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

Volume 4, Act 42: Real Intentions

The day that would be convenient for Elvis and Fulvia to meet was four days after shed discussed it with Elvis.

She was surprised that it was earlier than what she had scheduled, but it was good news, since she wanted them to meet.

(Maybe Otou-sama changed his schedule for this.)

I hadnt heard that he would have the day off. I have to live up to his expectations if he did change his schedule. Ill talk about the mobile library plan like I planned to, but most importantly, I hope that they can both talk about their recent situations.

I chose the greenhouse as the meeting place.

Cordelia prepared the tablecloth with Emina. She usually left that to Emina, but she had wanted to do it.

(I wonder if this is alright.)

Lastly, Cordelia arranged flowers on the table and set it up.

Ronnie came into the greenhouse as if he had been waiting for the right moment.

Ojou-sama, Sensei is here.

Im coming. Emina, can you prepare the tea? Ill do the rest when Sensei gets here, I dont mind if you move back.

Yes, Ojou-sama.

Cordelia and Ronnie headed to the entrance.

She told Ronnie about Fulvia in the same way that she had told Vernoux.

She arrived at the entrance and curtsied to Fulvia, who had been waiting there.

Im sorry for making you wait, Sensei.

Its okay. Thank you for inviting me.

I know this is sudden, but would you like to go to the greenhouse?

Fulvia had spoken in a tone which was different from her usual because she was in the Pameradia mansion. I also know that Obaa-sama cant just call me Dilly-chanhere. Its also impossible to talk calmly here, somewhere thats easily noticeable.

( The public gaze isnt the only problem.)

Things progressed that far because she was motivated to get the two to meet, but anxiety flickered through her when she saw how tense Fulvia was.

I havent missed anything because I was in such a rush, right?

(Its okay. Its fine. Nothing will progress if I get anxious here.)

She told Ronnie to call Elvis and guided Fulvia to the greenhouse as she told herself that.

Fulvia muttered.

There are a lot of bright flowers here.

Theres no one here, so please dont worry. I get nervous when Sensei talks like that.

Cordelia smiled a little while looking at Fulvia. Actually, she had been anxious since before Fulvia arrived, but she had no choice but to misrepresent that right now, and Fulvia was acting formal and restless towards her.

But

At least until Otou-sama gets here What do you think?

Fulvia looked a little puzzled.

Is calling you Dilly-chanbetter?

Yes. Because I can calm down.

Fulvia didnt change her expression but accepted, Ok.

Thank you very much. And this is the greenhouse. Im also growing the aloe vera I got here.

Its wonderful and amazing.

You might already know this, but this is Otou-samas design. Its also been improved little by little since it was constructed and the inside is made with glass so I can adjust the temperature and humidity levels.

Please, Cordelia showed Fulvia inside the glasshouse and stood behind her so that she could look around.

They were the only two people inside of the glasshouse, and Fulvia slowly began walking inside.

Youre growing a lot of herbs.

The herbs Im growing here are those I collected from the mountains, but Ive also rented some fields to grow herbs outside. However, I research here to investigate the relationship between medicinal herbs and magics in development, and adjust the soil in the fields.

The flowers here are as vibrant as the ones that grow in the wild.

Cordelia quietly stared at Fulvia who had kneeled down and stretched her hands out at the flowers.

The entrance of the greenhouse finally opened before long.

Ojou-sama, Master is here.

Standing behind Ronnie, Elvis had a poker-face as usual. Ronnie said, Then, please excuse me, before leaving.

When the three of them were left, the first one to speak was Elvis.

I apologise that my daughter has selfishly called you here.

Its fine, dont mention it.

The aura was very stiff.

And heavy.

No one said anything else.

She had expected it, but the two hadnt had a moving reunion when they met

However, Cordelia felt relief rather than discouragement. Fulvia was looking down, and Elviss gaze didnt leave his guest like always. However, it would really end as a meeting between an Earl and his guest if he acted too much like an Earl.

(Then this would be pointless.)

