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Flowers to You (2)
Translated by Wook
Edited by Wook
To me, the splendor of the capital was enough to get me annoyed, but not to Agoth.
“There are so many carriages coming and going and not a single broken paving stone!”
This is because the size of the maintenance manpower and budget are different.
“Look at that castle! So cool! Who would live in a place like that?”
The imperial family lives there. For your information, I also lived there 500 years ago.
“Did you see the dragon statue? It looks so big and solemn.”
Oh, that. It was erected to commemorate the defeat of the evil dragon Krusech.
Three days before the competition, after Leonard and Agoth’s application for participation was completed. Agoth walked with exclamations once every five steps.
Leonard and I just smiled happily and sometimes responded.
It’s kind of like taking a dog for a walk.
“I’m afraid that she’d be nervous as this will be your first competition. Who would’ve thought she’d be so excited instead.”
“Considering that, you’ve been buying Agoth a lot of things, haven’t you Helena?”
“What
 Haven’t you done the same, Brother?”
“Well, it’s so fun to see Agoth’s eyes pop out of surprise every time she receives something
”
“Actually, I also
”
A strange consensus is formed in an unexpected scene.
‘Now, should I get out of my seat?’
I think I showed Agoth enough sightseeing, and now I think I can go do my business.
“Brother, I need to go the other way for a moment.”
“What? Alone?”
“Yes, I have an appointment with Viscount Noct. It’s alright, there will be a carriage to pick me up.”
“An appointment? You?”
“Why are you so surprised?”
“No, it’s just
 You’re too lazy to meet people.”
“Huh? Oh
 That is
 correct?”
Right. I was a person who was lazy to do everything. I realized the fact again.
‘But. What am I supposed to do when I want to know what’s the relation between Brande and Caesar?”
I wondered belatedly, but I couldn’t take a step back because the appointment time was already approaching.
***
The place I met Hamilton was at a restaurant downtown.
We took a seat by the window away from people. Through the window, I could see a view of the city where the night had begun to set.
“I was surprised to hear that you wanted to see me first.”
Hamilton, whose eyes were wrinkled from smiling, said to me.
“There was something I wanted to ask you.”
“I see. Have you finally decided to use me as your informant?”
“No. I am not interested in politics.”
“Oh, that’s unfortunate.”
What do you mean? Did this guy really want to bring me into the political world?
“So, what do you want to know?”
“I wanted to know if you know anything about the Brande?”
“What? Did the Brande do anything to Princess?”
Hamilton’s eyebrows, which were relaxed, went up as if they were nervous.
“You’re asking if they did something, not whether I know or don’t know about them.”
“Oh no
 I made a mistake.”
“You can’t be a spy.”
“Haha, I know.”
After a slight embarrassment, Hamilton tilted his glass of water and moistened his lips. As if clearing his mind before saying anything difficult.
“Where should I start? 
Do you know that the current empress is trying to raise Prince Fran, who is her biological son, as crown prince?”
I nodded my head lightly in affirmation.
It’s a matter of guessing rather than knowing.
Since Caesar has become the crown prince, it is impossible for the empress’ biological son to become the crown prince unless Caesar is killed.
Then after Caesar becomes emperor, she will try to urge her son to be appointed as the crown prince.
‘But even if he becomes a crown prince right now, if Caesar has children, he will be at a disadvantage.’
“The number of people within the Imperial Palace leaned toward the crown prince. At this rate, it will be difficult for the empress to raise Prince Fran as crown prince.”
“I think so as well.”
“Yes, that’s why she wants to put her own person in the key position.”
After saying that, Hamilton paused for a moment. It seems to give me time to think for myself.
“
She wants to put Yulika Brande in the crown princess position.”
“It’s been quite some time already.”
Now I understand.
The behavior of Yulika, who had been arguing with me since the first meeting.
Jealousy towards Caesar’s close friend, a check against the duke’s daughter, who could be her rival, and a brazen declaration of war out of conviction that she would become the crown princess.
‘Was it a political battle after all?’
For such a silly reason, not to mention.
I tilted my glass of water to wet my dry mouth.
“It’s time to talk about Caesar’s engagement.”
“You are calm.”
