Volume 1, Act 07: A Light Crimson Petal and a Letter
The prototype glass container was completed, Cordelia received that message from Ronnie five days after shed gone out to the city.
That was the first thing that Ronnie reported to Cordelia when hed appeared in front of her, and then he made a suggestion.
So, Id like to invite Master to the mansion soon; would that be alright?
Cant I go to the city?
You cant. The master will kill me, so please give me a break. If is it not fine to invite him here, then please consider that you wouldnt be able to receive the glass.
Recently, after her morning lecturers were over, Cordelia received basic training in analysis magic from Ronnie; not in the greenhouse but rather, in the new laboratory shed received from Elvis.
The new laboratory shed received was originally one of the detached buildings, with a structure consisting of two floors and a basement.
It must have been renovated since all the floors now only had one room. It was a useful laboratory, equipped with chairs and desks; there was even a washroom on the first floor.
Cordelia used the whole first floor for experiments and a portion of the second floor was made into a storage room. She hadnt used the basement yet, but she planned on making it into a storage warehouse.
(But Otou-sama, just when did you prepare all this? Your daughter is impressed.)
This gift, just like the greenhouse, which was arranged unnoticed, even though she was always at home, astonished her.
But she couldnt stay surprised.
Her sense of purpose swelled up inside of her when she received this, With this, I can quickly make the poultice for Otou-sama! She felt delighted at the excellent news that Ronnie had brought to her; after all, if there were no tools, then she wouldnt be able to make any progress.
However, she felt a little disappointed that Master was going to deliver the glass. She wanted to use going to get the tools as a chance to go into the city so that she could see the townscape that she couldnt take her time seeing last time.
On her previous trip, she had a moments free time before going into the workshop and inside of the workshop, but it wasnt enough for her to walk around the city.
The merchants, who visited the mansion told her about popular goods, but there were many things she couldnt understand unless she saw them with her own eyes was her cover story, but most of it was just because she was purely interested in the goods.
But it was difficult for her to do so when she saw how hard Ronnie was shaking his head, and how pale he got from her words. So, Cordelia stopped asking for the impossible.
It wasnt fun, but it wasnt like she couldnt understand the reason why Ronnie refused.
A ladys incognito escorts had to make sure that nothing happened by chanceand on top of that, Elvis was home, unlike last time. To prevent Elvis from noticing, she also couldnt meet any of the other servants in the city by chance.
In short, the risk of him finding out that she snuck out was very high. It wasnt unreasonable for Ronnie to be so unwilling.
To begin with, she felt like Ronnie looked at her as if she was a troublemaker. She definitely wont behave herself, now will she? he looked at her like that.
She wouldnt say anything selfish that would be dislikeable.
Yes, that was why she maintained self-control for that matter.
Being able to read between the lines and understand TPO 1) was also an indispensable skill for a lady. That was why, no matter how many times Ronnie rudely said, Ojou-sama is unexpectedly untalented with analysis magic, arent you? as if he was impressed, Cordelia eluded it with a wry smile.
Theres no need to say it like that; you could have said it a bit more indirectly She definitely wouldnt say something like that. He was the teacher who Cordelia had requested, and she believed that what he said was probably correct.
Cordelia couldnt really understand the magic that Ronnie talked about.
When Cordelia used magic, she mostly perceived and imagined the colour of magic power. To make it into a pretty colour with an atmosphere, as if her senses were mixed with the colours; that was also what her tutor taught her.
But the analysis magic that Ronnie was teaching her was logical. It seemed that the magic power that Cordelia perceived as colours each had their own name, similar to chemical elements, and the combinations were used in the same way as chemical formulas.
As Cordelia was also a person of science, in her previous life, it wasnt like she was bad with chemical formulas. However, she couldnt adapt to the sudden change in how she used magic.
However, magic components were often separated during analysis and, in Cordelias case, the results were disastrous if it was done in Cordelias magic since that relied on her intuition.
