A Wallflower (Kingdom of Anthos)

Chapter 6: Possibilities

The lessons ended for the day and after lunch, we were allowed to have our free time. Since we have yet to do anything that interests us, we have asked Crysantha if she is willing to show her ongoing experiments and if she actually has one.

"That would be alright, but you will have to come to me at the back then, not that far don't worry just near the border of the property" she explained and we have agreed. Saying goodbye to both Teacher Mikado and Uncle who are both busy having a debate on what is the best flavor of tea in the morning; currently, Teacher Mikado is explaining the medical properties of earl grey tea. We left the house through the back door and proceeded to walk a small pathway while following Crysantha.

"This place is really nice, a big change from the Capital" Holly said while we were walking.

"Yes. Yes, it really is. I was a bit overwhelmed when I first arrived here, too silent and peaceful and no conspiring individuals except for Teacher" Crysantha said offhandedly as she walks. "We are actually near already if you can see a small clearing in the front that is where we are going"

Holly, Ash and I looked at each other. ‘conspiring individual?’ Ash mouthed to us. I think? I am not really good at lip-reading. We just shrugged at him as an answer and continued on following Crysantha.

We arrive in a small clearing after a few minutes. The clearing has small stumps of wood and big rocks good for sitting or lying down. A natural picnic area. Above the biggest rock as if a table is a big cloth laid out with what looks like some things are being dried atop it. Observing the place, I realized that it can be seen from the house if one will stay on the right side of the back porch.

Looking around for any other notable things, our eyes have gone back to the cloth and its contents. "So, what are those?" Ash asked.

"You may look if you want," Crysantha said and we followed her to where the cloth is.

Upon observing the cloth is actually a really big cheesecloth. Atop it where numerous dried berry-like fruit and upon closer inspection I recognized it.

"Are those coffee cherries?" I asked

Looking surprised at my question Crysantha asked, "You know of coffee cherries?"

Oh, now that I think about it, all hot beverage here is only composed of tea and milk, there is no coffee in this place yet. Thinking of a not really lie I replied, "I might have read it somewhere, I just thought it look like coffee cherries, am I right?" I can’t really say that my knowledge is from another world.

"Well yes, I forgot you did enter the Royal Academy" Crysantha answered. I felt relieved that she accepted my answer.

"Um, what are coffee cherries, they look like ordinary cherries to me," Ash asked.

"If you look closely, these look paler and of a different size than a normal cherry," Holly said to Ash

"Excuse me for not knowing such things," Ash said pouting a bit.

"Well, to answer your questions, coffee cherries are a plant where you can harvest coffee beans" Crysantha explained. "Coffee is a popular drink in Thale but the recipe is unknown here in La Tierra"

"Coffee?" Holly asked.

"Yes, I only read it in one of the books about Empire I mean Continent Thale. They even have a drawn picture of the plant, but the process of making coffee is not written. There were really good praises for coffee in that book and its effects on people. I have searched through countless books but there was no mention of the process of making it, so I have decided to try an experiment on how coffee is made and what is so good about coffee" Crysantha said.

"What is so good about coffee?" Ash asked wondering.

"Its effect is a bit like tea. It makes people energized, awake and alert. Both are also good for anti-oxidants. But if tea is for relaxation, coffee is for reenergizing, usually used by working people to stay energized for the day." I answered automatically. They all looked at me as if I have a second head. Oops, I forgot, Coffee vs.Tea is always a good debate topic during my health class in high school days. The winner is Tea because my Teacher is a tea person, and I am a coffee person so I never accepted it.

"Yes, you are right about that. That is why I am curious how Em-Continent Thale can say such things, but not share the recipe" Crysantha explains with a bit of a pout.

"Oh~ Now I am curious. But Miss Crysantha does that supposed to mean there is a coffee plant here?" Ash asked with a gleam in his eyes.

"Well, yes, there are many in the forest a bit farther from the river on the west side. Teacher and I found it from one of our explorations disguised as lessons, I did not even realize that it is a coffee plant, Teacher was the one to confirm that it is a coffee plant"

"So, how are you going to make coffee from those?" Holly asked

"Well, I am basing the process with how tea is made with a few changes and a hint from Teacher. Currently, I am still doing it via trial and error with no success. It has been a fail for months, and I am hoping that I can get this batch right." Crysantha explained with an exasperated look, probably because of Teacher.

"If they are spread out like this, does that mean you are drying them?" Holly asked while picking one of the dried berries.

“Wait, does that supposed to mean Teacher knows the process?” Ash asked almost at the same time as Holly.

"Well, yes I believe Teacher knows but he will not share because this is my project,” Crysantha said answering Ash question while walking on were Holly is. Taking one of the dried berries she answered Holly, “And yes, I am drying them. Drying them from the sun is the best way for the pulp and seed to be easily separated, as I discovered from my first batch. I usually do this for a week or two depending on the weather. Afterward, I grind it using a stone grinder form the kitchen but the taste and smell is not the same taste and smells that were described so I think it was a failure. I think I am missing something”

Yes, you are missing the roasting part but how can I suggest that. Having an idea, I picked one of the dried berries and tried to separate the bean and pulp and said "Have you tried heating or roasting it in the oven before grinding? I have read from a book that the bean and the drink are supposed to be colored dark brown, this seed is a bit green like" I said while showing the bean that I have separated with the pulp.

