The Book Of Flowers

Someone who is suspicious

--- The next day ---

The fourth day of our trip

"You guys are leaving?" Frank asked, looking at all of us who were ready to move in front of the city gate

Verdea nodded slowly. Actually he himself became reluctant to continue this journey, probably because he wanted to accompany his grandfather. A fair point if I say, considering how alone his grandfather is in the city of Calendula

"Hm... Too bad. I still want to spend time with my granddaughter"

...

"There's a journey we need to complete, Mr. Frank. Sorry to disappoint you"

And I'm sorry I had to let you down too, Veri. But you yourself know, after all you won't be able to stay forever by Frank's side. His world and your world are so different that the royal area is not home to him

It would be easy to say that you can escape from the palace life. But that doesn't guarantee that you won't be hunted by them. However, someone who has been named as a member of the kingdom is still important to the family

Frank understands that. Verdea too. Our hearts are heartbroken of course, but there's nothing we can do more than see you now

Frank just smiled at us. His head bowed again, trying to cover up his sadness as he began to turn his back to leave.

But before he turned away, "Grandfather", Verdea called out to him

Frank stopped stepping. His body turned back towards us and waited for Verdea to say something to him

The two people focused on each other looking towards each other. The eyes of both of them were still filled with hope that one day they could be on each other's side. But for now, this temporary farewell will be done

So then...

"Please take care of Mom" Verdea said

Frank diam, kemudian tersenyum. Senyumnya kemudian berubah menjadi tawa kecil. Tawa yang dia keluarkan diluar dugaanku, sehingga aku spontan tersenyum bersama Verdea ketika melihatnya senang

"Just calm down my grandson. She's your mother, but she's my son. No one knows how to take care of herself better than I do" she said confidently later

Verdea smiled at her grandfather's words. And before we finally parted ways, see you delivered this time feels more appropriate

He climbed up my sling. His hand began to wave to his grandfather who replied to that, as we began to walk away east to continue this journey

"Bye bye! I'll visit again!" He called, whereupon his grandfather only replied with a wave of his hand back

Kuelus head because he felt proud he began to speak to his brother. She happily smiled at me as her hand went down, and she widened the smile even more

Aahs...

Who could hate this child... The smile itself was enough to make everyone's hearts melt...

I'll take care of you, Veri. Just chill. We'll all take care of you

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

"Hah~! The human inn was very comfortable living~" Lyralia said in a comfortable tone

"I want to have a house in a human settlement. Most of them are very friendly..." Ordelia then added what Lyralia had said

Our journey is far enough now that the city of Calendula is no longer visible behind. There are only white snow and some forests that are no longer green or leafy. Everything started to look empty again, but it was unable to make us riled up

It feels comfortable to walk back. Every step we took was refreshing after a few breaks. Maybe because I was tired after yesterday...

Veskal was silent. He still doesn't want to talk

"It feels, adventuring isn't bad either. I understand why you want to do this. Miralius Forest feels stifling compared to the outside world, even though we have only walked in the colorless snowfields since then" Ivor later commented

"And what do you think of humans?" I asked him

He just shrugged his shoulders. "They're not bad, I guess" she said

"Some are actually very pleasant to talk to. Unlike my initial guess" Luxor added

Luna simply nodded in agreement in silence, making Luxor happy to know she was also at heart

"Why do you think that all humans are bad?" Veskal asked, in a tinge

"History" Ivor replied. "You won't understand, because you're still a boy!" He then put on an indifferent face like a thug to Veskal

"Huh!? Why are you saying I'm a try boy!?"

"Because you are a boy! We're much older than you!"

Verdea and I closed our ears as they started to sound like barking dogs. For some reason Ivor now likes to look for enemies, especially to Verdea and Veskal. Maybe because he still can't admit that humans can make him comfortable

And poor Luna who always controls everyone here. He was so every day when we left. With just one look from him, Ivor and Veskal instantly bowed to silence— continued their steps there

Sorry Luna. I know you're in trouble, but I can't stand their behavior either. Hang on

*Plok*

Luxor suddenly patted me on the shoulder to grab my attention. Spontaneously I turned in surprise, while Verdea who was in my arms also followed

"Then where are we going now?" Then he asked me

Its simple. It is the easternmost city in Hortensia, and one of their main ports in terms of sailing business

"The city we have to go to now is Lotus City. We'll take a boat through the city's harbor later"

"Ship?" Verdea interrupted

He's starting to get enthusiastic hm?

"Yep! We'll get on the boat later!"

"When!?"

Ahaha! If he's this enthusiastic about getting on board, I'm sure he'll pass out by the time we get to Miralius!

Oh yea. He never went too far from the royal area. If there was a place outside of the kingdom he had gone to, it was just Magnolia village

So technically he never saw the sea? Naturally he was curious about the feeling of boarding a ship...

