A few days after the Flantheim House evening party.
Cordelia secluded herself up in her laboratory and thought about essential oils.
(A fragrance that Sara-sama would like. A fragrance that Sara-sama would like.)
Three days after the evening party, Nirupama had taken Cordelia out, as if she was kidnapping her, and they visited the Flantheim mansion once again. The Marquees greeted them with plenty of sweets, so Cordelia enjoyed those first. She observed the conversation between Nirupama and Sara, and then showed Sara the essential oils she had, other than the rose one.
"They all smell nice."
"Are there any you like?"
"Well, I want to try them all, but I just don't know where to start."
"I also brought some perfumes and balms that I have. I hope that you would try them also."
"Thanks. I'm very happy."
Sara looked as happy as she'd said she was. But then, Cordelia noticed something.
Sara-sama probably doesn't like all the fragrances here, she just hadn't found something that's caught her eye.
She thought that and concentrated her magic in her eyes, and looked at the magic colour that was surrounding Sara. She memorised the hue and thought about what blend would work well for that hue of magic.
(Of course, I'm sure Sara-sama would be happy even if I don't blend it for her, but it's worth it if she's happy.)
For now, Sara could just use the things that Cordelia had given her. She was still thinking of a blend for Sara, but it might have been faster just to listen to her impressions of the ones she had used. However, if she was really to think about blends seriously, then she wanted more kinds of essential oils. Should I search for more herb habitats in the library? Cordelia was really troubled over where to start.
(And then...... This has nothing to do with fragrances, but it might be good to change the plain dark reddish-brown bottles into something cuter.)
The colour might not be easy to change, in order to prevent a change in quality, but there are many ways I could make the label. The bottle I'm using now is easy to use, but it's a bit boring.
Cordelia thought about it as she took a small bottle from the table.
"...... Hey, Ojou-sama."
"What's wrong, Ronnie?"
"Aren't you pushing yourself a little too hard? You're spending more time on that chair than usual. Why don't you take a little break?"
Ronnie told her that and Cordelia tilted her head. She had no intentions of pushing herself too hard.
But, she did feel like her shoulders were a little stiff when she moved them. Apparently, what Ronnie had said wasn't wrong.
(I wonder if I was more distracted from my encounter with Prince-sama than I thought.)
They hadn't talked that much, and she intended on feeling relieved after she reconfirmed that she'd avoided him, but apparently, she was more aware of him than she had thought she was.
(But, I can't help it, my life is at stake.)
Will I be reflected in Prince-sama's eyes as 『just a normal lady』? She was a little worried about that, but the current her had no way of knowing the answer. Of course, she could find the answer to a certain extent if she asked Vernoux, but then that would cause misunderstandings, and she couldn't ask when she knew he was probably going to tease her more.
"I'll prepare some tea. So, please rest for now, Ojou-sama......"
"Excuse me, Cordelia-sama."
"Emina? Come in."
A knock sounded at the door, interrupting what Ronnie had to say, and Cordelia invited the person in.
"You have a guest waiting for you."
"A guest? For me?"
"Yes. Aisha-sama is here."
Cordelia quickly stood up at those words. This was the second time Aisha had visited without an appointment. Is it that urgent that she didn't even have time to send a letter? She headed towards the parlour while feeling anxious.
In the parlour, Aisha wasn't sitting on a chair and instead was staring out of the window.
"I'm sorry for making you wait, Aisha-sama."
"It's been a while, Cordelia-sama."
"What happened?"
She thought that it was a bit hasty for her to ask after the greetings, but was extremely worried, so she asked. Aisha widened her eyes in surprise and said while looking very serious.
"Yes, something big has happened."
"What on earth......"
"Well...... I was able to buy the limited custard pie from the store that has the longest queues in the Royal Capital. So, would you like to eat it together?"
"Th-that is certainly a big deal."
Cordelia thought she was going to stumble for a second there, but that was certainly a big deal.
Cakes had a short shelf life. It was inevitable that Aisha had come without an appointment if she had gotten the cake so suddenly. Cordelia had also heard about the pie from Ronnie and wanted to eat it, but she didn't think she could.
Unfortunately, the queues were just too long. Even though it was spring, the sun's rays were harsh, and Cordelia couldn't say to her servants, "Go queue up and buy this for me."
Incidentally, Ronnie knew about the pie because the onee-sama's from the magician's wing had ordered him to go buy them some. Then, he heard about the queue and ran away using Cordelia as an excuse.
"I'll have tea prepared. I'll also get them to divide the pie for us."
"Thank you very much."
Cordelia spoke and gave the pie to Emina. She was really looking forward to eating it. I wonder how delicious it is.
"Cordelia-sama, could you please listen to something else while we wait for the pie to be ready?"
"What's wrong?"
"The main reason why I came to see you today was because of the pie, but there's something else. To tell you the truth, I've been entrusted with a letter from father addressed to Cordelia-sama."
"Zeke-sama wrote a letter to me? What is it about?"
"Even I don't know what he wrote in the letter...... I don't mind. You're free to read the letter now as well, if you would like."
"Then, I'll do that."
Cordelia cut the seal and took out the letter that was inside of the envelope. There were two sheets of paper inside, but everything was basically written on one page. The letter, which began with greetings, was filled with strongly written letters.
She followed those letters with her eyes and then stopped breathing.
『The merchants who bought wheat from Caina village before seem to be connected to a Dark Guild. The merchants themselves are disposable pieces to the Dark Guild, so we don't have any information, but you probably don't have to worry about the village. I have dispatched some soldiers there just in case. At the moment, it is still unclear whether they would retaliate because the village has stopped selling them wheat. It's also highly probable that they won't do anything to the village. They want money, so they probably won't chop down the money tree themselves.
