It was finally the day of Cordelia’s coming of age evening party.
Cordelia was waiting for her turn with Isma. She was told that she would appear in front of the guests when the signal appears after Elvis’s speech.
After I enter, I will bow to everyone, dance with Isma-oniisama and then greet the guests with Otou-sama. By doing this, I can choose which aromas to give the guests ――― she went over this in her mind and Isma laughed next to her.
“I thought you would be calm, but you’re not smiling.”
“… Really?”
“It’s okay. You’re beautiful, so you only have to act dignified. The new aroma also suits you well. What scent is that?”
“It’s the scent of roses. I changed the way I extracted essential oils.”
“Did you use the same flower?”
“Yes. It’s the red rose in the greenhouse.”
“Oh, the extraction method changes the aroma a lot.”
Isma said and looked as if he was in deep thought, so Cordelia tilted her head.
“Onii-sama? What’s wrong?”
“You used the rose you’ve been planting in the greenhouse for that scent, right?”
“Yes. My friend’s mother does selective breeding on roses, and he gave me one.”
“I see…”
“Is something wrong with that rose?”
“No, I’ve seen a similar flower at the royal castle. But, it’s probably a different breed.”
Cordelia’s rose, which emphasized on fragrance, didn’t have any special characteristics on its petals. There are many other red roses, and Isma might have made a mistake.
“You take good care of that rose, don’t you Cordelia?”
“Yes, it’s my favourite flower.”
The fragrance was different from the one in my previous life but due to the difference in rose varieties and extraction methods, it’s definitely my favourite.
(The first leading stage in my life… The environment and my condition should be at the best.)
Cordelia thought as she raised her face and stared straight at the door.
The butler, Hans, looked inside the hall and looked for an opportunity for Cordelia to enter.
“Now, it’s time. Cordelia, your hand.”
“Yes, Onii-sama.”
“Your smile is back to how it normally is. I’ll say it once again, congratulations on becoming an adult.”
“Thank you very much.”
“The only disappointing thing about today is that I’m your partner. It would have been alright if you had a nice fiancé. Well, I don’t have one either, so you’ll have to put up with me today.”
Isma joked and Cordelia desperately tried not to laugh.
Then, the hall door was opened, and the sight was more dazzling than she had imagined it to be.
The hall was glistening from the chandelier and lamps, and the gazes of the guests which all turned to her at once made her feel this way.
Strangely enough, she wasn’t as nervous as when she was waiting.
She didn’t have that much time, but she was able to observe her surroundings calmly. She had hammered the names and faces of those who were coming tonight, so she could see the people in front of her and from the corner of her eyes. There shouldn’t be anyone who didn’t attend.
She could also hear the people’s voices clearer than she had thought. Among them, there were people talking about the fragrance she was wearing, and a smile naturally appeared on her face.
Then, as she proceeded into the hall, she could see Nirupama, Marquis Flantheim and his wife, and Vernoux and she also noticed an unexpected person.
(That’s… Onee-sama?)
She gazed over there unintentionally because she saw Malvina Owens, Cyrus’s twin who only her brothers have met before and she was married to the Duke’s second son. Rumour has it, her husband will soon take over the Earl fief from his mother’s side which is situated in an important position.
It wasn’t strange for Malvina to be here since she was Cordelia’s blood related sister, but Cordelia rarely had any memories of her, and she never showed up at home after she got married. However, Malvina’s expression was calm, and she seemed genuinely happy that her sister had reached adulthood. It’s so strange since we barely have a relationship, she thought as she proceeded to the middle of the hall.
Then, after confirming that Elvis, who had met her eye, had nodded, Cordelia took her hand off Isma, turned and bowed gracefully.
“Thank you very much for coming this evening. My name is Cordelia Enna Pameradia and I will be joining you tonight. I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”
She smiled.
A warm applause broke out from the surroundings, and the orchestra began playing a delicate tone.
“Can I have your hand, Lady?”
“You may, Onii-sama.”
She took Isma’s hand again when he had jokingly said that and took a step in time with the music.
