Not a whole lot to say at the start here, other than I got like halfway through translating this chapter and accidentally used “Yang” instead of “Yan” which was a headache to fix.
TN: Toasty
ED: Toasty
As the cold weather begins to ease up, the buds are growing in the sunlight and forming flowering buds. Looking at this situation makes me realize that spring is coming soon.
「Aniki, what have you been up to lately?」
「Eh?」
「I look over at you and sometimes you look distracted.」
He called out to me, and when I turned towards him, I met his curious black eyes.
The direction Yan was pointing was south. Right now, I’m tending to the garden at the back of the mansion, so there’s nothing but a forest-like group of trees there.
Yan points it out, and I laugh self-pityingly.
「My friend went back to his hometown. Since I can’t see him, it’s a little boring……」
The previous holiday, when I went to Ingrid’s Tavern for lunch with my mother and father, Frank was no longer there. Apparently, he got on a wagon early in the morning and went with Timo without saying goodbye to anyone. Yes, Auntie Ingrid told me that.
Apparently, he had refused to see her off in advance because he thought it would be bad for everyone to see him off. Certainly, if it was known that Frank, a popular guy in the downtown area, would be gone, many people would have come to see him off.
Since we were both working, we only played together a few times. However, perhaps because he was a man who clearly spoke his own opinion, it was fun to be with him, and before I knew it, Frank had become someone I could easily meet. It’s a shame that we won’t be able to see more of Timo’s comic-like interactions.
Yan didn’t point it out to me even though I was working on something like that. On the contrary, he looks in the same direction as me.
「I wonder if they think like that, too……」
Yan’s family home is a port town near the southwest border of Abendroth. If you look at it from the royal capital which is located north of the center, it will be roughly to the south. Yan, who ran away from home the day after his birthday, may be remembering a friend from his hometown.
「What about Yan?」
「It’s a little boring not to be able to fool around with those guys.」
「Then, Yan’s friend should think similarly.」
Yan’s tanned skin probably didn’t just come from farming. It was evidence that he was running around with his friends under the strong sun. Even though I didn’t know any of Yan’s friends, it was easy to imagine that he was doing well in his hometown.
After blinking his dark eyes, Yan flashed him a bright smile that erased any guilt he might have felt. I smiled back at his smile that was like if the spring had passed and the midsummer sunlight had returned.
「Should we get back to work?」
「Yeeep! I’ll be able to build a garden quickly, and I’ll be proud to show it to them!」
With a bit of a twitch, I started to stop again. Hearing Yan’s words, I had something to think about, but since the work wasn’t finished yet, I decided to do it later.
At this time of year, when the snow has melted and we are preparing for spring, the main task is to maintain the exterior. My father is replanting deciduous trees. Yan and I are repairing the stone pavement leading from the main gate to the main entrance. If you don’t do it during a time when there are few visitors, you won’t know when it will be fixed. Once the front side of the house is finished, the next step is to work on the rear promenade.
I split up the work with Yan, so we had a good chance of finishing the front approach by the end of the day. I asked Yan during a break.
「Yan, do you want to try building one by yourself?」
Until now, Yan had only admired his father’s gardening, and he had never said he wanted to do it himself. He believed that it was important to learn the basics, so he worked diligently on doing the chores with me. Sure, it’s important to learn basic chores, but if you’re satisfied with just that, you won’t be a true gardener.
Each task may be unremarkable, but a gardener’s job is to design the garden. If you just want to grow plants, you can do it as a gardener or farmer.
Ever since he came to live with the Ernest family, he’s been itching to build a garden himself as soon as possible, but perhaps Yan is too focused on designing a garden as his ultimate goal, so he hasn’t expressed that desire until now. .
So, I thought it would be no good if I missed what he said earlier.
After showing some signs of thinking about my question, Yan smiles with excitement.
「That’s right. When I was watching the master work, I thought I’d like to try it myself.」
The master that Yan refers to is his father. At first, his father was confused by Yan’s stubbornness to call him that because he was his disciple, but he eventually gave up. I wonder why I felt a sense of déjà vu when I saw my father’s behavior.
Putting that aside, I nodded at the enthusiasm that Yan showed for the first time.
「Right.」
Yan tilted his head, not understanding what he was agreeing to.
The repair work on the cobblestone pavement was completed before sunset. There is still time to head to the carriage for the return trip. After asking permission from my father who was doing a final check on the replanted deciduous trees, I took Yan and headed to an area with a group of trees that looked like a forest.
「Aniki, what are you showing me?」
「It’s in here.」
In the line of yew pines, I guide Yan through. After ducking under the fence, Yan’s eyes widened as he saw a small plaza with a single fountain and the stone statue of an owl.
「This place……」
「It’s a practice garden.」
Right now, I’ve removed what I built during the snow and re-arranged the lawn, so it’s almost like a full reset.
