It has been one week since school started .

Leo, seeing the harsh reality before him, leaked out a sigh .

(No matter where I look, I can’t find it…)

Indeed . His important Karlheinz Raimund gold coin, no matter how much he searched it was nowhere to be found .

At every possible chance, he searched around the courtyard, carefully observing every nook and cranny, however, his beloved Kar-sama’s appearance was nowhere to be seen .

Certainly, Kar-sama was picked up by some greedy person who is now grasping his precious item in their hands, admiring it’s value all day and night . Thinking such things, Leo’s stomach felt like it was tossing and turning .

As I thought, I should have immediately requested the Marquis to return me to the courtyard at that time . Well, no matter how much I blame myself, what’s done is done . But the anxiety rises .

At night it’s only possible to get 8 hours of sleep . Even food, I can only eat one person’s portion .

Today as well, Leonora sat wearily near the window, gazing outside . His cla.s.smates sitting around him have started to give him the nickname 「Mistress of Gloom」 or 「Spirit of the Courtyard」 but that he did not know .

(What to do…Maybe I should give up and return to the city…)

Leo once again breathed out a sigh .

Not only can’t I find my gold coin, but I also can’t even earn money here, there’s no reason to stay . Well, not completely true, three meals a day and bath for free, for free! – It’s important so I said it twice – It is certainly very reasonable circ.u.mstances . If I consider that this immediate life is basically guaranteed, there’s no reason to leave either .

(The cla.s.ses themselves are interesting too . )

For n.o.bles, the most important cla.s.s was magic cla.s.s, but for Leo who grew up at Hannah Orphanage, he was very well well versed in a variety of things, with medicine mixing and experimentation being his forte .

In the Weiz language cla.s.s, because of various circ.u.mstances he was easily misunderstood but, originally Leo was quite proficient in language studies . Regarding the equally propagated cla.s.sical Elland language that rivaled the Weiz Empire’s language, there were people who spoke it at the orphanage so because of that he could understand it as well, and to begin with, arithmetic was one of his strengths .

(Math is great isn’t it . Formulas and graphs feel pretty dull but with simple calculations, it sure feels good to replace the numbers with small copper coins . )

Incidentally, by imagining the problems as stories such as 「Villager A goes to buy apples and chestnuts with 5 small copper coins」 Leo somehow or another managed to answer questions easily .

The cla.s.ses are useful, and it’s free, the meals are plentiful, and it’s free . If there was a way to also earn money here, there would be no deliberation .

While idling contemplating, Leo’s eyes suddenly flashed .

(Hey, think about this carefully, me . Money is not something that waits to be picked up . It is something you earn for yourself . Even if there are no employment options, there must be a way to make money . Calm down, and wait for the chance to appear!)

If I replace the word money with something else, maybe I can get some hints .

Leo continues to be absent-minded, taking no notice of the magic cla.s.s he’s currently in that serves him no purpose in the future . He started to consider what side jobs he could find in the academy .

As such, unexpectedly Leo had begun to find excitement from being in school, however, there was a person who was looking was Leo with a bitter mood .

The Weiz Empire first imperial princess, Bianca .

She was growing impatient .

She had felt uneasy ever since this beautiful girl entered the academy . Even though she was planning to speak with her at the tea party, this lifeless girl whose appearance betrays her actions promptly left before she could do so . Moreover, it seemed that she left after making remarks about seeing through her esteemed brother’s magic .

At first, she was quite hesitant, but Bianca reached out to Leo saying 「I wouldn’t mind if you stopped by my salon!」 However, Leo simply said 「If you don’t mind if I go, you wouldn’t mind if I don’t go right?」 Interpretation: She ignored me .

The imperial princess and head of the junior school Bianca .

For her, this was the first time something even close to this has ever happened .

Soon after, Bianca’s interest in her rose more and more . However, since she did not know how to honestly make friends, her att.i.tude unintentionally came off as being critical towards Leo . Seeing the circ.u.mstances, her entourage concluded that Bianca wanted to eliminate this beautiful girl and gradually, their malicious intentions began to creep in on the girl known as Leonora von Harkenberg .

And then, the first signs have began, it appeared on Leo’s desk .

One morning after coming to school, Leo discovered a Muerta flower on his seat .

Muerta was a yellow flower with large petals, able to be used in food and transformed into scented oil . But, it was most often used – as a funeral flower .

Towards the blunt hara.s.sment, the surrounding students started to gossip . But Leo, far from being worried, he instead gladly took the flower with a sparkle in his eyes .

(Muerta! And such a large amount! Whoa, can’t I ma.s.s produce potpourri with this?)

Indeed, as such a heavily scented flower, if it was dried out, it can become potpourri .

Having realized that he can provide potpourri for all the fancy n.o.ble girls in this school, and have the raw materials be free at that, Leo felt like the spirits have blessed him .

