SHC9_C9The Glittering Garden of Flowers

 

C9 The Glittering Garden of Flowers

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It was the morning before my parents were due to arrive.

As usual, I went for my daily walk.

Ms. Rottenmeier hadn’t said anything to me, and my day went on as normal.

Which made sense, really.

The people running around preparing for my parents’ return were all the estate staff—not me.

They were the ones scrambling to ready the rooms, beds, and meals. They even had to sort out lodging and food for the guards traveling with my parents. Naturally, all that fell to Ms. Rottenmeier and the others.

The only adult who hadn’t changed much was Professor Romanov. Still as carefree as ever, he helped out around the estate like it was no big deal.

As for me, I was off to practice singing with Lady Hyakka again.

The past few days, our little “audience” had grown to include more foxes, raccoons, rabbits, and birds. Surrounded by this ever-growing menagerie, today’s piece was a classic.

“Um, since you said you liked songs about love and longing… I’ll sing Habanera today.”

“Hmm, very well. Sing—I shall listen.”

I took a deep breath and tightened my abs, just as I’d been taught—keeping my magical nerve pathways in mind.

Habanera is from Bizet’s opera Carmen—a sultry love song sung by the heroine as she tries to seduce Don José. Definitely meant for a mature woman’s voice.

Coming from my still-childish, androgynous voice, it wasn’t exactly seductive… But it was one of “his” favorites, so it stuck with me even after reincarnation.

Apparently, I loved it so much in my previous life that I remembered it word for word, despite being in a different world now.

When I finished, I gave a little bow with one hand over my chest.

That’s when the princess leaned in close.

“What is this... opera you speak of?”

“Opera?”

“Indeed. What are "the Violet Garden Troupe" and "musical," which you mentioned the other day? Explain!”

“R-right!”

Even I wasn’t sure I could explain it well…

I dug deep into his memories.

“Opera is kind of like theater, but with elaborate music and singing—often dancing too. Musicals are a more casual and accessible version of theater with elaborate music, singing, and often dancing. Words could not adequately describe their beauty.

“Hmm. So, theater with song and dance.”

“Yes. And the ‘Violet Garden Troupe’—well, it’s a musical troupe made up entirely of women. Even the male roles are played by women. They’re dazzling, elegant, and uniquely beautiful.”

Words alone just couldn’t do it justice.

I’d only seen it in my past life, and even then, just a few performances. But the stage was breathtaking—graceful actresses in men’s roles exuding refined, dashing charm, and the women in female roles radiating elegance and inner strength. The singing, the set designs, the costumes—everything was like a moving work of art.

I really wished I could just show her what I remembered.

“Then do so.”

“Eh?”

Before I could react, Lady Hyakka leaned in—right in front of my face! She even bumped our foreheads together!

Her peony-colored hair shimmered softly in the breeze. Her lips were a glossy pink, her cheeks rosy like roses, and her lashes were so long it felt like they made a sound when she blinked.

Every time she moved, her silken robes whispered and filled the air with the sweet scent of flowers.

Oh no. Too close. Too pretty. My eyes are going fuzzy. This is way too much for a humble little white pig like me…!

I started to get dizzy from the sheer beauty—and then smack! She hit me on the head with her fan.

“Silence! I’m looking into your memories. Now concentrate!”

“Y-yes ma’am!”

With that, I quickly shut my eyes and focused on pulling up the memories.

On a stage bursting with light, a stunning cross-dressing heroine sings of love, youth, and revolution. A childhood friend’s quiet, aching love. A tragic, forbidden romance between the heroine and a young queen.

All of it brought to life with brilliant music, exquisite costumes, and poetic lines—it was beautiful, moving, unforgettable.

“Incredible… Such glittering splendor exists in another world!?”

“Y-yes! T-tho I don’t really… know all the details!”

Also, Your Highness? You are just as glittery and splendid. My poor eyes can’t take it.

I swayed away from her and landed on my backside with a thud. The pain grounded me—and I looked up to find her laughing, light and airy.

“You really are quite the delightful find. From now on, you’ll show me your memories from time to time. That’s my reward to you.”

She tossed me something round and fragrant—a peach, nearly the size of my head, so sweet-smelling it could fill you up just by scent alone.

“Thank you so much! It looks delicious!”

“Of course. I guarantee the taste myself.”

With a satisfied nod, she slowly faded into the breeze.

Apparently, she’d had her fill for the day.

I gently placed the peach in the waist pouch that Professor Romanov had enchanted for me, and began walking back to the mansion.

The animals that had come to listen also started quietly retreating into the hedges. It really seemed like they came just to hear the music—they never caused any trouble.

Running and walking back along the path had become so normal by now that none of the estate staff seemed surprised anymore. They just smiled and offered greetings as I passed.

I opened the heavy, white-painted doors.

The mansion was two stories tall. Entering through the front, there was a main hall and a staircase leading to the second floor. My room was upstairs.

I was just about to climb the steps when I was stopped.

“Young Master, we need to speak with you.”



It was Professor Romanov, looking unusually serious, and Ms. Rottenmeier, her brows knit in concern once again.

EUNIE: Thanks for reading!~

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