Crysantha looked at me surprised then suddenly "Why didn't I think of that?! It should be dark brown, bitter taste and have a good aroma. Extreme heat is needed to get those.” She listed. “Thank you, Camellia!" She suddenly grasps my hands her eyes shining. With that image, I can perfectly see her thirst for knowledge and why she perfectly fits the Guild of Discovery.

"It is not a problem, should we help you in separating the pulp and beans? I believe this is all ready to be separated" I suggested awkwardly. Crysantha’s change in moods is hard to follow sometimes it is probably due to Teacher.

The separation of pulp to the bean is a really tedious task and my hands and fingers are aching a bit. By about three in the afternoon and between the four of us we were able to finish a small batch about the size of a small pail. Taking a rest for a bit to stretch we followed Crysantha back to the house more specifically to the kitchen. After asking for a tray from the maids, and also asking for permission to use the oven, Crysantha excitedly tried to roast it by smaller batch in the oven.

Since this is the first time for doing the roasting process, errors are expected, as such the first batch was under roasted and the second batch, on the other hand, was over-roasted. It took me a hard time of restraint not to blurt out the appropriate time for roasting, because I am a woman who does not like to waste materials especially if it is about coffee. One good thing about the failures is that because of the numerous roasting batches the smell in the kitchen is divine. Coffee how I miss you, and soon I will finally taste you again~

After another batch of under roasted, we finally had a breakthrough. The fourth batch finally looks passable. Ash volunteered to grind the beans for us, while we roast more batches, we meaning Crysantha and Holly, while I do the laying the beans to tray parts. The grinding process did have mishaps of being not ground enough, but by the end of the day, we have successfully brewed two cups of coffee that we divided into four small half cups.

"Okay, one two three bottoms up," Ash said excitedly. By the count of three, we drank.

"Too Bitter!" Crysantha said and looked for a glass of water.

"I actually like it, but I think there is something missing," Holly said contemplating her small coffee cup.

"No! Burn! Water, please! I think I will need sugar cubes for this" Ash said, he did drink the coffee bottoms up, really foolish because we all know that it is hot. Well, I did expect Ash’s reaction because as I remember he have more of a sweet tooth than Holly and I. When he finished drinking the water that Crysantha handed to him he asked "Princess, no reaction at all?"

I can't really react since I like my coffee black. This is not the same quality as I was used to, but it can be a good substitute until I can guide Crysantha on the best way to brew a coffee. "Well, I like it~" And well coffee is mostly an acquired taste as far as what people say back in my world.

Crysantha is all for brewing another batch but I stopped and reasoned with her, reminding that it is already nearing night time and we don't want to spoil our dinner and be too energized to not be able to sleep. Holly reminded her also that we have to get up earlier than normal because Teacher said that the next lesson will start by seven in the morning and eat only light breakfast and wear work clothes preferable trousers or breeches where we can easily move. It makes one wonder what we are going to do.

By the next day we woke up bright and early and Ash looks like he had an unplanned all-nighter, he clearly still needs to sleep more.

When prompted why he looks like that he mumbled "I was too energized last night and only slept about late midnight. And I woke up really, really early and unable to go back to sleep" Yawning afterward as if to prove a point.

"Really? Can you describe more about it?" Crysantha suddenly appeared beside him. Eyes alight for new information regarding coffee effects. Holly and I left them to their own and proceeded to go downstairs and break our fast.

0o0

"Good Morning, nice weather isn't it?" Teacher greeted us. We are now standing in front of him and Uncle. We are wearing work clothes or more likely male work clothes. Holly was a bit scandalized when Crysantha said that we should wear soft trousers-female versions for the lesson today. ("Early lessons mean, physical training, I have spares here if you like," she said). It is not really forbidden but it is mostly discouraged for a lady of my station. Most things have to be done while wearing a dress even horse-back riding. We can wear bloomers if needed but it is kind of unflattering to a lady and not really recommended. Now wearing trousers, I suddenly realized I did miss wearing this kind of clothes and of course to move freely without layers of skirt.

This morning we are situated in a big area or clearing near the house not that far from Crysantha’s drying area. This area is clearly usually used for training exercises.

"Yes it is nice" Ash greeted with a yawn.

"Well~ it is nice that one student agrees with me, even if he does not share the same enthusiasm" Teacher said looking teasingly with Ash who has the decency to be embarrassed a bit. "Lesson for today is physical training, one should know exercise and self-defense, but we will be focusing on swords. Now I have asked Gulzar here to help us with this lesson. I do know ladies are not really expected to learn this but I will ask the three of you to at least try. Now, who has training?"

"Basic sword and knife" Crysantha answered wryly.

"Basic sword but it was already a long time" I answered. Teacher really does not follow a set lesson plan.

"Not really basic but more like intermediate?" Holly hesitantly said.

