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

Volume 5, Act 44: Future Knights Prelude Part 1

As preparations progressed for the exhibition, Cordelia visited Earl Hales mansion, where her friend Hazel resided.

Because Hazel had sent her a letter inviting her over, The flowers in the garden are blooming beautifully, so I would like you to enjoy them too. Like the Pameradia House, the Hale House also welcomed the season of beautiful flowers.

Various flowers were also drawn on the card that was attached to the invitation, and Cordelia visited the Hale mansion with high expectations.

The garden, which she saw, was filled with a wider variety of flowers than shed imagined, and it was gorgeous.

Spring is a really calm and beautiful season, she thought as she asked someone to convey a message to Hazel, at the entrance, and then she heard a large quarrel as if it was trying to spoil her mood.

Dahlia! Wait! You havent finished your studies, have you?!

Im going to be a knight! I cant be late for sword practice!

Cordelia looked up at the surprising interaction and saw Hazel and another girl appear on the second floor. Hazel grabbed the girls arm, but the other girl was stronger, so she shook off Hazels hand in no time. Cordelia widened her eyes.

(I wonder if thats Hazel-samas sister.)

The Hale House has Hazel as their eldest child and four other children.

Cordelia had only spoken to the small heir, their eldest son, but Hazel often boasted that they are all cute. I wonder if one of them is the person shes quarrelling with right now, she wondered, and the girl jumped from the railing.

Huh?!

Cordelias voice instinctively leaked out, and Hazel shouted at almost the same time, Stewart! In response to Hazels voice, the servant, who was receiving Cordelia, quickly moved and caught the falling girl.

Thats dangerous, Dahlia Ojou-sama.

Stewart! Stop getting in my way all the time!

But even if the girl named Dahlia shouted, the servant named Stewart didnt move. Meanwhile, Hazel walked down the stairs in a grand manner. Her back seemed to be clad in a dark aura.

Fufufu, you cant escape even if you try. At least, you wont be allowed to leave the house today unless you finish todays schedule!

But Ill be late for practice! Didnt Okaa-sama say it was fine as long as I come back!

Okaa-sama is too soft! The things you are doing now, Id already finished when I was 10!

Cordelia was flabbergasted as she watched the violent exchange, but soon, Stewart deliberately cleared his throat.

Ojou-sama, theres a guest.

The two girls hadnt noticed that there was a guest until he had said that.

How do you do, Hazel-sama? And little sister-sama.

Oh my, Cordelia-sama! Pardon me, welcome. Ah, this is my stupid sister, Dahlia Will Hale. Shes 12.

Unlike Hazel, who had a smile on her face like nothing significant had happened, Dahlia had an extremely uncomfortable expression.

Nice to meet you, Dahlia-sama.

Nice to meet you.

Dahlia answered while averting her gaze, and it was clear that she hadnt wanted anyone to see the previous scene. Hazel, on the other hand, felt as if shed received unexpected reinforcements and was overjoyed, she didnt have a bit of shyness or any reserve.

Now, come back, Dahlia. This all started because you wont study properly.

However, Dahlia snapped at Hazel.

Because today is my sword practice day which is more important than lectures! Im going to be a knight!

Dahlia declared, folded her arms and turned away.

Cordelia was surprised. This was her first time meeting a girl who wanted to become a female knight.

Hmm Do you want to become a knight, Dahlia-sama?

Yes. Whats wrong with that?

Dahlia, who was in a bad mood, wasnt friendly to Cordelia even though this was their first meeting, and Cordelia smiled wryly. However, her attitude made Hazel raise her voice as if her hair was standing up.

Dahlia, that was rude! This is Cordelia-sama, the daughter of the famous knight family, the Pameradias, whom you admire!

Eh, the Pameradias?!

Dahlia instantly brightened up when she heard that. She approached Cordelia and took her hands.

Cordelia-sama, please speak to Onee-sama. Shes trying to obstruct me from practising the sword!

Huh?

I admire the Queen and the knights who guard her. Therefore, I also want to become a knight and enter the Imperial Guards someday, so I have to improve my sword skills. Even so, Onee-sama keeps nagging me about studying

Youll be the one whos troubled, since you cant become a knight if youre dumb!

Itll work out somehow if Im skilful with the sword!

Seeing them fight, Cordelia was able to understand what was happening. Dahlia was a young lady who didnt like studying very much and wanted to become a knight.

(And Dahlia-sama also seems reckless.)

It was a bold remark since one wouldnt imagine that from her image if she didnt open her mouth.

( No, I can tell that shes energetic since she jumped down from the second floor.)

For the time being, I should meditate between the fighting sisters.

