Chapter 81 - The Girl Wants to Be M*rdered

〈 Chapter 81 〉 81. Insightful Musings and Answers * * * ** Perhaps it's meant to contain the warmth. As we opened and closed the rather stiff greenhouse doors, the stark contrast in air on either side greeted us. Yet, the air that changed so abruptly was anything but unpleasant, offering nothing but a cozy comfort. Inside the transparent greenhouse, which provided a clear view of the chilly weather outside, the warmth was so pervasive it made the previous cold winds feel like a distant lie. ─Creak. "Aah, I'm melting... Finally, I feel like I can breathe now." "Yay, we’re in!" Feeling the warm air thaw my frozen skin, I slowly took in the picturesque view of the beautiful greenhouse. Before experiencing many things in the Arcad Empire, I used to scoff at the idea of medieval or early modern creations being impressive. Yet, it didn’t take long for that notion to be shattered. This greenhouse was one of those marvels. A sense of modernity mixed with familiarity enveloped me as I gazed upon the glass walls and ceiling, supported by dark frames that imparted a sophisticated vibe. Truly, at this moment, it felt as if I had traveled back in time—enough to make me believe it. Not that I’ve ever visited such a luxurious glass greenhouse personally, of course. They were things I had only seen in photos. Or perhaps videos? Though I never had a particular interest, if I had expressed a desire to visit, I would have been busy listening to my mother's scolding, "You silly girl! Stop daydreaming and go study!" and would not have had the chance to go. "...Hoo." Anyway. The weight of the culture and technology, patiently accumulated from countless geniuses over not just hundreds but thousands of years, was beyond what I could fathom. It was particularly refreshing because it was my first proper daytime visit for sightseeing purposes. Previously, I only caught glimpses in passing. When hiding Alice in the flower garden, I barely had the leisure to look around due to my hectic schedule. Recently, I managed to get a short leave, thanks to the princess’s backing. I ponder on the immense effort that must have gone into creating this garden. Metallurgy, the smelters to melt materials, the lining strong enough to withstand those furnaces, and even newer technologies to create all that—every thought led to a long chain of endeavors and their results. Created, born, and brought to life. Its origins lay in the handiwork of humankind alone. Behind everything I observed was the hidden history of humanity. How much trial and error did it take for past humankind, who couldn’t even spark a flame easily, to develop such technology? Whenever examining such feats, I recollected my youthful folly of attempting and failing to make a simple ballpoint pen, only to abandon the endeavor entirely. "Tada! How about this, Lumiere! With this, we could make a fortune!" "Hahn... What weird stunt are you up to now? Just go do the laundry." "...Unfair." Past embarrassing memories surged up unbidden, like unwelcomed guests, making my face flush—perhaps due to the hot air, or maybe the cold outside. Unlike other easily forgotten memories, why do these mortifying recollections insist on clinging to my mind? Truly curious. Thus. A small nostalgia for memories I can never return to filled me. As I leisurely explored the center of the greenhouse, purple bleeding hearts bloomed around a single plum tree, while lilacs emitted a fresh fragrance asserting their presence. Moreover, the greenhouse abounded with various spring-blooming flowers like red and pink anemones, and beautifully purple hyacinths. The regularly changing themes of the greenhouse—this time, it seemed to be 'Spring.' —Tap. "...Hmm? What's that over there." There was a patch of bare soil a short distance away, with no plants. The soil, apparently well-fertilized and boasting its fertility, did not seem abandoned; a place where any seeds would grow naturally. The fact that such soft soil was maintained suggested it was either a spot prepared for new flowers or a place set up for visitors to experience planting. Judging by the neatly arranged tools like watering cans and rakes nearby, it was likely for the latter purpose. A specially arranged space for children like Alice to experience planting flowers firsthand. —Tap, tap! "Oh, here it is!" "...Oh, there are seeds too." And my thoughts were confirmed when Alice, as if familiar with the tools, ran towards them and began handling them with her little hands. Was Alice's goal this spot from the beginning? Although she had only visited the garden a few times before meeting Remy Achaia, she swiftly located and understood the use of the spot, touching the various implements charmingly. Beside her were saplings ready to be transplanted, needing only to be uprooted and replanted. A perfect hands-on experience zone for children. Tap. "—Up-cha!" Alice filled a basket with tools like a spade, slinging it over her shoulder with her small hand. Her natural demeanor suggested this wasn’t her first time engaging in such activities. Now that I think about it, even when Alice was still the princess of the kingdom as a child, she used to have a hobby of planting flowers in the garden. Seeing Alice unchanged from then to now, perhaps memories dwell not in the mind but in the heart. I initially thought a royal indulging in horticulture was just a frivolous pastime. Yet, watching her prepare her tasks so seamlessly, it was apparent that it was a deeply cherished hobby. Of course, Alice would never approach any task half-heartedly. "Hmm..." If someone unaware of her identity were to witness Alice now, they might assume she’s the lively daughter of a farming family. Such was the extent of her enthusiasm. Tap, tap. "Ah... this is comfortable." A stove, nestled in the corner of the glass greenhouse, maintained the air's warmth. I pulled a chair close and sat down, listening to the magical sound of firewood breaking down in the flames, while observing cute little Alice. Nothing around seemed particularly dangerous, so there was no reason for a woman, mentally over thirty, to intrude on a child’s personal gardening paradise. Though my reputation was already in ruins, I still yearned for a sliver of dignity. Despite being far gone. ─Rustle, rustle. "Alright... this one, and this one..." ".........." Satisfied with her collection of tools, Alice headed to the seed display and began examining the seeds one by one. Each basket seemed to offer different types of seeds. By choosing not to pick ready-to-plant saplings, was she expressing a desire to do everything herself from start to finish? With a seriousness I’d never seen before, Alice busily worked one-handed, inspecting various seeds and sometimes rolling them around in her palm. Occasionally, she narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing a single seed for minutes, deeply engrossed. One by one, seeds selected with care filled Alice’s hands. It was a scene reminiscent of a painting depicting 'happiness and peace.' However. Something felt off. ".......Huh?" "Hehe~♬" My face gradually froze, and like cracked earth, fissures began to form in my expression. Like a rotting fruit, my face twisted further with time. Denial? No. Surprise? No. Sadness? Perhaps close, but not quite. It was something beyond those simple emotions, akin to the terror of encountering the unknown. A clear abnormality (???). It was an unconscious response to actions I couldn’t grasp. "Hmm, hmm~♬" "...Alice?" Alice gently selected a seed, cradling it as if precious. It was covered in patches of black mold. She picked another, seemingly pleased. Its shell was cracked in several places. Returning the other seeds to their basket, Alice kept only the ones she favored: dull, shabby seeds of unimpressive size. To any onlooker, they were far from healthy seeds. The question wasn’t whether they would grow well, but if they could sprout at all. Yet, despite the doubt in my voice, Alice hummed happily, holding her chosen seeds with care. Without any intent to discard them, she embraced them delicately. —Clink, clink. "Hmm, hmm~♪" "........." Alice selected only broken and rotten seeds. Each one, deliberately. I slouched in my chair, taken aback. Watching Alice's inexplicable actions, I sat there bewildered. ** * * *