In winter, there are few flowers that are resistant to snow, so we built a dome out of bamboo so that a hut would form with the falling snow from the first snowfall. Since the first snowfall is thick, even the falling snow firmly blooms, and it is interesting even if the same flowers do not bloom. When I called Ojou and Flora on a day with heavy snowfall for the royal capital, they liked the hut more than I expected. It was heartwarming to see Flora’s various faces as she went around each event to wake up the first snow and reported the details to her daughter.
When I see her happy expression, I get excited and think about what to do next. When I remembered it, I felt a rush of excitement again and the corners of my mouth turned up.
「Yan, do you want to practice using this, too?」
「Eh? Is that fine!?」
Yan was surprised and he turned towards me. His dark eyes sparkle with the same excitement as mine. I knew it because he had the same dream, but it was kind of funny.
「You’re also an apprentice gardener like me.」
Everyone has equal rights to use this practice garden. Up until now, this place had been mostly for one person, because there just happened to be one disciple of the Baumgartner family.
I don’t remember much about my great-grandfather’s face because I was too young, but my grandmother and grandmother said that he inherited his tough and scary face from his father, so it seems like all the men in the Baumgertner family were big and had misleading looks. I guess that’s why it was easy for people who weren’t strict with their work to get scared off.
That was the only reason, so now that there are two disciples, it’s fine to share it. I was just thinking about what to do for spring, so I haven’t touched it yet, so it was perfect. Dad had also said before that he would let Yan use it if he wanted.
「I think it’s better to alternate each season rather than splitting the practice garden in half. What do you think, Yan?」
「Yes, I think that’s better, too!」
When I told him my idea of how to share it, Yan nodded. So, I made a rule that we’d take turns using it every three months, and before changing, we’d reset it and surrender it to the other person.
「So, which is better for you? Spring and autumn or summer and winter? You can do a lot more in spring and autumn.」
There are many types of flowers that bloom in spring and autumn is also the season when many purple and yellow flowers bloom. I thought it would be better to practice during the season when there are more options, so I recommended that to him.
Yan 「Hmm’d」 as he looked around the practice garden. Then something nearby caught his eye.
「What’s this flower pot for?」
「Oh, that. It was broken, so the guy at the garden shop sold it to me for almost free.」
The old guy who works as a gardener was at a loss as to what to do with the flower pots that had been broken or chipped during transportation. I bought some of them to see if I could do something with them.
「Then, Aniki was already planning on making something in the spring, right?」
「Eh? That’s true, but……」
It’s true that I bought it because I thought of a use for it. I hesitate to say anything as those dark eyes look me squarely in the eye. I was the one who used it first, so I was willing to give up the order to what Yan wanted.
「Which do you prefer, Aniki?」
I was taken aback by Yan’s question. I never thought that Yan, who always prioritizes opinions, would ask me what I wanted.
「We’ll use Yan’s way.」
「Aniki.」
Although it isn’t a lie that I feel I want to surrender it, Yan blocked that option. Swallowing my words, I think.
What do I want to do?
I was planning to use spring flowers in the flower pots. However, it is possible to use summer flowers with strong colors that reflect sunlight. However, even if I build a garden in the summer, there will be fewer opportunities to show it to the Ojou and the others during the off-season.
In other words, the number of times I get to see Ojou’s smiling face decreases.
That felt a little disappointing.
However, as his senior, I hesitate to say something so selfish. After all, it’s probably best to let Yan have the spring and fall as he will have a lot of freedom.
Just as I was about to open my mouth, I suddenly remembered Frank’s words.
I was told to be more greedy.
I was also told not to give up.
Could it be for something as trivial as this? For the time being, Yan and I both want the same thing. I feel the same way about wanting to train to become a gardener. Besides that, I just want to see as many smiling faces as possible.
That’s something that’s fine not to say. But I felt like I was breaking my promise to Frank if I remained silent.
「…I want to show it to Ojou, if possible, so I’d be happier with spring and fall.」
I tried to make a request that was similar to my feelings.
「Then, I’ll build mine in the summer and winter.」
Yan laughed and easily agreed. There was no sign of reluctance or regret, so I was surprised.
「Eh…… are you… fine with that?」
「Yep! Summer is closer to what I see at my parents’ house, and I’d like to know more about how plants that are resistant to cold grow.」
I’m glad it’s plants familiar to him. He also wanted to learn about plants he wasn’t used to handling. Yan looked happy and it was clear neither of us were lying.
「Spring and autumn have so many flowers that it’s hard to remember all of them. That’s why I’m going to look at the garden Aniki makes and study it.」
Yan added that with a smile. It was a sincere feeling that could be interpreted as a way of trying not to bother me. Yan may not have had that intent, but why does it feel like he was?