Even if she understood that they were connected together like chemical formulas, she still couldnt section and analyse them with magic.
Still, she tried to practise it several times Just how many times did I cut leaves perfectly into two equal parts with analysis magic, aiming for only the magic power?
However, even if she couldnt analysis anything, as Ronnie said before, there wouldnt be any problems if she just left it to the magicians who were employed by the Pameradia House, so she didnt have anything to worry about.
But, she also had the disposition of wanting to be able to do something, unless she knew that she wasnt able. There was no need for weaknesses, as a beautiful lady. Regardless of whether she could do technical things or not, she wanted to at least be able to do the basics.
So even if she couldnt do it now, she wanted to reach a point where she could do it in the future; Cordelia smiled at Ronnie while that little passion burnt within her.
Just you wait, Ill be able to perform a magnificent analysis someday.
Say Ojou-sama, your smile is giving me the chills; its exactly the same as when the master gets angry
Im sure its just your imagination. More importantly, youre calling Master here, arent you? The sooner you call him, the better. If he can come today, then I want him to come today.
If he cant come, then make it on an afternoon thats convenient for Master.
I understand. Well then, Ill send a message out, but hell most likely come straight away if you tell him to. He said he wanted to enter an Earl Houses grounds, after all.
Sorry if he comes smelling like alcohol, Ronnie added mischievously.
A reserved knock was heard at the door while she was talking to Ronnie.
Emina? Come in.
Excuse me, Cordelia-sama.
Emina informed Cordelia with a light, but elegant bow, Vernoux-sama is here.
Looks like youre having a lot of fun, Dilly.
At the same time, Vernouxs face peeped out from behind Emina.
Oh my, Vernoux-sama? Its been a long time, hasnt it?
Even if shed said it had been a long time, itd only been around five days. However, he would come over unannounced once every three days ever since theyd met, so she thought that the interval between his visits had been longer this time.
Furthermore, he came alone. Only he came here and he seemed quite accustomed to going incognito Is that fine, Marquis House?
I really wanted to come a bit earlier; I had to express and write reflections down quite a lot of times.
Im sorry to hear that. Did you reflect properly?
Next time, Ill sneak out without causing trouble.
Vernoux said while shrugging; he hadnt reflected at all.
Cordelia thought that the childs potential was frightening because that was a genuine eight-year-old. He would probably become a cunning person who could put adults to shame with his scheming. She noted to herself that she should be careful not to dance on the palm of his hand.
Ojou-sama, Ill excuse myself.
Ronnie spoke while Cordelia was being appealed to by Vernoux. He bowed and left the room.
It seemed that only withdrawing when there were visitors, was perfectly present within Ronnies head.
Cordelia said, Yes, please rest in your room. In short, We will be continuing after Vernoux-sama leaves.
It seemed that it was more or less conveyed to Ronnie, and he smiled wryly as he left that place. He was probably going to take the time to talk with Master.
Emina, the sweets and the new tea thats arrived. Please bring those out.
As you wish, Ojou-sama.
Well then Vernoux-sama, the chair might be a little uncomfortable, but please have a seat.
Cordelia suggested that Vernoux sit on the chair. The wooden chair that Cordelia liked had been made sophisticatedly, but it wasnt like it was upholstered with velvet, so it was hard. It was not the type of chair that nobles usually used.
However, as could be said of the heir of a Marquis, he sat down elegantly without complaining.
Is this hue from the Juglis tree? This is the first time Ive seen a chair like this, but it feels good to the touch. Its a speciality of the Pameradia fief, isnt it? He declared.
It looked like he knew a good product, even though he was a child. Moreover, he seemed to hold considerable knowledge, since he understood the specialities of other fiefs and could even guess them correctly just by seeing them.
Cordelia thought that the saying, Dont judge a book by its cover, probably referred to that. No, in Vernouxs case it is more his actions than appearance, but it probably meant something like that.
