It's been a year since I became an apprentice gardener with memories of a previous Japanese life.

"Miss, what's wrong?

The duchess, Ludia von Ernst, came over to me as I was working in the garden, looking a little delicate. Behind her is Katrin, the maid, who is holding the youngest daughter in her arms. In her little hand is a tuft of her pale golden hair.

"Flora won't let me go. ......

She says with a weak face. I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not, but it's a good idea. Oh, and by the way, I'm not even in the mob, so I don't appear in the game.
However, she sometimes gives a strange priority to coming to me. If she won't let go of me, she can just leave me alone with my sister. Maybe it's because I see her regularly, or maybe it's because she's strangely disciplined.
I was planning to take her to my study garden when she comes today, but it looks like I won't be able to. At any rate, I asked my father's permission to take her off and went back to the girls. The young lady's sister is happily shaking the young lady's hair.
I approach her sister.

"Flora, you're looking good today. I only see you once in a while, do you remember me?

I point to myself and ask, and Flora tilts her head. I've only met you a few times at tea parties invited by your mother, Master Octavia, aka Master Ok. It's doubtful that she remembers him. I thought about it for a few seconds, and then I heard a voice with pink eyes staring at me.

"Zark?

"Yes, Isak. You remembered well, that's great.

Flora smiled and was pleased, as if she somehow understood the praise.
When I smile at her, she smiles in response. When I opened my mouth wide, Flora also opened her mouth crisply. When I close my mouth, Flora also closes her mouth tightly.

Can you do this, then?

She put her hands out in front of her, clenched her fists, and opened her hands. She squeezed her small hands together and then opened them to reveal her palms. The thin golden hair fell from her hand.

He patted her head and praised her.

She patted her head and praised her, and Flora let out a squeal of delight.

I know your hair is beautiful, but don't embarrass me too much.

Instead of scolding her strongly, I patted her head a little roughly, but she didn't seem to get the message and only squealed with delight. I can't help it, I chuckle.

...... You're good.

I'm sure you're not the only one. It seems that Katrin was also trying to get her to let go somehow.

When she's like this, she mimics everything. Are you okay, young lady?

I didn't know how long she had been holding me, so I looked at her to see if she was tired, but her cheeks were red and she was silent.

What's wrong?

.......

I asked her, and she turned away, looking a little peeved. It's best not to pursue the matter any further, so I make a suggestion.

"Do you want me to take Flora with me today?

"Oh, you don't mind?

No, thank you. Flora still wants to play with you.

You don't have to worry about a one-year-old leaking your secret location. But it was too far to go while carrying her, so I tore a certain width of a large cloth for her to go under the barrier at the entrance.
She was surprised to see me suddenly ripping the cloth.

What are you ...... doing?

"I'm just making it so you can carry it.

I took the flora from Katrin, passed the cloth over my back and under my armpits, twisted the cloth in front of me and around my back, wrapped the cloth around my lower body so that it was stable, and then tied the excess cloth around my waist.

"Okay, let's go.

The young lady rolled her eyes and Katrin applauded as she made sure Flora was steady behind her.

"Well done, sir.

"Huh?　The old ladies in the downtown area are even faster than you.

Katrin praised me as if she were doing a magic trick, but the ladies were faster and could fix the door better. I only help them sometimes, so I'm not as skilled as they are. I also know how to do it, but I don't know the name of this thing.

I know how to do it, but I don't know what it's called. ...... If you don't mind, I'd like to know how to do it.　Octavia's arm seems to be getting tired easily these days. ......

I'm not sure what to make of this. It is more normal for noblemen to raise their children by leaving them to their own devices.

I'll teach you how to hold your child in front of you next time.

The child won't like not being able to see his mother's face.

Thank you.

Katrin smiled as if relieved. The young lady raised her hand in defeat.

I'll learn it too.

I understand that you want to do something for your sister, but you can't take the job of a servant (maid).

I'm sure you'll be able to find something that will work for you. When I warned her with a reason that she could understand, she choked up and backed down. She seemed a little frustrated.

"You're her big sister, so why don't you do what only a big sister can do?



"Sis, ......

The young lady's eyes lit up at the sound. Yes, I understand. It may be a little different, but in a previous life, when my sister was small, I was proud of the role of big brother because it made me feel special. But then I started giving it away more and more to my sister because I was her big brother, and I was unfaithful. I hope that doesn't happen to you, young lady. Well, I guess the Duke and Master Oku can handle it.
I'm ready to go, so I head to the study garden with the young lady. Katrin gave me some cookies for Flora to eat. It's probably like the egg bologna from a previous life.
Flora sometimes squeals behind me, as if she enjoys the change of scenery. The lady scolded me when I was humming a song as I thought of it.

"Could you please not teach Flora any strange songs?

"Oh, just sing classical music when you go to bed. Besides, I can't sing like that.

Why don't you just not sing at all?

Picnics are supposed to be fun. Hey, Flora.

Hey.