Dahlia-sama, my brothers are excellent at martial arts, but they also have a variety of knowledge. Ive been taught a lot of things from them, and I think having a lot of knowledge would be useful for your work.

Dahlia was full of energy as if she had gained an ally, but her expression rapidly changed.

See. Studying is also important.

Of course, I think its better to be able to study rather than not, but

Even with this shes still not convinced. What should I do? Cordelia thought a little.

From her reaction, I understand that she also thinks that studying is necessary. However, does she believe things will work out somehow with the way things are now, or is she more fascinated with sword practice?

She couldnt come up with an answer even if she thought about it, so she gave Dahlia a proposal.

Dahlia-sama. If you dont mind, would you like to come to my house?

Huh?

We might have things that will be interesting to you.

Is that alright?

Yes. Hazel-sama always invites me over.

Dahlias eyes sparkled when she heard what Cordelia had said.

I dont know the cause yet, but if I can get her motivated to study, then these two sisters might not have a reason to argue anymore, and Dahlia-sama is this happy about it, so she might be able to get something just by seeing our possessions.

I would like to go there straight away!

Today is a bit Dahlia-sama, you also have practice, dont you?

Y-yes

Dahlia was taken aback and dropped her gaze to the floor in disappointment. She wanted to go to the Pameradia mansion straight away.

Cordelia-sama, we cant bother you. This child is simple, she heads straight into things that shes interested in, so Im sure shell bother you.

(Shes just like Hazel-sama.)

Cordelia smiled wryly inside at Hazel, who had spoken when Dahlia went quiet.

She held it down, smiled at Hazel and turned to Dahlia.

Hmm. If you give me a few days, then I can discuss this with my Onii-samas, and prepare items that you can enjoy. However, since this invitation shouldnt interfere with your studies, please study so that your parents and Hazel-sama will let you go cheerfully.

Ye s.

It was a slightly stiff reply, but Dahlia still replied without hesitation. She seemed pleased, and her expression said, Make Hazel promise!

Dahlia, if you understand Cordelia-samas words, then you can go today. But keep that in mind when you get back, alright?

Hazel put her hands together and smiled superbly, and Dahlia replied reluctantly. Then, Dahlia curtsied to Cordelia and left.

Im sorry about that. This way, Cordelia-sama. Ive troubled you.

Its okay. It was a new experience since Ive never met a girl who wanted to be a knight before.

Dahlia has good reflexes, but she isnt good at studying, so she quickly dozes off.

Hah, Hazel sighed and put a hand to her forehead.

Youre worried about her, arent you?

Shes my cute little sister, and I hope her dream will come true. But as things are, she would definitely fail the written exam before she can show her skills.

Even if I tell her that academic ability is necessary to stay by the Queens side, father and mother dont say anything, so she wont believe me.

(Hazel-sama is right, but maybe all she says to Dahlia-sama is study, study, study.)

I remember their fight, and it seemed like Dahlia-sama feels that Hazel-samas words are a disturbance. If someone else said something, then she might understand Cordelia thought as she continued to listen to Hazel.

Neither father nor mother is against her becoming a knight. However, theyre also not supporting her. As I thought, theyre worried about her.

About her swinging a sword?

Yes. And its a rare occupation. I think they would honestly feel relieved if she failed the exam because she hadnt studied enough. But they also want her to study a little more.

In that case, was my invitation unwelcomed?

Hazel looked slightly mixed, and Cordelia put a hand to her mouth and thought. Even if they dont oppose, it might not be good to differ from their education policy.

But Hazel slowly shook her head.

Even if you hadnt invited her, she wont change her mind about being a knight. And its pitiful if she doesnt get motivation once in a while. Of course Im worried, but shell regret it if she doesnt do what she wants, right?

Youre a wonderful older sister.

Stop it.

Cordelia laughed a little at Hazel, who had turned a little red.

Hazel said again, Please stop! before sighing.

I think shell be motivated if she sees something different than what shes used to. As her older sister, Im happy that youll show her a world different from the one she knows.

Then, Ill have to make sure she has fun.

Im sorry for troubling you. Shes a really good girl but she just cant study. I think its disappointing and unbearable.

Hah Hazel sighed once again. Shes really considerate towards her younger sister.

Hopefully, she can convey a little of those feelings Cordelia thought, and, next to her, Hazel complained, She really doesnt think of anything else except for whats in front of her! It seems like it would be difficult. Cordelia smiled wryly.

After that, they chatted, had tea, enjoyed the garden and Cordelia headed home.

On the way home, Cordelia thought of ways to entertain Dahlia, but unfortunately, she couldnt think of anything by the time she arrived home.

Translator: Blushy

Editor: SenjiQ