"Hello!

At the time when the sun was beginning to set, a cheerful voice echoed at the main entrance of the Ernst residence.
Lydia greeted the owner of the voice and smiled with a slight twitch against the front door.

"...... Yeremias, you don't need to shout like that to reach me right in front of you.

"I see. I have come to bring you a gift from Your Highness!

I euphemistically warned him about his loud voice, but he didn't seem to understand and just nodded his head. I had heard from my fiancé, Roy, the first prince of this country, that he was an honest man, but for a nobleman, isn't he too unskilled at getting to the bottom of things? I didn't think he could handle sarcasm.
As he had said, he offered me an autumn rose that Roy had given him. The autumn rose, which has a subdued color similar to that of a setting sun, is a variety found only in the rose garden of the castle in King's Landing. The fact that she was presented with such a precious rose, even if it was only a single flower, meant that she could maintain the appearance of being cared for as a betrothed.

They're not falling today, are they?

"Oh, I was careful not to shake it!

With half an eye, Lydia looked at the autumn rose in Jeremias' hand. Last time, he had swung too vigorously and all the petals had fallen off by the time he got off the carriage and reached the front door. This time, the petals did not seem to have fallen off, and at first glance it seemed to be safe.
Receiving the autumn rose from Jeremias, Lydia responded in a formal manner.

Since you're here, let's have some tea. ......

No, I can't enter my fiancé's mansion when I'm not his follower. It would be sufficient if you could show me the garden.

I'll show you around.

Thank you.

So much for the usual questions and answers. Since she knew that he would refuse, she made a suggestion, but did not actually prepare to entertain him with tea.
My fiancé Roy's visits have dropped from once every two weeks to once a month. Instead, Roy sends her flowers that grow in the castle garden once a week. He asked a trusted candidate for his vassal.
The two men Roy had chosen to be his direct retainers were Jeremias von Staden, the son of the Knight Commander, and Bernhard von Reckebusch, the son of the Minister. These two men came to see me on an errand in the evening so that I would not stay long.
The purpose of their visit to the public is as described above. As a high-ranking nobleman, Ludia is also acquiring the ability to take into account the eyes of those around her, but like Roy, she does not have the ability to use people to make an impression. She can only be aware of how her behavior affects the people around her.
Knowing the true purpose of the alternating visits of the two candidates for direct vassalage, Ludia is impressed with Roy's ability to think so well.
Lydia glanced at Jeremias, who was following her, almost overtaking her as she led the way, forgetting the difference in stride.
His straight azure hair, so straight that it was enviable to Ludia, swayed easily as he walked, and his sky-blue eyes, which would normally have looked cool, now had a flicker of motivation behind them that overshadowed their outward appearance. He is a boy who, if kept quiet, appears to be intelligent. And when he opens his mouth, you realize the opposite is true.
In the middle of the west corridor is a pavilion, a place that is normally closed to the public because there are no flowers to be seen at this time of year. Therefore, it was the perfect place for them to fulfill their true purpose.
There was a visitor at the pavilion, sitting on a bench inside, waiting for Lydia and the others.

Zak, I'm sorry you're tired.

"No, I'm just leaving. No, I'm just leaving. And you don't have to apologize.

The gardener's apprentice smiled and made Lydia withdraw her apology. Lydia felt the muscles in her cheeks relax as he smiled in a way that made her feel relaxed. Apparently, he had been using his facial muscles to deal with Jeremias.

"Well, it's not all over today!

Rejected.

Last time, Jeremias had delivered the flowers in a complete mess and was not taken seriously by the apprentice gardener. When Jeremias confirmed that the flowers were intact this time, the half-lidded boy gave him a curt and immediate reply.

"Why?

Jeremias was shocked, thinking that today would be the day he would be dealt with.
The gardener's apprentice then took the autumn rose from Ludia and removed the wrapping paper. The stem of the rose was darkened in the middle and was easily bent at that point.

It was a good length, but you grabbed it too hard and now it needs to be shortened. If you hadn't removed the thorns, your hand would have been injured.

As he explained, the apprentice gardener took out a pair of scissors from his pouch at his waist and cut the stem diagonally above the point where Jeremias had gripped it. He then rewrapped it in wrapping paper and returned it to Lydia. He told her that she should cut the stems back a little at a time while they were growing to make them last longer.
Yeremias bent his mouth into a crook and peeled it off. He was very expressive and thoughtful, even though he had a face that seemed to have no moving facial muscles.

