Flowers Intertwine - Spring Banquet/Story

### Flower Viewing Exchange Party

In the Commercial City of Skane, a certain Knight Company is planning a flower viewing party. The appointed organiser is Bougainvillea. She's not particularly good at mixing with others, so alongside the Knight Commander, she asks her only friend, Blue Lace Flower for assistance.

**Blue Lace Flower:** Hello Bougainvillea, Danchou-sama. It seems like you haven't changed much.
**Bougainvillea:** Hello, Blue Lace Flower-san. I'm sorry for the sudden call. But, I really need your help...
**Blue Lace Flower:** What's happened? Danchou-sama's also here, so it must be important...?
**Bougainvillea:** Un...
There has been a decision made... But, I don't know what I should do by myself. In order to get it done, it's obvious that I need both of your help.
So...
**Blue Lace Flower:** …
**Bougainvillea:** Danchou, Blue Lace Flower-san. I would like for you two to help me organise the flower viewing party.
**Blue Lace Flower:** ...Flower, flower viewing...organise?
**Bougainvillea:** Un, our Knight Company is going to have a flower viewing party. So, anyway, I decided to call all the people I knew and the scale of it is getting bigger and bigger...
If you take a look, it's starting to become an exchange party now that I've invite Flower Knights from every country.
**Blue Lace Flower:** Aah, now that you mention it, there was a lady from Lilywood who had made mention of it. Don't tell me, it was Bougainvillea's knight company that she was speaking about...?
**Bougainvillea:** It's true, I wanted to invite Blue Lace Flower as well, but...
**Blue Lace Flower:** Please don't fret over it, Bougainvillea. Just the fact you thought of me makes me happy. Also, the fact you would rely on me as well.
But, however did you manage to become organiser?
**Bougainvillea:** It was decided by lottery.
**Blue Lace Flower:** A, a lottery...
**Bougainvillea:** I know what you're thinking Blue Lace Flower-san. I'm very aware that I'm not good at these things.
But, using a lottery makes sure it's a fair result. It prioritises things beyond those that aren't good, or those that don't want to do it, or any other selfish reasons.
In addition, the fact that I was added to the lottery means that there is proof that I can be relied on to organise things. So, I want to make sure there's a good result because I got selected.
**Blue Lace Flower:** Bougainvillea...
I understand. If that's the case, I will help you in every way I can.
**Danchou:** Of course we'll help out.
**Bougainvillea:** Thank you, you two. It might be sudden, but I would like you to tell me what I should do first.
**Blue Lace Flower:** Very well...Firstly, we should get a firm idea of the number of attendees. If we don't know the scale of the event, we can't decide on the location, or on the amount of food and drink we require.
**Bougainvillea:** You're right. Umm... Of course, I left the list of all the invited people with Danchou, didn't I?
**Blue Lace Flower:** Well then, would you mind if I took a look...?
...This has become quite the large task, hasn't it...

### Preparations are Proceeding Well

With the help of Blue Lace Flower and the others, Bougainvillea's preparations go smoother than expected. After meeting Bryonia and Luffa, who had just arrived in Blossom Hill, everyone decides to go to the flower viewing venue together, but some pests are trying to take the place for themselves.

**Bougainvillea:** Thank you. I hope you will continue to help me today.
**Restaurant Chef:** Leave it to me, I'll deliver to you a sublime feast!
**Bougainvillea:** Yeah, and with that, the food order is done.
**Blue Lace Flower:** Yes, that's a relief!
Even so, I would never have imagined such a wonderful shop in such an out of the way place. It would be difficult to find by just walking around normally... Did you ask the person that mentioned earlier about this place?
**Bougainvillea:** Yeah, Anagallis-san is very familiar with Blossom Hill's town. Everyone can trust that any shop she introduces will be delicious. So this time, she introduced me to a few shops.
I came up with the idea of asking Anagallis-san thanks to Blue Lace Flower's advice.
**Blue Lace Flower:** Fufu...All I did was tell you to talk to all the Knights in the company that you can trust, Bougainvillea.
**Bougainvillea:** Well then... Next is that nearby shop. Pitcher Plant-san frequents there, but there are all sorts of delicious drinks apart from alcohol.
**Blue Lace Flower:** ...How about yourself, Danchou-sama?

