Do Flowers Bloom in the Fallen Land?

“She had to use that much power? She wasn’t even in a warzone.”

Baron spoke as if asking himself, but then soon realized something.

‘Askan’s main power was to amplify power several times, whether it was her own or other’s…’

If Franto’s power was crucial to the revival of the Dews’ estate, then Seira would’ve tried to amplify his power as much as she could to achieve a greater result.

‘If he promised her Askan’s revival, what was Seira to give him back then?’

It wasn’t something Baron should focus on at the moment, but he couldn’t help it as if it was by instinct. Louis Franto was very calculating and never lost a deal. Even experienced businessmen kept their tongues.

‘He’d take advantage of anything without a single thought.’

Seira must be on the losing end of this deal. Baron’s heart ached. To revive Askan, Seira had no choice but to follow Louis’ and provide everything he would ask of her.

His situation was no more than a poor man who could only watch helplessly.

Louis also noticed Baron’s mood was rapidly going sour. As they spoke, clues were slowly leaking and he couldn’t help but know why he was grinding his teeth.

“I’d like you to explain the situation. Her disappearance is a big deal for me, too,” Louis said.

Baron opened his mouth even as he glared at Louis as if he was going to kill him. As Louis stated, what was important now was to find Seira as soon as possible.

“It happened inside the Askan mansion last night.”

Baron briefly summarized what he saw and heard in the Askan mansion to Louis.

The part related to Aven’s power was a sensitive issue, so he kept that fact out except that they found out the mana left behind was similar to one of Askan’s vassal. This was one of the main clues that could identify the criminal.

“Was it similar to Count Helford?”

“…”

“I guess my predictions were right. There’s nothing to be upset about,” Louis waved a dismissing hand, “Is there any other vassal of Askan besides Count Helford who had a similar mana?”

Baron nodded disapprovingly.

“Seira seemed to have mistaken the culprit as Aven and lowered her guard. There was no sign of any resistance.”

Louis sat back in his chair and hummed, “I see. I think I have some idea where she might be…”

“What? Really?”

“However, it is impossible to make a move right now.”

“Why?”

“As it was back in the imperial palace, we’d need to use Count Helford’s power. We need to wait until Seira can fully recover her powers to increase our chances of succeeding,” Louis explained, “According to my calculations we can move around tomorrow night.”

Baron was momentarily speechless.

First of all, he was shocked that Louis not only knew Aven’s power but also the fact that Aven was the one who took Seira away from Calrad’s arms. He even calculated the best time to make a move to ensure Seira’s safety.

“Where is it? Tell me at once.”

“Well…”

“Do you suspect His Majesty, too?”

Despite Baron’s words, Louis only shrugged his shoulders and smiled cryptically. Baron stood up from his seat, and glared fiercely at him.

“Louis Franto! It’s been one night since Seira’s disappearance. Why should we wait for another day and a half? Are you out of your mind? How do you know what’s going to happen in the meantime?”

“That’s up to her.”

Despite the pressure that most ordinary people couldn’t take, Louis didn’t even blink an eye as he replied to Baron’s questions.

“If Seira had heard our conversation, whose hand do you think she’d have taken? She won’t expect my help, nor the help of Duke Jeff. We can only support Askan if she wishes us to. Maybe she doesn’t even need our help.”

Baron couldn’t resist. To him, Louis talked about Seira as if he knew everything about her. If Seira was really here, she would’ve slapped their backs and dealt with things wisely.

But…

“Fine, let’s go with your plan. I’ll tell Aven.”

“I’m glad you understand,” Louis smiled.

“I’ll move separately. I don’t think you’d need me in your plan anyway.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Louis replied with his usual smile. “I wonder what you plan to do.”

“Anything.”

“…?”

“I’m going to do whatever I can.”

Immediately after speaking, Baron turned around and left the drawing room.

“Jeff’s head seems to be very angry.”

A black figure appeared behind Louis, staring at the drawing room door that Baron slammed shut as he got out.

“Yes, I think so.”

“Should I go follow him?”

“Can you? Baron Jeff isn’t a pushover.”

“But…”

Louis shook his head and glanced back at the black figure murmuring behind him.

“You can’t. Why don’t you check the temple instead? Did you notice anything or are you still unaware?”