The Book Of Flowers
When They Separate
hundreds of years ago --
...
Chaos is everywhere
Bodies were scattered everywhere as Darwin walked on his horse, in the middle of a battleground that was out of shape
Claudia walked on foot behind him, using a veil to cover her face
He slowly looked towards Darwin who showed a riled face as he continued forward
It seemed like he was feeling tired at that moment. Seeing all those corpses lying everywhere, just because of the battle of the two great spirit people, he looked extremely furious with everything that had happened
But he held it as best he could. I don't know why, but Claudia knew very well that Darwin was holding himself back
...
Darwin's horse suddenly sounded rowdy, and it made them both startled
But slowly, the horse bowed as if giving a salute
Their eyes were also fixed forward, in the direction where the horse looked down
An Elf stood there, among the ashes of this war, facing Darwin and Claudia who also walked between them. A figure that has a greenish shirt, with a crown of golden tendrils on his head. His white eyes showed that he could not see, only using his wide ears to hear what he could hear
And it was only by chance that he recognized Darwin's voice among the former battles
"Aestasu... Long time no see" Darwin said
Aestas just lowered his head with his eyes closed, a sign that he received Darwin's greeting
"Why did you come all the way here? The journey to this place will only endanger you if you travel alone" Darwin said again
Aestas sighed
"I heard news of this battle. Lazarus had given bad news, and Leshy had received the news for the first time" Aestas replied
"That thing is still grumpy huh...?"
Darwin moved his horse to get closer to Aestas so he could speak to him politely
And since he was also approaching, Claudia was also behind him
Aestas heard a footstep that he did not recognize, behind Darwin. That certainly made him curious
"Darwinian. Who's that guy walking behind you?" Aestas asked
Darwin, who had just come down from his horse, turned to Aestas who asked
"Ah, he's my confidant, Claudia. More precisely, my fiancee..."
"Oh, congratulations! I've never heard anything about this. And also, this is the first time we've met, Mrs Claudia"
"Yes, we're still engaged!"
Darwin laughed in front of Aestas who only shook his head with a smile
Claudia just silently laughed a little at the behavior of her fiance
Then a sigh came out of Darwin's mouth, making the two men notice it
"... If this war never existed, I wonder how the lives of the three of us are with each other. I'd love to have a normal conversation with you guys on a table, instead of being here among the bodies of my people..." Darwin complained
...
His face changed, and it was the first time in years that Claudia was with him, he saw Darwin crying
A trickling tear drenched his face which began to wail blankly downwards. A lament imagining how their lives would be without such a heavy conflict
...
"Darwin..."
Claudia slowly hugged him from behind, and stuck her face on Darwin's back
"... Don't cry, my friend. I assure you that all these things will produce sweet results for all of us"
Darwin nodded slowly, so as not to disturb the two closest people
"... Xiang attacked us. They used a rotating attack tactic to save the strength of the joint force this time around. They also began to snatch some cities out of our hands..."
"You're good enough. It's a pity that bad situations make us look ugly" Aestas tried to convince his friend
The people will start to rebel when their country begins to be destroyed slowly. Be it Aestas or Darwin, they both get scorn from their people
Fate is so cruel to a leader who is the strongest force of a country. Everyone would lean on them, as if they were the last pillar of hope. And when they crack, the fault will fall upon them, not upon the multitude of burdens that rest upon them
...
Miralius could only endure. Meanwhile, Polaris, a country belonging to Darwin can only attack the neighboring countries with them only. Waging a military campaign to the east would only cost Polaris a lot of money and manpower, while Miralius was made completely immobile
Unfortunately, they also had to figure out a way to destroy the country's military power east of Vitario. Otherwise, their enemies there would only develop further
"The territory east of Vitario began to develop rapidly. They even began to deploy many of their armies to annihilate us. What should we do with this situation, Aestas?"
Aestas shook his head
...
His eyes also showed that he felt gloomy and unenthusiastic in the middle of his silence
Darwin turned to Claudia, who only shook her head, a sign that Darwin should stay quiet first and make room for Aestas
The silence continued between them, no matter how long. Aestas' silence continued to make the two people anxious about his condition
...
