After getting home, Cordelia quickly ate dinner and prepared for bed. But, it was difficult for her to sleep soundly because she was still nervous... Or so she thought.
However, her body was tired, since she had used magic, and she had fallen asleep quickly, without any time to think.
Then, she realised that she was dreaming.
In the dream, Cordelia was looking at a paper puppet theatre.
The play was 『Cordelia's End』.
There were no other plays that made her want to wake up so much. But, unfortunately, she couldn't even stand up in her dream. Her body had been frozen by a mysterious power.
Cordelia sighed, this is just a dream anyway. If I have to watch it, then I might as well burn this into my mind for my future, she thought and quietly watched until the end.
When the play was over, Cordelia consciousness suddenly emerged.
Cordelia woke up and first took a deep sigh. It was troublesome to get up, so she put her wrist to her forehead while lying down, and then she let out a slow and pointless voice.
"It was a nightmare."
Yes, a nightmare.
The last moments of 『Cordelia』, who had gone mad from jealousy and was swallowed up by her own magic, weren't something Cordelia wanted to see. 『Cordelia』may have been passionately in love, but that was a little too violent. I definitely don't want to end up like that, and I will absolutely not get close to the Prince because of the bad omens... she firmly vowed.
But, that didn't mean that she hadn't gotten anything from the nightmare.
"I might have remembered a possibility."
The villain who had appeared in her dream wasn't just Cordelia. There was a man next to her.
(The name 'Ghost' never appeared in the game... But, there was a red-eyed man who tempted Cordelia.)
She had no proof to confirm that Ghost and that character were the same person, but she had to be on her guard since they were too similar to each other.
(If not, the man in the game should have been easily killed after 『Cordelia』died.)
In the game, there shouldn't have been anyone who could easily escape from Cyrus. Is this the difference between a game and real life? Or is he a completely different person?
"... In any case, it doesn't change the fact that he's a suspicious character."
If possible, she didn't want to meet him again, just like the Prince. However, unlike her feelings towards the Prince, she also felt anger towards Ghost. She didn't want to meet him, but since he was an annoying person who amused himself by involving other people, then she would probably have to confront him someday.
(Therefore, it would be pointless if he just runs away all the time.)
I have to obtain more information, become quick-witted, and become someone who wouldn't do exactly as he wants. Cordelia decided and got out of bed.
"Actually, I don't think I will be the one who would confront him, it would probably be Onii-sama and his unit... I want to be of help to him if something happens."
Even though I'm angry at Ghost, I can't just chase after him because that would cause trouble to those around me. So, I want to find something that I can do behind-the-scenes, like the spies of the Pameradia House.
But, even if I could find something, I've already caught his eye. So... I'll have to ask Otou-sama if I can learn a little more self-defence. Cordelia thought, as she changed and left the room.
She couldn't learn self-defence without an instructor. If so, then she wanted to do what she could do right then. It's still dark outside, so I should still have some time before breakfast, she concluded and headed towards the library with a light in hand.
"It should be around here..."
Cordelia said as she took some books, but she couldn't find the information that she was looking for. I hope it's not in a place where I can't reach, she thought as she once again reached for the books.
After doing that numerous times, she heard the door open.
She peeked to see who it was and saw Ronnie.
"Good morning, Ojou-sama. What are you doing so early in the morning?"
"Morning, Ronnie. As you can see, I'm looking for a book."
"You look well, considering what happened yesterday."
Ronnie looked a little sleepy, so he must have been on security duty all night. He returned the book that he must have been reading to keep himself awake, and spoke as if he'd just remembered, "Ah, my gift."
"I can't go out for a while, so I'll ask Lara to get it."
Cordelia said, and he replied in a voice that clearly stated that he wanted to skip work, "Then, I'll be her guardian."
"Anyway, Ronnie. Have you seen a book on the average life expectancy and risk of illness around here?"
"Average life expectancy? What are you looking for this time...?"
After he'd put his book away, he moved to where Cordelia was. Then, he took several books from the shelf above her and gave her one.
"I think it should be in this book."
"Thanks."