「Does Yan have brothers?」
「I have two younger brothers and a younger sister. They aren’t cute at all.」
The expression on Yan’s face as he said that has the exact opposite feeling of what he’s saying.
「But why?」
「No, I just thought Yan seemed like an older brother.」
Although Yan is very assertive, I get the feeling that he probably respects his younger siblings’ wishes in the end. Yan doesn’t seem to understand that I said that it seems like he’s the eldest son, and he tilts his head to the side, saying that I’m the one who’s the oldest here.
I didn’t correct him because it was kind of funny, but I was convinced by the glimpse into Yan’s style of brotherhood.
「Mhm. Thank you, Yan.」
「It’s fine!」
When I thanked him, Yan received it with a smile that reminded me of the summer sunlight. I think a summer garden would look great with him.
I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of garden Yan will create in the coming months.
—
A few days later, I was taking a mid-afternoon tea break with Ojou, thinking that this would be the last time we would have tea in the greenhouse due to the warmth of the sunlight. Pochi is waiting at the entrance of the greenhouse like a guard or gatekeeper. I thought about sharing the sweets later, but Ojou told me they had already wrapped them up by Katherine.
「That reminds me, we haven’t invited Nico into the greenhouse.」
I asked Ojou about it while we drank tea as usual. Even though Ojou has more friends, when she goes to have tea in the greenhouse, just the two of us or sometimes just three, including Katherine.
I wonder if she would like to relax in the greenhouse with Leo, her fiance, her friends, and Nico.
「T-That’s……」
Somehow, Ojou was agitated by my question. After a moment of hesitation, she cleared her throat with a cough.
「It would be a bad idea to make them come this far.」
「Ah, it’s a bit far away.」
I see. It is true that there is some distance from the mansion to the greenhouse. The men Leo and Nico are probably fine because they have physical strength, but from the Ojou’s point of view, they are just guests. They probably can’t bear to make their guests go through the trouble of doing so. Besides, it doesn’t necessarily mean that her friends have as much stamina as Ojou.
When I understood, Ojou seemed a little relieved.
「……is it boring with just me?」
After a while, Ojou asks with a depressed voice. When she asks something unexpected, my eyes go wide.
「It isn’t like that at all. I just thought it was a bad idea to be the only one who could look at the flowers in the greenhouse with Ojou, like I was having the spring all to myself.」
The world of an everlasting spring, meeting Ojou with her pale blonde hair and blue eyes, and seeing her smile and laugh here, I feel was a luxury. I wondered if it was fine for only me to see her.
「Wh……!?」
Suddenly, Ojou’s cheeks turn red. I guess it’s time to stop drinking hot tea in the greenhouse after all. I offered to chill the tea, but she declined, saying it was fine.
「Actually, Zack is just like this every time…… wait, that’s not what I’m trying to say!」
Ojou seemed to be angry about something and I thought she was going to go into scolding mode, but she shook her head and her anger disappeared. I tilt my head in confusion, wondering what it is.
Then, Ojou looked at me. She stares with such force it’s like she’s glaring at me.
Intimidated by the intensity of her gaze, I leaned back while drinking my tea. What is she looking for?
「……Zack, you don’t seem to be feeling well, am I right?」
I was asked to confirm. 「It’s the same as usual」 Ojou mumbled as she thought about it.
I couldn’t help but burst into laughter because Ojou was seriously worried.
Ojou widened her eyes as I suddenly started laughing.
「Ojou is amazing, huh……」
I couldn’t hold back my laughter as I blurted out my thoughts. Ojou noticed something that I thought I didn’t really care about. I’m surprised, but happy.
Because I laughed, Ojou pouted.
「It seems like it was just my imagination.」
「No, I’m sorry. I’m glad you were worried about me. I was just a little lonely.」
「Lonely……?」
I guess she felt uncomfortable with words that didn’t suit me. Ojou frowned, her suspicions evident.
I gulped down the remaining tea and returned the teacup to the saucer.
「My friend is going back to his hometown. I won’t be able to see him for a while.」
「Is that so……?」
When I revealed the reason for my loneliness, Ojou nodded silently. She probably tried to put herself in my shoes. After a while, Ojou’s eyebrows lowered sadly.
I don’t know what she thought, but she got up from her chair and came over to me. As I was watching her, wondering what she was going to do, her Ojous hand reached out and placed it on top of my head. Just like that, she can pat me on the head.
While I was suddenly frozen, her white hand gently slid over my hair.
「I hope you two can meet again.」
Pale blue eyes filled with sympathy were directed at me, and I guess she was searching for the words to say, and after a pause, those words fell on me.
「Ahhh.」
At first, I didn’t know what to do, but the hand patting me felt so nice that I gently closed my eyelids.
