17 15. pressed flower







Thank you for the delicious tea.

After finishing her tea, Lydia smiled and thanked her maid, Katrin.

It's a shame to hear you say that. But I'm glad you liked it.

Katrin smiled back, as she had said she would. Katrin was pleased to see that her master was now showing a more honest expression when she was his partner. When it comes to other servants, she is too self-conscious to thank them and becomes stiff. The master does not know that this is adorable and popular among the servants.
She is relieved to have someone other than the gardener's apprentice with whom she can be at ease, since being stiff with everyone would only cause her master trouble. It's a great honor to be the first one except for my family.
Also, since it is his house, he feels the desire to make it more comfortable for the other servants to do the same. As far as his master was concerned, he expected this to ease gradually.

In that case, I wonder if the biggest source of worry would be Mr. Isak.

When my husband returns from a walk in the garden, his face is often red. For this reason, I have started to prepare a cup of tea with relaxing tea leaves and wait for him when he returns. Although he seems to be unaware of it, the apprentice gardener is very good at swaying his master's heart. The master, who behaves in a manner befitting a duchess, becomes emotional only when she is involved with him. It's times like these that I realize that I'm really a younger girl.
Katrin wishes that such a day would come soon.
Suddenly, Katrin felt a sense of unease when she saw her master looking out at the garden from the terrace.

"Master Ludia, are you not going for a walk today?

There was still some time before the afternoon practice. Normally, she would have finished her tea and headed for the apprentice gardener's place.
Ludia glanced at Catrin with a puzzled look in her eyes, and then turned her gaze back to the garden.

I don't know what to say. ......

I've been reporting to the apprentice gardener every happy thing that has happened to me. There were times when I would tell him what was troubling me. However, there is one thing that I have not been able to tell him. I wondered why I couldn't tell him about it, and I couldn't ask him why I couldn't tell him about it. That one thing has made it hard to say anything else lately.
When Ludia made a small fist and was about to turn over, Katrin's words came to her.

"Don't you have to tell me?

"What ......?

I'm not sure what you mean by that. But Katrin says it without hesitation.

You'll be able to get a lot more information on the subject. You can tell someone who can.

Catelyn smiles as she tells Lydia that not saying something doesn't make it a secret. She smiled at Lydia. The other day I attended a party and since then I've been lost in thought, so I'm sure something has happened to me, Katrin realized, and I knew what to expect. But it was the society of the nobility. As a servant, she couldn't ask questions unless her master asked her to. And even if he was a friend of his master, the apprentice gardener was still a servant. Normally, there is no need to talk.

"But ......

"Do you want to talk, Mr. Ludia? Do you want to talk about it or not?

In response to Katrin's question, Lydia asks herself what she really wants to know. Which is it?

"Both. ......

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm not sure what to do. But what exactly am I afraid of?

"Excuse me, Master Ludia.

I'm not sure what to say, but I'm afraid of what I'm going to say afterwards. She smiled at him with the same warmth she felt in her hands.

"Do as you wish, my lady. I'll stay by your side.

I'll be at your side," he said, shaking his head in disapproval at Katrin's warm smile, a hint of bitterness in it. I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

Thank you.

She smiled, holding it back.
Thanks to Katrin, I feel a little more prepared.

...... I'm going for a walk.

"Have a good day.

With the help of Katrin's words, Lydia went to the garden.
Today, she was working in a place that could be seen from the terrace, so she soon reached the vicinity of the gardener's apprentice.

"Zak .......

Miss.

You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of these in the marketplace.

"Oh, um, .......

I think I need to say something, but the words don't come out easily. I was ready to meet her, but I hadn't decided what to say.
While he was at a loss for words, the gardener's apprentice exchanged a few words with his father and handed him the basket he was carrying. Then he came towards Lydia.

"Just in time. Miss, will you come with me to my garden?

He smiles and holds out his hand. By "his garden", you mean the little sunken square where he studies.
The fact that he wanted to see her was a blessing in disguise for Lydia, who could not speak well. Ludia took the offered hand.
As before, she was led along a trackless road. However, she was not as confused as before and was able to get a general idea of which direction to go in the site. When we went under the hedge to enter the square, she wrapped me in a big cloth so that my dress would not be covered with leaves. It was then that I understood the reason for the cloth that she was holding in the other hand.


When you get to the square, the light is not as hot as in the summer, but it is blinding.

What's ...... this?