「U-um, Leonorsan . Are you okay? If you wish, I could get these flowers taken care of for you . 」

「S-sorry . It was already here when we got here, I have no idea why it’s there . 」

His concerned cla.s.smates had come over to help him but Leo simply shook his head lightly .

「No . I, for today, will go home . 」

If I recall, today was only the useless magic cla.s.s .

It should be fine if I miss only that cla.s.s . These flowers need to be dried immediately to keep the quality .

Watching as the quiet and reserved girl leave the cla.s.sroom in a hurry, everyone simply held a pained gaze over her .

From then on, Leo’s 「miracles」 continued .

Even though he got the materials to make a potpourri, Leo realized that he stilled needed needles to sew a bag to hold them, and on such a day, with exquisite timing, needles appeared before him in his shoes . After that, he realized he still needed some cloth to make a lanyard to bind the potpourri together, and that was when the spirit delivery service appeared . A wonderful 12 colors thick threaded cloth that symbolizes the spirits lay before him split into pieces .

At every event Kai was deeply disturbed, wanting to immediately contact the marquis estate but Leo tenaciously rejected him every time .

Of course, Leo had considered if he was being hara.s.sed by someone but, since it didn’t do a single harmful thing, rather it is helping him make money, he doesn’t feel like having it stop at all .

In the first place, down in the lower city where Leo was from, hara.s.sment was stuff like putting horse dung in people’s meals or dropping a vat of your dung on someone’s head, aggressive stuff like that . Actions that didn’t hinder his meals or his sleep had no effect on him what so ever .

(Unacceptable, do more!)

Because of that, this has put Leo in a very pleasant mood .

Being completely oblivious to these circ.u.mstances Kai shot a pained and sorrowful gaze towards his master who was braving through her meaningless hara.s.sment, feeling that he had failed in being attentive enough .

(Funeral flowers…It’s because it evokes the image of Claudisama isn’t it, the flowers themselves bear no sin . Even still, she diligently trims and grooms each one . She must be holding on to the tattered spirit cloth because of her own guilt, refusing to throw it away . Losing her parent so early, and faced with injustice while being forced to live in the lower city, and then suddenly being forced to come to an academy where she faces hara.s.sment . I have no doubt it must be painful and harsh, but even so…)

Recently, his master has been swiftly secluding herself in her room after cla.s.s . Unable to simple continue watching, Kai entered the room to deliver food and was met with what he felt like was a deceitful smile . His object of attention was to that of his master’s red eyes, something the sharp-sighted Kai would never miss .

Of course, however, it was because, in order to put in effect the potpourri plan, Leo had been fanatically working at night . This, his servant did not know .

Kai made good use of his network of academy employees and soon he found the mastermind of the hara.s.sment . However, he realized that with Bianca’s standing as the head of the junior cla.s.s, there was nothing he could do . He could only fret at his own powerlessness every day .

On one hand, one wanted to carry off his master to escape this place, and on the other, someone who wanted the fragrant raw materials to keep coming . Then, one day .

An event that would change the state of affairs finally arrived .

A formal invitation to Bianca’s salon, addressed to Leonora .

「Biancsama’s salon? Me?」

To his master who seemed to be surprised at the situation, Kai gave a plausible explanation .

「Yes . Last time the tea party was adressed to all the new students, but this time the letter specifically requested for us to go . Of course, we can’t simply take this at face value…」

「Really?」

To the confident Kai, Leo tilted his head in curiosity .

Surely this isn’t about me stealing the earring isn’t it, calling me out after all this time, Leo thought . But still, the timing is pretty poor .

After a short while, Kai began speaking bitterly .

「As Leonorsama might have suspected, the cause of the recent hara.s.sment is because of Biancsama . For her to suddenly call you out, it might be because finally, she’s going to try to do something directly to you . 」

「Directly…」

Hearing that word, Leo suddenly realized something .

Till now, I never questioned who have been gratefully giving all these materials so I can make my potpourris, and I also haven’t thanked them . Whatever their intentions are, if it’s from the goodwill of their heart or not, the fact of the matter is they have given me charity . Since I have received them, I should properly convey my thanks .

(Also, in case for next time they decide to give me things, I should hint that scented cloth would be best . )

The latter reasoning was 90% of why Leo wanted to go .

「I’m, going . 」

「Leonorsama…」

Although Kai has a murky expression, from the beginning it was an invitation from the first imperial princess of the empire, there was no way to refuse .

Also, it was because of the previous time that his master had refused an invitation that led to the hara.s.sment . There was nothing Kai could do but pray for the best .

The salon was located at the other party’s home, bring a servant would be rude . However, Kai still insisted, saying 「If something happens, please run immediately, I will be waiting just behind the door . 」 to his master . Then, on the appointed day, the two people headed towards the tea party .

「Welcome, to the Crimson Rose’s abode . 」

It seems to be one of Bianca’s followers . While being guided by the brunette girl, Leo tightly stiffened his lips .

