The Book Of Flowers

At that time (2)

- - Thyme Castle --

"Test test. Claudia, can you hear me?"

"Yes, I can listen to you Vainzel. But, don't call me again when I'm taking care of a patient"

"I'm sorry then"

I don't know if he's taking care of a patient. I'm not a Father who can see using telescope magic with his exploratory ability

"Then? What about the development of Yuriel's movement?"

"Uh... I have to tell you that Darwin is here, too, in this kingdom..."

...

Darwin, huh...? That's pretty dangerous. Rosalia may have focused her protection on Yuriel because she knew Walter could not be saved. Or the... He's too confident that Walter can protect himself against Cyth and his pack?

The point is, I didn't expect Darwin to be there at all. I suspected that he was flying to the eastern part of Vitario to protect Walter, but my guess missed

"It looks like the situation there is dangerous. But, I've already given that masquerade talisman to her, haven't I?" Luxor said

"She's also been okay so far. Darwin von Ziegler is still unaware of Claudia's self, as far as I can see from the future" Alf follows

It's good that he hasn't been found out

But, I'm not sure the disguise's talisman will be effective in the presence of Darwin. That person could probably feel the aura from the talisman when he was too close to Claudia

"What about the progress there? Can you blend in easily"

"could certainly. A little pretended that I lost my memory and acted like a poor girl, saying that I only remembered about my background as a doctor and my name, and then I easily managed to become an assistant to a doctor"

He's a spy okay? He was already very good at something like this

"Then, is there a report?"

"Ah yes. I was quite unlucky because the doctor who made me an assistant was not very famous and did not have access to the Crux palace, but there was one patient at that time who accidentally discussed about the current state of Crux"

Oh?

"He said that Yuriel has been so paranoid lately, that even a slight impromptu touch made him soar in shock. He had even started to take a lot of time off, and that indirectly made King Eloy have to handle most of the royal affairs"

The king deserved it. It could be a lesson for him because he has abandoned his people as happened to the city of Andromeda

Then, the two people seemed to be experiencing severe stress after their abduction hm? I can use that

"Claudian. Can you sneak closer to the Crux castle? I want you to give them a cure"

"Hm? Giving medicine to your opponent? Sounds weird"

"Not all drugs are healing, Claudia"

"... Well, you have a point. And I know what you mean by 'medicine"

"Iremis" We both said simultaneously

"You didn't mean to"

I just nodded to the surprised Ordelia beside me. That certainly makes him a little disturbed

For a little lesson, Iremis is a flower shaped like a lily that only grows in Goeitias. The difference between the flower and the lily is the sparkle that arises from the crown of the giant plant. The plant is a meat-eater that usually grows in a damp, dark part of the forest north of Goeitias

They usually grow in groups and grow in a circle on a tree trunk with flowers that are the size of an adult rhino. They gave off an odor capable of rendering a giant unconscious. When their prey falls to the ground, their roots lying on the ground will begin to absorb the blood of the unfortunate creature until it is exhausted

And as for the cure, I'll have Welt cut off one of the flower petals, then pass the petals to Claudia later through Amelia. With just that one giant petal, several glasses of poisonous gas vapor-producing liquid would be removed. Then...

I want the two men to drink it until they are both unconscious for a while. When Veskal returns, we will gather as much power as possible in that time without Yuriel's intervention. That person would be a problem because with just one finger force, he could accuse us with heavy words even if there was only a small piece of evidence leading up to us

The liquid taste of the flower is also very sweet, although it cannot be trusted. Perfect to make that person have no suspicions on the cure, until he starts to fall asleep for 3 months at the most. That's why I call the flower a trickster flower. Its outer form is very beautiful, but it can kill you if it is not vigilant

"I'll make sure they drink it. I happen to know the right and effective way to get close" Claudia said

I'll leave it to Claudia. As long as he's not caught, things will go our way

"Vainzel!" Ordelia whispered to me

I knew exactly what the sign meant

"Claudia, I have to go. Thanks for the report"

"alright. Claudia's out"

I immediately hid the seed I was holding, took my teacup, then started sipping it while my other friends posed differently while sitting in the room

"Excuse me. You're all here?"

"Sit Edwin. How is His Majesty Artorius doing there? Is she comfortable?"

