That morning, Cordelia woke up earlier than usual. But it was already too late to go back to sleep, so she decided to read a book until breakfast and went to the library.
Even if it was early for Cordelia, if she looked down at the garden from the corridor, she could see that there were servants already at work. The servant holding the flowers were probably going to decorate the vases in the mansion. She watched them and was looking forward to seeing how they would decorate the vases.
Cordelia, who reached her destination while occasionally greeting the servants she passed on the way, noticed that the library was already lit.
She thought it was strange as she entered the library and saw that Ronnie was surrounded by books.
“Morning, Ronnie. You’re really early.”
“Eh, huh? Ojou-sama? It’s time for good morning…? Don’t tell me it’s already morning?”
“Yes. It’s still a bit early for breakfast, but it’s a pleasant morning.”
However, when Ronnie heard those words, he looked troubled and appeared clearly regretful.
“Did you accidentally stay up all night?”
“Yes… I was careless. I didn’t feel drowsy, but now that I know it’s morning, I suddenly feel sleepy.”
Cordelia smiled wryly at Ronnie, who yawned as soon as he’d said that, and looked at the book he was reading. It was a book about magic combat, but it wasn’t written in the language of Crista Kingdom.
“This is rare.”
Ronnie reads books of any genre, but Cordelia had never seen him read foreign magic combat books. In the first place, he didn’t like combat that much that he would stay all night reading about it.
“Well, I don’t hate reading… but, I heard a rumour that bothered me, so I thought I would review.”
“Rumour?”
“I don’t think it’s true, but in the north… I heard at the bar that there have been strange movements in Dulaus Kingdom recently.”
Cordelia blinked. That certainly is a rumour that would worry people.
Dulaus Kingdom had a cease-fire agreement with Crista Kingdom, but it was difficult to say that it was a friendly kingdom. Since its founding, Crista Kingdom has been invaded by Dulaus Kingdom many times, and a lot of people have negative feelings towards the King Dulaus. And, Crista Kingdom was being resented in return, as Dulaus Kingdom probably had a less than favourable opinion towards a kingdom who made them turn their heels many times in the past.
However, for Cordelia, she was cautious towards that kingdom because it was the stronghold of the Dark Guild member 『Ghost』.
“Strange movements? How reliable is that rumour?”
Cordelia had never set foot in a bar before, so she couldn’t determine how useful the information was. However, if there were really such strange movements, then the Kingdom’s army would have sensed it, and Cordelia would have noticed something, even if she didn’t go to a bar. Then, Elvis and her two brothers’ holidays would be affected, and they wouldn’t come home much, but that wasn’t the case right now. More importantly, Ronnie, who had heard the rumour, didn’t seem serious, and he didn’t seem panicked.
“Of course, it’s not like they’re going to attack straight away. However, I heard that there is movement from the anti-royal faction in that kingdom, and I remembered that the north’s magic is different from the mainstream magic of this kingdom, which I learnt at the Magic Academy.”
“… In other words, you remembered that because of the rumours and got curious, so you read up on it?”
“Yes. Even if there’s magic I don’t understand somewhere, I think I can manage somehow if I understand the foundation. Well, it would be better if I don’t encounter it though.”
Seeing that Ronnie was joking and shrugging, she concluded that he was concerned, but he was also saying that the current situation wouldn’t become serious straight away.
“But it would be best if it doesn’t become serious. Cyrus-oniisama’s wedding, which had been postponed, is already around the corner.”
Christina and Cyrus postponed their wedding because Christina had to review the union and the organisation because of the Flora Silk incident, and Cyrus had to work. They were finally… going to get married, but if another problem occurred, then who knows when they would actually get married.
However, if such a significant incident really happened, then they wouldn’t have time to worry about that matter… but, the best solution would be if nothing happened at all.
“Well, if anything does affect the royal capital, then Master wouldn’t let you stay here. Ertiga is further away from Dulaus.”
“That’s true.”
