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

Volume 2, Act 12: First Battle Invitation Part 02

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However, even if education was accepted in the village because of that, it didnt mean that everything was solved. To begin with, a few schools had been established, including the one in Caina Village.

The current schools were being supported by the Pameradia House, but if schools were established in other areas as well, then it was necessary to collect tax to maintain them.

(Im free to support them even if they become a public school, but I need to maintain balance.)

For example, if the sales of balm was on track in the future, then more money would roll into her lap. If so, then sending simple stationery wouldnt dent it much. There was a saying that went dont count your chickens before they hatch, but the more goals she had, the more motivated she was.

(Then, I have to steadily continue with my research.)

She thought that and went back to her own room to change into her research outfit.

Then, she visited the greenhouse accompanied by Emina, the maid in charge of her, and afterwards she stepped into the laboratory after a long time.

The analysis magician, Ronnie, was elegantly sipping tea in the laboratory, even though it wasnt break time.

Oh, welcome home, Ojou-sama.

Im back, Ronnie.

Where did you go this time?

To the south. Emina, give that bag to Ronnie.

Yes, Ojou-sama.

Is it a souvenir? Is it sweets or something? But, its awfully bulky.

Ronnie, who received the bag from Emina, opened it and clearly looked disappointed.

What is this lumpy thing? Its not food, is it?

Youre half right and half wrong. Its called ginger. Theres two bags in that paper bag, isnt there? The gunny bag is made of something called Curcuma and is used for display.

The paper bag has the edible stuff.

However, Ronnies expression didnt brighten up even when he heard it was food. Rather, he looked like he would sigh at any moment now.

Ojou-sama, you really like root-type foods, dont you? Even before Was it called burdock? That long thin root.

Burdock is rich in dietary fibres and is good for the body. Its not mainly used in this kingdom, but its common in places across the ocean. And ginger goes really well with meat dishes.

It goes well with meat? Thats good Not. Ojou-sama, putting aside ginger, I dont understand your hobby of collecting things that arent mainstream here. Tofu, was it?

Whats so good about that tasteless bean pudding? I expected it to have a lot of taste when you obtained the soybeans and happily instructed the servants.

I honestly dont know what youre thinking, he said, but he looked like he was having fun so she retorted without hesitation.

In the first place, turnips and carrots are also roots. You eat them, dont you Ronnie? The tofu that youre calling extremely dull is good for your health.

Its not dull; theres no taste!

Thats because you ate it as it is, Ronnie. If youd put pacho sauce on it then the taste would have changed!

Personally, I dont think plain tofu tastes bad. Of course, I love seasoning it with rock salt or ginger, which I obtained this time. But, thats because I remember being used to eating it. Ronnie wouldnt feel the same way I do.

( Well, if I just sell tofu by itself, then more people apart from Ronnie would call it tastelessbecause theyll probably eat it just as it is.)

Well then, why dont I think of some sweets for tofu? If I mix with fried sweets like donuts, then people definitely wont eat tofu by itself. Then, I wouldnt have to be subjected to Ronnies tasteless pudding stigma.

Lets leave the matter of the tofu aside for a moment Ronnie, can you run an errand for me? I also bought a souvenir for Aisha-oneesama.

Me?

Yes. Can I rely on you?

Aisha safely moved to her residence in the Royal Capital and got married that year. Thus, becoming a viscountess. It seemed that Cordelias measures against hay fever worked well, and Aisha would joke that she currently wasnt getting covered in tears or a runny nose.

Their schedules didnt met up, so it was difficult for them to meet, but they would often exchange letters through Ronnie.

Yes, its my pleasure. May I take a detour?

Make sure that you dont use more time on your detour than your errand.

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Cordelia understood that Ronnie wasnt just joking, so she gave him a warning, but he remained carefree. It was reassuring that he was looking forward to his errand, but it wasnt good to muck around too much.

Therefore, Cordelia presented her trump card to Ronnie.

Ronnie. I had the opportunity to visit your family home, the Eris Firm, when I went on an inspection to the south, and I had the opportunity to meet the employees there.

Uogh?!

But, the Director-sama I could meet Ronnies Otou-sama, Okaa-sama or your Onii-samas. They asked me to take care of you, you know?

Ronnie couldnt meet her in the eyes after shed said that. He hadnt expected her to say the name of his house.

Cordelia had contacted the Eris firm because she wanted to consult with them about trade routes, so it had nothing to do with Ronnie, but she felt that she gained an unexpected result from it.

I saw the greenhouse a while ago. A lot of the flowers are blooming, so I want to try harvest a new essential oil. Emina, could I ask you to be the first tester?

Of course, Ojou-sama.

Ah, Ojou-sama. For the time being, Ive made a waiting list for the servants who want to receive the aroma massages. It would probably be difficult with too many testers, so well look at the condition of their magic power to some extent and decide the order.

Ronnie handed Cordelia a blank piece of paper as if to say he was also doing his work properly.

It was different from four years ago, when shed first started her experiment, now, the servants wanted to participate in her experiment even if she didnt pay them Or rather, the recruitment of testers had become a major event, like a festival, already.

