Seven days after her encounter with Sylvester and Shelley at the night party.
Cordelia invited Clifton to her store after it had closed.
“I’m sorry about this.”
“Don’t worry about it. I have a lot of time.”
Cordelia didn’t need to rush since the other employees went home early because they had the day off tomorrow. Instead, Cordelia was worried about how a man would choose a present. She also wanted to know how he would react to small accessories he wasn’t used to seeing and what kind of set up would make it easier for men to browse through them.
“Please take your time. There are a lot of accessories and miscellaneous goods.”
“I’ll take you at your word.”
Clifton said, then started looking through the shelves.
“What’s this flat can?”
“That is hand cream to prevent rough hands. There are samples too.”
Clifton took an appropriate amount from the container that Cordelia had held out and looked at it curiously as he spread it on his hands.
“This is also scented, isn’t it?”
“Because it’s our selling point. There are products without scents as well, but those who come here will still choose this kind of product.”
“This is…?”
“It’s nail polish. It doesn’t have any scent, but it’s a little unusual in this kingdom. Please wait a moment.”
She said as she painted the sample onto her own nails.
“You put it on your nails like this. This coral colour is preferred by those who wear bold colours.”
“I feel like I understand somehow. Doesn’t Countess Weltoria like it too?”
“Yes, she does.”
However, Clifton’s gaze moved onto the next item, so it seemed like the person he liked didn’t like to wear bold things.
Items such as cosmetics, cameos, cosmetic boxes and jewellery boxes weren’t very interesting for him, and Clifton passed through them half-hearted. Then, he finally stopped at the corner.
“What’s this flower? It’s a beautiful vase, but… did you put the bulb into it directly?”
“Yes, this is a sample, but it’s a flower that grows easily with just the bulbs soaked in water. You can watch over the growth of the flower every day without worrying. The semi-transparent ball below that is the fertiliser.”
“Oh, it’s beautiful.”
“This is a major flower in Weltoria. Even in the royal capital, they could be grown in any season, and there’s a lot of colours.”
It was a flower similar to hyacinth, but unlike hyacinth, it can bloom even if the bulb was completely soaked in water, or even if it was placed slightly slanted. Cordelia thought that this stubborn flower was similar to Nirupama somewhat. It was fun for Cordelia to grow delicate flowers like hyacinth and check on their growth, but nothing fit better than this flower for ladies who weren’t interested in growing flowers in the first place.
Clifton pondered for a while then walked away from that shelf. He seemed to have considered the flower, but he hadn’t made up his mind.
Cordelia continued to guide him in the store while explaining things, and Clifton tilted his head curiously when he saw one product.
“What kind of design is this?”
“This is a water clock.”
“Water clock? It looks like liquid for an hourglass, but… does it not need air?”
The liquid glass container that Clifton was holding was divided into an upper and lower portion. The lower portion contained a thick blue liquid, but other than that, it looked like normal water.
“Please turn it over once.”
“Like this?”
When Clifton turned over the water clock, the blue liquid in the portioned section began to slip through the slight gap like a drop and into the transparent water. When it fell through the portioned section, it slid on the surface, fell through the gap again and began to gather.
“This is… water?”
“To be more precise, it’s an oil clock.”
“But, it’s just like water. Amazing. These are all the colours it comes in?”
“Yes. It’s an elaborate design, so the prices vary, but it’s a very popular product so we’re a bit out of stock.”
Clifton liked the water clock better than the flower. He turned it over and examined it.
“I thought I’ve collected a lot of items that have to do with water, but this is the first time I’ve seen something like this.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d be happy if you promote it even if you don’t give it as a gift.”
“By any chance, did you also think of this, Cordelia-san?”
Clifton shrugged when she only replied with a smile.
“As expected of you. I wish you’d share a little of your business skills with me.”
“Please stop flattering me, I’ll get carried away.”
“I wish it was flattering, I wonder if I lose to you in business skills as well.”
“Oh my, I would like to ask for your cooperation.”
“It’s amazing to see that you’re already so experienced since you could say things like that. Alright. I’ll ask you the same.”
Cordelia and Clifton both smiled a little.
“Now then, what do you think? I can see that you like the oil clock.”
“Well, she likes things to do with the sea and water. I think she’ll be happy with cosmetics too, but I’m not too sure.”
“The sea and water…?”
Cordelia drew her eyebrows together at those words.
The water clock might be good since it was associated with water too. But she felt that Clifton could prepare something that would be even more surprising since his family’s business was related to marine trade. And that was what Cordelia wanted in a new product as well.
“Um, Cordelia-san?”
“Clifton-sama. In that case, I think a storm glass would be better.”
A storm glass was an instrument made out of a liquid sealed in a glass and the liquid was crystallised. It was a tool for predicting the weather in a few hours. It was made from chemicals like camphor in her previous life, but in this world, it was a kind of magic tool.
“You and Myles-sama might be familiar with it since you both do marine trade, but it’s rare for people who aren’t familiar with ships, and I think it’s quite fun to watch the crystals lose their shape and form again every day.”
“Really…? But the shape is a little… It’s not a gift if it’s ship equipment.”
“Yes. Therefore, if you’re giving it as a gift, then it’ll only be used for enjoyment. So, it’s fine to put the contents into a pretty glass container.
“Huh?”
“It doesn’t need to be exact. Since it’s not like she’ll go on a sea voyage. For example, how about putting it in a sphere or cone shaped glass container?”
Clifton groaned at her suggestion.
“I never thought of that. But it’s a good idea to try out. Can I see it if you make the prototype?”
