Chapter 52: 52 50． rival

As the cold weather begins to abate, the buds are growing in the sunshine and forming flower buds. When I see this, I realize that spring will come soon.

What have you been up to?

What?

"I've been looking over there, sometimes absent-mindedly.

When I turned to face him, I was met by a pair of mysterious black eyes.

Jan pointed in the direction of south. At the moment I'm tending to the garden behind the mansion, so there's nothing but a forest of trees in that direction.

Jan pointed this out to me, and I laughed pathetically.

My friend went back to his hometown. It's kind of boring not to see them anymore. ......

On the previous holiday, I went to Ingrid's Tavern for lunch with my mother and her friends, but Frank was gone. It seems he took an early morning wagon ride with Timo's brother without saying hello to anyone. That's what Ingrid's aunt told me.

She had refused to see him off because she didn't want to be seen off by everyone. It was true that many people must have come to see Frank off when they found out that he was going to leave.

Since we were both working, the number of times we played together was more than two hands. But because he was a man who spoke his mind, he was fun to hang out with, and I realized that Frank was one of the people I could always see. It's a shame that we won't be able to see the comic exchanges with Timo's brother anymore.

Jan didn't point out my boredom, even though he was working on it. On the contrary, he stares in the same direction as me.

I wonder if they feel that way, too. ......

Jan's parents live in a port town near the southwestern border of Arbentroth. Jan's parents live in a port town near the southwestern border of Arbentroth, which is about as far south as you can get from the royal capital in the north. Jan had run away from home the day after his birthday, perhaps remembering his friends back home.

"What about Yang?

It's kind of boring not being able to hang out with those guys.

So do your friends.

Jan's tanned skin is not the result of farming alone. It's a sign that she's been running around in the sun with her friends. Even though I didn't know Jan's friends, it was easy to imagine that Jan was doing well back home.

His dark eyes blinked, and he smiled a smile that seemed to dispel any guilt he might have had. The smile was like the sunshine of midsummer through the spring, and I smiled back.

Let's get back to work.

Yes, sir!　I can't wait to build my own garden so I can show it off to them.

I almost stopped again, twitching. Hearing Jan's words, I had a thought, but decided to leave it for later, since I hadn't finished the work yet.

At this time of year, when the snow is melting and people are preparing for spring, the main work is to maintain the exterior. My father is replanting deciduous trees. Jan and I are repairing the cobblestones on the approach from the main gate to the main entrance. If we don't do this when there are few visitors, we don't know when we will be able to fix it. After we finish the front side of the house, we will work on the back walkway.

Jan and I split up the work, so we're on track to finish the front approach today. When we took a break, I asked Jan.

"Jan, do you want to build it yourself?

Until now, Jan had only admired his father's gardening and had never expressed a desire to do it himself. He had always been keen on doing chores with me, saying that it was important to get a good grounding. It's true that it's important to learn the basic chores, but if you're satisfied with that, you'll never be a real gardener.

Each task may be simple, but a gardener's job is to design a garden. If you just want to grow plants, a gardener or a farmer can do it.

I've been itching to build my own garden ever since I came to the Ernsts' house, but Jan has never expressed such a wish, probably because he has design as his ultimate goal.

That's why I didn't want to miss a word he said.

After a brief pause to think about my question, he smiled excitedly.

That's right. When I saw the master working, I thought I'd like to try it myself.

The master Jan is referring to is his father. At first, my father was puzzled by Jan's stubbornness in calling him that because he was his apprentice, but he finally gave up. I don't know why I felt a sense of déjà vu when I saw my father's behavior.

That aside, I nodded at Yang's first sign of willingness.

"Okay.

Jan tilted her head, unsure of what I was agreeing to.

We finished repairing the cobblestones before the sunset. There was still time to get to the carriage for the return trip. I said no to my father, who was making a final check of the deciduous trees that had been replanted, and took Jan to the area of the forest-like group of trees.

"What is it you want to show me, kiddo?

"In here.

I led Yang through a hedge of inumaki trees. When Yang went through the hedge, he saw a small square with a fountain and a stone statue of an owl, and rolled his eyes.

"This is .......

"It's a practice garden.

It's a practice garden," he said, "but now it's almost like a reset, because they've taken down what they built when it was snowing and re-groomed the lawn.