Cordelia smiled wryly at Ronnie, who joked around and shrugged. Elvis probably wouldn’t tell her things that had to do with military affairs, but it was possible that he would send her away under the pretence of inspections or studying.
However, even if we’re talking about a foreign kingdom, the world of the royal families is complicated.
(… I’m a member of a feudal lord’s family, even if the scale is different. I have to be level-headed.)
I’m not directly involved with the royal family, but I must support them as a noble. We must contribute via the peace of our fiefs, but I also want to do something for the citizens of our fief.
“Say, can I read that too? I’m curious about magic that is different from ours.”
“… Ojou-sama, you can’t read this.”
“Oh my, why not?”
“I don’t know what you would do if you learn something new, and I’m too sleepy to answer any questions. And you don’t have enough time because you have other things you have to learn, right?”
“『It sounds like a hassle』. Is it my imagination, or can I hear your real feelings?”
“Ahaha, you imagined it.”
It was apparent that Ronnie was trying to deceive her, but he was right. Research, magic, studying, and other things… she barely had any time.
“Do you agree?”
“Then, I’ll ask you next time. But will you accompany me today with the little free time I have?”
“Were you doing something today?”
“I want to go to the mobile library office because I have a document I want to deliver. I don’t mind if you sleep when we get there.”
“Well, I’ll go if I can sleep. I’ll go! Shall I arrange the carriage?”
“Please do. We’ll leave after breakfast.”
Ronnie, who had a smile on his face, quickly put the book away and flew out of the library. An invitation to get rid of his sleepiness was really attractive. Cordelia smiled wryly as she picked some books and returned to her room.
She hadn’t meant to, but she had also taken the Dulaus book with her.
After breakfast, Cordelia, who had quickly gotten ready, headed to the office with Ronnie.
The sky was so clear that she thought it would be nice to go on a walk too.
Cordelia, who had arrived at the office and opened the door, was soon met by a middle-aged man holding a wooden box.
“Oh, Cordelia-sama!! I’m sorry for how I look.”
“No, don’t worry about it. I’m sorry for bothering you.”
The man, who was smiling friendly, was the manager and librarian of this office.
When Ronnie saw the man, he approached him straight away and took the box.
“This goes over there, right?”
“Thanks. Then, Cordelia-sama, please come this way.”
Cordelia was invited to sit on the window table she always used when she was in the office. She sat down and spread the documents that she had brought with her on the table.
“Here is a list of the books that were donated this time. Some need to be repaired, so I’ll deliver them as soon as it’s finished. I think it’ll take 10 days.”
“Alright. I’ll prepare the bookshelves. Oh, yes, I’ve received letters of thanks from the children again. I’m sure they were here… Ah, here it is.”
“Thank you very much.”
Cordelia, who received more letters than usual, glanced over them.
It was an important job for Cordelia to summarise the children’s feedback. A happy impression can motivate the supporters and can be used as a reference for new books. Unexpectedly, there were a lot of opinions from their parents, so the information they received was broad.
“Manager, I’d like to take my time today. Also, do you mind showing me the handicraft corner?”
“Of course, take your time. The wood-carvings of animals that Cordelia-sama proposed is really popular. The villagers are happy to deliver addition goods.”
The wood-carvings that the manager was talking about were cute figurines that always came back to an upright position. All of them were small and round, and the eyes were filled with small, crushed and polished natural stones.
(Wood-carvings are already cute on their own, but will they be more popular if it’s combined with natural stones? I thought it would, and I’m glad that it is popular.)
Cordelia, who was fascinated by the cuteness of the roly-polies, suggested that natural stones be inserted in the eyes, and the trial product was given to the women who worked in her mansion. She had stocked up a lot at the handicraft corner based on the excellent feedback she had received from the servants… If it needed restocking, then she felt relieved that it had been a success.