“Yes, of course. But there’s one more thing I would like to ask.”
“What is it?”
“If it goes well and it looks like I can commercialise it, then please let me sell it here.”
Clifton widened his eyes at her words, then laughed.
“Cordelia-san, I feel relieved that you’re already thinking about it. I’m glad I talked to you. Thanks.”
“No, thank you.”
Clifton purchased hand cream to gift to his mother and left the shop. Cordelia saw him off with a smile. She sincerely hoped that the gift would be completed and that it would work out between Clifton and the lady he was interested in.
“Now, shall I clean up and go home?”
She finally had the day off tomorrow.
She wasn’t competing with Clifton, who will be working on designing his gift for the girl he likes, but Cordelia was a bit excited since she wanted to create something to gift to the employees, who worked at the store, to thank them.
Using the shop’s regular day off, Cordelia created nail care cream.
As long as one worked, there was a chance that the nail polish would get chipped, but if they had nail care cream, then the servants wouldn’t be too worried about chipping it.
I hope they will be proactive because of the scent. Cordelia prepared the finished product for distribution.
The next day, Cordelia was planning on visiting Fulvia and going to the café that had opened up for the masses, so she showed up at 『Cordelia’s Fragrance』before the shop opened.
Everyone who was preparing to open the shop was very happy with the nail care cream, so Cordelia felt relieved. If they’re like this, then Kaylie-sama, who is in the back, will be happy too ――― she thought as she headed to where Kaylie was, however Kaylie was in the room by herself and her shoulders quivered in surprise when Cordelia called out to her.
“I’m sorry for surprising you.”
“I-it’s fine…”
It was meant to be a greeting, but Kaylie looked away from Cordelia and shook her head.
(It’s like when we first met… She seems kind of nervous…?)
Cordelia felt like Kaylie had opened up to her quite a lot from their conversation the other day, so she had no idea why she went back to her distant attitude.
“Are you perhaps not feeling well?”
“N-no, hmm… it’s nothing…”
However, Cordelia couldn’t accept what Kaylie had said.
“Excuse me for a bit.”
“Wah?!”
“You don’t… have a fever.”
Kaylie’s forehead temperature which was transmitted through the hand that she had placed there felt quite normal.
However, even if she didn’t have a fever, there might be a part of her which Cordelia couldn’t feel that wasn’t feeling well such as a stomach-ache of feeling sluggish. She had regular days off on top of the days she got off when the shop was closed, but she was a lady, and this is her first job. She might be unable to relax.
“Kaylie-sama, please take a day off today. You might be feeling fatigued since you work so hard.”
“No… It really is nothing. However, um…”
“Umm?”
“No, it’s, nothing…”
Cordelia frowned at Kaylie who kept mumbling her words. Kaylie wasn’t good at lying.
“Then, I’ll believe you. However, please tell me if it gets really bad. I’m worried that you would faint.”
“Th-thank you very much…”
However, she couldn’t meet Cordelia’s eyes even though she had said that.
Cordelia wondered what the heck was going on, but if Cordelia stayed for too long, then it could put more pressure on Kaylie. I’ll let the other employees know that she isn’t feeling well and let them keep an eye on her.
Cordelia thought, and recalled that she had come here to give Kaylie something.
“Kaylie-sama, please take this.”
“Huh?”
“I just gave this to everyone just now. It’s cream for nail care. I’ll be happy if you like the fragrance as well.”
“Th… thank you very much.”
Kaylie seemed surprised, but she carefully picked up the container with the cream.
(I’m glad. It doesn’t seem like she hates working here.)
It pained Cordelia to think that Kaylie actually hated working here and was just being considerate. So, she was relieved that that didn’t seem to be the case.
“H-hmm…”
“What’s wrong?”
“How was… the evening party?”
“The evening party?”
A lot of time has already passed before she asked me about it, Cordelia thought while tilting her head in confusion. She was planning on attending a few evening parties soon, but she has only been to Myles’s one in the past.
“No, hmm, umm… I’m sorry for asking something strange.”
“No. But, it’s just… a lot of things happened, and I don’t know where to start… Kaylie-sama, did you hear some rumours?”
“Ah, hmm… I’m sorry, I don’t listen to rumours. But I was just wondering if you were on good terms with Gunnel-sama and Hack-sama.”
“Eh? With Myles-sama and Clifton-sama?”
Cordelia blinked her eyes at Kaylie’s unexpected question.
“I met them at Hazel-sama’s birthday party when I was younger. I was also nervous so I’m really glad that I knew a lot of people at my first evening party.”
If Kaylie hadn’t heard the rumours, then she didn’t have to forcefully talk about Sylvester and Shelley. Kaylie will most likely misunderstand if she talked about Sylvester, and Cordelia didn’t want her to feel distressed by talking about Shelley since the Clydereine House had given her family a loan.
However, when Kaylie heard Cordelia’s reply, she spoke in a gloomy voice, “I see…” Cordelia couldn’t think of why she was acting like this, but she was worried about leaving Kaylie alone.
“Kaylie-sama. If you feel alright tomorrow, why don’t you go out with me?”
“Eh?”
“I’m going to develop a range of products that we can sell to commoners, and I’m also setting it up in a corner of the café I run. I’m going to prepare for it, but let’s also get fresh air by visiting the mobile library office and eating sweets.”
“… Thank you very much, Cordelia-sama.”
Kaylie smiled apologetically and accepted, and Cordelia felt relieved.