That is to say, the naming sense of 「Crimson Roses」 almost made Leo burst into laughter .

(Crimson Roses! Just roses are one thing, but Crimson Roses!)

For a common folk like Leo, he thought that a narcissistic and extravagant name like that was something only tiny boys and girls would come up with . But thinking again, perhaps this was the standard in n.o.ble society, Leo wondered .

While desperately keeping his mouth shut, Leo finally arrived at a room .

「Finally here? I grew tired of waiting, Leonora von Harkenberg . 」

While covered in an extravagant red dress, Bianca started laughing .

As expected, even Leo could understand . This is the 「Crimson Rose’s Room . 」 that means Bianca is 「Crimson Rose-sama」 that’s why all of her followers wear red attire as well .

Of course, today as well, Leo wore his thin Savarin dress .

「It’s…nice, to make…make…」

Leo had decided to try to use a n.o.ble’s greeting as he was trying, Leena’s curse kicked in and tried to correct him, thus taking the words away from him .

Somehow, it feels like a tongue twister .

「My! What an original greeting!」

「Don’t tease, Margaret . Perhaps it is popular in the lower city . 」

The entourage started to sneer,

but at that moment .

「Cease . 」

With a single word of Bianca’s resounding voice, they became silent in an instant .

Leo was guided to a table next to the fireplace . Seeing the free food, Leo obediently followed and was sat across from Bianca facing her . Sitting among them in a big round table was her five followers .

It feels like I’m being prosecuted .

「Now then, do you know who I am?」

「Yes, Biancsama . 」

Bianca seemed to have become more relaxed after he answered, because of that Leo also calmed down .

The blond girl also had an expression on her face that seemed to say 「That’s right . 」

「I dislike doing things in a roundabout way . That’s why I’ll say it plainly . First-year student, Leonora von Harkenberg . Won’t you join my group, the Crimson Rose Club?」

「Crimson Rose Club . 」

After saying the name, Leo controlled himself as he felt the sudden urge to laugh grow .

「Ah, don’t be so stiff . Everything until now was just my friends being a little impatient in approaching you . If you join me today, I will arrange it so it’s all in the past . 」

That means, there will be no more charity? Leo uttered a puzzle 「huh?」

「Fufu, you don’t know the reason? Then, I shall tell you . I have an interest in you, Leonora . 」

While making a bewitching smile with her young face, Bianca reached out her hand .

While making a bewitching smile with her young face, Bianca reached out her hand .

「That beautiful face, and tragic history, a girl who captures the attention of everyone . A while ago, at the welcoming party, you saw through Onii-sama’s disguise, didn’t you? I want to see if you are a suitable person for Onii-sama . 」

「Suitable for, Albert-sama? This is, a school . Why, see?」

He has just entered the school, why was he being grilled like someone being examined for marriage considerations . Leo was very confused .

「My, surely you don’t mean to say you don’t know? As someone directly affected by the Disaster of Flora!」

Slightly irritated, Bianca gave a summary .

After the 「Disaster of Flora」, the school underwent major disturbances . The emperor at the time came to a decision, that was to give the self-governance of the students even more support .

Because the students had too much autonomy that the disaster was allowed to happen . But to support self-governance, the Harkenberg Marquis household rejected such a proposal . But the emperor insisted . This means both punishment and rewards will be carried out by the students without any half measures, seeking to replicate the state of the real world within the academy .

When trouble strikes, the with the power of self-governance, they could rely on each other to uphold each other to the abide by the social position known as a student . No student’s actions would go unnoticed . This is the cage and protective fence that the emperor had decided to pick up – because even if you are a student, wicked actions cannot escape capital punishment .

However, the king also increased the rewards of being in the school . If you showed excellent results, even if you are a student you can take part in the management of the empire, if you had the disposition of a queen, even if you are a student you can become betrothed to the royal family .

The plan succeeds, the school purged its greenhouse-like manner of doing things from within, and it became a part of the real world . Meaning, proper governance, organizations, and even imperial harems have been formed .

「That means, the most of the students that enter here – no all of the students that enter here aim to be prospective future officials of the empire or prince consorts, in other words . But that’s why, I personally examine the sprouting students to raise the good ones and cut out the bad ones from its roots . 」

Leo thought 「Oh, is that so」 to himself as he sipped his black tea . The cat that was born three houses down had three different colors of fur, was about the level of interest that Leo held to that story .

「…What, what’s with that response . Have you been listening to me at all? If you have something you want to say, say it . 」

Leo who had particularly nothing to say was troubled .

「Uhm . 」

「What . 」

「Perfume, smells nice, doesn’t it?」

After all, this has been bugging him for a while .

As expected of imperial princess Bianca, she has very elegant perfume . The thick aroma has a scent of sweetness to it, it might be compatible with the potpourri I’ve been making .

