“There are truly so many different types of flowers here - it is like a botanical garden! Do you happen to have roses as well?” Janthe asks with marvel.

“Roses? Of course. Here, I’ll show you the rose area.”

Lata leads Janthe a bit further into the garden until they’re surrounded by various kinds of roses. Janthe’s eyes instantly start to sparkle.

“It’s not a big area as of yet, but I’ve tried to include a variety of different types.”

“I was not even aware of so many varieties and they are all so gorgeous!” Janthe excitedly walks around as she inspects each and every rose with a big smile.

“You seem to be especially fond of roses,” Lata gives a small chuckle as she enjoys seeing Janthe’s excitement.

'Who would've thought that the daughter of a duke would get so excited over some roses. Or that me and her would get so close after only a few meetings!'

'Though, inviting her over for the first time is a bit nerve wracking…'

“That I am! I find them to be particularly lovely in both looks and scent. How about you, Lata? Do you have a favourite?” She turns a curious gaze towards Lata.

“Oh, I actually, I’m not a super big fan of flowers,” Janthe’s face shows a surprised expression, but before she can ask anything Lata continues, “I mean, I do like them, but I don’t really have a favourite one or anything. I actually prefer growing...”

Lata suddenly shuts up, making Janthe voice her question with a tilt of her head.

“Prefer growing what?”

“Uh...” Lata hesitates for a while, before heaving a small sigh and looking at Janthe with a serious gaze, “If you promise to not tell anyone - especially my mother- then I’ll tell you.”

“Especially your mother?”

“Yes. Do you promise?”

“Of course.”

“Okay, follow me.” Lata starts leading the way before coming to an abrupt stop and turning towards Janthe with an outstretched hand. “Here, give me your hand. The road is a bit unsteady in these parts.”

“Ah, okay.” Janthe feels a bit of a tingle in her fingertips as she grabs ahold of Lata’s hand.

‘They do not look it, but her hands are quite rough feeling. She must spend a lot of time in the gardens. The more I get to know about her, the more fascinating she seems...’ Janthe is lost in her own thoughts as she follows Janthe to a more remote area of the garden.

“We’re here.” Lata suddenly stops, making Janthe stumble into her. Lata quickly steadies Janthe while apologising to her.

“It is alright. I am to blame as well as I got lost in my thoughts. But, Lata, this is...” Janthe’s gaze falls past Lata to the cultivated patch behind her.

“This is my secret crop patch!” Lata answers with an excited voice.

“...Crop patch?” Janthe’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Mhm,” Lata nods, “Mother doesn’t allow me to grow crops, so I have to do it in secret.”

Janthe quickly puts her hand in front of her mouth to stifle a laugh. ‘The way she talks, it makes it seem like she did not ponder even for a second the idea of stopping.’

“Janthe?”

Upon hearing her name being called, Janthe quickly collects herself, “Apologies, I was just caught off guard.”

“Yeah, I understand. Me growing potatoes and stuff makes me seem really weird,” Lata heaves a small sigh as she admits that.

“I admit, it is a bit odd to see as this is an uncommon hobby among noble ladies, but at the same time it makes you more fascinating, Lata.”

“F-fascinating?” A slight blush appears on Lata’s cheeks.

“Yes, you just seem to occupy my attention more and more each time we meet. You are a very interesting person!” She gazes at Lata with a warm smile which makes the latter’s blush deepen.

“O-oh, thanks. Um, ah… Are you thirsty? You must be thirsty! Let’s go back towards the house and I’ll tell Nina to serve us some tea!”

Before even waiting for Janthe’s answer, Lata starts hurrying towards the estate while dragging Janthe by the hand. This time, Janthe can’t quite hide her laugh.