The new tea leaves, was it? To have them directly delivered to Ojou-samas mansion means That you negotiated with the merchants yourself?
Yes. I can guarantee the taste.
Im looking forward to it.
So What kind of business did you come for today?
Vernoux always came over for confectionary and to kill time. Cordelia thought that today would be the same as well, and requested for the tea and confectionaries, but she asked just to make sure.
However, Vernoux had a different purpose than usual for coming.
I came to deliver something today. If possible, I want to take the reply back with me, so Id like you to write one. Of course, Ill be having the tea and sweets.
Delivery? A reply is it?
Cordelia tilted her head in confusion, and Vernoux handed her a white envelope.
It was a simple envelope with neither the addressees name nor the senders signature.
This is?
Its from Gille addressed to Dilly. If possible, please read it now.
Vernoux said that and Cordelia thought about searching for a letter opener, but then she suddenly thought of another method she wanted to try; she aimed for the tip of the envelope and cast analysis magic.
Thereupon, the upper part of the letter was cut by her surplus magic, just like the time with the leaves, and the envelope was opened beautifully.
It was used for something other than its original purpose, but this might also be useful.
Thats quite an interesting way to use magic. Is it elementary disassembling magic?
Its a secret.
Cordelia lied; she didnt want to say that it was a failure. Then she took out the writing paper that was inside.
The writing paper, unlike the white envelope on the outside, was slightly light pink in colour. The next thing she looked at wasnt the writing on the paper, but the petals that were embedded in the lower right corner.
They were from a rose.
The petals looked as if they were see-through on the thin, yet high-quality, paper. Cordelia couldnt imagine what kind of processing the paper went through for it to become like that. Without thinking about it too deeply, her voice unintentionally spilt, Pretty.
Well, I dont mind that youre fascinated with the writing paper, but read the contents as well.
Youre being a little impatient, Vernoux-sama.
Just when people are finally feeling impressed, Cordelia thought and turned her attention to the writing.
The handwriting in the letter was as neat as a copybook, and it didnt look like the handwriting of a child at all. However, she could tell that he had written it in a bit of a hurry. That was also evident in the content of the letter.
First of all, please excuse me for writing in a way that deviates away from formality. I had just heard that Vernoux will be visiting you, Dilly-sama; so I immediately rushed to pick up my pen.
Cordelia smiled a little wryly at how the letter started.
Vernoux always visited unannounced.
This time, too, he had probably made up his mind and was in the mood to visit. She had no doubt that Gille had probably rushed to finish the letter so that he could entrust it to Vernoux.
With that in mind, she continued to read on.
In the first place, it was hard for her to think that Gilles mother was cultivating a lot of roses for research, and she didnt know if they had been tested or not.
However, Vernoux spoke as if he didnt mind such things, I dont think it would be a problem if you said you wanted them, Dilly.
Cordelia couldnt understand what he was saying.
What kind of roses and how many do you want?
Lets see, rather than the colour, I want roses with strong fragrances About a few hundred to thousand kilos worth of them, I guess.
A few hundr-?! What are you going to use such a quantity for?
Vernoux spoke as if he was stiff.
I also think its quite a bit. I also dont know how much it will cost.
Cordelia continued.
Im researching the components of florae.
Ah, you seclude yourself in the greenhouse, and you also came to the magic tool shop. Are you going to tear off that many roses?
Im not tearing them, but I will separate the petals.
She said, and Vernoux groaned.
As I thought, the things Dilly wants are that kind of things. Even though you said you wanted a flower, you dont care about the colour.
She felt like his true voice was mixed in with those words, but Cordelia didnt dare to talk back. Hes just talking to himself after all.
Well, it might be difficult to get them all at once, but if I can find the breed you want, then you could probably cultivate it cant you?
But if its still being improved then nothing can be done to increase the breed I want, right?