*If option 1, “It's going unexpectedly smoothly.” is chosen;*
***Blue Lace Flower:** Yes, it's a relief. Bougainvillea can rely on the others in her Knight Company.*
*Bougainvillea is the type of person that values visible results and achievements. She must completely trust you after her many achievements under your leadership.*
*I'm definitely sure it's the same in everyday life. For example, it is clear that the shop she was introduced to was very delicious, and so those results are now fact, so to speak. I believe that Bougainvillea trusts in that.*

*If option 2, “She's more aggressive than I thought.” is chosen;*
***Blue Lace Flower:** Aggressive...To be honest, I was also initially surprised. But now, I understand.*
*She's certainly not good at socialising, but that doesn't mean that she hates people. The reason being, her mistakes in the past has made her quite timid...*
*Honestly, she wants to understand the people she places her trust in, and come to a compromise... That's what I expect her wish is. I believe that her feelings have been drawn to the surface after she was chosen to be organiser.*
*...The things you can't see are the scariest. You can't guess the inner feelings of others... Yes, truly...*
*...No, I've been too forward. Please pay no mind.*

**Bougainvillea:** You two, what's up? I was surprised when you didn't follow me in.
**Blue Lace Flower:** Ah, I'm sorry for making you wait. It's nothing, really. Let's make forth for the next shop.
**Luffa:** Hoho! This shop's assortment of goods is quite nice, isn't it? You don't see this kind of brand in Bergamot Valley...
**Bryonia:** ...Luffa-san, are you done?
**Luffa:** Nn- Just a little bit-!
**Bryonia:** ...Haa. Even though it's tremendously boring, you're still thinking about managing your inn....
I'd have liked to see more of Skane's surroundings by now. That way, I wouldn't get bored during the flower viewing...
**Luffa:** Ah, this looks nice if when it's standing by itself! Should I think about buying it?
**Pitcher Plant:** Oh, the young lady has good taste! This is also on sale, has a nice smell and is tasty!
**Luffa:** Eeh- Is that so... Ack, it stinks of alcohol!
**Pitcher Plant:** Ahhaha! But alcohol's delicious! Can't you trust what I'm telling you?
**Bougainvillea:** Of course, you can trust in Pitcher Plant-san's knowledge of alcohol as she's normally found drinking. But, you can't trust in her once she's drunk. So really, it's quite difficult to make a judgement.
**Pitcher Plant:** Oh, just as I was thinking about her, it's Bougainvillea-chan! No, you've kept me waiting!
**Bougainvillea:** But I'm not late for our appointment.
**Pitcher Plant:** Ahaha! You really take everything at face value! Well, whatever, what were you after today? It's the drink order for the flower viewing, isn't it?
**Bougainvillea:** Yeah, that's right!
**Bryonia:** Flower viewing... could that be, the exchange party?
**Blue Lace Flower:** Yes, you're correct. Did you receive an invitation to the exchange party?
**Luffa:** That's right! I'm Luffa, the owner of a hot spring inn in Peach Blossom Spring! This is Bryonia-chan!
Actually, I was planning on arriving on the day, but Bryonia-chan wanted to get here earlier for some reason.
...Huh, why did you want to come here early?
**Bryonia:** ...I already told you that I wanted to see the area surrounding Skane, but...
**Luffa:** Ah, that's right, that's right! I completely forgot, sorry!
**Bougainvillea:** If it's Skane's surroundings, I intend to go after I visit the flower viewing venue, if you want to join me. I have a couple of errands just outside of the city.
**Bryonia:** Are you sure? It would be a great help if you could show me around.
**Bougainvillea:** Yeah, well I'd better finalise my order, please wait a moment.
**Luffa:** Eeh, what a nice view! As opposed to Bergamot Valley, the gently rolling hills seem to carry on forever!
**Bryonia:** ...The view is good and there's very little blocking it. The undulations are gentle and there's no need to worry about footing. It would definitely be a good place for newcomers to get used to their work.
**Bougainvillea:** The roads are also well maintained, so there's little worry from aggressive pests. The planned flower viewing venue is also a place with a good view, so Anagallis-san tells me.
**Pest that has taken the spot:** Goo....Jii.....
**Pitcher Plant:** Acha, just as you say that, something's there. We plan to have our banquet over there, right?
**Blue Lace Flower:** Yes, that's correct. What on earth are you planning...
**Pest that has taken the spot:** Jii! Go, JiiiIIIII!!!!
**Luffa:** Wa! J-just what are you doing? This place is our spot!?
**Pitcher Plant:** Look at all the mess it's made using luggage and other unknown stuff... Maybe it's trying to lay claim to this spot?
**Bougainvillea:** That's a problem. We found this place first. I can't give it up to the pests.
**Blue Lace Flower:** Yes, of course. Danchou-sama, please take command. Let us defeat these pests!