"Remius, you can't just go all out.

"Remius, it's not enough to give everything you've got.

In fact, two flowers were ruined.

He tried to appeal for justice, but when the apprentice gardener gave him an example of failure, Jeremias choked on his words.

The flowers were too soft!

You can say that to women, children and old people?　You're trying to be a knight, right? Just because the object you're protecting is weak, it doesn't mean you can't injure them with the wrong amount of force?

It's the chivalry that Jeremias is aiming for, helping the weak and discouraging the strong. The gardener's apprentice, who was merely speaking from his impression of the guard's job, got right to the heart of Jeremias. Yeremias couldn't say anything back, and his mouth tightened into a straight line.

But, unlike before, you kept the flower part, so you've grown up.

Jeremias' head was patted, filled with a sense of disapproval as his own efforts were rightly criticized. With the recognition that he was making progress, Jeremias' sky-blue eyes lit up again with a flame of motivation.

I'll win next time!

With that, he turned on his heel and left. Ludia and the apprentice gardener were taken aback by his quick retreat.

"What the hell is this game?

"Well?



The apprentice gardener had no intention of playing games, and Lydia was puzzled by Jeremias' peculiarly male feelings. They both nodded their heads.
They looked at each other as they were left in the pavilion. Ludia asked him what was bothering him.

"Doesn't Zaku bother you?

Dealing with their weekly visits is outside of his job description. If he was in trouble, Lydia thought, she would object, even if Roy had asked her to.

No, it's just that I miss being around the little guys.

"Nostalgic?

I've heard that on his days off, he often takes care of the younger children in the downtown area where he lives. I've heard that he often takes care of younger children in the town where he lives on holidays.

The little ones have started to help with the family business, so we see each other, but we don't play together much anymore.

The apprentice gardener laughed, "I feel bad calling them little guys anymore.
The oldest of the younger children was nine years old, the same age as Ludia, and the younger one was apparently seven. The younger children were mainly taken care of by the same people he had been taking care of. Sure, they were all shorter than he was, but it might be rude to treat someone who had just started working as an apprentice as a child.

Besides...

As Lydia, who was not working, wondered what the correct response would be, there were more words to follow. When she tilted her head in wonderment, a happy smile appeared on her face.

It's nice to see your daughter's cao after work.

"What?

This was the most relaxed expression she had seen today, and she felt her cheeks burning. It's not that I'm not a good person, it's just that I'm not a good person.
I felt like he was a coward for giving me such an easy change, and a feeling similar to anger rose up and reached the boiling point.

Zaku is like that with everything: ......!

The words of reprimand do not last.
The fact that he is not pessimistic about his situation and looks for the positives is, in Ludia's opinion, a beautiful thing. It's just that he's not very good at having the positive points directed at him. It's hard to agree with you.
She wants to say something, but her frustration at her own inability to agree with him is so strong that she ends up shaking her lips and fists. The apprentice gardener's eyebrows lowered in a weak manner, as if he sensed that he would be scolded for his behavior. Even the look in his eyes as he waited for her response was unfair, she felt.
In the end, she had no choice but to end the conversation. The gardener's apprentice says to her, "See you later," and heads home. Rüdia, who regretted her unkind attitude, was gently relieved when he said "See you later.


A week later, it was Bernhard's turn to lead the way to the west pavilion without incident.
He had long, messy crimson hair reminiscent of a lion and sharp, evergreen eyes reminiscent of a wild beast, giving him a rough impression, but he was actually a calm and polite boy.
He followed Ludia's lead without hesitation, and even had time to sit down on a bench inside the pavilion after exchanging a brief greeting when they arrived at the pavilion where the apprentice gardener was waiting. It was a far cry from the time in Jeremias, when we just stood there talking.

So. What's your question today?

The apprentice gardener asks Bernhard. Having learned from their first meeting that Bernhard's intellectual curiosity was boundless, he limited himself to answering only one question at a time. In fact, that was just right, since he was meeting Bernhard and his friends in the short time between work and home. If he hadn't offered, Lydia would have suggested a time limit.
Bernhard, his eyes shining with curiosity, asked without hesitation, as if he had thought of it beforehand.

"Why did you decide to use magic without recitation?

Bernhard's question was also of interest to Ludia, so they waited together for an answer. You'll be able to find a lot more than just a few of them in the marketplace. Why on earth did you insist on using no chanting until you found a way to assist the spirits?

