The Book Of Flowers

The Strong Wind

-- Gong sea border, Lao continent --

"Vescals. Veskal"

Veskal woke up when he felt his body being patted by someone. Realizing that Erin was the one who patted him, he just woke up while rubbing his eyes

"Why...?"

"Vainzel wants to talk to you. Looks like they've reached Hortensia"

"Huh...? Why hasn't she done it since I tried...?"

The bear was sleeping because he did nothing, which is why he was disturbed when I wanted to talk to him

But he still picked up the seed in his pocket, then immediately greeted me

"Just awake? It's supposed to be early in the morning, right?"

"Hoam..... How do I stay awake try? Besides, isn't it there in the morning?"

"Of course not stupid. It's midnight, and even Verdea and Remina are asleep"

"Oh begi- Wait. What do you mean Remina?"

...

I explained everything they admitted to me

How Remina begged him to come along. Even Remina's father teams up in the dark plans of the two petty criminals by giving Remina permission. He was too sure that the higher-ups and I could take care of his son

Then, after pleading, Verdea accepted, and made Remina turn into water until she could hide in her drinking bottle. Every now and then on the ship, he would say that he was nauseous, but that was actually to make sure Remina's water was kept clean

I was lucky to catch Remina at that moment because Verdea forgot to tidy up her stuff. Otherwise, I'm sure Remina will continue to do things here in secret

Veskal was stunned to hear that explanation. I who only talked to him from the other side of the world immediately knew what expression he was putting on from the silence of his voice

"So the point is, Remina's coming with you?"

"Yes, and I'll get the boy to work from tomorrow"

"Huh? You don't want to send her back?"

"No. Using a teleportation circle from this distance would be too risky because Remina was too physically weak despite having adequate Mana. Anyway, I don't want to send this kid back just like that. I still feel tender and sorry for them"

They both really did. Somehow Remina also wants to stay here

I could have asked Amelia to bring her back home immediately, but I was afraid she would be disappointed and felt that I threw her out. So, the best option now is to get him to settle down here. After all, his father gave permission, didn't he?

"It was you once, but you better send it back"

"I don't want to. Besides, it's also good if he stays here so Verdea has friends around his age"

"Well... Alright. But make sure the boy stays safe

By the way, what kind of job did you give him?"

"Verdea's personal servant"

"Lawah? Will he accept being Verdea's subordinate?"

"Surprisingly, he accepted the job. I even offered that he could only work as a waiter here, or come back home. He chose the first offer without negotiation, so I'll let him"

Veskal was amazed

"It looks like the chatty one has already learned inferiority"

I laughed a little at his response

"By the way, Erin said that you guys are already near the Lao continent right now. A little to the Northeast, and you're gonna land in Gong"

"really? I've been sleeping since, so I don't know"

Substantial. That's why you don't sleep while on a mission. Alertness is a top priority in such situations

"The bottom line, immediately meet King Gong when it has landed. Called Zen. Cyth will give him the documents I signed with Julius, even given the royal stamp of Orion

It was a contract I promised him to work with his kingdom. King Bestia, Lev, is also definitely waiting there with him, and you have to make sure the two kings sign the written document later"

"understand"

He could understand everything quickly. Good of

Normally, Orion would not be too profitable to trade with Gong or Bestia considering that the two kingdoms were focused on rebuilding now, coupled with the distance of their distant kingdoms and the separate continents of Goeitias

But, we're lucky enough Julius is a good guy. He voluntarily made a trade relationship with the two. Orion, who used to work only with Crux and Cassiopeia in a trade relationship, began to open his heart to help the small kingdom

The development of the two kingdoms will be awaited as a result. They must not let me down after I had gone all the way to opening up a vast field for their trading endeavors

"It looks like we're near Borneus now. I can see some islands from here"

"By the way Vainzel. Why don't we work with the king of Borneo too?"

"I have no interest in cooperating with governments that intend to attack us. Actually, it also applies to Orion, but you could say we're taking advantage of their compassion"

"It feels... Not like you, just using someone"

"I was just improvising. After all, I didn't lie to them, just hid the intention

The point is, if they're gonna mess with us, I'm gonna take my mask off first"

Nothing's gonna mess with you guys. As long as I am alive, I will not allow them to injure you at will, including that perfectly fair Julius. There must be a payment they redeemed, and it is not cheap at all

But I need to put you all in danger. That way, all our work will be quickly completed, and we can all walk calmly

I don't like that, but how else. I don't want anyone to be impressed if you just use me as a shield. You guys gave me a boost too, didn't you?

...

"... Veskals. Careful"

Veskal was silent for a moment, then I faintly heard the sound of his little laughter amidst the strong wind

"How many times have you said that to me"

"I'm just making sure you're stupid"

Is there any harm in me worrying about him? He's on a dangerous mission right now

"Let's just calm down Vainzel. The wind here is quite refreshing, so I'm sure I'll be fine"

"... Uh? Are you enjoying the wind?"

"so. Everyone including the captain was also seen playing on deck"

"Don't let them get drunk. You're gonna crash if you do..."

"Everyone knows they can't drink at this time. You worried handyman. You are like a mother..."

"HEY!!"

Veskal laughed at my angry screams. The roar of wind on the ship made his laughter sound faint, yet it also sounded happy. Like a child running around catching the wind

"That's it. Focus on your task. I don't want you to get hurt the slightest bit when you get back, listen!?"

"That's impossible. I can't possibly not get hurt you know?"

"Whatever. Just listen to my words and don't be rash. You're close to the goal, and I'm getting nervous knowing it"

But I tried to convince myself that he would be okay. Some injuries here and there would be nothing for him, as long as he returned safely to us

"alright. But, the wind here is quite strong. You can hear it, right?"

"so. The weather was so windy there, somehow"

"That's good, isn't it? We're getting there faster"

"And do as I say. The land of Gong, as well as the King of Zen and Lev are already waiting in front of you. Don't forget to bring local gifts for us too"

"By pleasure"

Maybe I want to get a typical gong royal dress for Ordelia. I'm sure she'll look even more beautiful if she wears that shirt

Just put that aside first, even though I really wanted to

"All right, I gotta go to bed. See you around"

"... See you, Vainzel"

...

"It's like you don't feel nervous anymore"

Cyth approached Veskal who had just finished talking to me

"... That's captain. I just want to stay focused on our mission for now"

Gong was already in front of him. All he had to do was a considerable amount, but the most important thing was to come back alive

"It's okay, son. A little relaxing too. But don't get drunk like that time~"

"Don't discuss! I don't want to hear!"

Cyth laughed, then patted Veskal's back once. Cyth watches over all of his crew members to do their job properly, while Veskal stands at the same spot, staring at the end of the Gong land that is close to his eyes

"... Get ready, Veskal" He muttered to himself, followed by a sigh

The land was near, and there was no time for them to docked in the harbor, greeted by a human king and the Beast king