### Making Friends

Thanks to Bryonia's tactics, the pests are repelled easily. Preparations proceeded smoothly, and the day finally came. At the drinking table, Luffa wants to find some people who have similar interests to make friends with Bryonia who currently has very few friends, and Blue Lace Flower has a few ideas.

**Pest that has taken the spot:** Go, Goo.....Jiii.....
**Bryonia:** Fuu, that one is...

*If option 1, “I didn't get the chance to take command...” is chosen;*
***Bryonia:** No, I just saw the terrain and a strategy sprang to mind, so I just said it. I was only able to put it into practice because all of you were excellent.*
***Blue Lace Flower:** That may be so... But, that was truly sublime. Even though you've only just arrived, you have a complete grasp of the local terrain...*

*If option 2, “That tactic was superb...” is chosen;*
***Bryonia:** ...Thank you. The terrain is relatively simple, so it was easy to devise. But it's also thanks to your commands that matched my strategy.*
***Bougainvillea:** But, it's just as Danchou says. You must have some considerable achievements to be able to think of a strategy in a such short time.*

**Luffa:** Bryonia-chan's speciality is devising strategies! She is always thinking of new strategies while soaking in my hot spring...
**Bryonia:** For the time being we've repelled the pests, so it might be a good idea to tidy up, right?
**Blue Lace Flower:** ...Yes, that would be good. I forgot a little about that while we were fighting.
**Pitcher Plant:** Yeah, you're right. Let's get to cleaning and make everything pretty!
**Luffa:** Ah, aah, I'll help too, if you don't mind! Bryonia-chan also wants to see the area...
**Bougainvillea:** Thank you, that will help. Well then, this area is...
Although there were some issues, preparations proceeded smoothly, and the day finally came. The invited Flower Knights gathered and a lively flower viewing began.
**Bougainvillea:** Umm...Well then everyone, please enjoy yourselves. ...Cheers!
**People that have their drinks ready:** Cheeeeers!!
**Cobra Lily:** Fuwa--. There's so much tasty looking food. Where do I start eating from?
**Duranta:** There's so much... Cobra Lily, if there's anything that you like, please tell me. I'll make it next time.
**Cobra Lily:** Really? Thanks!
**Garlic Vine:** Mmm, tasty! Tasty food like this makes me happy!
**Coriander:** \*chew chew...\* \*chew chew...\*. \*chew chew...\* Pufuu... Tasty... A treat that makes full use of the seasonal ingredients.
**Sakura:** Ara ara, it makes me happy to have you say that.
**Coriander:** Ah, this isn't a dish from the shop?
**Sakura:** Yes, some of the dishes were made by us. There's still plenty left, so please eat up.
**Coriander:** Is that so, thank you. Y-ay, thank you for the food!
**Great Burnet:** \*Munch munch\*... Delicious... And the weather is favourable, perfect flower viewing weather?
**Turnip Rape:** Yeah, I was a little worried when it rained a few minutes ago, but it's now sunny and nice.
**Silver Orchid:** Yes, it really looks that way. Now that everyone gather this way, I'm super happy.
**Saintpaulia:** I've been so looking forward to today.
Yes, yes--, there also people here I want to introduce Great Burnet-chan to too today.
