Apricot/Scenes

## Character Story Quests

### Herbal Medicine Joke

*Lately, I've had a lot of desk work, and my stiff shoulders are getting worse. My shoulders were getting heavier and it was becoming difficult to move them around. For a change of pace, I decided to get out of the office and talk a stroll around the castle.*

**Apricot :** Ah, Danchou-san. What are you doing? You're rolling your shoulders quite a bit.

*Apricot rushed over to me. I got spotted trying to loosen up my shoulders. I told her that my shoulders have been really heavy lately and it's not getting better.*

**Apricot :** Since when did you start to have these symptoms?

“It's been about a week. My work's been piling up, so I've been stuck doing that. I know it's not good to sit in the same position for hours, but I haven't been able to make time to stand up and stretch out.”

**Apricot :** I see... Fumufumu...

“You're speaking somewhat like a doctor. Although thinking of that, Apricot does have relations with a medical background.”

**Apricot :** Yes, my family runs a herbal medicine shop. Since herbal medicine uses natural ingredients, it has very few side effects.

“Fumufumu. Herbal medicine does have the image of being good for your body.”

**Apricot :** Of course, there are herbal medicines that are good for stiff and heavy shoulders. They work very well.

“Herbal medicine can cure stiff shoulders? Anyway, if it works, I'd be happy to try it out.”

**Apricot :** You're always looking after me, so I'll get Danchou-san some as a present.

“That would be great. Will Apricot be getting it from her family?”

**Apricot :** No. I won't get it from my family, I'll make it myself. But I've never made medicine for stiff shoulders... I'll do my best though!

“I see, Apricot will make it herself?”

*Wi-will it really be alright?*

**Apricot :** Well then, let me take a look at your shoulders. Danchou-san, please come and lie down over here.

“Lying down right here... is, maybe not a good idea. I'm already worried about what might happen later.
*So because of that, she came to my office. I was a little worried about how Apricot was acting, but I'd be happy if she could actually help my shoulders, even a little. So I tried to lie down on the office floor.*

**Apricot :** Ah, but I had a good idea, you don't need to lie on the floor.

*So why on earth did she come to my office...*

**Apricot :** So, let's go over your issues in detail. Your answers will change what ingredients I use in the blend.

*Apricot came to take some notes. How professional. I told her how my shoulders were so stiff, I could barely lift them.*

**Apricot :** I see... Your right shoulder? Your left shoulder?

*Was it only on one side? Does the medicine change depending on whether it's the right or the left...? I was a bit worried, that I'd be in trouble if some strange happened. I said it was actually in both shoulders.*

**Apricot :** I understand... I see...

*Apricot was looking over her notes and nodding in agreement.*

**Apricot :** So, I'll take some medicine to this room later this evening. Once you take it, you'll be cured straight away!

*Just in case, I asked if there would be any side effects.*

**Apricot :** There probably won't be, I think... Even if there is, I won't be able to stop laughing...

“...I was imagining that this would be a bit more serious.”

**Apricot :** I-I was only joking...

Anyway, I'll see you later. Please look forward to it, Danchou-san...!

*Is it ok for Apricot to leave the office so triumphantly...?*

### I want to be a Panacea

*Evening fell. It's almost time for Apricot to come with the medicine. I couldn't relax. What is she produces a strange medicine? But Apricot's been working very hard to make it. Whatever she's made, I don't have any choice but to take it now.*

*A knock came from the office door. I called out to enter, and as expected, Apricot came in.*

**Apricot :** Good evening, Danchou-san. I've made some herbal medicine. It should cure your heavy shoulders, and it's called... Umm, what was it? I'll just check my notes.

*I became even more worried. Apricot seemed to be a professional at making me nervous.*

**Apricot :** Ah, here's the original name for this herbal medicine. “To fulfil an unrequited love medicine”

"What's that? That's not shoulder medicine.”
*Nng.. shoulder(肩=kata)? One sided (片=kata)*

**Apricot :** I wrote “heavy shoulders (肩重い=kata omoi)” as “Unrequited love (片思い=kataomoi)”

*Aah, she even had a comeback ready.*

**Apricot :** I'll help cure Danchou-san's heavy shoulders, and also my unrequited love for Danchou-san... A-Ah, please pretend you didn't hear that last part.

Let me start again, Umm... This is “Heavy shoulder cure medicine”...