To Cordelia, the vital thing about roses was not their appearance, but their fragrance and the number of essential oils they contained.
If they were still being improved, then their colours and shapes would change as well, and Cordelia thought that it would be hard for the roses to be specialised in the aspects she, herself, thought were important.
However, when she pointed that out, Vernoux replied with an answer that she couldnt understand well, Well, it probably wont be a problem.
You have been saying that there wont be any problems for a while now, but why are you trying to help me this much?
Moreover, it weighed on Cordelias mind that even though Vernoux was commissioning the roses, the person who would be providing them was Gille. She was probably bothering him.
Then Vernoux laughed.
Cant you guess?
Vernoux said provocatively and lightly glanced at the bookmark in question.
The conclusion that Cordelia came up with when she saw that was that it was possibly an apology.
If hes feeling sorry then I dont think its something that he should worry about that much.
Thats not it Well, never mind. Ill try asking Gille whether they have any breeds with strong fragrances.
That would certainly be a great help, but
Somehow, she was unsettled and didnt feel at ease. I wasnt trying to gain his gratitude, so did I just perhaps acquire a massive debt?
By the way, when do you want it by Dilly?
If possible then within 6 or 7 years. The sooner I can get them the happier Ill be.
It was decided that if you start researching then the sooner, the better.
However, at least for now, she didnt have much use for them. Various good effects could be obtained from balm, but it could have an adverse effect if one werent careful about how to use it. All the more so for young bodies. Cordelia had that knowledge, even if Ronnies analysis wasnt finished yet.
Therefore, there wouldnt be any problems with leaving the rose essential oils until after she became an adult.
It was just that, if it was possible, Cordelia wanted to unveil it on her 16th birthday debut.
Because that would be the time when shed be at the centre of attention, so she wanted to greet them with her favourite scent One that would leave a lasting impression of her. Besides, the Cordeliainside of the game had an appearance that looked good with roses.
She wanted to make a rose fragrance for her sakeand, not for the sake of others.
However, Vernoux was confused by her answer.
I thought youd need it more urgently since you said you wanted it, but you sure are taking it leisurely. Well, if thats the case, then itll work out somehow.
However, Vernoux-sama, Im not asking for the impossible. I also plan to look for them myself, so Im not asking something unreasonable from Gille-sama.
I wasnt thinking of saying that its unreasonable. Ah, you dont need to refill my tea. Ive already finished my business today, so Ill be going back.
Oh my, thats so soon.
Vernouxs words were surprising since he usually stayed longer.
Vernoux always asked for seconds of tea before going home. The new tea leaves that she had obtained today also seemed to suit Vernouxs tastes, but he didnt command Emina for seconds as she prepared to make the second cup. How rare.
Vernoux noticed that Cordelia was thinking such thoughts from her gaze and said.
I have to bring this to Gille, whos eagerly waiting for it while behaving himself.
Speaking of which What kind of person is Gille-sama?
Huh?
Because I dont interact much with people my age. Is he your friend or relative, Vernoux-sama?
Vernoux opened his mouth to speak at Cordelias question and then closed it. Then after he let out an idiotic sound, Uh he gave a vague reply, Well, Im sure hes my friend
It was very suspicious. Compared to his usual attitude, his attitude seemed more appropriate for his age; she felt like he was acting a bit like a panicking primary school student. That was extremely suspicious.
Seeing Vernoux act like that, Cordelia was suddenly struck with the idea that Vernoux might be hiding something outrageous.
Could it be, that Gille-sama is perhaps, a woman?
Perhaps you two were in the middle of a tryst, and so she dressed as a boy in order not to stand out
It was normally an unbelievable story, but it might be believable if Vernoux was the one who planned for Gille to go incognito It was only an idea shed come up with, but it seemed most fitting once shed voiced it. Indeed, he probably didnt want to say it if he was with the one he loved.
He was probably embarrassed.
