This is going up real early in the morning since I’ll be at the office during when I normally post this, haha. Imagine that, a week where I’m not at home to post this for once.

TL: Toasty
ED: Toasty

「Thank you for your always delicious tea.」

Finishing drinking her black tea, Lydia smiled at her maid Katherine while thanking her.

「Using those kind words on me is more than I deserve. But, I am happy it suits Lydia-sama’s tastes.」

Exactly as stated, Katherine happily returns a happy-seeming smile. At her master who had come to show an honest facial expression if it’s with her, Katherine feels delighted. If it’s the other servants, during the times they are thanked, they become self-conscious and freeze up. In that case, it’s charming, and among the servants, her master doesn’t know her popularity.
Because anyone who freezes up causes her master to become anxious, only the gardener’s apprentice can calm her down when she is worked up. If you remove the family members, this beginning of being herself, was very honorable.
Again, when she thinks about her acting identically towards the other servants, so they’ll be more relaxed, greed wells up. This was slowly anticipated and gradually eased with the extent the master’s state was seen.

If that is the case, the number one source of worry is what will become of Isaac-san, she thinks.

There were occasionally times when her master who returned from the garden’s face was red. For that reason, it reached the point that at the time her master returns, with tea leaves that have a relaxing effect, she would prepare tea and wait. She is unaware, but the gardener’s apprentice is skillful at making her master’s heart jolt. Her master who conducts herself appropriately for a prince or princess, only at times it concerned him, her emotions became abundant.  At times like that, the reality is she would feel like a younger girl.
It would be good if a day like that arrives quickly for her, Katherine thinks.
Suddenly, she saw her master looking at the garden from the terrace, and had a bad feeling.

「Lydia-sama, today, are you not going for a walk?」

It’s the time from afternoon until practice. Always, at the point in time she finishes her tea, she’s expected to be going towards the place of the gardener’s apprentice.
Lydia, with confusion contained in her eyes, gives Katherine a glance, and again returns her gaze towards the garden.

「What’s good to talk about, I don’t know……」

Up until now, things that made her happy, every time, she was reporting them to the gardener’s apprentice. Things that also are worrying her and so forth, she also had expressed. However, there is one thing she can’t say. That delightful expectation she cannot say is strange, and why she can’t say it, she can’t go to for consultation. With only that one thing, even other things, recently, became hard to talk about.
When Lydia made small fists and hung her head, Katherine gave a few words.

「Is it fine if you talk to me?」

「Eh……?」

For Lydia who had not minded the alternative of not talking to him, her eyes widen. However, Katherine carelessly says.

「You do not have to talk about things you do not want to talk about. You should talk to someone who you can say things to.」

Because she does not say it, it does not mean it will become a secret, Katherine warns Lydia, then smiles. Now, her master may be feeling a sense of guilt like the times she is keeping a secret, she thinks. Since the party she participated in, given that she was absorbed in anxiety, something happened, that Katherine also noticed, and came with preparations. But, it was noble society. Limiting to what her master brought up, with the position of a servant, she cannot go to ask questions. Then, even if he is her master’s friend, the gardener’s apprentice is still a servant..By all means, there is no expectation for her to talk.

「But……」

「Lydia-sama, do you want to talk? Or, do you not want to talk?」

At Katherine’s question, Lydia confirms the nature of the inside of her own heart. Which way in the world is right?

「Either one……」

Half of her thinks she wants to talk, wants to ask, and after saying that is somewhat scary. However, for her, just what in the world is scary?

「Lydia-sama, please excuse me.」

Katherine accepts her refusal, and then takes Lydia’s hands in both of her own. There is heat introduced in her hand and the warmness of the smiling face in front of Lydia’s eyes.

「For the sake of Lydia-sama wanting to talk, I will do it. I am Lydia-sama’s attendant.」

It might be that she’s unreliable, but when Lydia shakes her head no, Katherine has a little bitterness show on her smiling face. For the heart of the manner, at the kindness of not asking, tears are seeming to come out.

「Thank you.」

Restraining herself, Lydia smiles.
Thanks to Katherine, a little bit of resolution came out.

「……I’m going for a stroll.」

「Please take care.」

Pushed by Katherine’s words, Lydia went towards the garden.
Today, given that he was working at a place you can see from the terrace, before long she arrived near the gardener’s apprentice.

「Zack……」

「Ojou.」

Holding a basket where a mountain of weeds was coming out, the gardener’s apprentice looks in Lydia’s direction.

「U, um……」

She thinks she has to say something, but the words won’t come out without delay. The resolution to meet came, but she hadn’t yet decided on what to talk about.
In the time she is lost for words, the gardener’s apprentice exchanged a word or two with his father, and passed the basket he was holding to him.

「You came at the exact right time. Ojou, will you come to the garden together with me?」

He presents his hand with a smiling face. Is it his garden, that small plaza with the sunny spot used for self study?
Because he has something to do, towards Lydia who cannot speak successfully, he is a lifesaver. Lydia took the presented hand.
It isn’t different from the previous time, using the unguided path and being guided. However, given that there isn’t chaos like before, for which directions to go on the grounds, there is a destination, and she generally understood. At the time they go through the bush to enter the plaza, she’s given a large cloth to wrap her dress with so leaves won’t stick to it. For the other held hand, at that time she understood the reason for holding the cloth.
When she arrives at the plaza, there isn’t the heat of summer but dazzling light pours in.

「What…… is this?」

As for the garden, there is the unchanged owl of the water found, and there isn’t a large change, she thinks. But, with only one look at her feet, she’s surprised at the large change.

「I bought seeds and transplanted them」

The person who changed it smiles with complete satisfaction. The garden of the lawn was changed completely into white clovers. 

「Zack did this alone……?」

「That’s right.」

When Lydia, who isn’t believing, hears it, and she tilts her head in confusion at the person opposite her. Although the plaza is small, there’s a lot of surface. Replacing the original surface of the garden with white clovers is something that takes a great effort, she thinks, and he calmly nods his head. Didn’t he say the work he has is painful?

「Please walk as you’d like, Ojou.」

Even further, he smiles and says that to Lydia, who can’t believe it.
When Lydia is bewildered, a little after showing an attitude of thinking a little, he gives a suggestion.

「Then, shall we dance together?」

She’s surprised at those unbelievable words from him. Before he was only following Lydia for practice, but she tries to walk over of the white clovers until she’s invited to a dance she doesn’t think she’ll like.

「I cannot, the things that Zack specially raised…..!」

The lovely round mitsubas completely stretch out. She can’t see the passageway where the flowers are withered or dying. Unable to bring herself to trample them in a lively way, even more so when she knows the person who raised them.

「It’s fine, it’s fine.」

However, the person in question smile, and pulled Lydia by the hand.

「Wait……!」

The boy who was a gardener’s apprentice, when he pulls Lydia towards himself, he starts to dance the basics of waltz. With practice, things work out. It was different from their ordinary practice, and there was an intent for a plan when Lydia takes a walk, and he takes the lead.
Since there is a lead, reflexively Lydia follows. He isn’t a boy dabbling in it, his whole body has become accustomed to the basics of dance.

「As expected, dancing is hard, huh.」

「Naturally.」

At the boy who sarcastically laughs at that, Lydia becomes angry in return. Here there is neither a dance hall nor ordered cobblestone. The soil’s feel is unstable, and the steps briefly shake. The gardener’s apprentice who is dancing an awkward waltz is having fun.
Lydia, who can’t help but accompany him and dance, isn’t unsatisfied. His actions are always never explained beforehand, but this time his actions haven’t been explained yet.
Concealing how she got angry, Lydia asks.