*Is it ok to change the medicine name so easily... If it helps my shoulders, I don't really care any more...*

**Apricot :** I just added some optional extras... but it's main use if for stiff shoulders. Now then, please take it.

*I took a sip of the powdered herbal medicine that Apricot gave me. It tasted as bad as any herbal medicine.*

**Apricot :** How is it? Is it helping?

*As soon as I had finished swallowing, my body began to burn up. It certainly improved my blood circulation, so there would be progress to healing my shoulders.*

**Apricot :** Now, Umm...L-let me rub your shoulders. This way, the synergy will surely help your shoulders.

“That sounds good. I was really hoping for that.” *Apricot immediately moved around to my back and began to rub my shoulders.*

**Apricot :** In the future, I want to become a panacea.

“Hmm...?”

**Apricot :** When I say panacea, I meant like a doctor...!

“Ah, so that's what you meant. You like herbal medicine and want to become a medicine practitioner, or something like that?”

*While we had that conversation, I could feel my shoulders gradually loosening.*

**Apricot :** Just a little bit more... Ah, that's it. Danchou-san, do you like jam? I make a very special jam, I'd love for Danchou-san to try it.

“I wonder what it would be like to combine herbal medicine and jam?” was what I was just thinking about. Doesn't it sound tasty?

“I don't know about the taste, but it should be good for the body.”

**Apricot :** So then, please wait a bit! I'll make some special jam and bring it to you. Danchou-san, please look forward to it!

*While saying that, Apricot rushed out of the office. She really wants to give me her special jam as a present. Whatever happens, the jam should be pretty tasty.*

### Tasty Jam and Apricots

*Apricot didn't return for a while, and it turned into morning. While I was waiting, I managed to get a lot of work done.*

*My shoulders were in far better shape. Is it because of the herbal medicine and the massage? She might become a really good doctor in the future.*

*While I was thinking of having a lie down until Apricot came, a knock came upon my office door.*

**Apricot :** Danchou-san, I've made some jam...! I've brought some with me.

*Apricot ran over to me. Breathless.*

“You didn't need to rush so much.”

**Apricot :** I didn't quite have enough ingredients, I went all over looking to find some more... In the middle of the night...

That jam's called...it's called...

...I haven't thought of a name yet. What would be a good name?

“So, you've come to ask me... By the way, what kind of jam did you make?”

**Apricot :** This is a sweet and tasty jam, and after, I added a little herbal medicine that gives an energy boost.

“So, how about 'Energy giving tasty jam'?”

**Apricot :** That sounds nice. “Energy giving tasty jam”. Well, let's have a taste together straight away.

“It seems a bit of a waste to just eat jam straight, so I propose we have it on some bread for breakfast.”

**Apricot :** That's a great idea. That way, I think the jam will be more happy too...! Ah, Danchou-san. Talking of which... how are your shoulders now?

“They're feeling great this morning.” *I told Apricot I was grateful.*

**Apricot :** U-umm... If it's ok with you... Could you compliments me a little more... is that alright...?

Umm, when you compliment me, honestly, it makes me really happy... No-normally, I don't get many opportunities to receive compliments...

Because of that... When Danchou-san compliments me, i-it makes me really happy...

“Because of Apricot's help, I'm back to full health. Thank you.” *I told her my honest feelings.*

**Apricot :** Ah, Umm... I'm so happy. Honestly...

*We got the bread ready, and Apricot and myself ate it with some jam. Apricot looked super happy. The jam was really tasty, and I started to feel more energetic.*

**Apricot :** E-ehehe... Ah, that's right! I put my all into making this jam... All for Danchou-san's sake...

So... If you could compliment me more, I'd be happy... And if possible, could you pat my head...!

*I told her how tasty I though the jam was, and gently patted Apricot's head.*

**Apricot :** Ah... Danchou-san... I'm so happy...

*Apricot's face was bright red, as she slumped onto the sofa. Embarrassed, she buries her hand to her forehead. It's like she's beset by a sudden fever.*

**Apricot :** Somehow... I think I have a little fever...

*Apricot did say she spent the whole night running around to make this jam. Surely, she's exhausted herself doing that. While I was thinking that, Apricot fell into a deep slumber.*

*To keep her warm, I thought I'd stay near Apricot until she awoke. Or so I thought.*

*Just as it was getting dark, Apricot woke up.*

**Apricot :** Good morning... Somehow, I've caught a fever.

*As I put my hand on Apricot's forehead. Apricot looked a little happy. There really wasn't any fever.*

**Apricot :** Because Danchou-san kept close to me all this time, I've quickly recovered. I dreamed that Danchou-san was curing my fever in my dream. Danchou-san is like my own personal panacea.

