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

Volume 6, Act 55: The Fragrant Lady and Blossoms at the Coming of Age Banquet Part 2

Translator: Blushy

Editor: delishnoodles

After that, people walked up to Cordelia without pause and she greeted a lot of people. It was the first time that she had talked to so many people at once, so she was exhausted by the time she could take a break.

Are you tired?

Otou-sama No, Im fine.

She was actually tired, but she couldnt leave. She can only pull herself together if she looks tired. However, Elvis, who had called a nearby waiter, took a glass and gave it to Cordelia.

Go outside for a bit. Youll feel better with some fresh air, and your head will clear.

But

Youve already greeted everyone. Theyre talking among themselves now, so its fine for you to slip out.

Elvis declared and Cordelia couldnt object.

Its a special request, so Ill gratefully accept.

Then, Ill do that.

Yeah.

Elviss voice pushed her from behind as she went out. She could still hear the faint noise from the hall even though she was outside. The garden is usually quiet, but its a little lively today.

She thought as she sat on the bench to relieve the fatigue in her legs.

I cant take a long break, but if I go back too early then Otou-samas concern would be pointless. Ill go back after relieving my fatigue with the time I have, she thought and heard footsteps slowly approach her.

It was Vernoux who came.

So even you get tired after greeting a lot of people.

Since youre saying it like that, it means that you get tired as well, right Vernoux-sama?

Yeah. Im happy that theyre celebrating for me, but I cant help but think it questionable that there is a custom of tiring oneself out on a day of celebration.

Vernoux said as if he wanted them to give him a break, but his attitude said the opposite.

Can I sit next to you?

Yes. Did you have fun today?

Yeah, a lot of people came so I let them talk to me. Everyone else was so engrossed in their conversations that they didnt even notice that you had slipped out. Theyre all probably in high spirits.

Oh my, are you saying my presence is thin?

If your presence is thin, then who is thick? No one thinks that they can talk to you for a second time, thats why theyre satisfied with just talking to you once. And, youre going to get a lot of tea party invitations.

Oh my, Im looking forward to those.

If theres a lot of invitations, then Ill need a certain amount of physical strength. But, if I can get a lot of information from the tea parties, then I want to show up.

I have something serious I want to tell you. You havent had direct contact with Earl Clydereines daughter since youve returned to the royal capital, right?

Yes. I think its best if we dont get involved with each other.

Unfortunately, it doesnt seem like thats what she wants. Apparently, shes been telling people Theres an evil lady who thinks about wicked things, because of her dreams.

Is that Evil ladyme?

She didnt state a name, but she said it was a girl with red eyes.

Isnt that basically saying its me? Thank you for telling me.

There arent many girls with red eyes.

Cordelia sighed since she had attacked her in a childish way.

However, it was the right choice for you to go to Weltoria fief. Apparently, Miss Clydereine has been saying that the Evil ladyhas been using whatever means she could to get close to the Prince, but youve been away from the royal capital for two years.

It doesnt seem like she knows that, but some people have started to doubt the divine message since Countess Weltoria and Hazel-jou have been going around saying that you werent in the royal capital.

Im really grateful to Oba-sama and Hazel-sama.

Hazel-sama hasnt told me this directly, but I must thank her next time I see her, Cordelia decided.

The guests of todays evening party are the head of houses and their wives, and their heirs like Vernoux-sama. However, Hazel-sama invited me to a tea party since she couldnt come today. She said she was looking forward to celebrating grandly.

She thought then noticed.

You get along with Hazel-sama more than I thought you did.

Why do you think so?

Am I wrong? At least from how you were speaking about her earlier, you dont dislike her like you did a long time ago.

But if you dont want to talk about it, then I wont ask you any more questions.

Instead of replying in a light and casual tone, Vernoux closed his mouth and looked conflicted. Cordelia felt that he didnt have a bad impression of Hazel, but he wasnt hiding his embarrassment and he probably wouldnt say any sweet words about her.

Well, Im not sure what to think about how she chased after me a long time ago, but shes interacting with me like a normal lady recently. She also tried really hard for the mobile library after you left the royal capital, Dilly.

Oh my, isnt that good?

However, Vernoux only frowned deeper.

But I cant get rid of the impression I left on her a long time ago. Rather than putting her guard up a little. Wouldnt she find my attitude a bit suspicious?

Pfft.

What?

No, its just the only lady who had you worried in the past and now has only been Hazel-sama.

Its not funny.

It was rare to see Vernoux lose his composure, so Cordelia struggled a bit to get her laughs under control.