「What are you intending?」

「Hmm…… that’s still a bit of a secret.」

She looks at the boy who smiles when he still can’t reveal anything. At the time he can’t start talking, as if he arranged it beforehand, there is something he can’t talk about. She shouldn’t know anything by chance, but he thought about if Lydia knew everything. Then, he immediately denied it.
Why is he so good at timing? It’s a sly aspect of him.
She knows he has a secret, and her throat felt like it became blocked.

「……Zack.」

「Hm?」

「I also have something I can’t say.」

「Yep.」

「……but, this time, I will say it.」

「I see. Then, I’ll also tell you.」

Her soft voice trembled, but at that, he pretends not to notice it with a warm smile on his face like this sunny spot, and accepts Lydia’s words.
With the general tune of their waltz, they circled around the water fountain with the owl on it several times, and then parted for that day.
Two days later, a visitor arrived at the Ernest estate. Lydia and her father Geordo, together, go out to meet this guest.

「Welcome, please come in, your Highness.」

Imitating her father, Lydia pinched the hem of her skirt and bows.

「You’re a busy person, so I’m sorry. The Duke’s garden is said to be famous. I wanted to see it just once.」 

「Then, Lydia can guide you to the garden.」

「Ahh, this way.」

The first prince has his attendant come with official papers. Then, those are handed to Geordo.

「I want the Duke to consider leading the Three Ministries.」

「……I will look at it」

Geordo, not showing his inner surprise in the slightest, receives the papers with a calm smile, and looks over it. Understanding the outline, Geordo slightly widened his eyes.

「This is, His Highness……」

「He is aware it is a rough place. However, when he thinks of preparing a research organization, it’s better to be quick. Because there are people who doubt, it will become the basis for silence.」

「Certainly, it may not be the best plan at the moment, you know.」

Geordo lets out a forced smile. With his superiors’ heavy-handedness, especially with the contents he interpreted, he could it, but Geordo, when presented with a practical plan, has no choice but to nod.

「With the sudden change, you’ll provoke opposition.」

「Then, for when I return to the castle, may I have your answer?」

「I look forward to working with you.」

Towards the smiling first prince who had frightening expectations for the future, Geordo smiles.

「Dia, I have a bit of work, so is it okay if I entrust this to you?」

「I understand.」

When Geordo requests it, Lydia nods her head, and guides the first place to the place where there are many fall flowers blooming. Given that the letter was a preliminary announcement, with that, the terrace where one can have tea and other places is prepared. Purple thistles and autumn bellflowers, and blue turf lilies look nice, and yellow chrysanthemums and patrinias are arranged by a welcome mat, and glossy abelias in the interior are modestly peeping out. If one changes their line of sight a little, you’ll find peach pink Dianthuses, Western style cate whiskers, and Clematises are there with noticeable globe amaranths providing a good accent. From where does that sweet smell come from, if you search for the origin, in the forest the fragrance of an orange fragrant olive tree is peeking out. [T.N: THIS ENTIRE SECTION WAS PURE PAIN]
At the sight of autumn flowers in full bloom, a breath of admiration leaks out from the first prince.

「So this is how it blooms in fall……」

Towards the first prince who said the blooming fall flowers were splendid, Lydia felt a sense of pride inside.The skill of her house’s gardeners isn’t normally recognized, but she was happy that they earned a response from other people.

「It’s a style of blooming that leaves behind its natural appearance. You can’t see this in the castle.」

「I will humbly receive His Majesty’s praise, our house’s gardeners will also gratefully accept it.」

Turning towards the smiling face of the first prince, that dazzling appearance, for a moment she seemed to shake, but for the sake of accomplishing the duty she had been entrusted from her father for their guest, Lydia endured. As the duke’s daughter she ought to not feel ashamed and entertain, thought Lydia as she encourages herself.
Incidentally, Katherine the maid made tea, and the two of them sat down. Then, because the first prince’s attendants moved back, and judging it to be necessary to order people to leave, Lydia also refrained from giving Katherine instructions.
Confirming there were only two people in the fall garden, the first prince happily smiles.

「Then, at least I can be comfortable.」

「Your Highness……」

「Lydia-sama.」

Getting a look of requesting a correction, Lydia corrected herself.

「……Roy-sama.」

「Yep.」

The first prince, Roy, nodded his head in complete satisfaction. Towards the innocent prince who is different from the time he was facing her father, Lydia’s mental tension slightly loosened.

「However, my visit hasn’t finished yet, you know. The Ernest Duke is especially busy.」

「Well, given that it would be good if my father has more days off, this was a good chance.」

「Then, I accidentally gave him more work, huh. As expected, afterwards I will apologize.」

Receiving Lydia’s words, Roy gives a strained smile. He recalls talking back and forth with his father, and Lydia asks.

「As for that, was my father absolutely necessary?」

Because she felt a factor of politics, specifically, she asks the only point she didn’t hear that she was concerned about.

「Yes.. Control of the educational institutions, the duke…… it’s in Lydia’s father’s jurisdiction, so I directly asked him.」

「Roy-sama is interested in this country’s education because of his youth?」

At Lydia who was looking with a gaze that held a sense of pure respect, Roy stared in amazement and burst into laughter, seeming to find something amusing.

「That…… The truth is, I only wrote something rather self-indulgent like that……」

「Eh……?」

Having a personal, exaggerated detail revealed to her, this time Lydia’s eyes widened.

「Maybe, if my father looks, it will immediately be exposed. Therefore, under the cover of a marriage candidate interview this time, I wanted to lay the groundwork with Duke Ernest.」

「His Majesty can’t find out……?」

「Yes. It’s because I’m trying to do something without certainty.」

Therefore, if the king became aware, he would stop, said Roy.

「……I, sooner or later will become king. I don’t have any feelings about abandoning that right and duty. However, one more desire came out. Just a little struggle I should try out, I thought.」

「A struggle……」

What unsuitable words from him, she thought. Even so, Lydia’s eyes saw the determination in his honey colored eyes.

「So, I wanted someone to cooperate.」

Gazed at by straightforward honey eyes, Lydia looked back.

「Me……?」

「Yes. This visit, pretending to be thanking for visiting my birthday, this is an interview with my fiance candidate.」

Roy, at the time he saw the list of those to visit handed over by his retainer, had put on an easy to understand smile. He met everyone on the list, and Lydia is the last.

「The Ernest house is an originally neutral house, and the post leader of the Three Ministries, without neutrality, will not function properly. Someone with that family status and lineage is most suited as my fiance.」

Lydia was thinking it was suitable for both of her parents, and concerning her own merit, she hadn’t thought about it. However, Lydia understands a princess who leans towards any influence of nobility is undesirable.

「I want to postpone it until graduating from the academy. At that time, there is a fiance that will keep my retainers silent. If possible, a person who understands is good.」

Even though entering the academy is how many years away, at how he focused until the distant future, Lydia is lost for words. Is he really a young boy who is different in only one or two ways? 

「Then, if I individually marry for political reasons, Lydia-sama…… is good. May I have your cooperation?」

At Roy being all smiles and facing towards her with an honest gaze, Lydia straightened up her spine. She can’t make a careless reply. Having said that, until now, it isn’t expected that Lydia immediately replies to the matter extended to her.
At the appearance Lydia is worrying about her reply, Roy’s forced smile changes to a kind look.