U-umm...Just once more... could you pat my head?

*I patted Apricot's head gently.*

**Apricot :** I'm so happy...

*Apricot hugged me tightly. In response, I hugged her back.*

### The Panacea Wasn't Just A Dream?

*One night. After attending a medal reception ceremony with Apricot since morning, we finally returned to the office. Although tired from the long ceremony, I was still in good spirits.*

*But, the person in question, Apricot, looked a little crestfallen.*

**Apricot :** I'm sorry...I've worried you. I'm fine, there's no problems.

“You look like you're worried about something. Don't hold back from telling me.”

**Apricot :** If that's the case... I'll tell you, but... Danchou-san... During the ceremony, while you were on the stage... You were looking at the person sitting in the front row, Umm

... a-and you were staring at her chest...

“...Don't be silly. That would never happen. Why on Earth would you think that...?”

**Apricot :** You wouldn't lie, right?

“I'm sorry. My eyes may have drifted.”

*...Apricot had asked me with such a serious look that the pressure made me tense up.*

**Apricot :** Mou... I was there too, so I could easily understand. Of course they're big, such big boobs, even I had to look sometimes. But Danchou-san was staring far too much.

*I had no room to make excuses.* “I apologise for any inconvenience caused during the ceremony.”

**Apricot :** Of course... Men are like that.

*I apologised again and bowed my head low. I've humiliated myself. But while doing that...*

**Apricot :** No, it's not just men. Between women, boobs are a status symbol. So to speak, the disparity between boobs... If corrected, this world would...

*Apricot muttered about something. I couldn't hear what she said, so I asked her again.*

**Apricot :** Danchou-san, I'm sorry for my rudeness tonight. Something urgent has come up.

*With saying that, Apricot left the office. … After all that, did she forgive me?*

*A few days passed. Apricot's demeanour had become a little strange. According to the others, she's been doing the same thing every night. Any further details were unknown, but there were rumours that she was making dangerous drugs.*

*I thought that such strange things couldn't be true, so I was of course worried. As I finished up the paperwork in front of me, Apricot came to see me. Or that's what I thought.*

**Apricot :** Excuse me, Danchou-san. Sorry for the suddenness, but could you give me some time?

*Apricot had just come in. But, her eyes were different from their usual mildness, so I prepared myself for something bad.*

**Apricot :** Danchou-san, just now, I have one question. Please answer “yes” or “no” only. “Either or” or “I can't answer that” is not allowed.

*Apricot's expression was serious. There's no doubt this is an important question. After deep consideration, I answered that I understood.*

**Apricot :** Very well, the question. Danchou-san, do you...

Out of big boobs or small boobs, do you prefer bigger ones?

*...What kind of question is this? I'm not very particular about them... but that answer would cause problems.*

**Apricot :** Please answer me...

*Apricot pressed me. I couldn't muddy the waters.* “I would dare to say that big can also sometimes be considered small...”

**Apricot :** A-ah...Ah... Of course... Of course, that's how it is...

Danchou-san, thank you for answering me. I fully understand, if it's this, or that... Finally... I've made a breakthrough...!

*While saying that, Apricot pulled a small vial out of her pocket. It contains a pink liquid. What kind of drug is that? What is it for? Don't tell me...*

*----Apricot has been staying up all night lately.*

*----It was said she'd been making some kind of dubious drug.*

“...What on Earth is that medicine?”

**Apricot :** This is farewell. Danchou-san. I will no longer, say goodbye to these small boobs...!

*She finally revealed a devilish expression. The medicine she had made, was all to kill herself...!*

**Apricot :** Do-don't come near me! Don't stop me...I will do it, all by myself...!

*I slowly closed the distance, so as not to spook Apricot.* “Calm down, so what about the size of your chest?” As *I explained that her family back home would be sad, I slowly, slowly...*

**Apricot :** But, Danchou-san, bigger ones are better, right? That's what you said earlier, right?

“I did say that, but...! Small ones, medium ones, big ones, they're all equally as valuable, and equally as attractive. To be honest, Apricot's breasts are very attractive...!

*...Is what I said. Apricot took the bottle away from her mouth.*

**Apricot :** What are you talking about! Really...Attractiveness is... Really...

*Now...! I planned to grab Apricot's wrist...*

**Apricot :** Ah, the medicine...!

“No matter what happens, suicide isn't an option!” *Apricot was looking for the medicine, so I turned her face to me and strongly asserted.*

**Apricot :** Eh? Suicide?

“That's right! I won't allow you to commit suicide over your breasts! Of course, I did look at that person's breasts the other day, and I'm sorry. You might think this is all about you, but that's no good! There are so many children that are less fortunate than Apricot...”

