Volume 1, Act 08: The Dignity of a Noble
Ronnie surely said that the magic tool shops Master would visit the mansion in the afternoon.
Furthermore, at that time he had hinted, Sorry if he comes smelling like alcohol.
But what did he mean?
It was the appointed time and the magic tool shops Master, who appeared in front of her eyes, had an appearance utterly different from the person she saw the other day.
He was wearing a jet-black robe, his hair was tied up in a ponytail at the back, and he was dressed in something that could be said to be a magicians uniform In short, he was neatly dressed. Naturally, he didnt reek of alcohol at all.
Thank you very much for choosing my shop on this occasion.
Cordelia reflexively replied to Master, who stated so, with, It is I who should say so, I am thankful that you accepted such a difficult request, but it didnt erase the awkwardness.
It seemed that was also the case for Ronnie, who was there together with them.
Master, whats wrong? This doesnt suit you!
Master heard Ronnies words and caught him by the scruff of his neck, then lowered his head.
You, what are you saying in front of the daughter of an Earl! Or rather, why did you take the Misses out! If Id known I wouldnt have acted like!
It hurts, stop it!
Masters outcry was quiet, but it was loud enough for Cordelia to hear.
It seemed that even if he was buzzed from alcohol from noon at the shop, he was stilla man with common sense. Ronnie was like that, so she didnt think much of it, but now that she thought about it, she felt sorry if he became a victim of foul play.
Master, please dont worry. Ronnie is normally like this after all.
But, Cordelia-sama, this guy is
Its fine. Hes talented. Thats more than enough.
She said that, but Master looked like he still had something to say.
Whats with this? Master and Ojou-sama are both being rude. Rather, Master also told me to go to the Earl mansion a while back and said that you wanted to come here too, didnt you!
Did you think Id believe that you were telling the truth in that situation?! And, please excuse us, Cordelia-sama.
Its fine. More importantly, where is the glass container?
Y-yes, here is it
Master spoke as he presented the glass container to Cordelia.
The glass must have been affected by magic power because it wasnt entirely transparent; it had a slightly pale pink tint to it.
The reason why Cordelia concluded that the colouring was an effect of magic power was that, when shed touched the glass, the movements of the magic power inside of her changed and was drawn towards the glass.
Well then, Ill confirm it.
Cordelia spoke and placed the glass container on the already set up apparatus. Then, she put the mint inside of the container. She had already prepared the distillation water and cooling system, so all that was left was to add heat and channel magic power so that she could validate the glass.
From here on out, I will have Master see whether my magic power reaches the medicinal herbs inside the glass container. However, I ask you not to let a word of what is being done here to anyone.
I understand.
Then, Im going to start.
Cordelia exchanged a glance with Ronnie and then lit a fire in the lamp to start the heat. Before long, vapour began forming slowly and moved to the distillation kettle. There, Cordelia held her hands towards the glass container and felt for the magic that flowed within her.
When she did that, the magic power wasnt just being channelled into the mint, it moved towards the mint as if it was drawn to it. She didnt feel the magic power being repelled by the glass and the magic was easily absorbed into the glass. It passed through the glass as naturally as water flowed.
Woah As expected of Master! This is a completely new type of tool, isnt it?
It was a magic power that Ive never seen before, so I didnt know what path I should make to let it pass through the glass, but this is the result of the trial and error.
Master answered Ronnies question and weirdly ended his sentence. 1)
Cordelia smiled a little wryly. You dont have to be that nervous, she thought.
But the glass was really fitting for Cordelia. However, she thought that Master would get even more nervous if shed said that aloud, so she decided not to say it today and wait for the next opportunity to tell him.
Unlike ordinary glass, she could still supply magic power at a stable rate even while thinking such thoughts. With this, I can have simple conversations even while refining.
She thought and asked Master.
How much would it cost?
No, the bill is fine. However, I will charge you starting from your next order.
What do you mean by you dont need the bill?
To tell you the truth, in the process of making this glass container, I developed something that seems like it will sell very well. Although its a lamp, by channelling magic power in a different way than normal, the hood transforms into something that looks like waves.
This was made coincidently and would have been impossible if not for Cordelia-samas commission. As thanks for that, I would like you to accept this glass, free of charge.
Master spoke and handed Cordelia a list that hed prepared beforehand, Your next commission will be charged at the prices listed here. In brief, the fee for the glass differed by size, so the costs were varied. Also, the price of the lamp was written at the very bottom of the list.
That was probably the by-product that Master had just spoken about. The stance of if you want it, then buy itin this section was rather amusing to Cordelia.
I understand, thanks.
Not at all, Im the one who should be thanking you.
Just now, I was conducting an experiment to extract the ingredients from medicinal herbs; in the future, I will need small bottles for storage purposes. Can I count on you for that as well?
Of-of course! When you have time, we can have a meeting to talk about the details.
Fufu, thanks.
Its interesting to see how Master is more nervous than the other day.
Cordelia thought that while observing him, and Master was also observing Cordelias experiment with interest.
This experiment, is it evangelism from a foreign kingdom?
