✔DROP!! A TALE OF THE FRAGRANCE PRINCESS

Volume 2, Act 17: Push Boldly Forward and Mistaking One's Love Rival

Cordelias appointed day with Vernoux came in the blink of an eye.

It was Hazels birthday. Cordelia stared at herself in the mirror after shed finished getting ready.

I would like to congratulate you on your birthday, Hazel-sama. Nope; thats too heavy.

She should have been happy to receive an invitation from a girl, but she simply couldnt be. This is my first time going out when I dont feel like it She thought that as she turned her gaze from the mirror.

Ojou-sama, Vernou-sama is here.

Im coming.

Cordelia left her room, prompted by Emina. Vernoux was waiting at the entrance and he smiled widely when he saw Cordelia. His smile is extremely fake, she thought and returned it with a fake smile of her own.

How are you today, Vernoux-sama? Im a little surprised that you actually came to pick me up.

It doesnt make sense to go there separately. Dont mind it.

Right, you are. She couldnt say that, but she sighed and made a daring remark. When theyd talked about the Hale mansion, Vernoux thought that she wouldnt have to defend again Hazels fierce attacks.

And if you change your mind because we went there separately, then this strategy would be meaningless.

I wont run away now. But, this is a favour.

Yeah, I get it. I get it.

He raised his hands in the air in an exaggerated way and shrugged his shoulders, thus Cordelia realised, I might have accepted something more troublesome than I thought it was. However, she had already accepted his request.

Contrary to his snarky remarks, his gaze was more restless than normal, and he kept glancing around.

( Vernoux-sama has things hes not good at either, huh.)

Of course, she didnt think that he didnt have things he wasnt good at, but he was acting differently to his carefree self. It was a very childish reaction. She was taken in by that and softened a little.

Somehow, I feel like Im Vernoux-samas older sister today.

Cordelia spoke and turned toward Vernoux. He smiled brightly, and she felt as if his smile said, Then, do your best to back me up today.

???????

Cordelia arrive at Hale mansion. She came to realise that the casual exchange was based on naivety; she was made to realise that whether shed liked it or not.

The Hale mansion was full of blooming white flowers and gave off a calm atmosphere But the Earl Hales daughter, Hazel, was the complete opposite of that.

Hazel-sama. Thank you for inviting me today.

Cordelia-sama, welcome. I hope you enjoy the party.

Cordelia immediately greeted Hazel with a soft smile when, she saw her, and Hazel replied in the same way; but her eyes werent smiling. Her eyes looked as if they was wary, because shed just found her rival.

Cordelia wanted to turn her gaze away, but it might have been too quick for her to do so.

But luckily, the person who turned away first was Hazel. Her gaze moved to Vernoux and her smile quickly changed like a flower in full bloom.

Vernoux-sama, thank you so much for coming! Say, Vernoux-sama, what do you think of this dress? I did my best to choose it.

Ah, yeah. Isnt it nice?

Oh my, really?! It was worth it to worry for three days and three nights, because you said I suit it.

Cordelia couldnt even retort in her mind, because of how happy Hazel was from the bottom of her heart. Hazel-samas more intense than I thought she would be. She has more personality than in the game. She thought that and couldnt help but sense danger approaching her; she thought about stepping back But Vernoux stopped her.