The next day, Kaylie, who had gone out with her, seemed reserved, but she had hidden her anxiety. Still, Cordelia was concerned about whether she was really sick yesterday or if she had acted like that because of something else.
Cordelia, who had been living hectically, received evening party invitations from her regulars and from women who she met from Nirupama, and was gradually showing up to them.
One day, Hazel came into the store.
Cordelia guided her to the small room at the back of the store. Different from the workshop and warehouse, this room was used for business discussions and to entertain special guests.
“I heard, Cordelia-sama. People are calling you the 『Queen of Flowers』these days.”
“Those rumours… I’m not happy with them to be honest.”
“Oh, but everyone is calling you that with pure respect.”
“I’m also very grateful for that, but…”
The end of that sentence was “I want them to take it a little easy on me.”
The evening parties where the young and older women interacted became a great place for her to advertise her commodity, and Cordelia was surrounded by a lot of women each time, to the point that she couldn’t move. And she began being called what Hazel had just said earlier, 『Queen of Flowers』.
They had probably given her this title because of the essential oils and the plant magic that her Pameradia House was famous for, but it was an exaggeration. If possible, she wanted a cuter nickname.
“Next time, I’ll have to go and see how the 『Queen of Flowers』is doing.”
“Please don’t make fun of me anymore.”
Of course, she was happy that they appreciated her and were interested in her products. Even more so if they love the products.
“But I thought it was strange when I saw the women in the shop. There are a lot of women who use various kinds of balms and perfumes, but the fragrances don’t seem to mix together very much.”
“That’s because of magic.”
If the different fragrances mixed together, then people could choke from the smell. Therefore, Cordelia cast magic on the cosmetics in the store.
For example, she cast magic on the ingredients that would become the base of the cosmetics so that it would pull back the scent and not drift too far away if there were other scents nearby. Each base repelled other fragrances in the air like a magnet. At the same time, she also cast magic that regulated the concentration so that the fragrance wouldn’t suddenly become stronger for the consumer. If the scent suddenly became stronger, then it might agitate the consumer’s throat and nose.
(It wasn’t easy to come up with the magic for this, but I’m really glad that there’s magic in this world.)
Cordelia was grateful from the bottom of her heart for being born into a house where she could use such magic. It was fun to think about the combinations of things she could do because of her previous life magic and what she couldn’t do if she didn’t have magic in this world, even more so when things went well.
(However, I want to also talk about the interests of the ladies who I don’t know… I wonder if I can do this when things settle down a bit more.)
It was possible for her to take a peek at the lady’s interests from the questions that were asked, but she had already made most of those products. If she wanted to make something new, then she would have to talk to the ladies more.
“By the way, Cordelia-sama. How is the search for your fated partner?”
“Uoah, fated, you say?”
“Oh my, are you upset?”
Hazel looked at her in amusement because of her immediate reply, and Cordelia lightly coughed.
She had certainly gone to evening parties with that intention in mind, but it wasn’t going well. Since people started calling her the 『Queen of Flowers』, it wasn’t easy for her to find the time to talk to men. Sometimes men would come to talk to her when the women gave her a break, but most of the time, they came to talk about business.
(Well, it might be possible for us to get close with the arrangements afterwards…)
Cordelia appreciated receiving information about business, and they might be useful to Elvis. The situation wasn’t bad when she thought of it like that, but those discussions were far away from one of her original goals which was searching for a marriage partner.
However, Cordelia wasn’t in a rush yet. Fortunately, the age for marriage in this world was wide.
(I’m going to spend the rest of my life with them, so my partner isn’t someone who I can decide in a rush.)
Of course, she was actively increasing the number of places where she could meet such a person, but even if she met them, she didn’t know how their feelings would be reciprocated afterwards.
“I’m taking my time to think about it.”
Some men have offered her individual business deals. She might find out something if she talked to them through that.
“Cordelia-sama… I understand how you feel.”
“Huh? Th-thank you very much…”
Even though I hadn’t said anything, did my feelings get across to her?
Cordelia tilted her head in wonder and Hazel strongly gripped her fist.
“Because, how the hell was Shelley-sama’s head made?! I’ve heard a lot of ridiculous things! It’s natural that you wouldn’t be able to concentrate if someone like that is around!”
Hazel shouted in anger, and Cordelia understood that there was a difference in what she was thinking and what Hazel was thinking. Cordelia smiled dryly since she felt like she could feel the burning smoke ooze out from Hazel.
“Well… The real harm hasn’t gotten that big yet.”
“Just because it isn’t big, she’s still putting it out there! What the hell are those guys who are attending to her thinking?! I can’t believe she did something rude to you!”
“Please calm down, Hazel-sama.”
Cordelia had attended five evening parties since she went to the Gunnell’s evening party.
It wasn’t necessary to express that one was attending an evening party since it wasn’t a dinner party, so Cordelia didn’t tell the host that she was attending unless she was close to them, and she didn’t tell others that she was attending either. By all rights, it was impossible for someone to know in advance that she would be attending an evening party, but Cordelia has encountered Shelley twice so far.
Hazel wasn’t with Cordelia both times, but she must have heard rumours about Shelley.
(It’s possible to think of it as a coincidence since I only encountered her two times out of five. However, it was a different story if I think that the evening parties she chose were from hosts who didn’t get along with the Clydereine House.)
The hosts also welcomed Cordelia since they knew about the interactions between her and Shelley, but the moment they saw Shelley, they would have an indescribable expression on their faces. When she saw that, she guessed that they hadn’t invited Shelley and that she had been brought there by someone.
(If she were told this in her dreams, then that’s a dangerous ability.)