"What are you thinking about now? This data is quite different from the ones you usually want."
Cordelia nodded.
"I thought it would be nice if I could set up an insurance regime. So, I want to discuss this with Otou-sama."
"Insurance regime?"
"Yeah. It's a system where we collect money from the insured person little by little, and when that person dies, then they get compensation. The instalments vary depending on the person's age. First, I want to set up life insurance, but I hope that it could also be used when someone gets sick."
Free medical care... is something unlikely to happen with the current tax revenue. But in Ted's case, if he had extra money... or if he could consult a teller about his situation, then he might have been able to hold his ground.
(I don't think it would be easy to think of a system when I have to start from calculating the death rates... I want to do this even if it takes many years to implement.)
First of all, I want to see how much the instalments have to be to get people to join. I also don't want it to be a heavy burden on them, and I want to see their reactions towards this system. There is a problem of how to manage the collected money, but in the future, I might be able to establish social insurance and improve public health care.
"I'll help you. I'm good with numbers."
"Thanks."
"It's fine. If you behave yourself, then I can do this much."
Ronnie said as he withdrew some more books, and Cordelia glanced at him.
"... Did Otou-sama ask you to guard me? Or was it Onii-sama?"
"I'll leave it up to your imagination. It's just a precaution."
I see.
I don't know who instructed him, but apparently, they think I'm going to act rash because they told him to guard me at home.
"I plan to behave for a month so that they don't lose faith in me."
Perhaps Ronnie reminded her because he had already started doubting her. But Ronnie laughed.
"You don't have to worry about that. Christina-sama didn't get hurt because you made the right decision. I heard that from Emina's report."
"That's because Emina was there.'
"But, Master and Cyrus-sama also agree with it. Well, but I guess he's still worried. Master loves Ojou-sama, after all."
Ronnie teased her, and she got a bit worried about him. He had said that he'd leave it to her imagination, but he accidentally told her that it was Elvis who'd instructed him to do so. But, she was happy that he had pointed out that he cherished her instead of losing confidence in her.
"Oh, you might have forgotten because a lot of things have happened. But, my family is expecting you to start the negotiations soon."
"I haven't forgotten, I wouldn't. But I want to review the data again..."
"Alright. Then I'll tell them that negotiations will take place in 10 days, so please finish the details by then."
Ronnie briskly handled everything and Cordelia shrugged her shoulders as though she knew that well.
◊♦◊♦◊♦◊
Christina visited Cordelia as eight days passed, while she was putting together the documents and data.
"How do you do, Cordelia-sama?"
"Hello, sister-in-law."
"Would you like to eat these... while we go over the report?"
The gift that Christina had brought with her was chocolate bought from the store which Christina wanted to visit on that day.
"Thank you very much. Actually, I heard that you would be visiting today, so I had tea prepared in the greenhouse."
"Oh my, that's wonderful."
Then, Cordelia guided Christina to the greenhouse.
When they both sat down, Lara brought out the chocolate and tea. Emina was having a late holiday today, so Lara was performing her duties. This was the first time that Lara had served a guest, but she fulfilled her duty well, even though she was a little nervous.
Then, Lara left the room after she'd finished her task.
"... In the end, Ted was supposed to be convicted for fraud... But, I paid for him, and the incident ended."
"... What do you mean?"
She thought that Christina would probably tell the result of the incident, but the punishment that Ted had received was lighter than she'd anticipated.
Christina continued while looking conflicted.
"Ted had declared that he'd tricked everyone, but the people who had purchased the dress didn't admit that they were deceived. They said, 'I wanted this dress even if it wasn't made from Flora Silk'."
"What?"
"Therefore, they feared that the women had been deceived even though there had been no real harm, and he was going to be processed for attempted fraud... But, the purchasers claimed that the store clerk had explained that it was a completely different product. They all said that."
No, that shouldn't be true.
In fact, Christina-sama's friend had said that she had purchased a floral silk dress. And yet...... Cordelia tried to think of the reason for this, but could only come up with one answer.
"... Is it because of their noble pride?"