Since there are few snow-resistant flowers in the winter, I made a dome out of bamboo so that I can make a kamakura in time with the falling snow, and dotted around the dome are the first snowdrops. Because the stems of the first snowdrops are thick, they bloom well even when snow falls, and it is interesting that no two flowers bloom the same. When I invited the young lady and Flora to come on a day when the snowfall was too heavy for the capital, they liked the kamakura more than I expected. It was funny to see Flora looking around at the first snowfall and reporting back to the lady that she was seeing many different faces.

When I see such happy faces, I get excited to see what she will do next. When I remembered it, I felt excited again, and the corners of my mouth lifted up involuntarily.

"Do you want to practice with this too?

"What? Are you sure?

Jan was startled and turned to me with a start. Her dark eyes were shining with the same excitement I felt. I knew it was because we had the same dream, but I found it funny.

"You're an apprentice gardener like me.

You have an equal right to use this garden for practice. The reason why this place has been mostly for one person is because there happened to be only one apprentice in the Baumgartner family.

I don't remember my great-grandfather's face very well because he was too small, but my grandmother said that my grandfather's strong face was inherited from his father, so it seems that all the men in the Baumgartner family were big and misleading in their facial expressions. That's probably why they were so easily intimidated, compounded by their strict work ethic.

That's the only reason why you can share it now that you have two students. I've been thinking about what to do for the spring, so it's just as well that it's still untouched. My father also said before that he would let Jan use it if she wanted to.

"I think it's better to alternate seasons rather than split the practice in half, what do you think?

"Yes, I think that's a good idea too!

"Yes, I think that's a good idea too!" I told her about the idea of sharing, and she nodded. We'll take turns using it every three months, resetting it once before the change and handing it over to the other person.

So, do you prefer spring/autumn or summer/winter?　You can do more things in spring and autumn.

In spring, there are many kinds of flowers that bloom, and in autumn, although we tend to focus on deciduous trees that turn red, there are many purple and yellow flowers that bloom. There are more purple and yellow flowers in bloom, and I thought it would be better to practice in a season with more choices.

Jan looks around the practice garden, pondering and groaning. Then he noticed something nearby.

What's in this flowerpot?

"Oh, that. It was broken, so the gardener sold it to me for free.

The old gardener was wondering what to do with the unglazed flowerpots that had been broken or chipped during transportation. I bought some of them to see what I could do with them.

"So, weren't you already planning to build something in spring?

Yeah. Well, yes, but .......

I'm sure he bought it because he had an idea of how to use it. I'm sure I bought it because I had a use for it. I had used it first, so I was willing to give Jan the order she wanted.

"Which do you prefer?

Jan's question threw me for a loop. I hadn't expected Jan to ask me what I wanted, when she wanted to give priority to my opinion.

So I'll take the one you want.

"Sir.

I didn't lie that I wanted to give in, but Yang blocked my choice. I swallowed half of the interrupted words and thought.

What do I want to do?

I was going to use spring flowers for the unglazed flowerpots. But I could also use summer flowers with strong colors that would bounce back the sunlight. However, even if I build a garden in the summer, it will be out of season and I won't have a chance to show it to my daughters.

In other words, you won't get to see your daughters smile as often.

I felt a little disappointed about that.

But I was hesitant to say such a small thing as selfishness. I think I should let Haruaki, who has more freedom, be Yang.

As I was about to open my mouth, I suddenly remembered Frank's words.

He told me to be more ambitious.

He also told me not to give up.

I wondered if it was something as trivial as that. We're in a situation where Jan and I both want the same thing. We both want to practice to become a gardener. Besides, I just want to see my daughter smile as much as possible.

A little bit of that doesn't have to be said. But I felt like I'd be breaking my promise to Frank if I didn't say anything.

"...... I'd prefer to show it to my daughter in the spring and fall if possible.

I spilled out a request that was almost an impression.

I'll do summer and winter then.

Jan smiled and readily agreed. I was taken aback by her lack of reluctance or disappointment.

"Are you sure about ......?

"Yes. I'd like to learn more about how cold-hardy plants and flowers grow.

I'm glad it's a plant I'm familiar with. I want to know how to grow plants that I'm not used to. Jan seemed happy, and I could tell she wasn't lying to either of us.