"She's advanced with the knife, deadly even, all maidservants of Strelitzia House are trained" Ash answered for her. While Holly gave him a death glare for answering for her. “Well I am advanced in all kinds of swordsmanship and knife handling it comes with the job"

"Alright! Since we know now each other's abilities kind of, let us start with stretching first" Teacher said.

The lesson is like a Physical Education class in normal schools in my original world, but with a focus on handling a sword and katas for it. We actually focused more on katas.  It was tiring, the wooden sword is heavier than what I am used to and I am out of shape, more like Camellia’s body does not really have the stamina for sword fighting. Lessons continued as normal, as to how training with swords went but ended with Uncle and Ash having a spar.

"They really are good aren't they?" Crysantha asked. We are sitting in a shade watching both Ash and Uncle Gulzar train.

"Ah, yes. Ash and I believe Eus too was known to be geniuses in sword and strategy and have already been asked to either enter knighthood or military but have declined" Holly explained

"Really, why? And who is Eus?" Crysantha asked wondering.

"I believe it is to stay with milady, and Eus is one of the children like us that milady picked up before, he is currently in Strelitzia Territory," She said looking at me teasingly or as teasingly as Holly can be. I immediately blushed about that insinuation.

Changing the topic I asked a question that has been bugging me. "Ah, when did Crysantha start training? You look like you have been training for a long time already"

"Well, I have been training since I was a child. As the eldest but was born female I was always been treated differently than my brothers, so sometimes I sneak out from our home to train. Disguising myself as a boy and asking for training from others, that is how Teacher found me a year ago, granted with puberty I can’t really pass as the opposite gender anymore. I also do believe that Mister Gulzar have trained me before when I was still a child mistaking me for a boy"

"Eh? Really?" I said. Crysantha must have been a really good looking boy then.

"Surprising isn't it?" Crysantha said smugly.

"Yes, does that supposed to mean, Miss Crysantha have siblings? And what did they say about your apprenticeship?" Holly asked curiously.

"Yes, I do. I have two younger brothers, we are all close but due to some circumstances and limitations I am closer to the youngest.” She explained with a smile but turned bitter with the following statement of “And no permission is really needed for the apprenticeship. My mother died when I was still young, my father as much as he wants to care he cannot and my stepmother is all too happy to not see me at all, it is not like we really see each other. The feeling is mutual though. My grandmother is the one to whom I asked permission out of courtesy, she did not really want to but she eventually agreed when it was Teacher who has talked to her. How about you, someone from your station should not really be knowing swordplay"

Knowing the change of topic I answered "Well I asked and argued about it I believe. I was still young so I do not really remember much of it"

"Really? Who trained you? The way you hold your sword and your stances are really different"

"Different? How? I might not have done the kata for that for a long time but didn't think it was different" I said confusedly. ‘Did I do something different today?’

“Kata?” Crysantha asked testing the word and clearly confused.

With that question, I forgot that the term they use is different. ‘Oops. Why did I revert to calling it kata?”

“Milady always calls the series of movements and stances as kata,” Holly answered for me, but why do Camellia call it kata though.

“Really? Why? What language is that?” Crysantha asked excitedly clearly happy with new knowledge.

"It’s a language of Empire Sora. Katas are the equivalent of stances in kenjutsu. Camellia dear also holds her sword in a way like in kenjutsu" Teacher suddenly spoke from behind us.

"Kyah! Teacher!" the three of us said more like screamed. We did not expect him and clearly surprised by his sudden appearance.

"He he~ Camellia dear, when did you learn kenjutsu?" Teacher suddenly asked. I did not know how to answer. My body was automatic with those stances since I have trained in kendo since I was still a child in my original world, so how to explain how Camellia knew kendo. While trying to think a fast and believable excuse while smiling awkwardly, Uncle interrupted us.

"Who knows? I tried to teach Camellia the right stances but she always argued that those are more comfortable and she likes it better. Well~she is more efficient in using those so I did not stop her" Uncle said while both he and Ash were walking to our area. It looks like the spar is already done.

But I am now confused, the original Camellia really knows kendo? How? Trying to find such information from Camellia's memories (which I don’t really make an effort much) but I came up blank or more like a wall. Weird.

"Teacher, what is kenjutsu?" Holly asked

"Kenjustu is the art of sword mainly used in Empire Sora more specifically in Kingdom Taiyo. It is the same and not with Empire La Tierra’s sword art. It focuses more on the discipline and inner strength of a person. Swords used for kenjutsu are also different from the words we use, the shape, the guard and weight." Teacher explained. Suddenly changing the topic he said "But really watching Gulzar and Ash spar, Gulzar really inherited his father genius with the sword"

"Not really," Uncle said sheepishly scratching his head. "The real one who inherited it is the daughter"

"Eh?! Mother?" I said surprised. Both Holly and Ash look shocked too. Mother the picture-perfect lady of Anthos knows how to handle a sword? And is it good at it?

"Well yes. Why do you think your father agreed easily with me training you? Amy can actually beat me in a spar before and a tie now I think although it has been a really really long time since we sparred anyway. Although I am sure that Edel always loses to her and Brother [Duke Varte] usually can get a win from time to time. It is not really well known though, only family and those who lost to her." Ah yes if that is the case it will really remain a secret, no man will admit that he was beaten by a woman in swords. But to win against both Uncle Varte and Uncle Gulzar, I suddenly want to see it in action.