"Yes. I think so."
Christina answered clearly, and Cordelia got dizzy for a second.
Good or bad... No, it's not good. I can't say that it's good that they can't recognise their own failures. Pride is important, but I can't help but think that it's because of their vanity.
But Ted had undoubtedly gotten off with a light punishment. She felt a little mixed over that. Like this, they wouldn't question Ghost about the crime he instigated, even if he is caught. Unfortunately, Ted would just be sprouting nonsense if he insisted that he was instructed to scam the women, and the victims insist that they weren't scammed.
"Finally, the store was fined for 'displaying products that weren't sold in store and selling similar products', and Ted was fined for 'ignoring that there was a mistake in the store's listings and selling them substitute items'. They agreed to better themselves."
"..., I see."
"I heard that this came as a great surprise to the store and that they were disappointed. Still, I heard that they knew that the materials hadn't been obtained through a legal route, so they didn't have any objections. Of course, this might be because they'd only received a light punishment."
"......"
"But, flora silk hadn't received any damage from this incident. Fortunately, not many people had purchased the fakes, and father and I knew one of the people who had... So we settled it by presenting her with a dress as a thank you."
"She might be hesitant to refuse if it's a thank you present."
"That's right. The silver lining is that the damage was minimal. Even so, it's quite expensive," Christina laughed.
However, her expression gradually dimmed.
"But... Ted's actions are a betrayal towards the people of Flora. Given his family's position in the association, it would probably be hard for them to welcome him back. Of course, Ted understands this, but I feel a little bit conflicted over it since he hadn't done it for personal gain."
She couldn't forgive him since she was the daughter of the feudal lord, but she was still worried about him. Cordelia put a piece of chocolate into her mouth.
She enjoyed the sweetness as it melted in her mouth while thinking about how she could help Christina.
She spoke as soon as the chocolate melted down her throat.
"If he's good at judging fabric in general, then I can introduce him to a job which would allow him to live comfortably. I also trade a little, so I want talented people."
"But..."
"It's also better for you if he stays somewhere you can keep an eye on him, right? Of course, I won't force him if he says no."
Cordelia said, and Christina whispered, "Thank you."
"Let's stop talking about this now. You also have business with Onii-sama, right?"
Christina was surprised by Cordelia's words and her face immediately turned red.
"Mm... Well, I brought him some sweets and the reply to his diary entry. I know this isn't the time to be doing this..."
"It's fine. You wrote him a reply because everything's been wrapped up, right?"
Cordelia said as she received the diary and sweets from Christina.
"Do you have anything you want me to pass on to him?"
"It's okay, I'll tell him the next time I see him."
Christina smiled bashfully, and Cordelia laughed.
"Alright. Then you can tell him today."
"Huh?"
Cordelia paid no attention to Christina's dumbfounded question and lightly rang the bell that had been placed on the table; then the door opened, and Lara appeared again.
"Lara, can you call Onii-sama here?"
"Yes, Ojou-sama."
Christina gradually became more confused while Lara was leaving.
"Eh, mm, is Cyrus-sama home?"
"Yes, sorry. I heard that you would be coming yesterday, so I told Onii-sama about it."
"But won't this... get in the way of his work?"
"Don't worry, sister-in-law. Onii-sama has his priorities sorted."
Christina-sama should know this, she thought and smiled. She planned to leave once he got here. Cyrus suddenly took a break, even though he had accumulated his days off. Cyrus, who had been hoarding yearly leave and even compensation leave, had suddenly taken time off. They should have a lot to talk about.
However, Lara returned to the greenhouse again.
"Ojou-sama."
"What's wrong, Lara?"
"Cyrus-sama has summoned both of you."
"Huh?"
Me too? She had asked Lara without saying it out loud, and Lara confirmed, "Yes, Ojou-sama as well." However, Lara also seemed a little confused because that was different from what had been arranged.
But, even though she was confused, she had to go, since she had been summoned. Cordelia and Christina headed to the parlour.
In the parlour, Cyrus was sitting on the sofa in his plain clothes, and next to him were two items covered in cloth.
