The Book Of Flowers

Paranoids

It was dark when we got back from the training ground

Unfortunately, I couldn't train them for too long and stopped when the test was over. If I continue until later, I'm sure Ordelia will go berserk considering I haven't rested too long

We were forced to return as soon as possible before the sun went down completely

Yet... We also had to deliver Remina to her father first

Her... Fear goes alone

This is not a joke or some kind of joke. He was afraid to go home alone because of his trauma since he was enslaved

She was afraid that if she walked alone later, someone would kidnap her again. Given that Miralius could have been breached by those people, of course he already felt unsafe even here

Though this place was made by Father to secure the Elves...

We also had to deliver it first to make her feel safe

Verdea also followed us even though she shouted that she had been reluctant since then and said that Remina should just go home by herself. But, when I explained why he was like this, Verdea gasped

Verdea wanted to come along, and suddenly became very calm while continuing to pay attention to Remina who was also silent when we walked to take her earlier

The sun had sunk when Remina was already where her father was. His father thanked us for taking care of him. I just shook my head at him slowly and said 'That's our responsibility'

We hurried home, and were greeted by an angry Ordelia, especially to me. We also have to explain this in order to calm him down

My friends had all the lighting set up where we settled so we could sit comfortably in the dark

I also immediately took a place on the side of Ordelia just like before

"So, how was the exercise? I hope you don't beat them one-sided" Luna asked

"You think I'm as bad as trying to beat them?" I retaliated

"The word of the one who always says will beat them up when things go wrong"

"Hey. It was just a bluff. Snapping"

However I may be, I still will not really beat them without a strong cause

"Well... The result is pretty good, if I say so myself. But they're still at a basic level, so I can guarantee that this practice will be long" I continued

"Hmm so..."

...

I felt that something was awkward when we had just arrived, and immediately looked around to confirm it

...

Ah yes, my guess is right. There are less people here

"Where's Artorius? He's been sitting there since, hasn't he?" I asked Luna, pointing to her seat next to Frank

"He said he wanted to get wind or something. But why is he so long?"

A long time? Since when?

Bizarrely. Why did he suddenly disappear at the same time? Verdea also said that Artorius was not a person who likes to get out of his room while in Bargalos, except for bathing or foraging

"Luna. I'll look for him first. Tell the others they ask"

"All right"

Waking up from my seat, I immediately looked for him as fast as I could. Don't forget to ask the trees here to help me

...

North... No sign of a human

The west... The place was empty and I did not prepare a shelter there

Then...

Uh! Be together

...

...

...

I found her

But, who was that person nearby? I don't recognize the Mana flow

I did not encounter them directly, but, I could still feel the flow of Mana even through the roots of a tree

So, who's that guy?

...

I'd better check it out as soon as possible

I ran as fast as I could towards where Artorius was. It's pretty far away, but it only takes me a minute to get there if I want to hurry

A little more and in a moment...

I braked my steps for a moment when I was close enough to them

I watched them silently from behind a tree without making a sound

I could see Artorius clearly from behind the tree. He looks... Pleasantly

Though previously he never showed too much expression after I met him again

He also seemed to be talking to someone, such as thanking them

They even talked about Verdea, where the man who was with Artorius was very eager to meet him, but could not...

Because existence...

...

I tried to watch the person closer in order to be able to recognize his face that was almost covered in a veil

...

L'm... Didn't recognize...

I feel like I recognize him, but I don't remember where...

Yes already. I'd better show myself. I wouldn't be able to recognize that person if I didn't

"Artorius" I called, breaking their conversation

The two of them immediately gasped when they saw my face, like they had just seen a ghost

"Excuse me, I have to go seka-"

"You're not going anywhere, stranger" I'm hampering that guy

And if he thought he could run away again, the roots of a nearby tree wouldn't be happy about it

With an agitated face, he slowly turned his head towards me

I just tilted my head in confusion trying to recognize his face

"I feel like I recognize you..." I murmured softly

Silence came between the three of us. I glanced at the two of them one by one, and it was obvious that they did not want to open their mouths about who that person was

Or so I thought...

"... He's my son Collin, Oberon" Artorius suddenly interjected

...

...

...

Oh

"ACH-!"

"Oberon, what a-!"

"Silent Artorius. I have business with your son"

I immediately tied Collin's entire body without a second thought, then tightened it so he couldn't make a mess

Colin Hortensia's...

Whatever he's doing here, I smell something bad

"Obe-Ron...!"

"Explain why you're here right now!"

I want to get to the point without needing to make any small talk

"Take him off"

"I said shut up Artorius!"

Making sure Artorius didn't dare to speak, I refocused on Collin

I slammed him to the ground because he didn't answer, even though I made sure my bond was looser. I then tightened the bond so he could talk

"My answer!"

"Well-I-Came Here-With the Elves who survived-Akh!"

"What do you mean?!"

I immediately turned to Artorius and waited for an answer from him

"He's the one who helped you save the Elves there"

"You're kidding me"

"No! Verdea knew it all, and she told me about it. I didn't tell you because Verdea knew you wouldn't believe it"

Verdea understood well my anger at that disgusting kingdom, and that was why she did not want to tell me this

But, still I can't trust anyone who's in that family, except Verdea. I don't even want to believe Artorius who was clearly betrayed by them

Anyone who has been under the supervision of Rosalia all this time can certainly be an accomplice. I'm not going to take that risk and try to be kind to those people again...

