The Book Of Flowers
Invitation Family Events
-- 3 Days later, Thyme Castle---
"Lesson?"
"Yep! We will all from now on teach you the knowledge of the nobles"
We're all sitting in the dining room right now and all eyes are on Verdea
It also involves him the most. I've been discussing with my friends to participate in helping her learn
They've agreed with a little encouragement, and we've even chosen learning materials for them
Now, I just need the intention from him to learn
"The point is, as long as I teach him to fight I will agree"
"Me too"
Why did even Luna and Ivor seem enthusiastic about this?
"I told you I was going to teach him Politics, but it seems I'll get bored later than he does" I commented
"Then, why should we teach general knowledge? Did he ever learn to count or read?" Luxor asked, followed by a steady nod of Lyralia
I don't have to answer that, they'll know soon enough
"We haven't heard his opinion, guys. What do you think, Verdea?" Luna interrupted
"... If you want to teach me, then you're gonna stay here longer?" Verdea asked
"... Is correct. We've also overcome that" Ordelia followed
Verdea's eyes immediately sparkled. A big smile stuck to his face and he looked like a happy kitten right now
Her cute face wanted to make me pinch her cheeks many more times
"We were also very happy to be friends with you, so we all agreed to teach you" Luna added
"Hey. I'm not like you guys. I still want to go home, but I also want to help her" Ivor commented
"Ahaha~ Ivor is still ashamed to admit it!" Lyralia started to beat
"Lyra-stop talking now!"
Lyralia and Ivor instantly made a fuss with a clash of mouths
However, we were already used to this kind of commotion. After all, we will also usually be dragged later
"I'm also happy to be able to stay here for a longer time" Luna said again
"Luna feels that way too?"
"Yes. I don't mind at all. And also, you better get ready because the fighting lessons from me won't be easy at all"
Verdea laughed nervously at Luna's words. But the question now is, how long is that longer?
I who had been busy chewing the vegetables on my plate slowly began to interrupt between their words afterwards, heading towards Verdea
"You haven't answered"
"Of course I want to! Less clear what?"
"Son, I'm just asking"
"Whatever"
He gets excited. It seems to raise his spirits it can sometimes be the wrong act. He'll just be a bitch when his spirit rises
"So now..."
I took a piece of paper that I folded. I opened the fold and showed the contents of the paper I wrote myself
Verdea's lesson schedule has been written neatly with the turn of the person who taught him for a week. Of course with the consent of each of them
Verdea then took the paper and began to read it carefully
"Ivor and Luna will teach me to fight in turns every third and sixth day...
Ordelia will teach the manners of the first and fifth days
Lyralia and Luxor study general science every day except the third, sixth and seventh...
And you're gonna teach me politics every second and fourth day?"
"That's right"
All those lessons will be very important to you. And as an Oberon, I can teach you a thing or two about politics
"... Why should I study politics?" Verdea asked a question
"You ask that? You're the royal family, aren't you?" I asked back
"... I'm not interested in politics..."
"I teach you that it is not to make you good at politics, but rather that you do not die from politics"
...
"Why do you say so Vain?" Luxor asked
"Because human politics is crueler than war" I answered him. "And they are very different from our system of government"
I can't possibly let him get rid of by those people again
He was lucky because he was a little boy and the king still wanted to pay attention to him
But when he grew up and Artorius died, what would happen to him?
I also can't be sure I'll stay here with him when that day comes. Just like humans, the Elves also needed a king and its leader. My friends and I will return to my kingdom later
Worst of all, I might not be able to come back here. And this boy will come back to life and fight on his own
Huh...
I was sad to think about that...
At least I can help her, right? But it still hurts when I think I should go later...
"Ah-is?"
Ordelia suddenly flinched as if realizing something
We were all wondering what happened to him
"What's Ordelia?" Much
"... There's someone"
...
...
...
He sensed someone in the outer area of the castle through the tree he ordered to guard right now huh...?
"... Is that person suspicious?" I asked again
"Like a thief..."
"Catch and tie him" I gave the order without hesitation
Moments after I ordered Ordelia to do so, there was a male scream outside the castle
I hinted at Luna and Ordelia to come with me, and the rest stood guard in the dining room to protect Verdea. Luna was even ready with her bow and arrows, in case the situation got out of control
......................
"..."
"..."
"... Who's this kid?"
"DON'T CALL ME BOY!"
