A short distance away from the prince’s room, Cordelia called out to Clive who was walking in front of her.
“Clive-sama, you said you would take me to the doctor’s office, but it’s fine after all. It doesn’t hurt that much anymore.”
Clive, who stopped and turned around, scowled.
“It’ll be troublesome if you say it hurts later.”
“I won’t. Also, if it does hurt later, then I can see a doctor at home. They won’t investigate much if I say it was an unfortunate accident.”
Cordelia was shocked at Clive’s unapproachable attitude. She had used his idea to leave Sylvester, but she thought that his preconceptions were quite biased. He still faithfully took her to the doctor’s office, even though he was treating her like that, but she felt that he was treating her too much like a bad person.
However, no matter what he thought, she really didn’t need the doctor’s office. Rather, for Cordelia, there was a possibility that going to the doctor’s office would cause a situation she was trying to avoid.
“For example… if I get treated at the doctor’s office, then Marquis Flantheim might be informed of my injury. I’d feel awful if the Marquis were to worry about me.”
Clive moved his eyebrows at those words.
For Cordelia, however, she was more worried about Elvis hearing about it than worrying Marquis Flantheim, and Clive also seemed to have realised something.
“… But, I can’t go straight back to His Highness.”
“If that’s the case, then why don’t you show me the way to the Big Bookcase?”
Indeed, if he were to return straight away then it would seem unnatural.
In that case, Cordelia said a wish that was just right for killing time. She only knew how to get from the east gate to where she was now.
However, Clive hesitated again.
(One more push.)
Clive still didn’t seem convinced, but if he showed hesitation, then she still had plenty of chances to convince him.
“Clive-sama, you said you would take me to the doctor’s office, but you didn’t say that you would take me to see the doctor.”
“…”
“So, it would be fine if we just pass the doctor’s office.”
“You say things like Vernoux-dono.”
“…”
Cordelia forced herself to smile but didn’t know how to reply to Clive’s remark, since it was clear that he was angry at Vernoux. His words stated that he didn’t get along well with Vernoux. She could neither confirm nor deny that because she didn’t want to pick a fight with him. She knew that she had freedom, and she hoped that she wasn’t as free as Vernoux.
However, if he says that he doesn’t get along well with Vernoux, then Cordelia was the same.
“… Well, fine.”
“Thank you very much.”
“Ah, let me tell you one thing. His Highness rarely visits the Big Bookcase. Even if he does, he does it early in the morning or late at night.”
It sounded like a warning, “He’s not someone you can meet.” However, Cordelia smiled from the bottom of her heart at the unexpectedly useful piece of information. She could spend time at ease in the Big Bookcase.
“Then, I’ll be able to concentrate on the books too.”
However, Cordelia, who had spoken that out of relief, panicked a little because she might have misspoken. It was a remark which sounded as if the Prince was a disturbance, depending on who heard it. Then, that would be a bit rude.
“…”
Luckily, Clive looked suspicious but didn’t say anything. He began to walk again.
(I wonder if he took it as a joke…)
Cordelia stroked her chest as she stared at his back and followed after him.
He looked annoyed from beginning to end, but he passed the doctor’s office, headed to the main gate and guided Cordelia to the Big Bookcase.
They didn’t talk about anything in particular along the way, but he seemed to have a methodical personality since he took the trouble to show her the way from the main gate. He wasn’t courteous, but she was grateful that he had shown her the way so she wouldn’t be troubled later.
However, she felt that his back was saying, “Don’t talk to me,” so she couldn’t convey those words to him. She felt uncomfortable with just opening her mouth, so she decided to tell him everything at the end.
(More importantly, he took the trouble to show me around. I have to find landmarks.)
The Big Bookcase was located in a deeper place than Cordelia had thought.
All the buildings inside the castle looked the same, and she was uneasy wondering whether she would find something that would help her remember her location. There weren’t many landmarks, but she frantically looked around for distinctive things such as trees or decorations. It would look bad if she got lost the next time she visited the castle. She was sure that Ronnie would be with her the next time she visited, and she didn’t want to show him anything pathetic.
(And, if I get lost, then… it might foreshadow a terrible event.)
I’ve seen the sticky situation 『The Lost Girl Encounters the Prince』in novels many times in my previous world. It’s enough that such a thing happens in novels. It definitely can’t be reproduced. So, I should eliminate any possibility of me getting lost.
While thinking that to herself, she could understand the story itself.
If someone helps you when you’re troubled, then they would surely look dazzling.
(I played the game where 『Cordelia』had appeared in my previous life because I was interested in seeing a scene like that…)
However, I didn’t play a lot of love games in my previous life.
Because in the middle of the game, I was like a protector who was watching over the Heroine’s happiness, and suddenly thought 『What would I do if that was me? 』, then an indescribable and embarrassing feeling swelled up within me. 『I’m not an innocent person like this Heroine, so what am I thinking?!』I don’t know how many times I rebuked myself… having said that, I played it to my heart’s content. But I sometimes felt anguished by it, so it was hard to purchase a new game. I had similar symptoms from novels and comics, but the impact of games with voices were exceptional.
