The Book Of Flowers

Ready To Move Forward

--- The next day ---

Finally we received a message from Edwin that they had all arrived off the Gong coast

It has also been proven that the Sylphs I sent to help have returned to Miralius

And therefore, we immediately got ready to rush towards Gong

It only took us a few hours to dart with the Fae and land right on the Gong plains, meeting Edwin and someone beside him head-on

As expected, that person was Zen. I was already suspicious as there were some soldiers who did not look playfully standing behind him when welcoming us

"This may be the first time we've met in person, Oberon"

This guy is very polite. Perhaps the entire country east of Vitario did have a very polite and formal stature, as if they were beautiful dolls that had a certain movement only

But I'm happy. Rarely would anyone bow down and give me a polite greeting

"Sorry, but what's so funny, Oberon?"

"Nothing, I'm just happy"

Hehe... I may look weird right now

Not long after, the second king approached us. Julius Orion

"Sorry I'm a little late. I didn't expect that you would come using magic to fly, and just got ready" He said

I just gave him a salute, then turned to Edwin and the king of Zen

"I hope you're not troubled by the Sylphs" I said to Edwin

"Not at all. They were very helpful"

I've also given them a proper present at Miralius. I'm sure the Sylphs will be happy after working hard like that

"Ehem. Then can we walk into my house?" Zen said

I turned to my friends who were coming, got a nod from them, then nodded to Zen

He asked his soldiers to pull over, giving us a way to follow him into his residence

......................

-- Zen Residence, Umibe City --

"Hm... So he is the son we will help to ascend to the throne of Hortensia...?"

Zen was seen observing Verdea sitting beside me. But this kid as usual didn't care much, and just turned to me occasionally while looking around

And apparently...

We had too much seafood... Mainly meat...

"Excuse me, your majesty Zen. We Elves will only eat seaweed this time. Please do not offend you who have bothered to provide a lot of food like this" I said to him

Zen looked pleasantly surprised to hear me speaking the Gong language

"It's okay, it's okay. I'm honored that your Excellency Oberon can speak our language"

20 Years around the world. My knowledge is unquestionable

"I'm flattered you're praising me" I said happily

I like this king. He has a friendly and honest intonation

"So, everyone has gathered. But, I wonder why his highness Julius is still in Gong? Walter Herb's hunting business is over, isn't it?" Zen said then, putting a wary face towards Julius

"We are responsible for the disappearance of Veskal Grandier. Had we been more careful and chosen to approach, the Black Hunt squad would definitely not have been exposed in such trouble" Julius replied, translated by his confidant

"I understand the situation. And the reason that his majesty Julius spoke of had a point. No need to doubt your intentions here"

"So, what about your Excellency Lev? Not that he should still be in Gong considering that the sea lanes around the Lao continent we blocked?"

"Unfortunately, your Excellency Lev doesn't want to be seen much longer. I actually did, but at the same time, I also wanted to return the favor to Oberon, even if only a little"

So anyway. Lev's decision not to follow any more business I can say is wise enough

He must have wanted to soak up the relationship between us all so as not to be exposed in the eyes of the world, while quietly continuing to help. Unlike Zen who wants to clearly state that his kingdom is on our side

But, I know very well that dismantling this international relationship would be very bad for Verdea. No Hortensian would want a prince backed by a foreign kingdom because of the impression that he was a puppet of the kings

That's why I even made sure that only our four kingdoms knew about this. Xiang may already know, but they won't know anything because we don't have any written evidence that we are cooperating in full

Even Rosalia alone would not be able to have that evidence

Then, back to the plan...

"But, I don't actually need you to move. Orion, Gong, and Bestia. I just need a place to make sure the Hortensians can land safely"

Especially considering that the Sahra kingdom shut itself off from the outside world today

The two kings immediately gasped to listen to me

"If so, isn't it better to land east of Goeitias alone to avoid suspicion?" Zen said

"No way" I replied

"Why not?"

"The point cannot be. Could be dangerous for the Hortensia soldiers"

They don't know about Leshy. It would be long if I had to explain it, but the point is that all the Hortensia troops will definitely be wiped out by Leshy at that place

The reason why he didn't show up while we were discussing it was simply because I tried to convince him as hard as I could. He even gave off a terrifying aura that the entire forest alone sounded terrified at that time

I'm not sure he can hold back any more than that...