Cordelia thought and smiled. She wanted them to face each other if she wanted to change the situation. Then, she would have to make the first move.

Please come this way. I will prepare tea.

Cordelia guided them to the table and prepared the tea utensils in a practised manner. She placed sweets and tea in front of both of them and distributed the documents that she made.

This is the main reason why I have called you here today. I currently want to do welfare work with supporters starting from Vernoux-sama, the son of Marquis Flantheim. It is a project to deliver books to children in mountain villages far from the royal capital It does have a temporary name.

We are calling it the mobile library project.

Mobile library, you say?

Yes. It is currently difficult for villages away from the royal capital to get books. So, we wrote down a plan to get a carriage to deliver books to those villages.

However, we believe that they would shun fees, since they wouldnt be familiar with books, so we are currently adjusting the plan towards not collecting a usage fee.

I considered making a service for purchasing books if they want a special book, but that isnt the theme of the plan.

Elvis didnt mention that either.

What are you going to do about the capital?

Basically, were thinking of setting it up with a corporate status and getting donations from supporters every year. The supporter list and donation estimates are included in the third page.

Thats a large number of people.

Thats because Vernoux-sama reached out to them, and His High Sylvester also showed an interest in this.

Cordelia added, and Elvis nodded lightly.

Fulvia opened her eyes wide, The royal family?

Were going to buy books with the donations or have the supporters to donate books. Well also establish an office at the royal capital to use as a base. In addition to storing books, we also want to sell specialities from the villages at the base.

We also want to use it as a source of information which can be used by both the villages and the royal capital. What do you think of this plan?

Elvis dropped his eyes onto the documents and opened his mouth after a while.

As far as I can see, its not impossible to achieve. However, this is under the condition that you plan a little more and do preliminary meetings.

I think so too. Because the villages arent losing anything.

Fulvia continued after Elvis had spoken.

Cordelia was relieved that they hadnt said anything negative about the plan.

We cant rent an office in the royal capital because were children. Otou-sama, would you help me with this?

I can do that much.

Thank you very much. Then, I would like to discuss the next matter, with you two. We are thinking about stocking picture books, fairy tales and history books. Were thinking of obtaining some books for adults to read too, but I want to know what books would make this plan more successful.

Elvis frown deepened when Cordelia said that.

Otou-sama?

You should ask Marquis Flantheim if youre looking for picture books or fairy tales. He prefers them quite a lot.

(Otou-sama, isnt that passing the task onto someone else?)

Even if he had made an appropriate recommendation, from what Ive heard from Vernoux-sama, Marquis Flantheim would just boo at that. Cordelia smiled wryly inside.

( No, Marquis Flantheim might be pleased with this.)

I thought he would protest for a moment, but the Marquis might smile and say, That Elvis is relying on me!?

(Otou-sama, Im sorry. I can only imagine that the Marquis would be pleased no matter how this ends)

However, that wasnt the only thing that Elvis pointed out.

Other than fairy tales, it would be a good idea to add maps from all over the place. Its also an opportunity for them to learn that the world they know is narrow.

Maps you say?

Come to think of it, I remember that there was a time when I wanted a globe. I certainly remember that I wanted to know more about the unknown world.

Sensei, what do you think?

If youre going to add maps, then it might be nice to get travel journals as well. And this isnt about books, but there are a lot of children who like living things such as animals, birds, insects and reptiles.

It might be a little expensive, but there might be a demand for illustrated encyclopaedias.

Illustrated encyclopaedias?

Yes.

Maps and illustrated encyclopaedias are a bit more expensive than standard books. But, there might be a high demand for them even if they dont exist in the villages. When I think like that, I would like to come to a compromise.

Sensei, do you think Oulu Village would accept these efforts?

They probably would Recently, the director asked me if she should accept support.

The director already discussed the matter that she had told Cordelia about with Fulvia. It will probably be okay; it does make me feel relieved.

Do you know anything else that children might be interested in?

Lets see

Fulvia wanted to say something, but she immediately stopped.