(I think I’ll be able to sell kumiki puzzles((interlocking block puzzles))_ too… But I’ll ask Otou-sama if we can sell it in Ertiga. They already have roly-polies in Ertiga, but they don’t have kumiki puzzles yet, so it should be alright to sell them at the fief.)_
High-quality wood is the Pameradia fief’s forte. If so, then they could also become a new fief speciality.
“Come to think of it, Cordelia-sama. I heard that there is a reasonable and beautiful shop in the port town, Welf, which offers snacks and sweets that aren’t seen in this area. I heard it’s famous because you can catch a glimpse of noble pleasures, but are you planning on opening a shop around here?”
“Huh? Have the rumours already reached here?”
He was talking about the shop that Cordelia had received advice from Cyrus about, and proposed to Elvis to start selling crepes and galettes.
She opened a stall with Welf’s galettes at the Harvest Festival in Ertiga, and a stall selling Ertiga’s crepe desserts at Welf’s Good Haul Prayer Festival, and both sold incredibly well.
Later, Cordelia set up a shop in each town in response to the reaction the stalls received. Both shops weren’t very large, but careful attention was paid to the interior design and furnishings, so that no one would suspect the Pameradia House’s social status. However, she was troubled by the initial investments because she wanted to make the price reasonable so that commoners could visit without much difficulty… She never imagined that the rumours of her shops would reach the royal capital.
“There are some who chose Welf as their travel destination because they want to visit the rumoured shop.”
“This is the first time I’ve heard of this. But I’m very happy.”
If this is true, then I’ve received more publicity than I imagined. In the future, it might be useful to open a store under the Pameradia House’s name when I sell the balms. Should I put a questionnaire in the store as soon as possible so I can know the trends of the customers?
“If you do open a shop in the royal capital, then I can introduce you to a good location. It isn’t well-ordered like the noble district, but it’s a place where people with good palates gather, and the shop will be famous if it’s delicious.”
“I would love to hear about it when the time comes.”
The unexpected information nearly made Cordelia rejoice, but she had to be calm. First, I have to calm down and understand the current situation. I have to be down to earth or success can quickly change into failure. I’m terrified that the things I have built up will collapse in an instant… Cordelia thought, then she heard the front door open.
“Hello.”
“Oh, Vernoux-sama. Good morning.”
It’s rare for Vernoux-sama to come to the office early in the morning. He usually comes in the afternoon, Cordelia thought as she headed to the entrance.
But, in contrast to Cordelia’s greeting, Vernoux slanted his eyes, and he didn’t reply.
“Do you not feel well?”
He looked as if he was in a bad mood, if that didn’t have to do with his health, but Cordelia hesitated to say that. It’s harder to deal with him if he’s in a bad mood, so I want a different answer from him… She thought, but Vernoux gave a long sigh. Unfortunately, it seems like he is in a bad mood.
“Dilly, why haven’t you been at home since morning? I came over, but it was a waste of time.”
“Vernoux-sama, you rarely come to my house early in the morning, right? And, people normally check the other person’s schedule beforehand.”
Cordelia shrugged. Even if I tell him at this point, I probably can’t expect that he would make an appointment. However, usually, it would be amusing… However, when Vernoux heard Cordelia’s answer, he looked stunned and tilted his head in an exaggerated way.
“Even though I was bringing you good news…”
“Good news? From you?”
“Do you want to know?”
“If you act pompous like that, then I don’t know if I want to know or not… I feel like it’ll be bad news.”
The reason being, Vernoux looked like he was planning something. Did something crazy or unpleasant happen? ――― Cordelia put up her guard, and Vernoux looked stunned.
“Why do I have to deliver bad news first thing in the morning? That’s tiresome.”
“That’s true, but I can’t think of any good news that you have to tell first thing in the morning either.”
“Jeez, you don’t hold back at all. But don’t worry, it’s happy news. You’ve been accepted in the competition show.”
“… Excuse me?”
Cordelia couldn’t help but tilt her head at his surprising words. Come to think of it, the competition show screening should be finished, and it’s nearly time for the exhibition. She recalled, but her doubt preceded her joy.
