Do Flowers Bloom in the Fallen Land?

Seven years ago, when she left the palace, she could’ve taken revenge on the imperial family that betrayed her trust. Even if she had everything available for her back then, there might have been a great chance for her to beat the late emperor and Calrad.

However, instead of taking the path of revenge, Seira put her life’s worth into Askan’s revival. As her father Nathan Askan did, she made it a top priority to save, protect, and preserve the duchy.

Revenge was out of the plan as Seira considered Aven and her other vassals as people she needed to protect and not just mere tools for her to use. The only thing Seira used relentlessly to achieve her goals was herself.

‘I’m sure he’ll stop it.’

She’d probably demand him not to touch and mess with Domina Jeff and Xyle Tellon. He mustn’t delay, as he was ready to defy her orders. Before the truth could reach her, Aven had to work fast.

Gail Tellon and Olivia Tellon, who attended the banquet and rode separate carriages, were relatively easy to manipulate. The problem was Domina Jeff. She had already left the imperial capital.

It would’ve been difficult for him to solve it quickly if he marched into the Jeff estate, which was roughly three days away from the imperial capital. However, Domina Jeff was curiously staying at the mansion of another noble that was only an hour away from Viseltium. Thanks to the Clay family twins that passed the information, Aven’s plans went on smoothly.

Only after achieving all his goals did Aven return to Askan’s mansion.

And just as he entered the room, the scent she left greeted him, and filled the space that was bright with the afternoon sunshine. He was immersed in the sweet smell of hugging with his whole body, the crushing, and sharp sensation.

Seira was a master at controlling her pheromones when awake, so she must’ve fallen asleep in the room. Maybe she sat on the rocking chair by the window and waited for him.

He missed her like crazy when he couldn’t dare to use the chair she sat on and traced the furniture’s curves with longingness in his fingertips. It was only half a day ago that he made love to her naked body, but he couldn’t breathe as if they’d been apart for several years.

Just in time, Alan Dews delivered an official letter from the palace and a note Seira left him.

Aven asked the twins, Lucy and Mailyn, and Alan to finish their work and immediately headed straight to the Askan estate.

On his way, he saw a golden wheat field which he was told was Franto’s work, but it didn’t impress him at all. In fact, he was worried about what Franto might demand of her.

It was already evening when he finally reached the D-Ark by driving the horses with all his might. The duke’s castle, which was a towering black structure in the dark after the sun had set, opened the door as if they knew he was in a hurry before he even made his first step inside.

It was not long before he heard chattering.

It hurts, it hurts, it hurts.

My lady is sick.

Why are you alone? Why is there no one else?

Help anyone, please.

Sorrowful voices buzzed and echoed in Aven’s ears. Sadder and more desperate than usual.

Caught by surprise, Aven ran up to Seira’s bedroom and forgot to even knock as he suddenly opened the door.

‘Did they mean the wound in her hand?’ he wondered as his eyes darted towards the hand he healed.

‘It’s not unusual for that to happen.’

Of course, he worried about her injuries, but Seira usually just disregarded them despite the severity. They couldn’t have been so desperate if it was only for the burn.

‘Maybe she has other injuries…’

Her sleeping face looked somewhat pale. He couldn’t help but think about the possibility of internal injuries.

He wasn’t a doctor, so there was no way he could actually know. But even if he woke her up and asked, would Seira even answer honestly? She’d surely just brush it off with a joking laugh.

After hesitating for a long time, Aven soon made up his mind.

Noisy voices. He often heard them since the first day he entered D-Arc with Seira seven years ago, but they never had been this clamorous. He couldn’t ignore them, because to some extent, he expected their help as well.

Aven touched her cheek gently, and traced his thumb down to her lower lip. When he pressed gently, gums that lacked life were revealed.

“…I’m sorry, Duchess.”

He couldn’t help but think that Seira could be so defenseless in front of him because she trusted him that much. Unfortunately, however, he didn’t deserve it if he were to decide.

He tilted her head, and then gently licked her dry lips. He moved with great care, trying as much as he could not to wake her up. When their tongues intertwined, he slowly poured blood into her mouth.

“Hngh…”

Seira responded to the soothing kiss. She moaned and craned her neck as if asking for more.

Aven’s trembling eyelids lifted, revealing his pupils underneath. They were as red as the blood that soaked her lips, and they shone brightly in the dark.

He pressed his lips and confessed, although the sins of the past were still piled up, “I have sinned again. How dare I, without even a single remorse…”