Cordelia had greatly miscalculated because she expected that all of Shelley’s dreams were wrong when it came to dreams about herself.
However, Cordelia didn’t suffer from any big disadvantages even though it was a little unpleasant. Rather, Cordelia raised her reputation as a calm lady since she forgot and forgave every time Shelley threw verbal abuse at her and acted improper as a lady from a noted House.
(Even if I don’t count the thing that happened at the Viscount Gunnel’s evening party, she would step on the hem of my dress and not apologise, or run straight into me, so her friends were probably distancing themselves from her as well.)
Shelley’s friends felt that she threw tantrums because of her paranoia, and burst out in anger, then they would start avoiding her to get away from that. It would be very unpleasant for a normal lady if there were thought to have the same emotions as Shelley.
Maybe because that had happened, the ladies who had close relations to the Clydereine House have started to approach Cordelia and there was no trace of them contacting Shelley again afterwards. They had probably given up on her. But there were still people beside her because of her 『Dream Power』.
“Cordelia-sama, you should get angry when you need to be. Otherwise, she will think that you won’t get angry no matter what she does.”
“Thank you for your concern. But, do you think she would listen to what I say?”
“That’s… well, it seems like it would be difficult for her to do so.”
Hazel hadn’t thought of that and put her hand on her temple.
“Besides, if Shelley-sama goes into a frenzy, then she might do something unexpected. Why don’t we wait a little longer?”
“Argh, rather than too calm, you’re too laid back, Cordelia-sama… But if she tears your dress, then I don’t care what you want, I’ll punish her.”
“I don’t think she would do that…”
If Shelley were to reach that level of violence, then Cordelia would avoid her or resist her, but she didn’t think that would happen. Shelley couldn’t do that without bringing a dangerous weapon with her.
Until now, Shelley stepping on the hem of Cordelia’s dress and bumping into her were events in the game. These were events that happened after the『Heroine』meet『Cordelia』, and had actually happened.
However, Cordelia didn’t know when Shelley would appear. She didn’t think the game went into that much detail about the 『Heroine』, but even if it did, Cordelia wouldn’t have known since she was a light gamer.
“However, Shelley-sama doesn’t act very strange outside of places where she meets me, and I don’t hear any weird rumours about her either… It’s very strange that she gets like that in front of me.”
Even at the Viscount’s evening party, Cordelia felt like Shelley was trying to force the events of her dream, and her actions against Cordelia were her overdoing things. Stepping on her dress and running into her were things that wouldn’t have happened had Shelley not forcefully done so. Cordelia knew that there was an event in the game where Shelley stepped on her dress, but she didn’t know that there was an event where Shelley ran into her. If she had to guess, then there was an event where the Heroine pulled the accessories in Cordelia’s hair, but that wasn’t a body slam, and that event didn’t collide with the event where she stepped on Cordelia’s dress.
However, it could have happened on routes that Cordelia hadn’t played, and it was also possible that these events had nothing to do with the game and were things that had happened in Shelley’s dreams. Either way, Cordelia wasn’t short-tempered enough to go against Shelley’s malicious actions.
(In the first place, the 『Heroine』hadn’t perfected her manners yet when she showed up in high society because she was taking things easy at the Clydereine House. That’s why she angered『Cordelia』… I wonder if Shelley is trying to re-enact the scenes between the『Heroine』and『Cordelia』from the game since she acts normally in front of everyone except me.)
Shelley behaved like a proper noble without any problems except for when she was in front of Cordelia so she may have taken her mannerism classes more seriously than the 『Heroine』. It was astonishing, and if she had done that for Sylvester, then it was something to admire. However, her absolute attachment to her dreams which made her efforts go to waste couldn’t simply be removed.
(Even so, some young ladies were rethinking their relationship with her.)
If that’s the case, then it isn’t all that bad to leave Shelley-sama alone. I was only harmed slightly, and most of that harm was actually returned to her. Shelley-sama’s reputation will fall if I leave her alone, and if this were to reach Earl Clydereine’s ears, then he might do something about it.
She thought as Hazel raged next to her.
“I’m sure she just wants to show other people that she has the upper hand.”
Of course, Hazel probably wouldn’t believe that Shelley’s actions were based on her dreams.
“… If she acts that way towards me because of some kind of belief, then she might be happy that she has met someone whom she reacts that strongly towards.”
“Cordelia…?”
“But the current situation isn’t something to be praised.”
“That’s true. Most people are soft-hearted.”
Then, Hazel sighed. Cordelia knew that Hazel was really worried about her and felt apologetic.
(Honestly, it’s still fine as long as Shelley’s reputation goes down, but it’s not good if people think I’m some kind of trouble.)
She didn’t know when Shelley would stop attacking her and needed to find a way to avoid her.
“Then, let’s go refresh ourselves!”
“Excuse me?”
“My relatives are the Harshi House. The evening party is a place for my aunt and uncle to meet people they know, but aunt always said that she wanted to talk to you. Won’t you come for me as well?”
Cordelia blinked her eyes in surprise when she heard that name.
She had greeted Earl Harshi and his family during her coming of age ceremony, but it was also a name that Nirupama had a strong rivalry with when Cordelia was twelve. By the way, she remembered Nirupama smiling widely when she said that name.
“I would love to if I’m invited.”
“Thank you very much. Oh yes, I’ll invite Kaylie-sama as well. Let’s go have fun!”
“Yes. But, Kaylie-sama doesn’t like evening parties very much…”
“There will be times when she needs to go to them from now on. It’s a small party, and it’s a good event for her to get used to them! I’m sure it’ll be fun.”
