The Book Of Flowers

Sword Training (1)

-- A while later, the Moon Elf area --

"Woah~!!" Verdea with gaping amazement

"Vescal didn't lie when he said this place was very entertaining" Remina added as she looked around

"You guys should trust me a little bit once in a while. Anyway, when did I lie to you guys trying?"

"When you said there were no more cookies left in Thyme's castle kitchen but in fact you hid them in a jar in a tree hole?"

"Or when you said you were gonna help me sweep Verdea's room and hide on the roof?"

"Okay, who told you about this?"

"Vainzel"

"Oberonian"

"Why do I ask try...?"

Veskal only sighed as Verdea started to smile

"Are you sure Mr Zaphir is here? He was usually at the Forest Gate to check on Mr. Welt" Remina said

"I'm not sure either. But, he usually comes here if he's tired" Veskal also replied. "He hates the sun for some reason"

"There's a reason they're called moon Elves, Veskal" Verdea interrupted, then shook his head resignedly

"Be our guide while we're here. At least Verdea and I wanted to go around" Remina spoke on behalf of the two of them, confirmed by Verdea's nod

How else would you like? Only he could understand the ins and outs of the place between the three of them. So, he walked first to guide the two children who followed him

It was fortunate that they could meet Zaphir as soon as possible. But for that time, they should entertain their eyes first to look around the purple forest that gives the impression of tonight

"Sure Zaphir is happy to be here when he is tired. This place must look very beautiful at night" Verdea commented

It is not a joke if they say that the place is good for fresh eyes. Just as they had entered through a tunnel of long wooden roots earlier, they were immediately greeted by this sight

Purple light shining from a crystal that became part of a tree trunk. Not only one, but almost all the trees here had that purple crystal inside their bodies— gushed from it

Just as they stepped, the trees waved as if welcoming them. "It seems like they are happy today", Veskal also said, responding to something that he must have seen a little less often

Had the atmosphere changed from morning to night, I was sure they would have been more amazed by the atmosphere this place could provide

Didn't discuss if they could hear a familiar voice from inside this forest. The sound of a tool or weapon, which became the hallmark of the clan inhabitants of this area

"So you're doing archery right now?"

Veskal nodded in response to the two children, making them even so excited and enthusiastic—soon ahead of Veskal to see the arrows of the Elves of the month first

The area where the archery was carried out was the most closed area that was inside the purple forest area. Verdea could see that there was a fungus growing there. But not in small size, but in giant size—nyar larger than the tree there, but, and it gave off a purplish glow just like the purple crystal inside the tree that they had seen since

The mushrooms completely covered the incoming light, along with the trees that were seen to swerve and had leaves that grew without interruption. Under their shadow, the Moon Elves were practicing nonstop, aiming at a target that was probably 20 meters in front of them

They look very focused. And when their arrows flew, they all came apart simultaneously. Hordes of arrows flew towards their respective targets, some hit it, and some not so the archer immediately put on a resigned face

Remina and Verdea spontaneously applauded in amazement at that, while Veskal—when noticed by Verdea, looked very seriously looking towards their right side

"Impressive right?" the voice they recognized said, so the three immediately turned to the same direction—kanan

...

"EDWIN?!" Verdea was shocked to comment

The figure he did not expect would be there was also waving his hand to greet the little prince

"Siang, prince. I came here for inspiration" he replied

"Inspiration? I don't remember the last time you were interested in a weapon other than a sword" Verdea replied

"The man did not lie, prince of Verdea"

One more voice they recognized, but this one immediately made Verdea and Remina happy

"We finally found Zaphir here...!" Verdea breathed a sigh of relief

"We're not here long. Just ignore Verdea" but Veskal actually makes her pout

Zaphir just laughed a little while shaking his head

"Zaphir's Highness!" the Elves who had been busy shooting also approached to meet their officials

"Ah, there is the prince of Verdea and the lord of Veskal. Also..."