His position hanging upside down right now made him look ridiculous when thrashing around
He's still a kid. But, it seems to have entered his teenage years
This brown-haired boy with green eyes dares to act strangely in our castle?
And don't discuss that he didn't even come through the front gate of the castle to enter. His clothes also looked like a man in a hooded robe like that
Is he a messenger?
"What are you doing here?" Much
"Let me down or my master won't be happy about this!"
"Shut up and answer my question"
"You shut up and put me down now"
"... Alright"
He asked for it...
I flicked my finger and the root of the tree slammed it into the ground
I don't care if he's a boy or what family he comes from. If he dares to be brash at one of us and act strangely at Verdea castle, I will not hesitate to do this again
He tried to lift his sick body from slamming into the ground
"What do you mean you did that...?"
He returned to the ground unable to endure the pain
"Wah~ My adventurous vow turned out to be completely uprooted for now" I said, completely ignoring the boy
I saw every inch of my hand that didn't change or feel the slightest pain. I've hurt someone, I should have been cursed for breaking my vow
But since I have become Verdea's bodyguard, my oath as an adventurer is no longer valid. Until, I became an adventurer again
However, I feel a little sorry for slamming this kid. Just slightly...
"Right now answer the question!"
Luna started pulling her bow towards the boy
"... Ok...! I came here to give this to you guys"
He handed us an envelope. I picked up the thing containing the letter and saw the contents immediately
'Good day, how are you
I hope you'll come to the family gathering this afternoon, my sister
Note: Father also expects your presence
^^^Full love, Rosalia Hortensia'^^
...
"This only?"
The author of this letter is the second child of the royal family, Rosalia Hortensia. One of Verdea's half-sisters
Family gathering event...?
It looks like this is not an official event that requires Artorius' approval at all. Maybe some sort of dinner and conversation between all the members of the Hortensia family
And also, if he was just delivering this letter, why would this kid have to sneak around...?
"alright. Ordelia, please heal him. Luna, make sure she doesn't mess around"
"All right"
I walked in right away leaving them to do the job I told them to do
"... No need to get revenge on him, son. This would also not happen if you did not sneak here" Luna said
"... I have a reason for that"
"... Alright"
Luna ignored the children until she completely left the castle area and disappeared, no longer visible to the eyes
......................
-- A while later, inside the castle----
"I don't want to come"
I've delivered what I need to say
I don't blame Verdea if she doesn't want to. His family had never noticed him either, let alone been kind to him. After all, suddenly inviting Verdea to come is very suspicious
What was the purpose of Rosalia Hortensia persuading us to come?
"This letter also has no official message from the noble. So, I don't care if you refuse" I said
"... I also don't want to even be forced by my father"
"Then do I need to burn the letter?" Ivor interrupted between our conversations
"We'll keep it first"
"Why did they invite you to that insignificant event?" Lyralia asked
Verdea turned her gaze to Lyralia and said, "I also wonder why..."
...
"... Maybe, because they're curious about us" I explained
"You mean... They want to spy on us up close?" Luxor asked
"Yes, that kind of thing. You know Luxor?"
"... Yeah"
In the midst of our conversation, Ordelia and Luna had finally returned with all of us inside the castle
"I've healed the boy and confirmed his departure" Ordelia gave a report
"Good"
"Ah, but there's something else she said before leaving" Luna followed
"What is that, Luna?"
"He said 'if you refuse, he'll come to you'. Like that"
...
I've guessed
Showing our faces to them was no problem, it was just that I didn't want to hear their worthless insults
But, if it is like this, we better just come to settle this matter quickly. Letting those people into Thyme's castle wasn't safe either, whatever the reason
Verdea looked at me. His face did not show the slightest sense of pleasure knowing what we were going to say
"... Heh. Forgive us, but we better get this done quickly"
"... Alright. I get it"
He sat back neatly but his head was down. The six of us just stared pityfully at him without saying another word
......................
-- A few moments after ---
...
They even provided a coachman to take us there
I looked at Verdea before we boarded the train—making sure she was ready. Her neat clothes did not match her taste at all. It was depicted once on his face that was tangled from wearing this kind of tight clothes
I on the other hand, only wear my daily clothes in a hooded robe in addition
Luna was also supposed to go as Verdea's second bodyguard, but I forced her to stay and guard this place
They invited us just to pry new information about me. I don't know what they're going to do with that information, but securing the whereabouts of my 5 friends seems better for now
"You ready?" Much
Verdea nodded her head in agreement and we immediately moved into the carriage
...