"Surprising and not at the same time, right?" Teacher said. "Your family sure is full of talents and mystery"

0o0

More than three months have passed and we settled by that time in a semi-routine, as much as a routine one can be when it comes to Teacher Mikado. Teacher Mikado is not that strict but he does expect you to research his lessons when needed and answer his questions once asked. Lessons continued but always varies on what time and topic, time mostly gets decided a day before. Lessons can be in the morning or in the afternoon or none at all. No lessons usually happen when Teacher Mikado plans to go out to the main town of Auricu or go to Offici with Vi and Crysantha. We do go out to town too, but we usually do it during the weekends and especially when there are festivities to unwind sometimes we meet Uncle there from time to time.

And yes, we finally were able to meet the mystery person who resides with us in the house. I did wonder before when we first arrived why seven rooms where occupied but there were only six of us that I know was present.

The last occupant is Miss Vi, and she is one mysterious lady. I still do not understand her relationship nor her duties with Teacher Mikado and Crysantha, but her introduction to us was a sort of memorable moment. We met here a week after our first arrival, it was actually during a weekend and we have no lessons when a carriage of modest decorations arrived at the house. Naturally, Ash, Holly, and I are curious and wondering who would be visiting us.

“A carriage? Who is visiting at this hour?” Holly asked when we heard the clear sound of horses and a carriage. It is already mid-afternoon, guests do not usually arrive at this time in this area.

“No idea? Want to look?”Ash asked with a grin. “We are not doing anything anyway”

“Lets,” I said, well I am bored and we were only seating around in the back porch since Crysantha is currently hiding in her rooms and Teacher is wherever he is. “But let us wait when they entered the foyer”

When we clearly heard the guest entering, we silently walked to the foyer to sate our curiosity and of course as expected Ash is leading us for protection and for being the most mischievous one. Upon seeing the foyer I realized that the guest is not really a guest though.

“Ah. Camellia!” a strong voice greeted me. It was Ranu, our cousin and the Heir of Duke Jessamine. ‘But what is he doing here?’ Ranu is a young man a bit of two years older than me with a head of black hair and grey eyes clearly inherited from his Father and Grandfather.

“Ranu cousin. How are you?” I answered as he took my hand and kissed it. We might be cousins but we cannot really hug each other and the like because both of us are still unmarried. Talk about too many restrictions.

“I am alright of course, I should be asking you that,” He said smiling “And hello to both of you Holly and Ash” He greeted and both received a courtesy bow from them. “I actually just accompanied this young lady here,” He said gesturing to the lady that is currently just finishing her talk with one of the maids.

The young lady in question is a pretty lady that looks like in the same age as Ranu with golden blonde hair and dark blue eyes. Her face does not look familiar though. When she noticed us she asked “Ahmmm. You know each other?” and she gave us a smile and a courtesy bow.

“Yes. She is my cousin.” Ranu answered smiling gesturing at us.

“Ah. Vi~ you are back, how is the Capital?” Teacher Mikado suddenly appeared and asked the lady “And of course Lord Ranu greetings.”

“Yes I am back Teacher” the lady I mean Miss Vi answered bewildered then immediately turned her eyes to Ranu with her face rapidly gaining a healthy shade of red “Wait! Lord Ranu? As in Lord Ranu the Duke’s son?! You said your name is Jett!”

“Ah. I apologize milady did I forgot to mention my full name? Then I am Ranunculus Jett of Jessamine” Ranu asked. Okay, I don’t really get what is going on here.

“Ahmmm. Excuse me for asking but what is really going on?” Trust Ash to ask aloud the question in everyone’s mind and to interrupt the starting drama in front of us.

“Ah, Yes let me introduce you. This young lady here is Vi, one of her duties is to act as my assistant for paper works. I send her to the Royal Capital or sometimes in Offici from time to time to send, relay and pick up some documents.” Teacher introduced us. “Vi, this lady here is Camellia the lady I have mentioned before, and Holly and Ash. They are my new students.”

“Nice to meet you. Please take care of us” I said but since I am curious I followed it up with a question. “But I wonder why is Miss Vi surprised about Ranu? Didn’t you arrive together?”

With a chuckle, Ranu explained “It is because I did not introduce myself properly, I believe. I only helped Miss Vi here and accompanied her to her destination as an apology”

It turned out that Ranu has accidentally made Miss Vi unable to travel back here in Auricu. The carriage she was supposed to use was met with an accident with the fault of Ranu. They had a heated argument (they tried to downplay it but with Miss Vi’s reddening cheeks it is kind of implied) As an apology Ranu has decided to accompany Miss Vi back here, however, he, of course, neglected to inform her about his real identity. Throughout the tea in which we all partake (including Crysantha) to socialize, Miss Vi was unable to look at Ranu in the eyes or well in his general area, while Ranu looks too amused. Hmmm, I feel like there is something more in the story they are not telling us, I’m curious.

Since it was already dusk outside, Ranu has spent the night with us with minimal convincing and used the room that was usually intended for his Father’s use, he left first thing in the morning the next day though.