“Well, there’s no surprise. The marriage in the imperial family is fast.”
I was single until the day I died.
“If Princess wants, we have enough intention to push you into the crown princess position.”
Hamilton spoke to me in a hushed voice as if talking about a secret.
“I don’t want to.”
“What? B-but later on you could become the empress.”
“Why would I want to do something as bothersome as becoming an empress
”
Do you think I, who was an emperor, was revived to try to be an emperor’s wife in this life?
Mm, by the way, that bastard, then what the hell was he thinking when he kissed me?’
I frowned as I remembered the time I kissed Caesar on a snowy day.
Of course, first kiss tends to be carried out out of curiosity and mood. There’s nothing to feel embarrassed about kissing young kids.
‘But it’s a bit disappointing.’
When the story of the crown princess begins to emerge in earnest, it will be difficult to get along with him no matter who becomes his wife.
I will lose my relationship with my good student.
Thinking about it that way made my mouth bitter.
***
The day of the gladiatorial competition.
Perhaps because it was hosted by the imperial family, the number of spectators was higher than ever. By changing the rules, not only the aristocrats but also ordinary people were allowed to attend, so the seats were full.
“Young children of noble families, please sit here.”
Even though there were terrace seats, the attendant guided the noble girls to the first floor seats. It’s good as long as I can see the stadium well.
‘Only 16 people who passed the preliminary round yesterday will appear in today’s match.’
All three of my students easily passed the preliminary rounds. Well, that’s a natural result, because I am the master. Ahem.
At that moment, a young lady came to the seat next to me and sat down. I turned my head to the young lady indifferently.
She wore a dress with a hollow in her chest, blonde hair with gorgeous accessories, and exposed white shoulders.
Her appearance screamed “this dress doesn’t fit the situation” all over.
“Mm?”
“Hoh!”
Wow.
They said enemies meet on a single wooden bridge.
“Oh, isn’t it Young Lady Yulika Brande?”
A mischievous smile spread unknowingly. On the other hand, the blood disappeared from Yulika’s face.
“Hey, here! Find me another seat
!”
“Just sit down, my lady. Why are you trying to move seats and giving others problems?”
“Gasp!”
Yulika jumped up and called the attendant, but I pulled her strongly and put her back in her seat. Yulika took in her breath as if she was going to pass out.
‘If this continues, can she become a crown princess?”
Such a weak mentality, how can you survive in the imperial family?
Phew, your future must be very dark.
I somehow felt pity for Yulika.
“It’s been a while, my lady. How have you been?”
“What? O-Ohoho, I’m alright. Has Princess been well?”
“It’s all thanks to you. Whew, my lady, why are you so nervous? Relax.”
When I pat Yulika’s arm, she trembled.
“People will misunderstand that we have a bad relationship. Smile, my lady. Don’t spoil the mood.”
“A
 Ahahahaha
!”
Yulika let out a laugh with a face that looked like she was about to cry. I smiled brightly at such Yulika.
Oh, what to do. I guess I’ll have to get along with her.
Even stupid kids like this just look cute, perhaps I’ve caught a disease.
***
The competition was exciting.
It was quite intense and thrilling for a noble game.
Of course, it cannot be denied that my disciples are at the center of it.
“Where is that female swordsman from? She looks young, but she’s nimble and sharp.”
Agoth advanced to the quarterfinals with her skill which made everyone tongue-tied.
This was possible because the sword she learned was for ‘actual use’, not ‘showcase use’.
‘You said you wanted to learn the sword that protects me, Agoth.’
Agoth showed her own skills without regret. She fell out of the quarterfinals, but she’ll probably get a ton of love calls after this competition.
“Isn’t that the son of Duke Peresca?”
“It is said that he is a talented person who has already won several championships in other competitions.”
“I heard he’s attending the military academy now. I am really looking forward to the future.”
My angelic Leonard was not an angel on stage.
Even though he was smiling brightly, when the match started, he turned into a cold-blooded face. Each time, exclamations of women erupted.
‘Young girls will go crazy again.’
However, the attention for these two people was nothing in front of the final boss.
Caesar Winter Gray.
Everyone would have thought that their crown prince only participated to preserve the tradition.