Hazel had already decided that Kaylie would be attending. Cordelia confusingly remembered Kaylie and felt that she wouldn’t be able to refuse, not because Kaylie lost to Hazel’s assertiveness, but because she knew that she would need to get used to attending evening parties.
The day of the evening party.
She received a letter stating that Hazel would be going to get Kaylie first, so she wanted Cordelia to go there by herself. 『I’m going to fix Kaylie-sama’s makeup! She’s hiding her lovely face!』, Hazel had written.
(The fact that Kaylie-sama has her face hidden means that her bangs are still long even though she’s dressed up?)
They had solved the『Jet Black』misunderstanding, but she still hid her eyes with her hair because, “I’m used to this so it’s embarrassing.”
(This should be left to the Hazel sister’s temperaments.)
I’m sure they’ll make Kaylie-sama pretty so I won’t be that meddlesome, she thought as she headed towards the Harshi House.
Cordelia was immediately greeted by the wife when she arrived at the Harshi mansion.
She looked gorgeous and strong-willed, as expected of someone who could compete with Nirupama.
“It’s been a while, Cordelia-san. I’m so happy you can be here today.”
“I’m honoured to hear that you had invited me through Hazel-sama.”
“No way. I wanted to ask you a favour, so I’m grateful that you have come.”
“You wanted to ask a favour?”
Contrary to her words, she was talking in a fairly open place.
The wife smiled when Cordelia tilted her head in confusion.
“I’ve heard that the Pameradia House has a really nice bathhouse. Can I visit?”
“Excuse me? If you want to, then with pleasure.”
Maybe she’ll be interested in footbaths too? And saying it’s a『nice bathhouse』instead of a『bathhouse』sounds as if she had heard it from someone else.
“Thank you very much. To tell you the truth, the servants at my house said that they heard from the people working at your house that you have a very nice bathhouse. Apparently, the bath you use is lovely, but I heard that the bath that the servants use is lovely as well.”
Cordelia deeply thanked the servants who were her testers and smiled.
“Our bathhouse is used as a place for testers to try out products. Our magicians put a lot of work into constructing the facility, so please take your time to enjoy it.”
“Thank you very much. Then, please talk to me more about it later.”
“Yes.”
But is it alright to end the conversation here? Cordelia thought that the conversation ended a lot faster than she thought it was and was curious. Then, the wife hid her mouth with her fan.
“Say, Cordelia-san. I’d like to say something selfish, but… Can we have tea after I’m done looking around?”
Cordelia also got her point when the wife said that. I see, she wants to secretly talk more then.
“Yes, of course.”
“Thank you again.”
She thought that the conversation had ended this time, but she heard what the wife said as she whispered into her fan.
“See that, Nirupama. I can talk to Cordelia-san!”
She somehow understood that she was competing against her aunt for some reason.
They have a really good relationship, Cordelia desperately tried to hold down her laughter. I’m sure their personalities are similar.
“Cordelia-san, please take your time. There’s no rude people here, so please have fun.”
The bitter words that she had uttered while smiling was also heard by those close by. The word 『take your time』seemed to have influenced those around them, and there weren’t any crowds around Cordelia like usual. However, that didn’t mean that people weren’t interested in her. Their eyes flickered towards her, but they didn’t approach her because of what the wife had said. Cordelia had to go talk to them herself.
Cordelia didn’t see Hazel or Kaylie after she had finished talking to Countess Harshi, but she did find Clifton.
“Good afternoon, Clifton-sama. How is the progress of your gift?”
“Ahaha, that’s sudden.”
Clifton hadn’t contacted her even since she gave him the proposal, and it seemed like he was a little worried about it since he had averted his gaze.
“To tell you the truth, even if I had completed the prototype, it was a bit different from how I imagined it and wasn’t going well, but I’ve finally got it to the point where I’m satisfied. I found out that it was that difficult to make something that you want to make.”
“But it’ll be a wonderful gift since you’ve put so much thought into it.”
“I hope that’s true.”
He looked calm, contrary to his unconfident words. It seemed like he had finished it to his satisfaction. Cordelia was happy as if it was something for her when she heard this.
“What attracted you to the woman you like?”
“You’re asking that?”
“Just out of curiosity. I helped you out a little, so isn’t it fine to tell me a bit?”
Looking at Clifton’s attitude, he seemed shy, but he didn’t dislike being asked.
“Because she’s calm, I guess? She doesn’t talk much, so even though we’ve been together since we were little, it’s not like we talk a lot… How do I say this, we understand each other even if we don’t put it into words, hmm, or we can guess what the other person is thinking…?”
“Oh my, it sounds like you two are already a married couple.”
“No, well… I can’t guess what she’s thinking, so I don’t think it’s the same.”
“But you really like her, don’t you? It makes me feel a little embarrassed when I see how you’re acting.”
Clifton panicked a little at Cordelia’s honest words, but then he coughed and spoke calmly again.
“How do I say this, rather than liking her, I just think it’s better for us to be together. My heart doesn’t race around her, but it does feel warm…”
“Your heart doesn’t throb for her?”
“Well, it’s not like it doesn’t… Somehow, it’s not like that…”
Cordelia tilted her head in confusion at Clifton since he wasn’t being clear.
Cordelia hadn’t experienced her first love yet, and didn’t have any love stories to proudly tell, but she thought love was something that made your heart pound. However, listening to Clifton, she knew for certain that he was in love.
“… Love is difficult, isn’t it?”
Clifton laughed at Cordelia’s honest words.