(If you scent a cloth with this perfume, it will definitely make the potpourri more fragrant, and the price will rise for it as well . )

As expected, Leo who was raised by Hannah orphanage’s director and female staff has a sense for feminine things .

Being interrupted, yet being praised, left Bianca in a state of confusion .

「W…What! Right now I’m asking you about whether or not you will join my Crimson Rose Club!」

「Ah, won’t join . 」

Leo quickly refused .

「Crimson Rose, interests, not suitable . 」

「Wha…!」

「How incredibly rude!」

Bianca and her entourage were simultaneously enraged .

Particularly Bianca, who had never been refused even once up until now .

From how much of a pariah she was until now, she still says she won’t join?!

Driven by strong resentment, Bianca grabbed her nearby bottle of perfume .

「This insolence! You said you like my perfume? I’ll give it to you so why don’t you learn your place!」

*Crack*

With the sound of thin gla.s.s cracking, a strong aroma arises . The bottle had hit the cuff of the girl’s dress and the liquid profusely absorbed into the lower half of her body .

「Ah…」

Suddenly coming back to her sense, Bianca turned pale . She didn’t plan to go this far .

However, it was already too late, as the scent of the perfume grew, so did her anguish . Even the girl before her looked upon her wet dress in shock .

「Ah, Leonora…」

「Ah, Leonora…」

Even though she knows she went too far, the words of apology would not come out . Bianca cursed her own pride .

「Biancsama」

However, soon the girl lifted her face, and her expression was an unfazed smile .

「Thank you very much . 」

「Eh…?」

「Grat.i.tude, I did not get to say yet . For the flowers, needles, cloth, to receive so much, I’m happy . 」

However, feeling a sense of nausea in the lump of her throat, the girl twisted her face .

「Please, excuse me . 」

In the corner of her beautiful eye, floated a single tear, to which Bianca clearly saw .

「Ah…」

While dumbfounded they could only watch as she left, soon they heard the utterance of someone’s voice from across the door . It must be that tidy servant named Kai .

No one could raise their voice at all, they could only stand shocked until the resounding sound of the door opening caught their attention .

「Pardon my intrusion . 」

As expected the one who appeared from the door was an Almond eye colored servant, who’s expression quickly floated with rage .

「I…Insolent . Just where do you think you are . 」

Being glared at by the well-ordered youth, Bianca wavered for a second but quickly her dignity as the first imperial princess managed to allow her to rebuke . However, Kai did not lose in spirit in the slightest .

「Pardon my manners but, just who is being rude here . 」

「What are you…」

「Sending funeral flowers to my young master who blames herself for her mother’s death, hiding needles in here shoes, tearing up spirit cloth . Oh, and staining the marchioness-sama’s Savarin dress with perfume . Did you enjoy yourselves? Speaking ill of my inarticulate master? Saying you want to support this strife-less academy that seeks to avoid a tragedy like that of Claudisama, while pus.h.i.+ng your desires upon others, you must feel very proud of yourself . 」

Bianca was taken aback . Denying the invitation to the Crimson Rose Club, she did not even think it was possible .

No, she herself had just been rejecting that possibility .

She should have noticed . The Disaster of Flora that shook the empire was just another faction dispute . Leonora is the daughter of the victim of that dispute . When she said 「Won’t join」 it was not a rejection of Bianca’s Crimson Rose, but a refusal to join another faction dispute, that’s what she meant when she said it was not in her interest .

Kai piled on further words .

「In addition to having lost Claudisama so early, Leonorsama had live without any care or protection in the lower city . For what reason can she not speak her native tongue, the Weiz language, can you understand? Just why, while living in the sunlight basked lower city, is her skin so pale, can you understand why? That is…」

His beautiful clear almond eyes softly became misty .

「Because of cruel adults, who were captivated by Leonorsama’s beauty and deprived her of her freedom without allowing her any education!」

Wrong!

But unfortunately, the person who could retort with the truth was not in this place .

「Even in spite of such a childhood, towards Leonorsama who holds such an honest heart, Biancsama . Your friends sending her flowers, even needles, she happily received them . It was the first time she had ever been given things like this . 」

Towards that bravery – and that tragedy, anyone would have their breath taken away .

Bianca recalled the speech of the girl from a while ago, and tightly bit her lip .

「I…what have I done…」

In the stifling silence, Bianca’s words of regret echoed through the surroundings .

As for Kai,

「Please pardon me, for my casual tone . 」

With a polite bow, Kai turned around .

While thinking about how to comfort his master, who was crying alone in her room .

 .

It has been one week since school started

 .

Leo, seeing the harsh reality before him, leaked out a sigh

 .

(No matter where I look, I can’t find it…).

 .

Indeed . His important Karlheinz Raimund gold coin, no matter how much he searched it was nowhere to be found

 .

