Ludia felt regret.
When she thought back on why she had done that, she felt like her face would burst into flames at her own childishness.

I don't hate you, but I don't want to be rude to you. ......

I want to apologize to Nikolaus for my rude thought, even though I don't hate him. I want to apologize to Nikolaus for being rude to him even though I don't dislike him, but I can't because I feel that if I do, he will ask me why and make fun of me.
For the past few days, I have been repeating the cycle of anguish and regret over the mistake I made to the apprentice gardener at night.

Why didn't Zaku get angry with me for treating his friend so badly?

It was because the apprentice gardener had taken it without pointing it out, and overruled it by making Ludia happy. He was half-tempered and resentful in his heart. If he had pointed it out, it would have been Lydia herself who would have been in trouble, but she would not have dragged it out this far.
If I had...

If I had done that, I wouldn't have had to remember all the things I didn't have to remember. ......!

The smile on her face afterwards came back to me like a string of potatoes. When I remember how happy he looked, my cheeks heat up even though it is cold.
I buried my face in the pillow to hide it, even though I didn't want anyone to see it. I don't want anyone to know about it, but the thought that the gardener's apprentice is probably sleeping in the dark while I'm troubled, makes me angry beyond shame.
I was so tired from the emotions that arose that I fell asleep.
The next day, when I was having tea with my mother, I couldn't help sighing.

"Oh, am I boring you?

No, you're not. ......

You're right. Isn't Isak better?

"Zark?

What?

In the event that you have any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, please do not hesitate to contact us. Lydia's sister, sitting on her mother's lap, reacted to the name and looked around to see if he had come.
Lydia wanted to deny it further, but she was too tired to say anything else. All she could do was wince and shake with her teacup in her hand.
Octavia chuckled at the sight of him. She also stroked and comforted Flora, who was depressed because she couldn't find the boy she wanted.

It's easy to understand Dia.

...... Is it because my world is so small?

In the event that you have any kind of questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can contact us at the web site.
Even though she has more opportunities to attend other families' tea parties, she is still talking to her friends except for greetings, and all the other times she is inside the mansion. Roy, the prince, has not invited any of his potential fiancées to the castle, but he himself visits them at their residences, including Lydia.
With her narrow circle of friends, she has very little to worry about. This is all the more so since he has a good relationship with his friends and Roy.
Octavia's eyes narrowed in amusement as Ludia asked sulkily.

'Oh, it's a big place, isn't it?　Before you knew it, you were friends with Count Rudolstadt's son.

That's because Nikolaus wandered in and happened to be in front of our house.

That's how I see it. It's bad enough that a young apprentice gardener is known to have invited the Count's son from the population.
I'm not sure how much my mother, Octavia, believes me, though I'm trying to be consistent with Nikolaus. Octavia only smiles, and Lydia cannot read her mother's thoughts.

Coincidences are part of fate. You've made the right connections, and your world has expanded because of it.

Is that so? Ludia feels that she has a narrow view of the world, so she can't take her mother's words in stride.
She has heard many stories about the outside world from Roy, so she knows that the world is big, even if it's only in Arbentroth. I know that I am in a small world, as I only know the outside of the mansion through people. I feel such frustration.

"You're a little too fastidious. Your possessiveness is a cute thing, you should be a little better with it.

Her mother's advice to change one's mind before one's vision and knowledge was so right on target that Lydia blinked and flushed.

"What ......?

I'm not sure what to make of this.　They are the same age, and Dia can't mix with the boys' games, so it's not very interesting.

Octavia, as if she had seen it all before, made Lydia squirm. Her sister Flora, perhaps thinking it was playful, did the same, opening and closing her mouth repeatedly.
It is true that Nikolaus feels close to him, both physically and in terms of age. Even though he knew in his head that it was because they were the same s*x, he still made a lot of contact with her, holding her shoulders. He doesn't care and I try not to care, but Nikolaus looks at me funny from time to time and it's kind of frustrating.
With Roy, it didn't bother me so much because he kept his distance enough to shield himself. I shake my head and shake it off, wondering if it's because of Nikolaus's personality that I'm feeling accusatory again. She shook her head and shook it off, not realizing that her sister was mimicking her.

"Dear. You say yours is lovely, don't you?　I used to be jealous of Heinz when I was in school.

Yeah, ......

What are you talking about?

In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web. When Ludia looked over at Heinz, she saw that he was not as quiet as he usually was on the surface of the water, but had an expression on his face that showed he was truly disgusted.
Rüdia was surprised to see Heinz's expression of disgust for the first time.
In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the site, you can call us at the web site.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but I'm still jealous, that's all.

Octavia apologizes, correcting the exact opposite of what Heinz wants. Heinz frowned further, but let out a sigh and returned to his normal quiet expression.

I have been informed by Mr. Gerald that we will be running late today.