「It’s fine if you don’t reply immediately. After we get to know each other, I want you to confidently decide if I’m sufficient.」

「That’s, that feels like I am testing Roy-sama……」

「It’s fine, you know. That’s your right. I was trying to use you. You would be bearing risk and an excessive disadvantage, so you should use me too.」

Using the first prince, Roy, how discourteous. The disadvantage he spoke about, with an engagement to royalty, there will be many restrictions that come forward, and in the case the engagement is cancelled, Lydia will be blamed. From Roy’s manner of speaking, according to the result of his conduct, an engagement cancellation is likely.
For the response to Roy, it is something that will decide the future hereafter. This isn’t something you can undertake with only respect and affection. Lydia, for a moment, hesitates, and accepts the fact she cannot answer now.

「May I humbly think over it?」

「Of course, That’s my intention.」

Sweetly smiling, Roy drank enough black tea. When Lydia followed and drank tea, she felt her throat moisten. It seems she was nervous.
Although it was drawing close to the end, right after only one thing was weighing on her mind, Lydia asks.

「In the case I refuse, what will Roy-sama do?」

「I’ll have no choice but to pick from the other candidates. Because I wasn’t able to have a conversation with them like Lydia-sama, I won’t explain.」

Without hesitation, a reply of finding a clear decision was returned. Not having it explained or having it explained, which way is horrible, she thinks. Lydia feels sincerity for the way of having it explained. Although noble daughters are political tools, it isn’t as good being used unknowingly.
How about other daughters? For some who yearns for Roy, someone who wants power, since the potential to become queen is there, even know it, they will accept the conditions. However, for the sake of blocking engagement cancellations, the person in question will pressure him from his surroundings. There’s no mistaking it, it will be inconvenient for Roy.
She looks at Roy who is looking at the garden while drinking tea. Truly, he’s a boy whose appearance towers above paintings of angels. And then, his intelligence is excellent. Lydia respects the boy who posses more than the appearance of a prince. When they previously met, there was an ordinary adoration, but he actually meets and talks with the people of the country, and shows respect to his retainers. Right now, he’s relaxed as a prince, and it’s an honor to be friends with a calm prince, she thinks.
She can’t imagine herself as queen yet, but if this is a place where he let his guard down, then to that much, she wants to help, Lydia thinks.

「……which reminds me, is it okay to reveal the truth of the interview to a marriage candidate yet?」

「It’s because I won’t conceal it from a friend.」

A marriage candidate being aware of the purpose for Roy’s interview this time, isn’t there a risk of an information leak? She thinks about it and asks, and facing a dazzling smile that’s trusting her, Lydia believes he trusts her. There is no way she will willingly betray him with his faith in her.

「Besides, from now on, using this chance, I want to get in touch with Duke Ernest.」

「So I am an excuse.」

「Because talking with Lydia-sama is fun, contacting the duke must be remembered next.」

Roy’s words aren’t a lie, she understands through his facial expression. Because of that, Lydia also relaxes her appearance.

「It can’t be helped, can it? Please use that excuse to that extent.」 [T/N: Literally “I will let you use it to that extent”]

「Thank you.」

At Lydia’s purposeful sighing words, Roy gives his thanks, not just on the surface. That’s a boy whose smiling face you can’t hate, Lydia thinks. This is the charisma of royalty, isn’t it?

「I thought Roy-sama was a gentler person.」

She didn’t think he is hiding a will that is strong and forces his selfishness through, until he used political maneuvers. The method is considerably different, but is very childish.

「Do you hate that kind of me?」

「I do not hate it.」

Rather, Lydia feels that she likes the smiling face that feels age appropriate. At Lydia’s reply, Roy smiled, seeming happy.

「Is that so. I, knowing that I have age appropriate feelings, am very happy. Being unreasonable is also fun.」

The method is unusual, Lydia thought, but was silent at Roy’s smiling face.
Because Lydia doesn’t not have a strong feeling of wanting to struggle to that extent, she thinks she’s a little jealous. Sometimes he has a strong feeling of sticking to your own opinion, it seems. When that time comes, if she can act like him, that will be good.
Now, with him, facing each other, she should give an answer to the question that was given. Until she faces Roy, she was feeling a great sense of anxiety, but rather than talk with him, Lydia had courage. The inner light that dwelt in the pupils that gave the impression of Nigella flowers, Lydia didn’t notice it.
Several days after the marriage candidate interview, when Lydia went out for a walk and was greeted by the gardener’s apprentice.

「Today, for sure, will you teach me?」

「Ahh.」

When Lydia asked, he easily discloses his secret and nodded his head. Getting permission from his father, the two of them go to the plaza with the owl fountain. When they go underneath the hedge, an unusual carpet of white clovers was spread out.
The gardener’s apprentice who entered before looks over his shoulder when Lydia steps in.

「I want to give Ojou happiness.」

「Ha……?」

At the sudden detail, Lydia can’t understand. Happiness isn’t something you can present like an object.

「Yes.」

The gardener’s apprentice put something on Lydia. Her head passed through that large thing, and it fell on her shoulders. There was a hoop made of white clovers.

「Four leaves……」

The necklace made of white clovers was entirely made of four leaf clovers. The happiness he said, she realizes this is a symbol of good luck. But, the four clovers are expected to be rare, so Lydia is surprised at how these are here.

「That’s not all that’s here.」

When he prompts her and crouches down, she is able to confirm the round mitsuba leaves are mixed in here and there with the four leaf clovers.

「How……」

She can’t believe it. The other day, there were only mitsubas.

「It’s because Ojou walked.」

「How……」

「Because, in that situation, the tracks where Ojou walked, happiness comes out. I don’t understand why Ojou isn’t lively, but if it’s the way Ojou’s feet diligently walked on the ground, it’ll be fine.」

She was surprised.
He wasn’t aware of what was troubling her, but with he came to give her this kind of encouragement. The result of his actions he decided on was scary. However, when he tied happiness to where she previously walked, with her eyes she verified the appearance she could see. Because it’s expected he doesn’t know what kind of things are worrying her, it does not mean he’s guaranteeing the result. Only that if it’s good to persevere, she’ll be aided. However, his guarantee it would be okay, is very hopeful.
She received courage for her talk with Roy, but he had unintentionally dispelled the anxiety that wasn’t going away. Her cheeks began to get hot.

「Eh!? Ojou!?」

The drops did not stop falling, and from her nigella flower-like eyes, tears flow. The gardener’s apprentice who saw that, gazes at her, flustered.

「Wa, wai…… I, I, was I insensitive……!? Although I don’t know anything, I’m sorry!! I only wanted Ojou to keep her strength……」

「I」

Interrupting his apologies from becoming worse, Lydia, as she was shedding tears, opened her mouth.

「The other day, at the party, I met His Highness.」

「Eh, yes.」

Although he stared in wonder as she began to talk, the gardener’s apprentice nodded his head to show he was listening.

「His Highness, Roy-sama, was magnificent. He’s skilled at leading a dance, he’s very kind, and his intelligence is overflowing.」

「Mhm.」

「Then, I became one of Roy-sama’s fiance candidates.」

「Yes.」

「Afterwards, I met again with Roy-sama, and learned that I seem to be the leading candidate.」

「Mhm.」

By him only nodding his head up and down, one by one in his mind the words he can understand spill.

「I, I certainly admired stories in the picture books where one became a prince’s princess. But, I didn’t think it would that would happen to me……」

「Mhm.」

「I was surprised, and I don’t understand what’s good to do…… the expectation is that it’s an honor as a noble’s daughter, although……」

「It’s very surprising, I think.」

He pats her head with a soft pon sound. When she looks up, she meets his copper-colored warm gaze.