- - - Castle Lily - - - -
"Welcome home"
A female servant greeted us right after we arrived and got off the carriage
"Please follow me"
At her request, we both followed the maid from behind, as she led us around the inside of Lily's castle
I looked around looking at this magnificent castle area as I walked following the maid
Compared to Thyme Castle which was more similar to Villa, this place was much more similar to the description of the contents of the palace that I had in mind
The entrance gate was huge and made with beautifully carved iron, surrounded by sturdy stone walls
Every support pole and building material on the inside of this castle looks very smooth and new. The maintenance of this castle certainly requires a fee that is not played, especially until this clean
We went through a lot of parks in this place. They are filled with lots of well-maintained plants, keeping the eyes fresh when looking at them
Consisting of 5 floors, many hallways and rooms in this place even numbered very much
We continued to follow the maid up to the 3rd floor of this building. He opened a door in the hallway a little away from the entrance stairs, and the inside of the room immediately seemed crowded with people
And among all these people, the king welcomed us first
"Welcome. I'm glad you accepted my invitation"
Everyone from the Hortensia family gathered inside this large and spacious dining room
Artorius sat at the end of the room in his seat, with his 3 wives sitting next to him
The four children sat side by side and faced each other, accompanied by their respective special bodyguards standing behind them
That means, I have to stand behind where Verdea is sitting
Verdea took a seat a little away from her other family and sat down without caring about the opinions of others
He didn't even look at any of his family
I walked and stood right behind Verdea's seat without any comment. If he wants this place, then I don't need to interfere with his decision
I'm just a waitress here
"My child. Why don't you sit next to us?" Artorius acquits Verdea
Verdea was silent and did not comment
"Your disrespectful habits haven't changed at all my sister"
Right no? Just how long have we been here, and someone's been insulting Verdea...
"... I don't need to hear that from you, first brother"
I was furious, but I held him as best I could
...
Then, after seeing the look and behavior of the child, I immediately knew who he was
Damien Hortensian. The crown prince of this kingdom and the first son of Artorius from his queen, Celeste
After investigating a bit about the royal family, he alone had the information I could get to the fullest. They're really not careful about this
This child was only chosen as the crown prince because he was the son of the legitimate queen of this kingdom. His nature in no way reflects a king worthy of the future. Arrogant, big mouth, and stupid. This child only has power from his mother, but he does not know the slightest good way to use it
His own mother did not care much about Damien's character. He thought his position would always be safe as long as Damien became the crown prince and future king
"Already, already. We're brothers. We don't have to fight"
Ah yes, then there is this child
The second child and only daughter of this family, Rosalia Hortensia. The one who happened to invite us to this little event as well. This kid is arrogant, but his cleverness can rival his ugly nature
He could use whatever he had to get what he wanted, unlike his half-brother
However, he did not have too much support from the nobles in the kingdom. Even so, he always had a way to deal with it
If in terms of talking and looking for information, Rosalia is the most dangerous player in that field
"And so, I'm curious about your new waiter's my sister. Can you tell me a little bit about it?" Rosalia turned to Verdea
Hm~? He did not hide his intentions at all
"I'm happy to get your attention princess, but I'm just an Elf who wandered before becoming her servant" I immediately replied that Verdea would not need to talk
"He saved your sister when she was kidnapped back then. I told you that, didn't I, Rosalia?" Artorius interrupted
"Hm, so...
What do you think of my sister?"
"He's a bad boy"
"Hey!"
Sorry~ I just want to lighten the atmosphere~ Don't get mad~
"Ha! He's like that, isn't he?" Damien. "Why do you want to serve him?" He added later
...
"Damien..."
"Come on mother. I'm just asking!"
"Dad doesn't like what you're saying Damien..."
Damien who looked into Artorius' eyes immediately goosebumps in fear and was silent
"Your highness..."
"Our son should be disciplined once in a while, Celeste. I don't want him to grow up to be a man with a bigger mouth than his brain"
"... Huh... His majesty is only too dear to Prince Verdea"
Sofia, one of the king's concubines has already started talking
The mother of Rosalia and of the family's third child did not even plan to stop there
"If any one of us were to vilify the prince, we would be scolded by you"
After saying so, he drank the tea in his cup casually
"Sofia, I don't-"
"Your words alone are so, but your attitude has clearly shown it"
"My noble true mother"
Darius, the Hortensia family's third child, began to interrupt
She looks exactly like her mother, so there's no need to explain anymore. Only, his golden hair that became the hallmark of the Hortensia family showed that he was a member of this family. A proud and arrogant man
"I didn't even see you treat your first brother like that"
Although, he did have the right points...