However, they do have the tendency to eliminate those who they view as a threat. I have received a report stating that one of their comrades was trying to gather information about you in Ertiga. This information was only conveyed to a select number of people as not to rouse concern. But Elvis-sama has given me permission to inform you of this, Cordelia-sama. There is no real threat here at the moment, but please be careful.』
"...... Cordelia-sama? Did my father write something rude?"
"No, he didn't. It was just that I wanted to visit again since I haven't been there in a while."
Aisha seemed worried, so Cordelia smiled to trick her.
(Dark Guild......)
She had heard about the existence of Dark Guilds before then.
They were places where people, who threw away their morals so that they could live according to their desires, gathered. She had heard about it being like that from her older brother, Isma. It was the general term for them, since there were many different groups. Fortunately, she had never met them before.
(I've also heard that they raised a revolution under the pretence of a coup in the past...... What is a revolution when they use illegal funds and trick people?)
However, Cordelia didn't have much time to think right then.
That was because the extremely delicious looking pie and tea were brought back into the room.
"Wow! Look, Cordelia-sama. I can see fruits where it's been cut. It looks delicious."
"Then, let's eat, Onee-sama."
"Yes. Let's eat a lot!"
Cordelia spoke with Aisha about trifling things as they ate the pie.
However, the contents of the letter were stuck in her head and she couldn't enjoy the conversation.
Then, time passed and it was time for Aisha to go home, so Cordelia saw her to the entrance.
(People who do unpleasant things appear everywhere.)
She hadn't done anything wrong and the only thing she could do was to accept their challenge.
(Otou-sama must have wanted me to think of a way to handle this if he was willing to let me know about it.)
What should I do and who should I ask help from? She had to think more about it when she got more reliable information.
Cordelia gave a long sigh at the possibility of trouble after her encounter with the prince and returned to the parlour. Then, she noticed that an earring that must have belonged to Aisha was on the sofa.
I might still be able to catch up to her, Cordelia thought as she quickly headed for the gate. I'll ask someone to deliver it if I missed her...... She thought and continued, but then she heard a child's scream.
Currently, there was only one child in the Pameradia House and there was no way she would hear that child scream, but she had certainly heard one scream near the gate.
What is it? She thought that, and Aisha was no longer there when she arrived at the gate.
But instead, there was a girl who looked to be the same age as Cordelia there. She had dark brown hair and a bobbed haircut.
(That's a rare hairstyle.)
Girls in this kingdom generally had long hair and noble girls had longer hair than commoner girls. However, even for commoners, it was strange to have hair that almost reached the shoulders but didn't. Even children had hair long enough to tie.
However, other than thinking it was 『strange』, she also thought that it was 『nostalgic』. And what was important right then was not the girl's hairstyle. She realised that the commotion was caused by this girl when she approached them.
The girl was snapping at the Parmeradia House's gatekeeper.
"Like I said! This is such a big house! So there should be something I could do, right!?"
"I said there isn't. If there was, then Master-sama would order us to make the arrangements."
"Are you saying you're stumped over how many people you have working here?"
It looked like the girl wanted to work at the Pameradia House.
However, Cordelia honestly thought that it was natural for the gatekeeper to take her lightly. Little girls were too young to be hired as servants. Besides, she was screaming in a place where nobles lived. Servants would not be accepted if they didn't have an introduction letter, or at least some etiquette.
She seemed like a very stubborn girl, but she really had no choice but to give up. She would trouble others if she made a fuss for too long, so Cordelia approached them to help the gatekeeper. Then, she noticed something.
(...... What a strange girl.)
She knew this from her hairstyle and attitude, but the strong magic surrounding her could only be said as rare. Her magic looked as if it hadn't settled in her body yet and was flowing out from within.
(It's extremely rare for someone to have that much magic power even though they aren't a noble...... Ronnie also falls into that category.)
However, there was a catch. The magic was swirling around the girl. She probably wouldn't display her magic like that if it was just high. It looked to Cordelia as if she couldn't control her magic.
"Can I take a bit of your time?"
"I'm busy right now...... Cordelia-sama!"
"Thank you for your hard work. It looks like a rare guest has come, doesn't it?"
"I...... I am very sorry."
In contrast to the gatekeeper who was acting a little uncomfortable, the girl was talking cheerfully.
"You're this mansion's Ojou-sama!"
Cordelia, who was getting pointed at vigorously, smiled.
"It's nice to meet you, Ojou-san. Do you want to work at my house?"
"Yes, that's right! I'm poor so I left the countryside...... This is such a big mansion, you know. There should be work for me here, right?"
Cordelia met the girl's gaze and stared at her. The girl waited motionlessly for Cordelia's reply.
"Okay. I'll accept you on a trial period for a while. However, you have to be accepted by my father."
"Yay!"
"Huh, Cordelia-sama?'
"However......"
"Then, can you get this Ojou-san to leave quietly?"
"......"
The gatekeeper looked stumped and serious at Cordelia's joke. It probably didn't occur to him at all.
"It's fine. There's someone who would look after her, isn't there?"
The gatekeeper frowned and then finally said, "Aah."
"First, come here for a second, Ojou-san. Can I ask for your name?"
"It's Carla. Nice to meet you, Ojou-sama."
"....... Then, I'll walk Ojou-sama to that place." 1)
So, Cordelia walked through the familiar path with the gatekeeper and Carla. Then, she glanced at the familiar greenhouses while opening the door to the laboratory and magnificently declared.
"Ronnie, I've brought you an assistant."
"Excuse me?"
Then, she surprised Ronnie who was trying to make a cup of tea for himself. Although the tea miraculously didn't spill, the gatekeeper, who saw that, put a hand to his forehead in amazement.
◊♦◊♦◊♦◊
That night, Cordelia tried to tell Elvis what had happened, like she told the gatekeeper she would.
When she asked the butler Hans when Elvis would be free, she was guided to the study straight away. Elvis had already heard about what had happened.
