Drop!! ～A Tale of the Fragrance Princess～ (LN)

Volume 1, Epilogue: Monologue of the Princes First Love

I met Dilly as Gilleand began exchanging letters with her I tried desperately to hold back my happy feelings when I received my first present from her.

It is currently my break time between studying. Although it is my break time, it isnt good for me to be dazed.

However, I couldnt hide the smile that wouldnt leave my face. As a result, Vernoux said something unpleasant, Thats quite a gross look you have on your face.

Of course, even Im aware that my face is melting, but its mortifying to be called gross because of it.

Its a present from her first time visiting her fief, you know? So, of course, Id be happy, why wouldnt I be?

She gave it to you because you gave her a rose first. Isnt she just being sensible?

Im happy that she chose a paper knife for me. She probably chose it because were exchanging letters. Its beautiful and has practical use. Of course, its fine to leave it somewhere as decoration as well.

Well, the knife isnt sharp, so it probably doesnt mean that she wants to cut off your relationship. Arent you glad?

Vernoux, you jealous?

Nope, Im shocked. I got something else from her. Anyway, why do I have to be jealous?

I stared suspiciously at him as he said that, but I didnt say any more than that. Ill be troubled if he actually likes her, and Id rather feel relieved. I stared at the paper knife in my hands.

Thank you for everything Gille-sama

Those words made me happy. The letter, which had been delivered with the knife, had said that she was using the same paper knife.

However, there was a voice that was interrupting my happiness coming from the side.

Gille, have you forgotten the most important thing?

What?

Dilly likes knights and people who dont lie. What can you do when youre hiding your own social status, and to top that off, youll never be able to become a knight, because youre the prince?

The truth hit home. Pain ran through my head as if a real sword was stabbed in it.

As Vernoux said, Im the first heir to the throne of Crista Kingdom, Sylvester. Its impossible for me to become a knight and its not easy for me to reveal my social status.

What can I do? Thats why Im troubled!

I wanted to talk to her after my mother took me to visit the Pameradia House for the first time to see their greenhouse.

She was using magic and was enveloped in a mysterious hue. She had a warm aura, and I couldnt help but want to call out to her.

However, my wish didnt come true.

Dont disturb her, Mother said, and wouldnt let me talk to her. I kept glancing at her while waiting for my chance, and I ended up watching her one-sidedly. However, the opportunity never came, and I wasnt able to hear her voice that day.

(I wonder what shes like.)

I thought as I recalled the gentle magic power she was cladded in and her earnest expression. I really want to talk to her at least once.

At that time, I heard that Vernoux became friends with her through his father. I couldnt help but think that he was sly, well, I actually said it to him as well.

But, Vernoux was just amused by it.

Still, he would talk about her sometimes.

But, in the end, those are just things that happened between him and her. I wanted to talk to her more whenever I heard him talk about her.

An invitation was sent to the Pameradia House inviting her to the castle. A tea party, gathering the children who will play an essential role in this kingdom, was held at fixed intervals at the castle. I also made up reasons for why Id invited her.

But, she never came.

Vernoux invited her to the castle many times, but she would always come up with reasons for why she couldnt come.

I wanted to sulk.

To be honest, I finally recognise the difference now, since the other young ladies would come to the castle even if I dont invite them here. It was thanks to her that I noticed that I was doing something extremely shameful.

I reflected on that and decided to take a different approach I wasnt able to endure it anymore, after all, and finally invited her straight through the Pameradia House.

But, he refused and said that his daughter was an introvert.

I thought that was a little strange.

I heard that she wasnt timid from Vernoux. It didnt seem like she was an introvert, and I heard that she was brimming with curiosity. So why wouldnt she come to the castle? Why wouldnt she come to see me?

When I thought that, Vernoux made a suggestion.

Why dont you go and see her? And while youre at it, you can visit the town as well.

It was an invitation to go incognito.

It certainly seemed possible to sneak out with Vernouxs transformation magic, which he was gifted with since birth. I hesitated, but finally gave in and sneaked out into town for the first time.

And, the girl named Cordelia, who we happened to meet in town, was far from timid; she was a courageous, calm and brilliant girl.

Until then, I had just wanted to talk to her.

But now, I think its love at first sight.

Things happened, and I made her angry; Vernoux also got mad at me and when I got back to the castle; mother was angry at me. But, I was happy. Thanks to that incident, Vernoux stopped being formal with me.

No, the real reason why hed stopped was because its troublesome to separate language used between the town and castle, so Ill just call you Gille when were alone. But he probably wants to invite me to go into town incognito again, since hed made that suggestion.

Its nice to have a friend who would get angry at me.

Yes, I was thrilled that he invited me out with him But, at the same time, I still regret it a little that I didnt introduce myself back then.

I wonder how great it would have been if Id just introduced myself as Sylvester then. I probably wouldnt be worrying this much right now if Id done that, but theres no way I could have introduced myself back there.

I only have one appearance whenever Vernoux uses his transformation magic on me. Vernoux, himself, had several aliases, but he could only cast one form for others. Therefore, I couldnt say tell someone who Id just met about my alias, because I dont know what I would use it for in the future.

Therefore, he said I was, Gille.

However It was something painful now that weve reached this point.

I could finally exchange letters with her now, but to act like Gille now is It is harsh to be thought of as a lie, and it doesnt change the fact that Im lying to her, even if she does believe me. And stops replying because of that, then we wont be able to interact with each other anymore.

Well, its not like youll be praised as a prince for telling the truth. Also, even if you say you two interact, its only through letters. And, Ive been forced to be a carrier pigeon for your letters every time.

In the first place. Its hard to tell her that my name is Sylvester when I find out why she wont meet me.

Shes clearly avoiding you.

Vernoux didnt keep a lid on his words, like always, but that was indeed true.

I was forced to understand this from the way she continued to refuse my invitations.

But, please dont say it out loud. Ill receive more damage if Im told it.

I dont know why, but shes avoiding me.

Theres no way that she wasnt coming to the castle because she is timid. She acted that confidently after all. Why wouldnt she meet me? I dont remember doing anything bad to her.

Or rather, it was impossible to meet with her in the first place.

You dont have to be that impatient. Youll be able to meet her at evening parties in less than 10 years.

You dont understand how I feel because you see her regularly. For example, what should I do if she has a fianc in 10 years?

Just thinking about it made me depressed. I probably wont be able to talk to her with ease. I couldnt even hear Vernoux when he said, Youre already head over heels for her, arent you?

Ah! I dont think that would happen. I heard the Earl dotes on his daughter.

Of course, those words didnt reach me either. How do I get close to her? That was the only thing on my mind.

Come to think of it, Ive asked Dilly what she thought about His Highness before.

What did she say?

Shes not interested. She also said that the Kings reign is magnificent.

Im sure of it.

Vernoux is testing my will.

But, she didnt say she hated me, so I think Im still safe.

But, its complicated.

If I had to say it, then weve started on the wrong foot, so what do I have to do to get back onto the starting line? Should I aim to be as strong as a knight without actually becoming one? Or should I obtain both knowledge and strength like Earl Pameradia, who is also known as the legendary knight?

Or should I become splendid at ruling like father, so that shed turn to look at me?

Gille?

Vernoux, accompany for a bit.

I dont think I can just sit still.

I thought as I looked at Vernoux. He shrugged and said, Yeah, okay. I understand. He already had the wooden sword in his hand. It was a little vexing that he could read my mind.

Therefore, I wont lose in this match. Ill do what I can do now.

Yes, I swore on my little pride.

Translator: Blushy

Editor: SenjiQ