Chapter 42: 42 40． thaw

The day came suddenly.

I had come to the Marquis of Veit's residence for my monthly part-time job to talk with Daniel's wife, Annika.

The three of us had lunch together, and over tea after dinner, we had a conversation that seemed to be coherent but not coherent. Annika-sama was still the same, but that day she accompanied me on my part-time job to visit the garden because the snow had melted.

For Annika, it was probably just another walk. Daniel was worried about his still-dry feet, and urged Annika to take his arm. She put her hand on Daniel's arm quite naturally. The two of them walking in this way were a very ordinary couple, and I felt glad to see that Annika was able to talk to her husband normally, except for Elias.

I was happy to see that Annika was now able to talk to her husband normally, except for Elias. So I left them alone, gazing at the evergreen leaves, which had become fresh and wet with the dew from the melting snow.

"How can you look at the garden of an unchanging house with such a glow?

Daniel smiled with a mixture of admiration and amusement. I replied, looking at the tree in front of me with its dense, round leaves.

The arrangement and pruning of the dogwoods is interesting. The camellia leaves have a nice color, too.

Dogwoods are very useful for gardeners because they can change the atmosphere of the garden just by pruning them to shape. The Ernsts also use it for topiary in the visitor's area. This is why it is so interesting to see how the gardener uses it, because it shows the characteristics of the gardener.

In the garden of the Marquis of Wirt's residence, there are many evergreen trees such as western water wax tree and camellia. After being shown the garden several times, I noticed that the gardeners of the Veit family may have avoided deciduous trees to pray for Elias's health and as a good luck charm. The fact that they didn't prune the tree in the shape of a dogtooth tree also suggests that they wanted the tree to grow freely. This is just my speculation, so I would like to meet him and ask him.

I wonder how it is now. To me, it is a garden that changes with the seasons, but to some people, it may appear as if time has stopped. I didn't know if this garden was good for Annika.

Even you have a sense of season.

I muttered, plucking a branch of a dogtooth. Even the dogtooth tree has small white flowers to announce early summer.

I glanced over at Daniel and the others, and my eyes met Annika's.

As soon as our eyes met, I felt a sense of discomfort and inwardly tilted my head. As if searching for the cause of my discomfort, I looked back into Annika's eyes, which were the same color as mine.

Annika looked at me curiously and opened her mouth.

"...... Who are you?

I was blindsided. I knew what the strange feeling was. I'm not sure what to make of this.

"Oh, I'm .......

I'm stumbling over my words because I'm not prepared for this. I was more surprised than I thought I would be.

I take a deep breath.

"My name is Isak Baumgartner.

"Yes, your name is Isak.

I was asked who I was, and when I answered, Master Annika said my name for the first time. Daniel's eyes widened in surprise as well as mine. I'm sure that Daniel's surprise is much greater than mine.

I heard the sound of a drop of water falling. I wondered if there was still some unmelted snow somewhere, but Annika's eyes were slightly blinding, and Daniel was looking at me.

I tilted my head, not understanding the meaning of their gazes.

"What?

I felt something warm on my cheek, and when I realized that it was tears, they were pouring out of my eyes. Daniel's eyes turned concerned, and I hurriedly wiped away the tears.

I wiped away my tears. Thank God, I thought. ......

"Isak, .......

No, no, no!

You'll be able to find a lot more information on the web.

I was glad that Annika-sama had seen me.

I wasn't happy that Annika-sama was healed. I was happy for me. I'm not the good guy Daniel thinks I am.

Whenever I worked part-time, I always felt like I was challenging Annika to recognize me when she was looking for the face of Elias, even though he was in focus. The whole time, I felt as if I was playing tennis against a wall. But for the first time, I was able to hit someone back. I was just so happy to get that response.

Now Annika-sama could see me and hear my voice. That was all I needed, and tears started to fall.

As I was wiping away my tears, Annika-sama came forward and bent down to make eye contact with me.

I'm sorry for everything.

"No .......

I shook my head, not wanting to blame Annika-sama. I don't want to mislead her, so I try to stop my tears somehow, but it doesn't work.

Anika-sama saw me and smiled at me.

Thank you.

Annika-sama then wrapped her arms around me.

Thank you from me too.

Daniel patted me on the head with a kind look, saying that I had done well.

I'm sure I just happened to be there when Annika came to her senses, not that I could have done anything about it. I wanted to say that I didn't do anything to make them thank me, but if I opened my mouth now, I would only sob, so I silently shook my head from side to side.

I couldn't stop crying because of the kindness of the two people who cared for me, even though their priority should have been Annika, who had just been healed.

