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

Volume 1, Behind the Scenes: The Definition of Kindness

Isma. Can you come back to the mansion today?

It was rare for brother, who belonged to a different unit than me, to call out to me inside the castle.

I nearly tilted my head in confusion because he had suddenly called out to me, but I immediately understood what he meant.

If Im not mistaken, father was heading to the fief today. Therefore, brother should be returning to the mansion after work, but something probably came up.

Initially, even if father was away from the mansion for a few days, there was no need for my brother or me to return. There was no reason for us to be anxious about the servants managing the mansion.

However, for example, if a servantwanted a decision to be made, but it wasnt urgent, then they would wait for their master, or someone in charge, to return to the mansion. Especially, if they had said it before father left.

Fortunately, I didnt have a night shift today, so there wasnt anything that needed my urgent attention.

It may be possible.

Brother nodded quietly.

I see. Im on duty today.

I understand. Then Ill go home instead of you, brother.

Brother nodded once again when he heard my reply.

He didnt say a single word about father, but we have already been brothers for over 2 decades. Even if hed only said a few words, ours was not a relationship where I couldnt understand what he meant.

After parting with brother, I wrote the overnight application form which would first be submitted to the deputy commander.

It is annoying to fill out the form since the application wouldnt get rejected in the first place Or so some people thought, but the point of moving to the dormitory was so thatwe could respond immediately in cases of emergency.

It would be meaningless if something unexpected happened and were left asking, Where is he? Well, theres a good reason why I dont have a roommate in the dormitory. This form wasnt needed if we just spent the night out while off duty.

The deputy commander even went as far as to say, Your application is really strange, and was under the impression that I would be leaving for a while.

Father is at the fief, and older brother was suddenly called on duty. My younger sister is probably anxious too.

It wasnt like he was asking me a question or trying to find the reason behind my leaving I took this opportunity to say that my younger sister was anxious, but it wasnt like I thought she would be. This was just small talk.

Then, the deputy commander nodded, I see, and then he groaned a little, Hmm

Isma, theres nothing that needs your attention right now, is there?

No, nothing.

If I had work to do, then I wouldnt ask to stay out in the first place, but he must have a reason for asking. What is it? Did I forget anything? Im sure I didnt I thought about it, and he uttered some unexpected things.

Then, you can finish up for the day. You dont have to rush back tomorrow either.

But

I was confused by this sudden declaration, but the deputy commander was nodding, This is fine. And he continued while looking satisfied.

Sometimes, its good to have time to spoil your sister, right?

I was thankful for the proposal itself.

But frankly, I just want to sleep.

Last night, the Queens car entered a no-entry zone and stepped on a magic alarm net, which resulted in me being urgently deployed all night long. Im glad nothing happened, but Im sleepy, and I was told something like that while still sleepy.

Ok! Lets go home.

I bowed and prepared to take my leave. But, I was halted before I could turn the door.

Dont tell me hes going to reject it? I thought, but the deputy commander said, Uh.. Also Hes strangely hesitant. Its rare for him to be like this.

I thought while waiting for him to continue his sentence. The deputy commander eventually told me his request while looking serious.

Erm Since youre going home, could you ask your sister for some of that medicine to bring back?

That medicine?

That scented medicine. I have a feeling that its really effective. Thanks.

Sister, youve made a fan without knowing.

Cordelia went with father to the fief two months ago. At that time, father received treatment that used a compress to relieve his stiff shoulders, and she told me a little about the result.

She looked delighted, so I joked, I also want to try using it. As soon as Id said that, that kid immediately prepared several kinds of essential oils for me.

It can be used as a sedative for stiff shoulders caused by eye fatigue, something that was used for chronic-like fatigue Just like that, she gave me several bottles and different combinations of recipes. She also gave me a nice towel to use as a compress.

It looked like something father had chosen for her. I dont mind receiving it, but, isnt this something father bought for her? Is it really alright for me to use this?

Well Anyway, I used it when I got back to my room at the dormitory.

