyaa,” and shifted her eyes onto the next item. In response to her voice, Isma began a new explanation. He paused for a moment and had an amused smile on his face.
“Onii-sama. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I think that Dahlia-jou is similar to Cordelia.”
“To me?”
“Yeah. I feel like you were acting like this the first time we went to the forest.”
Isma said nostalgically and pleasantly, but Cordelia didn’t know how to respond. Did I act like this? I remember being happy, but I didn’t mean to show my emotions on my face like that… But it might seem to the same to Onii-sama.
(No, this… I appreciate it if I looked this charming.)
However, I was a little older than Isma-oniisama in my previous world since I was twenty, so I would feel a bit embarrassed if I looked like Dahlia-sama does right now.
“Isma-sama, don’t tell me this item is…?”
“Yeah, that hair ornament is probably…”
Anyway, I think it’s okay if Dahlia-sama is happy… When she thought that, she heard a light knock at the door. Cordelia quietly opened the door so that she wouldn’t disturb the engrossed Dahlia, and Emina appeared.
“Excuse me. Would you like to have lunch? Lunch is ready to be served at any time.”
“Oh my, is it already that time?”
She hadn’t noticed time passing at all because she was overwhelmed by Dahlia’s enthusiasm. Isma guessed what Cordelia and Emina were talking about.
“Then, let’s go have lunch soon.”
“Ah, mm, erm, a little more… Please let me look at these items for a little longer!”
Dahlia begged and stared at a sword at Isma’s invitation. I guess she’s captivated by the items. Even though lunch has been set, they should still need a little more time to prepare, so it should be fine. Isma also thought the same.
“Why do you want to become a knight, Dahlia-jou?”
“I fell in love with them at first sight.”
““Love at first sight?””
“Yes.”
Dahlia smiled at the brother and sister, who spoke at the same time.
“My mother admires the Queen a lot, and she has a postcard of the Queen in a palanquin, but the women depicted on that postcard looked cool. They were more charming than the women I saw in pictures books before. Then, I researched, and my admiration for them became stronger.”
With her hands on both cheeks, she continued happily.
“Of course, there’s a difference between my admiration and reality. When I first started learning the sword, I was surprised by the weight. And I learnt that swords weren’t elegant items, but weapons. But I definitely want to be recognised for my sword skills and be useful. I will be.”
Her looking like she’s full of confidence is probably not my imagination. Hazel-sama also said that Dahlia-sama’s reflexes are good. Isma smiled wryly and spoke, perhaps because he felt this way as well.
“There’s nothing better than being able to protect people without having to wield a sword.”
Cordelia felt warmth from the words that Isma had calmly uttered, even though he had the skills, but Dahlia tilted her head.
“I think swords are important even if I don’t have to protect anything. I think that if you train yourself, then you will improve yourself and overcome naivety.”
“Dahlia-jou, what you just said sounds like something a master swordsman would say.”
Dahlia looked proudly at Isma, who said he was looking forward to the future.
Cordelia thought her appearance was charming and smiled wryly wondering if escaping from her studies was included in her naivety.
After a while, the lunch that welcomed them was colourful and pleasant on the eyes. The appetiser was marinated duck, followed by salad, and the main dish was white fish fried with breadcrumbs, and stewed lamb shank. The bread was kneaded with raisins and walnuts.
Cordelia and Dahlia’s plates were arranged beautifully, and Isma’s dish was not only gorgeous but was also a large serving.
“It’s very delicious. The meat melts in my mouth.”
Dahlia was entranced, and her eating pace was much faster than Cordelia’s, even though she had eaten much more than Cordelia, because she kept on going for seconds with the bread.
(Onii-sama’s portion is especially big, but ours weren’t small either…)
She eats really well, Cordelia thought as she tilted her head and asked Dahlia.
“Dahlia-sama, how often do you have sword practice?”
“I usually get taught once every three to four days. I really want to practice more, but I have to do independent practice and build up my physical strength every day. Why is that?”
“I was wondering if the amount of food isn’t enough if you exercise a lot…”
But the amount of food should be enough if she exercises like she says she does, Cordelia thought, but Dahlia blurted a little embarrassingly, “Eh, mm…”
“We can prepare more food if it’s not enough. Hans, what’s available?”