Elvis began talking as soon as she entered the room.
"I heard that you hired a servant."
"I did. She was causing a racket at the gate. However, I did put in the conditions that it was a trial period and she would need father's approval to work here. I'm thinking of leaving her to Ronnie."
Elvis finally turned to face Cordelia after she spoke, and she became nervous under his gaze.
"I heard that Aisha came today, but was that wrong?"
"...... I did receive a letter from Zeke-sama."
She knew what he wanted to say. Even if they were in peaceful times, it wasn't a wise choice to let someone of unclear origins into the mansion. He thought that she had made a foolish choice if she understood all this and still invited Carla in anyways. For argument's sake, she thought it couldn't be helped even if Elvis had said, "Is your head just for show?"
However, she also knew that he wasn't rejecting this idea just because he was asking about it. She couldn't get swallowed up by the mood.
"That child...... Her name is Carla, and she hides an extremely strong magic, but she can't control it. I wanted to watch over her a little, because if her magic were to run wild, then it would affect those around her."
"...... I also saw her magic, but her magic probably won't affect other people even if it were to go wild. There's no point in accepting someone who could become your enemy."
Elvis had already seen Carla.
"Does the person herself have any influence?"
"......"
Elvis didn't answer. No, Cordelia wasn't sure if he didn't answer, or if he couldn't answer because he was unsure. But either way, Elvis' decision would probably not change. Therefore, this didn't change the fact that she wanted him to approve of Carla.
"I won't be surprised if she is connected with a Dark Guild. But, I think if that was true, then she would have had a better way to infiltrate our mansion."
"And?"
"I was informed that Zeke-sama hasn't caught their tail yet. Therefore, if she is someone from a Dark Guild then wouldn't this be a kind of chance? This is the Pameradia House; we have the advantage. But, I would be very glad if she has nothing to do with a Dark Guild."
Of course, the people working at the Pameradia House would probably be troubled from her inviting Carla to work there. They would need to keep a watchful eye on her. Other than Ronnie, she needed to get the other magicians to watch out for Carla as well.
(..... The most important reason was that I was worried about her, even if I say such things based on her outward appearance.)
She didn't think he would approve if she said it was because of her intuition. Therefore, she had prepared some reasons to back it up. They both stared at each other in silence for a while.
"...... I'll let her work here on trial. However, reports on her would not only be given by you, but from others as well."
"Thank you very much."
Cordelia's thoughts were probably conveyed to Elvis.
An answer was given to her after a long interval and Cordelia bowed deeply.
◊♦◊♦◊♦◊
The next day, Cordelia went to her laboratory after she finished breakfast.
First, she stood in front of the door and listened carefully to what was happening inside. The two inside were quarrelling over something...... Or rather, it sounded as if Carla was mad at Ronnie over something. Cordelia opened the door without knocking while thinking that it was extremely noisy inside.
"What are you quarrelling about first thing in the morning? Your voices could be heard from outside, you know."
"Oh, Ojou-sama. Good morning. Please listen! This pipsqueak told me to work so early in the morning! It's still so early in the morning! You know!!"
"Ojou-sama, listen to me! I never heard about Ronnie not working if he doesn't drink his tea!"
"Excuse me?"
Cordelia tilted her head in confusion because she couldn't predict that they would say those things. Then, she looked at the clock. It wasn't as early as Ronnie was saying it was, but it wasn't late enough for someone to be angry at him.
"...... It's good that you're enthusiastic, but I don't mind if you relax a little more, Carla. It's not time for Ronnie to start work yet; this is normal."
"But......"
"Ronnie, could you make a cup of tea for Carla as well? And could I also have one also?"
"Understood. Please wait a moment."
Ronnie put his cup of tea down and stood up. Then, he carefully took some cups out of the cupboard. Carla looked really uncomfortable while watching Ronnie.
"...... Hey, am I really going to drink tea as well?"
"Oh my, do you hate tea?"
"I don't......"
Cordelia smiled at Carla who was mumbling. "Then, that's good," she said.
Ronnie, who heard their exchange, shrugged his shoulders and laughed while getting the tea leaves.
"Pipsqueak, it's not like you wanted to work from early in the morning, you just wanted to meet Ojou-sama as soon as possible right? You can relax now that she's here."
"Wh...... That's not true!"
Carla denied it in a loud voice. It was so loud that Cordelia wanted to tease her, "Oh my, that's too bad. You didn't want to see me?"
"Hey, what kind of jobs can you do Carla?"
"...... I can clean. I've never done laundry before, but I think I can do it if I'm taught how to."
"Cleaning and laundry, is it? But unfortunately, Ronnie doesn't do any cleaning or laundry. You'll be his assistant so...... Ronnie, is there anything you could ask her to do?"
Cordelia asked Ronnie as he was pouring water into the pot.
"............ Something like recording personal research results?"
She noticed why he had paused for so long.
The truth was there was nothing for Carla to do.
She had ordered Carla to be Ronnie's assistant, but Ronnie's tasks weren't easy enough for an amateur to do. In the first place, she couldn't let Carla know what she had asked Ronnie to do. His normal duties were confidential and included defence of the mansion and various magical research; so they couldn't let Carla see those so easily. Cordelia asked Ronnie because he knew that and she was a little surprised that he had proposed something.
However, Carla frowned at Ronnie's answer.
"I can read but I can't write. Can't you get me to do something else?"
"...... Then, oh right. How about letting her be in charge of regulating magic tools? If it's a water heater then she could use it for laundry or cleaning. My reputation would also go up."
Cordelia was interested in Ronnie's second proposal. However, Carla looked unhappy.
"I've never used something like magic before. So I can't use it...... What? What's with your face?"
"Nope, I was just thinking you're making such an amazing face."
"Honestly, what is it?"