Their eyes narrowed to determine who Remina was. And when Remina smiled awkwardly against them, there was then a missed memory in her head

"You little Elf who will be that high-ranking man!" the youngest of them called

Everything immediately flinched and boisterous as all those important people gathered in one place right now—right in front of them

"Prince, Veskal, Remina, black knight. Introduce, they are a group of young warriors who have just been formed to prepare themselves in joining the elite forces of the Moon Elves"

Young people. That was all the content of the group that Zaphir had said. And based on what looks the oldest, they don't even look older than Veskal

"Zaphir's superiors allowed us to join the Moon Elf elite squad for some reason..." The highest elf among them said. "My name is Osven, by the way. Osven Minasol"'s"

He then began to introduce each of their members one by one

"What I'm almost as tall as this is called Lenitus. That's a little bloated, Eslo. And this little one's called Airavan"

Remina's eyes went up and down when she saw Osven in front of her. Then, he looked towards the other Moon Elves, as well as the smallest archer members

According to Remina, there is only one dating from Osven and Airavan...

"Your hair and skin..."

Every Moon Elf he had seen all this time often had silver hair, also had purplish skin. But they both had corny yellow hair and normal skin like hers. Even the other 2 had silver hair and purplish skin. Instead of wanting to vilify, it was just that he felt there was a story behind it

"Oh-H! Ahaha! Our hair and skin are not a problem! Some of the Moon Elves did have hair like this"

"Oh so..."

Zaphir had to step in and whisper to give Remina an explanation

"Our tribe is also split into 2 parts. Normally, according to our tradition, a corn-yellow-haired and normal-skinned Moon Elf should have no interest in fighting"

"We just thought that at least we should do something to avenge our Oberon" Osven said again, helped by another nod

"But it seemed, there was only one person who could hit the target" Zaphir chirped, making the four of them instantly laugh awkwardly

"How about a melee weapon training, top brass Zaphir? Archery doesn't seem like our talent..." Osven tried to negotiate

Zaphir was seen shaking his head and sighing. But facing the 4 pairs of eyes that tried to weld to persuade him, he surrendered himself to their will

"All right, it's okay"

Edwin laughed at the sight

"I've always heard from everyone that a high-ranking Elf named Zaphir is rude and merciless. But it turns out that you are very weak to children" he also said

"If you become a father someday, you'll understand, black knight"

And hearing the word exercise, Remina's ears immediately moved with excitement

"Can I come?" he offered, enthusiastic

All eyes were headed straight for him

"Aren't you tired, since?" Verdea asked

"Not yet" he answered. "And the coronation test of the new higher-ups will be carried out soon, right? I'll have to find any way to defeat Ms. Lyralia so as not to disappoint Oberon later" he added

Even Verdea alone was already feeling sore because it had to face Veskal and Ordelia at once— did not count myself interrupting their training. But somehow Remina could still be excited

Zaphir could respond to that one, though he was a bit hesitant

"Can... But I can only teach you the spear..."

"That's no problem-"

"Business can also. Then mace. Whip, maybe... Chainlet. What else...?"

"I don't know if he's hesitant about teaching Remina or just doesn't know what to teach her..." Veskal commented

"At the end of all this, Remina will take control of all those weapons" Verdea replied

"If swords?" Remina asked too

Zaphir immediately broke out in cold sweat when he heard that word. Among all the weapons that exist in this world and that were ever created, he did not know how to use a sword

Not knowing at all. The elf whose life had been over 2000 years had never learned swords well at all, nor had thought of trying

"I can't teach you a sword, son. Sorry.." she replied

He silently stared, hoping that no one would ask further about the sword

Then...

"... What if I trained you?"

A voice that saved her came in an offer to Remina

And of course, the only people who know very well about the science of swordsmanship there is none other than and not—Edwin

Amongst all the people who were there, only he had the title of knight. No one in Hortensia could look down on his abilities

It's just...

"don't want. You're still suspicious of Oberon"

"Did?!"

"Also, you work under Rosalia's sister, don't you, Edwin?" Verdea interrupted

"Well, even though Vainzel has made sure that you're safe from surveillance magic, still..." Veskal added

"Eh?!"

"Also, this concerns the training of a future high-ranking Miralius. How can we trust you?" Zaphir was further cornered by Edwin

"On that...!"