There are so many flowers in spring and fall that it's hard to remember them. That's why I'm going to look at your garden and learn from it.

Yan smiled and added. He was trying not to worry about me. Maybe Jan didn't mean it like that, but I wondered why she made me say it.

"Does Jan have any siblings?

"I have two brothers and a sister. He's not very cute.

The expression on Yang's face was the exact opposite of what he was saying.

But why?

No, I just thought you looked like my brother.

Yang is very assertive, but in the end, I could tell that he respects his younger siblings. He didn't seem to understand that I said he was like the eldest son, and he tilted his head to say that I (Aniki) was the one who was like him.

It was kind of funny, so I didn't correct him, but I was satisfied with the glimpse of his brotherliness.

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Yeah. Thanks, Jan.

"No, thank you!

I thanked him and he accepted with a smile that reminded me of summer sunshine. I think a summer garden would suit him very well.

I was looking forward to seeing what he would create in the coming months.

A few days later, I was having a mid-afternoon tea break with my daughter, thinking that it was the last time we would have tea in the greenhouse because of the warmth of the sun. At the entrance of the greenhouse, Pochi was waiting like a guard or a gatekeeper. I thought I would share some sweets with her later, but she told me that she had already wrapped them for Katrin.

Oh, so you don't call Nico at the greenhouse, do you?

I asked her over a cup of tea, as usual. Even though she has more friends, when we have tea at the greenhouse, it's still just the two of us, or the three of us, including Katrin.

Doesn't she want to relax in the greenhouse with her fiancé Leo, her friends the ladies, or Nico?

That's .......

For some reason, the young lady was upset by my question and unusually made the surface of her tea ripple. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea.

It would be wrong to make you come all the way here.

Oh, it's a bit far.

I see. It's true that it's a long way from the house to the greenhouse. I'm sure Leo and Nico are strong enough to handle it, but the lady is a guest. I guess she can't bear the thought of making them go to the trouble of dealing with guests. Besides, not all of her friends' daughters have as much stamina as she does.

When I convinced her, she seemed a little relieved.

She seemed a little relieved when I convinced her. "Isn't ...... boring enough for just me?

Then, after a while, she asked me in a depressed tone of voice. I rolled my eyes at the unexpected question.

No way. I just thought it would be bad if I were the only one to see the flowers in the greenhouse with you, as if I were hogging all the spring.

The world of everlasting spring suits the pale blonde hair and pale blue eyes of the young lady very well, and it feels like a luxury to be able to see her smile in that world. I'm not sure if I'm the only one who can see this.

"......?

The girl's cheeks reddened as if she had been overheated. I guess it's time to stop drinking hot tea in the greenhouse. I suggested that we cool the tea, but she said no.

I'm not trying to say that Zakk is anything like ...... every single time!

The lady seemed to be angry about something, and I thought she was going into lecture mode, but she shook her head and got rid of her anger. I tilted my head, wondering what it was.

Then she looked at me intently. She stares at me with such intensity that it's almost as if she's glaring at me.

The intensity of her gaze intimidated me, and I tended to step back slightly while sipping my tea. I wonder what they are looking for.

"...... Zaku, you're looking a little down, aren't you?

He asked me as if to confirm that I was asking the right question. It's the same as usual," she muttered, pondering.

I couldn't help but chuckle because she was worrying so seriously.

The lady rolls her eyes at my sudden outburst of laughter.

"You're amazing, .......

I couldn't bite back the laughter, but I let out my thoughts. She noticed something I didn't think I cared much about. I was happy and surprised.

I laughed, and she giggled.

I guess I was imagining things.

"No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm just happy that you were worried about me. I was just a little lonely.

"Lonely. ......?

He must have felt uncomfortable with a word that didn't suit me. The lady frowned with a hint of suspicion.

I slurped down the rest of the tea and put the teacup back in the saucer.

My friend has gone back to his hometown. I won't be seeing him for a while.

That's right. ......

I told her the reason for my loneliness, and she nodded quietly. Perhaps she was thinking about it for herself. After a while, her eyebrows lowered sadly.

Then she got up from her chair and walked over to me, wondering what I was thinking. As I watched her, her hand reached out and placed it on my head. She stroked my head.