“It doesn’t suit you to say that, Cordelia-san.”
“What do you mean? Are you saying that love doesn’t suit me?”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying. You always look like you have leeway, and don’t look like you would worry over something.”
Cordelia wanted to repeat his words back at him when he said that, but she held back.
Including Clifton-sama, it isn’t a bad thing for me to be seen like that by others. In fact, there are many times when I hesitate and think a lot, but it’s better to be seen that way when it came to negotiations.
Cordelia thought and smiled.
“Oh my, isn’t it ominous to be a veteran at love when I’ve only just made my debut?”
“No, yes. You’re certainly right. It’s scary for you to say it like that.”
“Of course, I’m joking.”
“So, you do have leeway. I have to learn from you.”
They looked at each other and laughed, then Cordelia saw Hazel at the corner of her eyes and slightly raised her right hand. Hazel immediately noticed Cordelia. She spoke to Kaylie, who was with her, and approached Cordelia.
Kaylie had her bangs swept to the side, and her eyes, which were normally hidden, could be seen clearly. Her image changed quite a lot with just that, but the gentle, but gorgeous dress that she was wearing made her look bewitching.
“Kaylie-sama, you look beautiful.”
Hazel had said she would make some changes, but Cordelia thought it was nice if she could see Kaylie’s face on a regular basis, then a voice spoke.
“… After all, huh, Kaylie, is that you?”
“Eh?”
“You know Kaylie, Cordelia-san?”
Cordelia looked at Clifton because she didn’t know why he had asked that, and his face looked quite flushed. He didn’t look like the same person who had spoken calmly before ―――.
“Perhaps, is the person who you like 『Jet Black』?”
“Wh, er, why.”
“You don’t have to panic that much. Don’t worry, I won’t tell her.”
“Huh? Eh, hmm, Cordelia-san? What do you mean?”
“Let’s talk about that later. For the time being, it will seem unnatural if you don’t do something about your expression.”
Cordelia wanted to tell him straight away, but she was afraid of saying it in front of Kaylie.
However, Kaylie widened her eyes when she was approaching Cordelia and Clifton, then she suddenly turned around and ran away.
“Huh? Kaylie-sama?”
Hazel was surprised, and Cordelia immediately passed her.
When Cordelia passed Hazel, she said, “I’d like to talk to her alone for a bit,” then chased after Kaylie. Hazel was surprised by Cordelia’s sudden words, but she remained puzzled since she couldn’t grasp the situation and didn’t reply.
But Cordelia didn’t have time to explain. Hazel was facing them, so she didn’t realise, but Kaylie looked shocked before she turned around and ran away. It hadn’t shown, but Cordelia thought she might have had tears in her eyes as well.
(I don’t think she hates Clifton-sama so much that she didn’t want to meet him.)
_ If so, then it is that embarrassing to show her hair up to someone she knows? No, that can’t be it… I don’t want to think about it, but I have a bad feeling about this._
There were a couple people taking a break in the courtyard that Kaylie went to.
“Kaylie-sama, what’s wrong?”
“I’m sorry, but, I’m okay…”
“That’s not convincing when you look like that.”
Cordelia said, then held out a handkerchief for Kaylie. Kaylie took it with both hands and covered her face.
“I knew… But it’s different when I have to see it… Clifton-sama and Cordelia-sama… Hmm, do you not realise it Cordelia-sama…? That Clifton-sama, likes….”
(His face caused a big misunderstanding after all…!)
Cordelia didn’t know if she couldn’t say it until the end because she was being considerate of Clifton or because she couldn’t say it. However, her words told Cordelia enough.
“Why do you think he does?”
“Clifton-sama’s face when he was with you a while ago… Did you not see it, Cordelia-sama?”
(I saw it, but that’s definitely because he saw you.)
She wanted to say but held back.
She wasn’t the person who should say that, Clifton had to tell Kaylie himself.
Cordelia pretended not to know anything, and Kaylie continued.
“When Clifton-sama first met you at an evening party, he told me that he had met a wonderful lady…”
“Wasn’t it just because we just happened to talk? At that time, I had only greeted him when he was with Myles-sama.”
“But… at that time, he was nervous and couldn’t calm down… He had never told me something like that before… But since the other person is you… I understand.”
(I’m sure he was telling her that it was more reassuring to be with her than me.)
“So, I… also wish I could know more about you… This was after you’d left the royal capital, but I was also involved with the mobile library. When I heard about you from Hazel-sama, I thought I could see you up close…”
“…”
“But the more I knew you, the more I noticed that we’re very different. To make matters worse, I… my house… is in a tough situation. You told me that the『Jet Black』thing was a misunderstanding… but even if that’s excluded, I can’t…”
Cordelia felt that Kaylie’s evaluation of her had been too high since long ago, but how could she have imagined that this was the cause? Then, Cordelia began to feel that there was nothing she could do about this.
“I’m going to go call Clifton-sama.”
“Huh…?”
“Please talk with him.”
“B-but…”
“Kaylie-sama, believe in yourself more.”
“But…”
“No buts. You can clearly see your surroundings with your hair up like this right? And, even if it is like you had imagined, you still need to talk to him directly if you haven’t given up.”
Kaylie-sama should know this.
However, she didn’t answer Cordelia.
Cordelia handed Kaylie the aroma stone can that she had hidden in her sleeves.
“This is a charm. Please calm down with this by the time Clifton-sama comes, it’s made from roses and lavender.”
“Eh…”
Orange with geranium, lavender with rose otto, and patchouli with sandalwood had a relaxing effect.