After that, Annika came back to her senses, but her memory seemed to be a bit confused and she went to her room to rest. After the swelling in her eyes subsided, I left the Marquis of Veit's residence. Daniel told me that he would contact me when Annika had calmed down.

I didn't feel like I was going to lose my job next month, and I felt strange. I didn't feel like going straight home, so I took a detour.

I reached a street with a familiar wall, opened a door on the wall, and went inside. The key to the door is a dial type, so any servant of the mansion who knows the number can come and go as he pleases. After entering, lock the door again and go to the area with many trees like a forest.

It's a holiday, but you can at least take a look at the garden for your study. I'd like to check how the snow is melting and think about when to plant seeds for spring.

As I ducked through the hedge, I saw something reflecting the sunlight faintly.

...... Zaku?

It was at the same time that I realized that it was the young lady's hair and she turned around to look at me.

She looked back at me curiously, wondering why I was there, and I broke into a smile.

She's amazing.

She tilted her head at my abrupt words.

What's wrong?　What's wrong?　It's my day off. ......

I wanted to see your daughter.

When I saw her, I realized. I came here to talk to you because I'm happy. It's the only place I can go where I can see her.

But I knew it wouldn't be that convenient. So, there she is, and she's amazing.

Today is a miraculous day for me, I thought, and I didn't realize it until too late, but she didn't respond. Her eyes are wide open and she seems to be frozen.

"Miss?

When I approached her and tried to look into her face to see what was wrong, her face suddenly turned red.

What's wrong?　What ......?

She probably wanted to scold me, but for some reason her words seemed to be choppy and not coming out right. He didn't seem to be eating anything in particular, or maybe he choked on his spit. If so, should I rub his back?

Before I could lend a hand, the lady raised her palm to indicate that she wanted me to wait a moment. So, I did as she asked. While she waited, she held her chest and took a few deep breaths.

So, what do you want me to do at ......?

What do you want to see me about?

I've got a good thing going.

A good thing?

Yes. I've been working a little hard on something, and today I finally got recognized for it.

That's ...... good, isn't it?

Yeah.

Perhaps because I explained it clearly, the young lady tilted her head and congratulated me. That made me happy, so I laughed. Then, for some reason, her cheeks, which had been on the verge of subsiding, flushed more.

............ Is that it?

I smiled and didn't say anything more, so she asked me with an expression of surprise. I nodded normally.

I was so happy that I wanted to tell you.

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"That's ...... it.

She turned away from me again, her face flushed and creaking. It's not unusual for me to lend an ear when I'm working, but I've never seen her look away when I'm talking to her. Today's girl was unusual.

When I saw her ears were red, I was worried that she might have a fever since it was still cold, but she scolded me for not coming to work on holidays and sent me away. If my mother found out about this, she would have scolded me the same way, so I left quietly.

When I got home, I had my favorite stew with lots of ingredients, and it was a really good day.

A month later, I received a call from Daniel.

When I visited the Marquis of Wirt's residence, I was shown into the reception room dressed as I was. As I was wondering whether I should take the tea offered, Daniel came into the room with Annika.

Thank you for inviting me today.

When I immediately stood up and greeted her, Daniel smiled and softened his young leafy eyes.

You don't have to be so shy. Sure, I invited you here as a guest today, but you're already my little friend.

When Daniel confirmed that I was a guest, I felt a little embarrassed. I couldn't just nod my head and muttered, "Thank you.

Suddenly, my eyes met Annika's, and she smiled.

I'm sorry I haven't greeted you properly. I'm Annika von Wiet. I'm jealous that Daniel has such a lovely friend.

I'm Isak Baumgartner. I'm an apprentice gardener at the Duke of Ernst's.

I couldn't decide whether I should say "Nice to meet you" or not, so I reintroduced myself.

Daniel urged us all to sit down on the sofa, since there was no point in standing around talking. After tea was prepared for Daniel-sama and the others, the maids left the room.

Annika doesn't touch the tea and opens her mouth.

"Isak, I've been terrible to you. Take the place of the deceased Elias at .......

"No, I was just visiting with Daniel's permission.

I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not pretending to be Elias, even though Annika has filtered it out. Annika lowered her eyebrows a little and smiled.

You're right.

It's strange to be able to talk to Annika like this. I'm sure you'll be able to understand that I'm not the only one who has a problem with this.

But in my mind, it's mixed up with Elias's memories, and I can't tell the difference.

"Is that so?

Annika-sama says apologetically, but I think it's inevitable. Annika-sama just met me last month. It's just that I've been treating her like me and she hasn't. And I know I wasn't completely unreachable.

"Thank you for everything, Isak. I can't thank you enough for your help. How can I ever thank you? ......