At every possible chance, he searched around the courtyard, carefully observing every nook and cranny, however, his beloved Kar-sama’s appearance was nowhere to be seen

Certainly, Kar-sama was picked up by some greedy person who is now grasping his precious item in their hands, admiring it’s value all day and night . Thinking such things, Leo’s stomach felt like it was tossing and turning

 .

As I thought, I should have immediately requested the Marquis to return me to the courtyard at that time . Well, no matter how much I blame myself, what’s done is done . But the anxiety rises

 .

At night it’s only possible to get 8 hours of sleep . Even food, I can only eat one person’s portion

 .

Today as well, Leonora sat wearily near the window, gazing outside . His cla.s.smates sitting around him have started to give him the nickname 「Mistress of Gloom」 or 「Spirit of the Courtyard」 but that he did not know

 .

(What to do…Maybe I should give up and return to the city…).

 .

Leo once again breathed out a sigh

 .

Not only can’t I find my gold coin, but I also can’t even earn money here, there’s no reason to stay . Well, not completely true, three meals a day and bath for free, for free! – It’s important so I said it twice – It is certainly very reasonable circ.u.mstances . If I consider that this immediate life is basically guaranteed, there’s no reason to leave either

 .

(The cla.s.ses themselves are interesting too . ).

 .

For n.o.bles, the most important cla.s.s was magic cla.s.s, but for Leo who grew up at Hannah Orphanage, he was very well well versed in a variety of things, with medicine mixing and experimentation being his forte

In the Weiz language cla.s.s, because of various circ.u.mstances he was easily misunderstood but, originally Leo was quite proficient in language studies . Regarding the equally propagated cla.s.sical Elland language that rivaled the Weiz Empire’s language, there were people who spoke it at the orphanage so because of that he could understand it as well, and to begin with, arithmetic was one of his strengths

 .

(Math is great isn’t it . Formulas and graphs feel pretty dull but with simple calculations, it sure feels good to replace the numbers with small copper coins . ).

 .

Incidentally, by imagining the problems as stories such as 「Villager A goes to buy apples and chestnuts with 5 small copper coins」 Leo somehow or another managed to answer questions easily

The cla.s.ses are useful, and it’s free, the meals are plentiful, and it’s free . If there was a way to also earn money here, there would be no deliberation

 .

While idling contemplating, Leo’s eyes suddenly flashed

 .

(Hey, think about this carefully, me . Money is not something that waits to be picked up . It is something you earn for yourself . Even if there are no employment options, there must be a way to make money . Calm down, and wait for the chance to appear!).

 .

If I replace the word money with something else, maybe I can get some hints

 .

Leo continues to be absent-minded, taking no notice of the magic cla.s.s he’s currently in that serves him no purpose in the future . He started to consider what side jobs he could find in the academy

As such, unexpectedly Leo had begun to find excitement from being in school, however, there was a person who was looking was Leo with a bitter mood

 .

The Weiz Empire first imperial princess, Bianca

 .

She was growing impatient

She had felt uneasy ever since this beautiful girl entered the academy . Even though she was planning to speak with her at the tea party, this lifeless girl whose appearance betrays her actions promptly left before she could do so . Moreover, it seemed that she left after making remarks about seeing through her esteemed brother’s magic

 .

At first, she was quite hesitant, but Bianca reached out to Leo saying 「I wouldn’t mind if you stopped by my salon!」 However, Leo simply said 「If you don’t mind if I go, you wouldn’t mind if I don’t go right?」 Interpretation: She ignored me

 .

The imperial princess and head of the junior school Bianca

 .

For her, this was the first time something even close to this has ever happened

Soon after, Bianca’s interest in her rose more and more . However, since she did not know how to honestly make friends, her att.i.tude unintentionally came off as being critical towards Leo . Seeing the circ.u.mstances, her entourage concluded that Bianca wanted to eliminate this beautiful girl and gradually, their malicious intentions began to creep in on the girl known as Leonora von Harkenberg

 .

And then, the first signs have began, it appeared on Leo’s desk

 .

One morning after coming to school, Leo discovered a Muerta flower on his seat

Muerta was a yellow flower with large petals, able to be used in food and transformed into scented oil . But, it was most often used – as a funeral flower

 .

Towards the blunt hara.s.sment, the surrounding students started to gossip . But Leo, far from being worried, he instead gladly took the flower with a sparkle in his eyes

 .

(Muerta! And such a large amount! Whoa, can’t I ma.s.s produce potpourri with this?).

 .

Indeed, as such a heavily scented flower, if it was dried out, it can become potpourri

Having realized that he can provide potpourri for all the fancy n.o.ble girls in this school, and have the raw materials be free at that, Leo felt like the spirits have blessed him

 .

「U-um, Leonorsan . Are you okay? If you wish, I could get these flowers taken care of for you . 」.

「S-sorry . It was already here when we got here, I have no idea why it’s there . 」.

 .

His concerned cla.s.smates had come over to help him but Leo simply shook his head lightly

 .