"... You asked me the obvious answer, Oberon"

Well, I didn't expect much. Everyone in the family must be trying to put a knife in Artorius' neck. But of course, they can't do it carelessly

Despite the loss of his crown, the life held by Artorius was still very important in the public eye. After all, he was the 'one who nourished Hortensia' to the public, even though the real facts were well hidden

Huh... Artorius had to survive alone there. But I don't really care about him. The most important thing is to make Verdea safe here and make eyes and ears to keep an eye on Rosalia

"Then Edwin, has Rosalia made any particular moves?"

"... Why should I tell you about it?"

"Who knows you want to be kind"

And I just want to switch the conversation so you don't get too suspicious

"... My loyalty is only for those who sit on the throne. I don't intend to cooperate with you guys"

I know one unique thing about Edwin who has been by our side lately. He also made the same vows as me. But, but rather to Artorius or another royal family, he swore to protect the one who occupied the throne

I was amazed by his loyalty. Too bad we were on the opposite side

"Prince Verdea. What's... You sure you don't want me to train in swords?"

He's still trying to persuade Verdea apparently...

But the answer is clear

"... Nope"

I don't know how many words 'no' Verdea threw into his face

"I gave you my reason, didn't I? Why insist so?"

Nice words Verdea

"Why should he also train from the person who is on the opposite side of him? Your intentions are very suspicious" Luna added

...

"I want him to kill me later..."

"Huh?"

"What?"

"Ah-is?"

We were all spontaneously shocked to hear his slow, yet clear, words

"Kill you?" Verdea asked

Even Verdea itself was stupefied

"Yes. I want you to kill me, prince. Me and the princess already know that you are planning to seize the throne of Hortensia. He had expected that you would take this way with your careful behavior like that

But, I'm sure you'll do it. And when you actually ascend to that throne, I want you to kill me"

"Attent. Why Verdea?" I interrupted

Forget about Verdea, why did he want us to kill him as the first reason?

"... Because no one will do it but you. I am your enemy, and that reason is enough to end my life. To die slashed by the sword is the honor of a knight"

...

"So the point is, you want to die as soon as possible and end your oath to the throne?"

Humans are complicated. I mean, they could've disavowed that oath. They are not Elves like us who must follow strict rules, nor a spirit who must keep his summoning contract

The vow to them is very easy to break, just like a string of threads. They just need to cut the thread with a pair of scissors

"You always catch things quickly, Oberon. I'm impressed by that"

...

Then, he wanted to train the sword Verdea... Just to hone his skills until then. When they could stand on the same spot, one of the swords would pull out their chest

I turned to Verdea, waiting for what opinion he would give out

"... I still don't want to"

Everyone turned back to Edwin. He just sighed sadly and said, "It's a pity..."

...

Verdea suddenly stood up. He walked to Edwin's front with a firm body, then asked him to pay attention for a moment

"But Edwin, if you really want me to kill you, I will. You don't have to worry about me being strong enough or not, but you have to think that I can or can't"

Verdea seemed to have given an answer. Edwin was stunned by that answer, as I went back to sipping tea in my cup enjoying the atmosphere with the others

"... You sure you can, prince?"

"I'm sure"

Hmph. He began to believe in his own abilities. I can't believe this boy has such amazing words. He has started to act independently by taking his own decisions

But I want to see how he'll do that later. I wouldn't even plan to disturb them. I'll just see what the outcome of that decision is

He had intended to help me back then, now he was planning to help Edwin as well. What else will this boy do and surprise me?

"Excuse me..."

Hm?

Ah, our little guest is done getting dressed

Look at the maid's clothes on her little body, very cute, though somewhat oversized. Lyralia is very good at making clothes

"Hows it? She's cute isn't~?" Lyralia said anxiously as she squeezed both of Remina's cheeks

"From now on, I will be under your command, Mr. Verdea" Remina said, then began to salute like a servant

Ordelia immediately clapped her hands happily at her perfect demeanor

Meanwhile...

Look at this kid. Her face was already flushed like a tomato looking at Remina

"B- stop teasing me like that! Why is he wearing Vainzel's maid outfit!?"

"Well, it looks like my grandson has started to get interested in a girl~" Frank interjected

Remina then smiled nosily

"Because I'm gonna be your personal servant, I beg you to cooperate, T. U. A. N~"

"STOP!!"

Ah... Juvenile

Is this love?

"The love story of their youth...." Ordelia whispered

I just nodded small with nosy intentions. But I would honestly be surprised if they fell in love with each other

The atmosphere of the room was instantly filled with laughter from my friends as Verdea continued to be bullied by Remina. Then slowly, I saw Edwin's face also begin to smile, while no one else noticed

...

Verdea always knew how to make the atmosphere glow like this. What an amazing kid