(I wonder when it was that I was able to dance in triple time which I had desperately tried to practice since I wasn’t good at it)
I think it’s also thanks to Isma-oniisama leading, but my efforts paid off.
“You look like you’re having fun.”
“Yes, a lot of fun.”
Thus, she could have small talk with Isma.
“I’ve always thought that you weren’t afraid of anything, but you really are a big-shot.”
“Oh my, I do have something I’m scared of.”
“Ghost stories? Are you still afraid of them?”
“H-how do you know about that?”
I’m sure I’ve never told him this before so how did he find out?
However, she concluded that Ronnie was the only person who could have let slip that she feared ghost stories. And, Isma seemed to have realised that.
“You seem to have a good relationship with Ronnie, more than anyone else.”
“I think so too. But Ronnie didn’t have to tell you.”
“Sorry, my bad. I shouldn’t have said it now. But I’ll leave it at that.”
When the song ended, Cordelia bowed gracefully and raised her face again.
“Everyone, please enjoy the night.”
Then, after assuring that the aura in the room had softened, Cordelia walked over to Elvis with Isma. Even if Elvis was the organiser of this evening party, he was as expressionless as usually.
“You’re back?”
“Yes, Otou-sama.”
“Good job Isma. Cordelia, it’s time for your real task.”
“Yes.”
Yes, it’s time to greet people once the announcements are over.
I have to observe who the people are, and I want to remember what I can talk to them about when we meet next, but there are a lot of people here.
If I don’t keep it together then I might slip up, she hyped herself up and a bright voice sounded.
“Elvis-sama and Cordelia. I brought some people with me.”
It was Nirupama, behind her was a man and woman who appeared to be as old as Elvis.
“It’s been a while, Earl Pameradia and Isma-dono.”
“Oh, Duke and Duchess Owens. Thank you for coming.”
“Don’t mention it. Rather, had you not invited me, then my wife would have been furious.”
The Duke smiled wryly in response to Elvis and turned his eyes to his wife. Cordelia also followed his gaze and Duchess Owens smiled.
“Nice to meet you, Cordelia-san. You’re much prettier than the rumours say you are. I congratulate you from the bottom of my heart.”
“I’m a bit late, but I want to congratulate you as well. Congratulations.”
“Thank you very much.”
When Cordelia thanked them, the Duke and Duchess smiled.
However, the Duchess glanced at Nirupama straight after that.
“I told Nirupama every time I attended her tea party that I wanted to meet you, Cordelia-san. But, she always tells me that the aromas are still in the testing stage and wouldn’t pass along my message.”
“Oh my, we can’t let the Duchess become a tester, now can we?”
“But, aren’t you using it, Nirupama? And isn’t Sara also using it even though she’s not related to Cordelia-san?”
Nirupama and Cordelia laughed at the Duchess who had said that childishly even though she was acting graceful.
“Say, Cordelia-san. You’re planning on opening a store in the noble street, right? When is it going to open?”
“All I can say is that it depends on the preparations, but I have prepared gifts for everyone to take home. I hope you will try it if you don’t mind.”
“Oh my, really?! I’m looking forward to it.”
The Duchess, who had heard Cordelia’s reply, took her hand. Cordelia widened her eyes for a moment, then smiled.
However, at the same time, she heard some noise near her even though it sounded a little suppressed. That was when she realised just how much people were anticipating her products.
Then, I have to hand them goods that are beyond their expectations, Cordelia concentrated magic into her eyes and looked straight at the Duchess to see which scent would suit her.
(I’m sure the Duchess would like geranium essential oils.)
In that case, I’ll make a gift set with geranium face treatment oil, lavender scented balm, and grapefruit scented aromatic bathing bombs.
Cordelia concluded and beckoned at Emina who was waiting. She took out an ornament ball with a green strap from the basket that Emina was holding. It was a bracelet with beads on it.
“If I give you your gift now then you’ll have to carry it around. I’ll make time to give it to you when you leave, so please hold onto this until then.”
