For Romantic Superpowers - Chapter 6 - Plant's Depression (2)
#6. Plant’s Depression (2)
The plant with pointed leaves was no larger than Lia’s palm.
“Yeah. I don’t understand why they keep dying. I’ve already killed several….”
Kevin said as he watered the dry sand with his hands.
“I am capable of bringing rain. I can make any desert plant grow like a plant in the jungle.”
As if to prove his words, a drop of water fell on the sand. Then, with a whooshing sound, it started raining heavily. Lia and Perth were instantly soaked. However, they both focused on the plant at their feet rather than worrying about getting wet. Even the few leaves it had were wilting.
“Just giving water makes them wilt like this. Currently, I’m experimenting, giving one plant water every week and the other every month. As you can see, the results are the same, they’re all wilting.”
“What about not giving water at all?”
“That happened once too. It wilted just like a cactus. It’s not like it doesn’t need water at all. It’s ambiguous.”
Lia sat down on the wet sand. Then, she gently touched the withered leaves. She carefully shook off the water that had accumulated on the leaves.
“What’s its name?”
“I don’t know exactly how it’s pronounced in a foreign language. It’s called the Miracle of the Desert.”
“The Miracle of the Desert….”
Whether not giving water at all or giving a lot, it didn’t work. Lia pondered in front of the tiny miracle of the desert. Perth just wore an expression and stared at the small plant. What value did this little plant hold that so many people were running after it?
“Can I use my ability?”
Lia asked cautiously. Kevin looked down at Lia and asked.
“What ability do you have?”
“The ability to make plants grow.”
“…Alright. Give it a try.”
Lia gently placed her hand on the plant. Then, she focused as usual. She hoped her ability would be properly controlled this time. If she succeeded this time, she might be able to officially join the palace.
“…Huh.”
However, despite Lia’s efforts, there was no response from the plant even after a while. Kevin sighed. It was unusual for it to not grow on its own, it was a problem. Lia was greatly perplexed.
“This, this can’t be happening…?”
“I don’t know why, but this plant doesn’t grow with abilities like yours. All the plant manipulators have tried but failed. Looks like you’re no different.”
Lia tried to use her ability again, but it was futile. Perth and Kevin were already discussing a solution they had expected.
“How big do they normally grow?”
“I’ve heard that the larger species can grow enormously.”
“Even such small plants?”
“If they don’t reproduce, they can easily live for 20 years.”
Perth looked at the small plant suspiciously. It was smaller than the palm of his hand. He couldn’t understand how a plant that didn’t respond to the ability to grow plants could grow into a giant.
“How many seeds are left?”
“Five.”
“I’ll entrust one of them to Lady Lia for three months.”
“Even if her ability doesn’t work, can we trust her with it?”
“…?”
That part was also a question for Perth. He wondered if it would be a waste of time to assign a plant manipulator to a plant that didn’t respond to abilities. Lia stood up and spoke.
“I’m also confident in my understanding of the plant itself, not just my ability. If you entrust it to me, I’ll try to save this one.”
After realizing her ability, it was no exaggeration to say that she spent almost every day with plants. Since plants almost always grew huge when she used her ability, she naturally learned how to raise them. She had confidence in her affinity for plants. Although it was her first time seeing this plant, Lia vowed to save it.
“I hope it’s not just talk.”
It was an uncomfortable expression, but it was positive. Lia’s expression brightened upon hearing Kevin’s words. Then, she bowed.
“Thank you!”
“In addition to raising this plant, you’ll need to help with other tasks in our department.”
“Yes! I’ll work hard!”
“Congratulations, Lady Lia. You’re officially an apprentice in the Desert Climate Plant Management Department.”
It was a congratulatory message that lacked enthusiasm, but Lia was still happy. She unknowingly grabbed Perth’s hand and jumped up and down.
“This is all thanks to you, Mr. Perth! I’m really, really grateful for you coming!”
Kevin looked back and forth at the two with suspicious eyes. Perth tried to pull his hand away in confusion, but Lia’s grip was strong.
“P-please let go of this…”
Despite his pleading, Lia didn’t hear it at all. Eventually, Perth had no choice but to keep holding her hand until Lia’s excitement subsided.
* * *
That evening, Perth was busy dealing with the tasks he had put off while escorting Lia. His office was filled with the usual sounds of flipping papers and the scratching of pens. It was almost time to leave work. If he worked a little longer, he could finish all the tasks scheduled for today.
“Perth!”
If only it weren’t for his boss interrupting him as usual. But this superior didn’t even bother to knock or open the door gently. Perth subtly glanced at him to avoid being noticed.
“You’re quite obvious. The glare.”
“Is that so? My apologies.”
With an unapologetic tone, Perth got up from his seat. Despite being a presence that often disturbed his work, he was still a member of the royal family. It was appropriate to stand up and greet him.
“If you need something, why did you personally come to this humble aide’s office?”