"No, I've been paid every time I've worked. I'm glad I was able to help in any way I could.

He smiled and told Daniel that he was grateful enough. I don't know why, but he looked like he was overcome with emotion and clenched his fists tightly.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

"Huh?　I'm not sure if you're referring to the duke's hug attack?　That's right, he treats me like a child even though I think I'm a little bit taller.

Yeah, or .......

But why all of a sudden?

Well, I thought I should show some respect to my friend.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. I wondered if the Duke's methods of surprise would ever change. It's not nice to be hugged by a man. A simple word of thanks or appreciation would be enough.

I thought such a custom existed in the nobility, but now that I'm interacting with Daniel and the others, I realize that the Duke is special. I've given up on the idea that the Duke is like that lately, because even when I'm covered in dirt, my master, Heinz, the butler, makes arrangements for me to change my clothes.

Annika stroked Daniel's hand, which was still clenched in a fist as if holding back something, as if to comfort him. Then she looked at me.

Isak, I've started reading to children at the orphanage of the Merkel Church.

The Merkel Church is the closest church to my house. The literacy rate of children in the orphanage is low in the downtown area, so I think reading to them is a good idea. Annika seems to be donating some of Elias's favorite adventure stories. I'm sure the children will enjoy them more than the hard Bible stories.

There are children who have had a hard time with their parents, just as I had a hard time with Elias. ...... I wanted to help them survive.

Annika is planning to focus on charity work in the future. I thought it sounded like a foreign celebrity story, but the Marquise de Vito is a high-ranking aristocrat, so it's a normal celebrity. Anyway, I'm glad to see that Master Annika has found her purpose in life. Seeing her motivated eyes, Daniel also smiled happily.

I'm glad.

So, what's this: ......

Annika looks at me intently. She looks strangely nervous, which makes me feel oddly defensive.

I was wondering if you could help me talk to some of the kids at the orphanage, ......?

"If it's okay with you, it's okay with me.

I nodded, relieved that this was the case. But Anika-sama didn't expect me to agree so easily, and rolled her eyes.

Annika, you have to say it properly.

Daniel urged Annika in a gentle voice. I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but I'm sure you have.

"Um, ......, Mr. Isak.

Yes.

I know it's not fair. I know it sounds crazy, but will you let me try to figure it out?

What's the answer, ......?

I want you to keep meeting me and tell me which of my memories belong to you, Isak. I want to get to know you better.

I thought that after my part-time job was over, I would be separated from Daniel and the others. When Annika gets a grip on reality, she won't need my visits.

So I'm surprised to hear you say that.

I'm glad.

My face naturally relaxed.

If you feel you owe me something that you don't have to, all you have to do is apologize and make peace with it. If you don't mind, I'll help you. But Annika-sama is going to get to know me. That's a lot better than an apology I don't have to make.

I'm glad that today isn't the end for you and Daniel.

Annika smiled with a hint of relief and Daniel smiled at her.

They are good people, I think. They take me seriously, even though I'm just a commoner and not even a mob in an otome game. I hope Daniel and the others will continue to laugh at each other like this.

I'm not going to tell the girls that we're going to meet again?

No, I'll ask Gerald again, so you don't have to hide it from Miss Ludia.

Good. I don't want to hide too much from you.

...... What is your relationship with Lydia, Isak?

After listening to the exchange between me and Daniel, Annika asked curiously. It is true that it would be strange if a mere gardener's apprentice were to call the daughter of the family he serves without hesitation.

I can't answer that it's just a servant and a lady, so I'm a little worried. I wonder if "friend" is enough. But I don't feel like I can talk to her about anything like Nico, and we don't joke around as much as the girls in my previous life.

It's like in shonen manga. It's the kind of thing where you don't want to show weakness, but you approve of the other person and are inspired to do your best. ......

Oh. I'm a rival.

"Rival ......?

Yes. When I see your daughter, I feel like I can't lose.

That's right. She was originally going to be a rival girl in an otome game. She said that her sister in her previous life was also a fair-minded competitor, so maybe she has a predisposition to make people work hard.

Daniel and the others rolled their eyes at my answer, and after a while Annika started to laugh a little.

"Yes, it's a nice relationship.

"Yes.

I nodded my head cheerfully, relieved to be able to express myself in words.

Thus, I was promoted from a part-time job to a friend of Daniel and his friends. I'm still an apprentice gardener, but I'm glad that I've grown up a bit.

I can't compete on the same playing field with the young lady because of our different statuses and other things, but now that I've declared that I'll become a full-fledged gardener soon, I'll keep working hard to become one. As spring was about to begin, my motivation grew even more with the new buds sprouting.

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