Miss Vi’s real identity and duties are unknown, but Teacher Mikado and Crysantha trusted her. Her mystery is the same as Crysantha because even if Miss Vi acts with Crysantha and Teacher like how Holly acts with me, although more toned down, she clearly is someone raised in higher society. It is hard to explain but I think I have developed a sixth sense for this.

0o0

 After months since our arrival and the introduction with Miss Vi, we were expected to have our own projects like Crysantha. One time when Teacher Mikado taught an exercise that can be compared to the yoga and pilates from my original world, the three of us girls, mostly Crysantha and I, but I did drag Holly with us, started to have this exercise every morning for every four days and a rest day to let our body rest. Ash has opted out saying that he is not that flexible for that kind of exercise and proceeded with his own training regimen.

Currently, all four of us have an ongoing project. Crysantha is currently looking for improvements on her coffee and trying to fuse scents from flowers to tea or make tea from flowers themselves. She did make a successful jasmine tea and she is still trying to improve the taste and aroma. Holly, on the other hand, has found her niche. She is learning designing clothes and accessories, but mostly in learning to improve the fabrics and their designs, the feel and the colors. She did love sewing and making clothes and some of mine are made and designed by her. In this world or in Empire La Tierra, clothes are mostly made from cotton and wool, however, there is no silk yet in circulation. I really wish she can discover silk the soonest so that I may subtly guide her to other types of fabrics that need silk, especially since this Kingdom or the whole Empire itself is very fond of gowns and dresses. Silk can make a good business and a great investment.

Ash, on the other hand, have discovered the martial arts and the like. He is technically researching on how to incorporate such arts in his current fighting style and discipline. Mostly stealth, I think he loved the idea of ninjas from one of Teacher's book of Empire Sora. A really long way to go for him, but I think he really likes the project so he will persevere. When experimenting, he does usually need Teacher to supervise in order not to get into accidents. Teacher might not look like it but he is really proficient in martial arts and swords. And yes, we were suitably surprised when we saw the extent of what he can do regarding that subject.

Lastly, for me, I am currently reinventing a necessity for all girls who love their hair, the shampoo and conditioner. For the past months I have resigned myself in using only soap for my hair, the problem? Camellia has such beautiful long red locks that are styled naturally with curls and waves. I get frizz usually, especially if the weather is humid than usual. It has always been a trying experience to brush and style my hair by myself and always ended up accepting Holly’s help (“Taking care of you is what I do milady”). With this past month, I have successfully reinvented shampoo bars and conditioner but not at the same quality as I was used to. Improvement is a must. Both of my semi-successful projects were met with great enthusiasm from Holly, Crysantha, Vi and the other maids. In exchange for being the guinea pigs I usually gave them the items free of charge or at a very low price. Currently aside from improving the shampoo and conditioner, I am also improving this world's version of lotion and face cream, and really hoping for success because dry skin is pretty common in this place and moisturizer is a must.

Our projects are all difficult, however, mine and Holly are the hardest. We have to import and buy more than half of our raw materials, most of them are not found in our immediate area unlike Crysantha’s and Ash’s (he does not really incur a cost at all except for muscle pain and scratches). We have contracted a merchant (with Ranu’s help much to Miss Vi’s frustration) who have contracts all over the kingdom [Gno Merchants] where we can get our raw materials. We usually place our order in one of their merchant stalls in Auricu and we pick up the items once a message has been sent to us or sent through Miss Vi whenever she goes to the town, Offici or the Capital.

0o0

Today marks the official third month of being here in Auricu and three and a half months of waking up and living as Camellia. For this day, Teacher is out to the town again and he brought with him, Miss Vi. With the sort of unplanned free time, the four of us decided to focus on our individual projects.

I, unfortunately, are unable to focus and a bit frustrated because I cannot seem to incorporate the increase of moisturizing quality on my reinvented face cream. Granted I have not earned specific training for this kind of thing from my original world, but still, it is frustrating. Due to my increasing stress and frustration, I have been forced by Holly to take the rest of the day off and relax, take a walk outside for fresh air and kind of reset my views or look at it from a different angle. I, of course, heeded that suggestion because a determined Holly with that glint in her eyes is not easy to shake off. However, I did put my foot down when she suggested to accompany me, reminding her that she promised to be a taste tester for Crysantha's newest tea recipe; fruit infused tea.

Walking a bit further to the forest but still near the border, I have conceded and admitted that Holly has the best idea. Nature can really calm one's nerves and good distressing medicine. Walking and humming an old tune of a lullaby I cannot remember anymore a strong gust of wind hit me and it left taking my light scarf with it.

"Ah! Wait!" I said feeling a bit silly for talking to the wind but continued to follow it nonetheless. The wind and my scarf are leaving me behind and dancing in the air as if to mock me.

Pouting I asked myself "Why did I decide to just drape it loosely in my neck as opposed to making a loose knot? And why did I even decide to have my hair in a bun today?" The scarf is still flying away and when I blinked for a second I cannot see it anymore.