(But that’s right. If I do get lost, and someone other than His Highness treats me kindly, then I might want to talk to him more.)
When she thought that, her cheeks and mouth moved unnaturally.
(No, stop it. What am I thinking? I can’t have rumours floating around saying that the daughter of the Pameradia House has no sense of direction!)
“Pameradia-jou, what are you thinking about?”
“I’m sorry. I was looking for a landmark along the way.”
Cordelia replied, innocuously at the suspicious Clive. He’d been walking earnestly with his back faced towards me for some time. When did he turn around? Was I that distracted that I didn’t even notice him turn around? Cordelia reflected.
Clive moved his eyebrow at Cordelia’s reply.
“This is certainly a hard place to find for someone who has only been here once.”
“Yes.”
“You don’t need to put up a useless show if you don’t know where to go. Just quickly ask someone for directions.”
“… You’re right.”
Clive said, a little snippily, turned around, and began to walk again.
(Indeed, I have no choice but to ask others before I get lost.)
It would feel shameful for a moment, but I might cause trouble for others if I continue to loiter. It’s not strange for an outsider to ask for directions in the first place, and it’s not humiliating to ask before I get lost… While Cordelia determined that, an independent building that looked like a chapel entered her view.
Cordelia concluded that the building was the Big Bookcase since Clive was headed straight towards it.
There were two guards stationed at the entrance of the Big Bookcase, but as soon as Clive said a few words, they gave way. Cordelia followed after Clive and approached the door.
“If you hold the permit you’ve just received over this pattern, the door will open.”
“Thank you very much.”
Apparently, the permit is a magic tool after all.
When Cordelia held the permit up to the pattern as she was instructed to, the heavy door slowly opened.
(This is the first time I’ve seen an automatic door in this world.)
The royal castle has some unusual techniques, she admired while walking inside.
There weren’t any books as soon as she entered the door, but rather a long corridor. I’ll be able to see new books once I walk through this corridor ――― her expectations rose while thinking about Elvis.
(Otou-sama made me a greenhouse which this royal castle doesn’t have, even though they have this excellent door mechanism.)
She respected Elvis once more while thinking, I have to be more motivated since I received something like that, and the sound of the door closing came from behind her, so she turned around.
“Huh?”
Clive wasn’t in the building yet.
Does this mean I can’t go on, if Clive-sama isn’t here?
Cordelia was a little confused, but the door opened again after a short while, and Clive entered. In his hand was a permit with a different colour than the one Cordelia had. He had to get it re-authenticated.
I have to be careful when I come here with Ronnie, if each person has to be authenticated, Cordelia thought as she asked Clive.
“Eames-sama, your permit is a different colour from mine, isn’t it?”
He probably hadn’t submitted anything at the competition show. Still, does he have a permit for business reasons because he serves His Highness?
Cordelia asked lightly, but Clive frowned deeply.
“This is a temporary passage pass. It’s not for browsing books like the one you hold.”
“Can you not read books, even though you have permission to enter?”
“I’ve never been told that it’s prohibited, but I don’t have the qualifications to read them.”
Clive clearly declared and continued with a firm tone.
“There aren’t any confidential documents here, but it’s a place for the royal family to browse their private collection. Please understand this.”
“Of course, I know.”
When Cordelia replied, Clive began to guide her again.
Cordelia’s tension increased as they walked down the corridor, step by step.
Soon after, Cordelia reached a room filled with books.
It was filled with bookshelves crammed with books and was a place befitting of the name 『Big Bookcase』. The bookshelves were much higher than a person, and she could see ladders and stepladders for getting books all over the place.
Cordelia was speechless at the scene, which far exceeded her expectations.
“The upper floors and the basement are the same, but there are restrictions for taking some books out. Ask a librarian for more information. If you want to look for books alone, then there’s a guide map over there.”
“…”
“Pameradia-jou?”
“I’m sorry. I was overwhelmed.”
Cordelia, who was absolutely surprised, couldn’t say anything else. She had really received a precious privilege. Her feelings of gratitude towards Vernoux, who had recommended the competition show, and Ronnie, who had completed the product, became stronger.
“Eames-sama, thank you very much for guiding me here. I’ll take a little tour before going home.”
But, Clive frowned.
“Is it inconvenient for me to be here?”
“No, not really. But, you’re busy, aren’t you?”
She had asked for guidance, but she felt bad if she asked him to accompany her for longer. His guidance role should be over. But, Clive looked displeased.
“That doesn’t have anything to do with you.”
“Then, I have nothing else to say. I’ll have a look around.”
She gradually grew used to Clive’s way of speaking, and thought, can’t he talk differently even if it’s to someone he’d just met for the first time.
(If he does have a methodical personality, then it wouldn’t be strange for him to try and get to know the person he’s talking to. Instead, he’s trying to get rid of the danger to His Highness, I’m afraid he’s going to be annoying with his wrong impression.)
It’s not like I want to leave a unique impact on him, but he would think there’s meaning behind my words no matter what I say. Cordelia dropped her shoulders. It doesn’t feel very good. I want to avoid ending up in a predicament because he has some misunderstandings about my relationship with the Prince.
