Volume 6, Chapter 20 – The Rose Garden and the Flower Maiden (1)

Yesterday, I stayed at my childhood home in the Royal Capital—the Jez Herbal Apothecary—specifically in the room I used to use.

To my surprise, the room was still unoccupied; they had even kept it cleaned and ready for whenever I might return.

Thanks to that, and by making strategic use of sleeping bags, all four of us managed to fit.

As for today, I was going to spend the whole day with Char.

Early in the morning, Char arrived at the Jez Herbal Apothecary by carriage and took me out with her.

For the sake of minimum security, Chris-san and Hugues-san followed behind at a slight distance, but we are the two Saint Candidates who symbolize the White Moon Kingdom.

Unless they were completely insane, no one would dare lay a finger on us—and even if they did, they’d only end up getting beaten back.

Meanwhile, Shizuku-san and Lu-chan had some free time.

However, since there was a risk of Lu-chan being kidnapped, I asked her to make sure she stayed with Shizuku-san at all times.

Despite appearances, Lu-chan and Shizuku-san get along well, so they were likely out enjoying some street food.

“Now then, first we shall visit the Royal Rose Garden. The autumn roses should be in full, magnificent bloom right now.”

“I’m looking forward to it. This might be my first time visiting a rose garden.”

I see; the first destination of the day was the rose garden.

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Come to think of it, I don’t recall doing much sightseeing like this when I lived in the Royal Capital.

At most, I remember being invited by Char to have tea at cafes or hotels.

“Now, we have arrived.”

As the carriage came to a halt, Char spoke, and Hugues-san and Chris-san opened the carriage door to escort us out.

As expected of a noble’s daughter, Char was used to being escorted. I stepped out as I always do, unable to match her elegance.

Once we disembarked, a well-dressed man greeted us in front of the rose garden.

“Saint Charlotte-sama, Saint Fiene-sama, I have been expecting you. It is the utmost honor to have two such renowned Saints visit our garden together.”

“Director. Will you show us around immediately?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Char accepted the welcome as if it were only natural, but I felt somewhat bashful.

Looking closely, I noticed guards stationed here and there; it seemed a great many people had prepared extensively to welcome us.

Under the Director’s guidance, we began our tour of the rose garden.

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Inside the walled garden, roses were planted on both sides of a straight path extending from the entrance gate.

At the far end sat a small fountain.

The areas where the roses grew were structured with concentric circular paths, allowing visitors to stroll and enjoy the flowers.

Beyond the fountain stood a single building, which I was told was the management office.

We were first guided to the roses on the right.

Roses of various colors, such as red and pink, were planted with just enough space between them.

The Director explained each variety of rose.

However, since I wasn’t particularly interested in flowers, all I really thought was, Wow, the scents really are different, while Char listened intently and kept asking questions.

They went back and forth about how this particular fragrance would affect the oil, or something along those lines.

As expected of a noble’s daughter. I’ve never heard of rose oil, but I wonder if it’s like camellia oil? (*)

If so, do they use it for shampoo? Oh, I wonder if they can make rose-scented tempura or pork cutlets?

Since I wasn’t particularly interested in the roses, I found myself more curious about Riche, who was happily fluttering around with obvious interest.

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“What are you looking at?”

“Ah, Char. Um, I’m watching my spirit fly around happily.”

“Oh? You’ve formed a bond with a spirit? That is wonderful. But why haven’t you introduced it to me?”

“Ah, that’s true. But she doesn’t seem very interested in people, so please don’t be angry if she gives you the cold shoulder, okay?”

“Yes, of course. There is no way I would ever be angry at a spirit.”

“I understand. Then, I’ll wait for the right timing… oh, she’s coming this way right now.”

I saw Riche flying toward me, as if she wanted to tell me something.

The timing was perfect, so I summoned her.

“Riche, what is it?”

Instead of answering, Riche grabbed hold of me and tried to pull me away.

“Ah, yes. I understand. I’m coming, so please calm down a bit. Director, um…”

I tried to ask the Director for permission, but he was staring at us with his eyes wide open in shock. He had completely frozen.

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“So that is Fiene’s spirit. Now, introduce her.”

“Eh? Ah, yes. Char, this is my Contract Spirit, Riche. Riche, this is my friend, Charlotte-san.”

Riche stopped pulling me and glanced briefly at Char.

“Hmph. I am Charlotte du Gatilue. Of the glorious and proud Gati—”

Before Char could finish introducing herself, Riche simply turned her face away, floated back into the air, and beckoned for me to follow.

“Wait! What is the meaning of this! I was in the middle of giving you a proper introduction!”

“I told you not to get angry. Riche is a spirit, so she’s different from humans.”

Saying that to the sulking Char, I hurried after Riche.

Author Note

(*) Camellia oil is produced by pressing the seeds, but rose oil is extracted using a method called steam distillation, where a large number of petals are placed in a vat similar to a steamer and slowly heated to evaporate and collect the aromatic components. Since only about 1g of oil can be obtained from 5,000g of rose petals, it is an incredibly rare oil; using it for shampoo would already be extravagant, let alone as frying oil.