Then, one day the deputy commander came to my room and said, What are you doing? I briefly explained what it was and he said he wanted to try it next time so I lent it to him But, he liked the essential oils more than Id expected he would.

He restrained himself at first, but then when he got used to visiting, he just came whenever he wanted. He came so often that I had to lie, Ive already used it all up.

But, I get it now. Spend time with your sister, hed said But what he probably meant was butter your sister up so you can bring more essential oils back.

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I didnt give him any problems and vaguely replied, If she has stock, before leaving the room.

I wonder how Cordelia would react if she heard about this? I thought as I made arrangements for a carriage to take me home. She probably wouldnt get angry and say, Dont just let other people use it, but I was a little worried.

I guess I should have asked her for permission first Even so, the deputy commander coming to my room was a complete surprise, so what could I have done?

Hes not a bad person. Hes also my superior. I couldnt refuse.

Well, leaving my circumstances aside, Cordelias great.

Producing a product from a flower that a grown adult, and in addition to that, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards would want. He might not be interested in the aromas themselves, which Cordelia has placed great importance on, but he knows full well how effective the compress is.

But I wonder if he knows that Cordelias only 8 years old? If he still wanted the aromas while knowing that a kid is making it, then thats just how amazing Cordelia is.

Because she already has the ability to be recognised by those who dont favour the Pameradia House, in other words, by outsiders. What an amazing girl.

???????

Welcome home, Isma-sama.

Sorry, Hans. I arrived later than I thought I would.

It is fine. Would you like dinner? We can prepare it right away. Cordelia-sama is currently eating right now.

If thats the case, then please do. Ill go change.

I said and, instead of going straight to my room, I went to see Cordelia first.

That kid thinks that brother is coming home, not me. So I want to tell her that I came back in his stead.

Thats all I wanted to do. That was all I planned to do.

But I froze for a second when I got to the dining room.

No, I knew this. Cordelia ate dinner alone. It was unimaginable to see her eating with the servants. She looked so small and quiet while eating alone in this big dining room.

The scene looked lonelier than I thought it would be.

Oh my, Isma-oniisama? Welcome home.

Ah, you dont have you get up. Keep eating. Im home, Cordelia. Brothers busy with work today, so I came back.

Are you surprised?

Yes, a little. But Im happy that youre back.

I thought, shes grown up to be such a good kid, while remembering that uncomfortable feeling.

Because isnt this too lonely?

The person herself didnt seem to think that there was any problem with this setting, of course.

Because she has always been eating by herself like this. For her, this was normal. It probably didnt occur to her that having a meal like this was lonely.

To begin with, I have never been to a bustling dining room table at home before. I mostly had my meal with brother, and, even if we talked, it was always me who took the initiative; so we hadnt talked about anything exciting. Brother matured early, and I didnt really care since he was like that.

If older sister was here, then we might have had a little more conversation, but she usually had her meals with mother, who was a shut-in.

However, now I have lunch at the dining hall in the dormitory and castle, so I was accustomed to a somewhat livelier scene. Of course, the dormitorys dining hall wasnt bustling like a bar and people were better behaved

Onii-sama?

Oh, nothing, sorry. Im here today so you can tell me anything without hesitation.

Cordelia must have felt something off since I was silent and I quickly tried to smooth things over, but the questioning expression on her face didnt fade.

Well, of course not. I insisted, Im dazed because Im a bit hungry. Yup, thats good. I could also use that as an excuse to stay here.

Hans, do you mind if I wait for my meal here after all?

No, of course not.

Ill change my clothes later. I usually eat in outfits like this anyways. Its not a problem. Hans expression didnt change, but I could feel him looking at me with a slightly warm gaze.

Its fine, whatever. I lost all desire to return to my room after I saw this scene.

I told Cordelia, You can eat without minding me too much, and put the aperitif to my mouth.

Oh, delicious. I did my best today, so I could drink this

Thats not it. Theres no point in me staying here if I just drink alcohol in silence.

