15 The Palace Garden
At dusk, when the western sky began to be dyed a deep crimson, I visited the palace garden with Rosarina. Lately, I had made it a habit to come here every day.
Thinking of Emma made my chest tighten, but this place also held memories with my mother.
My mother, who had taught me about medicinal herbs when I was little… my memories are vague since I was so young, but I remember her as a beautiful person. Delicate, ethereal…
“The evening breeze is so cool and refreshing, isn’t it, Lady Lilibelle?”
“Yes. Even the herbs seem to be relaxing a little.”
Rosarina’s voice snapped me back to the present. I slowly walked, checking on the garden’s herbs as I went.
Perhaps because the sunlight had softened, the leaves of the Zerfa plant gleamed more vividly, and the Yulmina had small buds forming.
Thanks to the study sessions with Lord Keith, I now understood that these plants, which I had mistaken for weeds, were actually named medicinal herbs—and I was so happy.
Even the flowers I had worried about while coughing had grown properly and were blooming.
“I’ll pull out the weeds around here,” Rosarina said.
“Thank you, Rosarina. …I’ll go take a look by the fountain for a bit.”
“Please be careful. The sun sets earlier now, so make sure nothing happens again—no more falling in, alright?”
“Yeah, I’ll be careful!”
I had come so close to death when I fell into that fountain. I was feeling much better now, but I knew it would be disastrous if I fell again.
At the back of the palace stood a quiet fountain, its waters crystal clear. Calm, serene, and somehow nostalgic—this place had always been my favorite.
(Just a little today… I’ll practice my water magic.)
I knelt by the fountain and gently held my hand above the water. I focused, channeling my magic into it. Ripples spread across the surface, and a tiny droplet floated up into the air.
“…Phew.”
I felt like I could control my magic longer and more steadily than before. Most importantly, I didn’t feel dizzy or lose consciousness today.
(I’m growing, little by little… I think! Yeah, good job, me!)
I encouraged myself with a quiet smile. Slowly returning the droplet to the fountain, ripples danced across the water’s surface.
Then I caught my reflection in the water—and smiled softly.
“…Thank you, me. Let’s do our best again tomorrow!”
I stood up straight, rejoined Rosarina, and returned to the guest room.
That night, I had another strange dream.
It was a very vivid dream. The scent of tea wafted from somewhere, accompanied by a soft voice:
“Roland, today I prepared extra of your favorite jam.”
“…Thank you, Mother.”
In the dream, I was deep in the garden—the quiet eastern side of the palace, surrounded by greenery. I seemed to be near some bushes.
Beneath a tree with pale pink blossoms, a round stone table held a delicate white porcelain tea set and some small confections.
Sitting there were a graceful woman in a deep green dress and a young man with fiery red hair.
(…That’s Brother Roland and Lady Marguerite.)
Lady Marguerite was the second queen and the biological mother of my half-brother, Roland. Roland, the second prince, also served as the vice-captain of the palace’s famed knight order.
With red hair, amber eyes, and a trained physique, he had the presence of a war god… yet…
“You always liked spreading it thick on your scones, didn’t you?”
“Mother, I am no longer a child.”
It was strange to see him appear somewhat like a little boy in front of her. In the dream, she smiled gently at her son, though her pale skin and slight fatigue showed through. The tender gesture made my chest tighten.
I had met her a little when I was young as Lilibelle, but my memories were hazy. They seemed to be spending a peaceful moment—but soon, something felt off.
(…Lady Marguerite doesn’t look well.)
Her fingers trembled slightly as she held the teacup. She looked pale. When she coughed, the tea gathering turned chaotic, and Roland had to carry her out.
In the dream, I watched quietly, seemingly thinking something over.
“…It’s probably not poison, so maybe something in the food,” I murmured.
(Huh…?)
Had I just spoken? The two in the garden didn’t seem to notice Lilibelle’s presence at all. I didn’t understand what was happening as the surrounding scenery blurred softly…
Ah, I was waking up.
Thinking that vaguely, I opened my eyes and left the dream behind.