"Sorry for calling you here."
"It's fine. Did you need something, Onii-sama?"
"First, I have something for Cordelia. Earl Alcott has sent you this. Lara, do as I told you earlier."
"Yes."
Lara nodded at Cyrus and removed the cloth from the small item, then a pearl pink dress with a patterned torso was revealed.
"Oh my...! This is a gorgeous dress."
"It's a floral silk dress. He also sent a matching hat."
Cordelia froze.
However, she understood that this dress came at a ridiculous price. She became flustered.
"Will you receive it?"
"He'll probably be bothered if you return it."
Even so, it was uncomfortable to say, "Thank you." She hadn't had much contact with Earl Alcott, but Christina spoke as if to dispel her hesitation.
"Cordelia-sama, I would also like to ask you to wear this dress."
"Sister-in-law..."
"Alright?"
Christina encouraged, and Cordelia looked at the dress again. But..., she felt anxious. She wondered if it was really alright for her to receive it and she also felt concerned about whether she could wear it or not. She would lose to the dress... She didn't want to be in a situation where she had to wear it. Christina seemed to understand her worries.
"Cordelia-sama, you'd shine if you wear it happily. So please wear it with a smile and make your dress happy."
"But..."
"I'm thrilled to become your sister. I was the one who chose this dress."
Cordelia looked at Christina, who was smiling, and replied in a small voice while feeling a little embarrassed, "Yes."
The dress was so gorgeous, and she still thought that it might be too much for her, but Christina had chosen this for her, so she wanted to learn how to behave in a way that wouldn't spoil the dress.
And as the sisters smiled at each other, Cyrus spoke in an awkward voice.
"Then, the next one is... a gift to Christina from me."
He said as he took the cloth off himself.
A wedding dress emerged from underneath.
Cordelia was speechless, and Christina gasped.
"This is..."
"You said you wanted to wear a wedding dress made from flora silk when you were little, didn't you? I never thought that the Earl would give Cordelia a dress, so it seems like it's a rehash, but..."
Cyrus said as if he was starting over.
"I can't say anything witty, and I can't promise that we will become the ideal couple that you dreamt of. But, if I can grant your wishes, then I will. But... sorry, I can't seem to express myself well enough."
(No, that's a great proposal, Onii-sama.)
As opposed to Cordelia, who was thinking that Cyrus didn't seem concerned at all.
But Cyrus wasn't the only one. Cordelia glanced sideways at Christina and saw that she was bright red. She couldn't see anyone but Cyrus.
"Cyrus-sama, I know what you mean... Please let me stay by your side from now on."
She was relieved to see that Christina was grinning and approached Lara, who was squatting. Then she whispered.
"... Say, Lara. Shall we leave?"
"Yes, let's leave."
Cordelia gave a big sigh after she'd exited the parlour, which had completely turned into a world just for the two of them. She was so surprised that she had forgotten to give Cyrus the sweets and diary she'd received from Christina, but she could probably give it to him after Christina leaves.
"Sister-in-law will probably talk with Onii-sama all day... Should I go back to the greenhouse?"
"I'll come with you."
"Thanks, but you're already back to your normal self?"
Cordelia expressed her thanks while teasing Lara, and Lara pouted.
"I thought it would be easier, but it was my first time. I was so nervous."
"Thanks for your hard work. Are you tired?"
"No. But, I'm a little more confident. I'm glad that I can substitute for Emina if she's absent."
Lara looked happy in the end, and Cordelia thanked her again.
"Thanks. The meeting's already over, shall we go have tea in the..."
Cordelia's suggestion was interrupted by Hans as they were climbing the stairs.
"Cordelia-sama, you have a guest."
"Oh my? A guest?"
They hadn't made an appointment, so she thought it was Vernoux, but a cute face popped up from behind Hans.
"How do you do, Cordelia-sama!'
"H-how do you do, Hazel-sama."
Hazel grinned while hugging a book.
Cordelia was surprised because, unlike Vernoux, Hazel had never failed to make an appointment, even if it was one-sided. Judging from Han's actions, he didn't know either. On top of that, he looked troubled, so maybe Hazel had slipped in somewhere and hadn't waited for him... Or something like that?