It's embarrassing to cast spells.

He answered immediately. Both Bernhard and Ludia rolled their eyes at the answer.

"Embarrassing ......?

I'm sure you'll understand. You can find a lot of people who are looking for the best way to get the most out of their life. Neither Bernhard nor Lydia could understand why they would feel shame over a mere means.
If you've got a lot of time and energy, you may want to take a look at a few of these.

The spell has a lot of words you don't usually use. It's kind of embarrassing, whether you can say it or not.

He is right, there are many classical and poetic expressions in spell chanting. Classical literature and poetry are part of education, so they have a high affinity with the aristocracy, but commoners have the impression that they are words used only for magic.
The idea that it was embarrassing to say unfamiliar expressions was something that Bernhard understood, but could not understand. He wondered if it was like trying to use a fierce tone of voice like Jeremias, and Bernhard searched for a similar feeling. He didn't want to imitate Jeremias' language, so even if others around him did, he would never do it. After thinking about this, Bernhard was generally satisfied.
Ludia was a little surprised at the unusual reaction of the apprentice gardener. It was not a reaction he knew, but he was certainly embarrassed and shy. She couldn't imagine him being embarrassed, but now she knew that he was embarrassed in this way.

I can't imagine him being embarrassed.

It was somewhat funny to think that it was such a trivial thing to feel embarrassed about. Ludia couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

It's okay.

I didn't say anything bad.

The apprentice gardener frowned even more at the laugh. The boy, who was an apprentice gardener, frowned even more when he was laughed at. Lydia, who knew the reaction was embarrassment, couldn't help but smile. I'd like to add that it was just a surprise and not meant to be offensive.
Rüdia is grateful for Bernhard's visit because he asks her questions that she cannot ask him now that she has been with him for a long time. Today, thanks to Bernhard, she got to know a surprising side of him.
While Rüdia and the apprentice gardener were talking, Bernhard seemed to be pondering over the answers, and then nodded his head.

He nodded his head and said, "Hmm, that's helpful. Thank you. That's right, that offering I heard about the other day, I started doing it too, and it's reduced the burden on my magic power a little bit!　If I keep doing it, I might be able to activate it without consuming magic like Isak, I'm looking forward to observing the progress!　If so, you'll be able to try magic you've never tried before. ......



Calm down.

The apprentice gardener put his hand on top of Bernhard's head as he began to speak without a pause. It was as if he was flicking a switch. Bernhard is not a machine, but the physical shock may have triggered Bernhard to come to his senses.
When he came to his senses, Bernhard apologized in an apologetic, dejected voice.

"I'm sorry .......

No, it's okay. I'm sure you'll be able to understand.

In response to the apprentice gardener's comment, Bernhardt turned his head with a blatantly downcast expression and let out a self-mockery.

It doesn't suit you, does it?

Bernhard himself was aware of this. You'll find that the impression that your appearance gives to the people around you doesn't match your inside. Because of his beastly appearance, many times when he is sleep-deprived, he has been involved in a fight with someone who just looks at him. On the other hand, if you are a quiet person who seems to be easy to talk to, you will be misunderstood as a type of person that you don't like and you will be distanced from them.

Even though I'm a water person, there's nothing about blue that suits me. It's not that I don't like my mother, but I'm just not comfortable with this look that I inherited.

In the event that you're looking for the best way to get the most out of your wedding ceremony, then you're in the right place. The color of the magic stone is blue for water and red for fire, so Bernhard, who has a lot of magic power but does not show the color of his attribute in his physical characteristics, is a unique person.

You don't have to be blue.

A young apprentice gardener muttered incomprehensibly.

"Blue is a symbol of the water attribute.

Bernhard frowned, even though he knew that the apprentice gardener did not know.
Bernhardt is the Marquess of Reckebusch with the greatest amount of magic power. In other words, he is one of the best among the aristocrats in terms of the magic power of the water attribute. The fact that he did not have the right color of magic power made Bernhard feel inferior.

I have an image of color from hydrangeas and magic stones, but... But nowhere is blue.

Prompted by his words, Bernhard looks around. Surrounded by a pond, the sky spreads out except for the greenery that frames the pond. It's a space filled with water above and below. But it is evening, and the world is dyed in the sunset.

It's all the same color as the bell.