Elvis also questioned that, like Cordelia, and moved his eyebrows a little.

Do you know something?

Its not like I dont but it might not be suitable for a place like this.

Is it about books?

Yes but is it really alright for me to say it?

More questions arose for Cordelia when she saw that Fulvia was strangely hesitant.

I wonder what she wants to say. In front of Cordelia, who was waiting silently, Fulvia prepared herself and looked at Elvis and Cordelia.

A lot of children, especially boys, like faeces or the so-called poop.

Fulvia sounded very serious.

Thus, Cordelias reaction was delayed for a second, but she choked the moment she understood the meaning of Fulvias words.

Elvis also had a massive choking fit.

That was the first time Cordelia had seen Elvis give such a big reaction.

This is dont tell me even Otou-sama had a period like that?

Even Otou-sama did!?

Without making eye contact with Cordelia, who was staring at him long and hard, Elvis coughed and caught his breath.

(This, Otou-sama also remembers this?)

I cant picture that at all, but its not strange if it happened before he entered the Pameradia House. But I really cant imagine it, but all the more so when I remember that Obaa-sama had called him a rascal.

But, Fulvia wasnt caught up with Elvis and Cordelias state.

To know how the body works, it might not be elegant, but they might be interested in books about faeces. Faeces arent waste, but a product.

Fulvia was serious until the very end, and Cordelia found it very strange.

Cordelia finally burst out laughing.

Wh-whats wrong?

Well, its just Ive never seen Otou-sama agitated before! I couldnt help but think that its something only you could do, Obaa-sama.

Dill Ojou-sama.

Fulvia had nearly called Cordelia how she usually did probably because she had panicked.

However, Cordelia kept telling her that she preferred it if Fulvia called her that.

Obaa-sama, please call me Dilly like always. And Otou-sama, if things stay like this, then youre just resisting for no reason?

It wasnt only Fulvias attitude that had vexed her, but Elviss as well. She took the opportunity to throw those words at Elvis.

Even Elvis should know why he got that agitated.

Cordelia didnt rush him to answer, but she didnt say anything else either.

Elvis opened his mouth before long.

Ive always wanted to apologise to you.

His voice was in no way loud.

However, it was a voice that couldnt be missed.

When I decided to become a noble, I had decided that I would use my position and protect the people. I decided to use whatever I could to achieve that, and I have been doing it. But the hardships youd suffered wouldnt go away, no matter how much I do. My mother had to suffer because I was born.

Im so very sorry.

He sounded as if he was disinterested.

However, to Cordelia, it had sounded as if he had done that deliberately.

Fulvia, on the other hand, quickly shook her head.

Youre wrong, Elvis. You did nothing wrong. You were only involved in adult affairs You were probably forced to do a lot of things. Im really sorry.

Cordelia interrupted as silence flowed between them.

Otou-sama and Obaa-sama. Youll never reach an agreement with that. You dont want to give in to each other, probably because you are alike.

It would be meaningless for them to apologise to each other if they continue to say that theyre both in the wrong.

I also dont plan on joining in on this conversation.

Please look at each other. I think it would be difficult for you to believe me, no matter what I say, but its obvious, isnt it? Arent you both saying that you want to spend more time together? And thats not all, is it?

Elvis and Fulvia didnt answer Cordelia. They were only looking at each other.

Well talk about the mobile library at a later day.

Cordelia said as she relaxed.

Wont you eat the sweets at your fingertips? I baked them.

It took me ages to choose something that would taste nostalgic, so I want them to savour it, Cordelia thought, as she took the initiative to eat the butter-cake.

Yup, delicious.

The act of reaching out to eat it before Elvis couldnt be commended. But both of them wouldnt move if she hadnt done that.

You have an adorable daughter.

Shes also a little tomboyish in some places. Who the heck does she resemble?

The two, who had frozen, looked at Cordelia and spoke.

Im concerned about which parts of me he had meant when hed said a little tomboyish. But I feel like Ill be digging my own grave if I ask that question. She thought, and Fulvia helped her.

