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

Volume 5, Act 49: Contracts Imposed with Confrontation

What the hell do you want? Perhaps, you came here to get caught?

Dont worry, I dont have such praiseworthy feelings.

Praiseworthy? I dont think youre even normal.

Thats a shame.

Ghost had appeared from the shadows and had little presence, but tension ran down Cordelias back.

(Even though its like hes a mirage)

The pressure that Ghost was lightly giving off was intense, and it took all she had to remain calm.

(I should have waited for Ronnie.)

If I had, then we might have caught Ghost. She thought, but Ghost might not have appeared had Ronnie been here. I know that hes wary and quick at escaping.

(But, that means its unnatural for him to show up in the royal castle where it is closely guarded.)

If he came to the castle for something, then he wouldnt act in a way that would reveal himself. If he didnt need anything, then he wouldnt come to the castle.

(And even during the Flora Silk incident, Ghost hadnt been directly involved, as he just enjoyed the events as a spectator.)

If I think that way, then its hard to imagine that he came here to harm me, and if he wanted to hurt me then he would have attacked me before showing himself. However, he hadnt. If there is a reason for him to come into contact with me then

Did you come here because you had something to say to me?

Im glad youre quick-witted. I heard that you could come to the castle, and thought of it as a chance, so I was waiting for you.

Cordelia was rarely without a guard whenever she went out, so although she didnt want to admit it, he was correct. Moreover, Cordelia, herself, thought of the castle as a safe place and hadnt thought of any other dangerous elements except for the Prince.

Even so, the security of the castle is amazing. I used a ridiculous amount of magic to erase my presence, but this is the only place I can sneak into. Jeez, I could probably take a lot of jobs if they loosen their guard a little. I could even come here to play.

If you want, I could call the guards here now?

Judging from how guarded the castle was, if Cordelia were to use magic here, then the guards would immediately come flying here just from the magic reaction. However, Ghost could get away in the meantime. Cordelia didnt want to let Ghost escape yet.

(I dont think I can create a chance to catch him, but I want to get some information out of him.)

Cordelia thought as she examined his attitude.

Ghost was smiling wryly underneath his hood.

Dont look at me with such a scary face. I only came here to give you information.

Information?

Yup. In conclusion, I thought I should tell you that a certain man is trying to kidnap a kid. Dont you feel like capturing the kidnappers?

Suspicious.

Ghost shrugged towards Cordelia, who didnt hide her expression before she spoke.

Is it weird that Im doing something righteous? Well, I dont want to do something troublesome, but it cant be helped. Unfortunately, it would be a nuisance for me if she were to be brought to Dulaus.

To the north? Are people in Dulaus trying to kidnap a child?

I know that his headquarters were in Dulaus Kingdom to the north, but is it possible for kidnappers from that Kingdom to cross the border to target a specific child? But with that in mind, Cordelia gulped. Ghost laughed in satisfaction.

It seems like you know who Im talking about. Rumours about the Dreamer Girlhave also reached the north a little. The mastermind behind the kidnapping wants to raise his own position. No, he wants her power to overthrow the nation.

Thats why he also hired kidnappers.

Dreamer Girl.

She frowned when she heard those words.

To overthrow the nation Some people think ridiculous things.

The Heroine in the game used the knowledge she had gained in dreams to solve incidents and peoples problems. However, the game never showed that she lent a hand to those filled with selfish desires, and there were no mentions of her being kidnapped at a young age.

But, gossip about her reached the fortune-telling lover Hazel two years ago, and it also reached Vernoux and Gille, so it wasnt strange if the rumours about her spread further.

Still, Cordelia never predicted that kidnappers from foreign kingdoms would aim for her, and desperately suppressed her confusion.

(I have to calm down. He wont tell me if I panic.)

She told herself, but she was agitated because the Heroines existence was told to her at an unexpected place.

Im doubtful about whether she has the power to shake the nation from what Ive heard. But, if her powers are real, and Dulaus is thrown into chaos because its passed to that man, then Id be troubled.

Youre worried even though you look down on kingdoms that are being destroyed from a high place? Thats surprising.

I dont think it would be easy to see, but I can imagine that man would be suppressed by the royal family. However, I like their famous alcohol. If the battle affects the fields, then Id be troubled. It would be a hindrance to my lifestyle, right?

Even if he was looking for approval, Cordelia couldnt agree.

Why me? Do you think I would believe you and help out?

Even if you dont want to cooperate with me, youre the type who cant leave an unfortunate person alone, right? And youre careful, so you wont be able to leave it alone even if youre suspicious.

Ghost said and laughed.

I can get rid of my worries even if I kill the dreamer girl. But it seemed more interesting to leave it to you, and it seems like it would be a bad omen to kill the dreamer power. Thats why Im leaving it to you.