“We still have meat and bread. And… the chefs can make something with eggs straight away.”
“Then… Oh yes, do you want to try something unusual? I think Dahlia-jou would like the 『Tofu』that Cordelia made topped with eggs.”
“Then, please make some!”
Her body was full of energy and conveyed that she was happy that she was getting seconds. Cordelia was impressed by Isma’s suggestion that made Dahlia delighted.
“Isma-sama, would you like dessert?”
“I’ll like fruits like always. The other two would probably prefer something sweeter.”
“Ojou-samas, we have chiffon cake and lava cake.”
“Then, I’ll have chiffon cake.”
Cordelia thought that she could enjoy the lava cake during teatime, but Dahlia looked a little lost. Cordelia smiled.
“Dahlia-sama, please eat both.”
“B-but…”
“The sweets at the Hale House are also delicious, but so are ours.”
“Th-then… please.”
Cordelia thought it was cute and heart-warming because Dahlia wanted some even though she looked embarrassed.
But, at the same time, she thought perhaps…
“Do you have any plans after lunch?”
“I wondered if you would show me around the library. There should be interesting war chronicles there, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. If you can’t finish a book, then you can take it home.”
Actually, Cordelia wanted to talk in the greenhouse after lunch, but she thought that if they went to the library like Dahlia had suggested, then it would prevent her from escaping her studies.
So, after they had consumed their delicious meal, she decided to change the schedule and check out the library.
After lunch, Dahlia, who had entered the library, looked around and was a little surprised.
“I’m interested in books about knights… but there’s a huge number of books.”
“Books about knights? In that case, the books around here might be hard to find.”
In response to Dahlia’s wishes, Isma picked up a slightly thick book from a slightly higher position on the shelf.
“There’s a lot of sentences in this book, but there aren’t that many difficult words, and it’s written formally, so it’s easy to understand.”
Dahlia happily began reading the bulky book she had been given.
But the more pages she turned, the slower she got. Then, she started dozing off.
(… I knew it.)
Cordelia, who had been reading another book, slowly approached Dahlia and lightly touched her shoulder.
“Dahlia-sama.”
“Wah?!”
“I, I’m sorry.”
Cordelia reflexively apologised to Dahlia’s surprised reaction
But Dahlia was also surprised because Cordelia had apologised… or rather, she couldn’t grasp the situation, but she seemed to have noticed that she had fallen asleep and her cheeks turned a little pink.
“By any chance, did you not get much sleep last night?”
“No, I slept normally. I’ve been very sleepy since noon…”
Dahlia said and sighed a little.
“I can’t believe I dozed off even though it’s such an interesting book… I’ve done something wasteful.”
“We still have time, and I can lend you the book, so don’t worry about it. By the way, do you always feel sleepy at this time?”
“Yes, I usually study languages and classics at this time, but I doze off. However, I don’t think it’s a problem if I can speak the language, and classics are never used.”
(I see. It’s not like she doesn’t like studying, but it might be because she gets sleepy, so she doesn’t want to study and doesn’t make any progress.)
On top of that, if only her sister, who is close to her in age, pays attention to her skipping her lessons, then I can understand why she wants to rebel.
(I’m sure Dahlia-sama is an honest child. If I had to say it, then her attitude would be because no one pays attention to her except for Hazel-sama.)
However, I might be able to broaden her horizons a little. Especially with Isma-oniisama here. Cordelia glanced at Isma, who smiled wryly. He nodded at Cordelia, approached Dahlia and stared at her in the eyes.
“Classics is not a bad thing for knights to learn, because it is sometimes quoted in conversation, and the minimum requirements also appear in the exam.”
Cordelia lightly told her that studying was necessary the other day, but the weight of those words might be different coming from an active knight. And if Dahlia has any questions, then Isma can respond to them right away.
“But I’ve heard that the knight’s appointment exam is determined by overall points. Even if someone isn’t good at classics, they can compensate for it in another part of the exam, can’t they?”
“It’s possible if your only goal is to pass the exam. However, you won’t get the position you want, even if you become a knight, like that. It’s always a competition.”
Dahlia was speechless. She hadn’t thought of this.
