Chapter 215: Late Blooming Flower

***Arc 9 One Who Sent Off, Chapter 215 Late Blooming Flower***

After about two months, things were starting to settle down in various places.

The remnants had been hunted down, and the residents of villages and small towns were gradually returning to their original homes. However, it would still take about half a year for the country to completely regain its former sense of calm.

Kreschenta sent messengers to each country.

A messenger of gratitude to the Arna Imperial State, a negotiation envoy to the 3 countries――and envoys encouraging war to the surrounding small nations.

Against the weakened 3 countries, Alberan could indeed launch an attack.

It was relatively easy to carve out a part of their territory, or even dismantle the entire nation. However, of course they would face fierce resistance.

Even if Alberan ultimately emerged victorious, what would follow was chaos.

Prolonged warfare would drain the emotions and finances of the people.

However, if Kreschenta simply asked for compensation or land from above the table through diplomacy, they wouldn't listen.

They were the ones who attacked Alberen under the banner of justice.

On top of initiating the war, losing, and then pleading for forgiveness with convenient and pitiful words was something they couldn't do.

They could not abandon the pride that made a country a country.

Therefore, outward diplomacy was about having a talk and cooperation.

――There were misunderstandings and miscommunications on both sides, and the war was a tragedy because of that.

It was those words that Alberan presented.

Misunderstandings and miscommunications were convenient words.

The two friends wanted to get along, but a small misunderstanding led to a fight that turned into something serious.

'Why don't we talk about it once things have calmed down and made up?'

If they speak like this, they can make the other party face up and invite them to put down their swords and negotiate.

Of course, as a result of the discussion, there was a possibility that they would reject the matter and said that it was not a misunderstanding or miscommunications, but the situation was the same on both sides, they did not want to prolong the war any longer.

In essence, it was just a performance——one the 3 countries would not refuse.

On top of that, it is reasonable and natural to demand compensation for the damage suffered as a result of the invasion, guarantees for the families of the victims, and war expenses.

In this case, what the victor needed was not a strong hand but the ability to play the victim.

At the same time, Alberan sent out messengers to surrounding countries to announce the end of the war, and talk about the losses of the three countries with great relish, and the rest was history.

No country could maintain its national structure while being attacked by the surrounding countries and being pressured by Alberan.

Inevitably, they would have to hasten the conclusion of an armistice treaty and take measures to make a deal with Alberan.

Without being able to take time and size Alberan up, they would be cornered at negotiating.

All Alberan had to do was implicitly threaten military power while trying to rebuild the country.

——The tip of the shaft was gold.

While moving the elegantly crafted one-of-a-kind fountain pen smoothly and smoothly, the Queen opened her mouth and swallowed the cookie given to her by her sister.

The beautiful and lovely Queen Kreschenta, with golden hair sparkling with red, was sitting on her sister's lap, moving only her hand, nuzzling her head against her sister's cheek.

The parchment had some really formal and beautiful words written on it, but she hardly paid any attention to it.

"Here, say, ahh."

"Ah, *Mugu*... Ehehe."

——It was what one might call automatic writing.

Unparalleled perceptual ability, and precision of movement.

Crescenta, a Child of God——Contrary to her childish appearance, she had enough capability to be called a superhuman. With her abilities, it would be no problem for her to write a letter blindfolded.

She had to write the letters.

But she wanted to be pampered by her sister.

If she were an ordinary person, she would be stuck in a situation where she would have no choice but to choose only one——but with her talent, she was able to write letters while being pampered, an unusual task for a normal person.

As soon as she had finished writing, Anne replaced it with the next piece of parchment, and Elvena looked at it as if she were watching something amazing before rolling up the parchment from the dry ink and stamping a golden royal seal on the wax.

The sun and crescent moon illuminating the graceful sword and sheath that were facing down.

It was the royal's seal, contrary to the Kingdom's seal of thrusting it to the heavens it was symbolizing to rule the earth, only the King of Alberan was allowed to use it――but Kreschenta had entrusted it to a servant who was not even a noble.

At first, Elvena refused as it was too disrespectful, but now it was just a routine.

Krische did not disturb Kreschenta's work and continued to indulge her, not breaking the pose of helping her with her "work".

Because, just a little to the side of them――

"You! She already wore a light blue dress the other day! Just as you requested!!"

"My, that was a fair conclusion, the result of the battle. Wasn't it Ojou-sama who got lost in rock paper scissors? A good fight where both parties were equal――"

"That's not true! You coward!"

Ahead of the victory ceremony the day after tomorrow, Bery Argan, whose hair had grown a little longer, was wearing a dignified dress with black lines on a white background.

And Selene in a bright dress that combines black and red.

There, a fierce battle was once again taking place.

That was why Krische was so indulging to Kreschenta. She didn't want to get involved.

As someone who was forced to endure until the last minute the last time this happened, it was a very convenient excuse that Kreschenta was busy with work.

The pretext of helping Kreschenta with her work was a perfect reason to weather the storm while eating cookies.