“What the? That’s a weak reaction.”
“Oh, yes…”
“It’s not a joke or anything. This is being told to the person herself, so even Earl Pameradia doesn’t know about it yet.”
“Then, why do you know, Vernoux-sama?”
Cordelia asked since she wouldn’t rejoice while she was confused, and Vernoux smiled.
“Because it’s one of the events organised by the kingdom, right? The Queen, who is involved in the screening, usually informs the participants every year, but this year’s notice was left to His Highness, Prince Sylvester.”
“Perhaps…”
“It was convenient, so he left it to me. It’s a notice from the delivery personnel. So, will you go to the castle? Miss Prize-Winner.”
She felt like she heard the words, “the permit for the Big Bookcase is waiting for you,” but it took all she had to not twitch.
She did think that an award ceremony might be held since the prize for the royal family sponsored competition show was a grant and a permit.
(But I never imagined that His Highness would be involved in this before his adulthood…!)
I carelessly assumed that, even though the royal family didn’t have a rule stating that they wouldn’t be involved in events unless they were adults. However, if I think about it, this might be an excellent event to gain experience if it’s just about giving notice.
(I was careless… But I can’t say that I wouldn’t have entered even if I knew this. Because there aren’t many chances to get a permit for the Big Bookcase...)
So, it can’t be helped. Cordelia convinced herself and tried to calm down. That’s right. It should be over quickly if I just have to receive the permit.
However, she recalled something else that worried her.
“… Vernoux-sama, did you say ‘go’?”
“Yeah. The quicker, the better, right?”
“Please wait. There are no arrangements for the winner to go to the castle right after they receive the announcement, right?”
No matter how I look at it, this is too sudden.
Cordelia needed time to dress up and prepare herself, even if she couldn’t avoid her audience with the Prince. If possible, she also wanted to prepare responses for the Prince.
However, Vernoux scowled in response to Cordelia’s remark.
“You don’t have to worry about that.”
“No, I do.”
It certainly feels like I’m going to tremble, but usually, it was odder if people don’t worry.
Cordelia stated that while glaring at him a little, and Vernoux sighed as if it was troublesome.
“Like you guessed, there will be a formal award ceremony… well, it’s not that grand, but His Majesty will say a few words to congratulate you. But that’s after the exhibition period ends, it’s customary to give the Big Bookcase permit first. The earlier you get to enter the Big Bookcase the better, right?”
“I appreciate it, but… I’ll be given it on the day of the announcement, right?”
“No, His Highness said you can come get it whenever you want, so I just thought I’ll take you there today. The faster, the better, right?”
As expected, Vernoux-sama is the cause of this suddenness...!
Cordelia thought and was exhausted.
“Has His Highness already acknowledged that I will be visiting today?”
“Yeah, I told him. He told me not to force you. He said you might have plans since it was so sudden.”
Cordelia liked the Prince a little more because he knew full-well that Vernoux is forceful, and tried to stop him, but she was worried.
I don't mind if it’s today or later… What reason do you tell a person who says this, to change the day? And even if I make a reason, Vernoux-sama will probably pursue it.
“Vernoux-sama, even if I go to the castle today, I can’t go straight away. I’m dressed like this right now.”
She wore today’s outfit so she would be trouble-free because she was visiting the office… In short, she was dressed as a town girl instead of a noble daughter. Even if she went to the castle today, she would need to change her outfit.
But, Vernoux shook his head.
“You’re always dressed like that, so it’s fine, right? His Highness doesn’t really fuss over women’s clothing.”
“It’s a big problem. The castle isn’t my house nor is it town.”
“… If you’re going to put it that way, then I don’t mind if you change it to another day. His Highness said he could host a tea party if you come on another day.”
“I’m sorry, Vernoux-sama. I need some time to go home and change, would it be alright for me to go?”
For a moment, she thought she had been saved, but Cordelia understood that changing the date would choke her.