**Violet Cress:** H-hello, my name is Violet Cress. For a while, I've been wanting to talk to Great Burnet-san...
**Great Burnet:** Violet Cress... Of course, I've heard of you? A warrior of Blossom Hill that is unsurpassed in creating solid strategies?
**Violet Cress:** I-I'm not yet close to that! I think it's amazing that Great Burnet-san is working in various places as a military teacher...!
**Great Burnet:** N, n... Of course, I'm not that far? Such a direct compliment, I'm blushing...
**Luffa:** ….
**Blue Lace Flower:** Luffa-sama, are you enjoying yourself?
**Luffa:** Ah, aah, Blue Lace Flower-chan! Of course I am, there's tasty food and cute Flower Knights, so I'm wondering if this is heaven on Earth!
**Blue Lace Flower:** Fufu, it does feel like that... Are those individuals over there are from the same part of Bergamot Valley, correct?
**Luffa:** Ah-yeah, that's right. Great Burnet-chan is really great at devising strategies...
**Blue Lace Flower:** So then... Bryonia-sama would have plenty to talk about with her.
**Luffa:** ...Blue Lace Flower-chan, you pay attention to people a lot, don't you.
**Blue Lace Flower:** Not at all, I just remembered what you said the other day, Luffa-sama.
**Luffa:** But, you understood what I was trying to say, right? It would be wonderful if Great Burnet-chan and Bryonia-chan could get along.
**Blue Lace Flower:** ...Please forgive my intrusion.
**Luffa:** No, no, not at all! Actually, I'm happy you listened to what I said.
You can understand it when you look, but Bryonia-chan doesn't have many friends. She usually will only talk with me.
But when it comes to fighting or conflict, I'm not so good at it. So Bryonia-chan refrains from talking about tactics as much as possible.
**Blue Lace Flower:** She thinks of her friends.
**Luffa:** Yeah, she's got that attitude, but she's a good kid at heart. So that's why there's no need to apologise for any intrusion. Of course, being alone is fine, but I wonder if she can make friends that can have those kinds of conversations.
**Blue Lace Flower:** So this is why you came to this flower viewing party?
**Luffa:** That's the reason! I heard that Great Burnet and the others would be at this flower viewing and would be speaking, so I thought it would be a good chance.
If everyone eats, drinks, and makes a lot of noise together, I wonder if they can get along... Or so I thought...
**Bryonia:** ...That slope over there is a little too steep. So that would mean the other day...
**Blue Lace Flower:** ...It seems like it will take some time to get to know everyone.
**Luffa:** You're right...I wonder if I should interfere and put the word out.
**Blue Lace Flower:** It's difficult to feel the connections between people. How about we keep observing for a little longer? The after party hasn't even begun yet.
**Luffa:** ...You're right. I can't help but worry from the beginning!
**Blue Lace Flower:** Yes, and also, please enjoy yourself, Luffa-sama.
**Luffa:** Nn, thank you! Well, I'll help myself to another plateful!

### Flowers Intertwine - Spring Banquet

While the banquet is in full swing, pests suddenly appear. Bougainvillea, alongside Blue Lace Flower and her other trusted companions devise a strategy and move out to subjugate the pest swarm that is trying to occupy the flower viewing venue.