(But, on the contrary, it’s convenient for him to observe me… right?)
I don’t know what I did to make him have a bad impression of me, but I should better his impression of me by a little bit by acting in a way that won’t make him think I’m planning something like I had in front of His Highness Sylvester. I don’t care how long he watches me to clear my concerns. I don’t have anything to feel guilty about, and Clive shouldn’t have caused harm to the in-game 『Cordelia』.
With that in mind, she looked around and approached the guide that Clive had been talking about before.
(The books on plants are on the first basement floor?)
She checked her destination on the map, memorised it, and rushed a little towards the stairs. Clive followed after Cordelia while maintaining a short distance.
Like the first floor, the basement was filled with many books.
And the plants corner was arranged in an easy to understand way; ornamental plants shelf, wild grasses shelf, and trees and shrubs shelf.
First, Cordelia chose a book from that selection and flipped through it. Then, she returned it to the shelf and took another book. She repeated that process several times.
(The contents are a little different, but it seems that the books my family has on plants are also excellent.)
The Big Bookcase has an overwhelming amount of books in other fields, but for plants, the Pameradia collection is just as wonderful… The moment she thought that.
“… Clove?”
Cordelia, who had stopped turning the pages, widened her eyes at the nostalgic herb name. She steady looked at the picture of the tree drawn next to the name and the drawing of the leaves. There’s probably no mistake. This is the same Clove that I know, which I haven’t been able to confirm exists here.
(Of course, I won’t know until I get my hands on the real herb…)
Clove was the main ingredient in herbal medicine, and was called caryophyllus clove in Japan.((Eugenia Caryophyllus, oil from the leaves is known to have antiseptic properties.))
Because its scent could still be strongly smelled from a hundred miles away, it was called the hundred-mile incense or caryophyllus clove. It often appeared in history in my previous world.
For example, in China’s Han Dynasty, the ministers would hold the clove in their mouth to perfume their breath during audiences with the emperor, and some say that in the Age of Discovery, the spanish king ordered the explorer, Magellan, to make a voyage to secure routes for cloves.
When she learnt about the Age of Discovery in school, she heard that they had specially picked pepper out of all the spices, and its value was the same as gold, and honestly, she was surprised to find out that clove was ten times more valuable than pepper in Europe at that time.
(I’m sure that cloves were only produced in Maluku Islands in those days, and the price was high because of its rarity… Did I remember correctly?)
Such cloves were popular amongst royalty and nobles and were served at the end of parties with sugary sweets, before the spice boom.
There were many other things, including records of it being used to prevent rust on Japanese swords, but in the age that Cordelia lived, most people knew the scent from dental clinics, due to the clove oils.
If such a clove exists in this world, then I want to confirm its existence first. Cordelia thought as she read where it grew and was surprised.
“This is… part of Nirupama-obasama’s fief.”
I can’t believe that cloves grow in Nirupama-obasama’s fief!
Cordelia couldn’t help but think.
Weltoria, where Nirupama rules, is a relatively warm area located to the southeast of the royal capital, but the temperature wasn’t as high as Maluku Islands.
(However, even in the mountains near the royal capital, seasonal plants grow all year round due to the magic in the earth, so it’s not weird if there’s a place influenced by magic in her fief.)
For the time being, I want to confirm this with Nirupama-obasama the next time I see her. No, I should send her a greeting letter before I meet her. She might not know about cloves themselves, but if I ask her about it, then she might think about it as some kind of benefit instead of a request from her niece. She’s a lover of my essential oils. I’m sure she’ll investigate this for me.
“It might be difficult to turn it into a good business opportunity, like in the Age of Discovery, but I can probably increase my essential oil variations…”
She said and suddenly realised.
She had been staring at the books and talking to herself like she did in her home’s library, but she wasn’t alone.
Dammit, she thought, as she slowly turned her face towards the direction where Clive was standing.
Clive remained silent as he stared at Cordelia.
“I’m sorry, was I a little noisy?”
Clive looked offended since the beginning, so she didn’t know if he thought she was noisy right now. However, he stared at her silently and made her feel uncomfortable.
“… There’s no one else here.”
However, his reply was quiet, albeit unfriendly.
Does that mean I don’t have to worry about it? I’m not quite sure, but he didn’t caution me for the time being, so I don’t have to worry about it.
(I have to be careful, so he doesn’t think I’m a noisy person.)
Cordelia noted. She read through the clove description and returned the book to the shelf. The book didn’t have any useful information on cloves and treated them as trees and scrubs.
I might be able to find more details about cloves if there are books on plants in Weltoria. She thought as she looked up at the shelves, and found a book spine that looked like something that fit that description.
“…”
She wasn’t afraid of high places, but she didn’t want others to see her climb a ladder in a dress, and it could look as if she was dirtying her dress.
Cordelia pondered while hesitating, and decided to give up this time. She was afraid of asking Clive to get it for her. It’s disappointing, but I don’t mind reading it at a later day. I can come back soon.