"I said once again. You don't have to make a lot of moves. Just help those soldiers prepare themselves in this place first. But the language is different if we have 'it'"

They all immediately looked confused by what, 'that' I meant

"You know... Evidence that Walter Herb and Xiang's kingdom are working together"

I don't need to explain anymore. They all understood that immediately

Verdea then raised her hand to speak. When we all looked over, he lowered his hand again

"But Vainzel, you said that we don't even need the Hortensians to win. Why do you sound like you actually want them to come along?" She asked

"Because I can't guarantee that Xiang won't receive help" I said with a disguised intention

Verdea immediately flinched, then nodded in understanding

"Especially if they received a lot, this plan would probably fall apart"

"But, who would dare to lend a helping hand to Xiang after Hortensia and Miralius expressed an aggressive attitude towards them?" Julius asked

I once again kept quiet and just confused him, same with Zen

"I did bring some members of the Dark Elf clan here thanks to Fyon agreeing to come along. But I still don't think that's enough. And I'm not sure if we can get 'it'

That's why I want you to at least give us your shadow army. Just give it some with the Dark Elves and the friends I brought" I said

The shadow army will be quite effective. Given how secret they operate, their existence in this plan would be hard to know the proof. They were trained men from a certain kingdom entrusted to execute an invisible operation

After that, by making sure these two kings returned to their respective palaces safely leaving that army, the other kingdoms suspicions towards our relationship would be able to be avoided

"Shadow squad? I can only think of two reasons why you want them from us" Zen muttered

He was probably thinking, first because we wanted to kill Shen while we were making a fuss. Or second, because we want to infiltrate and make an open path using them

"You're wrong if you think of two general things. The reason why I wanted to borrow them, was because I wanted them to fight"

...

"... You're crazy Oberon..." Julius said in astonishment. "This means you want to protect someone, right?" Julius added with a smile

Oh?!

He caught the core of my plan!

"Rubber! The one who wants to be protected is our ace. And he's gonna need a lot of protection

When the enemy is already aware of the value of that person, I want the shadow troops to combine forces with the Dark Elves to protect him"

In a sense, cover protection

"What is that man, Prince Verdea? Or one of your friends?" Zen asked while looking around

Ordelia raised her hand this time, then said, "I'm the one"

I started explaining everything they needed to know. Even until every scenario I could think of could work, I explained all the ways to handle it

And in the end, all those scenarios have to end with me, Verdea and Ordelia going to solve them all

I can protect Verdea alone, because I just have to focus on her and myself, until I'm more than enough to do it myself. But for Ordelia who is far away from me, I plan to place herself among people who have certain abilities and can complement each other

Zaphir, Fyon and the Dark Elves have abilities that can kill, plus the shadow troops later. While Remina, Luxor and the rest have quite extraordinary survival abilities

That's why I didn't hesitate to bring Remina here. Unlike Lyralia who is only good with magic in certain areas, this child is also quite flexible and has adequate physical strength, as evidenced by our training against the monsters in that cave

I can take Ivor in to replace him, but there's one more thing I want Remina to do and Ivor can't do

Paving the way for me when I get caught. Tacitly...

That way, everyone has their own roles. The foundation of this plan has been very solid, now only all the pillars are left to be established

"That's pretty brilliant. If you want, you might actually be able to destroy the place without hesitation, but you prefer a safe path that salutes me" Julius said

"Doing reckless things is one of the things Shen wanted. Even though his country could be destroyed, he wanted to dye us a bad color

I also don't like hurting innocent civilians and soldiers. That's why we all have to be level-headed in this plan"

I also actually intend to destroy Xiang, but how else? Given all the innocent citizens who could possibly be victims it makes me have to exercise restraint. Plus if there is no guarantee Veskal will not be hurt

"Hm... You are truly talented and have a deep knowledge of the Oberon battlefield. I'm really grateful to be working with you in the future" Zen said, coupled with Julius' approval

"I'm not very talented. I just evaluated all the things I had and wore them as best I could" I replied

"But this plan of yours will only do minimal damage to your side. That's a sign that you're talented. Just need to sharpen a little"

Really?

Well, I do hope to grow...

"So, there's no need for anything else to discuss. All my plans have been spread to all of you on this table" I'm trying to close the conversation

"I don't have any opinions either. I agreed to execute Oberon's plan" Julius added

"All right then. I hope all these things come to an end soon, and hopefully Mr. Veskal can return safely"

Finally finished. Faster than I expected

So this is what it feels like to have a discussion with the leaders of the country. Their brains are very diluted and able to solve all problems on the table in a matter that is not long

Impressive. This is my first experience of calmly discussing with these leaders

"Well... We can finally eat...!"

*Clang clang!!*

...

"You haven't touched any food since?" I asked Verdea and Remina who were greedily eating

They even made a fuss by grabbing a few things instantly, right after I said good-bye

"No. We find it impolite to eat in the middle of such a discussion" Remina replied, coupled with Verdea's nod. "And it's my first time eating seaweed~ Enak~"

"me too. Maybe if it's added with a little spicy here..."

"Ah, you mean like that chicken seasoning Mr Ivor made?! I'm going to try~!"

...

So that's how they get along...

I'll have Ivor make new snacks every day from the moment we get back there

"Please eat! Spend everything!" Zen said, with a small laugh accompanying later

Well, thank God their way of eating is not too much of a problem. Sometimes seeing them is not serious is also good for the heart

Maybe I can ask Ivor for a recipe for this meal at Thyme Castle later. Veskal and Verdea will be delighted

...

But how could they use that jam chopsticks?

I'm still learning to use it...

"Your Majesty Zen. Do you have a fork?"