Youre wrong Master. This is a new experiment of Ojou-samas own devising. Amazing, isnt it? Even though shes this small.
In place of Cordelia Or more like, before Cordelia could answer, Ronnie, replied proudly, praising Cordelia as if it was his own achievement. At least, Cordelia wanted him to be a little more modest. It was embarrassing.
But it wasnt like Ronnie was praising her, hed just blurted it out without thinking.
Ive heard that high-ranking people liked to follow precedents, but thats not the case, is it?
You mean that nobles are obstinate, dont you?
Ronnie said something vulgar in reply to Master, he was behaving like he usually did.
Shut your mouth, Ronnie.
However, Cordelia was already accustomed to him acting like that.
She ended it with, Its Ronnie, after all. If one were to say something like that to a noble, then they wouldnt bear with it at all, but fortunately, Ronnie knew how to get away from such nobles. His etiquette wasnt proper, but he was really good at running away quickly.
Ronnies words arent necessarily wrong. Im also not all that familiar with noble society yet, but from what I hear, there are a lot of nobles who hate unprecedented things.
Master looked at Cordelia in surprise since shed agreed.
Cordelia smiled and continued.
In the first place, there are very few who would go out of their way to find a different method to do things if everything is going smoothly. However, isnt that the same for everyone, regardless of whether they are noble or not?
.. Cordelia-sama, you sure look at things in quite a calm manner, dont you?
Its not to the extent where you could call my mannerisms as calm.
Youre too humble. As expected of a daughter of the Pameradia House. Cordelia-sama, the timing of bringing new things into the world is a business opportunity. Just like with my lamp this time.
I pray that your experiments will yield good results.
Of course, Im aiming for that was something Cordelia didnt say.
She received that advice because Cordelia looked young She was actually eight. She knew about the matter this time, but she didnt have any knowledge about how to be a merchant. Therefore, from there on out, she might be taught various things about business.
Cordelia grinned and added in her mind, Ill rely on you here on out too.
Next, to Cordelia, Ronnie let out a thoughtless, Ah.
Ah, thats it. Thats how it is, isnt it?
Ronnie?
Well, Master is also amazing, isnt he? I didnt think of this, but if Ojou-sama succeeds in business, then that means theres a chance that shell earn a fortune in the future, right? Im really looking forward to seeing what Ojou-sama will do with her profits. It seems interesting.
It seems interesting?
Cordelia frowned, not quite grasping what Ronnie was trying to say.
However, Ronnie continued speaking with a smile.
Because you know, both the greenhouse and this lab even dresses and jewels, the master buys all of Ojou-samas things for her, doesnt he? Isnt it fascinating to see what an Ojou-sama, who has everything she wants, would do with their newly acquired wealth?
Its also amusing to see you put it in a savings box like we do, but you wont do that kind of thing, now would you Ojou-sama?
You have really bad taste, you know.
Please say that Im honest!
Master chimed in at Ronnie, who was laughing, and Ronnie brushed him off.
His gossip-like remarks were certainly not in good taste.
The first time shed rebelled against father, or rather, the day that shed commence the I love Otou-sama! attack. She faintly felt that he had the same expression on his face at that time. 5 years had already passed since then, but his aura felt the same as that time.
The former head and his wife In other words, Cordelias paternal grandparents had already passed away, and she knew it. However, shed never heard about the previous head before.
Cordelia you should remember this. You need power to achieve your goals. Authority is not something that you recklessly flaunt, but sometimes its necessary to show it.
For example At evening parties and such?
Theres that too, but, for example, the greenhouse that I gave you, that was made using the Pameradias technology and knowledge. If someone were to see it, they would fully understand the Pameradias power, wouldnt they?
That greenhouse possesses technology that not even the Royal Family has, and is something that even the Queen secretly snuck over to see. It is also a testament to the power of the Pameradia House.
( Eh, the Queen?)
Cordelia felt like she heard words that bothered her greatly amid a serious conversation.
People will look down on you if you get regarded as having no power, and be forced to expend unnecessary effort. Anyway, it might be too early to tell you this, since you are still young.
Elvis said, his expression had softened quite a bit.
Cordelia was somewhat relieved by his expression, and her tension was also completely gone.
If her father, who by no means was being malicious, made someone flinch with his attitude, then it would be hard to keep going She even thought that she would be the same; his expression was just that cold when he mentioned his predecessor.
In the future, I wonder if its necessary to not be wavered by heated conversations, such as these, in noble society Its probably necessary. Although she thought that the road ahead of her would be rocky, she temporarily postponed those thoughts.
Of course, she had confidence that she could employ the tactics of someone older than 8, but that wasnt good enough to win against an Earl who had amassed many life experiences. That was why she was using the honesty of a child.
Cordelia smiled like a little kid and frankly told Elvis.
Im not as much of a child as Otou-sama seems to think!
Is that so?
Elvis didnt deny her words. He might have just brushed it off, but she would be happy if he did agree with her a little.
In the end, she felt that the answer Elvis gave her was vague. But as a principle, she vaguely understood the course of action that a head of the Pameradia House should aim for.
And then, a problem also emerged.