"My bad, my bad," Ronnie waved his hands lightly, but he didn't look like he felt sorry at all. Of course, it wasn't like Ronnie was playing around...... Or so Cordelia thought but, what the heck are you playing at? Cordelia certainly thought that Carla had a great expression on her face, but they weren't getting anywhere like this.
Cordelia went between the two and said, "Calm down."
"Ronnie, this is my proposal. Won't you teach this child magic and how to write? Like you can see, she has plenty of magic, doesn't she?"
"Ojou-sama, I've come here to work. What would it do for me to learn something like magic?"
Carla, who immediately took a posture that said she refused, protested to Cordelia in an unhappy voice. But Ronnie patted her head.
"Pipsqueak, this is also work. This is work to remember your work."
"Pipsqueak, pipsqueak, stop calling me that! In the first place, I don't need magic to take care of Ojou-sama, now do I?! So I don't have to do something like......"
"She has maids to take care of her every day needs, so she doesn't need you to do that. And, if you speak like that then you don't know about Ojou-sama's life at all. Either way, you can't work if you don't study, so you might as well learn magic as well."
Carla hung her head down in shame. She couldn't argue if she didn't understand the situation. For the time being, Cordelia was relieved that they'd decided on a job for her to do.
"Then, it's decided. Ronnie, starting from today, you'll be Carla's teacher for a while. You will use half the day for magic and the rest for writing practice."
"If that is what you wish Ojou-sama, then I'll do what I can."
Ronnie words had the hidden message of, "This is troublesome," like usual, but he was also peeping at Cordelia. What are you thinking, that was probably what he was thinking.
That was what Cordelia felt anyway, so she smiled wryly. Just watch her for a while, she seemed to say.
◊♦◊♦◊♦◊
Ten days had passed since then.
Ronnie was teaching Carla magic and writing on the second floor of the laboratory. At first, Cordelia thought that she wouldn't mind it if they conducted their lessons on the first floor, but they had been too noisy, so she decided to move them upstairs.
Even so, the second floor was just a single room and it had no doors; the only thing separating it from the first floor were stairs. She was a little worried because Ronnie's and Carla's loud voices could be heard every now and then. She was a little puzzled, so she quietly climbed the stairs and peeked at what they were doing.
Their study corner was a small table set, which had been placed near the window side. Ronnie sat facing Carla.
"Like I said, magic isn't something that you just silently pray for. If you don't follow the magic that flows through your body, then you wouldn't be able to produce magic."
"Magic power flows through the body......? What are you saying? I have no idea what you're on about!"
"Ah! ...... Look, magic flows through your body like your blood does, right?"
"I don't know what you mean. Yesterday, you said, 『water flowing in the river』. That was easier to understand."
"No, you didn't understand that at all, did you? I wish you could at least use magic tools. You can't even use them at all."
"Well, what can I do? I hate magic. Ah, but that doesn't mean I'm going to slack off, you know?"
"I know, you don't have to tell me again."
It seemed like they were in the middle of magic practice.
(Carla still can't use magic tools, can she?)
Cordelia was under the impression that Carla would be able to use magic tools if she'd left her to Ronnie for a few days and was surprised that she still hadn't become able to use them.
This was probably not a lie. Magic tools varied in operation time and range depending on the user's magic power, and people who couldn't even use them for a second were rare. So, there was no need to purposely lie about it.
Cordelia met Ronnie's eyes for a second, smiled and then went back downstairs. She didn't want to disturb them.
Carla wasn't irresponsible. She was completely ignorant in matters relating to magic, but she was able to write after 10 days of studying. Of course, she still made mistakes, but she was able to write simple letters. Cordelia thought that this was great, even if she was able to read in the first place.
(She seemed like she hated learning at first, but she does her work seriously.)
She also seemed like she hated magic, but she wasn't skipping her lessons.
(She's probably a really diligent child.)
She thought that as she listened to the arguments that were going on above her. I should discuss this with Ronnie soon, she thought as she rested her chin on her hands.
When Carla finished her lessons, she returned to the servants' rooms like the other servants did. Carla didn't have a room yet, so she stayed in a female magician's room as a freeloader. However, it wasn't like they couldn't prepare a room for her; they hadn't given her a room because she was still under observation. Another reason was that they could support her in anything she needed, since she was probably not used to her new lifestyle. Carla seemed puzzled at first, but 10 days had passed since then, and she seemed to be used to it by now.
Then as Carla walked away from the laboratory, Cordelia called out to Ronnie who was lying on the desk.
"Good work today, Ronnie."
"You don't have to say that to me. Why do I have to take care of a child?"
"Oh my, I'm a child too, you know? You've been with me since I was 8, have you not?"
Cordelia said that as she prepared a lavender and rose tea blend for Ronnie before giving it to him. She also put a small cookie on the saucer for him.
"Ojou-sama, you're not like a child at all, are you? Ah, I'm not saying you're old or anything."
"...... I'll pretend I didn't hear the second half."
"I'm saying you're misunderstanding me...... Well, whatever. But, what do you think Ojou-sama? About Carla that is."
He took the cup in his hand and stared at the swaying liquid while asking Cordelia.
"I heard that Carla is basically like a good girl, even from the ladies in the magician's wing. But, they said she always seem restless, and she seems to be afraid of the dark; that she has a big injury on her left arm."
"Injury on her left arm?"
"Yes."
He looked up at Cordelia who was still standing and put his hand to his chin. Did he remember something? She thought and answered.
"Honestly, I think Carla is sort of...... working at the mansion because she has a motive. But she hasn't done anything since she got here...... If she doesn't do anything at all, then I think she's a little too easy going."
"It's not because she doesn't want to, it's because she can't. Even I wouldn't move while security is this tight if I was a spy."
"Then, it'll be a different story if she had space to move, right?"
"Yes, that's right...... Are you saying you want to try it?"