In the square, there is still the same owl fountain as before, and nothing seems to have changed much. But when you look at your feet, you are surprised to see that one spot has changed dramatically.

I bought some seeds and replanted them.

The person who made the change smiles with satisfaction. All the grass in the plaza had been replaced with white clover.

"Zaku did all this by himself at ......?

Yes, but?

You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life. It's a small area, but it's still an area. It would take a lot of work to replace the original grass with white clover, but he nodded nonchalantly. Isn't it hard for you to have a normal job?

"Walk as you wish, miss.

And then he smiles and says something that Lydia can't believe.
When Ludia was puzzled, he gave a little thought, and then made a suggestion.

"So, will you dance with me?

She is surprised to hear something that she didn't expect from him. He is trying to make you walk on the white clover grass by inviting you to a dance that you don't like, just because Ludia made you practice with him before.

You can't do that with what Zak has grown for you. ......

Lovely round trifoliate leaves spread out all over the blue. There is nothing withered or shriveled about them. I can't bear to step on them, especially when I know the person who grew them.

"It's okay, it's okay.

I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I'm sure you have.

"Hey .......

The apprentice gardener pulls Lydia to him and begins to take the basic steps of the waltz. I used to do that in practice. Unlike when I just let him accompany me to practice, he has a strong lead because he intends to make Ludia walk.
As long as the lead is there, Ludia reflexively follows. Unlike him who bit her, her body is familiar with the basics of dance.

It's hard to dance.

No wonder.

It's no wonder." He chuckles, and Lydia peels back. This is not a flat dance hall, nor is it a well-laid cobblestone floor. The earth is unsteady to the touch, and the steps sway easily. The apprentice gardener seems to be enjoying the awkward and awkward waltz.
Ludia has no choice but to accompany him and follow his steps, but she is not happy. His actions are always unexplained, but this time there is still no explanation for his actions.
Lydia does not hide her discomfort and asks, "What are you doing?

"What do you mean?

"Well, ......, it's still a bit of a secret.

He laughs and says he can't reveal it yet, but she blinks. I didn't realize that there were things I couldn't tell him and he couldn't tell me either. You think that he knows nothing, but by chance he knows everything about you. And he immediately denied it.
Why does he have such good timing? That's his cunning.
Knowing that he has a secret, too, clears my throat.

"...... Zaku.

Hmm?

There's something I'm not telling you.

Yeah.

......, but I'll tell you next time.

Okay. I'll tell you next time.

His voice trembled a little, but he pretended not to notice it and accepted Lydia's words with a smile as warm as this sunny pool.
After a few laps around the owl fountain, they parted for the day with a waltz of about one song.
Two days later, a guest arrived at Duke Ernst's residence. Ludia and her father, Gerald, welcome the guest.

Welcome, Your Highness.

Following Gerald's example, Ludia pinched the hem of her skirt and bowed.

I'm sorry to bother you. The public garden is famous for its beauty. I've always wanted to see it.

I'll let Lydia show you the garden.

Oh, but first.

The First Prince will have his servant bring you the documents. Then he handed it to Gerald.

"I would like you to review it with the head of the three ministries, Lord.

"I will look at .......

Gerald took the document and looked it over with a gentle smile, not showing the slightest hint of internal surprise. I'm sure you'll be able to understand what I mean.

"Your Highness took this from ......?

I'm aware that I'm rough around the edges. But considering that we'll be setting up an investigative body, the sooner the better. There are some people who are concerned, and we can use that to silence them.

"Indeed, it may be the best course of action at this time.

Gerald chuckled. If it was just a matter of arrogance on the part of the higher-ups, I'd say no, but if it was a practical solution to a problem that Gerald was having trouble dealing with, I'd have to nod.

Drastic change would be repulsive.



We'll have an answer for you by the time you get back to the castle.

Thank you.

Gerald smiled at the smiling First Prince with both dread and hope for the future.

"Dear, I have some work to do, can I leave you to it?

"Yes, I understand.

When Gerald asked, Ludia nodded and led the first prince to a place where many autumn flowers bloomed. I've already prepared the table for tea there, as the letter foretold.
Yellow chrysanthemums, lily-of-the-valley flowers, and yellow orchids were arranged to show off the purple thistles, lingonberries, and orchids, and a flowering vine was peeping out modestly at the back. Looking a little further, I saw peach-colored caresses, western butterfly grasses, and iron wires, with the darkest of the thousand sunflowers providing a nice accent. A sweet scent drifted from somewhere, and when I looked for the source of it, I found a Chinese fragrant orange peeking through the trees.
The First Prince let out a sigh of admiration at the sight of autumn flowers in full bloom.