"Hey, Flora." - "Hey." - "Flora," Flora repeated my ending happily, whether she understood it or not. When I take care of a child who can barely understand a word, I often sing to her. It's a great way to keep them entertained while you're on the move, and it's a great way to keep them occupied. When I think back to my previous life in preschool, there was always time for singing, so I guess that's how it is.

"Don't you like this kind of thing, young lady?

"No, I don't. Then ......

I just asked her, but for some reason she became frightened and replied hesitantly.

"I see.

Good. I'm relieved. If you don't like up-tempo songs, you have to refrain from listening to them. It's painful to listen to songs that don't suit you.
My sister and I didn't have the same taste in some of our previous lives. What was it, a character song?　I've heard that not all of them are like that. I've heard that not all of them are like that, but the one my sister had was for a character in an otome game, so that's why. I'm not sure if there are any character songs in Kimihoshi, which seems to be the source of this world, but I was fine with it because she only played it when she was in her room. I know one of them, and if they did, I'd be like, wow. Yeah, let's not think about it any more.
The study garden is a little far away, but I'm in a happy mood while humming a song, and before I know it, I'm there. Flora was shouting in tune behind me, so I guess I wasn't bored. Although her voice was not as cheerful as Flora's, the young lady was secretly singing along in the latter half of the song. I didn't tell her because I thought she would stop if I did.
Before we went under the hedge at the entrance, I held Flora in front of me and went under, taking care not to hit any leaves or branches. I asked the young lady to cover herself with a cloth so that she could dive defensively.

Whoa.

The young lady who took off the cloth shouted in admiration.

"It wasn't blooming time last time, so I did it again.

The fluffy white flowers of the white clover plant were bathed in the sun. The owl fountain was surrounded by two colors: the white of the flowers and the green of the three leaves. Since white clover grows only in sunny places, this sun pool was the perfect place.
I laid out a cloth as a seat and set Flora down on it, encouraging the young lady to sit down as well. After she sits down, she approaches the white flower and her face breaks into a smile.

I'm glad you like it.

I'm glad you like them. I thought you'd be happier in a field of flowers, but I couldn't do it before because it wasn't the right time. I had to make her step on them, so it might have been better if they hadn't bloomed, so that she wouldn't be so heartbroken. Even then, I hesitated because I grew it.
As the young lady was staring at the flower, Flora seemed to be curious and reached out her hand to a nearby white flower and opened her mouth.

"Hey, don't try to put everything in your mouth!

She pulled Flora into her arms and sat her down on her knees. She picks up the white clover and holds it up out of Flora's reach.

"Hey!

"You can't eat this!

Even though I warned her that it was not for her to put in her mouth, she didn't seem to understand my intentions and fluttered her hand. I sigh and have no choice but to ask the lady.

"Miss, do you have a handkerchief?

I do, but it's ......

"I'll wash it and return it to you.

She lent me a white lace handkerchief. I could tell from the texture that it was a high quality fabric. But I couldn't do anything about it, so I unfolded the handkerchief and folded it, feeling sorry for myself.
I held the folded handkerchief in front of Flora's eyes, bouncing it.

"Here, Flora. Do you know what this is?

"Uh... Uh-oh.

Yes, it's a bunny. You want one?

"Yes.

Flora nodded loudly, her peach-colored eyes shining. You'll be able to get a lot more than just a rabbit.



"Flora?　You're being a prude.

Forgive her, she likes it.

The young lady is upset by her sister's behavior, but tells her that it's okay to put it in her mouth and that it's acceptable. She was puzzled, but after watching Flora for a while, she seemed to agree that it was better this way.

Zaku is really used to taking care of children.

Downtown is all about helping each other out, you know.

When I was younger, I was also taken care of by my neighbors' brothers, sisters and aunts. I'm just giving it back to those who were born after me.

On the other hand, I've done nothing for you as a sister. ......

I look at the depressed young lady and tilt my head.

You're doing it.

"Yeah, .......

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

The reason why you are fine with me, whom you've only met briefly, is because you have your daughter with you. I'm sure you'll be happy to know that I'm not the only one who's not afraid of you.

Yeah, I wonder. ......

Yeah. Hey, Flora loves her big sister, right?

I love you. I love you.

I asked, and Flora quickly answered in the affirmative. From this reaction, it seems that she understands the meaning of love. As expected of someone who is doted on by the duke.
Hearing her sister's words, the young lady's face turned red. Her pale blue eyes are slightly moistened.

"Flora. ......

"Okay, Flora. Give your sister a big hug.

"Squeeze?

That's how you tell her you love her.

When I hugged Flora, being careful not to hurt her, she let out a happy squeal and her little hands hugged me back. When I was sure I knew how to do it, I lifted Flora from behind by her sides and brought her toward the lady.

"Hey.

"Neesha, squeeze.

Aah!

When she felt the strength of Flora's hug, she opened her eyes a little and hugged me back, hesitantly at first, and then more firmly.
The fact that she hugged her with all the strength she could must mean that she had feelings for her, and I'm sure she understood that. Skinship is one of the most important communication tools in a family at a time when words are not understood. She may have been unsure because this is her first sister. I hope this will give you some confidence that she likes you.
Flora hugged the young lady for a long time, as if it felt good to be in her arms. She must have been happy about it, because she hugged Flora for a while.
After a while, the young lady looked up.

