The Flower of Separation

"Well no matter how angry he is, I don't think he would kill her."

Besides, if Lucas intended to kill her, he would have informed her beforehand. 

"I have not met him yet, but I have heard a lot."

"Are you the type of person to believe in rumors?"

"That depends. The rumors about anybody surrounding you are quite fascinating." Ramon extended his hand out. "Watch your step, it is quite steep."

"It seems you have come here before."

"Before that second son came around, father brought me along to many places."

"Is that so?"

Lilian wondered if he still resented his father for tossing him aside. Back when they first met, there was a lot of resentment in his eyes. It seems Ramon still doesn't like his family, but she wondered why he seems calmer.

"It is a long way before we reach the entrance." Ramon lit up a small candle as they walked down a set of steps leading to an underground area.

For a noble to live in such a desolate place like this. Lilian already felt that something was wrong when she learned of the location. A manor located beyond the western forest.

"Nobles normally do not live in these places. If they do, it usually means they are hiding something."

Lilian chuckled. "You are as sharp as ever."

"It is hard not to be suspicious when he conducts his business in a shady way. When he visited the manor last week, he left carrying some suspicious items."

"Suspicious items?"

"Items that mages would use."

Mages again..It seems like Lucas theory is correct. Those magicians from his previous home have something to do with the strange incidents occurring in the Empire recently. Lucas told her not to investigate these mages without him. But there is still some time left before the hunt starts, so they cannot be together then. She only managed to see him because of the imperial invite but it would be difficult for a while.

Although she could easily break the security, it would only make their situation worse. She hates to admit it but there are times where going wild will worsen the situation. In times like this staying put and remaining calm is the best medicine. However when the hunt ends she will go crazy, and release her frustration.

How dare they treat Lucas and her this way? Who do they think they are? It is enough for them to treat her like garbage this entire time but they are now even dragging Lucas into it.

"Miss Lilian?"

"Yes?"

Ramon sighed. "It is rare for you to space out. Are you sure you will be okay?"

"I am fine." Her sentence fell short when he suddenly flicked her forehead.

"Your over twenty now but you still haven't gotten rid of that bad habit of yours. Is there any need to lie in front of me? You know I am not your enemy."

That's right, this person is on her side. "Since this morning I have not felt particularly well. But Lucas helped me out so it has become tolerable."

"The young mage is indeed gifted but he probably doesn't realize that curses flock to you from a radius away because your body is naturally weak. You've been on probation this entire time but you kept working away haven't you?"

"It seems you have been investigating even matters regarding me."

"Even if I did not, people talk. Moreover my family has always had a strange interest in you so I heard the news rather quickly."

Is that how it is? It does seem a bit odd to her, but who is she to question his decisions. Besides, she has not seen him in ten years. Although she has heard the news here and there.

"I heard you strongly refused your engagement two years ago."

"Out of all the things you hear," Ramon trailed off and nodded. "That is right."

"May I ask why? You are at the perfect age to get married."

Ramon shook his head. "I have more important things to do right now."

"Reforming your family?"

"Yes." Ramon paused. "Is it just me who thinks that way?"

"In the past I thought the same way as you. But the last few years my goal has changed. I will no longer show them mercy, and personally get rid of them. But it is not limited to them alone, this entire Empire needs to reset."

How many wars did she see with her own eyes? How many lives discarded? Whether those lives were innocent or not no longer mattered to her.

It no longer mattered to her because the reality is, something twisted exists in everybody's heart. No matter how innocent or kind they appear to be, there is an ugly emotion buried away. This ugly emotion is amplified because of the teachings of the Empire.

"Tell me something Ramon."

"Hm?"

"Before your second brother came along and took everything from you, what was the Blank family like?"

"You've already heard of the legend correct?"

"Yes, one day your family just appeared out of nowhere."

"That legend isn't wrong, but it isn't right either. We have always existed but in the shadows of the Empire. We are people who have always been there but it was only until the Empress passed away that regular people could see us."

"So, does that mean you are not a normal human?"

"In the first place Miss Lillian, what would you define as normal?"

He makes a good point there, there are many definitions for that.

"We are the shadows of the Empire, we have always done things secretly and even to this very day. We are not supposed to play a key role or stand out otherwise the balance of the world could break."

"If it is like that then are you saying-"

"Yes the current balance of the world is broken."

How ironic, the balance of the world huh? Now she understands a bit why Ramon went along with her for so many years. It is because he wants to fix the balance of the world. Certainly her methods may seem extreme, and he may not agree with it- but he never went against her, even when they were not close.

"If somebody else heard what you just said to me they would think you were speaking nonsense."

"Indeed, that is why I have not said anything until now."

"Oh? So you think I am crazy?"

Ramon sighed. "Well I do know there is something wrong with you. How can you stand all that blood and gore?"

Lilian rolled her eyes. "You are a member of the Empire, and not just a normal one. They have trained you as a knight, surely a bit of blood and gore shouldn't scare you?"

"A bit you say, why did you torture that young boy?"

At that comment she recalled something Lucas told her.

'I found him but actually it seems he is staying with a wealthy family now.'

"Did you meddle?"

"Normally I wouldn't, but you went too far. He is too young."

Lillian walked a few steps ahead annoyed. "I told you before not to mess with any of my toys."

"Toys? This one is just a child."

"At the end of the day age is only a number. If that child committed a crime would you excuse him just because of his age??"

"Of course not. But listen to yourself for a moment. Are you actually going to treat that child as a criminal? He has done nothing wrong."

"Sure he has done nothing wrong, other than illegally selling newspapers." Lillian countered. "You do realize that his newspaper is only recognized unofficially?"

Ramon bit his lip but still continued. "You know I don't like this, you don't have to harm innocent children to fulfil your goals."

Ha, what does he know?

Does he have to live in fear everyday? Sure his father has neglected him a bit since his second brother came along, but at least he does not send people to kill him. At least his father keeps him alive.