Drop!! ～A Tale of the Fragrance Princess～ (LN)

Volume 4, Act 39: A Moments Rest

Cordelia couldnt hide that she was shaken when someone whom she hadnt expected to appear showed up.

(Im sure that Ronnie had asked Hans to arrange for our pick-up.)

Its impossible for Hans to make his master, Otou-sama, go to Oulu Village. In other words, he was here by his own choice.

Oh, are you Dilly-chans Otou-san? You two are alike.

In contrast to Cordelia who had frozen from surprise, the chief laughed while feeling surprised. Of course, it didnt look like he knew that Elvis was an Earl.

And that was also conveyed to Elvis.

Thank you for taking care of my daughter.

Elvis smoothly informed the chief.

The expression that he had used was really something a polite father who came to pick up his daughter would say. The chief laughed heartily and replied to Elvis.

Its fine. I thought that Dilly-chan was a polite girl, but Otou-san is also very dignified.

The chief doesnt realise that Otou-sama is a noble after all.

( Im shaking like a mess, even though Otou-sama is on board with this.)

Cordelia thought, as she desperately pretended to act normal. Still, it seemed like the violent sounds of her heart pounding could be heard.

Im surprised you knew that she would be here. Did you ask someone?

No, I was confident that I would know where she was if I asked the chief.

Well, thats true. Ah, Otou-san, would you like a cup of tea?

Well be leaving soon, so you dont have trouble yourself.

Elvis asked Cordelia after he had turned down the chiefs offer.

Wheres Ronnie?

He went to the poorhouse to ask something. Hell be right back.

I see. Well leave as soon as hes back.

Yes.

The conversation stopped.

(Ronnie, hurry back!)

She was the one who used Ronnie as a messenger, but the situation was uncomfortable. It wasnt the worst situation, since Elvis had hidden the fact that he was an Earl, but that didnt change the fact that she wanted to run away.

(But thats not all I didnt mean to bother Otou-sama when hes tired!)

At least, we have to get back to the royal capital as quickly as possible.

She didnt know if her wish had come true or not, but Ronnie came back with the Witch.

Dilly, Witch-sensei said shes going to stay here for the night, but she wanted to see you off Woah!?

Cordelia wanted to retort to Ronnies hysterical voice with, You didnt need to make a strange voice just because you saw Otou-sama, but she also completely understood his surprise. She also thought that Ronnie was doing his best to hold his ground since he hadnt said Master.

Ronnie-san, whats wrong?

The Witch appeared from behind Ronnie. She looked around the room, opened her eyes wide and moved her mouth slightly.

( Huh?)

No sounds came out of the Witchs mouth.

But, if Im not mistaken, then Sensei is saying something I never expected she would say.

Elvis, on the other hand, didnt seem to pay any attention to the Witch.

Were leaving. Ronnie, youre driving the carriage.

Yes, at once!

Ronnie quickly flew outside after he heard Elvis. Cordelia looked in his direction because she had been surprised by the sound, but she immediately calmed down and turned back to the Witch. But the Witch had already closed her mouth.

(I wonder what happened)

Cordelia became restless because of the Witch, but she couldnt take things easy.

Then, excuse us.

Cordelia couldnt be delayed after Elvis had said that and left, so she quickly curtsied.

Ill be going home now. Ill visit another time.

Cordelias voice wasnt loud as she spoke to the Witch. However, the Witchs shoulders shook as if she had just heard a sudden sound.

Sensei?

Nothing, Im sorry. Thanks.

Mm Sensei, do you, by any chance, know Otou-sama?

Cordelia saw that the Witch was restless, prepared herself and asked her about it.

It looked as if the Witch had said her fathers name before.

But she couldnt come up with any connection between the Witch and Elvis. Elviss attitude wasnt one he used towards friends, and the Witch wasnt someone who would call an Earl by his name. But, judging from the Witchs reaction, it was hard to imagine that they didnt know each other at all.

However, the Witch only shook her head at Cordelias question.

Next time ok?

Cordelia couldnt tell if she meant that she would tell her next time or if they will meet again. However, she didnt have time to ask the Witch any more questions.

See you, Sensei. Ill come over again.

Yes, Ill be waiting.

Cordelia left the chiefs house and soon found the carriage which was parked at the village entrance. Elvis had already boarded.

Ronnie, who had been waiting at the carriage door, saw Cordelia and beckoned her, so she jogged to the carriage and got in.

The carriage left soon after.

???????

The aura inside the carriage was heavy.

