The Book Of Flowers

Final Discussion

--- The next day ---

"Self from the expedition this time?" Cyth gave a big question mark

"I understand that your main question right now is 'what about the trading headquarters?', but listen to me carefully"

All the people I had gathered were nervous and wondered why I suddenly decided on this as they tried to find a more comfortable position to stand in front of the Forest Gate

"Darius Hortensia and Collin Hortensia have secretly stated that they will cooperate with us" I spoke, inviting the face of disbelief from everyone but a few

"Vescal, Zaphir, Luna and Natasha could be witnesses" I said again

"But what's the reason?" Eleanor asked as well

"Because they want me to exterminate the Hortensians, except for Collin and Verdea"

Verdea was jolted to hear that, amidst everyone's muttering. His head slowly bowed slightly, as if not believing what he was hearing

"Including Darius's own brother...?" He also asked

I just nodded, not continuing the topic any further

"They gave me advice that I should not join this expedition first, stating it through a meeting in Orion later. And I've gotten some points from his advice that would be very profitable for all of us"

My finger was raised, ready to say all the points I meant

"First, we can let the three kingdoms do the job of scouting, while our troops store energy and mental strength for a moment"

"I think so too. War is important, but there is no point in being powerless from our stronghold" Zaphir said, after nodding in understanding

"Also, some of the higher-ups had gone too much in and out of Miralius. A change of situation like this must have needed preparation huh" Leshy who was still with us interrupted

That's the point of the first point. They don't need to get any more explanations because it's final

"Secondly, although the expedition was also safely completed, we have not yet accumulated a good reputation among the public for the Black Hunt members"

They all flinched, then looked down because they had just thought about it

"But they had enough connections from several kings. Isn't that good enough to make a good reputation?" Luxor asked

"Sometimes there are still people who are skeptical about following the behavior of their leaders. They'll only know that their king is doing business with Black Hunt, but they don't recognize the good reputation of this crew" I explained

Which would then definitely trigger a loss on their side. I had also thought that promoting Black Hunt's trading services after the expedition was successful would not be effective at all

"So... We still have to work hard, hm?" Erin also made a sound

"Yes. You can come with us to Orion. Julius may also be able to help you create some ideas that you can help" I suggested

Erin nodded, as Cyth began to look snorting knowing he had to work harder than usual

Then the third

I closed my eyes slowly, ready to accept something that would come my way very quickly because of this third statement

"I know you're going to refuse, but you have to understand one thing"

I'm sure it's also a good time to suggest it to everyone

"I want to make Remina Stagnia a leader"

The higher-ups immediately looked extremely shocked, followed by Remina and her father who stood at the very back, listening to that

First, my friends' eyes were on Remina. Therefore, the others followed suit, staring at the still stunned little girl

"I'm not sure our deal should go this fast, Oberon. Especially hearing it from your side" Lyralia said, hesitating

Ivor begins to look surprised at Lyralia's unexpected interference in the affair

"What does that mean, Oberon?" Zaphir asked

"Something I want and I've rated right"

They were silent, knowing full well that I would not change my mind. Except, one man

"But he's still an Oberon kid. Why is it so fast?" Ivor said it too

Hm...

I know Ivor is very affectionate towards children, but he should understand very well what I am saying

Remina has been following our battle too much. He can even stay and match the performance of the higher-ups. The child's strength was truly frightening when thinking about his later development

And also...

"Do you remember at what age you were a top brass because of my advice?" I asked Ivor personally

He nodded, then shifted his eyes

"10..." Ivor slowly answered

"Couldn't you?"

"No. This is still not true"

...

...

...

"Ivor, do not be presumptuous to Oberon" his mother interjected, but was immediately driven by Ivor's hand which looked annoyed

"Not true... How's it?" I asked, waiting for Ivor to answer without blinking a single blink

"Whatever it is, I will reject the decision that Remina should be a higher-up! Whenever it's!"

Ah, now her words had changed from 'Remina was a child' to 'Remina after all can't be a top brass'

"Why?"

"Because you even regret making us five higher-ups! Didn't you?!"

"Ivor-!"

"Listen to me Luna!"

Luna doesn't even seem to be in charge of Ivor right now, because her friend looks so unapproachable right now

The face that Ivor never showed was visible to all of us. The face that made even his mother surprised, because it did not understand the meaning of the expression

But I get it. I know what kind of face he's showing

Desperation mixed with annoyance

"You told me that day... If you're so sorry to make us a top brass..."