Bernhardt is blindsided by the words of a young apprentice gardener.
Water is colorless and transparent. Water is colorless and transparent, but it changes its color depending on the reflection of the light it receives. Why had he overlooked this knowledge that he should have known? Since we can't be as transparent as water, it doesn't matter what color we are.

...... So, yeah. That's right.

You're right," Bernhard said, smiling as if he'd been blown away. I think it's silly that I even cared about it now.

Also, they say that men are happier when they take after their mothers, so Belle is lucky.

Is that how it is?

It may be a commoner's superstition, and there may be no evidence for it, but Bernhard was affirmed for the first time to be like his mother. It was the first time that Bernhard was affirmed that he resembled his mother, even though he had thought it negatively himself. Bernhard nodded and decided to thank his mother when he got home.

When I first saw Bel and the others, I thought they had switched sides, but they look like scarlet trees.

"Those red flowers?

Bernhard tilted his head, comparing it to a big red flower that blooms when winter is approaching.

Bernhard tilted his head. "Those red parts are not petals, but leaves called bracts. The flowers are the small yellow ones in the center.

I see.

Bernhard was a little surprised by this unexpected fact. Ludia didn't seem to know either, and muttered that she would have a closer look next time.

Most people don't notice the pretty flowers because the leaves are too showy. Most people don't notice the pretty flowers. People who are misunderstood because of their appearance only approach people who try to understand them, so I guess Belle is surrounded by good people.

Pointed out to him, Bernhard checks his situation. It is true that his parents love him without caring about his appearance. It is very likely that his childhood friend, Jeremias, is not thinking about anything, but he is so annoyed that he involves himself in everything.
I finally realized that I was the only one who cared about my surroundings, and the people closest to me didn't care about my appearance.
Bernhard found it funny that it was a day when he realized so much.

I guess so. I'm not a very social person, so this appearance might be just right for me.

I've always thought that companionship should be limited. In this policy, my appearance, which I only felt inferior to, was highly useful. Even if you are not careful, the other person will sift you out on their own.

"Today was really helpful. Thank you.

Bernhard smiled, satisfied with his new perspective. Bernhard smiled, satisfied with his new perspective. Bernhard's face was radiant as he left.

The opinions of the common people are of no use to me.

In the pavilion where Bernhard had left, the apprentice gardener muttered to himself in wonder. He had thought that Bernhard's interest would soon fade from him. He thought he would soon realize that it was not worth coming back again and again.
Looking at the apprentice gardener, Ludia's eyes half-lidded.

"...... Zak, haven't you noticed?

"What?

Mr. Bernhard seemed happy.

Oh. You really like magic, don't you?



You have no idea. ......

Although Ludia had mentioned the change in Bernhard's appearance, the apprentice gardener seemed to have misunderstood why he had left with a radiant look on his face.
Was this the second time he had seen him influence someone other than himself? With Nikolaus, it was a deliberate attempt to defuse the situation, but this time, as with himself, he was simply expressing his thoughts frankly.
He simply said that what he felt was good was good. That's all there is to it, but it's not often that others give affirmation other than consolation to something that they themselves have rejected. That's why it's such a big shock.
He doesn't understand that.
Knowing firsthand that this is why his words reach him, Lydia sighs, "It's really bad.


Another week later, Roy came to visit, this time for the first time in a month.
Lydia invites him to her guest room overlooking the garden and treats him to a warm cup of tea. From the moment he greeted her, Roy was smiling with great joy.

"It's been a long time, Miss Lydia.

"Yes, I've been looking forward to meeting you, Roy. I've been looking forward to meeting you, Roy. They're so crowded and uncomfortable.

I was being sarcastic, but I meant it. It was comforting to have a peaceful cup of tea with Roy. The reason for the sarcasm was that he could tell by the smile on Roy's face that he was amused by the situation.
At Ludia's words, Roy chuckled and apologized.

I'm sorry about that. I'll do whatever I can to help.

"It's enough that you have a precious rose. Besides, even as a friend, this is something no man can cure.

Opportunities to interact with noble men of the same age are rare until you are a debutante. Lydia didn't know that dealing with a nobleman who was close to her age would be so tiring. There were too many unknowns.
Lydia realized once again that her fiancé was quite calm for his age.

"I see. Then let the Marquesses of Augustus heal you.

I'm going to do that.

I'm not going to complain to them. I'm not going to complain to them. I just want to talk and laugh with them about trivial things. I have already made plans to have a tea party with Tordelise and the others, and Lydia is looking forward to it.