At first, Cordelia smiled a little bitterly that the experiment no one wanted to volunteer themselves for had suddenly become so popular.

Of course, she was happy. She thought it was a joyous thing. However, it also made her realise that things wouldnt proceed easily if people didnt obtain a sense of security.

(This got popular amongst the servants by word of mouth, so I hope that it would also become popular amongst the nobles as well.)

So I have to gain their trust after all, dont I? Its fun to think about these things, but I have to use my head for difficult things, after all.

When Cordelia thought that, a womans voice resounded through the laboratory.

You seem to be having a lot of fun.

Nirupama-obasama? Its been a while!

Hello, Cordelia.

Countess Nirupama Weltoria showed up at the open door.

She was one of the few female countesses in this kingdom, the ruler of the fief where only women inherited the title, and also the older sister of Cordelias mother In short, her aunt. She radiated confidence and always had her head held high, and faced firmly forward.

The dignified Nirupama was famous in high society and Cordelia heard from her second brother, Isma, that she was at the forefront of cutting-edge of fashion.

Nirupamas face was very similar to her mothers, but Cordelia thought that they didnt look like sisters at all, because their facial expression were different.

Nirupama often came to the Pameradia mansion when she was staying at the Royal Capital two years prior. But, until then, she had never met with her sister.

The reason why Nirupama came to the Pameradia mansion was, of course, to talk to Elvis, but those meetings probably only took half the time in those visits. She spent the remaining half visiting Cordelia with sweets.

However, she seemed empty handed today.

Oh, you dont have to prepare any tea today. I came on urgent business, so I dont have much time.

Urgent business? Then shall we go to a different room?

Nirupama had never come to see her if she had to return home straight away. If its something serious, then would it be better for me to tell Emina and Ronnie to go out of the room?

However, Nirupama quickly spoke to Cordelia, whose expression was changing.

You dont have to be that defensive. I brought you an invitation today.

An invitation, was it?

An important invitation. Cordelia gulped.

(Dont tell me shes going to make those joke-like comments about me becoming her adopted child?)

Nirupama informed Cordelia with a friendly smile.

I have been invited to the Flantheim Houses evening party, so you come too. You know their son, right?

Excuse me?

Cordelia froze for a moment because the invitation was completely different from what shed expected Nirupama to talk about.

Ah, yes. Even if she says its an important matter, theres no way shed try to persuade me into becoming her adopted child when she has no time.. Cordelia thought that, but she couldnt understand Nirupamas intentions.

The Flantheim Houses evening party, was it?

Cordelia tilted her head at the same time she said that. Of course, it wasnt like she didnt understand the meaning of those words. There was probably an evening party at her friend Vernouxs mansion.

It was close to Vernouxs birthday, and shed heard from him that the Marquis hosted evening parties in celebration.

But, Cordelia had never been to it before. She had given Vernoux a gift every year for his birthday, but she had never been to the evening party Or rather, she would see Elvis off as he attended those parties with an extremely sullen face while saying, Im off.

Therefore, she couldnt grasp why Nirupama invited her. What the hell is the meaning of this?

Nirupama laughed at Cordelias reaction.

I wanted the adorable Cordelia to make her debut. Of course, I know that Marquis Flantheim knows you. And I know youre not a shut-in and that you travel around the kingdom with Elvis-sama. Therefore, you can socialise more with adults than ordinary children, right?

But you cant do the same with children or women, am I right? Since theres finally an evening party, I wanted to take this opportunity to show you off.

However, Cordelia was more confused by Nirupamas remark. But, Nirupama paid no attention to her confusion.

I dont think its a bad deal for you. I think you know how adults interact with each other from your inspections. But, its also important for you to see and learn how politics works in noble societies. Itll be fine.

Its an evening party for his son, so therell be a lot of children there. You can take it easy.

What did Otou-sama say?

Elvis-sama said that one of his sons would be going on his behalf because his schedule is a bit strict this year But, when I told him that I was going to take you, he said that hell go himself.

Will Otou-sama be alright since hes busy with work?

Its fine, no problems. Its that Elvis-sama, you know? No one would complain even if hes a little behind on work.

No, thats not what I meant.

Her aunt, who was laughing, ohoho, probably said it so that she wouldnt worry, but that wasnt what she was worried about. Cordelia was worried that he would push himself to finish the work so that he wouldnt be behind on work; but the invitation had already been decided anyway.

Therefore, Cordelia had no reason to refuse.

(Just.. Of course, Im happy that Otou-sama would be coming with me, but I dont mind if Onii-sama goes as well, so please dont push yourself.)

Cordelia thought while looking up at Nirupama and replying, I understand.

Nirupama grinned broadly at that answer. Her smile was like flowers blooming. However, her smile was gradually warped by a dark aura.

Cordelia drew back slightly. Whats wrong with you today, Oba-sama?

However, such a Cordelia didnt even enter Nirupamas eyes as she continued to laugh while her shoulders were shaking.

Just you wait, Countess Halluci. The rumour of thedark future of the hard-headed Weltoriawill be gone by me bringing this cute angel with me. Fufufufufu.

