Do Flowers Bloom in the Fallen Land?

“It was before you and I were even born, but I’ve heard of stories. His Majesty the late Emperor had a twin brother.”

“…Really?”

Seira recalled the face of the late Emperor Laud, whom she forcibly erased from her head when he betrayed Askan. The last time she saw him was not long after he lost his imprinted Omega, so he was mentally and physically ill. Perhaps because of that, it wasn’t easy to connect him with Mel.

‘But, at first glance, the resemblance was definitely…’

“It was an accident that involved the pregnant princess…” he continued, “Anyway, it was a great tragedy for both Viseltium and Franto, so it was kept silent ever since.”

“What about Franto?”

“Because the princess who had an accident was Franto’s eldest daughter.”

In other words, it was the older sister of the former head, Philias Franto.

“Do you remember their names?”

“Well… I’m not quite sure if I remember. Do you want me to look for it if you’re curious?”

“Yes, please.”

Seira became strangely anxious.

Why does a person who seemingly was insane, presumed to be directly from Viseltium’s bloodline, live in the temple basement? With his ability, he could always get out and take her back. But why…?

‘If this has something to do with the Emperor’s sudden visit to the temple…’

She was questioning that for a long time, too. No matter how much the temple could find the beast’s nest, she was surprised with the emperor’s attitude, which seemed overly dependent.

If Mel was indeed the prince, and if the temple, the late emperor, and Philia Franto conspired to kill the couple, it was no wonder that Louis knew of Mel’s existence.

The problem was that Mel’s face, his power, resembled her favorite person…

‘Aven is Mark Helford’s son. But why…’

When she thought of this, her heart constricted. What should Aven do if he knew he was directly related? If she asked him and he reacted differently than she expected…

“Seira.”

Suddenly, a heavy warmth fell on the back of her hand. Baron gazed at her and added, “You don’t look too good.”

Seira felt the impulse in his eyes which were filled with pure affection and concern. She wondered if it would be fine to confide her feelings a little with him.

She showed no sign of weakness to anyone, including Nathan and Aven. She hated seeing a sad expression in Nathan, who sacrificed his life for his daughter’s future. Aven was a vassal she should protect, so it was only natural for her.

She has no friends or siblings to open up to, so she pretended to be strong alone, but sometimes all she just wanted was to rely on someone. She thought it’d be nice if she could at least whine about her burdens. Then the weight on her shoulders would somehow feel much lighter.

‘No, what the hell am I thinking?’

Seira finally came to her senses, and she hurriedly pulled out her hand.

Baron Jeff liked her. He liked her for the longest time.

On the other hand, how was she?

She didn’t have the ability to return his affection, but only intended to take advantage of it. Her cheeks were burning with shame at her ugly selfishness.

She smiled sheepishly at him, rubbing the back of her warm hand on the hem of her clothes.

“You have no conscience, Baron,” she joked, “It’s not because you already know, right?”

As a result, he also smiled and withdrew his hand as he said, “I think I’ve said it for the third time already. It’s all thanks to me.”

Seira snorted and began to eat away the refreshments they hadn’t touched during their entire conversation. She felt a little better when she ate the sweet and bitter chocolate cake and tart with plenty of strawberries.

“Don’t go until you’re done eating.”

“Can you do that?”

Seira and Baron, who already knew who entered the greenhouse by the sound of his voice, weren’t the least bit surprised.

“You didn’t have to come yourself,” Baron said without masking the annoyance in his voice.

Louis Franto smiled and put his hand on his chest, “Thank you for welcoming me. I was rude because I wanted to see my lover as soon as possible, but I believe you will understand.”

Baron could only shut his mouth with a disapproving expression, as he too had visited Franto without prior notice the other night.

“I was about to go anyway. I’m sorry to keep you waiting, Louis.”

Seira got up from her seat, smiled and moved towards Louis. The splendid-looking man held out his hand to her, his eyes staring with a contrary look to his soft smile.

“I was very worried, Seira. I’m relieved to see that you’re safe.”

“It wasn’t a big deal.”

Replying lightly, Seira accepted the hand he held out. Louis kissed the back of her hand for a rather long time, and seemed to be a man who sincerely wished for his lover’s safety. Of course, nobody actually believed it.