“Thanks, Cordelia-san. I’d like to talk to you a bit more, but if I monopolise you too much then others won’t get the chance to talk to you. I’ll invite you to a tea party next time. Please come. Your sister will be there too, so you don’t have to worry.”
“Thank you very much.”
She didn’t know how to answer when Malvina was brought up, but she was thankful for the Duchess’s invitation.
(Maybe Oba-sama and Sara-sama made it easier for me to be invited to tea parties?)
However, she couldn’t ask in this place in front of the Duchess, she felt like her aunt would avoid the question and say that it was a secret.
“Ah, but before we leave, your sister needs to congratulate you.”
Malvina appeared from behind the Duchess after she said that.
Malvina, who resembled Isma more than Cyrus, laughed quietly.
“Congrats, Cordelia.”
“Thank you very much, Onee-sama.”
“I’m going to stay here tonight. Would you like to have some tea with me before I leave tomorrow?”
“Okay, I’m looking forward to it.”
While accepting the unexpected offer, Cordelia was very surprised.
After speaking, Malvina left with the Duke and Duchess.
Then, Marquis Flantheim, his wife and Vernoux replaced them straight away.
“You’ve become really beautiful, Cordelia-san. Elvis must be extremely proud.”
“Congrats, Cordelia-sama.”
“Marquis Flantheim and Sara-sama. Thank you very much.”
Vernoux only slightly raised his hand in greeting, but that was because he was in front of his parents. After Marquis Flantheim and his wife lightly greeted Elvis and told her that they wanted her to come to the mansion again. Then, Sara received the ornament ball from Cordelia, and they left. As they were leaving, Vernoux pointed at his own head. He was pointing at where Cordelia’s hair ornament was.
『You’re using it.』
She felt like he had said, so she smiled and nodded.
After that, people walked up to Cordelia without pause and she greeted a lot of people. It was the first time that she had talked to so many people at once, so she was exhausted by the time she could take a break.
“… Are you tired?”
“Otou-sama… No, I’m fine.”
She was actually tired, but she couldn’t leave. She can only pull herself together if she looks tired. However, Elvis, who had called a nearby waiter, took a glass and gave it to Cordelia.
“Go outside for a bit. You’ll feel better with some fresh air, and your head will clear.”
“But…”
“You’ve already greeted everyone. They’re talking among themselves now, so it’s fine for you to slip out.”
Elvis declared and Cordelia couldn’t object.
It’s a special request, so I’ll gratefully accept.
“Then, I’ll do that.”
“Yeah.”
Elvis’s voice pushed her from behind as she went out. She could still hear the faint noise from the hall even though she was outside. The garden is usually quiet, but it’s a little lively today.
She thought as she sat on the bench to relieve the fatigue in her legs.
I can’t take a long break, but if I go back too early then Otou-sama’s concern would be pointless. I’ll go back after relieving my fatigue with the time I have, she thought and heard footsteps slowly approach her.
It was Vernoux who came.
“So even you get tired after greeting a lot of people.”
“Since you’re saying it like that, it means that you get tired as well, right Vernoux-sama?”
“Yeah. I’m happy that they’re celebrating for me, but I can’t help but think it questionable that there is a custom of tiring oneself out on a day of celebration.”
Vernoux said as if he wanted them to give him a break, but his attitude said the opposite.
“Can I sit next to you?”
“Yes. Did you have fun today?”
“Yeah, a lot of people came so I let them talk to me. Everyone else was so engrossed in their conversations that they didn’t even notice that you had slipped out. They’re all probably in high spirits.”
“Oh my, are you saying my presence is thin?”
“If your presence is thin, then who is thick? No one thinks that they can talk to you for a second time, that’s why they’re satisfied with just talking to you once. And, you’re going to get a lot of tea party invitations.”
“Oh my, I’m looking forward to those.”
If there’s a lot of invitations, then I’ll need a certain amount of physical strength. But, if I can get a lot of information from the tea parties, then I want to show up.
“I have something serious I want to tell you. You haven’t had direct contact with Earl Clydereine’s daughter since you’ve returned to the royal capital, right?”
“Yes. I think it’s best if we don’t get involved with each other.”