"Mou~ that was Holly's prototype with chiffon fabric" sighing to myself "Looks like I'll just explain it to Holly I know she will understand, lest I get lost in the forest looking for it"

When I finished saying this, I nodded to myself, turned around and going back to the house in mind. However, I suddenly noticed one detail, I do not recognize the area where I am now. I have jinxed myself and now I am lost.

"You did it this time dear Me, you are an i***t," I told myself. A bit worried but trying to calm down, I walked a bit in the direction I think where I came from hoping that I am right.

Whoosh

"What was that? Could somebody or something is near?" I asked myself a bit worried, we might be not that near but we are still near the border to Kraut. The sound is more like an object tearing the wind.

Whoosh

Carefully listening to any other sounds, I said to myself "Okay, let's follow it then" and walked to where I think is the source of that noise, praying that whatever or whoever it is, is not that dangerous and can lead me back to the house. I can already imagine Holly's reaction to this.

The sound led me to a small clearing (which this forest is kind of abundant of), as I approach slowly and silently, I heard and saw Ash training in the middle of it. Watching him with the background of leaves and sunlight I was amazed, it is as if nature is highlighting his fluid movements, his movements are art.

"Is that you Princess?" He suddenly asked surprising me with a jolt. He did not stop however nor face me.

"My! How did you know it was me? Could it be… Ash really have eyes behind his head as Eus always say?" I said teasingly and awkwardly still surprised. ‘Damn my nerves, calm down’

Finally facing me, he stopped his training smiles and walked near where I am still rooted, taking the towel atop the rock that was beside me wiping his face. ('I did not see that rock earlier') "Surprised Princess? This is one of the results of my training before and I am currently trying to improve it with those ninja-style senses"

"You trained yourself to have eyes in the back of your head literally? Eh? Is that even possible?" I teased him.

"Haha! Princess you are learning the art of humor now eh, I am immensely proud" He said grinning at me. "I actually meant that I trained to be ready and more alert. I have learned and improving continually on recognizing once presence, footsteps, and intent, to better determine a friend to a foe"

Putting my hands together as if clapping I said "Wow. That is brilliant! Does that supposed to mean you can recognize my steps?"

"Well yes, Princess actually has a distinctive step sort of. Princess always prefers to have her heels hold her body weight when you walk and it is more to the right than in left. Also, the sound of your skirts gives you away. The sound of those cloths rubbing at each other, it is either you and Miss Crysantha"

Amazed I clapped again and said "Wow you really have keen ears Ash"

"So, Princess, I always train in this area, but this is the first time I saw you here," Ash asked me to complete with a raised eyebrow. How can this guy do that eyebrow thing better than me?

"Ah Well~ I was a bit frustrated earlier with my project so Holly suggested more like forced me to take a rest and have a walk in the fresh air" I explained.

Nodding his head he said, "Hmm, she is not with you?"

"Well, I might have forced her not to come. I did intend to just be near the border anyway" I said sheepishly shifting my weight left to right and vice versa.

Ash only looked at me with a knowing smile and chuckled to himself.  "So, why is the Princess beyond the borders then?"

"Well. The wind took my scarf earlier so I followed it" I said seriously.

A moment of silence for a second the Ash laughed "Only you Princess, only you"

"Hmmph, it is not really my fault you know, blame the wind. And that was Holly's prototype" I said pouting face reddening from embarrassment.

"Okay, Okay. So, where did the wind take your scarf then? I'll help you look for it" he asked pacifying me.

"Well," I said then looked around. "I came from this direction I think so probably it was in this direction?" I said pointing to our general right area.

"Is that a question Princess?” he asked teasingly “Alright. Let's try this area then. Fortunately, this area is not that dangerous. We are still a bit farther from the main border of Jessamine" He said and urging me to walk while guiding me to the direction I pointed at.

We started to walk past the trees and more trees, Ash ready to assist me in case I trip from the roots and the like. As we walk, we also chatted about many things that these past months have given us and also speculating of possible happening right now in the Capital. It has always been a relaxing experience talking with Ash. When we are nearing at a bit of another small clearing, I saw my scarf dangling in one of the lower branches of a tree. There was a small mound of hard dirt and rocks that I can use as a really high footboard. Excitedly I ran past Ash and into the mound.

"Princess please slow down I'll get-Princess! Step down that is dangerous!" Ash almost shouting. I was tip-toeing from the mound to reach the scarf.

"It is alright, see I got it," I said while clutching the fabric in my hand. When I was trying to balance myself back and ready to get down I heard more than felt the mound to have cracks and collapse. I know what that means. I am going to fall to the ground. ‘s**t!’

"Ahh!"

"Princess!"

Closing my eyes bracing for the pain of face planting to the ground, my body met not the ground but another body below me, warm and a bit hard with a few edges of half armor digging into me, but I can guarantee, it is softer than the ground.

"Ouch," Ash said a bit above me.

Ash saved me from falling, more like he used himself as a cushion, his arms a bit around my waist. We are both lying down near the collapsed mound. Me atop of him.

"Are you alright Princess?" Ash asked a bit above me.