I'm glad to see that Miss Lydia is so close to her friend's daughter.

"What's this all of a sudden, ......?

Roy smiles at her with relief and happiness, and Lydia can't help but feel uncomfortable. I'm not sure what to say, but I'm sure you'll understand.

It's not sudden. I've heard that jealousy is a terrible thing in women.

With Roy's words, Lydia understood his fears.
As the fiancée of Roy, the first prince of this country, she was the object of envy and jealousy among women of her generation. This is partly because of his position as the first in line to the throne, but also because Roy himself, with his golden hair and honey-colored eyes, has an angelic appearance that attracts the favor of women. There are many young ladies who are in love with Roy.
It is almost a miracle that his fiancée, Ludia, has a friend with whom she feels at ease. Because of Roy's popularity and her position in the family, she could have become isolated and jealous of anyone other than those who flattered her in order to benefit from her.
For example, what would have happened if I had remained in admiration of Roy? Even in the midst of jealousy, I might have kept my elbows up, trying to be noble as a duchess, without revealing my weakness to anyone.
Considering this, Lydia felt very fortunate to be in a situation where she could seek comfort in her friends. She felt grateful for them, and her desire to see them increased.

Don't worry, my dear.

Lydia smiled slyly, and Roy's honey-colored eyes softened.

I see. I've heard that the Countess of Vitting and the Baroness of Fite are more highly educated than their families, and Miss Lydia is well loved.

"Oh, that's because of your hard work, Miss Fanny!　I've done nothing to deserve it.

I didn't do anything. - You did it because you wanted to be on a par with me. After all, you are loved.

Roy's smile made Lydia lose all argument, even though she claimed that her high education as a young lady was the result of Steffenier and his friends. Stefanié is trying to repay the debt of gratitude to the Count for adopting her, and Zaskia is striving to match her fiancé, the Marquise. However, Roy's opinion is not entirely wrong, as he has been told that he is the goal that both of them are aiming for.
And then there was a part of her that felt a little happy if Roy was right, and Lydia could not help but feel ashamed of herself.
A few days after Roy's visit, the much-anticipated tea party with Tordeliese and the others was held at Ernst's house. As they were chatting in Ludia's room, Zaskia caught sight of the autumn roses in a vase.

Wow, each flower is so big and beautiful. Are they growing in your garden?

"Oh, ......, this was a gift from Roy-sama.

Zaskia's eyes lit up even more when she heard that it was a rare variety of rose donated from another country and that it only bloomed in the royal gardens in the country of Arbentroth. Tordeliese tilted her head suspiciously when I explained that they were given to him through a potential vassal in exchange for less frequent visits.

"I'm surprised Yeremias-sama was able to deliver the flowers safely.

I'm sure you're not the only one who has a problem with that.

"Do you know Jeremias?

Yes. He sometimes challenges my father and gets beaten to a pulp.

Steffenier and Zaskia rolled their eyes at the outlandish story. Ludia gently averted her gaze, thinking that it was possible.
I've heard that when Jeremias thinks he's getting stronger, he'll challenge Tordeliese's father, Zinvalka, the vice leader of the knights, to a fight. He has been defeated each time. Since he was about five years old, Tsimbarka has challenged him about once every six months, so it seems that Tordeliese knows him well.

"I guess it's because we're the same age, but before I knew it, he was my brother's friend.

She cowered helplessly and took a bite of the cake that was served with her tea. She used to complain that the Auguste Marquise family was famous for their military prowess, and that the male members of the family were all rude and lacking in subtlety. Judging from her rapport with Jeremias, her brother was probably one of them.



"Well, the Knight Commander is the red-haired uncle of ......, right? So the boy with red hair who often hangs out with the prince is Jeremias?

Steffenier said, tracing his memory. Steffenier's words were unsteady because he was thinking, but Lydia and the others did not point it out. She is very careful in public, but she breaks her words because she knows that they allow her to do so.
Steffenier, who had only been a countess for a few years, had only seen Roy and the others from a distance, at a royal birthday party. That's probably why she remembers them so well.

It's the other way around. The one with blue hair is Mr. Jeremias.

Zaskia corrected Steffenier's perception.

"Yes, but ......

The Marquess of Staeden and the Marquess of Reckebusch have been married off to each other in order to strengthen their friendship by royal decree. So, Jeremias's mother is from the Reckebusch family and Bernhard's mother is from the Staeden family.