"Because I don't want to think of Carla as a bad kid. I also want to know the answer. And anyway Ronnie, you don't want to suspect Carla either, do you?"
"Why......"
"Oh my. Because you're making such a nasty face while asking questions. I also don't want to suspect her, you know?"
Cordelia said that and tilted her head.
Ronnie widened his eyes and blinked many times. Ronnie's expression broke a little at Cordelia's unexpected reaction.
"...... Just a little correction. What I hate is not that Ojou-sama is suspicious of her, I hate it more that I have to teach her while I'm suspicious of her."
"I'm the one taking care of her the most in the mansion after all," He said, so Cordelia shrugged. It's really like Ronnie to answer like that.
But, Ronnie immediately withdrew his soft look.
"Hey, Ojou-sama. I was reminded of something when I heard about the injury on her left arm......"
"What is it?"
"It's possible that Carla, ―――."
Ronnie looked usually stiff before speaking in a low voice. Cordelia was surprised and at the same time she thought, we can't take it easy either. Ronnie continued.
"I'm going to the library. I don't know if I'll find any hints though...... Ojou-sama, please return to your room."
"I'm coming with you."
"If I take all night then please go to sleep Ojou-sama. Promise me this. I'm afraid of what would happen after."
Ronnie had a kind of prediction that Cordelia wouldn't return to her room even if he'd refused. Ronnie stood up with a big sigh and drank his herb tea in one gulp. Then he quickly went to the library. Cordelia also trotted behind him.
They were behaving poorly, but luckily none of the other servants saw them.
◊♦◊♦◊♦◊
Two days after she spent time in the library searching for books with Ronnie.
Cordelia, accompanied by Ronnie and Carla, went to Wiene, a forest near the Royal Capital.
Cordelia was straddling her favourite horse while wearing her riding outfit, that could sometimes be seen in Ertiga. That started when she first started horse-riding; Isma had recommended, "Why don't you try wearing a commoner's outfit, since you're riding a horse anyways?" The commoner's outfit that was given to her by Isma was carefully embroidered with a geometric pattern and Cordelia liked it a lot. She wore a comfortable high-neck top and jacket, and her bottoms looked like something someone from an equestrian tribe would wear and was a rather short pleated skirt. The clothes made it easier for her to ride the horse.
Cordelia understood that she didn't have the chance to wear the outfit unless she was riding and immediately reported that she wanted to wear it. It was easier to loosen up when walking through the mountains in that outfit, than in a dress, and it was easy to choose shoes to go with it.
"The weather feels so nice today. The wind is warm too."
Cordelia said that and Ronnie replied, slightly pale, "...... I hope it's nice when we return to the mansion as well. I'm worried that the master might make a blizzard or something."
"What? By chance, did Ojou-sama come to the forest without telling the master?"
Carla, who was riding on Ronnie's horse, looked at Cordelia and asked that. Cordelia put an index finger to her mouth and replied only with her actions. Carla looked a little shocked.
"Anyway, Carla, Wiene Forest is such a calm place, isn't it?"
"Yes. It's a little scary because it's too calm."
Carla said that as she stared at the forest, and Cordelia narrowed her eyes.
The Wiene Forest, which was said to be inhabited by a lot of water spirits, had a river running through the middle of it. The water spirits protected those who were resting and were a symbol of healing, and amulet motifs were made in their image at the Royal Capital.
On the other hand, not many people visited this place which was called a holy land. This was because of the monsters. Monsters appeared more in forests where spirits lived compared to other forests. Therefore, it wasn't possible to travel in there safely, even if you had guards.
Cordelia had been coming in and out of the forest since she was 10. She had encountered monsters many times during her visits, but nothing worrying happened because Ronnie or Isma were always with her. It wasn't like strong monsters appeared just because more monsters appeared in that forest. Therefore, it was possible for her to practice fighting and Cordelia had succeeded in cultivating her combat abilities against monsters, even if it was just a little. She didn't have sword skills, nor could she use magic to annihilate monsters like her brother could, but she'd made great progress in using plant magic to immobilise her opponents. That became her forte.
(...... Well, I don't plan on being a Battle Maiden.)
Still, self-defence was important. So, she was really glad to have acquired it.
Incidentally, she had kept going there a secret from Elvis, but she did tell him that she was going out, so he probably thought that she was visiting the forest that she usually went to.
A pleasant wind blew through and Cordelia spoke to Carla while holding down her hair.
"Magic is more abundant in this forest than in the city. So it might be easier for you to find your magic, Carla."
However, Carla didn't reply. Or rather, it seemed that Cordelia's words didn't reach her.
Carla just stared at the water in surprise.
"Is this the first time you've seen a transparent stone?"
"Y-yes. Are they all crystals?"
Carla asked that as she jumped off Ronnie's horse and approached the waterfront. Then, she touched the stones over and over to check it out. Cordelia saw her do that and also got off her horse.
"They're all just stones. The rocks in this forest get more transparent the closer they are to water. It's caused by the magic of this forest. For instance, if you bring a transparent stone to the Royal Capital, then it'll just return to being a mere stone. So this is something you can only see if you come to the forest."
"Is this also magic?"
"Yes. You can't see this scene if you don't have magic."
"...... So magic can be this pretty."
Carla scooped the water with her hands and checked that it was spilling from her fingers.
"I don't have a very good impression of magic."
"Why?"
"Because there are only bad witches in fairy-tales. There are also witches who are patriots, in the stories, but a wicked witch will always appear to oppose them."
Carla spoke and looked sour. Cordelia smiled wryly because she couldn't deny that, but she could question Carla's claim.
"Then, why did you want to work at the Pameradia House where they use magic?"
"...... Because they have money, and I didn't think that I would have to learn magic at all. Ronnie's good at teaching me letters, but he's not a good magic teacher."