"Before I give a suggestion, the first Elf has already predicted a fate..." Aestas said as well
Darwin raised his head to listen to it
"Then, what did he say?" Darwin asked
"... 'When the wind blows to the east, the waves will be violent, making 1 ship shaken and 1 other ship washed away. All of that happened thanks to a careless captain'..."
...
"What does that mean? Is he going to say that your advice is going to sound stupid this time?"
Darwin was not happy when he realized the meaning of the prophecy. "Even to say that our country will be hostile. Can try?"
Aestas shook his head again
"My advice would sound stupid"
"What indeed?"
...
He wanted to keep his mouth shut, but Darwin would definitely corner him until he gave up later
So with a sigh, he also threw out what was in his mind
"We're sending a man who can destabilize the great empire in the east, Xiang, and destroy it from the inside"
Darwin immediately tilted his head in confusion at Aestas' words
"Where do you try to fool that advice? That's brilliant advice you know?" Darwin said
Aestas raised his head in delight, hearing the small praise coming from his friend
"I might be able to send an Elf there. Zaphir will probably be very-"
"I'm sorry if I interjected, but I seemed fit to be on this mission"
...
The two of them immediately turned to look at Claudia who raised a hand
Darwin immediately put on an agitated face hearing that
"Claudia, not again..." He said limply, holding onto both of Claudia's shoulders
Claudia who slowly lowered her hand began to smile to calm Darwin
"It's okay. After all, the fate predicted by Aestas might mean well for us, right? And which mission did I ever leave, lord sadis~?"
Darwin chuckled at Claudia's behavior towards him, but a sense of uneasiness still lingered on his chest
On the other hand, Aestas began to seem to think that what Claudia said about the prophecy was quite reasonable
In short, he supported Claudia's words
"The idea was quite brilliant. I hope that you can bring great results in front of him" Aestas said, in a jubilant tone
But...
Darwin was still worried. Feeling the worry of his friend, Aestas came forward to calm him down
"Darwin. You gave off an aura full of uneasiness" He said
Darwin lowered his head because his behavior was already conscious
Claudia had to go forward this time
"Calm down, sadistic sir! I'll definitely be back, and we'll get married right after!" Claudia called
Darwin glanced at him, hearing the cry. He also realized that Claudia would not change her mind at this time
"... Let's just talk about it at my residence" Darwin said in a resigned tone
Claudia smiled with satisfaction
......................
-- Ziegler House, east Polaris --
...
Darwin sat in his chair, while Claudia was busy tidying up the bed for him to sleep on
His eyes occasionally glanced at the maid who was about to become his fiancee, and were instantly distracted before he realized it
His anxiety still hasn't gone away. And it seemed to kill him slowly on that chair. His limp body, slowly slumping downwards was filled with no-no thoughts
"Have you finished complaining?"
Hearing that voice, Darwin opened his eyes in shock, and found Claudia peering over the back of the chair
The eyes of those who met it made Darwin try to wake up again, to make Claudia have to step back and walk before Darwin
"Have you finished tidying up my bed?" Darwin asked
Claudia simply nodded, and sat down slowly on the chair opposite Darwin
"... You're still nervous apparently"
Darwin was silent. Quiet for quite a while...
He slowly glanced at Claudia who was starting to look agitated. And because of that, he finally gathered his thoughts back
He then advanced, kneeling before Claudia which naturally made the lover shocked, then took out something from his pocket
The object was slowly thrust into Claudia's face, showing a pair of diamond rings that seemed to sparkle even with a dim light. Even the sparkle bounced in Claudia's wide-eyed, seeing the ring before her
"... I know you don't want a ring for engagement. You've even said many times, even if it's our tradition to wear a wedding ring. But...
I want you to at least look at this ring, then say, 'I'll be home soon and we'll get married' every time you see it"
...
Claudia realized, for the first time...
For the first time, he saw Darwin bowing, as if his life was on the edge of a horn as well
For the first time, he saw Darwin looking so agitated, that his whole body trembled
The man who was always strong in front of him began to tremble for the first time, right in front of the woman he loved
"... My appearance must have been terrible" Darwin said limply, though his hand was still stretched out thrusting the two rings
...
When he fell down, his hand felt a touch. When she lifted her head, Claudia sat down before him, with a face filled with tears
That's when he didn't know what else to do. He who generally knew how to, was now already helpless in front of the woman
"... I've told you about Gerta, haven't I?"
