The Flower of Separation

"Then it seems another family put in the request."

Another family? But it is not like his sister is close with anybody. Unless "Somebody who wants her dead."

"Or somebody who needs her for something, everybody knows how powerful your sister is despite being so young. It is suicide to do a direct attack." Aaron trailed off. "Either way, this situation is bad. We might have to speed up our plans."

"Your inheritance."

"Right." Aaron nodded. "I think it would be best if I inherit the head title first."

"That will be difficult for you."

Aaron laughed weakly. "That might be the case, but if we don't do anything and they successfully use your sister, then the Empire is doomed."

Indeed, he could continue feigning ignorance, but if the time came to it, the father publicly announced his plans. It would be difficult for him to get out of it.

"Is this okay with you?" Raiju questioned. "I know you also wanted to stall for a bit until Zushi learned more about her ability."

"That's already fine. I know what her powers are." Aaron walked over to him and whispered something in his ear.

Raju's eyes widened again as he heard the words Aaron whispered. He did think it was odd. Even though the girl is bad at controlling mana, occasionally, she would do things that proved that point wrong. He observed her long enough to know about the particular patterns in the spells she makes.

If it is like that, then he supposes that makes sense. But if that is true, "There is something I haven't told you about Lillian yet."

"Something you haven't told me?"

Raiju closed his eyes briefly before opening them again. "Those two are the same."

At that comment, Aaron seemed visibly shaken. "But that means-"

"Lillian has no interest in it." Raiju clarified that much first. "However, if it is truly like that, then it is unavoidable for them to clash in the future."

Now he understood why his father didn't want the two associating with each other. If they became friends, it would weaken Lillian's resolve in the future when they have to go against each other.

"I would rather not go against the Ageha family once our plan succeeds. Despite our age difference, I consider you to be a dear friend. I do not want to discard that just because fate wants our sisters against each other."

A dear friend, huh? No matter how many times he hears this, Raiju still found it peculiar. But indeed, it is like what Aaron says. The reason they teamed up wasn't for a new conflict to emerge even after their plan succeeded.

"Should we introduce them to each other?" Aaron suddenly suggested.

"I don't think it is a good idea. Lillian is a bit--" Raiju struggled to find the right words without insulting his sister.

"Blunt?"

"I can't tell what she is thinking. I wanted to discuss this with you; she seems a bit more dangerous recently."

"I don't think you have to worry too much. That girl may act strangely like you say, but you are still the only person she trusts at the end of the day. Even if she has doubts, she will no doubt follow your lead."

"You think I should tell her the plan?" Raiju questioned.

Aaron paused and then shook his head. "Not for now. While telling her the plan would benefit the meeting with Zushi. It isn't necessary to do so. You have to play this by ear and trust your instincts."

Raiju sighed when he heard the older man's advice. "And here I thought you had something grand that you wanted to say."

___

Even without possessing sharp senses or seeing his face, Zushi would have recognized him no matter where he was or no matter how he dressed. Pierre looked healthier than he had done the previous day, but the color had yet to return to his face. It seemed like he was having a hard time walking.

Zushi remained hidden behind the pillar as she continued to stare at him. She only came out here for a short while to take a walk before heading to breakfast, but she didn't think she would find him in the courtyard.

Why is she even hiding?

She recalled the last time they spoke and sighed deeply. No matter how much she thought about it, it didn't make sense to her. Why did he tell her that story? Also, why did he looked so sad? The story has nothing to do with either of them, and yet it made things so awkward. She can't remember doing anything else that would hurt his feelings, so that incident is the only thing she could come up with.

Moreover, the image from the previous night was hard to forget. Even in his bloodied state, she recognized him. The elders had a hard time distinguishing his features, but she knew right away. What was a face anyway?

What was a face when there were people out there who would look directly into another person's eyes and soul?

The rest didn't matter, not his broad shoulders or the cautious stance. Nor the beam from the yellow earring that he wore, not even his scent whenever he got close to her. The important thing for her is his eyes that always looked directly at her.

In the next second, she hears the sound of his shoes cross over to where she was. But Zushi noted that the moment he stepped in front of her, he circled around the pillar and leaned on the opposite side.

"Sorry."

It was just a single word, but it was enough to make her feel overwhelmed; before she knew it, tears fell from her eyes.

"Please don't cry. I didn't-" Pierre paused. "I didn't mean to avoid you."

"Do--do you know him?"

It was a theory she had in mind since he brought up the story. It would explain his unusual behavior.

"Something of the sort."

"I didn't even say anything bad."

"That's why I freaked out. Normally people would say something. It struck me as odd that you agreed with me and even sympathized. You already know how poor the people's opinion on him are."

"But that's-"

"He is from my family."

"I know you have questions for me, but unfortunately, I cannot give you any answers." Pierre trailed off. "I will stay here until my wounds heal, and then I will return home."

This sudden news surprised her, and Zushi bites her lip. "Is home far?" Does this mean they won't get a chance to meet anymore? She doesn't want that.

Her thoughts broke off when Pierre suddenly stood in front of her; the boy leaned forward and brushed their foreheads lightly against one another.

"No matter what happens, I will definitely come back for you."