Heinz gave her a bouquet of chrysanthemums and flowers, and Octavia smiled at the accompanying message card.
In the event you have a husband who sends you a bouquet of flowers as an apology for being a little late coming home, neither your daughter Lydia nor your servant Heinz can wonder why you would say what you just said.



"Master Octavia is the only one for you, Gerald. Don't let your daughters hear you use that word.

"That's not the same thing. Every time I see you, you talk about how you have an interesting younger colleague, and how can I be interesting? You're still very trusting.

Octavia said sulkily, "I envy you," and Heinz didn't know how to respond. It's not that he doubts the love he receives, but he can't help it if he claims to be envious of something that is not suitable for him in some way. At the very least, I would like you to express your unreasonable frustration to him.
After confirming Heinz's inability to answer, Octavia turned to Lydia and smiled.

You know?　I'm sure you'll find her pretty.

"Well, .......

This time Lydia was at a loss for an answer. It's true that her mother's possessiveness was unexpected, but she wasn't sure if she should nod.
Heinz, who understood that he was being used as an excuse, questioned the necessity of using himself as an example, but kept quiet and refrained. When Octavia gave him permission to step back with a glance, he bowed quietly and left the room.
Even though she knew that he was only leaving because he was done, Lydia, at a loss for an answer, saw Heinz as running away and envied him for escaping the situation.
Octavia finds it funny to see her daughter at a loss for words. It may be because she is not used to speaking ill of others, but more than that, she seems to be confused about the flawed side of her parents that she admires. How lovely that she is not disillusioned by this aspect of her parents.

"......

"Mother?

In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find out more about it here.

I'm not sure why, but I'm sure she'll be fine.

You can find a lot more than just a few things to consider. And then, with a rough understanding, he peeled off.

You started at .......

"You finally noticed?

In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, you'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.
Then, without having a chance to meet the apprentice gardener, Lydia celebrated her birthday.
She and her mother went to greet the guests. Her father, Gerald, was at work, so they planned to celebrate again with the family at dinner.
After the greetings, Ludia went to join her friends. Her mother, Octavia, only greeted her friends and told her to relax before returning to attend to the other guests. Finally, Lydia felt comfortable.

"Congratulations on your birthday, Dear.

I have a birthday present for you, I'll give it to you later.

I hope you like it. ......

Thank you, Mr. Torde, Ms. Fanny and Ms. Kia. I'm so glad you're here today.

"Of course I'm coming!

Steffenier and Zaskia nodded to Tordelysse's assurance. Lydia's cheeks flushed and she thanked them again.
As he was talking with his three friends, a young man approached him.

Excuse me for interrupting your conversation. Thank you for inviting me, Miss Lydia. You've grown even more beautiful with age.

"Master Nikolaus.

With a flowing bow and a slight tilt of his head, Nikolaus smiled. As he moved, his light purple hair swayed softly like flower petals in the wind.
In the face of Nikolaus, whose good looks carry an air of s*xiness that is too much for a boy to possess, the three of them, with the exception of Lydia, blush and close their eyes.
Before Ludia could thank him for his words, Nikolaus opened his mouth.

But I'm no match for you," he said.

"Nikolaus-sama ......

Nikolaus brushes a strand of hair away from his ear. Ludia repeated his name in some dismay. The other three were stunned and speechless at the palm-turning turn of events.

Can you at least come back after you've been introduced?

I don't think so.

I don't disagree with his opinion, but I think he should have at least given the girls a little time to prepare themselves.
After a moment, Lydia introduced Nikolaus to the three of them.

He is the son of the Count of Roodstadt.

This is Nikolaus. Please feel free to call me Nico.

"'Nico-chan, ......'.

Nikolaus asked for a handshake with one eye open, and to their surprise, the three of them said the name they had been begging for. As they shook hands, the girls introduced themselves.
Nikolaus made sure to recite their names in abbreviated form, as did Lydia, but no one bothered to point it out. For some reason, it felt natural to be called by the abbreviated name when dealing with him.

"Oh, by the way, they just added a new cake. Why don't you go check it out?

When Nikolaus threw his gaze, he saw a berry tart and an opera decorated with gold leaf on the dessert table. Tordeliese and the others gleamed at the jewel-like cakes that were visible even from a distance.

"Well, Nico ......, you are .......

I have a sweet tooth. I'll pass.

When Steffenier asked Nikolaus if he would like to accompany him to choose the cake, Nikolaus simply said no. Steffenier nodded, "I see.

Would you like to join us, Miss Dia?

I've had too much to eat, so I'll pass.

When Tordelysse asked her to join them, Lydia apologetically declined. I'm sure the cooks will do a great job at the family dinner, so if I eat dessert now, I won't have much time left in the evening.