“Thank you very much. I’ll go home now.”
“I see. Then, this way.”
That was all Clive said before he turned his back. It seems like he’s going to show me the way back, but judging from his attitude thus far, he probably thinks that I’ll return to where the Prince is. However, it’s a blessing no matter what his reasons are.
“Thank you very much.”
“It’s fine. Anyway, why do you think I’m from the Eames House? I don’t think we’ve ever met before.”
Cordelia was surprised that Clive had continued with a question because she thought he was just going to give her a brief reply. She recalled that he certainly hadn’t introduced himself.
“Because His Highness called your name. I heard that the Eames son is serving by his side. I apologise for calling you that on my own.”
“Where did you hear about that?”
“At the tea party hosted for the ladies. I attend them sometimes with my aunt.”
To Clive, who kept on asking questions, Cordelia hid the fact that she had also heard about him from Cyrus. However, when she thought that he was questioning her in detail, an unpleasant possibility suddenly crossed her mind.
(Clive-sama thinks I’m aiming for the seat of the Queen. In other words, he thinks I’m obsessed with power, doesn’t he? If so, perhaps I can see Clive-sama as a 『husband candidate for when the Crown Prince is useless』, and so he considers me as a dangerous person?)
No, that’s too crazy.
That was how Cordelia thought, but the possibility wasn’t zero.
(If he has such doubts, then I understand why he’s so persistent. I’m sure Clive-sama wants to understand people who he considers as dangerous.)
However, if it was precisely like Cordelia imagined, then it was a big misunderstanding.
It’s fine if he misunderstands, but it’s an extremely troublesome situation. I want to change the topic quickly, but I can’t find anything to talk about this quickly… When she thought that, she recalled a question she had.
“Come to think of it, why does Vernoux-sama call you Clay-sama?”
Even though she knew that Clive served by Sylvester’s side, she couldn’t make the connection between Clive and Clay. It may be a nickname, but Clive and Vernoux didn’t look like they got along at all. Vernoux probably saw Clive as a friend…
“I don’t know.”
“… I see.”
Clive replied to Cordelia’s question as if he was discarding it.
She didn’t know if it was because he was uncomfortable with the name or because she said Vernoux’s name.
However, when she mentioned Vernoux’s name, she came up with another way to show that she wasn’t interested without saying Clive’s name.
“Clive-sama, please listen. It’s a private matter, but Vernoux told me that Otou-sama looked scary today and seemed like he was angry.”
“Did something happen?”
“I think that Otou-sama is a very calm and wonderful man. When I was younger, I troubled him by saying 『I want to marry someone like Otou-sama』. And yet, Vernoux-sama was rude, wasn’t he?”
Elvis had been unresponsive when Cordelia made that remark when she was four years old, so it might be a bit misleading to say it like that, but it wasn’t a complete lie. She heard from Hans that Elvis had been troubled inside, and her dreams were also real. However, even if she deducted those factors, she knew that it sounded like a questionable remark.
(But it can’t be helped. If things continue like this, then we won’t be able to talk.)
It’s convenient for me if Clive thinks that I’m unsuitable to be Queen; and I can turn my eyes away if he only made a few rude remarks. However, others might misunderstand and think that there’s a problem with my attitude if he treats me any colder than this.
She thought. I need him to change his opinion of me after all.
(If I declare that I like men like Otou-sama, then it would show that I’m not interested in Clive-sama or Sylvester-sama.)
For Cordelia, it would be enough if Clive understood that she wasn’t a dangerous person, and wasn’t a Queen candidate.
However, Cordelia’s remarked seemed too surprising for Clive. He widened his eyes large enough for the crease to disappear from between his brows and whispered.
“You have really weird tastes.”
His tone was clearly different from before and didn’t seem harsh.
Cordelia desperately tried to keep her smile and stop her face from twitching when the cautious voice from before sounded a little worried, or sympathetic.
(Clive-sama said I was like Vernoux-sama, but isn’t he just like Vernoux-sama!?)
Honestly, saying that I have weird tastes… Just what the heck does everyone think of my Otou-sama?
Cordelia couldn’t help but think.
On her way home from the Big Bookcase, Cordelia bought some souvenirs from the confectionery store.
She bought some to give to Emina and Lara as thanks for helping her get dressed today, but it looked so delicious, that she also bought some for Ronnie and herself.
She went straight to the greenhouse after she got home because she had to give Ronnie the permit as well.
In the greenhouse, Lara and Ronnie were enjoying tea.
“Oh, Ojou-sama. Welcome home!”
“Oh, welcome home, Ojou-sama. I heard about it, but you’re dressed up.”
“I’m back, Lara and Ronnie. Were you having a tea party?”
“Yes, would you like to join us, Ojou-sama?”
Lara invited as she stood out and pulled the chair that Cordelia always sat on.
However, Cordelia smiled wryly and shook her head.
“Thank you, but I only came by to give you something. They’re souvenirs.”
“Yaay!”
“Yay!”
Lara and Ronnie cheered at almost the same time. This part of the student and teacher were exactly alike.