“Earl Hale is fluent in foreign languages as well, isn’t he? It doesn’t hurt to study languages and literature if you’re aiming to become the Queen’s guard. She’ll be relieved if she can leave the interpreting to you.”
“… Yes.”
“I also have many things that I’m not good at, but rather than finding reasons not to improve, I find reasons to improve.”
Isma added and folded his arms.
“But, sleepy, huh. Why are you sleepy?”
“That’s probably… drowsiness caused by overeating.”
Cordelia said to Isma, who was thinking.
“I can’t say that’s the only cause, but it may be improved depending on how you eat.”
“Huh?”
Dahlia replied briefly because she was surprised, and Cordelia nodded.
Dahlia ate as much as she wanted and even ate twice as much bread as Cordelia had. She looked thrilled, but it was possible that she didn’t feel full because she didn’t chew her food enough.
(I think she’s just simply overeating, but she also ate a lot of bread. If you eat too many carbohydrates, your blood glucose levels will go down, and you’ll be drowsy from the insulin your body releases.)
And she’ll get drowsier if she has to study something that she’s not interested in. However, Cordelia decided to omit that from her explanation. Dahlia might be interested in getting rid of her drowsiness, but she wasn’t interested in why she was drowsy. Cordelia didn’t even know if blood glucose levels existed in this world, so she didn’t want to speak carelessly.
Cordelia coughed a little to cover this up.
“You should eat your vegetables first. And why don’t you eat less bread and eat moderately? And you should chew well. I think dairy products and fruits are better for dessert.”
If she chews well, then it should satisfy her hunger, and it would take time, so she should be able to stop herself from overeating. Dahlia twitched when she heard Cordelia’s words. She’s probably opposed to restricting her diet. Cordelia’s heart hurt a little because Dahlia looked like she was having so much fun when she was eating.
Next to Cordelia, Isma was thinking of a different idea.
“If you want to wake yourself up temporary, then you can wash your face… but that’s a little difficult during class time. Moving your body is also good, but this is also difficult during class.”
That’s also effective, but she probably won’t be able to do it. However, I can think of a way to stimulate her body.
“Please wait a little. I’ll be right back.”
After saying that, Cordelia headed straight to the laboratory.
Cordelia, who had entered the lab, took a bucket out from the cupboard and put water in it. She dropped a drop of tea tree and peppermint essential oil into the bucket. Tea tree, which had strong sterilisation and antibacterial powers, was used by the indigenous people of Australia, the Aboriginal people, as ointment. During World War II, the French also used it to treat soldiers. Cordelia dipped the towel she had prepared into the water while smelling the fresh and sharp scent and squeezed it lightly. The cold compress was completed.
Then, she took carrier oil, absolute ethanol, and rosemary essential oil out from the cupboard. Rosemary is said to clear drowsiness and improve memory and concentration. Added to the sharp scent of the peppermint she had used earlier; it becomes perfumed oil with a stimulating smell.
Cordelia, who had prepared those two items, returned to the library.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Dahlia-sama.”
“Welcome back, Cordelia-sama. This is?”
Cordelia smiled at Dahlia, who was staring curiously at the towel and small bottle in Cordelia’s hands.
“Please wipe your face a little with this.”
“I, I feel like air is passing through my nose.”
“Yes.”
Dahlia wasn’t widening her eyes in discomfort but in surprise.
“Is this a scent that Cordelia-sama made? But, it’s completely different from the candle that Hazel-oneesama always brags about… Is it a different fruit?”
“This is actually the scent of leaves. Please apply it to your hands and cheeks.”
Dahlia tilted her head at the words ‘scent of leaves’ and held the towel to her cheek. The towel had been cooled in cold water, and the coldness made her drowsiness fly away a little.
“Next, this small bottle. It might help you improve your concentration if you don’t hate the smell. Please spread this on your wrist and smell it.”
“This certainly smells like something that would wake me up.”
“But the main goal is that you want to do your best. You will indeed get sleepy when you’re full, but it’s important that you realise that you have to do it.”
Isma, who was watching the two, softly cut in. The fragrance is certainly just an aid. Without motivation from the person in question, she will continue to feel drowsy.
“Also, you will collapse if you don’t eat after you become a knight, so be careful.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. We move a ridiculous amount, so you’ll collapse if you don’t eat. At first, eating will feel like a job, and you’ll eat so much that it’ll become painful. But you’ll get used to this, and you won’t feel drowsy because training is horrifying.”