“I actually wanted you to use this when we were going to come here together. Please use it to change your mood.”
“Is it alright…?”
“Yes, of course.”
Kaylie was puzzled because she knew that Cordelia hadn’t started selling rose essential oils at the shop yet.
“Kaylie-sama. I would like to give you a piece of advice. Please smile while you talk. I’m sure you’ll look more attractive that way. I’m rooting for you.”
Cordelia smiled, and returned to the venue after leaving those words.
In the venue, Clifton was still blushing, and Hazel was teasing him. Hazel was a little confused since Cordelia had returned alone, but Cordelia smiled back at her.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting, now, Clifton-sama. Quickly go to the courtyard. At this rate, you’ll be misunderstood.”
“Huh?! What, Cordelia-san…?”
“I would like to tell you that half-hearted words can deepen misunderstandings. Kaylie-sama misunderstood and took it the wrong way when you called her 『Jet Black』. Please let her know with your words first rather than give her a present.”
Clifton panicked when he heard Cordelia, but he understood her without her having to explain. He quickly left.
“Thank you, Cordelia-sama.”
“He couldn’t have imagined that he became his own obstacle to love.”
“Oh my, did that happen? I could imagine what was going on from his reaction a while ago and I only saw it once.”
“Maybe there are times when you don’t notice things because you’re too close.”
“But, in the end, Cordelia-sama was also involved in fulfilling their love, so why don’t you take it as it went well?”
“… Well, I’m envious of them.”
However, speaking of misunderstandings, Hazel-sama also misunderstood me before…
It might be difficult to prevent it, but Cordelia decided to listen to those around her as much as possible. I’m being careful, but I have to be extra careful about my love that will come eventually… She thought, but was that something she should ask people?
(… Love is difficult after all.)
It doesn’t always make one’s heart pound and it isn’t always calm.
Can I understand those feelings clearly? She thought and felt that it was difficult.
“Say, Cordelia-sama. Can I visit the shop again so that I can hear more about this from Kaylie-sama?”
“Yes, of course. I look forward to seeing you there.”
Cordelia was more concerned about the two who weren’t able to communicate very well with each other rather than her uncertain future.
The day after the evening party at the Harshi House.
Cordelia showed up at the shop in the afternoon and could tell how yesterday went when their eyes met. Kaylie usually hid her eyes with her bangs, but they were visible today. It was difficult to talk to Kaylie since she was working, but they finally had time to talk after they finished cleaning the shop.
“Cordelia-sama, hmm… Thank you very much.”
“You’re welcome. It looks like you two were able to clear your misunderstandings, I’m glad.”
Kaylie didn’t need to say anymore and smiled.
“Kaylie-sama, did you like yesterday’s fragrance?”
“Ah, yes! I’m going to give it back to you…”
“I don’t mind since I was planning on giving it to you from the start. Actually, this essential oil has the same blend as that fragrance. If you don’t mind, please take it. It’s a thank you present for working so hard.”
“Eh, but…”
“Congratulations.”
Cordelia pushed it towards Kaylie and Kaylie smiled.
“Thank you very much.”
“Please don’t mind. Don’t worry about taking a day off when you go on a date.”
“Eh… h-hmm…”
Cordelia smiled at Kaylie who had turned red.
“More importantly, you must be tired from yesterday. I’ll take you home.”
“Hmm, umm… I’m fine today. I’ll be meeting my mother.”
“You will? In that case, you have to hurry.”
Kaylie probably was in a rush. She rushed out of the room after putting her tools away.
After a while when Cordelia thought about going home too, she noticed a small pouch had been left on the desk.
“Oh my, I wonder if she forgot this.”
She usually only brings this with her, I wonder if she was in that much of a rush? It might not be a problem for her to find it here tomorrow, but she might panic if she thinks she’s dropped it.
“She hasn’t gone far yet, has she?”
I might be able to catch up to her if I chase after her now. Cordelia thought, and asked the female employees, who were cleaning, which way Kaylie went, then headed off in that direction. However, she couldn’t find Kaylie even though the street was wide. She thought she would at least see her figure and concluded that she must have gone in the opposite direction.
As she walked and looked around, a familiar voice entered her ears from a side path.
“Say, was what I said wrong?”
It was Shelley’s voice.
Shelley was a noble, so it wasn’t odd for her to be here, and her voice wasn’t loud and conspicuous, but her irritating and oppressive voice didn’t suit this place.
Cordelia secretly peeked into the path, and she saw Shelley and Kaylie.
Shelley was glaring at Kaylie, and Kaylie was looking down a little. Cordelia had heard about their relationship from Hazel, but this was the first time she had seen the two together. And from what she could see from how Kaylie was acting; it was clear that they didn’t have a good relationship.
“You told me that you didn’t know what evening parties she was attending. But I heard from someone that you were at the same evening party as her. What is the meaning of this?”
“…”
“You told me that you would tell me about her once you got to know her, but you keep insisting that you know nothing about her. You actually know a lot of things about her, don’t you?”
She didn’t look like a Heroine at all since she got more irritating with every word she said.
(More importantly, does this mean that Shelley coerced Kaylie from the beginning…?)
With Shelley’s personality, she probably hounded Kaylie-sama a lot. But, Kaylie-sama still insisted that she didn’t know anything.
Then, Kaylie looked up. Shelley was a little surprised by this.
“I don’t feel like your words are correct.”
Shelley became speechless for a moment because of Kaylie’s protest, but she immediately retorted in a strong tone.