"Just calm. Maybe in 2 days. If we move fast too I mean" I'm convincing

He started to move impatiently. His legs began to kick enthusiastically, as I just held every blow to my stomach with a smiling face

Uh-uh?

"Friends, hide"

I who spontaneously gave the direct order shocked everyone and immediately moved quickly beyond the blink of an eye to hide in a nearby tree. One person in each tree, making sure we weren't seen with something in front

Luna and Ivor immediately understood why they had asked me to hide, to see the creature

"The devil's incarnation" I muttered, where Verdea could listen

All my friends know about that monster. From Veskal's gaze, I'm sure he is too. So, only this child knows nothing about them

"A senseless devil who changes into being according to the creatures they eat" I explained in a whisper. "They're weak, so don't worry" I added

They are also quite... Benign. Although they did, they took the form of wolves

"Hoh...! Looks like it's gonna be...!" Verdea said with an excited tone

"Well, we have to fight the creature anyway. You can try it if your hands grow longer first"

"Heeh...? Why...?"

"They are indeed wolves, but I doubt you can even face the real animal right now. Adequate body is also a factor that can determine victory"

Just like a container. If you force too many things into it at the same time, the container will actually be destroyed

"Wolves are still dangerous animals. I'm not gonna let you take any chances against them, considering they're always moving in a group"

And one important thing: The devil's incarnation actually has no form. They take the form of intelligent beings that they eat. If they eat wolves, they become wolves

Also, they will take the habits of the creatures they eat. What distinguishes them from the original creature is only one, namely their eyes are blood red. Even a less astute adventurer could see the color of their eyes clearly under even dim light

Verdea is starting to look hot. Because for a few days we were just walking, he would finally see a little action. Veskal was even ready with his knife coming out. My friends on the other hand, don't really need their weapons

"10 demonic incarnations" Luna said to me from where she was hiding

All right, then

"Stop them"

Normally we are even forbidden to kill monsters...

But this one creature must be exterminated if we see only one of their noses

And that way, every one of my friends already has at least one target

Ivor instantly broke all the bones in the body of one of them just by slamming his own body into the devil's incarnation. Luna deftly split one with her hands alone. Ordelia stabbed two at once with the root of the plant she ordered. Lyralia blew one up using water magic. And Luxor made 2 demonic incarnations start attacking each other through magic

Veskal struggled with having to handle two at a time, but I immediately broke one's neck by stepping on the creature after moving very fast, he said, as Verdea laughed with satisfaction at seeing us destroy them all so easily

Veskal was so excited and did not want to lose. The remaining two he aimed for a moment, moving nimbly until he was able to stab one of them in the neck. The creature fell, and now only one tail remains

Veskal took off his dagger, giving a challenging look at the moaning demonic incarnation

"Oh, that's their leader. It's a coincidence" I commented

"What is different about them?" Verdea asked

"The wolf that is the leader of the pack always has an upright head and tail posture"

And he did it to show who was in charge. The natural instincts of animals are amazing if you pay attention to them well

Merely, the incarnation of the devil was a stealing creature. And they ate the poor wolves just for the sake of taking form

"Stop him Veskal!" Ivor cheered while he was still pinning down the bodies of his targets

"Spirit!" Lyralia followed

Uh. They're just gonna step aside? Alright then, we will also only see Veskal fighting against the leader of this group of beings

The two began to circle where they fought, as if looking for a gap between the birth of their respective enemies. Both of them don't want to lose, but I know who will win if he's really serious

"Come Veskal! Don't lose!" Verdea even cheered

I've witnessed your talent for the past few months. Practicing under Luna is also very helpful for you. You can even finish one off very quickly

I don't have to worry at all. Veskal will be able to handle this one

...

...

...

Wait for...

What demonic incarnation can absorb Mana from the air...?

...

That's not normal

"Vescal" I said, lowering Verdea from my sling

Although my voice was not as loud as the others, he listened to me immediately to his head. I who walked towards him immediately made him stop putting the horses on standby

Especially when I looked serious, where everyone started to stop cheering and suddenly felt the same worry as Veskal

I also stood before Veskal, facing the devil's incarnation

Or is he really, the devil's incarnation...?

...

"Show me the truth"

I don't know if I think this is wrong, but...

The demon incarnate was too wild to understand how to control Mana. They can only think like animals if they take that form

...

...

...

Somehow, that demonic incarnation grinned and let out a cynical laugh, leaving us all goosebumps. Especially Veskal who almost fought the unknown creature

"You're sharper than I thought..." The creature also spoke

So he really wasn't a demon incarnation. This fellow...

A black aura enveloped the body of the fake demon incarnation. And finally, the original figure of the creature was visible

A human? Not particularly. He feels very different from humans even though he has a fairly normal form like that

Even if he were to suppress his Mana as it is today, it would not be enough to fool me. This person before me is so strong that he is at an absurd level

I can't fight someone this strong with Veskal and Verdea being around me right now...