**Bluet:** Tasty food, beautiful flowers, and also amazing weather! What a wonderful flower viewing.
**Heart Tree:** That means that you mustn't go completely mad, that's forbidden. Forbidden! Especially you, Bluet, going around all over the place....
**Red Cat's Tail:** Oya oya, that free spirit is just like a cat's, is it not? If so, you should worry about me a little too. Hey hey, can't I go around anywhere like a cat? Meow meow.
**Heart Tree:** Your free movements are even more forbidden! Because nobody can ever find you!
**Passion Flower:** Ah, there's nothing to drink... I'll hurry and get more...
**Drinking Pest:** Nondei
**Passion Flower:** Ah, thank y...
**Drinking Pest:** Nonono...NondeiiiiIII!!!
**Passion Flower:** P-pests!?
**Red Cat's Tail:** You know, it's hard to mimic the colour of these flowers well, but...
**Passion Flower:** Fu...!
**Drinking Pest:** Nondei....!!
**Red Cat's Tail:** It's unlucky you appeared right in front of Passion Flower.
**Heart Tree:** A-are you well!?
**Passion Flower:** Y-yes...No problem...
**Drinking Pest:** Nondei!!
**Pest drinking like a fish:** Nomaretei!!
**Pest finished drinking:** NomihoshiteeeeEEEEE!!!!
**Bluet:** Th-there are loads of pests coming from over there---!!
**Bougainvillea:** When did they...! They had so many hiding places in this plain...
**Bryonia:** I see, In the direction that the pests came from, the South side is a blind spot from here that spreads for a wide area...! I should have predicted that...
**Blue Lace Flower:** They're coming straight for us, without even pretending there's another objective! We shall move to meet them!
**Drinking Pest:** NondeiiiIII!!
**Silver Orchid:** Yaa!!
**Bluet:** E—i!!
Uu, there's still so many of them...!
**Great Burnet:** Unnecessary fighting, completely dangerous? Temporary retreat...Proposal of a unified strategy and command system?
**Fragrant Olive:** That's right. The number of pests are considerable, but we also have plenty of Flower Knights here as well. There's a possibility of great losses...
**Violet Cress:** W-well, we should move to the Eastern slopes! We will have the high ground and good visibility...
**Bougainvillea:** Is everyone here, everyone OK? Danchou, your orders please. Also, the strategy...
**Violet Cress:** U, um, I have an idea, but how does it look...? Firstly, on the map, the plain on this side is...
**Bryonia:** ….
**Violet Cress:** ...if we do this, I think we can catch the pests in a pincer movement...!
**Bougainvillea:** I understand, that's certainly clear. With this, we can do...
...Ah, of course, here, this plain... After the rain a few days ago, it's all muddy.
**Violet Cress:** Eh, is that true!?
**Bougainvillea:** Bryonia-chan mentioned it, and I went and saw it for myself, so there's no doubt.
**Bryonia:** ...That's right. We should change the route a little.
**Violet Cress:** I understand, thank you for the information! So, this route is... But that might cause too much fatigue in the troops...
**Bougainvillea:** Then, I shall go to this unit. Even if it's a little bit tiresome, Violet Cress-san's strategy is entirely acceptable.
**Violet Cress:** Bougainvillea-san...Thanks!
Also, Danchou-sama, how do feel about this strategy...?
**Danchou:** We shall move according to this.
**Violet Cress:** Th-thank you!
**Blue Lace Flower:** Well, I shall also join Bougainvillea's unit.
**Bougainvillea:** Thank you, Blue Lace Flower-san. With you following me, I feel even more confident.
**Bryonia:** Well then, we'll begin imminently. If we don't work quickly, the pests will take over our flower viewing party.
**Blue Lace Flower:** That's correct. After all the hard work Bougainvillea put into this flower viewing. We definitely cannot allow the pests to ruin it.
**Bougainvillea:** ...All these people I can trust, these friends. It'll be fine, we'll definitely win. Quickly and surely... We'll defeat these pests.

### End

The group successfully defeats the pasts that were attacking the banquet. After the operation, Bryonia has a lively conversation with Great Burnet and Violet Cress. Bougainvillea celebrates the success of the flower viewing party with Blue Lace Flower and everyone had a great time.