"It's been a while. I couldn't see Cordelia-sama at all because of the Founding Festival, so I was a little sad. So I came over uninvited. How have you been?"
"Thank you for your concern. I'm glad you haven't changed a bit. We'll get tired from standing around talking, so I'll guide you to my room. This way, please."
I want to take her to the greenhouse, but she's holding a book, so she probably wants to show me something. Cordelia thought and asked Hans to tell Cyrus at a suitable time that she'd returned to her room.
Cordelia returned to her room and sat on the sofa facing Hazel.
"Hazel-sama, what did you do during the Founding Festival?"
"I spent most of my days reading to my brother. But they opened a part of the castle, right? I forced Otou-sama to take me to the castle for a day. It was gorgeous. I want to hurry up and become an adult so I can explore it on my own. Won't you come with me when I do Cordelia-sama?"
Hazel said, with an enchanted expression, as she recalled the castle and Cordelia answered vaguely with a stiff smile. It's nice that she invited me, but it's not a place I want to visit.
No matter how wonderful Hazel made the castle sound, she was only interested in the gardens, which had a variety of plants, so she couldn't react appropriately for the other parts.
"I also walked around the city for a bit when we went home."
Hazel clapped her hands as if she'd just remembered that, and Cordelia was finally able to respond.
"I heard that the city was bustling too."
"It was! I saw a lot of dancers in vivid outfits. And it seemed like there were a lot of rumours about the 『Dreamer Girl』."
That remark made Cordelia a little tensed. She knew that the Heroine's power was unique, and Earl Clydereine had been able to find the 『Dreamer Girl』, Shelley because rumours of her had spread far and wide.
(... Which means I will probably meet her soon.)
She intended to do her best to avoid the Prince and Heroine, but it wouldn't be strange for them to meet since they both held the same social status as Earls.
(She's unlucky for me, but I don't know what she's like.)
But, those were Cordelia's feelings, she didn't know how Hazel felt about Shelley.
"Are you interested in her now, Hazel-sama?"
Hazel-sama had said that she didn't like the 『Dreamer Girl's』fortunes before, but did she change her mind after listening to the rumours again? Cordelia thought a little uneasily as she asked her question. Hazel groaned a little.
"Well... I think it's a bit different from interest, but I'm curious about what she thinks about while fortune telling, and whether she uses some kind of power. It might just be selfish of me."
"Thinks, huh."
Cordelia remembered that the Heroine in the game was as kind as a saint, and she used her power for those around her. But when she thought about it, she would become a little scared if she had the Heroine's powers. Her abilities would reinforce her words and give her a lot of influence.
(I don't have confidence if it comes from a dream.)
Even though her fortunes are never off, they were just dreams. There was no guarantee that the next dream would be spot-on.
(The Heroine has undoubtedly helped a lot of people since she believes her dreams to be true.)
Cordelia had never experienced that before, but she might become confident in her power, even if they were dreams if she helped a lot of people.
"But it's no use for us to think about it."
"You're right."
Cordelia smiled wryly because Hazel didn't seem all that interested in Shelley. She had to agree because Hazel's answer had been simple. She had thought about it, but there was nothing she could do except for being careful of her actions.
"Anyway, Cordelia-sama, let's talk about why I came today."
"Huh?"
"I found an interesting book. It's about love fortunes. Do you want to read it with me?"
While Cordelia had made her decision, Hazel held out the book she'd brought as she spoke gleefully to her. It had an impressive title, 『Love Fortunes & Charms』.
"... Don't you dislike love fortunes and charms?"
She had an adverse reaction to the『Dreamer Girl』, and was interested in her for another reason today, but why this book? Cordelia thought curiously, and Hazel stared at her blankly.
"I don't like fortunes that are always spot-on, but I like fortunes themselves. I also buy charms. You know, sometimes you get advice that you don't expect, and it becomes a good chance, right?"
Hazel flipped through the pages, and then held the book out to Cordelia, "See, like this."
