Do Flowers Bloom in the Fallen Land?

Calrad was sure to come their way, but he mustn’t show his impatience. It was Calrad after all, so Seira must make sure to remain as elegant and in control as much as possible in order not to be swept away by his intimidating power. The risk of them coming into contact should be less now.

Most of the terraces were empty except for one or two places because the banquet had not yet begun.

Seira and Louis chose the most remote terrace among them. As soon as she closed the door from the inside, her eyes met Calrad, who had now narrowed their distance considerably. Seira pretended not to see him and lowered the curtains.

As she turned around, she saw Louis was staring at her with great intensity.

“Well, you don’t regret it already, do you?” he asked her.

She didn’t expect Calrad to make it look so obvious that he was angry. Even Seira was embarrassed, but what about Louis?

“I suggested it first. I’m prepared for this.”

“Really?”

The two of them stood side by side against the railing.

“I didn’t know I’d give up my first dance with you to Duke Jeff, who is not even His Majesty.”

Seira read Louis’ feelings as his words were paired with a grin on his face.

The light that permeated from the hall didn’t reach the end of the terrace, and only the subtle ray of the moonlight shone on them. Meanwhile, his eyes shone clear and cool like the midday of a green summer.

‘Pretty…’

That was the only thought that came to her mind after a long time of eye contact. There was nothing else that she could think of. And yet, it wasn’t so uncomfortable because of his gorgeous appearance.

It wasn’t easy to focus on what was hidden behind his beautiful face that captivated a lot of people. If the standards for appearance hadn’t risen while she stuck with Aven, it was clear that Seira would’ve appreciated Louis’ face foolishly every time she saw him.

“But, by the way, Seira…”

Seira looked at Louis the same way he was gazing at her, and suddenly his cheeks flushed red.

“I think I know what you’re trying to convey here.”

Louis and Seira glanced at the door that led to the hall at the same time. Even if it was annoying, Seira felt she was even closer to Calrad now, who had no choice but to turn around when they entered the terrace.

He usually sank quietly that one wouldn’t even notice, but the pressure he emitted when his emotions rose high remained, to the point the entire imperial palace would notice in an instant. Even the orchestra’s performance was immediately cut off.

“His Majesty seems to be very unhappy that we’re on the terrace.”

“That’s right.”

The corners of Seira’s mouth went up and down. While the situation looked ridiculous, it was funny to the point it made her laugh. She had only been subjected to Calrad’s one-way grumpiness, and she almost regretted that she annoyed his insides in this way.

Seira leaned close to Louis, all the while Calrad was on the other side of the front door.

“I think he misunderstood us the way you wanted him to. Then shouldn’t we live up to his expectations?” Seira teased.

Louis raised a perfectly shaped brow at her suggestion, “Like a sweet couple, right?”

“Yes,” Seira said, “as long as it doesn’t bother you as Franto’s head.”

“All right.”

He nodded his head, the words which seemed to feel like provocation that came afterwards becoming overshadowed.

“If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go ahead,” he smirked impishly.

“Do as you please,” Seira invited him with open arms.

Louis turned completely towards her, and Seira put her arm around his neck. With one hand carefully placed on her back, he lowered his voice and whispered, “Is this enough?”

“No way. Have you ever kissed?” she almost laughed.

His lips opened slightly at her question. For the first time, Louis Franto had no words to say. Seira came to realize that somehow, a shadow of emotion had crossed his face. To his surprise, Louis was now stuck in a difficult situation.

“Could you bend your back a little more and cover the back of my neck with your other hand?” Seira asked.

Louis moved according to her instructions to fix his posture.

“Like this?”

“Yes, that’s great.”

Now in their adjusted positions, Louis and Seira’s faces were just a breath’s distance away.

“Tilt your head at an angle. And then lower the tip of your nose…”

Before Seira could even finish her instruction, to which Louis followed to the letter, the front door suddenly burst open.

Louis’ lips suddenly crashed on to Seira’s. She closed her eyes as she was overtaken by the sweet scent of the fruit wine from his mouth.

“…!”

His tongue, which somehow broke the gap between them, was smoothly entangled with hers. Unlike one that had never experienced a kiss, his clumsy posture was all just an act, and everything else felt natural afterwards.