I always had an inkling, but physical activity isn’t Lady Rosemary’s cup of tea. I’ve seen her trip over nothing before. Furthermore, she’s currently with child. I doubt the people who care for her will permit her to dance. The leader of her overprotective guardians—her husband, Sir Leonhart—will certainly never approve.
Sir Leonhart fixed her with a stern gaze. “Rose. You’re not dancing when I’m not watch—”
She straightened her spine and replied, “I’m not!”
Their exchange resembled a child who was used to being scolded by their parents, and a smile slipped across my face.
“I-I’m telling the truth! I’m not doing anything reckless—I learned the dance just by watching. I can’t dance during the festival this year, but I just wanted to enjoy the ambience with everyone...” Lady Rosemary said when she saw me smiling. Her cheeks flushed, embarrassed. That only made her look like a child spouting excuses, and I found it heartwarming.
“I’m looking forward to the harvest festival,” I said.
She beamed at me and nodded. “Me too!”
At the first meeting, we hadn’t received the farmers’ consent to hold a large-scale harvest festival, but at the second meeting, it had been decided we could go ahead with the idea. I’d heard that Lady Rosemary had traveled to one of the villages and gained the support of the women. There was a group of men who had disapproved, but they’d eventually yielded to their families’ persuasion. I’d heard that the village had become one united front with the youth at the center of the movement to prepare for the festival.
“We don’t have enough time to prepare anything grand this year, but I’d like to gradually expand the scale of the festival every year.”
As Lady Rosemary said, we only had one month left, but things were shaping up quite nicely. Other regions held their own dance parties, but events like a cooking contest and a contest of strength were unique to our festival. We had sampled the food during the second meeting, and the jam, pickles, and wine made by the villagers were scrumptious indeed.
“I’ve also prepared a modest prize... Which reminds me, there’s something I’d like to show you all.” Lady Rosemary remembered something mid-sentence and turned to her maid. The elegant, beautiful woman grasped her master’s intentions and placed a light-colored box on the table. Lady Rosemary removed the lid.
“This is...” I murmured. Inside was a bunch of flowers...shaped into a crown? I’d seen townschildren make crowns out of white clovers, but sitting in front of me was a crown of white roses. They weren’t real flowers either.
“Are these flowers made of fabric?” I asked.
“Yes, it’s a flower crown made with artificial flowers. I made this sample myself, so it’s...a little deformed. I’ve commissioned a craftsperson to make the official one, so once that’s finished, I’ll show you all again.”
As she said, there were a few imperfections that stood out here and there, but it was still plenty beautiful. I often saw people adorn their dresses or hair with small flowers made of fabric, but this was my first time seeing them used for a flower crown.
“This...is superb. It’s not as gorgeous as dresses or jewels, but I think a simple design might be an even better complement. If we match it with trending dresses or... Wait, no, it could work with current fashion.”
“No, I didn’t make this because I want it to trend in high society.”
I was already avidly calculating how to turn this item into a business, but Lady Rosemary lightly shook her head.
“I thought it would be nice if we could use this as a centerpiece for the festival. I intend to present the winner of the cooking competition with this, and I have a few other prototypes in the works for the other events.”
“It’s...for the festival?”
“You see, the villagers have a custom where they confess their love by giving the other person flowers during the harvest festival.”
“I see, that sounds wonderful.”
“I know, right? I asked them why they did that, but no one knew, so I dug up information in books. I read several legends related to the Fertility Goddess, the target of worship of this festival.”
“I see.” Now that she mentions it, there are many myths related to the Fertility Goddess that involve giving flowers. It’s a key item that appears, whether for blessing a pair of lovers, protecting children, or showing gratitude to your family.
Inspired by those tales, Lady Rosemary wanted to spread the impression that the Harvest Festival was a day for giving flowers to your loved ones. “I don’t want it to be limited to real flowers but also flower-shaped goods or flower-shaped sweets. If we sell limited-time items, I think it would invigorate the business district too... What do you think?” She looked at me apprehensively.
It was very like her to be so unconfident even though she had a plethora of ideas. This went for the festival as well, but with her creativity, status, and connections, she could attempt almost anything, and with sure success.
However, she never forced her way. No matter how much talent she had, if it wasn’t within her expertise, she would always ask those around her for their opinions. She was so cautious that it could easily become a flaw or a weak point. However, at the same time, I also thought it was the reason she was so loved.
“I think it’s a great idea,” I said.
“Yes, people are weak to the concept of limited-time items. Don’t worry, they’ll be flying off the shelves,” Mister Hiiragi said in agreement. There was exasperation laced in his voice, but I also heard a hint of pride.
As usual, eccentric people are fond of Lady Rosemary, I thought, ignoring the fact that the pot was calling the kettle black.