The Book Of Flowers

Before Debutant (2)

-- A while later, the middle space----

"So, these are all the names of those nobles. To the people invited from Miralius, everything is already here"

I handed Verdea some paper, along with Ivor, who gave us a cup of tea

"I want to see too!" Remina exclaimed, sliding herself up to slam Verdea on the sofa

"Why go there, why try?" Verdea snorted in annoyance

Some sheets of paper that I have written very neatly I have filled in completely. Other kingdoms also I separated the sheets so that Verdea would have no trouble finding their names

I was also quite surprised that some nobles under the king were also invited from other countries. I mean, noble families other than kings from other countries can be counted fingers, but one family does not only consist of one person, right?

If it is from Hortensia, it is natural that every noble is invited, because it is very close. From other countries too?

From the letter that Artorius sent I can tell, there are a total of 167 nobles who will be invited. And those from outside countries are not just any noble families, so I can memorize their names and titles without re-study

How much money will go out to ensure the comfort of all these people? Rose Castle used for guests is indeed large, it's just that arranging everyone from different countries is what will be difficult

I doubt Rosalia has this many business associates, knowing that her goals alone are unclear. That's why I was surprised by the number of names I wrote on each sheet

"A party of this size is also unlikely to be a trap. Too many people, too many witnesses"

The events of a few years ago made me learn one important thing. Don't get too excited about a great party. Vigilance is number one

But I don't have to worry too much this time. Some of these kings were monsters in a normal form in the eyes. If they were earnest, they might be able to make me hard when it comes to fighting. What I least want to have in trouble with is Julius, because of the blessing he was born with

"You even added what titles they held and the effort they ran. The way you dig up information is scary" Verdea commented

It is precisely I wonder why you cannot dig up information that is clearly in public. I didn't even have to move too extra to get all that information and write it down, let alone know that I've traveled enough across the country in Vitario

Or maybe he's impressed because I can remember everything?

"Ughs... All these names make me dizzy..." Remina said, with a nauseous face

"Then stay away. You're too close"

Remina immediately frowned because of being expelled Verdea, so she shifted her seat away and turned her face away

"Then, you don't have to learn about how their royal hierarchy works, do you?"

"There's truth... Except for the eastern states. I still have to study them"

It was fortunate that I wrote their names all according to the row of top positions to the lowest, instead of using the initial letters

"You can avoid all those who are from the eastern kingdom except their kings. And for that, I advise you to study everyone in Hortensia"

Their areas of power, the businesses they run, their expertise (including overall power), their scandals that might be offensive and should be avoided in a conversation are all listed in the material I write

"Yes, I also put scandals and gossip about them on the paper. You might offend them by accident later, also just in case in turning things to their faces back"

So don't look at me with that look. It's for your own good, too

"How do you know all that stuff??" Luxor whose head seemed to want to explode asked

"Like that. Find your enemy's weakness, no matter how small. One of the fighting principles that you must remember" I replied casually

Looking for all those things just makes me have to work extra. I also have to get Artorius to cooperate with me to find out everything related to their scandal

Digging through the information was exhausting, but it was my favorite thing. It's more fun to expose someone's weaknesses first than to try to take them down without knowing anything

"Then, I want you to study also the history of each country of these two people, and the manner of greeting from Ordelia"

Lyralia looks eagerly intending to show off, knowing her turn is coming. In contrast to Luxor whose head had already let out smoke because it read every information I wrote

Responding to me, Verdea's pouting face came out

"Studying all these things would be very troublesome..."

Hey, don't blame me. We only have 2 more days to study before the whole event

The reports are done, the preparations for the event are almost done, our suits were all prepared by Rosalia (Unfortunately) long before the flower festival began, and all that was left was to be present at the event with careful preparation

"Submit your materials and go prepare all the necessary things. I'll explain everything if he doesn't understand something" I said

Luxor unhesitatingly thrust out his paper material, while Lyralia pegged on the spot as her intention was instantly buried as deeply as possible

I forcefully took the paper in his frozen hand, and told the two of them to go to work immediately. Luxor had to drag Lyralia who still refused to move out of the room

"..."

"Not be ashamed to see your teacher. You'll get used to it if you've lived with her for 100 years" I told Remina

Her flushed face and she covered it with both hands made me remember my reaction when Lyralia did something embarrassing

I wonder why that person was not caught after the thousands of embarrassing incidents he had done

"Perhaps troublesome, having to take care of Lyralia almost every day..." Verdea commented, without diverting her eyes from the paper while drinking her tea

"... Rather than every day having to deal with a creature like you"

They also face to face until lightning can be seen behind due to the tense situation. These two children would never be able to be put in one room and hope that they would not fight

Look at them, as if growing tiger fangs in the mouth to bite each other

"Oh-!"

Hm? Ordelia reacted

It means he feels a presence

"Guests have we arrived?" I asked Ordelia

"Yes. I'm sure it's all of them"

I turned to look at Veskal, and he immediately nodded in understanding. He doesn't need me to remind him twice

"Why, Oberon? Captain Cyth and all those prisoners have arrived?" Remina asked

"Already, added by Eleanor and Albert. You can find them all"

Remina looked happy, when she heard that

"Hm? Vainzels. There's one more train coming here"

...