If I’m going to get a troublesome invitation like a tea party, then today is better.
“You don’t have to push yourself, you know?”
“I’m not. I feel bad for taking up His Highness’s busy time again.”
“Well, alright. There’s no reason for me to say no if you say you’re going to go.”
While reciprocating with a smile, Cordelia couldn’t help but think that her bad premonition was spot on. A terrible pitfall was waiting for her on the way to the Big Bookcase.
“Ah, come to think of it, Vernoux-sama. I was allowed to exhibit my work as a joint project with Ronnie, but should I call him as well?”
“Yeah, that’s why I came… but is it inconvenient?”
“Ronnie isn’t feeling very well. If possible, would it be alright for me to go alone? If we have to go today, then we can have it another day…”
Ronnie, who was still sleeping, was only lacking sleep, but she wanted him to relax if possible. Cordelia didn’t want to appear in front of the Prince alone, but she was anxious about Ronnie’s etiquette. It was inevitable even if they have an audience with the King at a later day, but Ronnie didn’t want to appear in front of the royal family, and Cordelia was nervous, so nobody wins.
Vernoux put a hand on his chin and thought for a while, then he lightly nodded.
“It’s okay since you’re just getting the permit. If he can’t come right away, then I can ask His Highness about his schedule and get in touch with you later. I’ll show you around if you come to the castle, so come to the east gate.”
“The east gate, right? Okay.”
“Then, I’ll go to the castle first.”
In the return carriage, Cordelia wrote a letter to Elvis, who was at the castle, to let him know what was happening. She wrote that she had received the results of the competition show and that she would be heading to the castle today. The words she had written in the swaying carriage were shaky, but it was unavoidable.
(It would be better to let him know before I go to the castle.)
Since she had received permission for the exhibition, it shouldn’t be a problem for her to obtain the permit, but the castle is where Elvis usually works. Somehow, it felt awkward not to inform him of this.
(If possible, I would like Otou-sama to bring the permit home.)
Cordelia sighed as she folded the letter. However, she could visit the Big Bookcase if she could get past it.
When Cordelia got home, she headed straight to her room.
“If it’s just His Highness, then it would be ideal to wear something that would leave a weak impression… but, I might meet other people on my way to see him, so I have to avoid them questioning my fashion sense.”
However, all the dresses she had were those she liked, so they had unique features. She was supposed to choose her favourite dress, but she felt depressed. She somehow felt bad towards the dresses.
“I’d rather wear a dress that will hype me up and support me emotionally.”
Christina said before that she receives power from her dresses. Cordelia thought it was a good idea and finally picked a dress.
“This is definitely the dress to wear to hype myself up.”
It was the flora silk dress she had received from Earl Alcott.
Cordelia wore this as her finest dress to family birthdays and tea parties that her aunt Nirupama took her to. She liked the dress quite a bit, but the size was becoming a problem.
(I pray that I won’t grow any taller until Onii-sama’s wedding.)
She could imagine that she would grow to some extent when she looked at her tall family. But she didn’t mind if she stopped growing soon. It was really disappointing that she couldn’t wear that flora silk dress anymore. This dress was designed for young ladies rather than children, so she could still wear it if height wasn’t a problem.
Cordelia, who had decided on the dress, called Emina and Lara. She told them what had happened and asked them to help her prepare.
“Understood, Ojou-sama. Lara, get the carriage ready.”
“Yes, right away.”
Cordelia, who was quickly changed, sat down in front of the dresser as Emina gently combed her hair.
“Ojou-sama, since you’re going to the castle, how about using a little lipstick? And, I want to set your hair, is this alright?”
“Set my hair?”
“Yes, your usual hairstyle is nice, but if you’re going to the castle, then I think you should look more grown-up. I’m sure it would look good on you.”
It was a slightly surprising proposal to Cordelia, who had never been conscious of having an adult aura, even though she tried to avoid giving a childish impression. She thought about it for a while and eventually agreed.
“Yes… Please.”
