Episode 55: A Sweet Fragrance
“Where did you obtain the ‘Vanilla’? Her Highness the Princess inquires, answer quickly!”
Ugh… crap… how do I answer this?
Uh… ah… what should I do?
Ah… what to do?
“I happened to acquire it.”
For now, I answered.
A reflexive lie.
Because there’s no time to hesitate.
Then, the Princess, hearing those words from her aide, replied:
“Oh? To be able to make that much soap, does that mean you possess a considerable amount? Are you cultivating it?”
So.
I was questioned again by the aide… this is a trap, I can tell that much.
I bet it’s something like, the cultivation method hasn’t been discovered, right?
…Ah, that’s right.
Damn it, I answered that I obtained it.
Ugh, I really suck at this kind of negotiation, it’s not for me.
Whatever, I’ll be in debt, but I’ll just pass it off…
“I got it from Marlene-san!!!!”
Then, the Princess smiled faintly.
“I see! You got it from Marlene-san! In that case, such a thing is possible. With Marlene-san’s magic, nothing is impossible.”
And then, one more word.
“In that case, I will ask Marlene-san directly! And not only that, I have another matter for Marlene-san.”
Oh, is that it?
The matter Marlene-san was talking about?
Marlene-san had said that originally, Marlene-san would appear here and confirm that I am a Magician.
As a result, Count Missgancia, who was hiding a mysterious and powerful Mage who did not obey the state, would have his honor damaged! Or so it was supposed to go.
Because Marlene-san is on the side of the establishment, even if it was the Aristocrat Faction’s doing, it would be better for the country to follow her words and assess me.
That’s why she was planning to assess me at this timing.
That “assessment”… if Marlene-san, who is neutral but has immense fame and a high position, judges me to be a Mage, it will become a “truth” that other factions will also accept.
Because the most trusted and accurate expert in this country is “assessing” me, well, it’s correct, right?
That’s the reason.
…But, reality doesn’t work that way.
I met with Marlene-san the other day, and as a result of negotiations, she decided to side with me.
Apparently, she had done something like “Divination” beforehand.
And then, the “Tower,” “Hanged Man,” “Devil,” “Moon,” and “Death” cards came out at the same time in the Tarot… in other words, a set of unfortunate omens (not happy) that clearly conveyed “you will definitely die” was the result.
To take countermeasures, we set up a meeting in an informal setting rather than a formal one… or so it was said.
…That was a great success as a result, and Marlene-san herself, I, and this country haven’t had any negative results, so Marlene-san is really amazing. She’s truly a legendary “Sage.” She’s much better than me, who’s just good at magic.
And a few minutes later, Marlene-san, appearing as planned, opened her mouth.
“I am afraid, Your Highness. He is related to my clan through marriage. This Marlene-san assures you, there is no danger.”
…Well, if she says this, the Princess will…
“Eh… eh? Eh?! I, is that so… Marlene-san’s… was he a member of your clan?”
“Yes. He is the one who will become the husband of my descendant, Margot-san.”
“Then, you were the one who gave him the Vanilla?”
“…Of course!!!!”
Ohh, as expected of the legendary man! She’s protecting me! I’m saved!
Ah… I’ve incurred a debt.
I’m going to be asked for something next time…
“Hahaha, I see. Marlene-san’s… you were doing some kind of Elf experiment and making Vanilla. If that’s the case, you should have reported it…”
“No, it’s still, that is, under experimentation. I cannot answer until the results are out…”
Marlene-san with a smile.
…Ah, no, looking closely from behind, her hands are sweating a lot! That Elf old man is quite cornered?!
Is she okay?! Do your best, seriously!!!
“But, the fact that you were able to mass-produce Vanilla-scented soap means that you’ve already made progress, haven’t you?”
“That’s right, but…”
Before Marlene-san could say anything, I spoke up.
“Marlene-dono, I apologize. Stable supply is not yet fully established, and I only sent the amount that was made for the time being… it seems there was a lack of communication.”
“Is that so, Andrews-kun! No, you don’t have to worry! The Royal Capital and Midford are far apart, there will be communication failures! …That’s why, Your Highness! It seems there was a lack of communication, and it seems that a certain amount of production has been successful.”
T, this should work…!
“…Is that so? I understand. Then finally, just one more thing.”
Is there still something else?!
Any more than this and I’ll start to show my true colors?!
“Vanilla is something we are trying to produce in this country, but it’s not going well. Even if we grow the seeds, they wither without producing seeds. Does Andrews-san know anything about that?”
Ah… I see.
Good, I know that.
“Bees.”
“Bees?” “What are bees? Her Highness asks.”
“In the land where Vanilla is found, there are specific types of bees, and those bees cross between different plants, which allows seeds to be produced.”
That’s right, this.
Vanilla is pollinated by bees carrying pollen, and the pollen-carrying bees rub their bodies against other plants to pollinate them… that’s the type of plant it is.
“So, I succeeded in creating seeds by inserting a cotton swab into the flower instead of a bee, and then inserting it into another plant. The success rate was about 80% of the total plants, so I think the method is probably correct. Of course, there is still room for improvement.”
When I answered… the Queen smiled, Marlene-san gave a wry smile, and Count Missgancia frowned.
“…The name of the ‘Sage of the Frontier’ was true, wasn’t it?”
Huh?
Ah…?
Did they think, “He’s useful”?
…Maybe, conversely, not answering would have been the “correct” answer!
Really… really!
I hate politics!