I'm sure you'll be able to understand why I'm doing this. The rest of us, Lydia and Nikolaus, took our places at the table and waited for the maid to make tea.
After taking a sip of the tea, Nikolaus begins to choke up. Lydia tilted her head, wondering if there was something funny.

"Master Nikolaus?

You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

I've never been able to tell you what I don't like before. I've never been able to tell you what I don't like before.　I had to put up with a lot of sweet things and pretty things. All it took was one lie, and I didn't have to lie anymore.

Nikolaus smiles tantalizingly, "That's kind of funny.

...... I think I know a little bit about that.

In the case of Ludia, she stopped herself from telling one lie.
The first time you put on a dress in your favorite shade, it was strange how much lighter you felt just by wearing it. Perhaps Nikolaus feels the same way.

Was it because of Zaku that Mistress Deah was killed?

I don't think Zaku had anything to do with it.

It's Zaku.

As they sipped their tea, they talked about the gardener's apprentice, who was not present. It's rare for anyone other than the Ernsts to talk about him as a common topic of conversation.
The prince, Roy, is also a mutual acquaintance, but the three of them rarely spend time together, so it is difficult to bring up. Tordeliese and the others only know him as a squire and don't know him as a normal person, so they have no way to talk about him.
Lydia now realizes that there are very few people she can talk to about him without the gardener's apprentice boy.

"...... Master Nikolaus.

What?

I'm sure you'll be able to tell me more about it.

"Well, don't you think ...... you've changed somehow?

"In what way?

Without asking who, Nikolaus asked for details.

"A little more mature, I guess. ......

Ludia searched thoughtfully for words. It's hard to say what it is, but it seems as if his mood, or the expression he sometimes shows, has changed.
I don't know how to describe it, because it's such a minor change.

When did this happen?

Since before I met Nicolaus. ......

Do you think I know that?

Yes, I do. ......

I'm sure you'll agree that it's strange to ask Nikolaus for his opinion when you don't know what he did before the comparison. He felt that Nikolaus, who was close to him, would understand, and he apologized for his recklessness.
Seeing Ludia look down, Nikolaus sighed and placed the teacup on the saucer.

I trusted Zak because he really cared about me.

Lydia looked up at the sudden confession. I'm going to wait and see if I can figure out his intentions.

I'm sure you've been through something similar. You must be going through something similar.

When he grabbed my arm and looked back at me, his serious copper eyes certainly knew the fear I was feeling, or something similar. That's why I wanted to follow him even though we had never met before.
The feeling of being looked at in a s*xual way, of not being denied existence, but being overridden by the convenience of the other person. It still frightens me when I remember it now. How did the good-natured man know about it? Nikolaus doesn't want to pursue the question.

That's what I think is strange. Maybe that's what Miss Dia is feeling.

Nikolaus finished his thought and took another sip of his tea.
Ludia unconsciously made a fist in her lap.
To Ludia, he was like a puddle of sunshine, and if Nikolaus was right, then the shadows seemed unsuitable. If Nikolaus was right, the shade seemed unsuitable. When I think of that, I feel a pang of regret.

If you're just impatient because Zaku is getting cooler, it's no use worrying about it because it's mutual.

I'm not sure what to say.

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 good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I don't want to look gloomy on my birthday. You should be smiling. That's all you need to do, Zaku.

Then Nikolaus smiled lustily. Holding his forehead where he had been poked, Lydia rolled her eyes as he offered her a solution that she didn't think would work.
The conversation ended just as Tordelise and her friends returned from picking out a cake. After the waiter placed the cakes on the table, Nikolaus and I enjoyed chatting with our friends.


After the birthday tea party was over and the guests had been escorted off, Lydia made a beeline for the west pavilion. She was careful not to run, but she unintentionally ran too fast and got slightly breathless.
When she got to the corridor that led to the annex, she found the person she was looking for in the pavilion across the pond.

"Zaku!

When I called out to him as I turned a branch to the pavilion in the middle of the corridor, the apprentice gardener turned and smiled.

The apprentice gardener turned and chuckled, "Miss, you should have slowed down.

He smiled at Ludia, who ran up to him, as if to say, "I can't help it. I'm not sure what to do, but I'd like to know what you think.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I'm sure it's worth it. ......

The gardener's apprentice urged her to sit down on the bench, caring for her as she entered the pavilion and breathed on her shoulder. The circular pavilion was surrounded by benches on the inside, making it easy to pause for a moment.
Waiting for Ludia to catch her breath, the gardener's apprentice asked her.



You wanted to spend some time with the rabbit girls, didn't you?

"I'll be with Master Torde and the others most of the time during the tea party. We'll meet again. But you won't be able to see the rainbow when the sun goes down.

Of course it was nice to be celebrated by friends. But I was also looking forward to seeing the promised rainbow.

You can make a rainbow at night, though.