「Even though I’m older than Ojou, marriage, let alone love, isn’t something I’ve thought of. Ojou, as it is, because you’ve been doing your best with practice, you’re over capacity.」

She’s surprised, at the affirmation this kind of anxiety is natural, she calms down. Naturally, her tears stop.

「Are you immediately deciding?」

「Roy-sama just met with me, so I can think about it……」

「Then, it’s fine to relaxedly think about it, right?」

It’s good the prince is a good guy, he said with a smile. Thinking that it’s okay to simply make the royal family wait, although he’s a fool, he has nerves of steel.

「Since Ojou is a child, she doesn’t have to think about suddenly difficult things, you know. I’ll do what’s right in front of me, and before long, I’ll understand what to do.」 [T/N: Literally “I’ll do what’s right in front of my eyes, and before long I’ll understand”, but I added the implied part for clarity.]

When he says that’s the way it is with a laugh, she ends up understanding. Because he says the words he’s thinking, they fall without change from his heart. 

「That…… that is so. I’m still only a candidate.」

「That’s right.」

If she thinks that it’s fine not to be in a hurry, her heart considerably calms down.

「If Ojou becomes happy, then that’s fine.」

「Why am I the basis?」

「I don’t know the prince. Compared to a guy I don’t know, it’s better that Ojou is smiling.」

It’s an incredibly subjective feeling. She thinks she should point out how it’s disrespectful, but because Lydia’s happiness gradually rises, and she couldn’t.  Come to think of it, her father said it was okay for her to decide. Katherine the maid was also an ally and encouraged her. Lydia finally understood the reality that she is surrounded by people wishing for her happiness. Just how blessed was she?

「……Zack, these four leaf clovers, is it okay to pick a few of them for when we return?」

「It’s fine.」

She should make a bookmark of pressed flowers after returning, she thinks. Then, she decides to give it to her father who prays for her happiness as thanks.
What should she do for him? Because he raised these four leaf clovers, even if she gave him a bookmark, he doesn’t have books. When she wonders how she can convey her thanks and is staring at the four leaf clovers, next to her, he looks up at the sky.

「I see……」

「Zack?」

Curiously thinking about the dim looking appearance of the boy who is a gardener’s apprentice, when she calls his name, he returns a feeble smile.

「I’m an idiot. The whole time, I was thinking I can make the garden so Ojou can see it. But by chance, before I become an adult, Ojou may have already married and moved into another house.」 [T/N: Literally “moved to another house” or “married into another house”, so I combined them for clarity.]

It’s an everyday that Lydia vaguely thought would always continue.
Becoming aware that the end of this would come, Lydia’s eyes opened wide. To her, this was frightening. The realization that this everyday will not continue was frightening.
Again it seems she would cry, but at his added warm smile, she pressed that feeling down and stopped.

「I must not quickly become an adult.」

His words that he said, thinking of her, made her incredibly happy and still terribly sad.
In the garden filled with happiness, concealing just a bit of loneliness, were a girl and boy watching the flowers.

Ow. This chapter was so happy and uplifting, and then they shot me right in the heart.

Hopefully everyone had a good Thanksgiving if you celebrate it! Holiday season is coming up, so the next chapter might coming out a little earlier as normally it would come on December 24th, Christmas Eve. I might be out that day, so yes, it might come out the day before or on Sunday, the 26th. Sorry for any inconvenience, but hey, I need a break too, haha.

If you enjoyed the translation, consider dropping a comment or a like! Or, if you’d like to help keep the site funded, the Ko-Fi for the website can be found here.

See you all next time!

TL: Toasty
ED: Toasty

In the early afternoon that had nicely cleared up, one by one, towards the royal palace, luxurious carriages were entering. Among them, a black with gold trimmed carriage was there.
In the window, blue velvet curtains are hung, and the person in the middle can’t be seen. Among the many nobles who put up their family crest by the door of the carriage, the moderately sized golden family crest is engraved below the rear roof. On the four corners of the roof, were images of elemental spirits who protected a person of that family. The family crest was not emphasized, although you could be aware that this was a house of high class.
That carriage, in today’s meeting place, continued to go until it stopped in front of the red carpet. Naturally, the nobles’ gazes gathered on those already descending from the carriage.
When the coachman opened the door, there, where the surrounding gazes gathered, a young man with gently flowing blonde hair appeared. The hair of the bright blue who was just called shimmered, and his prepared appearance shone. The childish ladies blush, and the small yellow one raises her voice.
The young man who did not mind his surroundings at all, lent a hand with a sweet smile.

「May I have your hand, princess?」

「Father…… isn’t making that remark at the place where the princess bears the throne, disrespectful……?」 

The boy who had it pointed out to him corrects the situation without looking shy.

「Oh, that is the case, isn’t it. Then, my angel, what should I call you?」

「Mou, Father.」

At the young man who was joking around, he smiled back as if something was slightly funny, and took the small hand of the girl who was apparently his daughter.

Her platinum blonde hair is gently coiled until her waist, twice braided, and at the back of her head, it is collected into a bun. The jasper that decorated their chests weren’t as sparkling as her Nigella flower-like eyes that were thought to be like her father’s. The undertone of her dress’ blue, on the whole, is lighter than her father’s, but the lace accents used in places was the same darkness. On the skirt’s rim, the blue lace on the inside contrasts with the white lace, so the white lace is more visible.
With his eyes feeling a sense of childishness with bravery, he smiled, and some of the boys forgot their words.
For the father and daughter who made a lovely picture, their surroundings naturally made way for them.

「Lydia, I’m sorry. I was supposed to get accustomed to it at Via’s tea parties.」

「Flora was born, so there was no way for it to happen. In addition, there is no need for Father to apologize. That I can have a younger sister, I am happy.」

Escorting his beloved daughter while talking at a volume only they could mutually hear, Geordo apologized, but at the same volume, his daughter refused his apology, and with the sensation it was not a lie, he returned a smile.
Originally, the sponsorship comes from the mother, for tea parties his daughter Lydia participates in, but until her official debut into high society, he had been practicing. However, for the time Flora was being born, Octavia had to refrain from things like parties and meetings over tea, and so Lydia’s first tea party became the prince’s birthday party that she was unable to refuse. In the Duke’s house, their position where they rejected nearly all invitations without hindrance had backfired. They were no more than retainers, and could not go against the royal family.
Geordo had severe apprehensions, but his beloved daughter unexpectedly did not have any special nervousness. Rather, she has a wide margin before he worries. Deeply moved by his daughter’s words, on the other hand, he felt a little wonderful.

「You aren’t as nervous as I thought.」

「I am. I am very worried about doing something discourteous to various members of the royal family. But……」

「But?」

「Father is here with me.」

To his daughter who says it is very reassuring, Geordo has an impulse of wanting to hug his daughter tightly. Bearing it by clenching the hand of his daughter, in order to give her peace of mind, he smiles.

「Of course. If you ever want to go home, say so at any time. Even now is fine.」

「Even though we haven’t even given His Highness, the prince, his congratulations, that would be disrespectful.」

「Even if only I tell it to him it will be fine, however…… I don’t want you to meet him.」

To her unfortunately mumbling father, Lydia tilted her head in confusion. The other party he does not want her to meet, specifically the first prince, it seems, why doesn’t he want her to meet him?

「What’s wrong?」

Lydia asked as doubts surfaced.

「……I have only seen him, however, the extent of the rumors I hear is that he is very reputable.」

He is very young while already being wise, with a heart that thinks of the people, as it is, if he grows up he will become a wise king are the foremost of the rumors.