It’s still not time yet, so if it doesn’t suit me then I can get her to redo it, and Emina probably wouldn’t propose something that wouldn’t suit me, considering her fashion sense.
(Besides, it’s probably calming to get my hair done, and my feelings will probably calm down too.)
Unfortunately, her prediction was wrong, and she couldn’t settle down until her hair was all done.
But her hairstyle made her blink.
“It looks good on you.”
“Th-thanks.”
“My pleasure. I had fun as well.”
She wasn’t used to seeing the hairstyle reflected in the mirror and didn’t know if it suited her or not. However, she did feel that the hairstyle suited the dress very much. She also gave off an adult impression like Emina had expected, and although she was happy, she felt embarrassed and uneasy.
“Then, Ojou-sama. Look here too.”
Cordelia stood up at Emina’s recommendation and looked in the full-length mirror. Her fully dressed up image reflected back at her.
(This… I might not be this composed.)
The hair and dress matched better than she had expected, and she certainly looked like a young lady who would not be ashamed, no matter where she went. However, she was worried that she looked too fired up. She did want to get hyped up, but she didn’t intend to go this far.
(It’s like I dressed myself up so that His Highness would look at me…!)
I’m glad that she did my hair, but she did too much.
However, she couldn’t tell the smiling Emina that she wanted to untangle the hairdo, and if she says it looks good, then Cordelia would ask her to do it again in the future. So, she should try to calm down and clear this hurdle.
(It’s okay, I’m just getting the permit. Peacefully… I’ll come back safely.)
Cordelia convinced herself and looked in the mirror, then she heard a knock at the door.
It was Lara who had returned.
“The carriage is ready. And Vernoux-sama sent a message.”
“Thanks.”
She opened the letter which had been handed to her nervously and saw that the appointed time was written on there like she had expected. She would have perfect timing if she headed there after lunch.
However, since she had a fairly good amount of time, Cordelia felt suspicious.
(Did His Highness really free up his time?)
Don’t tell me Vernoux-sama forced him to open up his schedule… I’d like to believe this isn’t true, but if it is, then it would look like I had behaved selfishly. That’s the thing I don’t want the most.
“Ojou-sama, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m a little nervous because it’s my first formal meeting at the castle. The appointment is a little after midday. I’m sorry, but could you prepare me a light lunch?”
My reaction might have seemed weird since I had dressed up to go to the castle. However, I don’t have the authority to change the specified time. I can only believe in Vernoux-sama.
“Understood, I’ll tell the chefs. In exchange, you have to eat a lot for dinner.”
“Okay, I’ll leave it to you.”
I’m not really in the mood to eat, but I don’t want my stomach to growl in public.
“… When it’s all over, I’ll have a toast.”
There shouldn’t be any competition at the castle, but I want to drink good alcohol for success. Unfortunately, Cordelia wasn’t confident that alcohol won’t influence her, so she only had juice, but she was looking forward to having some with dinner.
After lunch, Cordelia asked Emina to accompany her to the castle, and Hans appeared in a rush.
“Hans, what’s wrong?”
After asking that, Cordelia realised that Elvis was behind him, even though he would definitely not be home at that time, and quickly approached him.
“Welcome home, Otou-sama.”
“Yeah.”
However, even though he was home, she could guess that it was only temporary from the way Hans was rushing. But she couldn’t come up with a reason for why he was home.
“Otou-sama, did something happen?”
There was no response from Elvis, but it was unlikely that he had forgotten something at home, and, if he had, then he could have just sent a messenger.
(Oh, that’s right. I sent him the report…)
He had already received the letter since he hadn’t said anything upon seeing that Cordelia was ready to go out. However, a letter was a letter. She should report that she had won the reward again, but she wanted to ask something else first.
“This hairstyle… does it suit me?”
She had faith in Emina’s skills. But, she wanted to hear Elvis’s honest opinion as his daughter. However, her tension increased after she had asked that.