The first prince let out a sigh of admiration at the sight of autumn flowers in full bloom.

As the First Prince looks at the flowers, Lydia feels a sense of pride inside. I've always admired the skill of our gardeners, but I'm glad to hear that others share my opinion.

"The blooms look so natural. I can't imitate this at the castle.

"I'm sure our gardener will be pleased with your praise, Your Highness.

The first prince smiled at her, and for a moment she was almost shaken by the sight of him, but she held her ground to fulfill the responsibility her father had entrusted to her in dealing with the guests. She must behave unashamedly as a duchess, she thought to herself.
Katrin, the maid, makes a cup of tea, and they take their seats. The first prince had sent his attendants away, and Lydia, thinking that it was necessary to get rid of them, instructed Catrin to stay back.
The first prince smiled happily when he saw that they were alone in the autumn garden.

"Well, I'm finally at ease.

"Your Highness: ......

"Mistress Ludia.

"Your Highness, " "Mistress Ludia.

"...... Master Roy.

"Yes.

Roy, the First Prince, nodded in satisfaction. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm going to say it.

But I'm sorry for the visit. But I'm sorry to have visited you, especially since I'm sure Lord Ernst was very busy.

No, it was a good opportunity for your father to get some rest.

Well, I've added to your workload, haven't I? I'll apologize later.

Roy chuckled at Ludia's words. Remembering the earlier exchange between Roy and his father, Lydia asks, "Was that your father?

Remembering the earlier exchange between Roy and his father, Lydia asks, "Was that something you had to do, father?

I felt the political element, so I didn't ask specifically, just what I was curious about.

"Yes. I asked him directly because the management of the educational institution is also under the jurisdiction of the public ...... and Miss Lydia's father.

"So you're interested in the education of your country at such a young age?

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who is interested in this topic.

I'm not sure if this is a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

"What ......?

When it was revealed that it was an exaggeration of personal content, Ludia now rolled her eyes.

I'm sure my father will find out as soon as he sees it. That's why I wanted to get the word out to Lord Ernst during this meeting with the potential fiancé.

"Shouldn't His Majesty find out about ......?

Yes. Because I'm trying to do something that's not certain.

Roy says that's why he can't let the king know.

...... I'm going to be king. I'm not going to give up that right and responsibility. But there's one more thing I want. I think I'm going to have to scratch my head a little bit.

"I'm going to scratch my foot. ......

What an unsuitable word for him. Still, Lydia could see the determination in his honey-colored eyes.

I need help there.

The honey-colored eyes stared straight at her, and she blinked.

"Me, ......?

Yes. This visit is to thank you for the birthday gift and to interview my potential fiancé.

Roy almost laughed when he saw the list of visitors given to him by his vassal, it was so obvious. He had met all of the people on the list, and Ludia was the last one to be interviewed.

The house of Ernst was originally a neutral house, and the position of head of the three ministries could only be held by a neutral person. The Ernst family has always been a neutral family, and the position of head of the three ministries requires neutrality.

Ludia had always wanted to be worthy of her parents, but she had never thought about her own worth. But even she knew that it would be undesirable for the royal family to have someone who was biased against one side or the other as their queen.

I want a reprieve until I graduate from the academy. In the meantime, I need a fiancé to keep my subjects in the dark. Preferably someone who understands me.

Lydia was speechless at the fact that he was already looking into the distant future, when even entering the academy was still years away. Is he really a boy who will only change one or two things?

And for me personally, if I'm going to have a political marriage, it should be with Miss Lydia ....... Will you help me?

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's not afraid to ask. I can't give a careless answer. But there was no way he could give an answer to a question that had never occurred to him before.
Roy smiled and his gaze turned gentle as he watched her struggle to answer.



You don't have to answer right now. Let's just get to know each other and see if I can be trusted.

That's not how you test me, Roy. ......

It's okay. You have that right. I'm just trying to use you. I'm going to use you, and you're going to take a risk and a disadvantage, and you're going to use me if you can.

How daring of you to use Roy, the prince. I wonder if the disadvantages he's referring to are the restrictions that come with being engaged to royalty, and the blame that would be placed on Ludia if the engagement were to be dissolved. From the way Roy is talking, it seems that depending on the consequences of his actions, the engagement could be dissolved.
Her response to Roy would determine her immediate future. It is not something that can be undertaken with respect alone. Lydia hesitated for a moment, and then accepted the fact that she could not answer now.