「I heard he has glittering golden hair and eyes, but the contents of his character are good.」

「That’s right. Opposing him is hard……」

Regarding Lydia, whose eyes are shining with her evaluation of the first princess, her father Geordo had a facial expression like he was holding back saying bitter things. If it’s the general rumors, he’s good, but the information from his trusted friends also say that the rumors that appear to be true are highly probable. The expectation Lydia heard the rumors wasn’t betrayed, it seems. That was the main cause of Geordo’s anxiety.
Geordo changes to a different subject in order to brush off his anxiety.

「Which reminds me, you’re wearing that something that you weren’t wearing from the time you were trying clothes on on.」

Escorting with his right hand, he points at the blooming flowers in his line of sight. With his white gloved hand, he stops at the Nigella ribbon with the white baby rose that looks like it was imprisoned in the moment it was about to fall apart. During the time of final adjustments to the dress’ ensemble, Geordo, who it was matched against, thinks the accent that wasn’t there at the time is curious. Until now, it was the first time he saw a fresh flower for decoration. He feels a faint divine protection of a water spirit.
At her father’s question, Lydia instantly froze up a little. Because it was really a little change, only Geordo, who was holding hands with her, noticed it.

「……this, this is a charm.」

「It’s lovely. Isaac understands what matches Dia well.」

「!?」

Lydia, with unbelievable thoughts, looks at her father who is expressing a sweet and sugary smile. Even though she hadn’t even said the name, how did he know?

「Isaac is water aligned, isn’t he? ……Magic to freeze the flower is skillful, you know. I also want him to teach me that.」

Without exception, he received a report of the magical aptitude of the workers of the Ernest household. With that, Geordo had a general understanding, and remembered the magical aptitude of the younger gardener apprentice.
However, it’s an interesting way to use water magic. Basically, water magic was used to snatch away the moistness.
Geordo, together with admiring the dainty magic, comparatively wanted to seriously understand the method. He wanted to give his wife a bouquet of flowers with his own magic.
Lydia, whose surprise was clear from her mouth, as she starts to understand, a new question floated to mind.

「Ma, gic……?」

「Oh, I’ve done something unromantic, it seems.」

Having done something regretful towards him, Geordo mumbled to himself. It seems Lydia wasn’t aware it was handmade.
Lydia’s eyes widened while looking at the blooming flowering on her left wrist. Then, gradually something like happiness welled up in her eyes.

「You made a good friend, haven’t you?」

「Yes……」

Seeing Lydia meekly nodding her head, Geordo feels delighted at his daughter’s growth. He’s truly glad that boy came to his house. If it was before he met her, he would not have been able to see such a gentle expression even until now. He couldn’t even wear matching clothes with her, maybe.

「Geordo, as expected, you also came.」

「Zinvarka, are you also with your daughter?」

When they arrived at the assembly hall, he was called by a voice from his friend, and Geordo turned his head to face that way. While escorting a girl wearing a dress colored green like fresh leaves, a fine young man who Geordo was not as short as came along. Confirming that, Lydia pinches the hem of her skirt and makes her prepared greeting.

「Dia, this is Zinvarka, the vice leader of a chivalric order.」

「I am Zinvarka von August. It is a pleasure to meet you, young lady.」

「I am humbly called Lydia von Ernest. My father is very grateful to you.」

At Zinvarka, who put a hand on his chest and gave a bow, Lydia, with both hands slightly elevated her skirt and bowed.

「Rather, because I am having his help, do not worry about it. Ahh, this is my daughter, Tordelise.」

「I am the oldest daughter of Marquis August’s house, humbly called Tordelise.」

With her brown hair that was the same deep brown as her father’s shaking, Tordelise nervous-lookingly became panicked and returned a greeting.

「Your daughter is cute like a young rabbit, isn’t she? Somehow or another, she isn’t so nervous.」

「Y, yes……」

Geordo smiled to give her relief, but Tordelise blushed and her body excessively stiffened. Zinvarka, as if he was amazed, faces his friend with half-closed eyes.

「You, with that face, don’t seduce my daughter……」 

「That’s unthinkable. I only seduce my wife.」

「Ahh, yes, yes. For now, with your face and position, not getting nervous is impossible.」

During the middle of the fellow fathers’ relaxed conversation, Lydia greets the girl for their first meeting.

「Tordelise-sama, this is the first time I’ve talked to someone close to my face. If it’s fine with you, from here, if we can be on good terms, I would be happy.」

「I, is that so, I’m afraid to be friendly with the beautiful Lydia-sama.」 

At the smiling Lydia, Terse shrinks back in fear. While watching over their daughters’ exchange, the fellow fathers look over the state of the assembly hall.

「The gender ratio is half and half, isn’t it?」

「If it’s only the adults, it’s very painful. It’s easy to understand.」 

In the assembly hall, boys and girls close to the prince’s age are accompanied by their parents. There are also those with both parents here, but half of them are similar to Geordo where there is only a single parent. Basically, escorting a lady is a man’s duty, so fathers coming together with their daughters are many.

「Only because Flora is there, Via did not come.」

「If Torde had said she wanted to see a glance of the prince, I would not have come.」

While making a sullen face, when Zinvarka looks in the direction of the daughters, there appears to be two people talking about the prince whose eyes are shining. The surrounding girls are also looking with the same level of expectation.

「……As expected, he’s coming.」

「Marquis Victor? That house’s timing is bad……. he arrived after, it seems.」

「Perhaps.」

At Geordo’s mumbling with a pensive facial expression, Zinvarka understood the moment he pointed at them, he remembers it’s an acquaintance not in this place.

「Because his wife is going to bed, he’s coming alone, which is regrettable, it seems.」

「It’s because he’s gentle, isn’t he…… If there’s another opportunity, we should visit.」

「We should. Well, if we accidentally came making gloomy facial expressions, it would be disrespectful.」

「That’s right. Making Dia nervous is no good, isn’t it.」

「……Really, your family is your basis for everything, huh?」

At the idea of discontinuing a gloomy topic, when Geordo approves with a smile, Zinvarka replies with an amazed voice. As a subordinate who arrived, how, until here, does he briskly suspend the priority of the host right now?
Incidentally, when their talk stopped, from where the orchestra had been preparing, wind instruments loudly sounded. Everyone in the assembly hall, at that signal, became quiet, simultaneously facing the double doors at the top of the wide staircase ahead, bowing their heads.
Slowly both doors opened, and the king, then the first queen, the second queen, and then the second prince appeared.
The king stands in the center, and the other three people stand behind him. The king with a well-projected voice, invites them to lift their heads, and then after confirming everyone followed, states his opening greetings. He says simply his thanks for gathering for the sake of his son and the purpose of enjoying oneself to their heart’s content. Not prolonging his speech, rather, he’s sorry that he appeared before the main actor, and only when the king showed it was a joke, everyone laughed.

「Then, today I wish to show our main event.」

Saying that, when the king steps back to the side of the first queen, ahead of the opened doors, a boy with golden hair and eyes like melted honey appears. The moment he appeared, clapping hands and cheers gushed forward, and at that, he accepted it like it was a gentle breeze while he moved and stopped where the king was standing just some time ago.
The model of a boy who was like an angel that sprung forth from a painting deserved to fascinate others. Even deeply religious people would think he was a true messenger from heaven. His dizzying gold hair and white porcelain skin was the envy of women, but if it’s him, then no one is jealous.
The first prince slowly looked around the assembly hall, and after confirming all present were silent, smiled deeply and opened his mouth.