Elvis finally opened his mouth slowly at Cordelia, who was holding her breath as she waited for a reply.
“… Aren’t you cold?”
“Huh? No, I’m not…”
It was true that her hair usually covered her neck and back, so there were a lot of areas for air to touch. However, she didn’t feel cold because of the season.
Cordelia tilted her head, and Elvis turned to Emina.
“Understood. I’ll bring a shawl.”
Emina left after she bowed respectfully.
(But I’m really not cold…)
For the time being, it’s not like I don’t look good even if I look really cold.
It’s a bit disappointing since I didn’t receive a clear answer, but doesn’t seem like he’s dismissing my hairstyle.
However, I wanted to hear his opinion if possible…
“… It’s not… bad.”
“――― Thank you very much!”
Cordelia, who was observing him, was praised by Elvis, who looked sour like usual. He hadn’t said anything else, but coming from him, it was enough.
“Are you going to the castle now?”
“Yes. Vernoux-sama will be picking me up at the east gate.”
“Then I’ll take you there.”
“Huh?! Th-thank you very much.”
Cordelia was surprised when she realised what time Elvis had come home. She never imagined that he would briefly return home for her. Still, she felt at ease if she was with him.
“I feel relieved that you’ll be with me, Otou-sama.”
If possible, she would like him to accompany her to meet the Prince, but her wish won’t come true. The notice itself came to Cordelia… In other words, it might be undesirable for her to be accompanied by an adult, since she was treated as an adult. And, Elvis only said that he would accompany her to where Vernoux was.
(If I ask for too much, then it would look like Otou-sama is using his daughter to intervene.)
This would only be a disadvantage to both Cordelia and Elvis, so she had to accept it.
“… You look worried.”
“Excuse me?”
“You only need to be dignified as you head to the castle.”
Cordelia quickly followed after Elvis, who had turned his back and started walking.
Thank you for worrying about me, Cordelia thought that Elvis would be uncomfortable if she told him that, so she held back, but she was deeply grateful.
In the carriage, Cordelia told Elvis that the reputation of the galettes and crepes had reached the royal capital to distract herself. She also told him that she wanted to conduct questionnaires at the stores in the future.
“… It’s probably because the food is rare, but they probably also appreciate the interior design and furnishings.”
“Yes. I heard about that from the manager as well.”
“The downtown restaurants aren’t bad either, but it’s easier to talk about them if the ambience is distinct.”
Cordelia imagined enjoying an affordable meal at a bustling restaurant downtown. The position might be reversed, but if I can enjoy a different ambience… then I’m sure it’ll feel special.
“Don’t go on your own.”
“Yes.”
It seemed that Cordelia’s interest was clear, since Elvis had said that.
I want to go, and it seems like I can as long as it’s not on my own. Cordelia smiled in reply.
I’m looking forward to it. If possible, I would like to go with Otou-sama. Cordelia thought, but she was pulled right back to reality.
She looked at the carriage and saw that they were already approaching the white castle walls.
Vernoux was waiting at the east gate just like he had promised.
He saw Elvis and opened his eyes wide. However, he quickly changed his expression and tried to greet Elvis, but Elvis didn’t even glance at Vernoux and walked off.
“… Shall we go?”
“Yes.”
On the way, Cordelia’s tension rose again. Vernoux sighed deeply next to her.
“What’s wrong?”
“… The Earl is angry, isn’t he? He looked scary.”
“Scary? Vernoux-sama, that’s rude. Otou-sama was just a little reserved.”
It was true that Elvis’s expression might seem sharp to Vernoux, since his father is cheerful, but his remark was rude toward someone else’s father. Cordelia forgot her tension and argued.
“No, but, he obviously wasn’t being reserved. Well, it might not be impossible, since he had an iron wall guard until now.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Well, if there is another opportunity. Anyway… It seems like you really did have to get ready. You certainly seem different.”
Cordelia took a long hard look at Vernoux, who had fully understood something on his own, and averted her eyes a little.