I looked up suddenly realizing that by doing so, even in awkward angle our faces are inches apart. With a question in his eyes I suddenly realized that his eyes were a brilliant shade of forest green, I thought it was just green. And his hair is actually more of autumn brown than dark brown. Blushing hard, I tried to get up and slide down to the ground. My movements probably signaled Ash to let go of me and raise himself from the ground sitting up. Our position is still awkward, it looked like I was sitting in the ground between Ash's legs. I am actually small enough to fit for it not be that uncomfortable for Ash.

"Princess?" Ash called worriedly.

Facing him still blushing I said shyly "Y-Yes, I-I am alright"

"Princess really should be careful," He said hoisting himself up. When he got up something fell from him, a necklace.

"Ah, Ash your necklace-Ah!" I said trying to reach and pick up the fallen item I did get it but suddenly I felt my right ankle jolt with pain.

"Hmm? Did you sprain your ankle?" Ask asked concerned, squatting down to my sitting level and looking at my foot. Well foot area, he actually does not know which foot hurts.

"I think? The right one." I said sheepishly.

He just looks at me contemplating something and moving as if trying to do something. "Well I just have to carry you then"

"Huh? Wait! Ash!" But it fell to deaf ears. Ash lifted me up and carried me bridal style, he struggled a bit but was able to balance himself and carry me comfortably.

"Put me down!" I said trying to look at him above me. My face is really red like a tomato now especially when I realized how close are faces are again.

"No can do. If you try to walk, you'll make your sprain worse" He said while he started walking.

Keeping my head down so not to get distracted by his..ahmm good looking face I said "But I'm heavy, can't you just carry me piggyback style or something? This is embarrassing!"

"Holly will kill me if I do that, and let me remind you Princess you are wearing a skirt." He said with a tone as if reminiscing what Holly might have done to him before. "You are not that heavy anyway Princess"

I think I just suddenly realized or well my brain finally connected that Ash is a young man. To Camellia, Ash is a friend a childhood friend and never viewed her as a person of the opposite s*x and of romantic interest. He is just Ash who loves to tease and always made her laugh. But Camellia and I have merged and today feeling his warm and hard yet soft body against mine and face few inches apart, suddenly he is not just Ash. That he is not only a friend but a potential love interest. A possible lover.  ' Wait! What?! Backtrack. Why am I thinking about that? It is not like I am attracted to him, am I?' I think this one of the reasons why most young ladies in this place are not allowed to have to much skin contact with a young man not their intended. Raised to be naïve but suddenly thrust upon this situation. ‘Why am I even making a big deal about this? This is normal where I came from…sort of’

"Princess, are you hurt somewhere other than your foot?" Ash said interrupting my thoughts.

"Huh, only my foot why?" I said. My heart beating loudly, I am suddenly nervous more when I realized that I can feel his own heartbeat from my shoulder.

"You suddenly become quiet. It is not like you. Have you suddenly realized how dashing and good looking I can be?" He said jokingly and looking down at me.

"Eh?!" I said a bit speechless. I cannot really say that yes I found you really good looking right now. Thinking of a lie I said "N-not like that, I-I am just w-wondering what Holly will say, you know how she is"

Chuckling to himself "Well, we will both get a scolding that is for sure and speaking of her~"

"Milady!" I heard Holly's voice. Raising my head and looking around as much as I can, I realized we are back in the house border. Ash is already walking to the back porch, where Holly and Crysantha are, murmuring to himself "What am I chopped liver?" Holly immediately stood upon seeing us.

"What happened?" Holly asked the question is more directed to Ash.

"Princess tripped and sprained her ankle," Ash said omitting some of what really happened namely my idiocy and stubbornness. Once Ash has reached the back porch and climbs the steps he let me down to the porch bed.

"It is not that bad Holly. Don't worry" I said trying to calm Holly and for her not to overreact. But Holly immediately knelt down and removed my shoes gently, inspecting my sprain. Looking at it now uncovered, that swelling is not that big but it still looks painful and as if my brain and senses suddenly catching up, I can now feel how painful it really is.

"Woah, that looks nasty-Ooof Holly!" Ash said leaning down and also inspecting my foot. His comment earned a jab from the elbow to stomach from Holly.

"Milady needs to be careful, I will need to take the first aid kit and some ice for this" Holly said standing up. But before she can leave to procure the first aid kit. Crysantha interrupted.

"Here, let me do it," Crysantha said, holding the first aid kit and an ice bag. She probably took it while Holly was busy fussing over me.

"Eh?! But Miss Crysantha" Holly protested, as Crysantha took a small chair and sat down in front of me.

"It is alright. I do know how to treat sprain" She answered. "Ash move a bit will you, Holly give me that pillow and Camellia move backward a bit I need to elevate your ankle" We followed her instruction wordlessly with a bit of fidgeting in Holly's part.

She proceeded to clean a bit in the area of swelling and put the ice. It was painful and I hissed and almost kick her reflexively.

"Be still will you" she reprimanded but continued on icing my ankle.

"Sorry," I said sheepishly. As Crysantha is icing my ankle, Holly and Ash have started their usual friendly bickering.

Watching them I feel that they look like a couple, an old married couple as others may say. Now that I think about it, Ash usually teases Holly and Holly only reacts with Ash. Do they somewhat like each other? I don't know why I suddenly felt sad about that.