Will you let me think about it?

Of course. I will.

Roy smiled and sipped his tea, saying that was enough. Ludia followed suit and sipped her tea, feeling her throat moisten. She was very nervous.
She was about to finish, but one thing bothered her and she asked at the end.

If I refuse, what will you do, Roy?

We'll have to look at other candidates. I'm not going to explain, because I'm not as conversant as Miss Lydia.

I'm not going to explain. I wonder which is worse, to be explained or not to be explained. Ludia felt more sincere when she was explained. It's much better than a nobleman's daughter being used as a political tool without his knowledge.
What about the other girls? There are those who adore Roy himself, those who want power, and many others, but as long as there is a possibility of her becoming a full queen, they will accept the terms even if they find out. However, she or someone around her will probably make an effort to destroy the possibility of the engagement being dissolved. That must be inconvenient for Roy.
I see Roy sipping tea while looking out at the garden. He really does look like an angel out of a painting. And his intellect is superior. He has the air of a prince and Lydia respects him. Before she met him, she was just admiring him, but after meeting and talking with him, she felt that he deserved respect as a citizen and a vassal. Now she is honored to see him relax his princely duties and be at peace as her friend.
She could not yet envision herself as a queen, but if she could be in a place to help him loosen up, she would at least help him do that.

...... Speaking of which, are you sure you want to reveal the fact that you were interviewed when you're still a candidate?

It's nothing to hide from your friends.

It would be a risk of information leakage if the potential fiancé knew that Roy was aware of the purpose of the meeting. But when he smiled at her, she was convinced that he trusted her. There was no way she could betray the trust he had placed in her.

I would also like to use this opportunity to keep in touch with Prince Ernst.

You're using me as an excuse.

I'm happy to talk to Miss Ludia, so the contact with the Duke is just a side thing.

I could tell from his expression that Roy was telling the truth. I can tell by the look on his face that he is not lying.

You can't help it. You can't blame him. He can at least take advantage of you.

Thank you.

You can see from the expression on his face that he has no choice but to take advantage of her. He's a boy with a smile you can't really hate, Lydia thinks. Is this what the charisma of royalty is all about?

I thought you were more gentle, Roy-sama.

I hadn't expected him to have the forcefulness and strong will to use politics to get his way. His methods are quite different from the norm, but he has a very childlike side.

"Do you not like me like this?

"I don't hate it.

He smiled in a way that made him seem older than he was, which Lydia found rather pleasing. Roy's face broke into a genuinely happy smile at Ludia's answer.

I see. I'm very happy to know that I have age appropriate feelings too. It's fun to be selfish.

The way he did it was unusual, Lydia thought, but she kept quiet in the face of Roy's smile.
She was a little jealous that she didn't have such strong emotions to struggle with. He wondered if one day he would have strong feelings that he wanted to follow through with. When that time comes, I hope I can act as he did.
For now, I'll face him and myself, and try to answer the questions that are given to me. Although her anxiety had been high before she had met Roy, talking to him had given her courage. She didn't realize that there was an inner light in his eyes that reminded her of nigella flowers.
A few days after the meeting with the potential fiancé, Lydia went for a walk and was greeted by a young apprentice gardener.

"You're going to teach me today, aren't you?

"Yes.

Lydia asked, and he nodded, easily revealing his secret. She said no to his father and they went together to the square with the owl fountain. As they passed through the hedge, they saw the same carpet of white clover.
The gardener's apprentice, who had entered first, turns around as soon as Ludia steps in.

I just wanted to make you happy, little girl.

What's ......?

Lydia can't understand the abruptness of the statement. Happiness is not something that can be offered like a thing.



"Hey.

The apprentice gardener puts something over Ludia's head. It's big, and it goes over her head and falls on her shoulders. It was a ring made of white clover.

"Four leaves: ......

The necklace was made of white clover and was all four leaves. I realized that the happiness he had mentioned was the symbol of this good fortune. But how could there be so many four-leaves when they were so rare, surprised Lydia.

There's more.

At his urging, she bends down and sees a few four-leaves mixed in with the three round leaves.

Why ......?

I couldn't believe it. The other day it was all three leaves.

"Because your daughter walked.