It is even jokingly rumored that both of you are replacements because you both resemble your mothers, even though the aptitude attributes of your respective families appeared.

"Switched?

Steffenier tilted his head at the unfamiliar word. When asked, Tordeliese added an explanation.

"It's a fairy tale often told to children of noble families. During the debutante, it is discovered that the princess of a certain country was actually replaced by a poor commoner's child by a genie when she was born, and the princess, who had been living arrogantly until then, lost herself to the poor. ......

"Wow, that sounds like a genie prank.

Reminiscent of a similar story, Steffenier's eyes lit up with interest. This time, Lydia tilted her head at the unfamiliar words.

"What is this mischief of the spirits?

"It's a common ...... story that commoners often hear in bedtime stories. It's a story that every girl dreams of. It's about a girl from a poor family who discovers on her fifteenth birthday that she's actually a princess who's been switched by a genie to live happily ever after in a castle.

It is a story that is used as a lesson for us not to be proud of our status, but the commoners have a very different view.

The fact that the story is the same suggests that it is based on the same story, but how can a story that is so horrible for the nobility become a dream for the commoners? It's amazing how a different focus (protagonist) can change the atmosphere of a story.

I used to long to be a princess, but now I don't want to be a princess.

"Why not?

Lydia wonders as Steffenier smiles. Lydia understands her longing for the story of her transformation into a princess. A few years ago, she had longed for a story in a children's book where a prince saw her and made her a princess. I'm sure that the longing Rüdia had at that time and the longing Stefanie had are similar.

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

It seems that Steffenier has become much more realistic since coming to the world of the nobility. No, it may simply be that his thinking has matured faster. We should not live forever clinging to vague dream stories.

I'm sure it will be tough to become educated.

Taking a realistic view, Lydia agrees with her opinion. There is a big gap between becoming a princess with a minimum of education as a nobleman and becoming a princess without any knowledge. It is realistic for a noble girl to aspire to be a princess, but it is unrealistic for a commoner girl to aspire. The size of the hole to be filled is different.

I used to think it was nice to be able to eat delicious food and wear beautiful clothes, but it seems like it would be hard to manage a fiefdom.

I thought it was nice to have good food and beautiful clothes in the past, but it seems like a lot of work to manage a fiefdom.

I've been thinking about it, but it seems like a lot of work. I've been learning about our territory from Hermann, thinking that I might be able to help out a bit if I learn more.

It's not that big of a deal. ......

I'm not sure what to say, but I'd like to know.
It's not something she's inspired by. She just wanted to visit the estate in the off-season and learn more about her other home. She asked what kind of people lived there and what their specialties were, and her grandfather, Osvin, thought she was interested in the administration of the territory and began to teach her about the lord's business.

...... I think I should learn from Master Zesar too.

"You mean about the Marquisate of Gellerman?

You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web. In the event that you've got a lot more than one, you'll be able to take a look at a few of the best ways to make the most of your time. This made not only Tordeliese but also Lydia and the others feel a smile on their faces.
Zaskia was so embarrassed that Steffenier didn't mention it any more and returned to the original story.

Thanks to you, we now know that the one with blue hair is Jeremias and the one with red hair is Bernhard. Thank you very much.

Steffenier said seriously, "Now we won't be mistaken for each other when we greet each other," and Rüdia and the others laughed, glad that they could help.
As she smiled at her friends, she remembered the story of the scarlet tree. She felt proud in her heart that her friends would be the ones who would look into the flowers and notice them.


"Hello!

A few days later, a challenging voice sounded again at the entrance of Ernst's house.
Rüdia received the autumn rose and led her to the pavilion, exchanging the usual words. The apprentice gardener, who had been waiting on a bench in the pavilion, stood up when he saw Ludia and the others.

"How about this time?

Jeremias, who had been anxious to reach the pavilion, asked before greeting them.
The apprentice gardener's gaze shifted to Ludia's autumn rose. The petals of the rose were not withered, but of a subdued color, and the stem did not appear to be broken. He smiled softly at the way it had been handled with care.

"Yeah. It passed.

Jeremias' eyes widened at the apprentice gardener's words.

"Then let's play!

"No.

The apprentice gardener rejected Jeremias' challenge with a clenched fist.

You've already passed!

No, I didn't say I would accept the challenge if you passed.

No, I didn't say I'd take the challenge if I passed." It was strange that he hadn't passed in the first place. If you bring the flowers that you were told to give to your boss, but you scattered them, you have not done your job. In the event that you've got any questions regarding where and the best way to get in touch with us, we'll be happy to assist you.