"You're too quiet, something on your mind?" Crysantha said interrupting my thoughts. She is already binding my sprain.

"Hmm, nothing I just realized something that's all," I said not really looking at her but still observing the other two. But when I did look at her, she gave me a knowing look.

Smirking to herself she said "Fine, I will not pry until I get you alone. There all done. You will need to have that foot elevated for two days, no unnecessary movement please"

"Alright. Thank you." I said smiling at her.

"Now tell me what is that thing in your hand, you have been clutching it since you arrive," Crysantha asked as she starts putting all the items she used back to the first aid kit.

"Hmm, this scarf?" I said holding the scarf to eye level.

Rolling her eyes as she stood up, she said. "No, the other hand"

Looking at my left hand and opening it with a bit of difficulty. "Ash, your necklace sorry I forgot," I said raising my hand to give it to him, interrupting another bickering from him and Holly.

"Thanks, Princess," He said as he took the necklace from me.

"What kind of pendant is that this is the first time I have seen such thing," Crysantha said looking at the necklace that Ash is currently dangling from his hand-eye level to both of them.

"Ah, this I had this since I was a found as per the Mothers at the orphanage before. They took the name and birthday engrave at the back as mine, see" Ash explained letting Crysantha inspect it.

The pendant is a small round like medallion about two inches in diameter and made of wood. In front of it is an image of a tree engraved and protected in front by some kind of clear covering and at the back of the pendant, the name Ash was engraved in cursive fancy calligraphy and the date of 1/21. The back of the pendant where colored gold before but now a bit faded. Ash always wear this necklace and rarely take it off, to him it is a sign that he did have a family before us.

"What kind of thing is this?" Crysantha said, asking about the clear covering. Trust Crysantha to be more interested in that than the drama of Ash’s possible family.

"It's resin" a voice suddenly said behind us. “More specifically synthetic resin”

"Kyah!" we all reacted except for Ash.

"Teacher!" Crysantha exclaimed intent on berating the older man for always sneaking upon us.

"Hello~ Hmm let me see that thing," He said before Crysantha can say anything and taking the necklace from her hand. ‘This man has really fast reflexes.’ "Hmm, this is made from the wood…an Ash tree possibly and by the image, it looks like the tree is also engraved, the covering is definitely clear synthetic resin. This is a rare one."

"A pendant made of Ashwood with Ash tree engraved for Ash? How narcissistic" Holly said teasingly to Ash. Ash just winked at her.

"Rare?" I asked. At the same time as Crysantha asked, “What is synthetic resin?”

"Well, it is rare here in Anthos. Synthetic resin is developed and patented by Albero, It is different from the usual resin that Anthos knows. Crysantha dear if you want to know read the book Resin and Albero. You may ask a copy when Vi will go to the Capital, it is a guide for Albero’s most successful trade product. Synthetic resin is mentioned there." he said giving back the necklace to Ash. "It is probably a family heirloom. The synthetic resin has been in Albero for a long time but they are only now opening the trade for it. If Ash has that necklace since childhood, Ash might be not a real Anthos citizen or he can be a half and that necklace was left to him because he cannot be acknowledged and the like.

“Eh?” our simultaneous reaction.

“Well. Who knows. Ash might be an Albero noble, especially since the tree engraved looks a bit like the coveted big Ash tree in Albero’s Royal Palace, and also the Kingdoms crest that all nobles are required to include in their own family crest. That Ash tree is the symbol of Albero I believe."

We were silent by that explanation, just looking at Teacher as if he had grown another head.

Sighing to himself because of our expressions "It is not that uncommon, by Ash’s age and by the date engraved, the three-way-war just finished and the three kingdoms are still recovering and distrustful with each other. After the three-way-war Albero has its own civil war. I do believe the Strelitzia Territory is in the border of Anthos and Albero right? But remember, that is just a possibility, not concrete. It is also possible that the pendant was just something that was picked from the ground or something." Teacher explained with his knowing smile. "By the way, by the looks of Camellia's sprain, we would have to delay our trip by two days"

"Trip?!" we all exclaimed. That is the only word that I have processed the others have yet to sink in.

"Well, yes. Our next lesson is all about governance and business, so in my infinite wisdom, I decided that we will conduct our lessons in the Grand Duke's territory because of our dear Camellia here. I do believe Camellia will hold the title Countess Reginae once of age. Right?" He said gesturing to me and I nodded even if I am not really sure about it. When he saw Crysantha he held up his hand as a stop sign before she can open her mouth to ask him. "And before you say anything I have already arranged it with Edel. We will have a three-day rest in the Capital. It is also the best time for you lot to visit and spend time with family and friends and also because I do have an appointment there for those three days~. Afterward, we will regroup and travel to the Strelitzia Territory. Questions? None? Ok~"

Teacher left not waiting for us to answer nor ask for clarification and made his way to the kitchen asking for a snack ("Vi~ I would like that tea and cakes in the sitting…thank you~") while leaving us in a daze and his message yet to sink in. Teacher is like a whirlwind most of the time. But by my understanding, looks like it is time to say goodbye to Jessamine.