I couldn't understand what he meant and looked at him as he bent down next to me. There was an innocent smile on his face, as if the prank had worked.

I don't understand it either, but if you step on it and scare it, it grows more leaves.

That's why he wanted me to walk on the white clover the other day. I was a little surprised to find out why.

"Why didn't you just use Zaku instead of me?

If he just wanted to surprise me by showing me the four leaves, he didn't need to involve himself. When I said that to him, he shook his head, saying that it made no sense.

You had to walk.

Why ......?

He shook his head. I don't know why she's not well, but I'm sure she'll be fine if she walks the path she's set her feet on.

I was surprised.
Not only did she notice that I was troubled, but she also gave me such encouragement. I was afraid of the consequences of my decision. But he gave me tangible proof that the path I was walking would lead to happiness. He couldn't possibly know what was bothering Ludia, so he couldn't guarantee the outcome. He just encouraged me to do my best. But his assurances are very encouraging.
Talking to Roy gave me courage, but he also erased the anxiety that hadn't disappeared. I could feel the heat on my cheeks.

"What? Miss?

A single tear fell from Nigella's eye, and she could not stop it. When the apprentice gardener sees this, he is blindsided and dismayed.

I'm sorry, I didn't know what I was doing. I don't know anything about it, but I'm sorry! I was just trying to cheer you up,.......

I am.

In the event that you've got any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

I met your highness at a party the other day.

"Yes, yes.

I'm sure you've heard of it, but I'm not sure if you have.

'Your Highness, Roy was a wonderful man. He could lead a dance very well, and he was kind and intelligent.

"Yes.

"And I was one of the candidates for Roy's fiancée.

Yes.

Then I met Roy again, and he told me I was a strong candidate.

Yes.

He just nodded, and I felt my heart unravel and the words came out.

I've always wanted to be the princess of a prince in a storybook. But I never thought I would be one. ......

Yes.

I was so surprised, I didn't know what to do. ...... I was supposed to be honored as a noblewoman, but ......

You'd be surprised.

It's a good thing I'm not the only one. You will find a lot of people who have been in the business for a long time.

I'm older than you and I've never even thought about marriage or even love. I'm older than you and I've never even considered marriage or even a relationship.

Surprised and affirmed that it was natural to be anxious, I calmed down. The tears naturally stopped.

Is this going to be confirmed soon?

Roy said to think about it because we just met. ......

Why don't you take your time?

It's a good thing the prince is a nice guy, he laughs. He's either too stupid or too smart to think it's easy to keep royalty waiting.

You're just a kid, you don't have to think too hard. Just do what's in front of you and you'll figure it out.

I wonder if that's the way it is, and it makes sense to me when he says it. Because he puts his thoughts into words, they fall directly into my heart.

"Well, it's ......, isn't it? It's still a candidate.

Yes, yes.

When I realized that I didn't have to rush, I felt much calmer.

As long as you're happy, that's all that matters.

Why do you think I'm the standard?



"I don't know the prince. "I don't know any princes. I'd rather have my daughter laughing than someone I don't know.

That's a very subjective comment. I should have pointed out that it was disrespectful, but Lydia was too happy to do so. Speaking of which, my father said I could make my own decision. The maid, Katrin, had also encouraged her to be an ally. Lydia finally understood that she was surrounded by people who wanted her to be happy. How blessed she is.

"...... Zak, can I pick some of these four leaves and go home?

"Yes.

I'll take them home and make a bookmark of pressed flowers. She decides to give them to her fathers as a gift of gratitude and a wish for happiness.
What should I do for him? He grew these four leaves, and even if she gave him a bookmark, he doesn't have a book. As she gazes at the white clover, he looks up at the sky next to her, wondering how to express his gratitude.

"I see. ......

"Zak?

Zaku?" I wondered at the vaguely apprentice gardener, and when I called his name, I got a weak smile.

I'm such an idiot. All this time I thought I could build a garden to show my daughter. I always thought I could build a garden for you to see, but maybe you'll marry her off before I'm on my own.

It was a routine that Ludia had vaguely expected to last forever.
Lydia's eyes widened as she realized that it was coming to an end. That's what I was afraid of. This is what I was afraid of. I was afraid of being reminded that these days would not last.
She was about to cry again, but the warm smile he put on her face stopped her.

I'll be on my own soon.

I was so happy and at the same time so sad that he had thought of me.
The girl and the boy gazed at the garden filled with happiness with a hint of desolation.