Lara received the package from Cordelia and was fascinated in front of her.
“But it’s really nice. The dress is also nice, but your hair is beautiful. I want to be able to tie my hair up beautifully like you. I like the usual you, but it’s also nice to see a change every once in a while. I wonder if I should get Emina to teach me”
She added as she placed herself behind Cordelia and stared at her hair again.
On the other hand, Ronnie didn’t seem very interested, and he tilted his head while opening the sweets package.
“If you’re that interested in hair, then why don’t you grow yours out, Lara? Then, you can practice on your own hair, right?”
“Ronnie… You haven’t noticed that Lara has been growing her hair out?”
“Huh? Oh, come to think of it, Lara has been tying her hair up lately.”
Ronnie’s surprise made it clear that he hadn’t noticed that Lara was growing her hair out.
“Jeez. It’s fine for you to notice a change in your cute student, right? Though, Lara has been growing her hair out for two years now.”
“Huh? But her hairstyle doesn’t make it noticeable even if she grows it out…”
However, Ronnie looked away because he didn’t think it was a good situation despite his words.
“I tie it up in a ponytail when I’m working. It doesn’t get in the way.”
“No, see. You tie it to the back, so you can’t see it, right?”
Lara sighed deeply at Ronnie, who was still averting his gaze.
“Well, it’s fine. This is Ronnie, after all. But didn’t you know, Ronnie? It’s completely different when you do your hair and when others do it for you. Just because I grow my hair, doesn’t mean I’ll be good at doing it up straight away.”
“No, rather than not knowing, my hair’s been done before. It was scary. Ah, whatever. Ojou-sama don’t laugh.”
“I’m sorry, it’s funny.”
Cordelia tried to shake off the image of Ronnie with his hair done up and coughed.
“Anyway, here. This is the Big Bookcase permit.”
After receiving the permit from Cordelia, Ronnie held it in the air before his eyes and gazed at it.
“Be careful not to lose it.”
“Ahaha, I understand.”
“Yes. Those are Prince Sylvester’s words.”
“Eh, ah, yes. I’ll be careful. But it’s a terrible thing when I think about it.”
I don’t think he would lose it even if I don’t say anything, but it’s easy to understand Ronnie as he holds the permit with more caution than before. He’ll put it in a locked drawer as soon as he gets back to his room.
“I also heard how to enter the Big Bookcase, so let’s go together once. How about tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow? Okay, I don’t have any problems with that.”
“And I could only go to the office for half the day today, so I want to go there as well. Do you mind if we visit after we go to the Big Bookcase?”
“Okay. I’ll put that on my schedule.”
Alright, now Ronnie should be able to reach the book that I couldn’t get today. However, it’s in a difficult place to find, so let’s think about outfits that are easy to move in, Cordelia thought, and Lara sighed deeply.
“Aah. I also want to go out with Ojou-sama. It’s not fair that you always go out with Ronnie. And, I could also help you out if I have the knowledge. Then, I might have received that.”
“Lara, you can just make something too. You don’t have to rush.”
“Do you think I could make something easily? I had so much trouble with the pencil.”
“Then, why don’t you submit that pencil next year?”
“The pencils have already been circulating since last year. Wouldn’t it be too late to submit it next year? It’s uncool if I don’t submit a new item and surprise them.”
Lara, who said that, lifted her eyebrows. It was challenging to obtain the permit, but this was also because of Lara’s pride.
“I don’t think it’s limited to new ideas, but I think it’s good if it hasn’t been circulated in the royal capital yet. You want to surprise them? You’re being influenced by Ojou-sama.”
Ronnie shrugged lightly as he muttered.
“Well, I’ll help out if you find something. I’ll find something useful, even if I have Lara.”
“Argh! I’ll definitely think of something that will surprise you, Ronnie! Promise!”
Lara’s words were also filled with anger, but Ronnie didn’t care.
“Yeah, okay. By the way, have you finished yesterday’s assignment?”
“You said that was due tomorrow, didn’t you?”
“Then, you better finish it before you aim for the permit.”
Lara averted her gaze, as if her feistiness from before was a lie, and suddenly stood up as if she had come up with something.
“I’ve already finished work for today, right? I’m going to the library for a little bit!”
Then, she quickly left the greenhouse. She had probably thought of something to finish Ronnie’s assignment. Her attitude took a complete change from when she was enjoying tea.
“You’re really good at getting her hyped up. You’ve completely gotten used to being a teacher.”
“Ahaha. But I regret it a little. I hope she doesn’t think of anything ridiculous.”
“Oh my, that’s what I’m looking forward to.”
Cordelia laughed at the words that sounded neither serious nor like a joke, and Ronnie dropped his shoulders.
“You think of it as someone else’s problem.”
“I don’t think of you or Lara as strangers, you know?”
“I know… So, how was it? Your impressions of visiting the castle that you didn’t seem to want to visit.”
He was teasing her.
Cordelia smiled firmly at the unexpected question.
“… Well, I have this, so it’s fine. The Big Bookcase is wonderful. The Big Bookcase that is.”