"What?

Lydia was surprised to hear why he didn't mind being late. How can you see a rainbow in the dark of night?
The gardener's apprentice patted Lydia on the head with a smile, as if he could see that she was interested in rainbows at night.

It's cold and dangerous at night, so wait until your daughter is older.

Not wanting to be selfish, Lydia agreed and hoped for the best in a few years.
The apprentice gardener, worried that Ludia would be out in the winter air for too long, decided to make the promised rainbow.

It's easier here.

He mutters, and raises his hand toward the pond. Then, like a mist, the water in the pond turned into fine particles and floated in the air.
On the far side, in the sunlight, a seven-colored bridge crosses the water to the left of Lydia and her friends. There were no leaves on the water lilies, the miniature rose beds were asleep, and the cold landscape was instantly colored.

Wow. ......

Lydia marvels at the transformation as well. The rainbow, bigger than last year's, made her heart dance.

"Happy birthday, young lady.

With that, he reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a cotton handkerchief.
As the handkerchief was removed, it unraveled to reveal an oval-shaped glass work.

......

The apprentice gardener lowered his eyebrows apologetically, as if he misunderstood Lydia's frozen state of mind.

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

Lydia couldn't tell if it was plated or not, but the top two-thirds of the oval glasswork was covered in blue glass, like stained glass, and the metal base of the lower part was the color of polished copper. The metal base of the lower part was the color of polished copper. The border between the glass and the base was adorned with floral work all around the edge. There were three legs on which it could be placed.
I thought it was some kind of jewelry box, but upon closer inspection, there was something inside the blue glass.

"Is this ......?

"It's a music box. It's a music box. Turn the top to hear it.

As Ludia picked it up and was trying to figure out what it was, the apprentice gardener twisted the top part of the glass clockwise. Then the music box sounded as it turned counterclockwise.

"This song: ......

"I thought you might like a song you know. I heard it the other day.

The song that played was the one that Ludia was currently practicing on the piano. Apparently, he was working in the garden nearby when he took the piano lesson.
He had learned from his music teacher that it was originally a chanson from a neighboring country, and that a composer from this country had composed twelve variations on it. Therefore, there are thirteen variations of the song, and Lydia has been practicing only this song recently.
I had heard that this song was widely known even among commoners, but I did not know that there was even a music box. The melody, which seemed to be the basic original, was played with a light metallic sound and sounded lovely.

It's so cute.

Ludia's face broke into a smile at the loveliness of the sound. I'm not sure what to do, but I'm sure it's a good idea.

"Thank you. I'll treasure it.

I'll take good care of it." The anxious apprentice gardener smiled with relief as he thanked her with joy.

I'm glad. ......

This is a great way to make sure that you don't have to worry about your own health.
Lydia knew she would never be able to do more than smile. However, when she saw the expression on his face that made her think that he was the one who received the gift, she knew that Nikolaus was right.
Isn't that a bit too easy? I worry about him being too easy.
At the same time, I felt a sudden rise in my body temperature as I realized the truth.

Sorry. I've stayed too long.

The apprentice gardener, who mistook the redness of his face for being in the cold, reached for Lydia's forehead to check her fever.

It's ...... okay!

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

But you've got a cold. ......

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm fine.

I'm sure you'll be fine." Ludia hurriedly stepped back, distancing herself from the gardener's apprentice. For some reason, her heart rang a warning bell that she shouldn't be touched now.
Perhaps she had gained too much momentum, but she had fallen back to the entrance of the pavilion, and Lydia had caught her heel on the step at the entrance.

"What the ......?

"Miss!

In order to protect her present music box, Lydia clutched it to her chest and shut her eyes. In the event you're not sure what you're looking for, there are a few things you can do.

"Oh, ......?

As soon as the apprentice gardener shouted in confusion, there was a violent sound of water.
Ludia opened her eyes in surprise. You'll be able to find a lot more than just a pond.

"Zaku ......?

"P-ha!



Impatient that he couldn't see him, Ludia tried to peer into the rippling part of the pond, but a young apprentice gardener peeked out.

"Oops, I screwed up. Ha-ha-ha.

"Stop laughing and get out of here!

Lydia scolded the apprentice gardener, who was freezing in the cold water but laughing at what was funny.

"There's a change of clothes in the shed. I'm going to get up, so leave me alone, I'll get my dress wet.

"You should worry about yourself more than me. Are you stupid?

You won't catch a cold.

That's not the point!

No matter how much Lydia yelled at him, the apprentice gardener laughed.
Eventually, while they were arguing, Lydia reached out to him, but when she fell into the pond, the apprentice gardener climbed up the hallway on his own.
A few days later, when Lydia visited the garden, the gardener reported that she was no fool and that her son had caught a cold.
I told you so," Lydia scolded him unintentionally.