In contrast to Cordelia, who thought that and began to form an understanding, Vernoux gradually twisted his face.
Dont joke around. Gille is definitely a man!
Oh my Is that so?
But, I admit that he does have an androgynous aura to him.
Vernoux sighed and said, Well then, see you again, before leaving.
He evaded it really well, didnt he?
In the end, the only information she got from Vernoux about Gille was his gender, and that they were friends, so, in the end, she didnt know what his identity was.
However, they would probably meet again, since they were around the same age, so she probably didnt need to place such importance on the matter.
Besides, she estimated that she really needed a large number of roses. She would appreciate it if she got some help in obtaining them.
That was a conversion from her previous life so she couldnt say that it was the same in this world, but a large number of petals was needed if she wanted to make rose essential oils.
For example, even with lavender, whose oil extraction rate was lower than peppermint, about 1kg of essential oil could be obtained per 100kgs. However, if she wanted 1 kg of essential oils from roses, then shed need 20 times that amount.
If it were only for her own personal use, then a lesser amount would be fine, but still, that was like saying she would be fine with just one drop.
Moreover, the problem was the breed.
Roses had two kinds of essential oils in her previous life. One was rose otto, which was obtained by the steam distillation method, and the other was rose absolute, which was extracted with a method known as solvent extraction.
Both were expensive essential oils, but absolute was the more expensive essential oil.
Rose otto was extracted from damask roses, which was said to be the most fragrant and valuable amongst the 2000 breeds. For the latter, rose absolute, a flower called cabbage rose was used and, once again, that one also had a flowery fragrance.
Based on that information, Cordelia searched through various books, and even asked her tutors about it But, she had yet to find the roses in question. She recently began to think that those same roses didnt exist in this world.
However, if she were to research other breeds of roses, then there was a high chance that she would need to gather various kinds of roses in quantities of a few hundred kilos to one ton.
Furthermore, if she left aside otto, the extraction method for absolute oil changed In which case, she couldnt imagine how many petals would be consumed just from her experiment in extracting the oil.
Even if it werent exactly the same, if there were flowers that were suitable for strong fragrance essential oil, then there would be nothing better. Therefore, she wanted to find flowers with strong scents as soon as possible.
If it wasnt a nuisance for Gille, then she wanted to accept his good will.
On the other hand, she was worried about why Vernoux was hiding Gilles lineage, after all. He probably didnt have anything to be guilty about, but she was curious.
(By no means did Gille-sama look like a bad person, but I wonder if hes someone I should be cautious about?)
Cordelia thought while ordering Emina to call for Ronnie.
Then, she sighed in the room when she was left alone.
(Though, its not like I want to doubt him.)
Cordelia felt strongly at times like that.
Even though I am who I am today because I have memories of my previous life, I dislike that I cant face people frankly because of those memories.
However, she couldnt cast those notions aside.
In the first place, she was thinking about avoiding her own death in the beginning, but if things really went according to the scenario, then it would also lead to the downfall of the Pameradia House too.
(Though its a bit excessive to say that I would protect the Pameradia House when Im the one who will become the trigger.)
She didnt know what would be the trigger for her to go astray. No matter how much she thought of being careful, there was no way she could live without doubting people.
But then, I cant deny that Im enjoying the present.
Well then, how troublesome, she thought and smiled wryly.
She wasnt planning on amusing herself with a game of seesaw. However, being in the same space as the people important to her made her feel comfortable. That was precisely why she was living every day to the fullest.
So that she could keep living in that space, and then; for her to become a beautiful lady.
Thats right. Thats why First, I have to check Masters glass containers.
For the first time in this world, Cordelia put the tableware back onto the cart with her own hands.
She couldnt say that she wasnt hesitant; however, she had no intentions of stopping.
Because of that thought, she could only think of Gille as someone whom she should be a little careful about.
References
1. Time, place, occasion draw attention to a situation or experience that is inappropriate or worth noting