The four planetary princesses walked among the gardens for the Flower Show arranged by the Venusian Horticultural Society. This year the Flower Show would be benefitting the Romiou Hospital.
"I think the Society has outdone themselves this year."said Minako.
"It must be because they knew you were going to be invited."Rei told Makoto.
"Did they?"
"The season Jupiter did end earlier. So, people must have known, or at least have expected."Ami explained to her.
"These look out of place here."Makoto said, as she took a close look at the cacti.
"For their flowers."Minako explained.
"Is that where the saying that even a rose has its thorns?"asked Rei.
"I'm not sure, but it represents love and lust."
"Remind me to give you some acorns I brought for Shinju."said Makoto. "From some of my largest oak trees."
"She'll love that!"
As Duchess of Ceres, one of Ceres's emblems was the acorn.
"And how is her tree?"Makoto asked.
At birth, each Duchess of Ceres had a quince tree planted in the gardens at the Palace of Ceres. She always sent Makoto some of the quinces each year.
"The quinces were exceptional this year! They made an excellent jam!"said Makoto.
"Shinju's tree is probably better kept than your own."said Ami.
"Do you think so little of the gardeners here?"asked Minako.
"I don't understand why it's here and not on Jupiter."said Rei. "You'd think that was where they would have such traditions."
"Oaks take too long to grow and reach a good height."Makoto explained. "Some my great grandmother planted would barely be reaching a good height today. I will love to view Shinju."
"I am sure she will love to view you, as well."
"You don't suppose we are allowed to bid on the flower arrangements?"asked Rei.
There were many basket and vases with fruit and flower arrangements, for which people would bid for. Most prominent among them were the fragrant quinces, apples and pears.
Minako didn't bid, as she was going to be giving the awards. As Makoto was here, she would be one of the judges, as well.
"Some of these designs could actually compete with some of the ones we have at Jupiter."Makoto said.
"Interesting that they decided to have gift baskets this year."said Ami. "As far as I know, it is only the design."
The others nodded in agreement.
"It's a good idea to raise money."said Rei. "I was thinking, we should tell fortunes, and give a prize for the best divination."
"How would you know? You'd have to wait."Makoto pointed out.
"Last year."Rei explained. "The ones that were given last year. Unfortunately, it's too late now."
The Martian Season would be starting soon.
"The credit here would go to the Baroness of Rigatona."said Minako, gesturing to a lady walking towards them.
"Your Royal Highnesses."said the lady, curtsying to them in turn. "It is such a pleasure that you could come. It is an honor to have Your Royal Highness of Jupiter to be one of the judges."
"Who would be more knowledgeable on plants and flowers?"Ami pointed out.
"And some of the fruit here will certainly make good desserts! During the season, we usually have baking contests on Jupiter, as well. The key would be to pick the fruit at exactly the right ripeness."
Minako, Ami, and Rei had also attended some of the contests when they had a chance to attend the Jovian Season.
"Your Highness can have as many as you like."said the Baronness.
"Thank you, but I prefer that these go to those who need it."
Ceres enjoyed her lessons in Terran, as well as those in riding, dancing and diplomacy.
Her lessons in arithmetic and economics were another thing, and Malwina would sometimes come up with the most interesting ideas to get out of them. It was precisely during one of these, when one of the pages came in.
"I think we may be in luck today, Grace."Malwina whispered, as he spoke to their arithmetic tutor.
The tutor walked towards them.
"Your Grace is to view the princess and his lordship."
She viewed her parents as often as they had time, being rather busy during the season. It wasn't the same as seeing them when they were here, but it was the next best thing.
"Ah!"sighed Malwina, closing her book. "I think today's lesson is canceled."
"You have extra work to do."the tutor told Malwina. "Your marks are terrible."
It was only through hologram, which never substituted for seeing. Just like in her other rooms, she had her viewing room filled with bowls of quinces. It was almost as if she were in the same room, and breathing in her mother's scent.
"We're not really seeing, only seeing the images, so it doesn't matter."sighed irritably, as Launcekrona straightened her hair ribbon. "I wish we were seeing! I hate viewing."
"You know you can't see her highness and his lordship. They are too busy during the season, and you must continue your lessons."
"I'm count the days."
Launcekrona nodded, and led her to the viewing room.
In the viewing room, she curtsied. They usually did not stand on ceremony, and she would have hugged them. The viewing seemed so cold. Since, she couldn't hug them, so when viewing, they might as well use proper ceremony.
"You may rise."Minako told her. "And sit."
Ceres sat on the only chair in the room. Launcekrona stood just a ways from her.
"Your tutors say you are doing well in all your studies. A little wanting in a few subjects, however."
"Your temper as well."Kunzite told her. "You must learn to hide your temper."
She had to admit she did admire that in her parents. How did they both manage to hide their emotions so well? Like all Venusians, she was affectionate and emotional, and didn't bother to hide it. Just like they didn't stand on ceremony when they were together, both Minako and Kunzite became serious when it came to state business.
It was clear to her, who knew them so well to tell their gestures. To someone else, they would seem almost expressionless. One could tell Minako would be irritated when she tapped her fan with her right hand. If she stroked it in small strokes, that would mean she was impatient. Kunzite would frown or maybe make a tight fist.
"Everyone knows."she said.
"Never the easiest lesson to learn, but it's important when dealing with people from other planets. My lady mother had to almost threaten me to ask the empress to withhold my receiving the Order of Selene if I didn't."
Goodness! Ceres's horror was plainly on her face.
"Which apparently is exactly what you need."Kunzite told her. "It would be easy to decipher from your expression."
"But we are not here to lecture, but assign more lessons. This time, we will be your tutors."Minako told her.
"That means you are coming to Ceres soon?"she asked.
"No, unfortunately. Rather, you will be viewing the Field Marhsall's Hall, the Military Gallery, and the Armorial Hall."Minako told her.