"『If you think that your attacks aren't working, why don't you try pulling back? 』"
"Um, that's why I'm distancing myself from Vernoux-sama a little."
"Oh."
"But it doesn't seem like things are changing for the better. So, I'll go back to how I was acting before if nothing changes within three days. If nothing's going to change, then, it's better to be stress-free."
It seems like Hazel has already tried fortune telling and failed, but she took the results positively. Cordelia was relieved to hear that. Hazel had stopped thinking about Vernoux for now. It would be bad for Cordelia if the『Dreamer Girl's』had predicted the result for it, but it seemed like Hazel didn't care about that.
"It's just like you, Hazel-sama."
"Right? So next, I will... not rely on fortune telling, and make a charm that will work for love. The material is a lizard's sun-dried fish bone..."
When Cordelia heard that, her feelings of gratitude from before had disappeared. Well, this was Hazel acting like herself after all...
"Hazel-sama, rather than a charm, isn't that a curse?"
The book, that Hazel was holding, started to look eerie to Cordelia. Please don't curse me... Cordelia thought a bit seriously, and she gave Hazel another reason why she couldn't agree with that.
"And even I wouldn't stock a lizard's sun-dried fishbone."
"Oh yeah. I didn't bring one with me either."
Although Hazel looked like she regretted it a little, she quickly shut the book because she knew it was impossible. But right after she'd done that, she showed Cordelia another book.
"Then, how about this one? This book features bouquets made from fabric. You can use it as decoration later, and your brother will get married soon, right? It'll be a nice present for your sister-in-law."
"That looks beautiful, but wouldn't it be difficult to make if we're not skilled artisans?"
The bouquet on the page that Hazel had shown Cordelia was superb. The bouquet was extremely detailed, and she didn't know if she could balance it well. But Hazel smiled at Cordelia's fear.
"It's fine. Feelings matter the most for things like this, and sewing is my speciality. I'll help you, so do you want to make it together?"
"Then... please do."
"I'll be happy to!"\n◊♦◊♦◊♦◊\nCordelia spent the next few days hectically; she studied in the mornings, made the bouquet with Hazel in the afternoons, and put the data together at night.
But, she didn't feel distressed because they were things that she had to do, but she felt a little sorry for Hazel, who often visited to see how the bouquet was shaping. However, Hazel didn't seem to mind at all... On the contrary, she looked as if she was having fun and Cordelia prepared Hazel's sweets as a small token of appreciation. Hazel was a straightforward girl, so Cordelia immediately knew which her favourite sweets were.\nShe also negotiated with the Eris firm while on house arrest.
Her negotiation partners were Ronnie's father and eldest brother. As Ronnie said, his family were all merchants, unlike him, but thanks to Ronnie's advice and her estimations, she had managed to drop the price of the paper to the lowest she could. They couldn't give her a reply straight away, about whether or not they would invest in her cultivation and improvement project in farm villages, but judging from their attitude, she could expect a good answer. They were probably reassured when they found out that Elvis had already approved of the project, but the balm sample which she had prepared for the negotiations had also played a significant role.
And Ronnie, who was listening to the conversations play out, gracefully sipped his tea and muttered.
"I'm sure father and brother are surprised. Most contracts aren't concluded in the first meeting for large deals. They probably didn't want to miss the chance to have a relationship with Ojou-sama, since she'd thought of this, and they didn't want to miss a big opportunity."
I would be happy if that's so. I have to keep studying hard and produce results so they will continue to think so, Cordelia thought.
(Above all, I want to report my success to Otou-sama, who showed his understanding.)
Cordelia thought as she signed the contract with the Eris firm.\nBefore long, she had completed the bouquet to a standard which Hazel had complimented, "Perfect! I knew you could do it!" She felt that Hazel had exaggerated too much, but she knew that she had made something that she could give to Christina without feeling embarrassed.\n◊♦◊♦◊♦◊
After that, three days later, Vernoux also visited the Pameradia's greenhouse.
"It's been a long time, Vernoux-sama."
"Yeah, since we passed each other in the castle."