It shouldn’t be a problem if I go to the castle for the Big Bookcase. Clive-sama also said that the Prince doesn’t come to the Big Bookcase, so I’m safe.
“Those words sound questionable. Ah, but the son of the Eames House serves His Highness, so you’ll be unwilling to visit the castle, Ojou-sama.”
“Why?”
“Why? Isn’t there a rumour stating that Marquis Eames and Master are on bad terms?”
“Eh, really?”
Cordelia widened her eyes because that was the first time she’d heard it, and Ronnie tilted his head at her reaction.
“At least, it was famous in the Academy. Apparently, that calm Marquis Eames only raises his voice at Earl Pameradia.”
“His son seemed healthy.”
“Well, I’ve never met the Marquis before, and it’s only a rumour. In the first place, Master doesn’t have many good friends.”
Ronnie, who had said that, also had few friends in school, but the rumour must have been pretty famous for him to have heard of it.
However, something else worried her more than that.
“Don’t tell that to Otou-sama even as a joke, okay? Especially the last thing.”
“I know. I won’t tell him! Scary, scary.”
I don’t think he’ll slip up considering he’s going pale, but Otou-sama does have friends: Zeke, the substitute feudal lord, his sister-in-law, Nirupama-obasama, and Marquis Flantheim. The rest are mostly acquaintances, so I don’t know how many friends he has…
“Well, it doesn’t matter if he has a lot of friends or not, I think Master is a good person.”
“I’m happy as his daughter if you think that way. Now, I’ll go back to my room before I get my dress dirty. You can finish today after you clean up the tea party. If you’re free, then please explain Lara’s assignment to her.”
“Thank you very much.”
Cordelia parted with Ronnie and left the greenhouse.
On the way back to her room, she met Emina at the entrance.
“Welcome home, Ojou-sama. You must be tired after coming back, but Isma-sama has returned and is asking for Ojou-sama.”
“Huh? Onii-sama has? Thanks, I’ll go see him right away.”
Today was the day Isma would be coming home, but it was still reasonably early.
How rare, she thought as she gave Emina’s gift to her and headed straight to Isma’s room. She knocked on Isma’s door and waited for permission before entering.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Onii-sama.”
“Sorry. You’ve just returned home.”
“That’s you also, right? Thank you for your hard work, like always.”
Isma narrowed his eyes at Cordelia’s words and laughed.
“Thanks. Anyways, you look more amazing than usual. It’s cute.”
“Thank you very much.”
“You got hyped up and visited the castle, didn’t you?”
“Oh my, do you know about that?”
I didn’t tell Isma-oniisama that I was visiting the castle, so Otou-sama probably told him. But I don’t think he would go out of his way to tell Onii-sama that I was visiting the castle; he doesn’t have time to do that.
Cordelia tilted her head, and Isma looked a little troubled.
“A messenger came from His Highness. You got hurt?”
“No, I just stumbled a little. I think His Highness knows this too…”
“I see, that’s good then. I thought you would be fine from what I heard.”
“Mm, did you perhaps… come home early because of that?”
If that were the case, then the excuse I used to escape from his office has become a nuisance, Cordelia reflected with mixed feelings, and Isma lightly shook his head.
“You don’t have to worry about it. I had a day off today, so I wanted to come home earlier. I’m glad I got the chance to go home.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. I also finished the job that I wanted to do, so don’t worry.”
If so, then there are no problems… Cordelia felt that just falling down could have an effect on many levels, and decided to be more careful in the future.
However, someone else worried her, since Sylvester had sent a messenger to Isma.
“Onii-sama, does Otou-sama know…?”
She was half-joking when she had used it as an excuse on Clive, but it wouldn’t be good if her father really found out.
Isma smiled wryly at Cordelia’s question. She knew what he was thinking.
“Don’t worry. Fortunately, father seems to have gone out on an inspection today. When a message comes to me, it means that father hasn’t received it yet, so I told them not to tell him.”
“I’m glad.”
“Father would be anxious if he hears that you’ve been injured. Very.”
He informed her just in case, and Cordelia was relieved to hear that Isma had realised the same thing she had. She felt terrible for Elvis if he heard that his daughter had been injured at the castle, since he had come home to take her there because he was worried. And, it was unsightly, so she didn’t want him to know that she had tumbled.
“So… you have a package addressed to you. I heard it’s His Highness’s get-well present.”
“Huh? From His Highness?”
“Yeah. Apparently, they’re baked goods.”
It’s too much.
That was her first impression. Her second thoughts were, even though I don’t need them.
“Onii-sama, I really only hurt for a second, and I’m not hurt…”
“But, I can’t return what His Highness has given. They’re sweets, and His Highness also said, 『Please give them to her secretly』, so just accept them.”
Cordelia couldn’t refute what Isma had said.
(Well, I can’t just send back His Highness’s gift, now can I?)
She understood in her mind, but she still didn’t want it.
But, Isma would be troubled if she kept on being unreasonable.
(Even if it’s the same gift, I’m happy with the ones that Gille-sama sends me sometimes…)
Can a different sender really change one’s feelings this much? But I have no choice but to accept it.