Nirupama also seemed to have her own reason, but Cordelia didnt have the guts to ask about them. Her beauty as a lady disappeared and she was resembled a Demon Queen, so it was high-risk to ask her now.

Curiosity killed the cat It wasnt like that, but there was no reason for her to touch on such a dangerous topic.

(The Countess Halluci who angered Oba-sama by calling her hard-headed was also a big-shot, huh I dont think shes hard-headed in the first place.)

How the heck does Nirupama-obasama act normally? Cordelia wondered while maintaining her smile. I cant ask and I cant say anything until Oba-sama calms down Cordelia thought, but it didnt take long before Nirupamas expression changed.

Ah, thats right. Cordelia, you need a dress too, dont you? Ive already called the tailor that you always use, so theyll 1) be coming soon.

Mm, erm Oba-sama, didnt you say you didnt have much time?

Yes. Theres no time left since the tailor will come soon. If we drink tea, then we wouldnt be able to consult them about your beautiful dress right?

Th-thank you very much

Nirupama grinned at Cordelias reply.

Lets have them finish the dress in a week. You look like youll suit red.

She spoke and Cordelia shook her head.

Oba-sama, I want a light coloured dress.

Red.

Even Cordelia knew that red suited her. It was a colour that the Cordeliain-game wore beautifully.

However It was a bad omen.

Nirupamas eyes widened since Cordelia spoke a little fast.

Oh my, really? I think red suits you better though How about a pink dress with a red corsage? Youll shine in it.

If its a corsage, then Id like to make it with the flowers blooming in the greenhouse on the day. I have this very beautiful rose.

Oh my, a rose? How lovely.

She didnt have to mention that it was the rose named Cordeliathat shed received from her friend Gille.

Gille and Cordelia had never met once in the four years, but their letters continued through Vernoux on a regular basis. The letters she received were always courteously written, but there were rare times when they would look like they were rushed.

The topics he wrote about varied between studying, sword practice, being teased by Vernoux and books that Cordelia might be interested in.

(I noticed this from the beginning, but hes a very serious child.)

He seemed to really hit it off with Vernoux, but their personalities were complete opposites. However, it might be because of that that they were good friends.

(I might also want a friend whom I can get along with.)

She might even find that friend at the evening party. If so, then she would be happy.

She strayed a bit off the topic, but Cordelia received permission to use the rose Cordeliafor research purposes from her letter exchanges with Gille. But, of course, she promised to pay a margin if she used the rose for business.

Gille was a bit reluctant at that condition and had written that he didnt need money. Cordelia had insisted but he didnt accept after all and said that he would give Cordelia exclusive use of the rose instead of a margin.

This time, it was Cordelias turn to be hesitant because she felt bad, but she yielded to him in the end.

You need a special rose, dont you? Ill be happy if it could be of use to you.

She couldnt refuse after he sent that finishing blow.

Nirupama, who didnt know about Cordelias state, smiled and said, Show me later, okay?

Then, the next problem is dancing. Will you be alright? It wouldnt be as bad as your debut, but the children will be dancing next to you.

Please dont worry, Oba-sama. I have been practising that.

Her timing wasnt good enough to show people, but she had been taking dance lessons for a long time now for the sake of her future. Even with triple time, she had been practising since she was young so that people wont say, She cant dance even though shes a beauty. Its fine.

I should be able to dance.

Youre really Elvis daughter, no, my niece. Youre cute even if you lack in certain areas No, Im glad youre a clever kid. Im happy as the Weltoria feudal lord. I really dont mind if you want to become my daughter at any time, you know Cordelia?

Cordelia smiled vaguely in response to her smile. It was a charming offer, but it wasnt something that she could decide by herself, and it wasnt like Nirupama was offering it to her seriously. Rather than it being an original conversation, it was more like a part of their greetings.

If you really want to be adopted into my family, then Ill give you the education you need as a feudal lord. So you dont have to worry about that. But even if you dont want to become my adopted daughter, Ill give you hints on how to become the most cutest Ojou-sama.

So its alright for you to rely on me.

Thank you very much, Oba-sama.

Its actually something my sister should be doing. Though I think that being able to take care of my cute niece is a perk. Elvis also isnt interested in womans preferences, so its perfect, right Cordelia?

Cordelia smiled at Nirupama who was narrowing her eyes and gossiping.

But, it wouldnt be strange for you to receive invitations from the royal family, since youre so cute, right Cordelia? I dont know what your future brings.

No, Oba-sama. I think youre just being biased.

Am I?

Yes, Im sure of it. But thats why I want to improve myself and become a wonderful woman. Ill be turning to you for your guidance.

Of course, she knew that she was cute. She knew, but her aunts remarks were too ominous. That future would definitely not come to be, she wished as she grasped Nirupamas hands.

Nirupama widened her hands a little and then a smile immediately made its way to her face.

Well, then lets start with a nice dress. The craftsman should be here now.

Okay.

Cordelia. First of all, enjoy your first evening party to your hearts content. Thats the first step for ladies.

Cordelia nodded deeply at Nirupamas words.

The first thing was to handle her first evening party skilfully. That was her new and immediate goal.

References

1. Ill change the gender once I know it

Translator: Blushy

Editor: SenjiQ