「No . I, for today, will go home . 」.

 .

If I recall, today was only the useless magic cla.s.s

It should be fine if I miss only that cla.s.s . These flowers need to be dried immediately to keep the quality

 .

Watching as the quiet and reserved girl leave the cla.s.sroom in a hurry, everyone simply held a pained gaze over her

 .

From then on, Leo’s 「miracles」 continued

 .

Even though he got the materials to make a potpourri, Leo realized that he stilled needed needles to sew a bag to hold them, and on such a day, with exquisite timing, needles appeared before him in his shoes . After that, he realized he still needed some cloth to make a lanyard to bind the potpourri together, and that was when the spirit delivery service appeared . A wonderful 12 colors thick threaded cloth that symbolizes the spirits lay before him split into pieces

 .

At every event Kai was deeply disturbed, wanting to immediately contact the marquis estate but Leo tenaciously rejected him every time

 .

Of course, Leo had considered if he was being hara.s.sed by someone but, since it didn’t do a single harmful thing, rather it is helping him make money, he doesn’t feel like having it stop at all

In the first place, down in the lower city where Leo was from, hara.s.sment was stuff like putting horse dung in people’s meals or dropping a vat of your dung on someone’s head, aggressive stuff like that . Actions that didn’t hinder his meals or his sleep had no effect on him what so ever

 .

(Unacceptable, do more!).

 .

Because of that, this has put Leo in a very pleasant mood

 .

Being completely oblivious to these circ.u.mstances Kai shot a pained and sorrowful gaze towards his master who was braving through her meaningless hara.s.sment, feeling that he had failed in being attentive enough

 .

(Funeral flowers…It’s because it evokes the image of Claudisama isn’t it, the flowers themselves bear no sin . Even still, she diligently trims and grooms each one . She must be holding on to the tattered spirit cloth because of her own guilt, refusing to throw it away . Losing her parent so early, and faced with injustice while being forced to live in the lower city, and then suddenly being forced to come to an academy where she faces hara.s.sment . I have no doubt it must be painful and harsh, but even so…).

 .

Recently, his master has been swiftly secluding herself in her room after cla.s.s . Unable to simple continue watching, Kai entered the room to deliver food and was met with what he felt like was a deceitful smile . His object of attention was to that of his master’s red eyes, something the sharp-sighted Kai would never miss

 .

Of course, however, it was because, in order to put in effect the potpourri plan, Leo had been fanatically working at night . This, his servant did not know

 .

Kai made good use of his network of academy employees and soon he found the mastermind of the hara.s.sment . However, he realized that with Bianca’s standing as the head of the junior cla.s.s, there was nothing he could do . He could only fret at his own powerlessness every day

 .

On one hand, one wanted to carry off his master to escape this place, and on the other, someone who wanted the fragrant raw materials to keep coming . Then, one day

An event that would change the state of affairs finally arrived

 .

A formal invitation to Bianca’s salon, addressed to Leonora

 .

「Biancsama’s salon? Me?」.

 .

To his master who seemed to be surprised at the situation, Kai gave a plausible explanation

 .

「Yes . Last time the tea party was adressed to all the new students, but this time the letter specifically requested for us to go . Of course, we can’t simply take this at face value…」.

「Really?」.

 .

To the confident Kai, Leo tilted his head in curiosity

Surely this isn’t about me stealing the earring isn’t it, calling me out after all this time, Leo thought . But still, the timing is pretty poor

After a short while, Kai began speaking bitterly

 .

「As Leonorsama might have suspected, the cause of the recent hara.s.sment is because of Biancsama . For her to suddenly call you out, it might be because finally, she’s going to try to do something directly to you . 」.

「Directly…」.

 .

Hearing that word, Leo suddenly realized something

Till now, I never questioned who have been gratefully giving all these materials so I can make my potpourris, and I also haven’t thanked them . Whatever their intentions are, if it’s from the goodwill of their heart or not, the fact of the matter is they have given me charity . Since I have received them, I should properly convey my thanks

 .

(Also, in case for next time they decide to give me things, I should hint that scented cloth would be best . ).

 .

The latter reasoning was 90% of why Leo wanted to go

 .

「I’m, going . 」.

「Leonorsama…」.

 .

Although Kai has a murky expression, from the beginning it was an invitation from the first imperial princess of the empire, there was no way to refuse

Also, it was because of the previous time that his master had refused an invitation that led to the hara.s.sment . There was nothing Kai could do but pray for the best

 .

The salon was located at the other party’s home, bring a servant would be rude . However, Kai still insisted, saying 「If something happens, please run immediately, I will be waiting just behind the door . 」 to his master . Then, on the appointed day, the two people headed towards the tea party

 .

***.

 .

「Welcome, to the Crimson Rose’s abode . 」.

 .

It seems to be one of Bianca’s followers . While being guided by the brunette girl, Leo tightly stiffened his lips

That is to say, the naming sense of 「Crimson Roses」 almost made Leo burst into laughter

 .