「I am Roy Leonhard Von Rosenheinz. Now, in everyone’s minds, gathering for my sake, I give my thanks. I am still inexperienced, but I want to work vigorously for the same of the people and help my father. Somehow or another, from here on, for all of my subordinates, the people of this country, I want to help them. Then, the chance to meet with all of the young, like-minded persons after this, is very delightful. Certainly, we should talk about the future of this country.」 [T/N: I had 「Roy Leonhart Von Rozenhein」 but again, matching the manga here for convenience to you guys coming from there.]

While finishing talking, cheers and applause that were more passionate than the ones before sprang out.
While in the middle of the clapping, Geordo mumbles with a volume that can’t be heard.

「Saying he’s smart is unfair, huh.」

「You’re saying that?」

Only Zinvarka who was next to him picked it up, surprised. If other people heard, they would only be able to hear sarcasm, but he was thinking it seriously.

「Mou, I haven’t been told by my daughter I’m the most good-looking, huh……」

「It would be good if you had only been told that.」

While looking at his daughter who was eagerly clapping her hands, when Geordo who was seeming lonely let his feelings show, Zinvarka replies not with encouragement, but his true feelings. Hearing something like that from his daughter, Zinvarka hadn’t had that experience either. Rather, for the aim of what is needed from being a young assistant leader, the beard he was growing to supplement his dignity gave him a bad reputation with women in his house.
With the first prince’s opening declaration, from the orchestra a gentle sound began to flow. The middle of the assembly hall is a suitable temperature that seems to make you forget it is midsummer outside, so spending time with a lot of people is easy. Although the buffet party is sponsored by the royalty, there is a relatively relaxed atmosphere. The first prince himself walking around and saying hello to everyone is the root cause. It isn’t that at the prepared seat of the royalty, he passively receives congratulations, rather to the person who arrived, they turn and give their thanks.
When the greetings of unrelated elder statesmen who do not necessarily have children end, self-serving nobles nearby scramble to give their congratulations, then the children begin to introduce themselves. Geordo looked over how with only a word or two, they properly go one by one, exchanging conversation, and did not feel pleasant at how his daughter was looking at the prince with a respectful look.

「Are you Duke Ernest?」

「Yes. It is an honor to make your acquaintance. Congratulations for this time, your Highness.」

He stopped his eyes, towards Geordo who respectfully gave his thanks.

「Thank you. I hear you are an excellent duke. Furthermore, that standout appearance, there is no one who would mistake it.」

「It’s something excellent. Surely, hearing that sort of thing from his Highness with a dazzling appearance is satisfactory.」

At his smile that he feels as if it was shining, Geordo returns a smile like a sweet-smelling flower. At the situation of two good-looking people lined up next to each other, the surrounding women let out a sweet sigh.

「I too, following my father and other state officials, want to build my strength from early on, and retire early.」

「You give me too much credit, to equal me with His Majesty. Because my father entrusted this territory to me, there isn’t an ending of retirement.」

「That is because the duke’s territory is wide, isn’t it? With the royal capital, if coming and going is frequent, either one of them will become neglected. It’s a wise judgement.」

At the boy who without delay shows consideration for the circumstances he understood, Geordo’s smile doesn’t change, and is surprised in his inner thoughts. Certainly, this is only called a wise king of the future.

「Duke, is this your daughter?」

「Yes. This is my daughter, Lydia.」

「This is the first time we meet. I am humbly called Lydia Von Ernest. For this occasion, absolutely, congratulations.」

Different from other nobles, until asked from the prince, Lydia introduced herself as his daughter. It had been avoided, but this was as far as he could go.
Lydia’s expression was nervous, but her voice was not too excited, and with a tightly controlled voice she gave her congratulations. Geordo felt proud at his daughter of his house who did not feel ashamed to show manners.
After the prince slightly opened his eyes, his facial expression began to smile broadly.

「It’s like a fleeting fairy, I think, you have dignified eyes. Truly, you have a beautiful daughter.」

「That……」

At the blushing Lydia, the prince held out a hand.

「Would you like to dance with me, Lydia-sama?」

「……with pleasure.」

The instant it occured, Lydia couldn’t believe it, but if possible she wanted to reply to the elegantly smiling prince’s invitation.
From those surrounding them, seeing the two young people with envious and other various looks, Geordo, who was ostensibly seeing his daughter off, mumbled with a lower than usual voice.

「Is he really seven years old?」

「You were also someone like that, you know.」

Knowing about his frightening childhood, Zinvarka half-closes his eyes. Because he is now friends with the person he thought that because he couldn’t believe the smiling speeches he coolly said, society doesn’t understand.
Lydia, who is unaware of the father’s exchange, is surprised as the prince’s skillful lead while also synchronizing as if to cut dependence on him.

「You’re skilled, aren’t you? I’m glad I chose you as the first lady to dance with.」

「It’s your… first time? With this, it’s very……」

At the seemingly delightfully smiling prince, Lydia is surprised.

「Truly. It’s because I am only receiving lessons alone.」

「I also have lessons alone.」

「Is that so? For a noble, it’s troubling to have little chance to interact with other young nobles. This time as well, it’s my birthday, so I asked father to prepare an unreasonable occasion.」

「Then, this party is His Highness’ idea?」

「It’s merely selfish, you know. There is a feeling of being used, but it’s in my hypothesis.」

At the prince’s satisfied looking appearance, to some extent Lydia was aware that with an understanding of his vassals, he would proceed. In this way when he tried to talk, he would often feel wise.
However, after his first time dancing, the feeling that his expression broke a little was her imagination, wasn’t it? Up to some time ago, the appearance of not being scared of adults had become weaker, instead there is a feeling of being a little closer to being age appropriate. 

「Um…… Your Highness, it’s discourteous, but your words…」

「Fufu, if it’s here, the adults also aren’t able to hear, so it’s fine, right? Lydia-sama also doesn’t have to call me that in that formal way.」

It’s fine to call him by name, says the prince while roguishly smiling. Only personally seeing the boyish side made Lydia confused.

「That’s, that’s something disrespectful……」

「It’s fine because it’s a request from me. No one can blame you.」

She faces that innocent, sparkling smile, and Lydia doesn’t understand what the best thing to do is. Calling him by name in a familiar way is disrespectful, but command from royalty is something she can’t go against.
During the time she is worried about which way is right, she continues to look at the smile with an expecting gaze.

「……I understand, Roy-sama.」

When Lydia, who was at point-blank range in front of him, runs out of persistence and accepts, Prince Roy’s smiling face sparkles even more.

「I’m happy. As expected, you were the right noble lady to choose.」

At the boy’s pretty look with his whole face smiling while saying that sort of thing, Lydia’s cheeks became rose-colored. Girls of similar age shouldn’t blush with an admiring look, that way of acting is a terrible story.

「Why did you ask me?」

Based on her family status, she was ready to be invited to dance once, but she didn’t think that she would be invited first by Roy. Lydia doubted it was natural.

「It’s because you talked to me properly.」

「Yes……?」

「I talked to some others’ children, but they were either too nervous or too admiring that I couldn’t have a conversation, you know……」

At Roy’s words that had a regrettable-seeming smile to them, Lydia understands. She understands well the feeling of the other party not being able to talk with you. Except of those around her age, her position is above the other person, so meeting face to face and talking is difficult, isn’t it. If she had not been able to practice sufficiently, because she was anxious, her nervousness would swell up.
Even the time she dances, openly entering her vision, at the decorating flower charm on her left-hand side, she lets a smile slip. In no small part, it is thanks to this.

「I was starting to think that so suddenly is impossible…… then, Lydia-sama, I was able to meet you.」

The honey-colored eyes look into eyes like Nigella flowers.