Cordelia wondered if it was alright to agree with Carla, since she'd said it with no hesitation. However, she continued to smile wryly; if she said any more than that then the target herself would be troubled.
"Carla, can't you please choose your words carefully and read the mood around you?"
"Why should I? I'm not acting much different from you, Ronnie."
"That's why I'm getting scolded by the onee-sama's in the magician's wing. They said I'm being a bad role model."
Ronnie entered the conversation while pressing the tip of his nose and Carla replied with no mercy. Of course, she had no intentions of copying Ronnie, but her attitude could be mistaken for his. Carla scooped the water again with both hands and threw it into the sky.
"But, I think I understand it a little. Ojou-sama and the people at the House aren't bad magicians at all."
"Did you think that at first?"
"I was suspicious because you'd accepted me so easily...... Rather, I would have preferred it if Ojou-sama was a little more like a bad witch."
"Oh my, why's that?"
"If so, then, well, I thought I was going to be bullied by the witch. I'm learning how to write and perform magic; at this rate I'm just a money thief."
Cordelia laughed quietly at those words. Carla shrugged.
"Dear ladies, are you done with your conversation? We have to fulfil our purpose here."
"Oh, Ronnie. I'm sorry. Carla, look at that."
Cordelia spoke and she pointed at the white flower floating on top of the water. The flower looked transparent because of the light from the sun and the light from the surface of the water. No, a part of the flower was actually as transparent as glass. It was strongly influenced by the magic there, just like the rocks were.
"Ojou-sama, what is that flower called?"
"It's a water lily. It is said that this flower reflects people's innocence. It's also has strong vitality."
"Water lily......"
"The things in this forest are a little different from normal...... It's very beautiful, isn't it?"
Cordelia continued since it seemed like Carla had never seen or heard of it before.
"That flower, you know, changes colour depending on the magic it receives."
Cordelia said that and she lightly flung her magic at the flower. Then, the flower changed to a light pink colour.
"Amazing......"
"Do you also want to try it?"
"But, I don't know how."
"Your teacher is here. Ronnie?"
"Yes, okay. Then, should we start our extracurricular class? Well, it's impossible for Carla to do advanced magic like shooting magic, so let's start with your hands."
Ronnie reached out for the water lily that was close to him and reeled it in. Then, he removed the flower at the stem, and gave it to Carla.
"...... Do you somewhat know that it's being surrounded by a light essence?"
Carla didn't immediately start shaking her head up and down or to the side at Ronnie's words. Instead, she seemed to be thinking. She was acting different from before.
"Well, I think it should be fine if you can just change the colour of the edge of the flower today."
Ronnie proposed something that seemed possible, and his words almost meant that he would be watching over her for a long time.
However, Carla wasn't able to change the colour of the flowers even though when became noon. Of course, it wasn't like she hadn't gained anything from that at all; her senses were gradually becoming sharper."
"Hey, it's time for lunch."
"Hey Ronnie, shut up! I feel like I'm getting something!"
"Eh, again? You also said that before......"
Carla had been practicing without eating lunch and Ronnie was keeping her company. Cordelia watched them talk while eating a sandwich.
"Can you even do it Ronnie?"
"Hey, are you doubting your teacher? See, look at this water lily."
"What?! I can't believe Ronnie can do it......!"
Carla probably thought of Ronnie as something like a rival rather than a tutor. She glared at Ronnie as if him changing the water lily into a light blue colour had lit her spirit.
Cordelia called out to Carla and Ronnie from the tree shade.
"Carla, it's good to focus, but you should take a little break. You won't be able to keep concentrating if you go on like this."
"Huh? Just a little......"
"Alright. See, it's Ojou-sama's command. Let's go, Carla."
Cordelia smiled wryly because they were complete opposites. Ronnie was happy that he could fill his empty stomach and Carla looked as if she was fuming. It was interesting to watch them.
"Hey, Carla. You can feel magic here too. This tree really gives me a lot of magic. Did you know that?"
"......"
Carla put her hands on the big tree and sat down with her back on it.
"The tree's warm."
"It is. You should eat your sandwich quickly while feeling it. Ronnie might eat everything up, you know?"
Carla quickly turned her head towards Ronnie at Cordelia's words, then she looked at Ronnie and the basket beside her. She grabbed a ham and egg sandwich from the basket.
"Say, why don't we take a nap after lunch?"
"Excuse me?"
"Sleeping is the best way to get rid of fatigue. I'll also take a little nap."
Cordelia rolled on the grass as soon as she said that. It was an audacious move, unbefitting of a lady. Ronnie was surprised by her actions, but she just closed her eyes and quietly felt the magic of the forest. Then, she slowly opened her eyelids again.
"Ronnie, Carla, you both should rest after you finish eating. We have a lot of time before the sun sets."
"...... Well, I'll rest after eating three more."
Ronnie also leaned against the tree, but he had no intentions of lying down. Cordelia stared at him and closed her eyes once again.
The wind felt comfortable and she had finished talking.
That's why it's such a waste, she thought and concentrated her magic into her hand that was touching the earth and strongly prayed.
『STRETCH』
At that instance, the plants around her glowed brightly. The grass grew rapidly and grasped the knife on top of Cordelia and captured Carla who was swinging that knife down at her.
Ronnie had a short dagger at Carla's neck.
"Did you really think I was going to sleep?"
"...... Ack!"
"Monsters appear in this forest, you know? I won't do something as careless as sleeping here."
Cordelia spoke briefly and slowly moved her body.
"You...... Are you really trying to kill me?"
"!!"
Cordelia wasn't surprised. She had predicted that this would happen, but she didn't want it to happen.
"So, you're in a Dark Guild, after all. I wonder if you're one of the people who took wheat from Caina Village."
"That's right. When did you notice?"
"I didn't trust you from the beginning. Your usual footsteps are too quiet, and the way you move is too light. You're probably not doing it on purpose, but when you're relaxed, you don't make any sounds at all when you move. Were you sent to me because they thought a child would be best?"