Oh my, Im sure shes like you. You were such a rascal.

Elvis didnt say anything, probably because he either wouldnt object or couldnt.

Fulvia stared at Elvis, who was silent and eventually looked down.

Thank you very much.

What

I thought that it was enough to listen to your efforts and stories about how the people at your fief adore you. But Im pleased now that were able to talk again.

Elvis stared at Fulvia, who had humbled herself again, after shed spoken in an informal tone.

I also never thought I would have the opportunity to talk directly with mother Im glad we could talk.

Elvis spoke after a long silence, and his words sounded harmless and inoffensive.

But, this is probably the most honest thing he could say. Otou-sama isnt someone who chooses his words to suit who hes talking to. He hadnt objected to this meeting because he had wanted to meet her.

After that, they ate the butter-cake and talked about their current situations unfortunately, the latter didnt happen.

Elvis had said, Its a nostalgic taste, when he had tried the lemon butter-cake, but the topic soon returned to the mobile library plan.

We can derail it since you two finally have the chance to talk Cordelia thought, but the tension that Elvis and Fulvia had felt had disappeared, so she decided that it had worked somehow. This mother and child are probably hard workers through and through.

???????

However, a short while after, a messenger from the castle visited the Pameradia mansion, and Elvis was summoned to the castle.

Cordelia hadnt imagined that the wrinkles between his eyebrows were deeper than when he talked with Marquis Flantheim.

Still, Elvis left the greenhouse without a sign of regret.

However, hed said before leaving, Well talk again later.

After Elvis left, Cordelia told Fulvia the gist of the plan and saw her off. Of course, there are things I can talk to her about, but I want to give them another chance to speak.

(And since theyve already met, itll be easier to invite her over as a medicinal herb teacher)

Of course, its necessary to maintain a sense of distance, so that others dont get suspicious, and I know I have to take our positions into account. Still, Im happier than when I just imagined that the gap between my two favourite people have been filled.

(And the rest)

Cordelia thought of something else.

She called out to Emina, who was cleaning up since there were no guests left, in the greenhouse while gazing at a nearby flower.

Say, Emina. I have something to ask you.

Yes, Ojou-sama?

Wont you deliver this flower to Okaa-sama?

Emina frowned when she heard Cordelias question.

Cordelia hadnt mentioned her mother at all in these past few years. The relationship between the two hadnt changed at all, since long ago, so Emina never expected that Cordelia would say that.

Even so, Cordelia smiled.

Okaa-sama likes white flowers, doesnt she? I received this flower bulb from Nirupama as a gift from her fief. Im sure that Okaa-sama misses it.

I know that Okaa-sama askes the maids to put white flowers in her room.

However, Eminas expression didnt clear up with Cordelias explanation.

Stop looking like that. I wont force her to meet me. I just dont want her to hate me more than she already does. She might accept the flowers since theyve done nothing wrong.

Moreover she slightly thought.

The main reason why I had given up on talking to her was that this isnt linked to my uneasy future.

But also because I dont want to be hated.

I also avoided her because I didnt want to hear negative words from Okaa-sama, whom Ive never had a direct conversation with.

But, I dont think Im not hated just because I avoid her.

Take a chance or instead, theres nothing to lose since its already broken.

Of course, if coming into contact with me will bring Okaa-sama stress, then I wont send it. I dont want to pester her. So, please?

Understood.

From Eminas expression, I understand that it probably wouldnt fare well. Okaa-sama and I dont have a good relationship, not because of a problem that existed between us.

Even so, I wont be depressed about it.

Even if our relationship doesnt improve, if Okaa-sama likes the flowers, then I will continue to send them.

I dont think that all my wishes will come true.

But if I dont make an effort, then none of them will.

If I give up, then even a slightly misplaced button wont return.

It suits me better to take a chance.

If its no good, then Ill think about it later.

She thought, as she touched the white petals with her fingertips.

Translator: Blushy

Editor: SenjiQ