「It’s thanks to a noble lady like you that I can’t give up. Thank you for giving me hope.」

「That, I have not done anything……」

Even if she hung her head at the undeserved thanks, the white flowers are reflected. It does not mean she herself knows the preciousness that there is a companion you can talk with. Here, humbling herself again,  a gap will grow, and he’ll become disappointed.
Lydia raises her head and smiles.

「If I, for sure, am able to talk with Roy-sama, I would be happy.」

It isn’t from the viewpoint of a vassal, it is with the viewpoint of someone in the same generation, she tries to honestly convey. There, Roy’s bright smile was shown.
Until the waltz ended, the chatted only with each other with a volume that could not be heard by others, and when the music stopped, the two were wrapped in applause. The two who weren’t paying attention to the way they were talking, exchanged gazes and softly laughed. Then, with their hands held as they were, gave their thanks to the onlookers.
Roy gives the signal for Lydia to return to Geordo’s escort and returns to the royalty.

「Then, Your Majesty. Until the next time.」

「Ahh, sometime I’ll show you our proud garden.」

When he exchanged greetings, Roy returned the greetings from Zinvarka and the other vassals.
When she thought back on it, it was just a moment ago although at that incident that was hard to believe, Lydia is uplifted. She herself, now, danced with the prince and talked with him.
Lydia, remaining in her dreamy state of mind and loosening her manners, looks up at her father.

「Father, I didn’t do anything discourteous, did I?」

「No? You were a very wonderful lady, you know.」

At receiving her father’s praise with a smile, Lydia smiled with relief and happiness.
In the middle of the carriage returning home, towards that dream-like incident, Lydia was becoming restless.

「His Highness is no less wonderful than the rumors said.」

「Yes, so it seems.」

Geordo smiles while listening to her talk. In the middle of talking like that, after a little while when they arrived at the estate, a voice from the coachman rings out. Because of that, the conversation is broken off, and Geordo abruptly brings up the topic.

「……listen, Dia.」

「Yes.」

「If, by chance, you were to become His Highness’ bride, would you be happy?」

「That is a story like a dream.」

It’s a development that you’d yearn for completely like a picture book you’ve read. Therefore, Lydia immediately gave an affirmative reply.

「I see. Then, I will discuss it for Dia. From today, it seems like His Highness will be searching for bridal candidates.」

「Then, today, His Highness’ birthday party that was celebrated……?」

「Yes. Of course, that is the main point. His Highness may not know, but because some of His Majesty’s vassals also had this aim, he was able to have a party.」

No, Roy knew. Lydia, who talked with Roy, knows that he went to the party with a sense of his vassal’s intentions. Lydia was annoyed at the truth that meant he was not there purely to celebrate. 

「Then, Dia will become that bridal candidate.」

Lydia thought strangely about her father who spoke as if it was a decided matter. Even if the party hadn’t finished, the expectation is that there is no official notice. Even so, her father understood grounds for judgement, it seems.

「It seems there are other candidates, however, if Dia desires it, then I will help, you know.」

It seems only a little lonely, however Geordo touches up his beautiful smile.

「When Dia makes up her mind, could you tell me? Especially if it’s disagreeable, because I will refuse them.」

Lydia understands that there is no way he can go against a command from the royalty. In the case it is officially decided, how much her father will upset others is difficult.

「Y, yes……」

That is all Lydia was able to respond with.
Carrying the reality of their talk, she was absolutely surprised. There wasn’t happiness or any other emotions welling up, only pure surprise occupied her heart.

Geordo might be a silly man, but what a good dad. Straight up willing to fight the royal court over his daughter.

Not much to say in this chapter, other than that I did change a few of my name translations to match the manga. Currently I’m translating Chapter 19, so Volume 1 will be done soon.

One thing I did notice was Volume 2 is long per chapter. The reason why Volume 1 has 19 chapters and the others have around 10 is that yes, every chapter in Volume 2 is about the same length as 2 chapters of Volume 1. I have been able to keep my pace of every 3 weeks but I’m hoping I can keep that up when we hit Volume 2. I was tempted to increase the pace of releases to once every 2 weeks, but I have to see how long it takes me to power through a Volume 2 chapter.

This goes doubly because I’m back to being at the office 5 days a week, which means much less time to translate, as before I could easily do it during my downtime at work; not so much here anymore. Though amusingly I’m here, posting this on my day off, heh. But again, we’ll see, as we have a while until we hit Volume 2 and I haven’t actually translated a chapter from there yet to see the time needed.

If you enjoyed the translation, consider dropping a comment or a like! Or, if you’d like to help keep the site funded, the Ko-Fi for the website can be found here.

See you all next time!

TL: Toasty
ED: Toasty

In the land that extends behind the residence, there I was. Because this is a spare place for drying laundry, few people come.

「Your posture has become better, hasn’t it?」

「Is that so?」

Incidentally, when I finished practicing martial arts, my teacher, Heinz-san the butler, who I didn’t realize was there, spoke to me.
I was dripping with sweat, but my teacher as always, with an unreadable facial expression like a calm water’s surface, was refreshing to look at. In the end, even though I received a small adjustment, it’s strange. I wonder how his sweat glands are. No, he could throw me without receiving a single hit.

「Yes. Because it seems you were hunched over, I was thinking you should correct it.」

My teacher says I saved him the trouble. Certainly, for nearly all of my gardening work, because the times I was bent over are many, it seems I’ve become like a hunchback. Because my father’s stature is tall, I do the work that needs you to squat, and the truth is I heard from my mother it’s helping him, and being helpful makes me happy, but that kind of harmful effect is there.

「What are you doing?」

「Um…… ah, I’m sure to stretch before strength training.」

I have an understanding. But, because I can’t say anything, I say that. The increased stretches are a lie.
When I make that lie in front of my teacher, I feel like he can see through my secret, and my heart pounds. At such a time, I think that things like turning your head away aren’t good, and quietly look back into his eyes.

「Is that so? From here, as well, please continue doing that.」

「Yes.」

Somehow I avoid referencing it, and my heart is relieved.
Maybe my posture’s improvement is because of helping Ojou’s self-study. As for what Ojou is doing, it’s only the basics of waltz, she was saying, but I wonder about the other dance varieties that exist. But, the foundational practice, for me, is tough. Because it uses muscles I’ve never used before until now, being conscious of my posture is more tiring than memorizing martial art forms.
First of all, stepping on Ojou’s feet is frightening, and so even how to move your feet, I was desperately learning.
Somehow, I’m unskilled with rhythm, isn’t that right?
According to Ojou, triple time and four-four time are different, it seems. The songs I often sing use four-four time as a basis, so the triple-time of waltz is difficult.
I call out to my teacher who has to leave when practice is over, since there was something I wanted to ask him.

「Um, teacher.」

「……what is it?」

He answers in a single beat. As for the feeling of resignation in his voice, I wonder why that is.

「Something was weighing on my mind before, but are there servants like master who can fight like I’ve heard about?」 

「There aren’t many, but the ones hired from knight families can. Since regular guards can deal with it.」

「Heeeeeh.」

「Among them, I have to assign several of them to Lydia-sama……」

Master, who put his chin on his fist while really thinking carefully, somehow after glancing at me, mumbled that sort of thing. From now on, because the chances for Ojou to go outside would increase, an escort would become essential. That is to say, for people like Duke-sama or Oku-sama, there are servants trained in combat.. Before the time we met for tea, I completely didn’t think that kind of person would be in those maids, but perhaps there was. [T/N: Literally ‘servants of armed struggle school’ for ‘trained in combat’, but I opted for something less weird-sounding in English. Also Heinz definitely staffing Isaac with Lydia.]