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like that’s what she wants. Apparently, she’s been telling people 『There’s an evil lady who thinks about wicked things』, because of her dreams.”
“Is that 『Evil lady』me?”
“She didn’t state a name, but she said it was a girl with red eyes.”
“Isn’t that basically saying it’s me? Thank you for telling me.”
There aren’t many girls with red eyes.
Cordelia sighed since she had attacked her in a childish way.
“However, it was the right choice for you to go to Weltoria fief. Apparently, Miss Clydereine has been saying that the 『Evil lady』has been using whatever means she could to get close to the Prince, but you’ve been away from the royal capital for two years. It doesn’t seem like she knows that, but some people have started to doubt the divine message since Countess Weltoria and Hazel-jou have been going around saying that you weren’t in the royal capital.”
“I’m really grateful to Oba-sama and Hazel-sama.”
Hazel-sama hasn’t told me this directly, but I must thank her next time I see her, Cordelia decided.
The guests of today’s evening party are the head of houses and their wives, and their heirs like Vernoux-sama. However, Hazel-sama invited me to a tea party since she couldn’t come today. She said she was looking forward to celebrating grandly.
She thought then noticed.
“You get along with Hazel-sama more than I thought you did.”
“Why do you think so?”
“Am I wrong? At least from how you were speaking about her earlier, you don’t dislike her like you did a long time ago.”
“…”
“But if you don’t want to talk about it, then I won’t ask you any more questions.”
Instead of replying in a light and casual tone, Vernoux closed his mouth and looked conflicted. Cordelia felt that he didn’t have a bad impression of Hazel, but he wasn’t hiding his embarrassment and he probably wouldn’t say any sweet words about her.
“Well, I’m not sure what to think about how she chased after me a long time ago, but she’s interacting with me like a normal lady recently. She also tried really hard for the mobile library after you left the royal capital, Dilly.”
“Oh my, isn’t that good?”
However, Vernoux only frowned deeper.
“But I can’t get rid of the impression I left on her a long time ago. Rather than putting her guard up a little. Wouldn’t she find my attitude a bit suspicious?”
“Pfft.”
“What?”
“No, it’s just the only lady who had you worried in the past and now has only been Hazel-sama.”
“It’s not funny.”
It was rare to see Vernoux lose his composure, so Cordelia struggled a bit to get her laughs under control.
(It still doesn’t seem like it would develop into love yet like this. Vernoux-sama isn’t a straightforward person, and surprisingly, they might be a good couple.)
Cordelia didn’t say this to Vernoux even as a joke since it would annoy Hazel if Vernoux got angry. At least, Cordelia was happy if they could get along as friends.
“Well, let’s go back to what we were talking about. That lady’s way of doing things is crude, but her tenacity is first-rate. Fortunately, she didn’t show up in public much until she reached adulthood, so there’s still a lot of people who don’t know what she looks like.”
Cordelia tilted her head at Vernoux’s way of speaking.
“Vernoux-sama, have you talked to her directly somewhere before?”
“I went to Miss Clydereine’s coming of age ceremony. Well, I went to greet her and spy.”
“Oh my, I haven’t heard this before.”
“It wasn’t something I had to tell you straight away, and I didn’t think the servants should hear about this, so I thought today would be a good time to tell you. However, I’ve told you all I know, all I know is that she really is mysterious and magical like the rumours overly praise her as. I, myself, have been asked by the Earl to act as a mediator between him and His Highness.”
Vernoux wrinkled his eyebrows after saying that.
“I don’t want to say this but be careful of harassment. From Miss Clydereine as well as the ladies who are trying to suck up to her.”
“I understand. I am prepared to some extent. I knew she loathed me when she declared war on me two years ago.”
“Well, the ladies who are trying to suck up to her just want to snuggle up to her power and influence. I don’t think they would make the Pameradia House their enemies, and that lady won’t make any flashy moves unless she has positive proof that she can win against you. Well, I’m sure you can guess this, Dilly.”
“Yes.”
“But, a really amazing person has set their eyes on you.”
Cordelia could only smile at those words.