Ordelia looked at me as if she was asking 'when?'. But I just kept focusing on Ivor, still waiting for his every word to be resolved

Then why...? Why do you suddenly want to curb someone again in the curse with this higher ranking title...? The curse you described at that time...?"

...

Yeah, I still remember

Ivor has always been a good listener, because he never listens with his head, but his heart. He was very understanding, and I took advantage of that by telling him about something he shouldn't have heard but should have known

I just can't remember what kind of face Ivor showed that day

He was the most hopeless and the most intense among us. But looking at her flat face and looking down right now, I feel so sorry

"... I can follow all my words, Vainzel. But not this time. I must refuse" He ended all his words

...

...

...

"As I said, you should know one thing"

Ivor gasped at my words, thinking that I didn't care about him at all just now

"Remina will become a leader. And I'm gonna prove that he's worthy, not just because of his ability or intelligence"

"What do you mean?!" Ivor called again. "You haven't listened since"

"Then I'll ask, Ivor" I cut him off, making him surprised. "You know why I said that I regretted making you all higher-ups?" I asked back

"Ti-No..."

...

"One more question

You all remember the 'gift' that you gave me and Father in the fourth stage of the exam you became higher-ups?"

All five of my friends were immediately silent, except for one who started talking

"We all swear to be faithful to you. What's wrong with that??" Luxor spoke up

"That persist" I replied, pointing at him

That's a mistake they don't realize at all. A mistake I never thought and wanted

"... I don't want you to swear allegiance to me. Absolutely not, whether it was then or now"

Everyone gasped, especially my five friends who were immediately stunned as I lowered my hand back

"I will judge whether the gift that Remina gave later is appropriate or not for me

If he fails to offer me that one specific thing only, I will personally thwart him and not allow him to participate in the battle anymore"

Remina was fully prepared, but still gulped her saliva back, as her father tried to appease his beloved daughter

He also remembered one thing. If he had to figure out what the only thing I wanted from a top official was. And that he had to do immediately, if not to fail to take this opportunity he wanted

"... I'm not saying you guys failed to become a top brass in my standards. But really, swearing allegiance to me is what restrained you in the curse of being a clan leader. Something that makes your life can't go back to normal again, making your position completely out of alignment with me again" I explained later

My eyes were fixed on Remina who was far behind

My expectations are very high for this boy. So, I hope he doesn't disappoint me

"I will make Ivor and Leshy judge whether or not the prize will be appropriate for me. If they don't let you in, you will fail

Remember that, Remina"

I knew he wouldn't refuse. He has been too far between us who have a big position

And although that was not the reason, Remina would not waste this opportunity because she also desperately wanted to become someone great

And so, the answer is only one

"I'm ready, Oberon. I hope I don't disappoint"

That's a good answer

"Then the discussion is closed. Prepare everything that will be needed in the event as soon as possible within a week, now!"

No one answered, but no one disputed. Everyone began to disperse one by one, including all my friends who invited Ivor to calm down first. Verdea begins to search for two people, Natasha and Veskal, who have disappeared since

Cyth begins to gather all of his crew members, along with Eleanor, Albert and Claudia who are the most knowledgeable people about the structure of a country. They seem to be starting to discuss what kind of target they should aim for

Meanwhile, Remina seemed to have started to think about what I wanted. Therefore, he asked his father that they immediately return to discuss, making them the last ones to leave the place

Her father faintly glanced at me, but then was immediately distracted from being disrespectful, until he just kept walking behind Remina as they talked

Goody. Everyone will start to instill my ideas in their minds. I don't have a problem if they set up separate discussion groups, but at least I know that they understand

Nowow. There's still one thing I have to do

"Levy"

"Yes Oberon?"

"Let's go hunting. You told me there were some monsters moving suspiciously, right?"

"That's because of a message from Augurtrail yeah, Oberon"

That guy got information fast. I really want to meet her face-to-face

"Tell Augurtrail to let him know any suspicious places through the trees. We'll start walking while we wait for the reply"

Leshy nodded, as his horns began to shine like moonlight. After a short time the light dimmed, he started to stand up, then bought a greeting to Seren for permission to leave

I followed his movements, until we stood straight back together. We started moving on after, ready to teach some lessons to the monsters that started messing up

"But don't blame them, Oberon" Leshy said as he walked

"I knew. They were now being played by the real mastermind of this incident"

Leshy nodded in agreement

"And if you meet that man Oberon...

Kill him, will you...? In the most painful way, huh...?"

...

I usually disagree with violence...

But really. If there comes a time when we can freely kill Jael, then I will really do Leshy's request

The death of that person would not calm down at all... So does the brain that supports the action, Rosalia...