All of my friends spontaneously jumped fast to protect Verdea and Veskal. Only Luna jumped beside me to ensure my safety as well, ready with a dagger in hand this time as her weapon

"Who are you?" Luna asked

"Ah sorry. I'm sure if the ethic is, before you ask someone else's name, you have to give your name first"

"Shut up and answer me. Why did you transform into that demonic incarnation?"

"... Just for fun"

"Take me, black witch!"

Luna pressed him down, and the person started to look displeased. He looked over, as if he was underestimating Luna, as well as the others

Whatever it is, I'm not going anywhere near this guy. Every inch of my body says he's dangerous

Even if he starts to lower his head and smile

"... Alright. Introduce, my name is Yael. Jael Tarasque's. I just have, 'small dealings' with you guys" The guy introduced himself

Yael Tarasque...?

"Well! You mean almost killing someone that's a 'small affair' to you? You're a disgusting man, after a little boy" I interrupted

Veskal wanted to say he wasn't happy with my call for him, but it wasn't the right time

"Ups, did I do that? Ahaha! I'm sorry then~" The guy named Yael was a bully

Blood rising. But I still have to be patient and focus more on protecting my friends than on fighting them head-on

But he suddenly sighed. His mana had leaked out so I got a bit of an idea of how strong he was. It's just, I feel like he's being ruled by someone at the moment, so he can't focus on us

"I'm sorry, but I have to go now. I'll release you for today" He suddenly said

"It looks like you're the one who's scared of us! Your mouth is big!" Ivor interrupts, protecting Verdea behind him

Yael laughed in response to Ivor's rant

"I'm not afraid of little Elves like you" He even added on the sidelines

You better shut your mouth. If he wants to leave, then he better leave. I don't want to risk ourselves any further

"... Nor am I afraid of you, Jael Tarasque" I said

"Hoho~?"

He looked down at me, but he seemed comforted. But not long ago she was able to interact more with us, she somehow started to melt like a wax statue that was hit by fire right now

Slowly, all that remained was a black liquid that instantly evaporated into the air

...

It was just a clone of the original

My friends started to gulp, although we can also sigh in relief now. The encounter with Jael was very stressful for all of us, mainly because we did not know who our enemy was

Damnit damnit! What's that guy's business really? I'll make sure that guy doesn't come off next time

"Vaine..." Verdea came over and hugged me

I just stared at the place where the person was standing with a feeling of annoyance. Till...

I thought of one thing, so I turned my eyes to Veskal...

"... Yep. He was indeed one of Rosalia's men" He said, as if he knew my thoughts

And he didn't miss. However, thinking that Rosalia had such a monster under her orders made me feel scared

What the man really thought, I don't understand anymore. This path that Rosalia was trying to create left me confused right now. It was as if they had no clear purpose other than to disturb us

Whatever it is, that person must have wanted to hurt Verdea. From the look in his eyes before this, he mostly looked at me and Verdea. It was as if the others were insignificant for him to notice

And he was not wrong to look down on us. People or should I call that thing...

He knows we won't win anything against him...

...

"We will talk about many things" I said to Veskal

He nodded immediately, as we were all ready to move on again considering that the obstacle had just been overcome. The bodies of the demonic incarnations even began to evaporate and fuse into Mana in the air

The wind carried the filthy Mana away from before us. And I feel like it's not something we should have done

There was something wrong with the black witch. If I could guess, he must be the one who peeked at us inside the inn at that time

We need to be more vigilant now"

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

-- Castle Lily, Hortensia --

"I'm sorry. He knows where I am" Yael told Rosalia

"How can you?" Rosalia asked

"He could see my Mana flow when I almost wanted to finish off Veskal. That guy's stronger than I thought"

"... Well, he's also Oberon. You shouldn't underestimate his abilities"

Yael relaxed his body and sat back down casually. It wasn't every day that he was allowed by Rosalia to sit down, so it was better if he took advantage of his current condition to rest as much as possible

"I'm sorry once again... I'll be more careful next time..." He even started to grumble

...

Yael's face looked irritated and made Rosalia wonder about it

"You look disturbed, Yael. You usually laugh in an irritating tone, don't you?" Rosalia asked

"Hm? Ahaha! Take it easy, princess" he said

"Well, there it is"

Rosalia leaned back after hearing Yael's laughter. He could feel relieved nothing had changed

"just... That person challenged me" Yael then said

Rosalia. But then he just closed his eyes as if he didn't care

"Ah, so" The response was even colder than his movements

Rosalia picked up her teacup and started to tasting its contents slowly. Only her lips touched the drink, as they naturally sucked into her mouth with a graceful look

Jael was still grumbling, but Rosalia had already told him something. Patience is the key to this moment

"Then make sure he pulls his words, right?" Rosalia

Jael turned his head for a moment, before smiling cynically at Rosalia's words. With her own body pulled closer to listening to Rosalia, and with that, they began to plan other ways to harm us all