“Why did you say that!? That woman will hurt His Highness and cause trouble for everyone, you know?! Don’t say it like you’re talking from a parent’s perspective, that woman...!!”
The enraged Shelley was like the in-game 『Cordelia』.
(Hatred would be the closest feeling that Shelley has towards me.)
However, the words Shelley had said towards Kaylie were outbursts of anger towards Cordelia, and there was no need to drag Kaylie into something troublesome. Kaylie wasn’t good at talking, so it was best for Shelley to keep quiet and let her pass. Shelley didn’t need to force herself to confront Kaylie, so Cordelia wished she had chosen not to bother Kaylie.
However, Kaylie continued to speak.
“I’ve always admired Cordelia-sama. That’s why I know she can do things that don’t benefit her.”
“I didn’t ask for your opinion. You know that you’re receiving support from the Clydereine House, don’t you?”
“Does that mean that we should immediately return the loan that we had received from Earl Clydereine…?”
“What else would that mean?”
Shelley didn’t realise that this was the same behaviour as Cordelia which she had just mentioned before.
Kaylie quietly stared at Shelley, then nodded.
“Okay.”
“Then―――”
“It’s not something I can decide alone. But… I will talk to my parents and ask them if the citizens will forgive us for lending money out until we were tricked. About returning the money, we had to pay the servants’ wages, but you are one-sidedly changing the original contract even though this has nothing to do with it, so I hope you can wait for the money.”
“Does that mean you don’t trust me after all?”
Cordelia started walking when she heard Shelley’s sharp tone.
“Please leave it at that, Shelley-sama.”
“Y-you…!”
“Kaylie-sama, I’m here to deliver something you forgot.”
Kaylie was puzzled at Cordelia who smiled, unfazed by Shelley’s gaze.
Cordelia pushed the pouch onto Kaylie and looked straight at Shelley.
“If you need something from me, then come straight at me. Having cards is also important for negotiations. You look like you’re only threatening her, and I don’t like it.”
“I… I’m not wrong! In the first place… Isn’t it because you’re hiding your true self!? You’re the only person who didn’t turn out like how you were in my dreams…!”
Shelley glared at Cordelia with her face bright red, and Cordelia lightly brushed her off. Cordelia also looked grim since her attitude didn’t match the girl who was rumoured to be the 『Saint』.
“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but it’s wrong for you to blame Kaylie-sama for things such as me attending evening parties.”
“What did you say…?!”
“Shelley-sama. You said before that His Highness is your benefactor and you want to return his favour. It’s your freedom to see me as your enemy, but if you want to be useful to His Highness, then why don’t you do something for him instead of trying to trick and deceive me?”
“That’s why I’m doing this! But, in my dreams, you’re always chasing after His Highness while wearing a red dress! You know what I’m talking about, don’t you…!?”
“I’ve never worn a red dress before in my life.”
Shelley frowned deeper when she heard what Cordelia had said.
“… Remember this, I’m going to expose your true self in front of everyone right now!”
Shelley turned her heel and went back onto the main street.
(I guess it’s pointless since we’re not in front of people right now.)
But it was all the same to Cordelia.
I don’t think Shelley would agree with my advice, and I’d rather she walk away rather than asking the same questions over and over. It wasn’t a clean break, but the result is good if I think about Kaylie-sama’s situation.
Cordelia looked at Kaylie and saw that her expression was stiff.
“I, I was scared…”
Cordelia smiled gently at Kaylie who only seemed scared now.
“Thank you very much. You’ve been protecting me all this time.”
“No, I… I only acted like I didn’t know anything.”
Kaylie turned red and looked down.
“I don’t think Earl Clydereine would tear up the contract because of his daughter’s words… If something does happen, then I’ll be happy to help you. I’m the reason you’re in this situation in the first place.”
“No, hmm…. It’s not your fault.”
“Even if it isn’t, I can’t leave my friends alone if they’re in trouble.”
If the loan was an amount that could be provided by the Clydereine House, then it was possible for the Pameradia House to do the same. Her family assets weren’t something she could freely move, and there may be some conditions involved, but Elvis was likely to consider it if he knew that the citizens were troubled.
Kaylie laughed shyly at Cordelia’s words.
“Actually… It seems that the Hack House has also talked about helping with reconstruction.”
“Oh my, Clifton-sama did?”
“Yes… Hmm, actually… it’s embarrassing, but Clifton-sama… how do I say this… he’s waiting for my reply. The outer moat is perfect, hmm… he’s also thinking about helping with reconstruction, and his family knows about it…”
“What a schemer… is what I would like to say, but it’s his grievous mistake for making you misunderstand things.”
No, he tried his best, but his efforts were fruitless. Cordelia prayed that they would receive good fortune for the bad things they had experienced until now, and Kaylie started panicking.
“I-it’s not like that…! Hmm, my family said it was because I’m too dull…”
“Oh my, that’s a nice relationship.”
Cordelia thought that her prayer was unnecessary.
After that, Cordelia sent Kaylie to where her mother was and then went home herself.
Cordelia thought alone while in the carriage.
What happened to Kaylie-sama is a good thing.
But I underestimated Shelley too much, she reflected.
(I have to be careful, but I thought it would be fine as long as I don’t engage her.)
Shelley believes in her dreams and thought she could use that to approach me. But if she’s using her position to take advantage of other people’s weaknesses, then I can’t just wait for time to pass.
“This means that I can’t just avoid her all the time.”
If I delay this problem any longer, then it may affect others.
“『Me in a red dress』, she said? If that’s the case, why don’t I wear it to play her game?”