“They say that the sword follows the personality of the wielder, no wonder it is so cold-hearted
”
“He is a gray wolf indeed. He is the one who will not keep the enemy alive.”
Caesar relentlessly knocked down whoever his opponent was and made it to the finals.
Caesar’s ability was overwhelming and one-sided to the point that the audience would freeze every time he raised his sword.
“I can feel the bloodthirstiness. Where the hell did he learn such an ugly sword
”
From the noisy crowd, voices of criticism and concern came out rather than praise.
I’m sorry. I was the one who taught him, guys. Of course, I have no regrets.
‘What do these people think of swords? Dance props?’
It’s a weapon for killing people.
It’s natural to be bloodthirsty.
The match was left with only the finals.
In the final, Caesar and Leonard faced off, and it really didn’t matter who won.
I deliberately spoke in a loud voice to Yulika, who was sitting next to me.
“Isn’t His Highness’ sword really elegant and beautiful?”
“W-What? It is?”
When I spoke, Yulika was startled and looked like a rabbit.
“Sometimes overwhelming skills can bring fear. But isn’t that the charm of a sword that distinguishes life and death?”
“Ha
 Well, it turns out
”
Yulika nodded at my words. Even though her expression said she didn’t understand at all.
“Weak people should know under whose sword their safety is protected.”
I smiled and glanced at the back seat.
I saw a group of aristocrats talking gossip about Caesar. They coughed and ooh-ed and ahh-ed while avoiding my gaze in vain.
“Oh, so
 You’re saying His Highness is cool, right?”
As if she didn’t notice my war of nerves with them, Yulika blinked her eyes and asked me.

How is this young and innocent child going to be the crown princess? Why do I even have to worry about someone else’s daughter?
When I was looking at Yulika with a regretful expression.
The final match is over.
“His Highness Prince Caesar Winter Gray is the final winner!”
The voice of the host, who announced the victory or defeat, resounded in the venue.
Caesar won.
“This is the first time a crown prince has won this gladiatorial competition.”
Yulika, who was sitting next to me, muttered in a voice that was choked with emotion.
I guess so. Until now, it would have been a role to only show a few plausible games.
But my disciple doesn’t do that.
My disciple was sincere.
“A wreath to the winner!”
“Congratulations, Your Highness!”
The audience stood up and clapped and cheered. Including those who gossiped about Caesar a while ago.
A wreath of blue and red flowers was placed on Caesar’s head.
The cheers of the young children grew louder.
“What’s going on? Why are they so excited?”
“Oh. Don’t you know, Princess? There is a tradition that the winner presents the wreath that he received to the young lady in his heart.”
Yulika preached to me condescendingly, as if asking how I could not know that.
She doesn’t know anything about the sword, but she knows well about such things.
By the way, that means.
‘Is that wreath going to Yulika Brande, who is being discussed as the crown princess?’
Oh, crap. I got the wrong seat.
Now I have to smile awkwardly for the person next to me.
Sure enough, Caesar came out and approached Yulika. A wide smile spread across Yulika’s face.
“Your Highness, congratulations on your victory!”
Yulika gently grabbed the hem of her dress and greeted him in a roaring voice.
I wondered why he dressed so splendidly in the gladiatorial contest, and this was the reason.
“Thank you, my lady.”
“I was sure Your Highness would win!”
“I’m glad I could repay your faith.”
Caesar smiled with his teeth and laughed. What is that business smile? Am I the only one cringing?
I glanced around and checked the top seat. I could see the empress looking at this side happily.
‘Yes, it’s politics.’
How lame.
Finally, Caesar picked up the wreath. Yulika stared at the wreath with excited eyes.
Caesar smiled at Yulika like that, and put a wreath on the head


of me. Not Yulika.
“
Mm?”
Oh?
Wait a moment. This? Uh?
“To my esteemed Master, all the glory of today.”
Uooooohhh?!
Caesar’s red eyes smiled thinly. Yulika’s red face was distorted as if she was about to cry.
A commotion spread across the venue.
It was in an instant that people’s attention was focused on me.
‘What is this?!’
My free life is now ruined.
I gave up on thinking.