“… Then, I’ll write him a thank you note. Can you give it to His Highness, Onii-sama?”
It was a thoughtful gift, even though Cordelia didn’t want it. It was rude to accept it without replying. However, Isma shook his head a little at Cordelia’s words.
“I don’t think you need to do that. Even though it’s a get-well present, it’s not really good if the story leaks that His Highness sent a gift to a lady he isn’t close to. And, I only meet His Highness alone by chance. That’s why he said secretly.”
Isma laughed.
Of course, Cordelia was grateful if she didn’t need to thank him…
“But, wouldn’t that be rude?”
I don’t want to get involved with him, but I want to be polite as a person.
If I don’t thank him, then it would seem like it’s natural for me to receive it, and it’s like I’m walking on the same path as 『Cordelia』who fell to ruin.
Isma put his hand on his chin at Cordelia’s words.
“But that’s right. If you really want to thank him, then it’s better if you ask the Flantheim’s son. He probably meets with His Highness a lot, and you don’t have to worry about him broadcasting it.”
“…”
If possible, I don’t want to rely on Vernoux-sama for this.
I’m still asking him to send letters to Gille-sama for me, and I want to avoid giving him more materials to tease me about. Also, this is related to His Highness Sylvester.
(But this is also his fault… He’ll certainly avoid public gaze.)
In the first place, it wouldn’t be strange if Vernoux-sama knew that he had sent me a get-well present. The only thing I have to worry about with him is that Clive-sama, who thinks of me as a 『Wicked Woman aiming for the Prince』and puts his guard up around me, would find out… But he can probably avoid that too…
“… Yes.”
I’d like to use other means if possible, but unfortunately, Onii-sama’s proposal is more realistic.
However, even though she had decided to send a letter, she felt depressed thinking about what to write.
(It’s just to express my thanks. It won’t be a problem if I just write it formally. Or so I think, but…)
I’m used to writing letters, thanks to my correspondence with Gille-sama, and it’s also thanks to the effort I’ve put into it since I was little. I’m confident that my writing wouldn’t be embarrassing no matter who I write to, but I can’t think of what to write straight away.
(Anyway, I definitely have to let him know that I’m not injured.)
If I don’t let him know, then he might send another get-well present. But if I ask Vernoux-sama to deliver the letter, then he can testify my claim even if Sylvester-sama is worried about the condition of my injury.
Cordelia believed and decided to entrust the letter to Vernoux. She dropped her eyes on the sweets in her hand.
It must be delicious since they’re sweets that this country’s prince ate and chose.
However, I feel depressed when I think of it as a gift from Sylvester-sama even though the sweets have done nothing wrong.
“Onii-sama, would you like to eat them with me?”
Cordelia looked up, and Isma laughed.
“I don’t mind. Will you recommend us tea to drink?”
“Okay.”
Cordelia was glad that Isma was a good brother.
Isma always told her a lot of stories, so she should be able to get distracted even if she’s eating sweets. If Isma had refused, then she could have asked Ronnie or Lara, but then she would have to hide the source of the sweets. If she slipped up by chance, then she would end up talking about when she tumbled, and she wanted to avoid that.
(I’m glad that Onii-sama was the one who received these. If Vernoux-sama had brought these sweets here, then I wouldn’t even have time to think…)
Cordelia suddenly remembered Clive, who didn’t have a good relationship with Vernoux.
“Onii-sama, I met Marquis Eames’s son today. Has he always been… so spirited?”
“Oh, did you meet him because he serves His Highness? What did he say?”
Isma’s reply to Cordelia’s question, which she had asked gently, sounded as if he already had an idea of what had happened.
However, Clive had only acted cold towards her and hadn’t said any offending words that had directly insulted her. Apart from him worrying about her taste in men.
“No, Vernoux-sama and Eames-sama… seem like friends who completely understand each other.”
She wasn’t sure how direct she should be, and her words went muddy. Isma smiled wryly.
“Oh… He’s a serious child.”
“Is that normal? And… oh yes. I want to ask you, have you ever heard the rumours about Marquis Eames and father being on bad terms?”
“I’ve heard a little.”
She covered up the fact that she had just heard about this and answered. Isma nodded a little.
“It’s pretty famous, but it’s not so much about the Eames House and our house as it is about the relationships between the heads, so you don’t have to worry about it much. In fact, I can keep my distance away from the Marquis and his son, but I’m not firmly avoiding them, and it’s not that I was told anything. They’re just strangers.”
“The son, as well?”
Contrary to Onii-sama’s words, the way he treats them is obviously not the attitude one used towards someone whom they met for the first time, but is the way he receives them different from me? However, Cordelia wasn’t particularly concerned, even though she had thought that, and Isma continued.
“Yeah. However, even though the relationship between the Marquis and father is bad, it’s not about which one is in the wrong. Cordelia, you know that father got injured when he protected His Majesty, don’t you? Many people said it was a merit at that time, but Marquis Eames got angry and said that the problem was that he had exposed His Majesty to danger.”