(But surrounding herself with people and gossiping… sounds just like something 『Cordelia』would do.)
Shelley is said to be the second coming of the saint and uses the 『Dreamer Power』. She acts on her dreams. But I read in the Big Bookcase that the original Saint, who also made prophecies using her dream powers, started using her powers for herself, and as a result, made prophecies that never came true. Shelley must have begun using her powers for herself that’s why she’s saying delusional things which differ from reality, but it’s not unbearable if she dreams the wrong things.
“I can’t say that she won’t find proof. But, regarding her delusion about me deceiving His Highness, she probably won’t believe me if I say, 『I’m not trying to get close to His Highness』.”
“Yeah. But if you don’t sort this out as soon as possible, even the people who don’t think well of Miss Clydereine will start thinking that you’re a worrisome lady since you’re involved with an annoying lady.”
“It’s true that something troublesome would happen if we were to meet face-to-face.”
“Sorry for talking about this on an auspicious occasion.”
“Why are you apologising, Vernoux-sama? You’re telling me this because you’re worried about me, right?”
“But, it’s a depressing conversation, isn’t it?”
Vernoux shrugged and Cordelia laughed a little.
“Somehow, it’s strange. I can’t believe there would come a day when I hear these words out of your mouth since you used to only come here to eat cake.”
“That’s what I thought too. I really wished that my father would stop taking me everywhere, but I’m glad he brought me here. I was able to make a good childhood friend thanks to that.”
Cordelia opened her eyes wide when she heard those words. Vernoux didn’t tease her and he looked calm and relaxed.
“This is rare.”
“It’s because it’s a day of celebration. I won’t say this after today.”
“That’s a shame. But I also think I’m lucky to have met you. The time I spent with you and Gille-sama was very fun and I treasure them.”
I’m delighted to meet a friend who I can talk to without reservation.
However, Vernoux also looked surprised like Cordelia had earlier.
“Hearing you say that doesn’t sound like you at all.”
“You said something similar, didn’t you Vernoux-sama?”
“It’s alright for me since I’m only saying them today.”
“Then, I’ll also only say these words today as well.”
“I see. So it’s just for today?”
Vernoux smiled.
“What’s wrong?”
“No, I just thought it would be better if you told that to Gille too. It’s sad that he’s being left out.”
Like Vernoux-sama had said, there’s no reason for me not to tell Gille-sama, but I feel like the meaning would be different if I wrote it in a letter and gave it to Vernoux-sama to pass it to him. But I don’t know when I will see Gille-sama again.
“Well, I won’t force you to. It’s his fault for not being here.”
“Yes. If the conversation flows towards this the next time, I see him then I might tell him… but I can’t write it in a letter. I’ll put it off for now.”
“Well, it might be embarrassing later if you write it in a letter.”
“I don’t think it’s something to be embarrassed about?”
“Really?”
Cordelia was amazed since Vernoux had said it as if her black history was confirmed.
“But I think that important things should be told directly.”
“Then tell him directly. Well, I’m more concerned about that lady more than this right now. Even if she sees dreams that come true, a person who doesn’t notice the contradictions between reality and dreams becomes a burden. I don’t think she would ever be fit to be queen in the future.”
“I have nothing to do with the fight she wants to have. But, I’m relieved to know that Vernoux-sama and Clive-sama are by His Highness’s side since you two think that way.”
“Even if we’re not there, His Highness isn’t blind.”
Vernoux lightly poked Cordelia’s head as he stood up after saying that.
“Don’t lose. Use everything you can. Me, Clay and Miss Hazel will be happy to help you. And it seems like you’ve gained a much stronger hand today.”
“Thank you very much. But do you think I’m going to lose?”
“I don’t want to think of my childhood friend as being that weak.”
“Weak, you say… Even though I look like this, I’m a weak lady.”
“I’m praising you for having a firm heart… Or so I thought, but what about you is weak? A weak lady wouldn’t go horse riding or sneak out, would they?”
Then, they looked at each other and burst into laughter at nearly the same time.
“I should go back soon. Since, I’m the star of the night.”