(It still doesnt seem like it would develop into love yet like this. Vernoux-sama isnt a straightforward person, and surprisingly, they might be a good couple.)

Cordelia didnt say this to Vernoux even as a joke since it would annoy Hazel if Vernoux got angry. At least, Cordelia was happy if they could get along as friends.

Well, lets go back to what we were talking about. That ladys way of doing things is crude, but her tenacity is first-rate. Fortunately, she didnt show up in public much until she reached adulthood, so theres still a lot of people who dont know what she looks like.

Cordelia tilted her head at Vernouxs way of speaking.

Vernoux-sama, have you talked to her directly somewhere before?

I went to Miss Clydereines coming of age ceremony. Well, I went to greet her and spy.

Oh my, I havent heard this before.

It wasnt something I had to tell you straight away, and I didnt think the servants should hear about this, so I thought today would be a good time to tell you. However, Ive told you all I know, all I know is that she really is mysterious and magical like the rumours overly praise her as.

I, myself, have been asked by the Earl to act as a mediator between him and His Highness.

Vernoux wrinkled his eyebrows after saying that.

I dont want to say this but be careful of harassment. From Miss Clyderine as well as the ladies who are trying to suck up to her.

I understand. I am prepared to some extent. I knew she loathed me when she declared war on me two years ago.

Well, the ladies who are trying to suck up to her just want to snuggle up to her power and influence. I dont think they would make the Pameradia House their enemies, and that lady wont make any flashy moves unless she has positive proof that she can win against you.

Well, Im sure you can guess this, Dilly.

Yes.

But, a really amazing person has set their eyes on you.

Cordelia could only smile at those words.

(But surrounding herself with people and gossiping sounds just like something Cordeliawould do.)

Shelley is said to be the second coming of the saint and uses the Dreamer Power. She acts on her dreams.

But I read in the Big Bookcase that the original Saint, who also made prophecies using her dream powers, started using her powers for herself, and as a result, made prophecies that never came true.

Shelley must have begn using her powers for herself thats why shes saying delusional things which differ from reality, but its not unbearable if she dreams the wrong things.

I cant say that she wont find proof. But, regarding her delusion about me deceiving His Highness, she probably wont believe me if I say, Im not trying to get close to His Highness.

Yeah. But if you dont sort this out as soon as possible, even the people who dont think well of Miss Clydereine will start thinking that youre a worrisome lady since youre involved with an annoying lady.

Its true that something troublesome would happen if we were to meet face-to-face.

Sorry for talking about this on an auspicious occasion.

Why are you apologising, Vernoux-sama? Youre telling me this because youre worried about me, right?

But, its a depressing conversation, isnt it?

Vernoux shrugged and Cordelia laughed a little.

Somehow, its strange. I cant believe there would come a day when I hear these words out of your mouth since you used to only come here to eat cake.

Thats what I thought too. I really wished that my father would stop taking me everywhere, but Im glad he brought me here. I was able to make a good childhood friend thanks to that.

Cordelia opened her eyes wide when she heard those words. Vernoux didnt tease her and he looked calm and relaxed.

This is rare.

Its because its a day of celebration. I wont say this after today.

Thats a shame. But I also think Im lucky to have met you. The time I spent with you and Gille-sama was very fun and I treasure them.

Im delighted to meet a friend who I can talk to without reservation.

However, Vernoux also looked surprised like Cordelia had earlier.

Hearing you say that doesnt sound like you at all.

You said something similar, didnt you Vernoux-sama?

Its alright for me since Im only saying them today.

Then, Ill also only say these words today as well.

I see. So its just for today?

Vernoux smiled.

Whats wrong?

No, I just thought it would be better if you told that to Gille too. Its sad that hes being left out.

Like Vernoux-sama had said, theres no reason for me not to tell Gille-sama, but I feel like the meaning would be different if I wrote it in a letter and gave it to Vernoux-sama to pass it to him. But I dont know when I will see Gille-sama again.

Well, I wont force you to. Its his fault for not being here.

Yes. If the conversation flows towards this the next time, I see him then I might tell him but I cant write it in a letter. Ill put it off for now.

Well, it might be embarrassing later if you write it in a letter.

I dont think its something to be embarrassed about?

Really?

Cordelia was amazed since Vernoux had said it as if her black history was confirmed.

But I think that important things should be told directly.

Then tell him directly. Well, Im more concerned about that lady more than this right now. Even if she sees dreams that come true, a person who doesnt notice the contradictions between reality and dreams becomes a burden. I dont think she would ever be fit to be queen in the future.