Elvis had his arms folded and eyes closed, and his aura was solemn. It was hard for Cordelia to talk to him like that, but she couldnt remain silent either. She tightly grasped her knees with her hands and desperately thought about how to break the ice.

(But, but I really hadnt expected that Otou-sama would come to pick me up.)

The words that he had used on the chief was also utterly different from the ones he would typically use. Even he might use honorifics for work, but he was friendly instead, he sounded like a normal Otou-san. It was strange to actually hear him use words like that.

But it worries me more that he had directly come to get me. I did tell him that I would be going to the village, and I did inform home that I would be home late. I think I should reflect on this, but did he come to the village because I had sent a message home saying I would be late?

Questions swirled within her.

But it was Elvis who had broken the silence as Cordelia thought.

It looks like youve used up most of your magic. What did you do?

Elviss voice was lower than usual. Cordelia nearly put up her guard on reflex, but Elvis wasnt angry. She felt that he was closer to being emotionless. Cordelia thought his attitude was odd as she regained a little bit of composure.

One of the village children got lost, so I went out to look for him.

I am hiding something, but I hadnt lied. Otou-sama is probably not convinced with this short explanation. I hadnt explained what I had done, and I hadnt informed him why my magic had ran out.

However, Cordelia only received a single reply.

I see.

It was silent again.

(Thats all?)

Im thankful, but this isnt like him at all.

Him coming to the village, the words he had spoken at the chiefs house, and his reaction right now I feel uncomfortable, even though he spoils me. Sensei was also acting strange. I cant help but feel jittery.

Should I ask Otou-sama now, after all?

If he tells me that he doesnt know her, then I might have just imagined them acting strange She thought as she stared at Elvis.

Otou-sama, do you know the woman who you met in the village? Shes the sensei who I told you about before.

Why do you think I know her?

No particular reason. Im sorry if Im mistaken.

She didnt say that she thought this because the Witch had said Elviss name. She wasnt sure if the Witch had really said Elviss name or not, and if they did know each other, then compared to the attitude he had shown the chief, he wouldnt have ignored her.

Elvis opened his mouth when Cordelia began to think that she was wrong.

Ask your teacher if you want to know whether I know her or not.

Excuse me?

Even if she was the same person I knew, its been decades. I dont know her now.

Elvis, who had spoken in a monotone, ended the conversation with that.

Cordelia answered briefly, Yes.

( This is really strange. I cant believe that Otou-sama hadnt explained clearly.)

He probably wasnt trying to hide their connection since he had said that I could ask her. However, I think it would be fine for him to tell me if this is the case. She had more questions and was dumbfounded when she realised something.

Look what Ive done! I forgot to say the most critical thing to Otou-sama before I think about this.

Otou-sama. Thank you for coming to pick me up.

Elvis, who had been facing the front until now, turned to look at the darkness outside, and he didnt answer her. However, it wasnt like he hadnt heard her. Should I say it once more just in case?

A faint voice reached her ears when she thought that, Hm. Elvis was still looking outside, but she felt like he was embarrassed or shy and smiled.

The next day, Cordelia woke up in the afternoon.

She hadnt planned on sleeping for that long, but her body was more tired than shed thought. Pain similar to muscle pain ached her whole body when she got up. This must have been what Ronnie was talking about yesterday. He must have experienced this before.

She wasnt in a terrible situation where she couldnt walk, but she winced. As a result, she was forced into a situation where she had to spend the whole day in her room.

The next day, she was able to wake up at her usual time.

She rested in the morning, but Vernoux came in the afternoon, so she entertained him in the greenhouse. Her body still ached, but it was much better than yesterday.

Vernoux tilted his head as he drank his tea.

Dilly, youre moving a bit strangely today. No, is strange the correct way to phrase it?

Vernoux-sama, why dont you stop saying strange or weird to women?

But Im telling the truth, arent I?

I certainly feel uncomfortable, but I cant agree with his words. Cant he phrase it differently? However, Vernoux didnt stop hounding her.

Honestly, what did you do? Did you do something dangerous?

Huh?

What do you mean by dangerous? Cordelia tilted her head, and Vernoux pointed at his face.

Here. Its mostly hidden by your hair, but you have scrapes on your face.

Cordelia had scrapes on her face in a place which was hard to see, and she had already received treatment for them, so there werent any lingering wounds. Therefore, she was surprised by Vernouxs observation power.

Did you get into a fight?

No way. I wont do something like that.

Youre right. But you dont normally injure your face. Did you fall?

Well, something like that.