*The swarm of pests that were attacking the flower viewing venue were all subdued by the breathtaking cooperation of the Flower Knights. Although some damage had been dealt, the after party began safely due to the people who hadn't had too much to drink.*
**Violet Cress:** Um, Bryonia-san. Thank you for your hard work earlier. It's all thanks to you and Bougainvillea-san that my strategy was a success, Bryonia-san.
**Bryonia:** Well, I really didn't do anything. It's because of your superb strategy that we succeeded.
**Great Burnet:** Bryonia, do you always survey the terrain? Certainly, if it was only by chance, it would never have worked?
**Bryonia:** Gr-great Burnet-san...
**Great Burnet:** Burnet has always been curious? But, Burnet and Bryonia are very similar... A very good opportunity arose?
At this moment, Bryonia... would like to have a battle with Burnet?
**Bryonia:** Battle... a board game?
**Blue Lace Flower:** Ara, that game... I've seen it before. It's a game where you claim positions on the board by using the pieces as knights, correct?
Great Burnet-sama is famous as a strategist due to her full use of tactics, so I think this could be a very interesting game.
**Bryonia:** Of course...Until now, I've only been doing things by myself, but to have an opponent... and it's even Great Burnet-san...
**Great Burnet:** Is it possible that Bryonia's favourite “strategies” and “tactics” all come from the books that she usually reads? Certainly, would you like to show them off?
**Bryonia:** …W-well, one match only...
**Luffa:** Bryonia-san...!
**Blue Lace Flower:** Fufu, this is going well.
**Pitcher Plant:** Bougainvillea-chaan!
**Bougainvillea:** Pitcher Plant-san, what's the matter? If it's alcohol, it's over there...
**Pitcher Plant:** NnNn! It's not that, I;m looking for Bougainvillea-chan!
Today...Uun, thank you very much for organising and and preparing the flower viewing!
**Silver Orchid:** Thanks to Bougainvillea-san, everyone could have fun time.
**Bluet:** Yes yes! Also, it was a lot of fun to get to talk to Bougainvillea-chan more than I usually do!
Next time, would you like to join our tea party? I have so many things I want to ask you about!
**Bougainvillea:** Th-that's a little... I'm afraid I'm not so fun to be around with...
**Bluet:** That's not true at all! Bougainvillea-chan is serious and trusts in us, so is an amazing person!
So, please let me know if you're ever interested! I'm sure you will!
**Bougainvillea:** ...Yes, understood. ...Thanks.
**Blue Lace Flower:** Fufu, isn't that wonderful, Bougainvillea.
**Bougainvillea:** Blue Lace Flower-san... Everything is thanks to Blue Lace Flower-san and Danchou.
**Blue Lace Flower:** Not at all, all I did was help. This is all the result of your hard work as the organiser.
**Bougainvillea:** The result... That's right. We managed an amazing result.
But I think it's also the result of Blue Lace Flower-san's support. So, thanks...Also, I'm sorry.
**Blue Lace Flower:** …? Your thanks makes me happy, but there's nothing to apologise for...
**Bougainvillea:** But, I've caused you so much trouble.
**Blue Lace Flower:** ...No? I may be tired, but that's by the by.
**Bougainvillea:** That's a lie, isn't it. Even I can clearly see that.
You've been worrying about everyone in my stead. The old me would never have understood, but I get it now...You've shown me that. I'm truly grateful.
**Blue Lace Flower:** ...Fufu, I'm still working on that myself.
**Bryonia:** No, I think it's more than enough...Here.
**Blue Lace Flower:** Bryonia-sama, is this...candy?
**Bryonia:** For the time being, a sugar supplement. Also...take my thanks with it.
I played that board game with Great Burnet-san, and it was... pretty fun.
**Blue Lace Flower:** ...But I haven't done anything really.
**Bryonia:** You spoke to Luffa-san? I guess you heard a lot from her. While I was speaking to Great Burnet-san, you seemed to follow along pretty well.
So... Thank you.
**Blue Lace Flower:** ...Fufu, I really am still a far way off. But I'm still overjoyed to hear your words of thanks.
**Bougainvillea:** Huh, talking about Luffa-san, where is she?
**Bryonia:** She's probably peeking from the long grass at those Flower Knights over there.
I'm not sure if I should be worried or not, but it's a bad habit of hers.
**Great Burnet:** Bryonia, would you have one more game with me?
**Bryonia:** Ah, yeah. Well, only one more game... I'll be back soon.
**Blue Lace Flower:** Yes, enjoy yourselves. We shall also enjoy it.
**Bougainvillea:** That's fine, but are you OK?
**Blue Lace Flower:** Yes, as I enjoy watching the flowers while speaking with you, my tiredness is blown away.
**Bougainvillea:** ...If that's so, I'm relieved. Well then...Cheers!
**Blue Lace Flower:** Yes, cheers!
*In the bright spring weather, the feast of Flowers continues. As their roots intertwine, and their leaves touch, and the new scenes beyond will surely make these Flowers even more beautiful.*