She was (a slightly more adult) Krische Christand.

"What I wanted was a fifty-fifty match! If I said, 'Let's decide with a sword,' it would be unfair, right!?"

"But it was Ojou-sama who said that rock paper scissors were fine..."

"What you're doing is a scam!"

Last time, time was running out and Selene had no choice but to go along with the idea of making a fair decision with a stone fist, but it turned out to be a trap set by the witch Bery Argan.

By using her unique ability to discern Selene's rock paper scissors using her unique dynamic vision, Bery Argan achieved a record of 10 wins and 2 losses.

Selene, who had suffered four consecutive defeats, realized that she was in trouble and proposed blindfolded stone fisting with a referee, but Bery was someone who had known the girl named Selene since she was born.

The psychological battle that begins from there――

"I'm going to play rock next."

"...H-hmm, then if I play paper, I guess it's my win."

Once such exchanges started, there was no way she could lose to Bery Argan.

"My, why didn't Ojou-sama straightforwardly play on paper? I already said rock, to think Ojou-sama would choose scissors."

"Guh..."

"Next is...scissors"

Setting a trap for the deeply analytical Serene.

The next will surely be different from what she said——Bery would surely play paper. Serene hesitated on whether to play scissors, but her opponent was Bery Argan. Reading it deeply should be the correct answer.

As she imagined this, she was stunned as her paper was easily cut off by scissors.

"Then next, ready"

"Ha!?"

However, Bery did not lie, and Selene read too much into it, resulting in her self-destruction. Selene managed to win two games, but even if it was a fifty-fifty game, she could not recover from four consecutive defeats. She was devastated by his out-of-the-ordinary defeat of two wins and ten losses at rock paper scissors.

It was as if he was reading her mind, no, Bery Argan was literally reading Selene's mind.

Although Selene had a strong competitive spirit, she was a girl who naturally liked to compete fairly and head-on.

She read deeply into her opponent's words.

Having read too much on it, she wouldn't settle for a draw.

If you read deeply, you're going to win——that's the kind of personality she had.

Therefore, Berry would declare and play her hand as she had declared.

Then Selene would self-destruct on her own, and that was what happened.

――My, why did you go out of your way to make a draw?

Bery firmly understood that Selene would prefer the outcome of losing as a result of reading too much into the situation, rather than being made fun of like that.

Utilizing the suspiciousness Selene had, she would use whatever means wasn't explicitly prohibited, and then, on top of that, forcibly seize victory.

Bery Argan was basically a hopeless woman.

"Oh...Has Krische-sama's apron dress arrived?"

The bell rang, and Bery placed the dress she was holding on the sofa.

Anne, in a panic, said, 'I'll go', and left the room.

Krische went 'ooh' looking interested, and Selene also smiled.

"――Well, fine. I'll let this one go."

"...?"

"The hair is also longer now, fufu, I think it looks good."

Bery's red hair, which had started to grow since the last battle, was almost hanging over her back.

Berry had the appearance of a lovely and pretty girl, and just by letting her hair grow a little longer, her beauty had increased.

Selene put the dress down and brought her face closer to hers, lifted Berry's hair up looking at her, and Bery flushed in confusion.

"Umm...?"

Bery tilted her head in response to the sudden words, and Selene smiled.

At that moment Bery had a bad feeling.

――The dress was based on black and indigo.

Narrowing at the waist and cinched at the cut back with leather straps.

A thin shawl of black indigo hung shyly from the shoulders, covering up the boldness of the dress.

The skirt, with its slightly slender lines that clung to the fleshy curves of the body from the waist to the legs, was sexy and accentuated the feminine beauty of the wearer's childlike appearance.

Apart from the long white ribbon attached to her rear waist, there were only a few lace details, making it a relatively simple dress overall.

"I-I think this is too bold after all..."

"It's fine for you, who looks like a child. If you wear something with less exposure and a fluttering flare skirt, you'll just look like a little girl."

'though your breasts are big' Selene added, and glared at Bery's cleavage.

Berry shyly hid her bosom with her hand that grabbed her shawl.

A pair of black and indigo opera gloves that reached up to her upper arms.

When viewed from the front, only her shoulders and chest are exposed――not that much was exposed, but it looked bold, probably because of her glamorous body.

From her slender waist to her shoulder line and her ample breasts, her short height was somewhat disguised by the heels of her long boots, and her beauty as a woman is accentuated by a line of black and indigo.

"*Sigh*...so beautiful. I'm so happy to think that I've finally tailored a dress for Argan-sama. It really suits you, Argan-sama."

"T-thank you..."

The person who was visiting was a tailor who had been in their service since Gargain.

He had gray hair and a monocle.

His gentlemanly appearance made him look like a butler.

Unlike Kreschenta, who uses a tailor connected to the royal family, the Christand family had decided to continue using this tailor even after coming to the royal capital.

Tailors connected to the royal family were naturally skilled, but they were also expensive.

In contrast, Gargain's tailor was reasonably priced, skilled, and had been cherished due to their long-standing relationship.

