Do Flowers Bloom in the Fallen Land?

Baron went into the bathtub without a second to delay. He slowly knelt down as surrendered himself to the heavy scented pheromones wrapped around him.

He had to clench his teeth when he reached out and grabbed her ankle. Otherwise, he thought he would’ve rushed in like a loose beast.

“Seira…”

Her eyes were chillingly white as she sucked in a breath. Baron rubbed his lips against her foot on one hand, and then lifted his gaze back at her.

As soon as he was caught up in her purple eyes, his reason instantly vanished.

* * *

On the way back from sending Seira and Baron to Jeff’s mansion, Aven’s heart sank heavily.

She was held captive for a day and a half after being kidnapped. Her physical condition couldn’t have been normal after using her powers excessively while she escaped. She should be resting peacefully, but would Baron Jeff ever let her get some sleep?

Nevertheless, all he could ask of her was an obvious request not to overdo it. He didn’t know why she wouldn’t return to Ascan, so he had no choice but to turn alone.

His master, joy, despair, the reason he wanted to live, became distant day by day. The longer she was away, the more were Aven’s secrets piled up.

As if they were the only ones left in the world, every waking moment they spent together in the past felt like a distant fantasy now.

‘You’re not going to leave me, are you? Surely you wouldn’t betray me?’ Aven asked in his head.

To her who looked at him with eyes full of fear and worry.

‘I’m so glad to have you. I’m so happy we could rejoice and grieve together.’

To her, who came with a tearful face and a big smile as she hugged me.

It didn’t seem like she needed him anymore. Rather, it seemed like she saw him as a burden as she desperately tried to hide and protect him.

He felt sick. The moment he watched her walk away was like hell, even though he knew it was only fair for her to be with men who shared the same status as her.

Both Baron Jeff, who put her in danger when he couldn’t control his own family, and Louis Franto, who tried to use and wield the revival of Askan as if like a hostage, were disappointments. Not to mention a crazy emperor that was obsessed with her.

No one seemed to be able to make her happy.

He hated himself for being the one to push her toward them because he thought it was for the best.

‘I thought it would be okay.’

He believed it was his job to become a loyal dog that guarded the door where his master lay and rose. He was sure that he’d be satisfied as that alone was enough for him.

In the end, it was all bad decisions. Seira wouldn’t let Aven guard her close, and he wasn’t okay at all.

Askan in the dark was still. Contrary to Jeff, who was alive like daytime because of all the servants that were awake and waiting for their master’s return. Since he told Nel that they found Seira, all the knights that didn’t rest for two days must be scattered all over the place.

It made his heart ache even more when he confirmed that her choice to stay with Jeff for safety was right. His own helplessness, Askan’s laxity, was terribly miserable.

Aven, who entered the main building after pulling up the carriage, stopped with a hard expression on his face.

“Looks like Seira went to Jeff.”

After wandering around the mansion finding for clues on Seira’s disappearance, it wasn’t until evening that the insidious man threw Aven a hint.

“I didn’t know you were still here,” Aven said.

Despite his cold attitude, Louis still smiled at Aven.

“My lover is in danger, so I can’t rest in peace.”

He knew exactly where she was, but he didn’t say a word and just dragged his feet. But Louis was Seira’s contract lover anyway. Aven can’t be rude.

“You don’t have to worry anymore because she is safe.”

Aven meant to walk away, but Louis didn’t seem to have any intention of ending their conversation. He rose from the sofa slowly, and then approached Aven.

“I’m glad you saved her. But what about next time?”

Aven’s eyes narrowed into thin slits as he looked at Louis. As usual, he looked splendid with his soft smile around his mouth that uttered ominous words.

“You would be able to beat swarming bugs as you have done so far. But what if he’s a beast? What if it’s a monster too ferocious for you to handle?”

“What do you really want to say?” Aven snapped at him.

Louis grinned and then asked, “How would you feel if you could obtain the key to Askan’s recovery? Count Helford, only you can do it.”