The Flower of Separation

After Zushi woke up, Lillian told her to go to the tower. She didnt bother going up the hill and stayed at the bottom. But she made sir Teo and Ramon go with her. It looked like Ramon wanted to say something to her but in the end quickly left.

Lillian examined the ground carefully.

'There are no signs either, how odd. I have never seen this.'

"So were you truly going to kill him?" Lucas asked, breaking her thoughts.

Lillian sighed deeply. "No, I was just a bit worked up." She didn't like the idea that he was treating her like some kind of saintly woman in disguise.. "Sir Ramon is under some delusion that I'm a good person."

"Yeah I knew there was something wrong with his head. You aren't a good person, there is no doubt that you will go to hell. But in your own way you have compassion."

She blinked and was startled at his honest sounding words. Lillian stood up and leaned forward. "Are you sure you're not the one who got hit on the head?"

"Don't get so close."

Why is he behaving so suspicious- Lillian paused in mid-thought when she realized something. She yanked the black coloured cloak around him, causing it to drop to the ground. Her eyes widened when she saw large claw-like marks across his clothes.

"You-?"

"It was a forbidden beast." Lucas sighed. "Your father is cunning but not even he would do something like that."

"It was Eric." Lillian said understanding.

"But your brother is another story. I don't know how he managed to tame one but he did. It was a real pain to get rid of, especially with the restrictions on my magic."

"But you managed."

"That was nothing, there are more frightening creatures. No, sometimes humans can be scarier than beasts." Lucas extended his hand out and pinched her cheeks. "This one right in front of me. What were you thinking. From trying to kill that stupid guy, and even using your grimorie."

"You know I find killing boring! It was just torture." Lillian defended herself.

"Even if you intended that, once you use your power it is impossible to reverse. What if he went crazy and killed himself?"

"Ramon isn't that weak."

"That's another thing, you used your eye power in front of the Empress."

Lillian looked troubled and she sighed. "You're right, I shouldn't have done that. It is far too soon for her to know."

"I don't think she will blab, but it's annoying that she will be on her guard."

"Why does she have to be on guard for? I have no interest in her precious throne."

Lucas let her go and looked over at the hill. "If both girls with the powers of Empress Olivia dislike the throne, then what does that mean for the Empire?"

"What are you talking about?"

"This was something I discovered during my short stay with her. But I do not think the Empress wants the throne at all."

"Then why would she accept?"

"It is the only way to protect her son. Sure the Empress position is just as risky, but staying in the Zestra family was suicidal. Although she found her way to her husband's place. I learned that she encountered another problem there. It seemed her husband's brothers took a liking to her, and there was tension."

Lillian frowned at that last part. Surely that last part is too foolish of an excuse.

"I know what you are thinking. But have you heard the saying that love drives people to madness? It seems the two brothers were gradually turning crazy. The head madam of the family her mother in law did her best not to blame her, but then one of her sons died. She said cruel things at the spur of the moment. But then the next day the Empress was gone. She left a note saying that she accepted the offer to be the Empress and conveyed her gratitude for the stay."

"She didn't apologise?"

"No."

Of course she wouldn't apologize. If she did, it would simply come across as pity. "Even if she dislikes the role, she will not leave it. Moreover she is doing her best to search for her husband."

"Do you know where he is?"

"As for now, no. But I found him once, I shall find him again."

How could she possibly allow a prey that she once caught slip away? 'I also want to see the reaction on the Empress face when she finds out that I have her husband.' It was the reaction she wanted to see on the day of the coronation, otherwise she would not have gone through the trouble to catch him.

If only that brat didn't interfere then the coronation would have been a lot more interesting. Then again she did get a glimpse of the Empress power that day. There is also the power of her child which fascinated her. Those two are far more interesting than she thought.

Still that child's power. If her father finds out about it then it will be problematic. She knew the reason for the grand preparations for Natalia's birthday is simply due to the Empress and her son. Father wants to introduce Natalia to the young boy, he wants them to get close.

It seems her father has his own suspicions but cannot confirm it, otherwise he wouldn't use such a roundabout way.

Her thoughts broke off when she saw several ribbons from all directions come towards the tower. After a few minutes, she spotted a figure at the top of the tower. The Empress used her familiar to create a signal, and she sees father's magic flare. The sign that ends the game.

What a long three days, but it is finally over now. Perhaps it was due to the relief but Lillian felt her eyelids turn heavy, and the world turned dark.

...…...

At a popular cafe for women in the capital of the Empire, a woman with long black hair sat at the best table reading over some documents. It was the following morning after the forest of death game, and was also the morning of Natalia's birthday. To have her birthday the day after the death game. Father is truly cruel towards Natalia. Still since morning the servants have rushed around to get ready. It seemed like it will be on a larger scale than before.

She dropped by the cafe to get her order but when she saw how quiet it was. Lillian decided to do her work here. Sometimes it is good to get some fresh air. Although the air of the dungeons are still her favourite, this is not bad at all. The documents in front of her were ones sir Orion provided. It was a list of capable people in the Empire that he could vouch for. There were some she already had her eyes on but some interesting one.

'The power of the dragon eye.' There was also a list of abilities without owners. It would be useful to have this one, not that she doubted that sir Teo would do anything. That man is the type that once they make a vow will not break it. But the ability to tame a dragon would come in handy.

"I think you would be compatible for that." A familiar voice said in her ear.

Lillian is not surprised to see Lucas. "I will consider it. But I would rather find a suitable host that I can use." Taking on too much power would be a demerit to her. Moreover she has had a difficult time finding anything compatible with her red spider lilies.

Other than the forbidden index, most abilities are incompatible.

*UNEDITED*

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