“… I see.”
“Having said that, I heard that they weren’t on good terms since before that. As you know, father is a man of few words. And… Oh yes, you should remember that he isn’t on good terms with the head of the Clydereine House either.”
“Clydereine House?”
The voice that came out of Cordelia sounded like a question, but she was agitated inside. It was surprising to hear the Heroine’s home, the Clydereine House, come out of Isma’s mouth.
Cordelia had predicted that the Pameradia House and the Clydereine House weren’t on good terms. Despite having the same privilege as Earl Houses, who contributed to the founding of the kingdom, they didn’t interact with each other. And, the Heroine in-game had met the Prince at the market, and she was from an Earl House that had a terrible relationship with 『Cordelia’s』family.
“But that’s a little different from the situation with Marquis Eames. Father tried too hard and outperformed Earl Clydereine’s limelight, and he goes to the extremes because he considers father a rival; he has a lot of emotions.”
Isma, who looked troubled, had chosen his words wisely. However, his explanation was a little different from what Cordelia knew from the game. She certainly remembered that it was the Pameradia side who snarled at the Clydereines.
“Well, they won’t do you any harm directly, and the Marquis also talks to me. He’s a bit aggressive… but, oh yes.”
“What’s wrong?”
Cordelia tilted her head at the sudden change in Isma’s tone. Isma frowned and made a complicated expression that was hard to put into words.
“I’ll tell you before I forget. Cordelia, a lot of people visit the castle. Most of them are serious people. I’m sure you’ll get to know more people.”
“Yes.”
“However, there are exceptions. If someone strange talks to you, then don’t hesitate to talk to brother or me. You can… talk to father, but it’s better if you talk to brother or me rather than him.”
“Okay…?”
What the heck is he talking about?
Cordelia tilted her head and thought about the meaning behind his words.
My acquaintances will certainly increase. Not only in the Big Bookcase, but the people I pass on the way there might talk to me for some reason. And, since the other people work in the castle, I don’t think I would meet many suspicious people, but what the heck is this about if I should consult with my Onii-samas and not Otou-sama? With that in mind, Cordelia checked Isma’s expression again and noticed it.
(Pe-perhaps… is he warning me about not being tricked by the opposite sex?!)
No, but it should be… I’m still only 14 years old, Cordelia thought, but when she thought about it, Cyrus got engaged at a younger age than her, so age might not be a factor.
She didn’t know if they would speak to her, but she wasn’t a mild lady in the first place. She was aware that she had a way with words.
(I’m sure Onii-sama knows my personality, and, if something does happen, then I can just say Otou-sama’s name and smile. I think that has a strong effect too.)
Cordelia thought and realised something more important.
Oh, I’ll meet various people, unlike now.
“Onii-sama, that’s… Does that mean that I would have a wonderful encounter?”
Maybe, I’ll meet my future spouse?
Cordelia, who arrived at that thought, pressed her hand against her mouth. I hadn’t even imagined that that opportunity would happen even in the distant future, don’t tell me that…
“… Well, Ronnie will be there, so it’s fine.”
She felt like soaring in the sky but was brought back to reality by Isma’s whisper that was so quiet she nearly missed it.
(No, no. What on earth am I visiting the Big Bookcase for?)
But, when I think that he’s worried about those things, I feel like I’m going to join the ranks of adults soon in this world.
“Well, let’s have tea while we talk more. Cordelia, can I ask you to get some?”
“Of course.”
“And, can you not change your dress until father gets home?”
“No, father came to pick me up today, so he’s already seen it. If you’re asking me to make tea, then I’ll change my clothes before coming back here.”
“Father came to pick you up…”
Isma smiled and whispered.
After dinner, Cordelia wrote a letter to Sylvester in her room.
The stationery that she was using wasn’t the one she usually used, but a plain one with the Pameradia House crest watermarked on it. She felt like she wasn’t used to either of these actions, but it couldn’t be helped.
(Later, I’ll get Otou-sama… No, Isma-oniisama to look over it.)
I think it’s okay for an individual, but the recipient was a member of the royal family. I can’t have anything rude in the letter, even if just by chance. I want to ask Otou-sama to look over it, but I’m hiding the cause of my injury in the first place, so I should ask Isma-oniisama.
(It’s shocking to receive a present from His Highness, but I can’t tell Otou-sama.)
It would be really troublesome if he misunderstands and thinks I’m thrilled to write this letter. I feel a bit uncomfortable keeping this from him, but I can’t talk to him about this.
“But, His Highness also said to do it 『secretly』, so I should obey him.”
Cordelia made excuses to herself and headed to Isma’s room with the letter she’d written.
“Hmm. I don’t think there are any problems with the letter. But, it’s like a business letter, it doesn’t sound like something a child wrote.”
Cordelia smiled at Isma’s words. It seems like my thank you letter was completed in an ideal way.
Cordelia, who had returned to her room again, wrote a letter to Vernoux. She asked him to send the enclosed letter to Sylvester. Vernoux-sama probably still feels guilty, so he won’t make fun of me. She sealed the letter with this wish.