(Crimson Roses! Just roses are one thing, but Crimson Roses!).

 .

For a common folk like Leo, he thought that a narcissistic and extravagant name like that was something only tiny boys and girls would come up with . But thinking again, perhaps this was the standard in n.o.ble society, Leo wondered

While desperately keeping his mouth shut, Leo finally arrived at a room

 .

「Finally here? I grew tired of waiting, Leonora von Harkenberg . 」.

 .

While covered in an extravagant red dress, Bianca started laughing

As expected, even Leo could understand . This is the 「Crimson Rose’s Room . 」 that means Bianca is 「Crimson Rose-sama」 that’s why all of her followers wear red attire as well

Of course, today as well, Leo wore his thin Savarin dress

 .

「It’s…nice, to make…make…」.

 .

Leo had decided to try to use a n.o.ble’s greeting as he was trying, Leena’s curse kicked in and tried to correct him, thus taking the words away from him

Somehow, it feels like a tongue twister

 .

「My! What an original greeting!」.

「Don’t tease, Margaret . Perhaps it is popular in the lower city . 」.

 .

The entourage started to sneer,.

but at that moment

 .

「Cease . 」.

 .

With a single word of Bianca’s resounding voice, they became silent in an instant

Leo was guided to a table next to the fireplace . Seeing the free food, Leo obediently followed and was sat across from Bianca facing her . Sitting among them in a big round table was her five followers

It feels like I’m being prosecuted

 .

「Now then, do you know who I am?」.

「Yes, Biancsama . 」.

 .

Bianca seemed to have become more relaxed after he answered, because of that Leo also calmed down

The blond girl also had an expression on her face that seemed to say 「That’s right . 」.

 .

「I dislike doing things in a roundabout way . That’s why I’ll say it plainly . First-year student, Leonora von Harkenberg . Won’t you join my group, the Crimson Rose Club?」.

「Crimson Rose Club . 」.

 .

After saying the name, Leo controlled himself as he felt the sudden urge to laugh grow

 .

「Ah, don’t be so stiff . Everything until now was just my friends being a little impatient in approaching you . If you join me today, I will arrange it so it’s all in the past . 」.

 .

That means, there will be no more charity? Leo uttered a puzzle 「huh?」.

 .

「Fufu, you don’t know the reason? Then, I shall tell you . I have an interest in you, Leonora . 」.

 .

While making a bewitching smile with her young face, Bianca reached out her hand

 .

「That beautiful face, and tragic history, a girl who captures the attention of everyone . A while ago, at the welcoming party, you saw through Onii-sama’s disguise, didn’t you? I want to see if you are a suitable person for Onii-sama . 」.

 .

「Suitable for, Albert-sama? This is, a school . Why, see?」.

 .

He has just entered the school, why was he being grilled like someone being examined for marriage considerations . Leo was very confused

 .

「My, surely you don’t mean to say you don’t know? As someone directly affected by the Disaster of Flora!」.

 .

Slightly irritated, Bianca gave a summary

 .

After the 「Disaster of Flora」, the school underwent major disturbances . The emperor at the time came to a decision, that was to give the self-governance of the students even more support

Because the students had too much autonomy that the disaster was allowed to happen . But to support self-governance, the Harkenberg Marquis household rejected such a proposal . But the emperor insisted . This means both punishment and rewards will be carried out by the students without any half measures, seeking to replicate the state of the real world within the academy

When trouble strikes, the with the power of self-governance, they could rely on each other to uphold each other to the abide by the social position known as a student . No student’s actions would go unnoticed . This is the cage and protective fence that the emperor had decided to pick up – because even if you are a student, wicked actions cannot escape capital punishment

However, the king also increased the rewards of being in the school . If you showed excellent results, even if you are a student you can take part in the management of the empire, if you had the disposition of a queen, even if you are a student you can become betrothed to the royal family

The plan succeeds, the school purged its greenhouse-like manner of doing things from within, and it became a part of the real world . Meaning, proper governance, organizations, and even imperial harems have been formed

 .

「That means, the most of the students that enter here – no all of the students that enter here aim to be prospective future officials of the empire or prince consorts, in other words . But that’s why, I personally examine the sprouting students to raise the good ones and cut out the bad ones from its roots . 」.

 .

Leo thought 「Oh, is that so」 to himself as he sipped his black tea . The cat that was born three houses down had three different colors of fur, was about the level of interest that Leo held to that story

 .

「…What, what’s with that response . Have you been listening to me at all? If you have something you want to say, say it . 」.

 .

Leo who had particularly nothing to say was troubled

 .

「Uhm . 」.

「What . 」.

「Perfume, smells nice, doesn’t it?」.

 .

After all, this has been bugging him for a while

As expected of imperial princess Bianca, she has very elegant perfume . The thick aroma has a scent of sweetness to it, it might be compatible with the potpourri I’ve been making

 .