I will not allow them to be near Verdea and risk their lives again...

I've had enough of that family and all their crimes

I loosened my ties so as not to strangle Collin again, but still tie him. I lifted him into the air as if I was carrying him

"I'll take him to the detention center. I will not let this man roam" I said to Artorius

"But-but!"

"It's okay dad... L'm... It'll be fine..." Collin said softly

I immediately took Collin away as soon as possible, so as not to make my friends worry about my absence later.

Artorius could only see when he had taken his son away from him, then lowered his head limp, thinking of what

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

-- The next morning, Miralius---

I was looking around at that time. Even though it was entering the morning, the sun only showed itself a little, making most of this place still look very dark

I really need some fresh air right now...

"V-Vaine"

I turned towards Verdea who was standing right behind me, looking uneasy

I wonder what is bothering him right now

"Why? Wind in?" I responded

"What's right, you put Collin in a place of captivity?"

...

I'm sure Artorius told him.

I wasn't angry because he told me, but I was more furious because I knew Verdea would be like this

This made me very frustrated, considering that Verdea was the one who witnessed Collin's action to save the Elves

I don't doubt what he sees, but I doubt what he doesn't know

It's possible that he just did it as a man from Rosalia to spy on us

"Vain...?"

"I did do it, son"

...

"Why? Oh yea. I haven't been"

"no need. I already know he saved the Elves, but I doubt he did it for nothing"

"... Meanin?"

"... You don't think he can be trusted that easily, do you?"

...

"He saved the Elves! Isn't that enough proof!?" He shouted with his tone rising

I had expected him to protest...

"Son. You can't trust anyone in your family, not even your brother" I responded

"Why?!"

"Because of those who have made everything in these 5 years happen! They can take the cover of Rosalia directly, but they're more concerned with their lives than their own!"

...

Ah, I yelled at him for the first time...

I'm really frustrated now

"... Then what?"

This kid-!

"Then what did you say!? You have to be careful with them!!"

"Stop assuming Vainzel! You don't even know clearly what their true intentions are! You didn't even see what Collin did that night!!"

"Because I assume this is where we can all still live, Verdea. I always prepare for the worst and not just judge the book from the front...!"

"You said it like I was stupid"

"You're not stupid, but you're too weak in perception and don't think much about a person's true intentions"

...

Sruk up!

"Then please give her some lightening! He's been helping us since that night, isn't it appropriate that we repay him?!" Verdea said as she clasped both of my shoulders tightly

He looked me in the eye and showed me that he was really serious about this

He really can't stop me anymore...

"alright. But I'll only do it because you asked" I said, half grumbling. "But, I'm gonna make sure he's not around you and get the hell out of here, okay?" I said with a firm tone

"Huh? Then what if Rosalia's brother will kill-"

"I don't care. Whatever I do, I'm just doing it for the safety of everyone here, especially you. And I'm sure, if THAT PERSON stays here, your beloved brother will use it"

Considering Rosalia, I'm sure she has a hidden card. His family is his main pawn. He could throw them away at any time, but somehow he still let them live

The entire kingdom was already bowed down under his feet, but he still let the concubines and their other children live there

My perception may be right. No. gabe... My perception is always right

I never did not hit the target even though I was just speculating at first

And because of my perception, I feel paranoid about all of our safety. There's nothing I can trust in this whole world but my friends

Had my perception once again hit the target, I had no idea what would happen to them

So, I don't want to risk and harm any of my friends

Verdea was silent. He knows exactly what I'm thinking, and he understands the situation

He just nodded slowly with a sad face, letting me carry out my decision

"I'm sorry, son. But this has to be done for all of us"

"But... Please, make sure my brother can be safe later"

"I'll give him some protective spells. If he's in danger later, we can teleport to save him"

"Hm? You mean like when you called Uncle Zer that?"

"Fright"

I once had a chance to tamper with Uncle Zer's amulet that was given to me. So, I can figure out how to make a tool that exactly works with that talisman

However, it may take quite a long time to make the tool. Given that my schedule is consumed to train them, as well as the manufacture of this tool that requires high concentration, I am sure that I will be finished within a week

Collin should stay in the prisoner's quarters as long as I finish the device. I want to speed it up, but if I'm wrong a little bit, I have to repeat the steps of making the tool again

"bad news... Collin will have to stay in custody for the next week. It's okay, isn't it?"

The excited Verdea immediately looked lethargic and grumbled at me

Well, what else. I need some time

Especially to finish all this, I really need time

"Very. Just call Remina first. I'll meet you at the river, but I'll go to the prisoner's place first" I said

"Wanna visit my brother?"

"Less precise, but approaching it. Come on, get Remina right away. The sky is starting to light up"

I stroked her head, then she brushed my hand away and took one step back

"I'm not a child anymore" He said with a pouting face

He stuck his tongue out at me, then ran towards Remina's house

He said he was no longer a child, but still acted that way...

Huh... That kid

Never mind. I gotta hurry. I haven't released those two people we 'kidnapped. Pity them later, right?

I quickly stepped towards the west side of Miralius, where the men were taken captive, as Verdea eagerly continued to run, waiting for the training that the three of us would do