...
The sudden question was immediately responded by Darwin with a slow nod
"She was the mother who took care of me when I was sold here. He has taught me many things. And one thing you can recognize from her - is that she enjoys wearing jewelry and fur clothing"
"..."
"But--- I got a letter one year ago-If he's dead..."
One years. Claudia separated from Gerta and followed Darwin for 10 years
"That's why I-I-hate seeing the ring-I don't want-remember her face again-"
At that moment, Darwin realized the reason. The reason why Claudia always refused to wear a ring on her hand
He realized why Claudia suddenly acted as if she was forcing his carelessness. She thought it was done by her lover to encourage her, but it turned out that she missed Gerta, her foster mother
He always told me that Gerta has a very naughty nature, but shrewd
He immediately looked down limp, intending to pull his hand and throw the ring somewhere. The most important thing for her was, so that Claudia would not have to find the ring again, and if necessary forget about it...
"But..."
But Claudia pulled her hand back, making Darwin aware
"-- I shouldn't forget her. And also-He that's why I was able to infiltrate and meet you..."
Claudia slowly showed a smile, amidst her still flowing tears
He asked Darwin to sit next to him, and Darwin without waiting for anything to do so immediately
Claudia felt a little calm after that, wiping her tears away
"... Put the ring in my hand, I beg you"
Darwin's eyes sparkled at Claudia's words. He immediately looked happy and enthusiastic, somehow he could describe his emotions at that moment
He nodded, asked for Claudia's hand, then slowly loaded the ring onto the ring finger of his left hand
Claudia looked at the ring with a gaze full of mixed emotions, between happy and sad
"... I shouldn't have forgotten him. But, you reminded me that I should not forget an existence, whether on a mission or not"
His eyes slowly looked at Darwin, who was delighted to see him, with a genuine smile as shown to him first under the tree
"... So, so that I don't worry about you here and Gerta there, I'll swear on Gerta's behalf that I'll come back"
Darwin chuckled in response to Claudia
"That's a big oath, mistress of intruders..." He said later
"... I want to make you feel better..." Claudia said, then pouted
"Ah, don't get mad~ I'm joking-Look, I look happy now don't I?"
Darwin widened his smile using his hands, making Claudia push Darwin's face away from his presence because she felt amused
Not enough with that, Darwin hugged him from behind, inviting laughter between the two of them at that time
"Ah, stop. You better sleep because your business will be a lot tomorrow" Claudia said, after stopping laughing
Darwin felt very run down because of it
"I want to spend more time with you..." Darwin said with a pouting face
"There's still 3 days before I leave. So now, sleep there!"
Walter smiled, then slowly kissed Claudia's cheek before moving up to her bed
...
'When you return after a few months, I can imagine our very grand wedding!'
'Yes, yeah. Keep fantasizing, until carried away by dreams'
'It's good, isn't it? I can so imagine you wearing a wedding dress through that dream~'
'Hm hm~ Alright, happy beautiful dreams. I have to put out the candle now'
'You want to talk about the dream until I fall asleep?'
'No, it'll be all night. So go to sleep, and dream as big as you want to make our marriage'
'It turns out you also want a magnificent party~!'
'Sleep!'
'Hmph! My girlfriend is so fierce!'
'Hm hm~'
...
'Good night, mistress intruder. Don't forget to sleep and not wake up'
'Good night too, sadistic master. I hope you dream well'
......................
back to the present ---
...
...
"We never got that moment..."
Darwin stared blankly at the sky
Among all the stars shining with the white light, he remembered a familiar figure. A figure who also happened to meet under the starry sky when they were both very young
"... How far have I fallen into the abyss, Aestas...?" Darwin muttered to the sky. "Is it as far as the stars and the earth...?"
A look full of regret. That was all I could see from Darwin and Claudia's eyes at that moment. They were praying that none of this would ever happen
...
Seeing Darwin's body disappear slowly as it started from the tip of his foot, and Claudia who could only lament with her puffy eyes, was a painful sight. My body felt pierced and felt a heavy pity because of this heartbreaking sight
...
So it's like that...