I heard that Ojou, sama, gu…… people close to her age will increase, right?

「Certainly, there are expectations to choose sons and daughters of close age, but is there something?」

「No, Ojou…… sama, I hope, is able to make friends.」

「You’re carefree, aren’t you……」

Ah, master isn’t hiding his amazement. His facial expression is new. I, did I say something strange, I wonder?
For people like nobles, until around the time they would go into Japan’s compulsory education system, because they have something like a private tutor, I have the impression the chances they have to spend with those of the same generation are small. There are guards, but it could be that she is able to be with the same age as her, it would be good. Which reminds me, in elementary school in my previous life, there were few guys who could use the monkey bars, and if you could do them, when you used them you would be called a monkey, huh. Ah, now, also, when I tried to compensate for my lack of height with a dropkick, because my Master said I was like a monkey, not much has changed.
Click, and my thoughts were derailed by the sound of Master confirming the time with his pocket watch.

「Our time for chatting is up. You should also go back to work.」

「Yes, sorry for keeping you!」

When I reflexively bow as a farewell, master’s eyebrows only slightly furrowed. However, when he immediately returned to a calm facial expression, he turned on his heel and went back to the estate.
After I wiped my sweat off with a towel, I returned to my father’s work and did my chores. On the days that I received instruction from Master, I told Ojou not to come. Because it would be disagreeable for Ojou to smell of sweat, and if you also look, it wouldn’t be funny.
Besides, I don’t want her to see something uncool. Ojou is always getting mad at me and I’m undignified for my age, but if I can do it, I don’t want her to be disgusted.

「Hm……?」

I have a strange feeling, and then turn around. However, there’s nothing. In the middle of the residence, there are maids who are cleaning the windows, though. Recently, when I was working on the estate grounds, I have had a strange feeling. Sometimes I have a feeling of something creeping around the nape of my neck, but with only the servants diligently working when I turn around, there’s no changed appearance.

「I wonder if a spirit is playing a prank on me??」

Because I can’t see them, I have an image of mischievous fairy-like spirits. Because they’re also delighted with my songs, I have a feeling they enjoy anything fun.
I understand that feeling of an unknown cause and returned to work.
After I went with Ojou for her independent study, one month passed by unexpectedly quickly. Until now, Ojou told me when to come, and our practice time was rearranged only so it couldn’t leak out to our surroundings. It’s amazing now, however, Ojou came to me alone, and didn’t search for anyone else. Even so, it’s expected that every time she takes a 「walk」, it will be long. It’s inside the residence grounds, so it’s fine, is that what she was thinking, or is it because Katherine-san is following you, I wonder.
First of all, the day before the party would become our final practice day. I, up until the end, would meet with Ojou with the best effort I could do, even if I didn’t sufficiently understand how to dance. At the end of practice, I worriedly ask.

「Is it okay to practice with me……?」

「Yes. When I was taught by my teacher, because it’s one person, so I understood to be careful when I have an actual partner.」

Given that Ojou really says her satisfaction, I’m relieved.

「Is that so? I’m glad……」

I, who was openly giving a dull smile, am reflected in Ojou’s light blue eyes. As expected, with being unused to dancing, I was nervous.

「Um, Zack……」

Ojou mumbles while opening her mouth. She isn’t calm, maybe, and poking her index fingers together, is bending and straightening them out. 

「……um, helping me with practice, I, I was saved, and I…… um, so……」

Ojou, turning her eyes away, after closing her lips, looked at me.

「Thank you.」

Like a bud about to bloom, it’s a little awkward, and Ojou smiled.
If I can see Ojou with this kind of face, I think I’m glad I did my best even if it wasn’t sufficient. I happily grinned.

「Do your best for your performance.」

Together with my encouraging words, and with a prepared paper bag that’s handed over, Ojou receives it and looks at it.

「This is……?」

「Because I can’t go with you, as a substitute, it’s a charm.」

Ojou slightly widens her eyes, and takes out the contents of the paper bag.
What’s taken out from inside is a charm of a white baby rose about to bloom attached to a blue ribbon.

「It’s cheap, so it’s unreasonable to have to wear it.」 

In order to make sure, I clarify. It’s the quality of ribbon I can buy with my pocket money, so it’s not something like silk.
The baby rose is one I asked my father if I could pick it from the greenhouse.
Because the charm of the baby rose was more difficult to make than I thought, I made a lot of mistakes. I thought of the name of blizzard, and froze it, and on the third try when I froze the water, the volume had increased but I realized the cells had been destroyed. After that, I rethought the system of drying flowers, and tried to pull out the water portion of the flowers, but there was the problem of osmotic pressure, and with the degree of adjustment being large, with ten tries I preserved the current status and succeeded in only pulling out the water. For things like science, I’m bad at it, although I hadn’t manipulated water on a nano level, I regretted trying to do it. Because I futilly used my nerves, for a while I didn’t want to become a water wizard.
Tomorrow, concerning Ojou, something like a recital is like an examination, so with the intent of something like a prayer for academic success, I wonder if I made too many. From some time ago, staring at her hands as it is, there is no response. More or less, I made a ribbon that would not seem to get in the way. Ah, putting in the paper bag, as expected, was clumsy, huh?

「I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking if it was more preferable, and put it in the paper bag, but……」

A box for decorations would have been expensive. I looked, more or less, but the main part of the charm wasn’t even as expensive, and it was out of my reach.
Again, there’s nor reaction. She isn’t pleased with it, it seems, but I picked and chose a pretty flower.

「If, by chance, you aren’t pleased with it, you can throw……」

「I will absolutely not throw it away!!」

Before I finish speaking, as if to protect it, Ojou hides the ribbon. She isn’t being threatened with taking it. It’s already Ojou’s, so it won’t be taken. She seems pleased with it, so it is okay to say it’s good?
First of all, to Ojou who’s holding the ribbon, for the sake of appealing to someone like a threatened cat, I openly show both palms and make a gesture of having no hostility. Ojou, who understands it won’t be taken, lowers her guard.
Quietly opening her closed hands, in the middle of her now open hands, she checks the flower.

「It’s pretty…… and cute……」

Ojou begins to show a happy facial expression. Her mumbling is soft, but I was able to hear it. She’s happy with it, I’m glad.

「I’ll do my best tomorrow.」

「Don’t be too nervous. It’s the real prince.」

「How did you keep it alive…… if I look at this, I’ll remember Zack, and if I get discouraged, it will be okay.」 

「Ehhh, am I not being spoken badly about?」

The feeling of support was put in, but that sort of sense of that feeling being attached isn’t there.

「In some way, I am praising you.」

In some way. Well, because the charm wasn’t for nothing, it’s acceptable.
Around sunset, the stone gazebo, the surrounding pond, with everything turned orange, we match smiles. We aren’t tense at the end, it seems, but we have a feeling it will be fine.
Certainly, Ojou will be fine. For me, who saw the appearance of Ojou putting in hard work, I believe tomorrow will be a success. I don’t understand noble parties or how to be successful at them, but if it’s Ojou, she’ll succeed in being cool and come back.
Returning home that day, before leaving the estate, the eyes of the maids I saw were red. Is it summer fever? The flowers of the estate we use to decorate have pollen, so it’s to be expected. It weighed on my mind, and then when I consulted with my father, because it seems there are flowers close to the estate that I am unfamiliar with, I’ll investigate them. The next time I practice, I’ll try to ask Master if I can receive his cooperation.

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