Its also embarrassing to say that I fell, but its much better than stating the real reason. And hell probably only laugh if I say I fell. Cordelia resolved herself, but Vernoux had a difficult to read the expression on his face and was far from laughing.

Vernoux-sama?

I dont know what you did, but you shouldnt do anything rash. Women will regret it if they injure their face.

Cordelia was surprised by his words and blinked several times. From what he had said, she knew that he hadnt believed her. That in itself wasnt surprising, but he wasnt acting like himself.

Vernoux-sama, are you perhaps sick today?

Whats that supposed to mean?

He had half glared at her, but she had meant what she said. It was rare for him to act like a gentleman before teasing her. However, she wasnt planning on spoiling the mood of her friend, so she didnt answer his question.

But Im okay. This kind of wound wouldnt leave scars, so theres no need to regret having a scar on my face.

I cant deny that it wasnt dangerous, but I dont want to think that it would have been better if I hadnt done it, since Mick could have been seriously hurt.

Well, I didnt think that the stubborn Dilly would just easily agree with me. But keep it in moderation.

Thank you for your advice.

Ill give you another piece of advice. You better phrase your words better if you want to tell a lie without being found out.

The strange pause was a dead giveaway, but the usual Dilly would act like nothing had happened and say, Nothing happened, right? If you had said that then I may have only thought, Ah, she fell because she was thinking about weird things again.

Vernoux-sama, thats extremely rude.

But its not bad to know about it, right?

Its certainly valuable information that makes me want to cry. Thank you very much.

Vernoux laughed in satisfaction when Cordelia said that.

Honestly, what a good personality my friend has. Cordelia shrugged.

The morning after, Cordelias condition mostly returned to normal.

She hadnt recovered completely, but her movements werent hindered. Vernoux probably wouldnt have called her strange if he had visited a day later.

Cordelia informed Ronnie that she wanted to go visit the Witch in the afternoon. Ronnie was surprised at her recovery, but he went out to deliver her letter to the Witch without any objections.

Cordelia, who had entrusted him with the letter, went to the kitchen to meet the head chef next. She wanted to bring a gift with her since she was visiting the Witch.

Ojou-sama, is there anything I can help you with?

The head chef, who was in the kitchen, rushed towards Cordelia before she could even call out to him. The head chef, who had helped her obtained herbs and create dressings with those herbs since she was little, probably thought that she had visited for those reasons.

However, she had come here for something else today.

I want to make muffins. Is it possible for me to get ingredients for them? And, can you lend me the kitchen for a little while?

Muffins? You will? If so, then we can make something that would satisfy you

The head chefs reaction was natural.

He wouldnt have thought I would have said that since ladies usually dont cook. Sometimes I would cook in the laboratory for example, the honey lemons, but normal ladies definitely wouldnt cook. Im able to cook because its in the laboratory.

Only Otou-sama knows about this apart from Ronnie, Lara and Emina. Cordelia smiled.

Of course, I know I would be able to eat delicious sweets if I ask you chefs to make it. But, I have a recipe from someone who has been taking care of me. She also taught me how to make it. So, I want to make it for her myself as a thank you.

B-but

Its okay. If youre worried, then you can put it in the oven. That way you wouldnt have to worry about me getting burnt, right?

Okay. Then, Ill help you.

Cordelia was relieved that she had received permission from the head chef even though he was frowning. The head chef might have been wondering who she learnt it from, but her requests have always been crazy, so he might have concluded that it was too late now.

In any case, she was thankful that the head chef was playing it by ear.

Ojou-sama, may I have the recipe?

Yes, of course.

Cordelia handed the head chef the recipe for cocoa custard muffins. The head chef instructed his chefs and the ingredients were prepared in the short while that it took Cordelia to wash her hands. They had even weighed everything for her.

( Im really thankful, but I feel like the most crucial step to baking has already been done.)

The powder used for baking, which was similar to baking powder in her previous world, had already been sieved and mixed. In other words, all Cordelia had to do was the simple process of mixing it.

(Theyre anxious about my skills.)

The head chef probably didnt want her to embarrass herself, but if she didnt get rid of his concern, then this would happen every time she requested to cook.

(The only way to get rid of his worries is by showing him that he doesnt have anything to worry about right?)

Thats right, this is his way of being thoughtful. I should be able to measure the ingredients myself if I show him that Im more capable than he thought I was.

Cordelia motivated herself. She confirmed the ingredients once again and picked up an egg, then she heard a gulp behind her.

(I feel like hes saying she forgot how to break an egg.)