"......"
"But, I think you honestly didn't want to do this."
"...... Why do you think so?"
"You wavered for a long time when you were on top of me. But I wondered if you weren't not able to do it because of your arm?"
Cordelia said, before grabbing Carla's left arm. Carla showed that she hated it, but she couldn't move at all because her body had been seized by the plant.
"Ronnie, what do you think?"
"...... It's certainly a strong curse. It would normally be hard for her to train her magic with this, but it would also be hard for her to remain conscious."
"......"
Carla didn't answer; she just chewed her lips as if she was vexed. Then, Ronnie muttered while staring at Carla's arm.
"...... I wonder if we can dispel it."
Carla's arm shook at Ronnie's words.
"What are you saying, Ronnie? It's not, 'I wonder if we can'; we will, right? It was your idea to come here so we could."
"Well, yes. I didn't think it would be fiddled with that much by an unskilful magician, so it's amazing that she could sustain her health. I don't know what would happen if I add an unexpected amount of power into this......"
"We're doing it, aren't we?"
"Well, yes but......"
It wasn't like the curse couldn't be dispelled.
Ronnie looked for the kind of curse that had been cast on Carla in the library and investigated if it could be dispelled. Ronnie knew how much power he had as a magician and concluded that he would be able to dispel the curse...... Or at least, according to the books.
He looked at Carla straight in the face.
"I can't say that the success rate is 100%, but if you don't want to, then I won't dispel it."
"...... How sure are you?"
Carla quietly asked in return without breaking eye contact with Ronnie. But, he broke the mood as if he was catching them off guard.
"Mhm...... I can't think of a situation where I would fail, but the percentage is...... well......"
"Hey, you're staking my life on this aren't you?! What's with that timid tone!"
"No, well...... So, what will you do? I'll do my best, but I'll leave the decision to you."
"Try it. I don't know what will happen to me if I don't return with Ojou-sama's head anyways."
Cordelia and Ronnie looked at each other and nodded.
Cordelia scooped out some water with the grass still entwined around Carla. She walked back slowly without spilling the water and put it on Carla's left arm.
"I wonder if this will help a little."
"Thank you very much, Ojou-sama. Then, I'll start."
He spoke as he gripped Carla's arm. Then, he took a deep breath and rapidly released his magic. It was as if the wind was dancing, but nothing really moved.
Ronnie was clenching his teeth and Carla seemed puzzled as she stared at her arm.
Cordelia watched them from nearby and then she plucked a herb that was growing there.
"...... This sage has plenty of magic."
Another name for sage was 『Relief Herb』. It had a very strong antioxidant effect. Therefore, in her previous life, it was said that 『People don't die in a house that has sage』. And, it was also appropriate to call the sage of this world 'relief' because it was covered in a pure and powerful magic.
"Ojou-sama, seems like this would be helpful."
"Yes. The sage here is really a lot better than what we have at the mansion."
Cordelia returned to where Ronnie and Carla were, and rubbed the sage on Carla's arm. And, she also concentrated her magic power on it. Her magic was most appropriate for amplifying the power of plants.
"Ah, ah. I really can't fail, now can I? If I fail, then Ojou-sama and I would be caught up in Carla's curse."
"Ronnie, stop your pointless chatter and finish this quickly. Do it before our magic is exhausted."
Ronnie wasn't mucking around, he was concentrating very hard. The reason why his voice was shaking was not because he was scared, but because he wanted to avoid getting caught up in the curse.
"Argh!" said Carla, painfully for a second. Then, she quickly bit down and swallowed her words.
Sweat was running down Ronnie's forehead as he traced the magic formula with his fingers. He was probably making progress in dispelling the formula. They were both breathing heavily. Then, Cordelia's breathing also quickened, and her fingertips started aching.
I can't think of unnecessary things, she thought as a bad image began to surface in her mind. The 『Cordelia』in the game had died because her magic had run wild, and the reason for that was a curse.
(No, don't think about it.)
Cordelia ordered herself.
She could die like 『Cordelia』if this failed.
I can't get caught up in the curse.
And I definitely can't get swallowed up by Carla's curse.
The next moment, Carla's scream sounded throughout the whole area and at the same time, the curse disappeared from her left arm.
It felt like a lot of time had passed since they first started dispelling the curse, but not much time had passed at all. Ronnie rolled onto the grass and breathed while moving his shoulders as if he'd been dashing. Cordelia was also doing the same thing. She put her hands onto the ground and breathed heavily.
Carla was the only one who didn't seem to understand what had happened. Cordelia stood up slowly, walked to the river and took a water lily.
"Carla. You should be able to change the colour of the water lily now."
"O-ojou-sama. Mm......"
"Ah, but the water lily is a bonus. I have something else to give you."
Cordelia said that as she cut off her hair with her own magic. Then, she put her hair and the water lily in Carla's hands.
"Ojou-sama, th-this is......"
"Hey, Carla. There's something called equivalent exchange in this world. That's why I want you to cooperate with me a little as a reward for dispelling your curse. And...... Oh yes, would you tell me your real name in exchange for teaching you how to change the colour of the water lily?"
"...... Ojou-sama. That's not equivalent exchange, it's almost like a vicious contract. Asking her to agree to something after the fact."
Ronnie's shocked tone didn't reach Carla, but he continued to mutter.
"Well, my actual job begins now."
◊♦◊♦◊♦◊
【Carla's P.O.V】
In a mountain pass a little distance away from the Royal Capital.
After midnight, I walked in the dim guild's hideout with Ojou-sama's hair.
The woman who cursed me, ――― the witch who employed me was there. The witch had her back turned to the entrance as she leaned on a chair.