"Oh my, did you see me?"
"You were with Cyrus-dono, weren't you?"
"I didn't see you at all! I wish you'd called out to me."
So he did notice me, she thought as she feigned ignorance. Then she urged Vernoux to sit down as if to gloss it over. Vernoux looked dubious... He looked at Cordelia doubtfully, but he didn't ask her any more questions and gave her an envelope.
"Here, your letter."
"Thank you very much."
However, Cordelia hesitated a little after receiving the letter and didn't open it straight away. She would typically open the letter straight away and write her reply, but she couldn't today because she remembered the agony she went through the other day.
"What's wrong?"
"... No, it's nothing."
It wasn't nothing, but I couldn't tell him the reason, she thought. Then she slowly and carefully opened the envelope with the paper knife she'd taken out from the cupboard. She had a feeling that she would accidentally cut the letter if she'd opened the envelope with magic.
Vernoux looked at her dubiously because her actions had been slower than usual. "You're really strange today, Dilly," she thought she heard him mutter.
"Well, whatever. Dilly, you promised Gille that you'd go meet the Green Witch with him, right? His schedule is written in the letter, so reply which day is convenient for you."
"I've been ordered to stay home for a while. Is next month alright?"
"In that case, write which days won't work for you. Gille will align to your schedule."
Cordelia took out her own planner and started to write her reply. While writing, she asked Vernoux.
"Has Gille-sama been busy lately?"
"Well, he was. Why?"
"His letter feels different, so I thought he might be tired."
His writing was still beautiful, but it wasn't meticulous, and his words were all over the place. Gille's writing would look very composed if he were not rushed by Vernoux, but this letter didn't feel like it had been rushed.
"Uh..."
Vernoux let out a long and stupid voice. It looked like something had popped into his head.
"He'll cheer up if he gets a letter from you."
"I'm not kidding. If he's tired, then he should get a good night's rest!"
"Well, he'll sleep if he wants to."
Vernoux's reply was vague, and Cordelia dropped her shoulders and sighed. We're supposed to be good friends, so what the heck is with that answer?
"I have tea that is good for sleep, could you give it to him?"
Cordelia said as she took out two cans of tea from the cupboard and handed it to Vernoux.
"One is for you. It'll help you relax."
"Alright, I'll give it to him. He'll probably be happy with whatever you give him."
She ignored Vernoux and continued writing her letter. Vernoux picked up a sweet while watching her.
"Say, were you at home during the opening day of the castle too?"
"I stayed at home the whole time the Founding Festival was on."
"Aren't you secluding yourself too much? Research is important, but it's also important to make yourself known, right?"
Cordelia raised her face.
"Even if you say that Otou-sama and Onii-sama have their own work to do. I can't go out without a guardian."
Even if they could take me with them, then I would rather go to the town around the castle than the castle itself. Cordelia thought, as she spoke and Vernoux looked shocked as he sighed.
"You should have told me. My father can act as your guardian, so it's fine."
"That might be a good idea, but if I go to the castle with the Marquis and you, then people would think that we're engaged."
In the past, Vernoux has used Cordelia as a shield to starve off Hazel's fierce attacks. At the time, she only feared that they would misunderstand the relationship between the two. But it would be different if she was together with the Marquis, people might think that she was his official fiancée. 'Just let them misunderstand,' ――― saying that would just spread the misunderstanding.
"... If that happens, then the Earl might tell me to take out my sword."
Cordelia had spoken mischievously, but Vernoux had spoken seriously. Is he serious? Or is he joking with a serious look on his face? In any case, this should be troublesome for Vernoux-sama.
"Poor thing."
"Huh?"
Cordelia tilted her head since he whispered words that sounded as if it was someone else's business. Who the heck is he talking to?
"I feel bad for the man who will tell the Earl that he wants to marry you in the future."
Vernoux was deadly serious.
"I don't think Otou-sama would do something like that."
If Otou-sama were to say something like that, then my marriage candidate would stay as candidates forever. So no way that would happen. ――― Cordelia smiled wryly and Vernoux scoffed.