I didn’t think it would be a big deal to look like this in front of my childhood friend even if I do look different, but it’s embarrassing when he points it out. Her tension, which had subsided, rose once again.
“The truth is… You thought I lied?”
“No, sorry. Honestly, I thought you were just saying whatever came to mind.”
“I’m getting the permit, so I won’t do that.”
Cordelia turned away as if she was sulking. She was aware that her childish attitude didn’t match with how she looked, but it was perfect for hiding her embarrassment.
When she turned her head away from Vernoux, she saw a beautiful garden.
“What? Are you interested in the garden?”
“… Yes, a little.”
“You can look at the greenhouse as well, before you go back. The greenhouse was originally designed by Earl Pameradia, and His Highness will probably let you see it if you ask him. Maybe he’ll even show you around.”
However, Cordelia couldn’t agree with that.
“I am interested, but I think it’s too brazen, so I’ll ask him if I get another chance to. Even if Otou-sama designed it, I wasn’t involved.”
The act of coaxing the Prince was something she wanted to avoid because it was associated with the in-game 『Cordelia』; a selfish young lady. In the first place, she wanted to get away from him as quickly as possible, so she wanted to avoid things that come with horrifying possibilities.
“You don’t have to be shy. Oh yes, let’s say it’s from me as an apology for earlier?”
“Don’t worry about it. If you want to apologise, then please give me delicious tea leaves. I’ll be happier with that.”
Vernoux shrugged at Cordelia’s words.
They stopped talking when they passed through the garden and entered the castle. Cordelia quietly followed Vernoux through the corridor. Then, Vernoux stopped before long.
“His Highness is in this room. Are you ready?”
“Yes, always.”
Enter, greet him, and receive the permit… She imagined, but she didn’t doubt her mannerism themselves.
In contrast to Cordelia, who was looking straight ahead, Vernoux was casual.
“He cleared everyone away, so well, you can take it easy.”
“Isn’t it better if there were people there?”
“Why?”
“What if I say something rash or what if I start spreading strange rumours? It would be fine if it were someone close to His Highness, but with me, there are too many problems.”
“I’m not worried since you declared those possibilities. Oh, even if he cleared everyone out, I’ll be there as a witness.”
“…”
I’m not sure if I should be relieved that he would be here or not.
When we first met, I thought that I could get information from Vernoux-sama so that I can avoid the Prince, but I can’t believe that he would be the cause for us meeting.
(It’s a bit late now, but I really hadn’t expected this.)
It’s not like I don’t wonder how this happened, but it’s not fatal yet. I probably won’t meet the Prince for a while after I receive the permit.
Vernoux lightly greeted the two guards at the door and told them that he was entering, but the guards looked troubled.
When Vernoux tried to ask for the reason, a vigorous voice came from within.
『That’s why, I said ――――.』
『So ―――… I said!』
Vernoux and Cordelia looked at each other when they heard a young man’s voice.
“It’s a bit lively in there.”
“Yeah… That Clay is going on a rampage again.”
The owner of the voice was Vernoux’s acquaintance.
“Well, but, he’s always like that. Don’t worry about it.”
“Vernoux-sama, we should see how it goes…”
“It’s not going to end quickly with him like this. His Highness is also there, right? Now, let’s go in.”
Vernoux forcibly grabbed Cordelia’s arm and took a step forward even though she was puzzled by the unexpected situation.
Cordelia was surprised by his sudden movement, and immediately tried to return to her earlier posture, but his stride was wider than she had imagined.
“Vernoux-sama, please wait.”
“I told you that you don’t have to worry.”
“That’s not it!”
The heels that she was wearing to match her dress couldn’t handle Vernoux’s movement. She wanted him to let her go at least, so she tried to protest, but he opened the door.
Vernoux continued forward, and Cordelia lost her balance.
“Kyaa…?!”
Cordelia, who couldn’t sense where her centre of gravity was, raised a voice she’d never heard before and fell forward.