“Those meals are more quantity over quality,” Isma continued, but his words no longer reached Dahlia.
“Then, I only have to hold back for a little while, right?!”
“Well, and… you can change your class times if you’re really drowsy. You may find your studies interesting if you start to understand them.”
Cordelia didn’t know if those words reached her, but Dahlia looked happy and full of motivation.
She just prayed that Dahlia’s quarrels with Hazel would become a memory of their youth one day.
After that, Dahlia, who had become completely excited, didn’t get drowsy again before she went home, and she held several books and the essential oil that Cordelia had given her to take home.
“Onii-sama, thank you very much for today.”
After they saw Dahlia off, Cordelia thanked Isma again, and he shook his head lightly.
“No, I experienced something rare. I didn’t have the chance to think about what happened before I became a knight, and I remembered some things. You can’t forget your original intentions.”
“I’ll remember that.”
“But the Hale House isn’t a military family, so I’m sure the Earl is worried. If Dahlia-jou does get appointed as a knight, then maybe I should help ease his worries.”
Isma, who whispered as if he was talking to himself, looked like a senior worried about his junior or like a teacher worried about his student.
“But I’m glad that you don’t say you want to be a knight, Cordelia.”
“Oh my, are you worried?”
Cordelia tilted her head at his sudden words.
Although Beatrice-sama had become a knight, so I can’t tell him not to worry at all, but, strangely, he’s worried enough to say it. Cordelia thought, and Isma smiled impishly.
“Ah, but it’s not like Cordelia will be doing this and that, it’s father’s attitude that will change. Even if you tell him that you want to train, he’ll train you eternally and won’t stop until you give up on being a knight.”
Cordelia smiled wryly.
(But, if you think about it, even Otou-sama was injured on duty and had to retire. If I say that I want to be in a place like that, then he would be worried even if our family is a family of knights.)
Although we’re close with the knights, because both my Onii-samas are knights, it’s definitely a dangerous place. Will Dahlia-sama be alright even if she’s appointed?
Cordelia thought, and a big hand placed itself on her head.
“You’ll regret it if you get told that you can’t from the start, right? I’m sure Dahlia-jou is the same.”
“… Yes.”
“And that child is similar to you. I don’t think she’ll give up easily, and I don’t think she’ll come to a conclusion about becoming a knight or not just because of today. And, if you wanted to become a knight, don’t you think that you would go through with it and won’t give up no matter how much father opposes? That’s why I think it’ll be eternal training.”
She couldn’t help but be convinced by the words she heard as her head was lightly patted. Dahlia-sama indeed seems like she’ll continue to take the exam until she passes, even if she fails. And if she’s confident in her martial arts, then like Isma-oniisama had said, she could get appointed even if the results of her written exam are terrible. However, I can’t say for sure if her wish will come true or not.
(Um, that’s true, but…)
Cordelia thought, and couldn’t lift her face.
It wasn’t like she wasn’t convinced by Isma’s words, but she was really embarrassed because she hadn’t experienced someone patting her head for this long.
“Oh yes, Cordelia. Can you give me what you gave to Dahlia-jou?”
“Onii-sama, are you having trouble with drowsiness as well?”
“No, that’s not it. I have some things I have to memorise, so I wanted to use it for a change of pace.”
“Then, I’ll prepare some so you can take it to the dormitory tomorrow.”
“Thanks. I guess I’ll go back to my room.”
He finally took his hand away from her head and returned to his room. Cordelia watched his back as he walked and thought.
(Him having to memorise a few things… Does that have to do with what he and Cyrus-oniisama were talking about?)
She couldn’t ask for details, but she wanted to give him what he wanted even if something was up, or even if nothing was happening.
(And, I’ll prepare so that if they want something else, I can give it to them.)
If this is related to their work, then it might be difficult for me to help them because of confidentially. Still, I want to make an effort so that I can help them straight away if I’m ordered to someday.
(To do that, I need to build enough trust between us so that they would give me an order.)
Of course, this is related to my abilities as well, but if they don’t trust me, then they won’t entrust me with anything. Cordelia thought as she returned to her room.