While I froze at the suddenness of it, a white hand gently slid over my hair.

I hope to see you again.

Her pale blue eyes were filled with sympathy, and there was a pause as she searched for the right words to say.

Oh.

At first I didn't know what to do, but the hand stroking me felt so good that I gently closed my eyelids.

I know it's boring, but Frank went home to make his dream come true. I should probably explain to her that it's nothing to be pessimistic about, but I'm afraid to say it now.

I just enjoyed the gentle palm of her hand.

A long and short time passed, and then the lady's hand left mine. Reacting to the disappearance of the soft touch, I opened my eyelids.

"I feel better. Thank you.

When I smiled and thanked her, her face was closer than I expected. That's why I could see her wide eyes and the blush on her cheeks.

But as soon as I saw the change, she retreated back to her chair.

I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you,......!

She turns away with a pout, her ears are red. I wonder if it's hot in the greenhouse, even if it's not a tropical plant area. I wonder if it's hot in the greenhouse, even if it's not a tropical plant area. Unlike me in my work clothes, she's wearing a winter dress with a fabric that seems to keep her warm. I asked her if she wanted to leave the greenhouse, and she said she was fine.

She sat back in her chair, mumbled something, and looked down. Then she took a sip of her tea and exhaled. By that time, the redness in her cheeks seemed to have lessened.

Anyway, since the lady said she was fine, I had something to tell her and I would report it.

Oh, yeah. Jan and I are going to take turns using the garden for practice.

"Oh. Oh, yes?

"Jan finally said she wants to build a garden, not just do chores. I'm looking forward to seeing what Jan can do. You can take a look at Jan's, if you like.

"Yes.

While I spoke happily, the young lady had a dumbfounded, thoughtful expression on her face, and although she nodded, her voice sounded empty.

She nodded, but her voice sounded empty. I'll let you know when I get back what Yan's built.

"What's ......?

Puzzled, the young lady repeated some of her words.

"Yeah. Jan says he practices in the summer and winter.

"Yes, ......, that's right.

For some reason, the young lady patted her chest in relief. What was she so relieved about? I didn't understand.

"You look happy, Zak.

"Yes, now I can talk to Jan head on.

I've got a friend who wants to be a gardener, but so far he's been following me rather than trying to work with me. It was only when Jan told me that she wanted to make her own garden that I felt like I was standing next to her.

I'm glad that Jan's filter against me is coming off. We still have to get to know each other's style, but it would be fun to build a garden together when we both become gardeners.

The young lady, who must have been smiling because she was having so much fun, sighed in exasperation and smiled as if she couldn't help it.

"You really have no sense of danger, do you?

"Crisis?　Why?

There is a possibility that Yang will overtake you in the future. Don't you ever get nervous?

Oh, I see. Jan's like a rival. I'll have to work hard.

I don't think there's any such thing as winning or losing in the garden, so it wasn't until the young lady pointed it out that I realized there was a possibility that Jan would be the first to be recognized and become a gardener. It's true that I got my apprenticeship early, but if it took me longer to get my dad's approval, it wouldn't show.

I was the only ............ competitor.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I tilted my head to ask her, but she just turned her head away and said it was nothing. I wonder what she said.

I'm going to be able to build a garden that will make her smile!

I told her that I would do my best to make her feel better about herself. I asked Jan to give me a turn so that I could see her smile more often. It would be a shame if I didn't use it properly.

After a brief pause, the young lady's face turns bright red. Then she clenched her mouth tightly and made a show of shutting up the voice that was about to come out.

Since her mouth was closed, of course I couldn't understand what she was saying. I don't know what she said, but I wondered if I had offended her by suddenly turning red. Or is it too hot in the greenhouse?

"Ta-da!

"Ta?

I tilted my head, picking up the sound that escaped from her mouth that had unraveled after a while.

I'll look forward to seeing you at .......

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that. But she never lies to me, so I take her at her word.

I smile, happy that she's looking forward to the garden I'm building for her.

Oh.

Let's just get on with the task at hand. Spring is almost here.

I'm going to grow a garden so that my daughter's smile will bloom in a real spring garden.

I had forgotten at this time.

I forgot that I have a limited time to see her smile.

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