“I see. The Earl will glare at me if we go back together, so I’ll stay out here for a bit longer.”
“Okay. You might not be able to see the flowers since it’s dark, but they smell nice so please enjoy it.”
However, Cordelia didn’t recall a time when Vernoux had even admired the flowers at her mansion whenever he came over.
At that time, a soft but strong wind blew into the area.
However, that wind only lasted for a moment, and then she heard a rustling sound.
“…”
“What’s wrong?”
“No… This might be strange to ask… But is Gille-sama here?”
There was nothing strange around her. The garden looked as it always did at night. Still, she felt that the aura was different from normal.
“As expected of you. You can’t see him, and he has no presence, but you can tell?”
“So, he is here?”
It was a little different from the thin presence she had felt at the Hale Mansion when she was 12.
At that time, Gille had used a mask to block other people’s recognition of him, but the presence right now was less than that.
Even if she knew that someone was here, she couldn’t feel their presence.
(Maybe he’s using a mask I’m not familiar with that’s why I can’t feel him… I honestly can’t feel his presence.)
If he’s here, then did he come here to celebrate my coming of age?
Cordelia waited for Gille to show himself, but he didn’t.
“What’s wrong?”
She asked curiously but received no reply.
Instead, Vernoux spoke.
“Gille can’t show his face today. He came to see me not you.”
“To see you?”
It might have been unavoidable that a suspicious expression appeared on her face.
Vernoux looked amazed. Then, he walked a few steps and stopped. He put out his right hand and a piece of paper appeared from thin air.
(He really is here…!)
“He said to give this to you.”
She looked at the paper and saw that it was an unsigned birthday card, but she knew it was from Gille because of the familiar handwriting.
“Did he come to deliver this?”
“Yeah, I was asked by Gille too, but people will misunderstand if I gave it to you in front of people. Then, he came himself. He said that he was going to leave it near the gate so that someone can see it. He thought that they would bring it to you since it’s not in an envelope and they would be able to tell that it’s not dangerous. But he came in because he thought you would be here.”
“Then, can he show himself? No one is around.”
“Well, give him a break. It’s also for your sake that he’s doing this.”
“My sake?”
“If Gille’s parents found out that he was here, then they would want him to marry you, gah. Hey, don’t hit me suddenly.”
“… Vernoux-sama, it’s only obvious that you would get hit. Even as a joke, please improve your sense of humour.”
She wondered what he would say, but it wasn’t anything decent.
She regretted listening to him seriously and sighed.
(But it’s certainly unnatural for him to be here unless he’s the oldest son.)
Like how Hazel-sama isn’t here, Gille-sama might be in a position where he can’t come here with his real appearance. Nevertheless, there will be needless rumours going around if someone were to see him here.
Vernoux and Gille were talking about something while Cordelia was thinking, but when she looked at them, it looked as if Vernoux was acting in a one-man play and it was funny.
“Well, isn’t it like that?”
“Alright, alright, I got it, I got it. My bad.”
“Ah, whatever. I’ll listen to you next time so let me off for today. You, go home.”
Vernoux flicked his hand as if he was chasing away a dog, and Cordelia finally burst out laughing.
“You know, Dilly. You come calm him down too.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t know what expression Gille-sama has on his face right now.”
“Even I can’t see his face… Argh, Gille show yourself already.”
“Please don’t force him. It’s your fault for saying something strange after all.”
“No, it’s because Gille decided to come here.”
However, Cordelia decided to ignore Vernoux since she probably wouldn’t be able to agree with him even if she heard what he said.
Instead, she bowed towards Gille who she couldn’t see.
“Thank you very much. Does the hair ornament look good on me?”
She couldn’t hear a reply, but she felt like the air got softer.
“Now then, I really must get back.”
“Yeah. Well, I’ll also warn Gille about his trespassing.”
Cordelia smiled wryly at Vernoux, bowed, then went back into the hall.
It’s disappointing that I couldn’t see my friend after two years, but he doesn’t seem to have changed at all.
She felt this from his invisible exchange with Vernoux and became a little happy.