I feel bad for the anxious head chef, but theres nothing to worry about. Cordelia lightly tapped the egg on the edge of the bowl and broke the shell. She didnt drop the egg into the bowl; instead, she separated the whites and the yolk with the shell.

Then, a voice of admiration sounded from behind her.

Ojou-sama, you can break the egg without any shells falling in.

Yes, I can.

Ive already established that ladies in this world dont know how to crack eggs when Sensei admired me last time. However, this might have been considered as a reckless challenge if he thought I couldnt crack an egg, even though I had asked him if I could make sweets.

I thought he would admire me for being able to separate the whites from the yolk without failing more than breaking the egg No, that isnt even difficult in the first place.

However, she was relieved that he got some peace of mind from this. At the same time, she also thought, thats such an exaggeration for one egg! But her muffins would be delayed and turn into a mess if she got distracted by her thoughts. She rearranged her thoughts and quickly progressed.

But then, she noticed that the other chefs were also focused on her and became restless.

She wasnt worried about making any big mistakes, since she had already made them once with the Witch, but she felt uncomfortable that they were cheering occasionally, even though she hadnt done anything special.

While thinking, she had finished the custard cream and muffin dough.

Cordelia lightly combined them together and put them into the mould. She then gave the finished product to the chef to put into the oven.

Shed thought it would have been fine even if she did that herself, but she found it hard to say that to the head chef, who had been waiting for her as she put the muffin mixture into the mould. And the head chefs eyes seemed to be saying I definitely wont let you use the oven.

She thought that she had freed him of his worry to some extent, but it would take time to get rid of it completely.

The muffins were baked nicely after she waited for a bit.

She had made 11 muffins. She gave one to the head chef and brought the rest back to her room.

Ill take one to try and bring two to Sensei Theres seven left. Give one to Ronnie, Lara and Emina, now theres four. I wonder if Hans will eat it.

If he will, then thats three left.

I want to give one to Otou-sama, but I wonder if hell like it?

He probably wont find fault in me cooking, even though its not something a lady would do. He seemed impressed when he tried the honey lemon I made him.

(I dont think he hates sweets if hes okay with honey)

Ive never seen him eat sweets of his own accord. However, he spoils me even if he doesnt like sweets. It might be hard to get him to say its delicious, but hell probably eat it in silence. But I dont want to force him to eat it if he doesnt like it.

As a result of her pondering, she put the muffin into a small box and wrapped it. Then she put a message card at the top. She wrote on the card, If you dont mind, please have this as a snack. If you dont want it, then Ill eat it later.

She didnt write that she had made it.

Alright, Ill leave this to Hans. Now theres two left.

Where should the remaining two go? I know that the female magicians like sweets, but two isnt enough. Then the most appropriate people to give these two are She thought and remembered her friends.

(Ill have exactly none left if I give one to Vernoux-sama and Gille-sama.)

But I wonder if those two can eat something a lady made, even though I used the same recipe as Sensei? Can they eat something made by me when people think that ladies cant even break eggs?

She hadnt told them when she had made muffins at the Witchs last time. She wasnt keeping it a secret, but it never came up in conversation.

She was at a loss as she took a bite of the muffin. This might sound like Im singing my own praises, but it tastes the same as the muffins Sensei makes. It has a gentle flavour. I was able to make them according to how I was taught.

They wont think it tastes bad even if they eat it. If they dont eat it then thats that.

Cordelia finished her muffin then carefully wrapped the two remaining muffins. She also took her favourite tea out from the cupboard. Im sure this will go well with the muffin. But she suddenly realised.

I can send this to Vernoux-sama, but can I send something that cant wait to Gille-sama?

If I sent him a letter, then it would be fine no matter how many days pass before he receives it. But sweets are different. Muffins dont have to be eaten straight away, but I dont know how often Vernoux-sama and Gille-sama meet.

If it goes bad by the time they next meet then Gille-sama would get sick, and I would also be damaged.

After wrapping the muffins, Cordelia picked up stationery and a pen and wrote a letter to Vernoux while hesitating. She simply wrote that she had made some sweets and he should try it if he wants to. She didnt mention Gille.

(It would be fine Gille-sama is with him, and they eat it together. But Vernoux-sama should be able to eat two muffins even if they dont plan to meet.)

Cordelia put the letter together with the muffins and asked a messenger to send it to the Flantheim House.

Then, Cordelia went with Ronnie to the Witchs house after she had lunch.

Translator: Blushy

Editor: SenjiQ