Omen?

Yeah. Well, this is a service to you who would take care of this. Those who have the Dreamer Powerin the past seem to lose that power in the end. They self-destruct because their dreams dont come true and have negative effects on those around them.

Im not religious, but I dont want to get close to it.

Was there such a thing?

At least in my memories, I never heard about that happening in the game. Of course, he could be lying, but he doesnt need to go out of his way to tell such a lie.

(I didnt know that Ghost wants to avoid the Heroine whom Ive never met before. And, I didnt know if the dreamer power has a background like that.)

Because the game was told from the Heroines perspective, I knew about this power so I didnt research its predecessor, theSaint. I need to quickly investigate this for my own sake too.

You looked into it a lot.

I cant say for sure, but I can also guess why they lose their power. But, well, Im actually more interested in seeing how you will find the kidnappers instead of omens.

You have bad hobbies.

Its a difference in perception. But Ill take that as a compliment.

Ghost said, then took a step backwards.

Ah, it wont be fun for me if you dont act, so act, okay? That is the information provision fee, a contract.

Wh?!

Im looking forward to seeing how you will act. If you act, then I wont complain even if its not amusing. Dont do anything unnecessary. The goal is to get the kidnappers while keeping my information a secret.

Good luck, Cordelia-san.

The next moment, Ghosts figure was far and small. She couldnt even trace his presence.

He got away I couldnt get any information about Ghost, himself, in the end.

It was hard for Cordelia to catch up to someone who even Cyrus had failed to capture. The words she had uttered in this situation was more bitter and frustrated than she had imagined.

The Flora Silk incident.

He appeared in front of her today.

And, pushing the Heroine onto Cordelia.

Those things made her even more frustrated. But she had to hold that down for now.

(According to the game scenario, the Heroine should be taken in by the Clydereine House soon.)

If that happens, then I dont have to worry about her getting kidnapped. Like the Pameradia House, the Clydereine House also employed talented magicians from the Magic Academy. If she isnt kidnapped before then, then the kidnappers plans will surely fail.

(I cant wait that long. I dont know when she would be taken in by the Clydereine House.)

I dont want to get involved. I shouldnt get involved.

Cordelia strongly rejected the Heroine just like she did the Prince.

However, theres no guarantee that the Heroine would live peacefully until shes taken in by the Earl. Arent I living a different life from the game scenario?

(And I cant leave this alone since I already know about it.)

Some people tried to kidnap the Heroine in the game.

I dont want to get involved, as much as possible, since shes one of the people who control my fate. But I dont have the nerve to leave this alone, since I know that shell be kidnapped.

Shes an ominous person to me, but shes also a girl who is living a peaceful life in the royal capital. I could never permit her life to get shaken just because of others expectations. Even if its someone I want to avoid, I will regret it if I let them get thrown into a hopeless situation.

I dont know what kind of person the Heroine is, but Im sure shes not the type of person who wants to be thrown into a dangerous situation. If its about wanting to lead a peaceful life then I wont lose to anyone.

(Then, her situation takes priority until the situation is solved.)

And, it wouldnt just be my problem if what Ghost said is correct and people want to kidnap her because they want to make use of her dreamer power.

Thats right, this isnt just for me.

Cordelia whispered. I feel like my resolution would weaken if I didnt put it into words. Ghost may have told a lie to kill time and tease me.

(But, he isnt the type of person who would come here to satisfy himself just to tease me.)

Even if it is a lie, I have to confirm this.

(This is something I absolutely have to talk to Otou-sama about.)

However, Ghost said this was a Contract. He might kill the Dreamer Girl just to make me regret breaking the contract.

Two years ago, I didnt forget the amused expression he had made while others despaired and how he didnt hesitate to murder.

(I have no choice but to proceed.)

The only conditions he gave me were Keep the information Ghost gave me a secretandI have to act.

It shouldnt break the rules if I gave the information to Otou-sama and Onii-samas after Ive investigated this.

If so, then I have to quickly gather evidence and put a target on the kidnappers. If I can do this, then I can keep the Heroine safe.

She quickly left after she made her decision.

This was Cordelias current plan.

(Watch. Im sure you wanted to take advantage of me this time, but Ill definitely catch your tail too.)

When Cordelia spat this out in her mind, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching from far away.

Oh, Ojou-sama! So you were here. Argh, dont move around by yourself.

Ronnie said while looking relaxed, Its beautiful here too.

Cordelia gulped a little and looked up at the smiling Ronnie.

Say, Ronnie. Can we take a detour before going to Witch-senseis place?

Okay, but where do you want to go?

I want to see the church. I read in a book that the stained glass is beautiful.

Thats rare.

He noticed something. It might have been convenient for her to interpret his voice like that, but she was relieved that he hadnt objected.