Their style also matched with Selene's taste, who disliked showy things and preferred simple design, and she especially liked it.

"Ehehe, it looks good on you, Bery-sama."

Krische ran from the room next door wearing the apron dress that arrived with her.

She called out to Bery like a servant would, as she clung to her arm and swung her skirt.

Originally she was like a fairy.

When Krische wore an outfit, it was as if it was made for her, and there was no outfit that didn't suit her.

Bery stroked Krische's silver hair, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and a troubled look on her face.

"...Krische-sama too, it suits you. Fufu, I should have prepared something like this sooner."

"That sure is a meaningful statement."

"O-Ojou-sama..."

Berry blushes and lets her gaze wander between Selene and the tailor.

The tailor tilted his head as he bowed.

"If there are no problems with the size, I will excuse myself now. If you have another order, please come back to me."

"Yes, thank you. Your dress is always beautiful. I'll order again when things calm down."

"thank you"

"Have you got accommodation? If not, I'll prepare it for you..."

"No, I will be going back later today. I've got a lot of orders to fill because of the war victory...and truthfully I actually came to the royal capital today because I insisted on seeing Argan-sama in her dress.

Victory was a time of profit for merchants.

People were positive and they were in a celebratory mood, and many orders were coming in from all over the country to rebuild the country, and tailors were also greatly affected by this wave.

This was because banquets were held here and there for merchants and nobles to conduct business.

Many people prepare new dresses for this occasion.

It was true that he's busy.

"Fufu, I see. I've moved away from Gargain for a while, but I'm praying for your business to prosper."

"Yes, thank you for your kind words."

"Elvena, please see him off."

Selene said, whispering something in her ear and handing her the gold coin.

This purchase was at Selene's personal expense.

Selene hates wasting money, but she was not afraid to spend money.

When the tailor left, Bery sighed quietly and looked at herself in her full-length mirror.

She didn't have very good memories of wearing a dress when she was young.

"You doesn't seem happy"

After helping Krische get dressed, she didn't open her mouth.

Kreschenta, who had been staring at Bery, grabbed Krische's other arm and looked into her full-length mirror.

"Anybody can look good with the right clothes. Even a lowly servant with no character can be seen in this style, right?"

"That's right, it's so beautiful!"

Anne followed up, impressed, and Berry smiled bitterly.

"No...certainly it's a very nice dress. It's beautiful."

Selene looked at her and sat down in a chair, and said,

"It's a good time to settle down after getting things done for now. I thought it would be a good time to ask for Berry's dress...I'm not going to force you to go to the victory party in that outfit either."

"I think wearing a dress is actually fun. Dressing well and being dressed up as a flower on a bright stage. I've loved dresses ever since I was little, and I still do.''

She drank her tea and gazed at the tea's surface.

Selene flashed her charming smile and told Berry that maybe she's a bit selfish.

"I also enjoy seeing other people looking beautiful. ...If you find it a bit difficult, why not give it a try at least once? It might tire you out because it's you we're talking about, but attending the celebration could be enjoyable in its own way."

"Ojou-sama

Bery looked at the full-length mirror again, confused.

Looking at her figure in her dress, she silently closed her eyes and nodded.

"...Yes."

Krische watched the interaction between the two and remembered.

She had heard that Bery didn't like wearing dresses.

She was deep in thought, while half-understanding their conversation, and looked at Kreshcenta who seemed to have figured something out, and she thought about what role she was expected to play.

"Then, Krische will be Bery's attendant!"

"...Hah?"

Krische (quite a child), who has grown up a little, picks up her skirt and shows off her apron dress.

She was all smiles, oblivious to Serene, who frowned with a straight face, wondering what she was talking about.

"Ehehe, the apron dress just arrived, and contrary to usual, Krische will be the servant and Bery the princess. Krische will follow up so that Bery can enjoy the party."

She wanted Bery to have fun wearing the dress.

Krische really liked the black and white apron dress.

With this, the debate about her dress would be settled.

Truly three birds with one arrow.

What came to Krische's mind was that perfect idea, and it was the best possible answer.

"Ah, that Krische-sama...Krische-sama is the guest of honor, so..."

She was a beautiful princess who led Alberan to victory, a tremendous achievement.

The fact that she attended the event wearing an apron dress and spent time as her attendant was a very strange situation.

Bery tries to remonstrate her, but

"...Um, does Bery not like it?"

An elevation angle of 45 degrees, with a sad look in her eyes.

A blow that seemed to gouge her vitals area.

――No one could stop this Krische.

"I-I don't hate it...I'm really, really happy..."

"Berry, stop saying it like that. If no, say no..."

"...No?"

The sad purple eyes were now a deadly weapon.

Kreschenta looked at the two with an exasperated expression, and then stared at Bery.

"Well, you two already have designated conversational partners most of the time. Isn't it fine? Even if Onee-sama wore an apron dress, it's still a victory ceremony. They generally know Onee-sama personality."

Kreschenta said as if she didn't care.