**Apricot :** S-suicide though, there was nothing like that.

“Nothing like that...? So that medicine just now...?”

**Apricot :** That was, that's 'Rump meat will gather in the chest' medicine...

*...Certainly, she was told a long time ago by her parents, about an embarrassing story. But, does that story really exist...? No, it can't. In other words, what she'd been making all night...?*

**Apricot :** Yes... I did a lot of research and completed it. I succeeded by chance, and there seems to be some slight differences. But the effect should be the same.

But... When I'd finished it... Would it really be a good thing if my boobs were bigger, would Danchou-san be happy. I was scared, I was nervous...But then...

“When you said 'I've made a breakthrough' earlier, that's what you were talking about?”

**Apricot :** ...I'm happy you came to me. Just now, when Danchou-san was talking about the attractiveness of my boobs. Even if this medicine didn't make them bigger, these boobs would...

That was the answer to stop me taking the medicine.

*She was joking, but she had actually made the medicine, her skills were superb. That's proof of her growth.*

“But now, with all that happened, I need to stop the medicine from staining the floor, but what a waste.” *Is what I said to Apricot.*

**Apricot :** I also feel it's a shame. But, I think it's fine as it is. It's still a very problematic medicine...

“Umu. If word got out that such a drug existed, Apricot's shop would be packed with women and Flower Knights panicking to get their own. This is a good choice to prevent that from happening.”

“Anyway, breasts aren't everything. Apricot has her own special charms, just the same as everyone else has. I think it's best to be content with making the best out of the charms that you were born with.”

**Apricot :** Fufu, I think the same... Without the power of drugs, I think I'll make the best out of the body I was given.

*As she said that, Apricot turned her back to me. She then stuck her butt out.*

**Apricot :** I might not have much up top, but when it comes to bottoms...

*Coyly, Apricot wiggled her butt towards me... I couldn't help but look. I was accidentally staring at it, just like that lady at the ceremony's breasts. Just then, Apricot...*

**Apricot :** Ah, you're staring too much... There's a limit... Please don't look any more...

*She said embarrassedly as she corrected posture.*

## Date Scene

**Apricot:** A... Are you awake, Danchou-san?

*Is this... Apricot's room? Why would I be sleeping in her bed?*

**Apricot:** Please don't get up yet. Your fever hasn't gone down yet...

You don't remember, Danchou-san? You collapsed suddenly?

“Is that what happened? My head's still a bit fuzzy so I can't remember anything.”

**Apricot:** It would really be better if you were in the infirmary, but it's a little far away so I took you to my room. I'm sorry, but could you just put up with this for a little longer?

“Never mind putting up with it or comfort. With this, Apricot will be...”

**Apricot:** Please don't mind me. Because of this, I'm able to learn a lot. Well, let me take your temperature.

... Hmm, it's pretty high. Does your throat hurt? How are your joints? Do you feel nauseous or anything?

*After answering her questions, Apricot had a puzzled look on her face.*

**Apricot:** ... You seem to have symptoms similar to the current fever epidemic. Is it because of the mission the other day? Also, did you catch it from someone...?

But, please don't worry. I have the perfect medicine for it. Ummm... Ah, here.

*It's a powdered medicine. It had a dark green colour, and I could see it's a mix of medicinal herbs.*

**Apricot:** It's not a cure-all, but when it comes to fevers, it'll clear it up them a heartbeat. Here, please take it with some water.

*I take the medicine with the water she handed me. It's super bitter.*

**Apricot:** Fufu, you took it all properly, how wonderful. Now, please lie down after that. While you do that, I'll go and make you something to eat.

“You don't have to do this much for...” *as I was saying that, I was suddenly overcome with drowsiness. Is it because of the medicine, as these thoughts ran through my head, I lost consciousness.*

*I was awakened by an appetising smell. My head still hurt, and as I sat up, I was dizzy. My whole body was cold and started to tremble.*

**Apricot:** Are you awake, Danchou-san?

*Apricot was right there. Just seeing her face makes me feel better.*

**Apricot:** I made you some porridge just now. I learned it from Japanese Mugwort-san, it's a medicinal herb porridge. Are you hungry, Danchou-san? I think it's cooled down enough to be just the right temperature to be eaten easily.

