Shiro Buta Reijou Chapter 28

Chapter 28: The west garden and my former Fiancé

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We arrived at the castle, and after parting with crown prince Marlow, we were guided to our rooms. One person per room, it’s a considerably nice reception. Nora and Lily and I are next-door neighbors. Ryuze and Ricardo have rooms on the floor above us.

Since we arrived at the castle in the afternoon and were guided to our rooms soon after, it was still bright outside. From my room on the second floor, I could see the castle’s west garden. Although we passed them on the way, this big castle has beautiful gardens scattered here and there.

If I had to say, the west garden had a non-showy, calming image. Rather than large showy roses and fancy fountains, there were small flowers and various kinds of herbs planted in a greenhouse.

… Right. They have the luxury of growing every kind of herb in the country in this garden, this place is certainly to my liking.

I confirmed with a castle servant that I was free to enter and exit the west garden as I pleased. Without delay, I started wandering around the garden.

Entering the greenhouse in the garden, I studied the various plants that were being grown.

Since there are many herbs here that aren’t normally grown in this area, they are probably brought from another place and transplanted. Although the flowers aren’t blooming, common mallow and marigold-like flowers are growing. It’s the end of autumn now – although it’s a greenhouse, it seems there are technical problems, and the flower blossoms will finish falling sometime later.

Common Mallow

Marigold

In my original world, I think the greenhouse was invented in a later period, so the level of civilization in this shoujo manga world might be different depending on the object.

A short time later, the door to the castle opened and Ricardo came out.

As I heard from Ryuze, since Ricardo is the second son until now he hasn’t visited the royal capital. Since he hasn’t made any acquaintances yet, he seems to be burdened with lots of free time.

Once he saw me, he approached saying “What, you came here too?”

“What are you looking at with such enthusiasm?”

“This garden herb. There are a lot of varieties here that can’t be found in the Hakusu earldom.”

“There are a few flowers but… most of them look like weeds.”

Certainly, lots of herbs look like weeds, and some herbs are even sturdier than weeds.

In my previous life when the peppermint proliferated too much in my garden, I have the memory of getting flustered and uprooting a large quantity of them.

“Most likely, someone in the castle is growing them in order to make herbal tea. As for this, I believe it to be a type of nettle. It has the effects of anemia and asthma prevention. This garden has lots of useful herbs.”

Stinging Nettle

“I see. What else is here?”

For example, in the corner of the greenhouse… that stinky thing growing in the corner is a chameleon plant (Houttuynia Cordata) and has an anti-poison effect. Over here is a plant called thyme which is used for disinfection.”

Chameleon Plant (Houttunyia Cordata). They also come with red- and orange-tinted leaves.

Thyme

“I’m surprised. You are well-informed about all kinds of medicinal plants.”

“Ee, maa… be that as it may, I still don’t know the effects of all these medicinal plants. I only know the most common ones.”

In my previous life, there was a time when I was fascinated with herbs useful for beauty. Thanks to that, I am aware of the most famous varieties.

While I was talking about herbs, Ricardo stared at me fixedly.

“You, have you gotten thinner again?”

“Eeto… I’m continuing my diet.”

As I replied, Ricardo’s face clouded over a little.

Grandfather is still angry that the engagement was broken off, and may still be complaining that it’s Ricardo’s fault that I’m dieting.

“… I see. By the way, Hakusu earldom’s reijou.” (TLN: Reijou = “noble’s daughter.” Most reviews thought this was okay so I’m going to try it out like this.)

“What is it?”

“After this, you will be running a territory the same as I. When are you going to stop using formal speech with me?”

“Formal?”

“Aa, stop using honorifics for me (Ore) when we’re in a private place. I don’t mind you calling me just “Ricardo.””

“Eh~? W, well then, please call me just “Britney” as well. As we mutually improve our territories, let’s do our best!” (Ganbarimashou)

“… keigo.” (TLN: Formal language)

“L, let’s do our best!” (Ganbaraou)

Due to this and that, the distance between Ricardo and I shrunk a little… maybe.

I’m happy that we will continue to have good relations as we manage our territories in the future, but I’m bewildered by his change in attitude since our first meeting.

(… I thought he was a high-handed young master, but is he actually a shy boy? No, it’s somewhat different.)

During our first meeting, I was told “I hate it,” so I don’t think his attitude will vary too much.

After walking together with Ricardo in the garden, we separated and returned to our rooms. After such a long walk I needed to massage my feet.

As expected of a castle’s garden, there’s no way I could run around it. However, I could still do weight training inside my room. The maid I brought from the earldom seems happy and restless to have come to the castle.

To be honest, it’s troublesome to go to the party, but I must persevere to find a fiancé!

I took my mind off the party and fired myself up to exercise.

Nevertheless, who is using the herbs from that garden… I’m somewhat curious about it.

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Translator’s Corner:

Merry Christmas! It’s the 25th here now.

Trying out “Reijou” instead of “noble’s daughter” for now! If they continue to use the term as often as they have been, I don’t think it will be a problem…

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