Cooperation
Felisiana’s Side
It was the morning before Lux headed to the noble academy.
Siana and Violet were talking in Siana’s private room.
“Tomorrow is finally Rodwell-sama’s commerce practicum day.”
“That’s right. I’ve never seen Lux-kun running a business before, so there’s no way I’m missing how he looks during this commerce practicum!”
As Siana spoke excitedly, Violet replied in a calm tone.
“Having something to look forward to is a good thing, but please be careful not to let your guard down. In places where large sums of money move, anything can happen.”
Having been cautioned, Siana’s expression turned serious for a moment, and she replied in the same calm tone as Violet.
“Yes, I understand…”
No matter what happens, I’ll protect Lux.
Even as she felt excited, that resolve never wavered for Siana, not even during this commerce practicum.
Floria’s Side
“Well then, Lux-sama. We have a small matter to attend to after this today, so we’ll excuse ourselves here.”
It was after school at the noble academy.
Floria, Lux, and Ashwell had been walking down the hallway together, but Floria stopped as she said that.
As if responding to her, the other two stopped as well, and Lux spoke in a bright voice.
“Alright. Florence-san! Let’s do our best together at tomorrow’s commerce practicum!”
“Yes. I’ll do my utmost.”
Beside Floria, who answered with a smile, Ashwell spoke energetically.
“See you! Rodwell-kun! I told you before, but I’m cheering for you at tomorrow’s commerce practicum! Do your best!”
“Yes! You do your best too, Ashwell-san!”
After giving the two of them a polite bow, Lux left their sight.
“Well then, Ashwell-sama. May I receive your report now on the matter I asked you to look into?”
Ashwell had looked very happy, likely because she’d just been encouraged by Lux, but when Floria spoke to her, her expression changed completely.
“Hmph! Just so you know, I’m not doing this for you. This is for Rodwell-kun!”
“Of course. I understand.”
“Then… here.”
Ashwell handed Floria five sheets of paper, each one containing information on a different person.
“Those are the people you asked me to investigate. They’re the ones who were tailing Rodwell-kun inside the noble academy.”
“I see. All of them being from ducal or marquis houses means they really do seem to be acting with some kind of intention.”
Floria thought to herself.
So far, nothing had happened, but it was hard to believe that people from ducal or marquis houses would tail Lux without a reason.
Because of that, if things continued like this and the day of the commerce practicum arrived, something bad would definitely happen.
“…It may take some time, but shall we visit each of these five estates and ask them directly about their purpose?”
“If it’s me, there’s no need for something that troublesome!”
“…No need?”
At Floria’s puzzled question, Ashwell replied.
“Yeah. I already know both their objective and where they are!”
“Oh? Is that so?”
“That’s right! For Nora Ashwell, something like that is easy!”
“Then may I ask you to tell me?”
“If you ask me so politely, I can’t refuse, so I guess I’ll tell you!”
Floria didn’t recall bowing her head, but since she couldn’t afford to annoy Ashwell by pointing that out, she chose to remain silent.
Then Ashwell continued, speaking confidently.
“Their goal is to steal the flowers that Rodwell-kun and Floria are selling and make sure the two of you don’t earn any sales. And as for where they are…”
“I see. In that case, their location would be the warehouse used to store goods for the commerce practicum, correct?”
“Hey!! Hold on!! I was just about to say that, so why did you say it first!?”
“My apologies for displeasing you. I spoke without thinking.”
“Haaah! I’ll say it again. I’m only helping this time for Rodwell-kun’s sake, got it!”
“I understand. Then, for Lux-sama’s sake, shall we go together?”
After finishing that exchange, Floria headed toward the warehouse together with Ashwell, who was clearly dissatisfied but had started walking all the same.