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

Volume 5, Act 50: Dreamer Girl Part 02

Cordelia gulped.

This was a surprising development for Cordelia since she had just wanted to secretly investigate the situation first, but Shelley ended up quarrelling with Mick.

She started talking about nonsense when we said that we were going to go buy some more sweets. She started yelling when we ignored her.

Mick said and sighed. Then, he bit on the candy in his hand again.

Its so bright out, so it wont rain.

Mick doesnt know that Shelley is the Dreamer Girl. Cordelia didnt even know if he knew that someone like that exists.

Dilly?

Oh Sorry. The weather was it?

Reflecting on why Mick was strangely upset, Cordelia looked up at the sky to calm herself down.

It might rain. There are thin clouds in the sky, and its covering the sun. And, a black bird is flying low over there, right? The insects they eat are flying low because their wings are heavy.

She didnt care much, but if she paid attention, she could feel that the surrounding air was a little moist.

A bird? So, how do you know its going to rain?

Well, I can explain it to you, but if you want to buy sweets, then why dont you go ahead. Im heading towards Senseis house, so Ill explain it to you there if I have time.

What the hell, youre pompous. Well, if you say so, then Ill listen, but you have to explain it to me properly later. She said that she saw it rain in her dreams, like I can understand something like that.

You know, Mick. Thats not something you say to someone when you ask them for something, is it?

Heehee. Well, bye. Lets go! Ill see you later Dilly!

Cordelia waved at Mick and his friends who were running off and took a deep breath.

However, the words she heard right after that froze her blood.

Those kids didnt listen to what I said

Cordelia glanced at the girl who said that with a hint of annoyance.

Shelley was biting her lips as if she couldnt accept it.

Thank you for telling them about the rain.

Cordelia smiled at Shelley while trying to remove the stiffness from her voice.

It was scary for her to talk to Shelley, but she had to if she wanted to investigate her, and she didnt want to leave a bad impression on Shelley.

But Shelley looked unhappy when she turned towards Cordelia.

Why are you thanking me? Theres no reason for you to thank me. They only believed that it would rain because you said so.

But, if you hadnt said anything, then I wouldnt have been able to tell them.

She didnt think her words got rid of Shelleys frustrations, but she felt that Shelley had frowned less, and her hostility towards Cordelia had lessened.

(Well, of course. Its our first meeting. If Cordeliahadnt done unnecessary things, then they wouldnt have had conflict in the game, and Cordeliahad been the one who was hostile towards Shelley.)

Cordeliahad lost her life because she lost control of her magic due to her jealousy towards the Prince and Shelley, so Cordelia didnt think it would happen to her, since she had been avoiding the Prince.

(If I sort this out, and stay away from Shelley, then Ill be able to live in peace again.)

Its probably difficult to not be involved with her, since shes from a noted Earl House like I am.

But we dont have to get along. Otou-sama isnt on good terms with Earl Clydereine, so I only have to associate with her and not get in her way.

(Even if there are differences in the game, it should be safe if I dont get in their way at all.)

She was able to calm down a little when she thought that, but her heart was still beating fast.

Next to Cordelia, Shelley pouted and said, Well, I dont care if they get wet or not anymore. They didnt believe in my dreams at all.

Cordelia felt relieved by her words, even though Shelley was sulking a little.

(Shes really strong-willed, but I wonder if shes kind-hearted deep down)

Theres a problem with the way she speaks, but her personality and what she says differs from the heroine in the game, but she had said that because she didnt want Mick and the other two to get wet.

That being the case, Id like to believe that as long as Im being careful, as I have been, there wont be any problems.

Shelley-san, you should go inside before it rains. And, please dont go outside through the hedges anymore. Tell someone when you leave, and leave through the gate.

But, I heard the kids voices

Clarice spoke, and Shelley turned away and whispered. However, she seemed to have admitted that it was her fault for not going out through the gate, even though her actions were childish.

You were worried about them, werent you?

Shelleys eyes sparkled when Cordelia said this.

Because my power is supposed to make everyone happy! And, if I help everyone, then I can be of service to His Highness one day! If I can be of service to him, then hell return the favour!

The words that had been uttered by someone who she was finally beginning to feel relieved about made her freeze.

(What is this uncomfortable feeling?)

I wouldnt be surprised if they had met somewhere, but I doubt she would have realised theyd met. And why does she already have feelings for the Prince?

(Did the Prince reveal his identity when they met? No, I dont think he would have.)

If the Prince was someone who would say careless things, then I dont believe Vernoux-sama would be his friend. Vernoux-sama is probably too lazy to approach the Prince.

(Besides, the Prince returning the favour? This is different from the game.)

In the game, Shelley used her power for people who she knew, she wasnt the type of person to tell strangers about her power, like she did with Mick. And, most importantly, she never thought of using her own abilities as a weapon.

But kids like that still dont know about my powers. I have to try harder so that the Prince will find out about my powers.

Shelley, if you dont go back soon, then everyone would be worried that you snuck off somewhere again.

Ookay.

Shelley cheered up while they were talking, and briefly replied to Clarice, before walking back into the church.

However, while she was walking, she turned back to look at Cordelia.

Say, you know who I am?

She asked that as a question, but her voice was full of confidence.

Shelley laughed with satisfaction when she saw Cordelia nod before going back into the church.

Im surprised that Cordelia-sama is also friends with the children in town.

Cordelia turned back in shock when Clarice spoke to her.

She hadnt noticed that she had been staring at the closed church doors until Clarice spoke to her.

The children from before are from a neighbouring village. I interact with them through welfare projects.

I see. Its wonderful to see that youre so loved.

