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.
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.
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