Chapter 36 - The Flower Maiden
Today is the first day of our recruitment campaign. I hope a lot of people show up.
I'm usually an early riser, but I woke up even earlier today, feeling particularly excited. I got out of bed feeling refreshed, even in the dim morning light.
The Kikyo Society Headquarters was still quiet, so I took a slightly cold shower to clear my mind and body.
As I was drying my indigo hair, someone entered the changing room.
"Yukari, you're as early as always."
"You're a rare sight, Frederica. You're usually a bit later."
"Well, I..."
Unlike me, she hadn't slept well. She had been in a light sleep all night, and the sun had risen before she knew it. She was now trying to wake up with a shower.
"Nervous about something?"
"I don't think so. It's only been a day since we started the recruitment. I don't expect many to show up."
"Guess so."
We did mention the risks in the recruitment notice. It's unlikely that many would apply, knowing the dangers.
It might even be zero. No, it can't be zero... right?
With these thoughts, I got dressed and headed out for my usual morning routine.
"I'll be training in the basement. Call me if anything happens."
"I'll check outside after my shower."
I doubt anyone will show up this early, but I headed out to the garage to reach the training ground. The structure could use an upgrade, but it's too late for that now.
The morning sun was blinding, and the dry air felt refreshing. I considered doing some calisthenics outside instead of staying in the basement.
A white figure caught my eye, interrupting my thoughts.
Her silhouette, blocking the sun, was backlit, making it hard to see her face. Few people are out at this hour.
"Is it you, Kikyo Society?"
Her voice was drawn out. As I approached, I saw a beautiful woman with a hand on her cheek, looking troubled.
She had a gentle aura, and her white attire suited her well. She looked like a white witch.
A wide-brimmed, pointed hat, a flowing white robe, and colorful corsages adorned her. A large kikyo flower decoration on her waist was a standout feature. Even her bag had floral decorations. She must be a huge flower enthusiast.
To be honest, she doesn't look like someone who would apply to us.
But she did mention the Kikyo Society. Maybe I'm mistaken.
"Yes, you've found the right place."
"Oh, what a relief. I'm quite forgetful, and I was worried I might have the wrong address."
She's a new type. She has her own unique pace. I don't dislike it, but it's new.
"What brings you here?"
"I saw your recruitment notice and thought I'd apply."
Really? Maybe she's misunderstood the Kikyo Society. But what if she's unexpectedly a fighter?
I can't tell. Let's hear her out. Training will have to wait.
"Alright, come inside. I'll listen to what you have to say."
"Thank you. I'll make myself at home."
I led her inside the headquarters.
Frederica is still in the shower, and the early risers should be waking up soon. We'll have some time to chat before anyone else arrives.
I asked her to sit and quickly prepared some tea.
I made a red tea-flavored recovery potion. The scent filled the office, and I'm proud of the quality of this red tea.
"Here's your tea. Enjoy."
"It smells wonderful. It's delicious. But you didn't use tea leaves, did you?"
"You have a good nose. This is a magical creation that mimics red tea."
"Hehe, I'm a specialist in plants, so I can tell easily."
Her love for flowers isn't just for show.
She's a specialist, which is intriguing. I'll ask her more about it.
I sat across from her and took a sip of tea before starting the conversation.
"Let's start with introductions. I'm Shinogami. You can call me Yukari. What's your name?"
"I'm Orchid Lily. I'm good with flower magic."
"Flower magic?"
It sounds unique. Is it a metaphor?
"Yes. I can make flowers bloom. Hehe."
Impressive. Even as a scholar, I've never heard of such a unique and useful magic. I'm curious about its range and capabilities.
Can it make any plant bloom, or just flowers? Can it include trees and fruits? Does it accelerate growth or create plants with magic? I'm interested in the scale and speed.
There's a lot to explore, and I'm eager to learn.
"Are the flowers on your clothes real? Did you make them with magic?"
"Hehe, yes, they're magical creations."
She stood up proudly and spun around, showing off the flowers. It's a natural gesture, almost innocent.
"The flowers smell wonderful. They're lovely. But why are you here so early?"
"There are flowers that only bloom in the early morning in a nearby flower bed. I was out for a walk to see them and arrived early."
There are a few community-managed flower beds in the area. That must be what she means.
"You really love flowers. Can you tell me more about your flower magic?"
"Of course!"
She explained her unique magic in detail. It's quite impressive. I asked about the scope and found out she can do a lot. It's a powerful magic. Why would she want to join the Kikyo Society with such a unique and valuable skill?
There must be many organizations that would want her. I can't help but ask.
"So, why the Kikyo Society?"
"Well, I used to manage the gardens at the palace in Retnark. After the coup, things changed, and I was forced to flee. I ended up here in Exembra."
She shared her background, which was both surprising and understandable. I asked for more details, and she revealed a challenging past.
Before the coup, she had the freedom to create gardens as she pleased. The queen loved her work. After the coup, her beloved gardens were destroyed, and she was pressured to use her magic for military purposes. She refused and fled Retnark.
"So, why the Kikyo Society?"
"It's because of the flowers, of course. I love kikyo flowers the most. When I saw the Kikyo Society, I knew it was my destiny."
She spoke with a bright smile and genuine enthusiasm. It's clear she's passionate about flowers.
I need to make sure she understands the risks involved.
"Did you read the recruitment notice? It mentions the dangers."
"I'm not afraid. I'm willing to go to great lengths for rare flowers. I even fought my way out of Retnark."
She can handle herself, it seems. If she can use her flower magic as described, she should be able to protect herself.
She mentioned that the recruitment notice welcomed people with various skills and ambitions.
"Do you have something specific in mind?"
"Yes, I do."
She explained her ambitions, which were surprisingly practical. She loves flowers and wants to make the world a more beautiful place. She has dreams of creating gardens beyond the confines of a palace.
She also mentioned that she lacks funds and that the Kikyo Society could provide her with the means to achieve her goals. Her decision to join us is driven by practical reasons.
I understand her motives better now. Joining the Kikyo Society might be a rational choice for her.
Her ambitions are admirable, but we can't afford to support unprofitable ventures. If her goals align with our mission and she can contribute, we'll consider it.
"Frederica, is there a front desk we need?"
She seemed to light up at the idea.
"What does the Kikyo Society do? A front desk could be useful. We handle security and will soon open a bar. Having a different face could open new possibilities."
A front desk could attract a different clientele and provide a different image for the Kikyo Society.
"I agree. It could be beneficial."
The specifics can be worked out by someone like Frederica, who is good at administrative tasks.
"What will I be doing?"
"How about running a flower shop? You can start by beautifying Exembra with flowers."
"That sounds wonderful!"
There might not be any flower shops in the city. Most flowers are grown in gardens or collected from the wild. A flower shop could be a new and profitable venture.
"Alright, we'll prepare the shop. In the meantime, we'll need to train you. Do you understand the risks?"
"Yes, I understand. I'm willing to work hard and earn my place."
She nodded determinedly. She seems like a valuable addition to the Kikyo Society.
Frederica and I nodded in agreement. It's settled.
"I'll assign you a room. The others should be up soon, and we'll have breakfast together."
"Thank you!"
"Frederica, please show her around."
Lily seems like a good fit. We'll see how she develops.