Wh who?

Judging from the unsettled Ordelia, it seemed like it was a person we knew and was harmless

Might as well... Artorius or Collin. I'd better send someone to greet them first

...

But there is also one person who does not want to obey the rules. He even wanted to escape now

"You keep learning! Don't expect to escape!" I said

Verdea flinched, then again sat herself on the sofa with a grumbling face

Huh... Ordelia and Remina should go...

"If it is any other guest that is Collin or Artorius, just have them come with the others. But don't force them if they want to rest

Ah, and I'll ask you to gather all the captive victims in one room by noon. I still have a lot to ask them"

Remina and Ordelia immediately did as I asked, without further ado

"... Now there's only three of us here"

"Who's the other la-"

"Ehem"

...

He forgot about Dad

Looking at him who was looking at Ayahanda with a confused look made me believe he forgot about her

"Silent. I did hope that no one would notice me" Ayahanda replied as she leisurely sipped her cup of tea

Verdea was just silently looking down with a reddened face covered

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

"Well? You guys are studying??"

A voice we could recognize entered the room. No other and no, Collin is the one

And not just him. Artorius also stopped by here occasionally, making me a little surprised by the arrival of the 2 people at once

Luckily Frank is in the garden taking care of his flowers right now. If he sees Artorius here, I'm sure his mood will deteriorate again

But, only the two of them came? That is, who came from Miralius want to rest first hm?

Let it. They've also been through a long journey, so we'll let them rest. Let's welcome these two men

"Your Majesty, Collin, please sit down. I'll ask Ivor to make some extra tea" I'll let them, shift my seat a little to the left

"Ah, no need. We had tea this morning. Anyways... Why do you still call me your highness, Oberon?"

"Because you are and will remain my master until the end of your life. Well, although honestly I don't like you"

It can also be considered a habit. If there is anyone I deserve to call noble now, that person is Artorius because of that contract

Artorius only smiled awkwardly in response to me, then sat down at the place I provided before exchanging greetings to Ayahanda

Collin immediately took a seat next to Verdea who greeted him with a smile. His eyes began to lead back and forth looking at the contents of the paper I wrote

"It... The names of the guests of the debutants' party invitations?" Colin asked

"really. Verdea should at least study all those people so as not to offend them later" I explained

"Learning is hard on my son. But that's what gets you out of trouble"

Artorius. You are the last person in the world who can speak that line of advice

Verdea probably had the same thought as me, because her fake smile came out and led to Artorius's face completely unaware of its meaning

"Then, I want you to study the history of Orion first. They have many stories in their country, until God alone knows the exact number"

I handed over one of Lyralia's paper materials to Verdea, and she just put the paper upside down on the table, still focusing on my material

"Then learn the customs of the countries of Borneo and Gong, because they are most distinctive in terms of culture"

I handed him another piece of paper, and for the first time in a while, he lifted his head

He immediately took the paper and read it, ignoring the paper material of mine that he had placed on the table

Hm...

He was more interested in history

I'd better get him to learn some things he's happy about first for now

"Well, I'll explain that one, along with the other history of Orion. They might be-"

"O-Oberon! Is it okay to make Verdea learn all that....??"

Hm?

Ah, ja. These two are with us now. And it seems like we both scared them

"If he doesn't want to study the noble, he'll try to sneak away without me knowing"

I glanced at Verdea, getting a bulging cheek in return from her

At least he didn't try to lie. His angry face made me want to stroke his head, but was afraid to disturb him who was studying

"But I came here to play with Verdea. Too bad he's studying..." Collin said

Play?

"You mean, like a board game or playing chases like that?"

Collin nodded in response to me

Next, Verdea and I looked at each other with confused looks

"Sorry prince, but Verdea doesn't like games like that. If he wanted to practice swords, he would"

And if he was playing in a chase, he would rather play in the air with the Fae. Unfortunately I didn't bring any Fae here for their safety reasons, so that's how it is...

Collin did not respond well to my words, and immediately looked gloomy

"It's okay Collin. Maybe you want to study with Verdea?" Artorius suggested

Actually, that's good advice. But, Collin's face grew more and more listening to his father

"I don't want to! Mom's been forcing me to learn every day" she called

Artorius smiled confusedly, not knowing what else to do

...

Huh... It seems like the decision is in Verdea's hands. He can choose to rest now

Collin's been coming all the way, so it's a pity to see him look disappointed, isn't it?

...

...

"Sorry brother, but... Give me time to at least memorize this one" Verdea said

Collin still looked glum, but immediately nodded in understanding

Verdea then turned to me for approval, and I only replied with a nod before she started to say anything

He still has to learn more. But, I'll make sure he doesn't force himself to this day

I'd better start tomorrow with the material he doesn't like the most first, and end with the one he likes so he doesn't get burdened

Because after tomorrow, we may not have the chance to learn, given that the trial is about to begin

Huh... Our schedule is tight. We didn't have the chance to attack again for a while, and I don't know what moves Rosalia is making right now

I don't know why... I felt that if we did not make further attacks, there was something troublesome. But we are forced by the situation to stay low for now

Preparations to survive must be available now. I'm not gonna let 5 years ago happen again