Isak is working out, why isn't he fighting?

"Remius. Why are you working out?

When Jeremias asks unconvincingly, the question is asked back to him. Yeremias answered without hesitation.

"To be strong and to protect!

"To escape.

What?

I'm training to escape danger. That's why I don't fight.

You train for the wrong reasons, says the apprentice gardener. Jeremias paused in his thoughts, unable to understand the idea that he was trying to get stronger to avoid danger, instead of getting stronger to face the threat. As a result, his movements froze.
After a few seconds, Jeremias somehow understood the words of the apprentice gardener, and felt a boiling anger. Was he going to challenge someone with such a weak mind?

You're a coward!

"Whatever.

"I can't hear you.

In response to Yeremias' rage, Lydia stood in front of the apprentice gardener and stared straight into his sky-blue eyes.

The main purpose of a knight, Yeremias-sama, is to protect the kingdom and its people.

That's right.

You can't protect your people just by challenging the enemy. If you're in a situation where you need to retreat, that's a good strategy.　If the threat is too much for you to handle, isn't it courage to flee?

......

It's a good idea to take a look at the actual information on the web. I'm not sure how many times I've been hit with the fist that it's not enough to just go in blindly.

You know, sweetheart, you don't have to make this so difficult. ......

Zaku, shut up!

Yes, .......

Listen, Mr. Jeremias. It is the right of the people to defend themselves. The knights are there to make sure that the people don't get into a situation where they have to fight!

You're right, ......!

In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. Only the gardener's apprentice was watching from the sidelines, unable to keep up with the current atmosphere.

I'm not saying I'm going to challenge Isak anymore!

It's all right if you know.

I'm not going to challenge Isak again!" "You understand." Seeing that he had gotten his point across, the apprentice gardener was convinced that this was what he wanted to do. He was sure that Ludia was angry, but it was deliberate that he tried to persuade her with difficult expressions that Jeremias would not like. He guided the situation so that I, who had already refused, would not be entangled any further. The apprentice gardener seriously wondered if he should applaud him for his admiration.

"Oh. Remius, why do you want to be so strong?

The apprentice gardener asked Yeremias a question that suddenly came to his mind.

"It's to become a knight .......

No, it's simpler than that.

No, it's simpler than that." "It's not a lie that it's for a goal, but Jeremias' enthusiasm is quite strong. The apprentice gardener, who was directly confronted with the request, felt that there was a very emotional reason other than the greater good.
He clenched his fists tightly and replied, "I don't have to hide my reasons for being strong.

"Because I look weak!

"What?

"You don't look as strong as your father. Even if I put on muscle, I'll look weak when I wear clothes, and if I show fire, I'll be told I don't look good before I'm feared. So I want to have the strength to overpower everything!

Her mother's straight hair was easy for Jeremias, who was never good at styling her hair. But he can't be intimidated by appearances like his father, and he can't be lambasted as weak. That's very frustrating.
It was a very serious matter for Jeremias, who hated to lose.
However, the apprentice gardener muttered with a puzzled expression.

Then, why don't you learn to make a blue flame that suits you?　Fire is stronger in blue than in red.

"Really?

Yeremias did not hesitate to bite at the fact that blue was stronger. The apprentice gardener recoiled a little at the revelation.

I'm pretty sure that blue is much hotter than red,....... If you're a strong magician, Remius, you'll be able to use it, right?

Yeremias is elated by the fact that the color that matches his appearance is more powerful for fire. Yeremias didn't know anyone with the fire attribute who could produce blue flames. He hoped that if he could do so, it would prove that he was the strongest, not the weakest.
It only took a moment for Jeremias to make up his mind.

All right, I will be able to produce blue flame!

With a new goal in mind, Jeremias couldn't stand still and dug his heels in.

When I'm blue, I'll show it to Isak. Farewell, then!

"Wait for me!

Yeremias was about to dash off when he heard a thud on the cobblestones and stopped dead in his tracks. When Jeremias looked back, he saw Lydia standing there, her expression gone. Jeremias froze, sensing the anger that made him shiver as if a bolt of lightning would strike.
The shapely lips opened softly to move to speak.

"You may leave, but only after you retract your cowardly remark to Zaku.



"Hi.

That day, Jeremias learned firsthand that beautiful women can be scary when they are really angry.