I walked to the middle of the room without saying anything and put a bunch of Ojou-sama's hair onto the table in the centre. The magic was lingering in her hair and it was enough for someone who could sense magic to notice it.
"...... It seems like you got the job done. I can feel a rare wave of magic from this hair. It took you such a long time that I thought your emotions finally got in the way."
The witch spoke, without looking at me. I didn't answer.
"But you have no choice but to be here. Kids are important, you know that? There are places that are easier for kids to go into and I want you to remain a good chess piece for me."
"......"
"What? You're not even happy even though I'm complimenting you."
She laughed heartily and finally turned around...... Then, it seemed like she'd noticed that there were two people in hoods behind me. She frowned as she was covered in a murderous aura.
But, I heard an exaggerated sigh coming from behind me towards the witch's attitude.
"I was wondering what kind of idiot would take pleasure in using a kid like this, but...... You're not like I imagined you would be. Moreover, even if our presences have been hidden, you didn't even notice that people had invaded this place. So, am I superior to you?"
The witch raised her eyebrows at those words.
"Carla, I never told you that it was okay to bring people here. Those people, I'll curse them both...... Ack?!"
A dagger was brought to her throat before she could finish talking. The figure that had suddenly jumped at her...... Ronnie's hood had fallen behind him.
"I even crushed two places before I came here as a warm-up, but...... You're really nasty. Well, the damage didn't even show up on your face."
Ronnie's face, which was no longer covered by the hood, was cooler than I've ever seen it, and his eyes were sharper too.
Then, his superior called out to him, "Look, Ronnie. You're scaring the little Ojou-san." However, his superior was in full battle mode, and he had no intentions of letting the witch escape.
"Please let me off for today, Deputy. I'm angry right now! They used such a young kid like this, and they even turned their malice towards Ojou-sama, and they even harmed the Pameradia House. You can't rationalise with someone like this."
"That's true, but if I let you do what you want, then she'll die."
"...... That's why I'm doing my best not to use my magic. I'm only using martial arts, aren't I? I don't have the confidence to hold back if I use magic."
The witch, who still had the dagger at her throat, clicked her tongue at the exchange that was going on between the two. However, she suddenly looked provocative.
"You can use magic, but you won't? How foolish. You're letting your guard down too much."
"Who's the foolish one? You could barely cast a forbidden curse, and you didn't even notice it when it got dispelled. You're an incompetent fool who can only use curses...... You're exactly like the witches from the fairy-tales."
Ronnie shook his head in disappointment. The witch probably saw this as her chance, because she tried to activate a curse with a wicked smile on her face. But, Ronnie tripped her in the next moment and she stumbled down. Ronnie smoothly executed his next move as she fell.
"Even new magicians know that it's pointless to use magic in close range, you know? You have no talent. Did you think you could cast such a strong curse without a sacrifice?"
Ronnie muttered as he tied the witch's hands with magical chains.
"I'm thankful that your home-base has the least amount of people, but you're bigger idiots than I'd expected. Even though there aren't only good people in the world, this is outrageous."
"...... You've been talking like you've defeated all our hideouts for a while now, you know?"
"We did. Ojou-sama ordered us to. My seniors should be heading to your distant hideout now. Well, it doesn't seem like you have a way to communicate faster than my onee-samas."
"...... Do you think I'd believe something like that? They'll immediately come to save......"
Ronnie laughed scornfully as he looked down at the witch who was still saying such things.
"Who do you think we are? We're the magicians of the Pameradia House you know," He said.
◊♦◊♦◊♦◊
At the same time, Cordelia was writing up a report.
"I'll honestly tell Otou-sama the real information...... I wonder if I should only write 『We destroyed a part of the Dark Guild thanks to a tip from a girl who came asking for help』. My work is done if I just pick at the appropriate places. But, I'll stay quiet about the fact that I went to Wiene Forest."
Carla told Cordelia and Ronnie everything she knew when they got back to the mansion. Carla answered the questions one after another when Cordelia showed her a list of the rewards. Of course, she reminded them that she didn't know everything, but she did have a lot of information from the inside. The witch probably thought that Carla was under her direct control, so she was able to learn a lot of information.
"Let's send the rewards to Ertiga. They could become funds for the school plans."
Cordelia wasn't allowed to enter enemy grounds in the search-and-destroy operation. She had told Ronnie that she wanted to go as well, but Ronnie begged her not to, while looking at her as if the world was ending. He even gave her a reason as an afterthought, "We're bringing your hair with us, so it would be weird if your magical presence was there as well!" So that was why she was finishing the report properly while they were working.
"Even if they used a banned curse, they weren't a large-scale Dark Guild. Perhaps it will end...... But, they'll probably restraint themselves to a certain degree now."
She didn't know how much would be conveyed to them if this was done by a child. However, at least it would be good if they realised once again that mercy won't be shown to them if they lay a hand on the Pameradia House.
Cordelia didn't know if they were after Elvis, or if they were just looking for information, but she at least knew that the magicians would often drive them away. However, they wouldn't be restrained too greatly if they were only fighting them off.
"I think it's quite daring of them if they were aiming for Otou-sama."
In the first place, if they had some power to begin with, then they should know that it wasn't profitable to attack the Pameradia House. But considering this attack...... it probably wasn't a hindrance for them if a section started to hate the Pameradia House. I have to be thankful to the magicians who cleaned all this up in one night.
Cordelia recalled what Ronnie had told her in the laboratory.
『It's possible that Carla is being employed by a curse.』
He was able to dispel a curse that he'd only seen once, even though it wasn't made known to the public...... Ronnie really knew no bounds.
"I'm so glad that Ronnie is so excellent."
Cordelia muttered that, as she put down the pen and looked out the window.
"Carla...... No, I wonder if I should get Lara involved in the improvement of stationary."
I'll have Lara make tea tomorrow morning. I'm sure that it won't turn out well, she thought and couldn't help but laugh.