"...... By the way, what have you been up to?

Hmm?

Hmm?" She asked me, apparently noticing the sound of my handiwork. I put it on her head, just finished.

"Here, princess.

"Himesha!

Flora's peach eyes lit up when she saw the white crown made of white clover.

"Yes. If there was a flower spirit, it would be like this.

Today's young lady happened to be wearing a white dress, so she looked like she was in a field of white clover flowers. I don't know if there are any spirits other than attribute spirits, but if I could see them, they might look like this. She has pale gold hair, so her outline is thin and almost transparent in the sunlight.

"~~!

The lady suddenly drew her mouth into a tight line and flushed. Her eyes widened, as if she was about to get angry.

"Zakk, lamk.

I was going to ask her what was wrong, but Flora begged me.

You want to wear the same one. Wait here.

I immediately started to make a smaller flower crown. I didn't get a chance to ask her how she was doing, but she didn't say anything to me, so I just hugged Flora and waited for the crown to be made.
Because of the small size and the fact that she was used to it, she was able to make the crown faster than before. Even so, Flora seemed to get tired of waiting and started eating the rabbit ears of the handkerchief again.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, princess.

She placed the crown on her thick blonde hair and reached up to feel the flowers on her head, even though she couldn't see them. Then she looked up at the young lady to make sure she was okay.

"Neesha?

"Yes. They're matching.

She smiled as she held up the same flower crown as Flora. The answer filled Flora's face with joy.

"Himesha!

The young lady smiles at the excited Flora and says, "You are really a pretty princess.

"You really are a lovely princess.

"Cute.

"Yes.

"No, miss.



What?

The young lady tilted her head in confusion because I suddenly interrupted her with a negative.

"Flora said you're pretty. You know?

"Yeah. Neesha, pretty.

Flora was so happy to get the compliment that she wanted to return it to the girl. But she misunderstood it as a confirmation of her praise, so I corrected her on that.
When she understood the praise from her sister, she turned red, either happy or embarrassed.

...... What's wrong with you two?

I'm sure you'll agree.

You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.
After that, I let the hungry Flora eat some of the cookies I brought, and she started to doze off. So I had to go back to the house.

I'd like to carry it on my back.

As I was getting ready to carry her on my back, the young lady raised her hand and said something like that. She hadn't given up yet, had she?

"No, but...

Just a little bit of ......!

...... Okay. Then sit on the edge.

I asked her to sit on the edge of the cloth, where she could stand up quickly, and put Flora on her back with the cloth band under her armpits.

Sit still for a moment.

Holding the sash, I walk around in front of her and twist a few times in front of her. Then I run the two ends of the sash past her to the flora, wrap it around her so that her lower body is stable, cross it, and bring it to her front and tie it at her waist.

"Good. There you go, little girl. . ...... Miss?

When she didn't answer, I looked up from the knot and saw her with her eyes squeezed shut and her breath choked. You'll be able to see that she's got a red face due to lack of oxygen. Her fists were clenched as if she was trying to endure.
I wondered what was wrong, and came up with a reason why she was holding her breath. Come to think of it, I might smell sweaty after working in the garden. Did I do something called "smear harassment"? Oh no, what should I do? It's probably hard for her to say, so I'd better check.

"Sorry, lady. Did I smell?

Huh?

I asked apologetically, and she rolled her eyes. I'm just glad you're breathing.

No, no, no, it's nothing!

Then she shook her head as hard as she could. Doesn't it hurt your neck to shake your head in such a hurry?

"But ......

It's nothing, it's nothing!

I get it.

I had to nod my head because she said so strongly.
The lady regained her composure and tried to stand up from carrying Flora on her back.

She said, ".......

But no matter how hard she tried, her center of gravity was locked behind her and she couldn't stand up. I told you. It would be impossible for him to carry his sister, who weighs about half of him, on his back.
Even so, she was trying so hard to stand up, and it was so cute that I started to gush. Immediately, the young lady looked up at me with a resentful glare, so I smiled and apologized.

I said, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry," she said, "but Ok-sama is having a hard time carrying you, and you can't carry her.

"Ugh!

The girl, who seemed to be unable to give up even after I explained that it was normal for her not to be able to do so, groaned wordlessly, which was unusual. Maybe Flora's was contagious.
Now it was my turn to tremble.

"Why are you laughing at ......?

"No, sweetheart. You're too cute.

I told her I wasn't making fun of her protests, but she ended up getting angry.
While I took over carrying Flora on my back, she seemed to be unable to stop her anger and silently slapped me. Perhaps he was silent because he was concerned about Flora, who was looking sleepy.
By the time I arrived at the mansion and was greeted by Katrin, I had to hand over a sleeping Flora and a completely skinned young lady.
Even after I realized that I was in the world of an otome game, my life remained unchanged.
--Just a few days later, Flora's hugging habits got the better of me, and I got a surprise hug from the Duke.