"Dilly, you're still too naïve."
"......"
Why is Vernoux-sama acting so proud? She thought, as she once again denied, "He won't do that." No way would that happen. This isn't even my wishful thinking.
"Well, let's stop this conversation there. Let's go back to what we were talking about. Do you mind if I come with you when you go out with Gille?"
"Eh? I thought that you would be coming along. I intend to bring Ronnie as well."
"I see. Then I'll tell Gille."
He's asking strange questions, she thought, as she watched Vernoux nodded, then asked.
"I can't get in touch with Gille-sama if you're not there, so won't you come with us?"
"Well, that's true."
"And I can tell my House who I'm going out with if you come with us."
It shouldn't be a problem if I tell them that I'm going out with Vernoux-sama, even if he brings a friend with him. But, if I were to meet Gille, then I would have to tell my family who he is. Since he's hiding who he is, it's impossible for me to tell them.
But what's more, two people meeting up and walking through town... even if it was to meet his sensei. Isn't that like a date? She got embarrassed when she became aware of that. It'll be okay if I don't think about it, but I wonder if I could stop...
"... What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
She lightly coughed to brush it off as she continued writing. She started off with a bland greeting, then about which days wouldn't work for her, and finished it off by asking him to rest a lot if he's tired. But, the letter would be too short if she ended it here, so she added how she was lately, and about what she did during the Founding Festival.
(I don't need to imagine weird things. If Vernoux-sama is with us, then I definitely won't think about such odd things.)
She put all the blame on Vernoux for saying strange things. She finished writing, folded the paper and sealed it.
"Then I'll tell Gille to send you the next letter after he's decided on a date."
"I'll leave it to you."
"Ah, one more thing. I'll tell you while I still remember it. When you meet the Green Witch, I don't want you to meet her as a daughter of the Pameradia House, but as 『Cordelia』. Of course, I'm sure she realises that we're nobles, but Gille and I never told her our House name."
"Alright."
"Because the Green Witch acts as if she doesn't like nobles that much. We've never asked her about it, and she teaches us properly, so it might just be my imagination... In any case, you don't need a House name to ask her to teach you."
Cordelia nodded. Then she remembered that Gille had told her that he'd met the Green Witch by chance. She had thought nothing of it at that time, but they had probably met when he went incognito with Vernoux. It's obvious, but they're probably close.
"Well, you'll have fun either way. Stop looking so irritated. It'll bug Gille too."
"Huh?"
"You don't realise you're doing it? You don't look like yourself today. I thought you started imitating the Earl."
"... Vernoux-sama, just what is your impression of Otou-sama?"
"Well, he's a peerless former knight, right?"
Vernoux said frivolously. Cordelia was shocked as she gave a long sigh in her mind. What am I doing?
(I didn't realise it, but I must still be nervous because a lot of things are going on.)
The people around her had definitely noticed, since Vernoux had, even if she hadn't seen him in a while.
"What have I done...?"
"About what?'
"No, it's nothing."
She just thought that she still had a long way to go. She had many people that she could rely on, and, if she was worried about something, then she could just talk to them about it. She could think about it herself, but it was depressing how she couldn't get to the bottom of her own problems.
"Thank you, Vernoux-sama."
"Oh, you're welcome? I don't get it, but you can thank me with more sweets?"
My anxiety towards how Ghost would appear next still hasn't disappeared, so it's important to stay vigilant. But, if I keep thinking about him, then I'm acting just as he wants me to.
(Peaceful times are peaceful. I have to enjoy myself.)
Cordelia heard from Cyrus that Ghost had utterly disappeared from the Royal Capital and they couldn't find him anywhere. We might meet each other again someday, but if I narrow my view, then I might miss important information.
"I'm looking forward to going out with both you and Gille-sama."
So, first I have to enjoy myself on this outing.
A woman who knows a lot about medicinal herbs. Someone who I'm very interested in.
I'm not trying to ignore Ghost, but I want to move forward in the things I want to do, one step at a time. I'm sure this is the most useful thing for me to do.
Cordelia told herself and motivated herself again.