But I dont have the confidence to become someone like Otou-sama.
She understood the general notion.
However, it was a different matter if she asked whether she could be like him at all times.
Especially towards the things that made Elvis speak about what nobles were without hesitation; the awareness that Cordelia held was only from things shed learnt in her lessons and wasnt something that came from within her.
How far can I carry an ideal that didnt come from my own thoughts?
However, Elvis narrowed his eyes while Cordelia was worrying.
How foolish.
He said curtly and placed his hand on her head. His hands were huge.
I merely responded as someone older than you. Its important to remember that such ideals also exist. You should search for an answer that satisfies you. Its useless to try and imitate me.
Huh?
It might make sense to initiate someone in the beginning, but if you stick to it, then there would be no progress past the starting point.
She didnt see any hesitation in Elviss tone as he stated that.
Youre clever. If you dont get caught up in being overly self-conscious, then as a noble No, as a person, you probably wont lose your way.
Elvis declared and removed his hand from the top of Cordelias head.
Im relieved to hear you say that, Otou-sama.
Cordelia didnt say it to flatter him. She just felt that she could genuinely be proud of herself if she had Elviss word on it. Elvis wasnt putting on airs, he was just stating what was true for him, and Cordelia felt a strong feeling of a noblecoming from him.
Well, having said that Its probably impossible for you to understand without proper experience. If I can get a long break in the near future, then Ill take you to the fief. You may find the answer you seek by broadening your horizons.
Really?!
Yeah. The books on this bookshelf are about the fief. I dont mind if you take them with you. The medicinal plants you like so much are also written down in them.
Thank you very much!
Cordelia naturally smiled because she got a thrilling promise from Elvis.
Elvis glanced sideways at her and returned to his desk where the stacks of documents were.
Cordelia approached the bookshelf, mindful not to disturb him and the sound of door knocks resounded throughout the room.
The person who had appeared was Hans.
Excuse my intrusion, Master. Marquis Flantheim is here.
I only have a bad feeling about this. Send him away.
That is impossible, Master.
Elvis gave a long sigh at the Marquis, who was apparently like his son and came today too without giving any advance notice.
We dont need tea. At any rate, it must be a troublesome matter or something stupid. Theres no need to entertain him. You dont need to come.
Certainly.
Hans respectfully saw Elvis off.
Hans smiled gently at Cordelia in the room without its occupant.
Please let me know if there are books out of your reach.
Lets see Then that one over there.
Then Cordelia asked Hans while receiving the book.
Say, Hans. I have something to ask you, is that alright?
Anything.
I heard from father that the Queen came to see the greenhouse, but when was that?
The Queen came two days after Ojou-sama went on a ride with Isma-sama. She came together with His Highness, the Crown Prince.
Hans, who had said some extremely auspicious word for Cordelia, looked gentle as always.
(The Crown Prince!!)
So it was like that, huh, she thought, but on the one hand, she was relieved that they didnt meet.
At least with the near miss, she didnt have to worry about having stepped on a landmine without knowing. Thats great.
She hadnt shortened her lifespan without knowing, but it was still bad for her heart. Her heart was still racing, even though she knew shed been saved.
But in contrast to Cordelia, Hans continued to speak softly.
The greenhouse is the embodiment of amazing technology, is it not?
As expected of Otou-sama.
Yes. Master couldnt help but make it because Ojou-sama is so cute.
Eh?
Cordelia, who was relieved, made questioning sounds at Hans and tilted her head in confusion.
The flow of the conversation changed a little? As she wondered that, Hans continued while grinning.
One day, Master suddenly finished all the matters that he had to deal with and demanded the construction of the greenhouse that had been planned several years ago. He reasoned that he wanted to grasp the current state of technology. He was acting out of the ordinary, and even I was surprised.
Was it that sudden that even you, who has always been by fathers side, were surprised?
Oh, I was just talking to myself, and I wouldnt bother to lie when Im talking to myself!
It seemed that Hans wasnt only an excellent butler, he was also quite a cunning man. Its a secret, Hans kept saying as he put his index finger to his mouth.
Master also knows that Ojou-sama is working hard from the reports he receives from Ronnie. The renovations of the detached building were probably also the results of his expectations. Its the Master were talking about, so he definitely has other reasons for it as well.
Cordelia felt as if she was turning red from listening to Hans.
(Ronnie!! There should still be almost nothing to report about; there shouldnt be!! Otou-sama, youre going to put pressure on me if you expect too much. Its easier for me if you just remain as a doting father)
Those complaints flashed through Cordelias mind. And then, she was filled with the desire to not betraying those expectations.
Thats right. First of all, I want to decorate this room with flowers, so that theyll heal Otou-samas tiredness. Hans, please help me select some vases and flowers.
Certainly, Ojou-sama.
Hans respectfully bowed to Cordelia.
Otou-samas heart seems to be breaking for the people, but it doesnt seem like he cares for himself much. So, Ill take care of him in his place.
Cordelia said and slightly smiled at the chair that was without its occupant.
References
1. Hes was being informal by using da then he ended it more formally by using desu.
Translator: Blushy
Editor: SenjiQ