None of the four sentences he could refute. Especially Remina, as someone she would train directly under her wing when she agreed

The problem is, Edwin only focuses on finding a student without thinking about the possibility or the way that they can be interested in being trained by him. So, he had to be silent at the thought of a way to convince every eye that tried to stab him in that place

Rosalia also did not give him any advice. Edwin's desire he considered like something that is not important to his overall plan

Edwin breathed a sigh

"My wishes have nothing to do with the Hortensia family. I just wanted to find someone to continue my sword technique" he began to say, while scratching his non-itchy head

His eyes then turned to Zaphir, inexplicably looking serious

"Humans don't live as much as the Elves can live, Zaphir's higher-ups. And as a hero to my country of Hortensia, as well as having the sword skills that are adored by everyone, it is normal for me as a human being to want to continue my name in this short time of life" he continued

"Unfortunately I never found the right person. I know why, but it still feels frustrating. Had I just been married as Artorius suggested and had a child, I wouldn't have had the hassles I am today"

But it's a pity. So far, 2 people have rejected his offer as a sword teacher. Thousands also failed to help him achieve small desires on those great conditions

"Everything is just because they just want power..." Edwin murmured

...

His heart must be riled up now. The bitter rejection from those people left him silenced and could only turn around to leave

And go he stepped. There was nothing else he could do in that place. He just has to accept the decision of everyone there with a free chest

Not one bit he intends to force. But his disappointment also makes the ego he has refused to say goodbye though

...

"Mr Edwin"

The voice that called his name also made a jerk and spontaneously stopped

A voice that should have been silent, or so thought by Edwin himself

And when he turned to stare at the origin of the voice, his person had been standing right before him

"Elf does live much longer than humans, Mr. Edwin" Remina said. "But that doesn't mean we're immortal" he added

"We are also always overshadowed by the shadow of death. Especially when we talk about the events that have happened lately. Even I, someone who is considered too young by everyone, was frightened by the shadow of death that could befall me and my father tomorrow

But somehow our two races are always entangled in those problems. So that's why I can understand your frustration"

The long explanation was ended by Remina with a helping hand. The speech that was intended directly to Edwin who was silent stared at the small hand

A hand that only means one thing

"I'd be happy if you would train me, teacher"

The interaction between the two people instantly made the others smile looking at him. Even Zaphir

They were happy for both, especially when Edwin started to show happy expressions. She wanted to hold back her smile, but instead looked awkward, coupled with her beaming eyes

And with one hand in hand, both sides agreed to help each other to achieve their own little goals

"I'm sure you'll be the best leader of all"

"Tell that to Miss Luna. No one can beat him in that"

Edwin smiled broadly. His heart was very happy to have successfully reached the first stage of his wish—getting a disciple he wanted

Someone who has great potential and is able to follow it. It has also been proven through every incident they have gone through

"I'm happy now! Ahahaha!" he laughed while stroking his own head

Remina sighed and shook her head at the cute level of her new teacher

"And how about we practice now? To test how big you are first" Edwin said again

"The plan is so. It's just, we'll get a lot of viewers later" Remina replied while pointing back

Verdea and Veskal smiled widely, as did the four Elves who were guided by Zaphir

"You can go to a large area in the middle of the Moon Elf area. Also, I'll make sure these four kids don't miss their practice as well"

The sound of protest came out of his fourth mouth, but was immediately silenced by Zaphir's sharp gaze. "Remember that you will also be a member of the elite forces. Don't want to lose to this new high-ranking candidate" he said in a threatening tone

"Then we're the only ones left" Veskal said, holding Verdea's shoulder

Both of them acted pretentious, instantly making Remina want to hit the face of the two

Edwin laughed at everyone's behavior. And as a sign that he was happy to get Remina as a student...

Edwin also knocked on Remina's forehead slowly

But the act itself was enough to make Remina flinch and grumble, as the teacher began to walk first to reach the area intended by Zaphir

While gripping his forehead in annoyance, he must follow Edwin from behind, along with Verdea and Veskal who still intend to watch their rehearsals