"Verdea's sister just got her own private castle"
This time, Collin's fourth child spoke. The second youngest child, until his tiny face still looks not much different from Verdea
Only, I wonder why all the children of this family have golden hair and green eyes like his father, except Verdea. Naturally, this one child is always isolated. His physical figure was already much different from theirs...
Collin then played his finger around the mouth of his glass, before returning to talk
"Why is father more privileged than Verdea's sister?" Asked Collin innocently
He seemed to be the type of child who looked easily influenced by the people around him...
Too bad. I just hope he's okay in this toxic environment
"..."
Artorius did not answer. The atmosphere now turned uncomfortable like this
Even Verdea was increasingly silent to hear the talk of her family. He continued to play his finger and lowered his head with a stern expression after seeing his father at such criticism
Verdea seems to hate every member of her family, huh...? It appeared once on his face that he wanted to leave just because of this talk
It was obvious that he wanted to get away just because he didn't want to trouble me either. He even occasionally glances here
So that was the reason why he did not want to return to the palace back then. Now I get it when I see firsthand this family's interaction with each other
Artorius was too weak to be the head of this family...
"I beg you not to press such a father" Rosalia interrupted
"Son Rosalia herself did not feel offended by such a father's treatment?" Ask Darius ketus
"I'd be lying if I said no. But, it's not good if we press him like that"
"But I don't accept it. Mom was always saddened to make me because of this" Sela Collin
"It's not just your mother who's sad about this, Collin" Rosalia interrupted
Rosalia then turned her attention to Verdea who still looked gloomy
"But your Majesty does love our sister Verdea's mother the most, so I can't blame her. Love is strong"
He drank the tea in his cup while half his family turned to Verdea looking annoyed, and the other half looked at him for having provoked an unpleasant topic
Artorius and Verdea still bowed without saying anything
"I still hate those dirty ordinary people..." Damien Grouse
...
Oh. ls...?
"SOB-BODIES!"
"Pardon me if the prince feels I am presumptuous, but your words are completely disrespectful and inappropriate. Especially since it concerns a dead person"
...
I interrupted, just before Verdea could make a fuss
Everyone gaped at my response, including Artorius and Verdea. The person who should have been silent since then suddenly spoke without being invited. Of course their reactions would all be shocked because of my behavior just now...
But I was wrong to defend my friend...?
"H- hey! You're the new waiter here! Don't interfere!"
Depressing. You quivered just because I gave a reply. This is the future king Hortensia has...?
"Newly or not, at least I know good or bad in attitude, crown prince"
"A-grrs...!"
He looks so angry when he hears my words. Everyone still kept silent and watched me who just by usually standing behind Verdea— with a gaze full of judgmental attitude
"I didn't know that you were disrespectful, Sir Vainzel" Celeste said
"I'm only interfering so you don't break any boundaries, Your Majesty. Not more. And this also concerns my two masters whom you have made uncomfortable"
And watch your son, you little girl don't know herself
"... I agree with you Sir Vainzel" Rosalia suddenly interjected
"Rosalia!?"
"Sorry queen mother. But Damien's brother is already over"
"... Hmh!"
Damien sat down while continuing to grunt in his chair
Huh... At least someone defended me. It would be awkward if everyone just stared at us during this family event...
"And thank you for standing up for my brother, Sir Vainzel" Rosalia said
"No need to thank the Princess. That's my duty"
I looked towards Verdea who was busy staring at me. I blinked my right eye and made her smile
"... A-ah's... What's today's menu for us, Rosalia?" Ask Artorius, diverting the conversation while you can
"The main meal is just roasted turkey and some beef"
"... No spicy chicken?"
Verdea who suddenly asked surprised everyone once again. He simply stared at them innocently while waiting for the answer of his question to come out
"Haha... Sorry brother. But, the chef has already determined what will be served"
"Hmphc... Too bad..."
I thrust my mouth into Verdea's ear and began to whisper
"Silent. When we get back, I'll make Ivor cook a lot of spicy chicken"
"Really?"
I nodded slowly. Her happy face instantly shone throughout the room and increasingly attracted everyone's attention
Basic children...