What did you do today, Cordelia?

I took care of the flower beds because new seeds arrived today.

You did? You seem happy.

Yes. I can finally do new things, and its fun.

Do you want to go look for plants again?

Could I?

She held back from accepting my invitation, but she looked pleased and smiled.

It wasnt a big deal, but if she was this happy about it, then I wanted to do it. Its too much if you think this boring way of eating is natural.

( Even so, I wonder if shes pleased about it. Im not too sure.)

I didnt want to doubt her smile, but I have past experience with this. Of her being troubled that is.

She also acted very naturally at that time, so I do wonder If shes also troubled right now.

There was also a phrase called overdoing it.

If so, then it might be good for me just to drop it But, it wasnt like that. Frankly speaking, I think Im only meddling with her for my own self-satisfaction. This kid might not even be dissatisfied with eating alone, and she comes up with a lot of plans for her favourite research.

Therefore, it wouldnt be a problem for her if I dont get involved with her at all.

But Im sure thats just because she doesnt know. This kid is a genius. I even think that she would accomplish more if she could get her hands on more information.

Honestly, Ive never thought like this before. Or rather, I felt that it would be better if I put a certain distance between us. But now, I really want to help her out because she looks so frank and hardworking.

A kid who believes that she could do it. She was completely different from me, who gave up because I noticed my own limits early on. Thats why I want to be of some help to her.

But, I also think that this is me pressing my own expectations onto her. Even I know that Im a bad brother. I wish I could love my little sister a little more honestly.

I thought as I ate the appetiser that had already been placed on the table Then I noticed it.

The dressing looks like its changed a little.

The vegetables in the salad were the same as usual, but the seasoning was slightly different. I thought that it might have been a new recipe and then Cordelia smiled happily.

The recipe for the dressing is still the same, but the herbs used are different.

Excuse me?

The chefs used to use imported herbs, but now theyre using the herbs that I grew in my greenhouse. The seeds the head chef got me have already grown, so I wanted to try it. I also got them to use new herbs with fish and meat. The new aromas are also being extracted from this herb.

Cordelia said that and I shrugged my shoulders; she really likes medicinal herbs, doesnt she?

I know that I have better taste than most people, but I dont eat at home much, so I didnt notice this straight away But the flavour is that different, huh.

O-onii-sama.

Whats wrong?

Mm Its not like Im a glutton or anything, okay?

My eyes widened at those words.

I didnt think that way, but Cordelias words could certainly be taken that way.

No, well, if she were obsessed with food then she would have been focused elsewhere, like on side dishes But since this little lady looked so cute worrying about her own reputation in her own way, I chose to keep my mouth shut. I hope she can forgive this much from me.

But, I didnt want to make it worse, so I changed the subject. Well, it was actually a request.

Yes, its about deputy commanders request.

Cordelia, could you please give me more of the ingredients in the compress that you gave me before?

Huh? Of course, I can.

Cordelia was surprised at the sudden change of topic.

Was it too abrupt? I thought while feeling relieved that she accepted and continued.

Thats great. The deputy commander really likes it and came to me to ask for this favour.

The deputy commander?

Yes, the deputy commander of the second corps.

Cordelia froze for a second.

Her expression said that she didnt understand how the essential oils got into that persons hands. Well, of course, she would look like that, yeah. I get it. But this is the first time Ive seen her really puzzled.

She stared at me and spoke as if shed finally resolved herself.

So, that Deputy Commander-sama likes the product Is that what youre saying?

Yeah.

If thats the case, then Id be happy to give it to him. If possible, could Deputy Commander-sama tell me about his lifestyle and bad conditions? That way I could mix and match the essential oils to suit him.

She has a lot of courage.

Was it natural for her to adapt this fast, even though she was surprised? She had already calmed down and was making sale pitches like a merchant.

And isnt that good for you, deputy commander. My sister readily agreed.

But, I feel a little uneasy with a proposal that would make that deputy commander happy.

