It was Professor Lassen!

Stella ducked her head and hid behind Professor Hill. If Professor Lassen found out that she left the infirmary and was neither attending classes nor working on her statement, she would definitely get into trouble.

Hello, Professor Lassen.

Professor Hills voice was steady, to Stellas surprise. She had expected his usual timid stammering.

How are the preparations for the forum with the Imperial Research Institute going? Any problems?

Stella gripped Professor Hills coat as Professor Lassens voice drew nearer.

No problems.

The dean wants no mistakes.

Yes.

This will be a great opportunity for you, as you have strong connections to Lassen.

A great opportunity for meYes.

There was a hint of disdain in his voice, but Professor Lassen didnt seem to notice.

Ill look forward to it, then.

Professor Lassens voices receded. She seemed to be returning to the faculty room in a hurry, and the pair stood frozen until she was out of sight.

Oh my god, Im sorry! Just grabbing you all of a suddenDid I hurt you?

Professor Wayne Hill turned around and started fussing over Stella, and she let go of his coat.

Hurt?

Well, I, sorry

Stella realized that he was apologizing for grabbing her wrist. However, thanks to him, she didnt run into Professor Lassen.

Well, then

Professor Hills jabbering faded away and he began to walk again. What a strange professor! In the blink of an eye he went from confident to meek.

The pair of them passed several students, the cafeteria, then began climbing a somewhat steep ascent.

Thats the caretakers strawberry field.

He pointed towards an open field, though there were currently no strawberries.

So the flowers I received are strawberry flowers?

He shook his head.

No, I just wanted to point it out to you.

After taking a short rest in the strawberry field, Professor Hill began to walk again.

Do we really have to go up this hill?

You dont want to?

He looked back with some regret.

O-oh, its just that Ive never been here before

It will be fun. I promise!

He flashed a bright smile and excitedly began to climb up the hill. What on earth was this? Stella just wanted to know the name of the flower, and now they were climbing up some unknown place. Still, the leaf-strewn path wasnt too objectionable.

Basrak, basrak.

Stellars pace was a little slower, and her feet kicked up the fallen leaves every time she took a step.

Are you tired?

He seemed concerned about her slow pace.

N-no

She tried to say she was fine, but she was out of breath due to the lack of exercise. She hoped she didnt seem weak.

Were almost there. Ohhere

He wiggled an arm inside his sleeve and stretched it out to Stella.

Would you like to hold on to this?

Stella stared at the drooping white sleeve.

Professor, how timid are you

Hed be even more flustered if she refused him here, so she grabbed on to the clothing. They looked a comical pair, but Stella found the going easier as the professor tugged her upwards.

Finally, the ground leveled out. The professor didnt say anything, but Stella knew they had reached their destination. The red flowers she was looking for were blooming right at her feet.

There were no trees around here, and so strong sunlight bathed the petals. Perhaps that was how they got their brilliant red hue. The wind stirred the flowers, and that was when Stella relaxed. In spite of the cool weather, she had a light layer of sweat on her.

Did they come all this way

Yes, perhaps. If they brought you these flowers, they would have.

Professor Hill answered her clearly.

It must have been difficult.

Very difficult.

When she heard that last word, she remembered her situation.

Are you tired?

Stella shook her head automatically, but Professor Hill didnt seem satisfied. He remained silent, as if he were still waiting for an answer.

II dont have the time.

Stella finally spoke.

I have to try to get my familys name back before I become an adult.

If she could not restore the Lapis family, the noble name would be lost in history, or perhaps the name would be granted to someone else to carry on. There have been a number of times in history when ownership of a name was transferred to someone else.

Ive always wanted to be great

Stella bit her lip and tightly held on to her sleeve.

And I keep going until Im exhausted

She did everything possible she worked hard in the library, built relationships, and took classes even if they were difficult.

Why do I seem to be drifting away from being a good adult? Why is it getting farther and farther away?

A teardrop splashed on the red petals. Stella lowered her head and staredat the red flowers in front of her. She didnt really care what they were called. What she wanted to know was what the person thought when they picked them for her, and what they thought when they left them for her.

Everyone usually returns goodness with goodness. But then goodness is sometimes returned to bad, even when its not deserved

Stella just looked back at Professor Hill. The following words would be the answer to What were the flowers for?

This is a good deed to my malice.

The professor patted Stella on the head.

You are a smart student.

If I were really smart, then maybe

Then maybe it wouldnt have turned out like this.

Miss Lapis is a smart student.

He repeated himself.

To me, you are a good student. You are sincere and full of curiosity.

Well, my opinion doesnt always mean anything, but you know

He looked around sheepishly as he struggled to find his words.

If you want to stop cryingI could give youman, this comforting thing isnt working, but, uh

He stopped rambling and finally pulled out a crumpled handkerchief from his coat pocket. He then seemed to notice its grubbiness and withdrew it. It was in no condition to be given to anyone. However, Stella reached out her hand.

You can give it to me.

The handkerchief.

Professor Hill stepped back in surprise.

Well, its in no good shape for a lady.

My handkerchief is worse.

It was wet from when she wrapped up the flowers.

Yes, but

Professor Hill held out the crumpled handkerchief awkwardly, and Stella reached out her hand again.

Here.

Professor Hill gave it to her, praying that it didnt smell strange. Stella patted away her tears and looked back at the red flower garden. Now she really was curious about the name of the flowers. Professor Hill would answer right away if she asked, but she decided not to. She had come to understand what he said. Following a question and being given an answer were different things, but she knew for sure what was important.

I cant respond to goodness with malice. I cant live like that.

The professor looked at her as she gazed at the flowers.

I shouldnt have given back malicebut I was scared.

You were scared?

Stella nodded her head.

I might never have the opportunity to change again

If she gave malice, she may live forever in someone elses malice.

I dont want to miss this chance to be good. Ah, look, Professor. Its pretty isnt it?

Stella smiled from the bottom of her heart as she took in the sweet scent of the flowers.

very pretty.

Wayne Hill seldom omitted the subject in his sentences, but Stella didnt notice. Only the red flowers knew the compliment was not for them.