(If you scent a cloth with this perfume, it will definitely make the potpourri more fragrant, and the price will rise for it as well . ).

 .

As expected, Leo who was raised by Hannah orphanage’s director and female staff has a sense for feminine things

Being interrupted, yet being praised, left Bianca in a state of confusion

 .

「W…What! Right now I’m asking you about whether or not you will join my Crimson Rose Club!」.

「Ah, won’t join . 」.

 .

Leo quickly refused

 .

「Crimson Rose, interests, not suitable . 」.

「Wha…!」.

「How incredibly rude!」.

 .

Bianca and her entourage were simultaneously enraged

Particularly Bianca, who had never been refused even once up until now

From how much of a pariah she was until now, she still says she won’t join?!.

Driven by strong resentment, Bianca grabbed her nearby bottle of perfume

 .

「This insolence! You said you like my perfume? I’ll give it to you so why don’t you learn your place!」.

 .

*Crack*.

 .

With the sound of thin gla.s.s cracking, a strong aroma arises . The bottle had hit the cuff of the girl’s dress and the liquid profusely absorbed into the lower half of her body

 .

「Ah…」.

 .

Suddenly coming back to her sense, Bianca turned pale . She didn’t plan to go this far

However, it was already too late, as the scent of the perfume grew, so did her anguish . Even the girl before her looked upon her wet dress in shock

 .

「Ah, Leonora…」.

 .

Even though she knows she went too far, the words of apology would not come out . Bianca cursed her own pride

 .

「Biancsama」.

 .

However, soon the girl lifted her face, and her expression was an unfazed smile

 .

「Thank you very much . 」.

「Eh…?」.

「Grat.i.tude, I did not get to say yet . For the flowers, needles, cloth, to receive so much, I’m happy . 」.

 .

However, feeling a sense of nausea in the lump of her throat, the girl twisted her face

 .

「Please, excuse me . 」.

 .

In the corner of her beautiful eye, floated a single tear, to which Bianca clearly saw

 .

「Ah…」.

 .

While dumbfounded they could only watch as she left, soon they heard the utterance of someone’s voice from across the door . It must be that tidy servant named Kai

No one could raise their voice at all, they could only stand shocked until the resounding sound of the door opening caught their attention

 .

「Pardon my intrusion . 」.

 .

As expected the one who appeared from the door was an Almond eye colored servant, who’s expression quickly floated with rage

 .

「I…Insolent . Just where do you think you are . 」.

 .

Being glared at by the well-ordered youth, Bianca wavered for a second but quickly her dignity as the first imperial princess managed to allow her to rebuke . However, Kai did not lose in spirit in the slightest

 .

「Pardon my manners but, just who is being rude here . 」.

「What are you…」.

「Sending funeral flowers to my young master who blames herself for her mother’s death, hiding needles in here shoes, tearing up spirit cloth . Oh, and staining the marchioness-sama’s Savarin dress with perfume . Did you enjoy yourselves? Speaking ill of my inarticulate master? Saying you want to support this strife-less academy that seeks to avoid a tragedy like that of Claudisama, while pus.h.i.+ng your desires upon others, you must feel very proud of yourself . 」.

 .

Bianca was taken aback . Denying the invitation to the Crimson Rose Club, she did not even think it was possible

No, she herself had just been rejecting that possibility

 .

She should have noticed . The Disaster of Flora that shook the empire was just another faction dispute . Leonora is the daughter of the victim of that dispute . When she said 「Won’t join」 it was not a rejection of Bianca’s Crimson Rose, but a refusal to join another faction dispute, that’s what she meant when she said it was not in her interest

Kai piled on further words

 .

「In addition to having lost Claudisama so early, Leonorsama had live without any care or protection in the lower city . For what reason can she not speak her native tongue, the Weiz language, can you understand? Just why, while living in the sunlight basked lower city, is her skin so pale, can you understand why? That is…」.

 .

His beautiful clear almond eyes softly became misty

 .

「Because of cruel adults, who were captivated by Leonorsama’s beauty and deprived her of her freedom without allowing her any education!」.

 .

Wrong!.

But unfortunately, the person who could retort with the truth was not in this place

 .

「Even in spite of such a childhood, towards Leonorsama who holds such an honest heart, Biancsama . Your friends sending her flowers, even needles, she happily received them . It was the first time she had ever been given things like this . 」.

 .

Towards that bravery – and that tragedy, anyone would have their breath taken away

Bianca recalled the speech of the girl from a while ago, and tightly bit her lip

 .

「I…what have I done…」.

 .

In the stifling silence, Bianca’s words of regret echoed through the surroundings

 .

As for Kai,.

 .

「Please pardon me, for my casual tone . 」.

 .

With a polite bow, Kai turned around

While thinking about how to comfort his master, who was crying alone in her room