Of course, the deputy commander would be happy if you can dispense something for him. But, he might get so happy about it that he might let it slip. Then, the other members might want it to. Youll be troubled if that happens, right?

Thats Youre right. Itll also take up a lot of time. But, if it makes them happy, Ill be happy to do it even if it might be challenging.

Cordelia smiled, and I thought, shes really a good kid, but then straight after, I felt like I heard the words, Advertisements are important after all, and swallowed my words Theres no way she said that, probably. Yeah, its not like an eight-year-old kid to be that calculating.

I should thank you. Cordelia, if theres anything youre troubled over you can rely on me.

Really?

What is it? Are you troubled over something?

I was just telling her to keep that in mind, but I didnt think that she would have something that she was troubled over right now. I cant imagine anything troubling her.

I wouldnt go as far as to say it is troubling me But actually, Id like you to teach me how to play cards.

Cards?

Actually, Vernoux-sama

I see. So to summarise, her troubles involve the Flantheims young master. That is to say, the Flantheims young master learnt a card game and proposed that they play a game. However, Cordelia didnt know the rules.

It seems that he did teach her how to play, but he had only explained it, so she still doesnt get it. Therefore, they still cant play seriously against each other.

Well, of course. There are times when you might expose your hand by asking questions if its only two people playing. So, it wasnt suitable to do so when playing one-on-one.

But, if thats Cordelias request, then its a piece of cake for me. Anyhow, I knew so much about card games that people mistakenly call me a gambler.

I dont mind. Its easier to understand if you play the game anyways. Ill ask Hans to help out later too. Cordelia, you should sit behind me so you can see my hand.

Ill teach you what happens each time.

Thank you very much, Onii-sama.

Play with me sometimes too when you remember the rules. Oh right, I should also invite brother to play with us.

Isma-oniisama, youre really kind.

I am?

Oh my, do you not realise it yourself?

What tremendous things are you suddenly saying? She looked as if she was having fun unrevealing a riddle.

But, I didnt understand what she meant.

Im not kind.

However, she didnt agree with me and refused without changing her tone.

Onii-sama is kind. Otou-sama said that being humble isnt a virtue, you know?

I dont mean to be humble at all.

However, Cordelias expression got cloudy while I was speaking.

Im sorry, Onii-sama. I put you on the spot.

And then she said that.

Dammit, I failed. My tone might have gotten a little harsh. Arent you a bit childish towards your little sister? Such things crossed my mind, and the words that Cordelia said next were absolutely unexpected.

People who are kind dont usually say that they are kind, do they?

Oh, yeah. I guess So?

On a closer look, her expression wasnt cloudy, she was just slanting her eyebrows.

I understand what Cordelia is saying. People did it as a joke, but Ive never seen a kind person say, Im kind.

If you really dont think youre kind at all, Onii-sama, then Ill be worried that youre a natural womaniser, you know?

Woma

Where did she learn that word? A book? Did she learn it from a book or from Ronnie?

But, if I deny it now, then shell conclude that Im a womaniser. I dont want that to happen.

Ill try.

I wanted to say a lot of things, but I compromised first. No matter what I say, shell just reply with an unexpected answer.

Instead, I decided to ask her one thing.

Why do you think Im kind, Cordelia?

Because Onii-sama chooses things that makes me happy.

Her reply was quite simple.

But thats normal, isnt it? What would happen if I force things on her that doesnt make her happy? I thought, but

So even if Onii-sama doesnt think of himself as so, Ill still think youre kind.

Any objections I had were dissolved with those words. Oh yes, kindmight be a word that someone says to you and not something you decide yourself. I had a lot of complaints, but Cordelia had said shell still think Im kind, so her opinion of me wont change no matter what I say.

But, her thoughts were really creepy. No one has ever given me a pure compliment. But, I do have something that I want to say.

Thanks.

Im sure my expression doesnt match my tone.

But, I feel a little lighter.

Translator: Blushy

Editor: SenjiQ