Clarice smiled in understanding, but after a while, she looked down and whispered.

Cordelia-sama, you know about theDreamer Girltoo, dont you?

Yes. I didnt think she was that energetic

It wasnt weird for Cordelia to hear rumours that spread around the royal capital, but she didnt want people to think that she came to the church to see Shelleys dream fortunes. Cordelia had come here to see the girl herself, and not to have her fortunes told.

She was worried about this, but Clarice didnt seem to notice.

I havent talked to Shelley much, but she seems to get involved with others and direct them in a better direction. She also tells them whats good for them. However, people around her are worried that she might be using her rare power carelessly.

Right now, shes only fortune-telling about the weather, but theyre worried that someone will use her for their own self-interests.

Are her fortunes correct?

Clarice nodded silently at Cordelias question. There was concern on her face.

Shes trying to spread her fame by increasing her abilities and using it, and is trying to be of use to a lot of people so that she can support His Highness one day. But even if her wish comes true if she continues to be overconfident, then itll become poison one day.

Poison

But this is just my personal opinion. Some believe that shes the second coming of the Saint and that she will become a guide to this kingdoms prosperity.

Its a difficult problem, isnt it?

Yes. I still cant tell what her true powers are, and shes still growing. So, I might be worrying for no reason.

Clarice relaxed a little after saying that and smiled.

But her powers are really rare right now, so suspicious people will have their eyes on her. So, the priests are keeping an eye on her so that she doesnt sneak off on her own. Luckily, we knights are stationed close by, so we can help them with this.

Clarice was worried about Shelley as a knight, and Cordelia agreed. If Clarice-sama is right, then Shelley is using her powers for the sake of others. So, I can understand their worries and fears.

(But the knights were more worried about her powers than the person herself.)

I hope she can spend her days peacefully until Earl Clydereine welcomes her home.

I hope, but there are too many things to worry about. It would be difficult for someone to kidnap her because the knights are around, and theyre also paying attention to her powers. Even more so, since the priests think something could happen to her.

(What the heck does Ghost know?)

It would be difficult to get help from the inside since the priests are on the lookout. Or did Ghost expect me to overlook the possibility of somethingand is enjoying the situation?

But, lately, things have been looking good.

Huh?

Cordelia looked up and glanced in the direction that Clarice was looking in. Then, a carriage gradually approached.

The carriage stopped in front of the church, and a slightly slim man with a cane appeared.

When the man saw Clarice, he said, Oh, and smiled gently.

Why, hello, Keighley-dono. Thank you for your hard work today as well.

Youre always so dignified and reliable.

The man who greeted Clarice Earl Zakharov, smiled gently.

(Earl Zakharov? Mm, was his name Boris?)

Cordelia only knew the name well enough to point out their fief on a map. But she hadnt learnt much about them since their land didnt stand out, and the Earl, himself, wasnt active in politics.

Furthermore, this was the first time she had met the Earl since they werent involved with her Pameradia House.

Ive met someone unexpected, she thought as she looked for the right timing to introduce herself. Suddenly, Earl Zakharov looked at her.

This red-eyed Ojou-san are you Earl Pameradias daughter?

Its nice to meet you, Earl Zakharov. My name is Cordelia Enna Pameradia.

Oh, how rude of me. Im Boris Zakharov. Im not as famous as your father, but Im an Earl.

He might have been joking, but it was hard for Cordelia to respond to that. She couldnt confirm this, but then denying it was a lie. She didnt know how to answer and smiled. Earl Zakharov didnt wait for her to reply and continued speaking.

Ive heard rumours that you launched a charity with Marquis Flantheims son. I also support various places, but I would like to exchange ideas with you if we get the chance.

Th-thank you very much.

Surprised by his unexpected words, Cordelia thanked him. Earl Zakharov smiled wider, and turned back to Clarice.

Is that child here today?

She is. Shes full of energy today as well, and tried to sneak out a while ago.

I see. Im looking forward to seeing her.

He said, before slowly disappearing into the church. He walked lightly despite carrying a cane. Clarice saw him off and whispered with a gentle expression on her face.

Earl Zakharov sees the image of his late wife in Shelley.

His wifes image?

Yes. Hes looking for clues to see if shes related to him, and the church is also watching them warmly. The church trusts the Earl a lot because he has contributed a lot to them, but even if that wasnt the case, he could probably adopt her if she agrees.

Earl Zakharov certainly looks like a gentle man at first glance. And, he knew about the mobile library even though he doesnt have children my age, so hes familiar with charity work.

(But Im sure theyre not related. Of course, this world doesnt have to be exactly like the game)

Still, its bothering me since theres a lot of things in this world happened exactly like it had in the game.

(Wait. There was something that made Earl Clydereine conclude that she was his daughter. What was it?)

If Shelley had something with a family crest on it, then people would know straight away.

But, if she had something like that, then the people at the church would have found it.

(Ill look up Earl Zakharov when I get home.)

As long as the knights are around, therell be a commotion if someone tries to enter uninvited. If so, then the situation isnt as bad as I imagined for now.

But, rain, she said? Cordelia-sama, youre visiting Pharmacist-sama after this, arent you?

Yes, thats the plan.

Then, you should finish your business before it rains. Why dont I show you around the church another day? Im free the whole day tomorrow, would that be alright with you?

Thank you very much, then can I ask you to show me around tomorrow?

Of course.

Cordelia appreciated Clarices offer.

(In any case, I have to come here again.)

Im lucky that I have a reason to visit. First, I have to research what I need by tomorrow. I cant say whats right and wrong at this stage.

Cordelia thought as she parted ways with Clarice, and left the church.

Translator: Blushy

Editor: SenjiQ