“Saying that, I haven't eaten anything since this morning.”

**Apricot:** I thought that might be the case. You had collapsed after all, Danchou-san.

No matter how strong a person you are, once you get fatigued, you'll quickly fall ill. If you don't rest a little, you'll regret it later on.

I'll give you the full lecture later, but let's have something to eat for now. Here, say 'aah'.

“No, I don't want to force you to feed me. I can feed myself.”

**Apricot:** It's fine, please don't worry about it. Anyway Danchou-san, aren't you still feeling a little dizzy? Here, 'aah'.

*Whit a sense of dread, I opened my mouth and Apricot fed me. It certainly wasn't too hot, and it was tasty... and lies gently in the stomach.*

**Apricot:** Is it good? Fufu, looking at your face, I can see it is. There's plenty of it, so 'aah'.

*In this quiet room, the only sound is coming from the dishes. Time passes by while I am being healed by Apricot's smile. Then...*

**Apricot:** ... You were pushing yourself hard all for today's date, weren't you?

*Apricot suddenly said that.*

**Apricot:** You're always so busy and never have any time, so you were going all out finishing up your work, all for today's date... Then, you collapsed...

Ah, no, it's not like I'm mad. Rather, I'm really sorry... It's all my fault.

It's a shame that my date was ruined, but I'm far more worried about you, Danchou-san.

*She gave a vague smile, somewhere between a bitter one and a shy one.*

**Apricot:** But, this isn't just a bad thing. Because of this, Danchou-san has finally taken some rest. In the end, we're both alone as well.

Just the two of us in a quiet place, with delicious food... I has planned something like this, but to have it happen in this way.

It's fine to go around and play outside, but sometimes it's also fine to do something like this. For Danchou-san to get some rest alongside me makes me happy.

Also... I got to test the efficacy of a new medicine.

“That sounded like some quite worrying words just now...”

**Apricot:** Ah, no, I didn't mix any particularly bad things into it! I properly researched and formulated it! However, I've not had much chance to try it out... So this is a lucky time for me.

Ah, the porridge is all finished. Are you full up yet? So, the post meal medicine is... Wait, before that.

*Apricot moved her face right up to mine. My heart was about to race, but then something hard hit my forehead. She pressed her forehead against mine.*

**Apricot:** Fumufumu... It's gone down a little. Well then, I'll give you a little lighter medicine this time.

... Huh? What's the matter, Danchou-san?

“No, it's just that your face was so close...” As I *tell her directly, Apricot's face turns red.*

**Apricot:** Eh, um, no, that wasn't my plan. I was just checking your temperature... Ah, um, excuse me, I've troubled you... Haven't I?

Grr... Please don't say such strange things to me. Here, your medicine, once you take it, please go back to sleep. I'll go and tell everyone that you'll be taking tomorrow off as well.

“... If you can, apart from all of this, I'd like another day off too.”

**Apricot:** What for?

“To make up for today. After this, let's go on a proper date.”

**Apricot:** ... Yes, of course. Well then, get plenty of rest today and get better. Please don't worry as I'll always be by your side. Now, lie down and close your eyes---.

*She holds my hand and speaks in a gentle voice as she lays me down again in the bed. I watch Apricot's smile as I fall asleep, and it's a very warm feeling...*

## Gifts for the Brilliant Flower Festival

*I visited Apricot in Blossom Hill to give her a souvenir from Banana Ocean's Brilliant Flower festival that I had attended.*

**Apricot :** Danchou-san... This is, really for me...? Really, a lapel badge for me...? You didn't make some sort of mistake...?

This... I know the vote's results, and Artemisia-chan and the others have congratulated me, but I still can't really believe it...

...Is that so. If Danchou-san says so, then there's definitely not a mistake. I'm somewhat relieved.

But... to tell the truth, I didn't really think I'd become a Flower Knight at the beginning. I had strong grounds to become a wonderful doctor., but I was really worried about the choices, but I finally decided...

So, I'm really surprised that so many people recognise me as a 'Flower Knight'. My mum and dad were also very surprised.

Thank you, Danchou-san. I think it's because Danchou-san has been here, that I've been able to make it this far. I'm really happy to have become a Flower Knight...

Next is... that's right. Everyone began to know me as a medicine maker. Then one day Nandina-san began to apprentice for me.

And with that, Danchou-san. I've got this far, and I look forward to carry on working with you.

So... That.. When something like this happens again, I'd be happy to receive lots and lots of praise...