It’s boring, sure, but Frank returned to his hometown to fulfill his dream. That’s why I should probably explain to Ojou that it’s not something to be pessimistic about, but I’m afraid to say it now.
But I enjoyed her gentle hand.
After a long and short time passed, Ojou’s hand left me. In response to her soft touch disappearing, I opened my eyelids.
「I’m feeling better. Thank you.」
When I smiled and expressed my gratitude, Ojou’s face was unexpectedly close to me. That’s why I could clearly see Ojou’s wide eyes and the redness on her cheeks as she suddenly became excited.
However, the moment I noticed the change in her, Ojou quickly retreated to her chair.
「Th… this much is nothing……!」
Ojou turns away, where even her ears are red. I wonder if it’s hot inside the greenhouse even if it’s not a tropical plant area. Unlike me, who was wearing work clothes, Ojou’s dress was made for winter and was made of fabric that seemed to have good heat retention. I asked her if she wanted to leave the greenhouse and was told again that it was fine.
Ojou sat back in her chair, muttered something, and looked down. When I thought about her, she took a sip of her tea and let out a sigh. The redness on her cheeks seemed to have gotten better by then.
First of all, because Ojou says she’s fine, I can report something to her.
「Ah, that’s right. The practice garden, I’m going to take turns using it with Yang.」
「Eh. Oh, I see.」
「Yan finally told me that he wants to build a garden, not just do chores. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of garden he’ll build. If it’s okay with Ojou, you can also take a look at Yan’s garden.」
「Yes…」
While I happily spoke, Ojou had a stunned, thoughtful look on her face and even if she was nodding, her voice sounded empty.
「Ah, but it’s off-season in the summer, so that might not be possible. When you get back, I’ll tell you what Yan made.」
「Summer……?」
Ojou repeats some of my words.
「Yep. Yan practices in the summer and winter.」
「That’s… that’s right.」
For some reason, Ojou felt relieved and held her chest. I wonder why she was so relieved. I didn’t understand her very well.
「Zack, you seem happy.」
「Ahh, now I can face Yan head on.」
I’ve made friends who are also aiming to become gardeners, but up until now it’s been like they’ve been following me rather than trying to work together. I feel like I was standing next to Yan for the first time when he told me he wanted to build his own garden.
I’m glad that Yan’s filter towards me is coming off. I still have to get to know the other person’s style, but I think it would be fun if we could create a garden together someday when we both become gardeners.
I must have been grinning from having so much fun, that Ojou let out an exasperated sigh and smiled as if she couldn’t help it.
「Really, there’s no sense of crisis in you at all.」
「A sense of crisis? Why??」
「There’s a possibility that Yan will overtake you in the future. Aren’t you in a hurry?」
「Ah, I see. Yan is also something of a rival. Then, I’ll have to do my best.」
I believe that there is no winning or losing in gardening, so it was only when Ojou pointed it out that I realized that in the future, there is a possibility that Yan will be recognized first and become a gardener. Indeed, even though I became an apprentice early on, if it took me longer to get my father’s approval, I wouldn’t be able to prove anything.
「……even though your only rival was me.」
When I was getting motivated, Ojou mumbled something. I tilted my head and asked her, but she just looked away, saying it was nothing. Just what did she say?
「I’ll create a garden that can make Ojou smile!」
In order to motivate myself, I tell Ojou that I will do my best. I asked Yan if I could take my turn first so I could have a better chance of seeing Ojou’s smile. It’s a waste if I don’t use it properly.
After a moment, Ojou’s face turned bright red. Then, she tightened her mouth tightly, as if to contain the voice that was about to come out.
She keeps her mouth shut, so neither she nor I can tell what words she was trying to squeeze in. However, the fact that her face suddenly turned red made me wonder if she was angry about something. Or is it really hot in the greenhouse?
「~~~!」
「Huh?」
After a while, I pick up the sound that escaped her lips and tilt my head to the side.
「I’ll look forward to it……」
She said it somewhat reluctantly. But Ojou doesn’t lie, so I take her at her word.
I smile, happy that Ojou is looking forward to the garden I’m building.
「Ahhh.」
For now, let’s do our best with the current problem. Spring is almost here.
Let’s start growing a garden so that Ojou’s smile can bloom in a real spring garden. At this time, I forgot.
There’s a limit to the time I can see Ojou’s smile—
And so ends Volume 4! 21 chapters to go. I’d ideally like to finish this in 2024, so if I can hustle and actually get back to my old two week cadence, then we might be able to pull it off.
Next chapter should come out Dec 1, but with Thanksgiving in the middle of it, if I schedule slip, that might be a little expected.
Either way, see you all next time in Volume 5!
Toasty Translations 
Thank you for the chapter!
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Happy Thanksgiving! Appreciate the chapter!
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