I have nothing to do with the fight she wants to have. But, Im relieved to know that Vernoux-sama and Clive-sama are by His Highnesss side since you two think that way.

Even if were not there, His Highness isnt blind.

Vernoux lightly poked Cordelias head as he stood up after saying that.

Dont lose. Use everything you can. Me, Clay and Miss Hazel will be happy to help you. And it seems like youve gained a much stronger hand today.

Thank you very much. But do you think Im going to lose?

I dont want to think of my childhood friend as being that weak.

Weak, you say Even though I look like this, Im a weak lady.

Im praising you for having a firm heart Or so I thought, but what about you is weak? A weak lady wouldnt go horse riding or sneak out, would they?

Then, they looked at each other and burst into laughter at nearly the same time.

I should go back soon. Since, Im the star of the night.

I see. The Earl will glare at me if we go back together, so Ill stay out here for a bit longer.

Okay. You might not be able to see the flowers since its dark, but they smell nice so please enjoy it.

However, Cordelia didnt recall a time when Vernoux had even admired the flowers at her mansion whenever he came over.

At that time, a soft but strong wind blew into the area.

However, that wind only lasted for a moment, and then she heard a rustling sound.

No This might be strange to ask But is Gille-sama here?

There was nothing strange around her. The garden looked as it always did at night. Still, she felt that the aura was different from normal.

As expected of you. You cant see him, and he has no presence, but you can tell?

So, he is here?

It was a little different from the thin presence she had felt at the Hale Mansion when she was 12.

At that time, Gille had used a mask to block other peoples recognition of him, but the presence right now was less than that.

Even if she knew that someone was here, she couldnt feel their presence.

(Maybe hes using a mask Im not familiar with thats why I cant feel him I honestly cant feel his presence.)

If hes here, then did he come here to celebrate my coming of age?

Cordelia waited for Gille to show himself, but he didnt.

She asked curiously but received no reply.

Instead, Vernoux spoke.

Gille cant show his face today. He came to see me not you.

To see you?

It might have been unavoidable that a suspicious expression appeared on her face.

Vernoux looked amazed. Then, he walked a few steps and stopped. He put out his right hand and a piece of paper appeared from thin air.

(He really is here!)

He said to give this to you.

She looked at the paper and saw that it was an unsigned birthday card, but she knew it was from Gille because of the familiar handwriting.

Did he come to deliver this?

Yeah, I was asked by Gille too, but people will misunderstand if I gave it to you in front of people. Then, he came himself. He said that he was going to leave it near the gate so that someone can see it.

He thought that they would bring it to you since its not in an envelope and they would be able to tell that its not dangerous. But he came in because he thought you would be here.

Then, can he show himself? No one is around.

Well, give him a break. Its also for your sake that hes doing this.

My sake?

If Gilles parents found out that he was here, then they would want him to marry you, gah. Hey, dont hit me suddenly.

Vernoux-sama, its only obvious that you would get hit. Even as a joke, please improve your sense of humour.

She wondered what he would say, but it wasnt anything decent.

She regretted listening to him seriously and sighed.

(But its certainly unnatural for him to be here unless hes the oldest son.)

Like how Hazel-sama isnt here, Gille-sama might be in a position where he cant come here with his real appearance. Nevertheless, there will be needless rumours going around if someone were to see him here.

Vernoux and Gille were talking about something while Cordelia was thinking, but when she looked at them, it looked as if Vernoux was acting in a one-man play and it was funny.

Well, isnt it like that?

Alright, alright, I got it, I got it. My bad.

Ah, whatever. Ill listen to you next time so let me off for today. You, go home.

Vernoux flicked his hand as if he was chasing away a dog, and Cordelia finally burst out laughing.

You know, Dilly. You come calm him down too.

Im sorry, I dont know what expression Gille-sama has on his face right now.

Even I cant see his face Argh, Gille show yourself already.

Please dont force him. Its your fault for saying something strange after all.

No, its because Gille decided to come here.

However, Cordelia decided to ignore Vernoux since she probably wouldnt be able to agree with him even if she heard what he said.

Instead, she bowed towards Gille who she couldnt see.

Thank you very much. Does the hair ornament look good on me?

She couldnt hear a reply, but she felt like the air got softer.

Now then, I really must get back.

Yeah. Well, Ill also warn Gille about his trespassing.

Cordelia smiled wryly at Vernoux, bowed, then went back into the hall.

Its disappointing that I couldnt see my friend after two years, but he doesnt seem to have changed at all.

She felt this from his invisible exchange with Vernoux and became a little happy.