His hatred for the Elves began with a misunderstanding that held Claudia responsible for her death for the suggestion, and Oberon Aestas, who did not know what to do. And that is why, 1 country was shaken and 1 country was destroyed
Polaris, or what is now Cassiopeia, fell into the hands of Marcellus thanks to the carelessness of a leader. But, I still can't confirm whether that leader is Oberon Aestas, or Darwin himself
And this is the end of the conflict. A misunderstanding that plunged the three people into deep regret. The misunderstanding that made the three friends should be enemies towards each other
...
Uh-h?
The verdea?
Why did he go up there?
...
I saw that look on his face. He was facing forward behind me, so I only got a glimpse of it
Veskal who intends to pull back Verdea, I immediately restrained before he had time to move
"... Just look at him" I said to Veskal
Seeing that, the rest of my friends immediately locked up their intention to say something
...
Verdea continued forward, and finally, she knelt down opposite Claudia. Darwin, who was aware of another figure nearby, turned to find out who
"Ah, you..." Darwin said, turning away from Verdea's face. "Good son... You win..." Darwin said again, in a slow tone
Verdea simply smiled wryly in response to that sentence. 'Winning' for him now means nothing
'Win' for him is when everyone can be saved
"... What kind of wedding do you want?" Verdea then asked
Darwin laughed at hearing that
"You speak as if you were going to be the one to marry us..." Darwin said with a dismissive tone
"... Is it something grand?" Verdea asked once more
...
"... I'm not sure you're listening, son... Or you won't listen..."
"Finally, I was curious. I'm curious because...
Because I won't be able to see the wedding happen later..."
...
That sentence certainly invites frustration from Darwin. But he no longer had the power to hold his head up, let alone try to hurt Verdea
I wonder why he said it like that
"... You insulted us or something... Verdea...??" Darwin uttered in an annoyed tone
"Please, Verdea. Give us some space..." Claudia added, tightening her embrace to Darwin's head
"... I'm not lying. I'll miss the wedding later, and you'll only be able to tell me in words..." Verdea added
"... What do you mean...?" Darwin asked
But Verdea simply smiled without retaliating any further
...
He took the hands of the two of them, then put them together with each other
Verdea slowly closed her eyes...
"Lord. May they always be blessed under your blessings. Great spirit. May they always be protected and not separated. Lead them to the path of light, and a future that-"
That...!
It was a prayer for the bride while at the wedding ceremony...
"-- Give them abundant food, a comfortable home, and healthy offspring. Until the end of their time, this bond will always last"
Verdea slowly opened our eyes, turning towards us. He wants to ask for our testimony
And among us all his friends standing there, only me and Veskal nodded in agreement. We let him continue the ceremony
Verdea turned back to Claudia and Darwin once again, continuing his words
"Do you, Claudia Dolores, accept this man as your partner?"
Claudia nodded, and her tears began to harden as Verdea turned towards Darwin
"Do you, Darwin von Ziegler, accept this woman as your partner?"
...
Darwin looked at him blankly
When he came to his senses, Verdea said a wedding prayer. And now, he asked her for approval to accept Claudia
But, he felt happy for some reason...
His body began to disappear to his chest, and Darwin realized that he did not have much time left
Darwin mustered his last strength to look at Claudia. The figure of the woman he loved, sitting before him with tears flowing. It was a pity that his hand had already disappeared, and could not wipe away those tears
Without wasting any more time, Darwin even replied to Verdea
"Yes... I accepted... And will always be loyal to him. Neither now, nor... Later..."
...
The ceremony was over, and ended with the two brides kissing each other's lips
That too, was the first time they had kissed each other, their entire lives
However, at that very instant, I could see the last drop of Mana going from Darwin's body, disappearing in the air
And not long after, his body and soul followed, going with the wind somewhere
At that moment, Claudia's agonizing cry began to sound shrill, until she fell to the ground lamenting her lover who was not there
The place where Darwin was lying, now had nothing but flowers underneath. The Garden of Heaven had already ended it without the slightest pain
But death is death, and a second chance will never be found again...
...
Amidst the heartbreaking atmosphere, I saw Verdea laughing. Laughing, but accompanied by tears that flow without being held back or forced...
"See you, Darwin..." He mumbled slowly
As everyone turned to avoid the heartbreaking sight, only Verdea and I looked up with broken hearts, as if to carry Darwin away
And at that moment, I didn't understand why he said he'd see someone who was his enemy
This kid is weird. But...
Really, He is a big heart