“That’s not it. It’s not like you and I need to keep up such formalities.”
Since when were they so close? Perth inwardly thought so, but it didn’t show on his face.
“What’s the matter?”
“That girl. Lady Penelope.”
“Yes.”
He had expected to ask about her. Lia was the only woman among the plant manipulators who entered the palace this time. Moreover, she was the talented daughter of Count Penelope, known for her ability. If Alfonse wasn’t interested, it would be even more unusual.
“How is she?”
“What do you mean?”
Perth frowned slightly. He didn’t understand Alfonse’s question at all. Was he asking if she was doing well? That wasn’t something a prince should ask.
“She seems to have a crush on me.”
“…What?”
“Ah, it’s a curse, this beauty of mine. Perth, what if she can’t sleep tonight because she’s thinking of me?”
Alfonse had a chronic disease. Prince disease. He suffered from an incurable illness that made him think everyone was after him because he was a prince. Perth frowned at him in the end.
“Please, restrain yourself.”
It was rude to say to his superior, but Alfonse just laughed it off. They have known each other well since childhood. According to the standards of ordinary commoners, they might have been considered childhood friends. To Alfonse, Perth was his most trusted servant and a close friend. Though Perth might not see it that way.
“So, how is it going?”
“I’m not quite sure what you are talking about.”
“Lady Penelope’s abilities.”
“I still haven’t properly seen her ability. She tried to grow the plant you mentioned, but her ability didn’t work.”
When the topic of plants came up, Alfonse’s brows furrowed.
“That plant, it just wouldn’t grow.”
“Yes. Lia… Lady Penelope’s entering the palace also had something to do with that.”
In addition to Lia, several other apprentices were scheduled to enter the palace. They were all plant-related ability users. In Psychedelia, most plants grew well when touched by an ability user, so there weren’t many people with extensive plant-related knowledge. Therefore, it was difficult to raise plants like the Miracle of the Desert, which didn’t respond to abilities. Perth had called them hoping that among the ability users, there would be people familiar with plants who could find a solution.
“Why on earth would Her Majesty want to grow that plant?”
Despite her reputation for being very caring, Alfonse couldn’t understand why the queen wanted to grow the Miracle of the Desert. But outwardly, it was an effort to grow the plant cherished by the queen for image management purposes. All of this was an idea that came from Perth’s mind.
“Perhaps she misses her hometown. Your Highness, don’t you ever want to visit the desert? It’s almost like your birthplace.”
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I’ve been a Psychedelian since birth. I’ve never thought about wanting to go to the desert.”
Alfonse buried himself deep into the couch in one corner of Perth’s office. Then, he crossed his arms and fell into deep thought. Although he often showed a reckless side, when he didn’t, he was the epitome of the prince charming that most women worshipped. Perth thought of a woman who disliked such a prince.
-Do you know what rumors are circulating in social circles about the prince?
It was a bit severe, but after all, the person holding the right of succession to the throne was right in front of him, Prince Alfonse. Women made efforts to get even a little closer to him, even lining up outside the palace. Lia was the first to openly reject him.
Perth briefly pondered what kind of man Lia might fall for. Objectively, no man in Psychedelia had better conditions than Alfonse. He was perfect in terms of looks, status, and wealth. Except for being a playboy.
For a while, silence hung in the office, as both were lost in thought. Alfonse was the first to break the silence.
“When can I have tea with Lady Penelope?”
“You can have tea once a week. I’ll call her whenever it’s convenient for you, Your Highness.”
“If there’s no time, make time. Then clear my schedule for a tea time with Lady Penelope tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow, there’s a palace meeting scheduled, Your Highness.”
“Can’t you make an exception with the special authority of the Chief Aide?”
“It’s difficult. Would you skip the meeting?”
Perth gave Alfonse a look of annoyance, but Alfonse didn’t even flinch at Perth’s fierce gaze.
“Lady Penelope probably wanted to see me all night. Naturally, I should at least show my face, shouldn’t I? Then adjust the schedule so that I can visit her in the morning before the palace meeting.”
“You should prepare for the palace meeting in the morning…”
“I doubt I’ll prepare for the palace meeting as soon as I wake up.”
“So, are you saying you’ll visit Lady Penelope as soon as you wake up?”
“Yes. She’s a refreshing breeze in the palace after a long time. Of course, I should enjoy it.”
Alfonse had a predatory expression, like a predator eyeing its prey. Lady Penelope was a presence that brought vitality to the dull palace life. Although being involved with a noble lady carried some risk, he enjoyed more dangerous games. Moreover, if things went well, it was an opportunity to build rapport with Count Penelope.
Perth knew this well, so he didn’t oppose it. But looking at Alfonse’s expression, he felt a sense of unease about introducing him to Lia. At the same time, he felt a bit sorry for Lia, even though it was a strategic marriage.
“…Yes, understood.”
But he was still his superior. Perth could only quietly nod his head.