Chapter 36: The Rose Will Soon Bloom

The rain that seemed so relentless finally stopped Monday afternoon. Then, sunlight came in, acting as if rain had never come.

In Kailis, where the winters are very cold, a warm breeze came along. The clothes that swung due to the wind were like different colored flowers. It was a spring day that brought along relaxation and sleepiness.

Hina, looking outside, signaled at Kirie with sign language.

Sparkle sparkle.

Kirie, polishing the sword on the table, looked at Hinas eyes and hands. He was trying not to miss any of the words that Hina was saying. Due to this, he made a habit of looking at Hina whenever she moved.

Hina, does the sun sparkle?

Hina, shook her head and moved her hands again.

No. The people. They are the ones who are sparkling. They look happy.

People sparkling. Kirie laughed silently. It was a laugh only Hina could see. Hina, having saw that, pointed at Kirie.

You too.

At those words, Kirie turned his attention to the palace. The gash on his face was now healed. He nodded.

Yes. Im happy about it.

The palace. Tomorrow.

Hina was clearly very excited.

Calian, when he asked for them to come five days later, was for them to come on Wednesday. That was because the time he met them was Friday morning. Kirie thought of that too, but HIna was different.

She thought that because they had met on Friday after morning had come, Friday should also be counted as a day, which meant that they were to go on Tuesday.

Therefore, the two of them decided to go to the palace on Tuesday night.

After that, Hina had counted the days to go the palace. Kirie, sheathing his sowrd, said.

Hina, if we go, we will have to work again. Is that alright?

Hina nodded. Then, she smiled brigher than the Sun that had risen.

I want to see the prince.

Kiries face turned rigid upon hearing this. Hina added a few more actions.

Hes handsome. Way more handsome than you.

The grip of Kiries hand got stronger. At that sight, Hina made a playful face.

Actually, Hina knew that Kirie was the real one anticipating their arrival at the palace. This was because he was always practicing fighting and polishing his sword. Then, Hinas hand pointed at Kiries sword.

How are you going to take the sword?

Of course, you couldnt bring a sword into the palace. It was Calians fault for buying Kirie a shield out of old friendship. Calian didnt think it through enough. Kirie smile and nodded.

Calian probably has a way.

Kirie had already a lot of trust for Calian. Although it may seem a bit excessive. Hina didnt go over it though, as there were more things that were important.

I want ice cream again. It tastes good.

Hina, thinking of the ice cream flavored with strawberries, happily begged. Kirie stood up and nodded. There was plenty of money left that Calian had given them.

Lets go. Ill buy you ice cream.

Hinas face straightened. Kirie, looking at Hina being so happy, smiled too.

***

The rain that continued for four days didnt allow constructions to be finished, so the opening of the Royal Museum of Art in Astrisha was delayed by a week.

Althought Rumein should have had more time due to that, he didnt. It was because of the magicians unexpected visit.

Please, take a look.

They say that the magicians main point goes on forever and ever. However, this magician was on the contrary. The first day they met, he demanded a house and told him to take care of his children. Now he came up with this.

Rumein looked at the packet of documents in front of him. It was so thick, maybe even thicker than his arms. Rumein asked.

Do you have anything against me as of now?

Alans sharp eyelines softened.

No. Just think of it as an old, leisurely man having come up with a small job.

Well, Alan wasnt that old, but wasnt that young either.

Anyways, Rumein put down the document he was holding. Alan, after taking a brief look at that, said.

Eline doesnt look into those kinds of things. Youre working hard.

It could be taken as a sarcastic statement, but it was clear that wasnt Alans attention. He could see it after he was talked to sarcastically so much on the first day they met.

Rumein, after thinking of the king for a while, straightened his back and sat in an upright position.

Im not as calm and tranquil as that woman.

Then, he walked towards the couch with the packet.

Please, sit.

Alan, after nodding, sat on the other side of the couch than Rumein, and two servants soon came in with tea and dessert. Rumein briefly swirled the tea around his mouth and swallowed it.

I heard you were out.

Alan thought of the day he and Calian went outside the palace.

Oh, hes of the age that wants to go outside.

Is he that well?

Rumein was asking if Calian was rid of poison. Alan shook his head. He couldnt go into the specifics, so Alan just briefly said.

Its at a state where its not yet dangerous. Im still looking at it.

So, he drinks it while knowing that there is poison?

Alan told Rumein to calm down.

Hes very meticulous. However, he is taking his medication so its not dangerous for him yet. He does seem to have a plan.

The Calian I hear from you always makes me surprised. Its different from what I heard from others.

Alan answered.

Is that so.

Because Alan might take problem with the words hear from, Rumein said more.

Now similar with Franz, smaller than Randel. I know he comes to beneath my shoulders.

He was talking about Calians height. It meant that Rumein was finally caring about him, so Alan smiled rather than answering.

Rumein spoke again.

Then.

Rumein put down the teacup. A small clank was heard.

I hope theres no hating myself due to his meticulousness.

Alan nodded without answer. He then pulled out another packet and handed it to Rumein.

Such a thin bag but so much stuff.

Rumein felt like his duty was increasing and smiled. If somebody saw it, they would be surprised, but Alan didnt know how straight-faced Rumein can be, so he opened his mouth and started talking.

You should read it over when youre bored.

What Alan produced were the documents about Silike. They were the same as what Alan gave Calian. Rumein, after sifting through some of the pages, put it back down. Then he spoke.

You have done something useless.

As Alan expected, Rumein knew everything. Alan took a sip of tea. Maybe it was the tea, or Rumeins words. He felt a strange bitterness.

Clink went the sound of Alans cup when he put it down.

I dont know if youll say that in the future.

Alan picked up a piece of chocolate and put it int his mouth. Because his mouth was tasting bitterness, he could instantaneously feel the sweetness. Alans fingers pointed at the documents on Rumeins lap.

If its not those, maybe you should turn it over.

Whether it be the documents or this country.

Rumein, now having already pledged to himself to filter out the rudeness, started flipping through the documents. Soon, his voice changed.

When the chocolate had all melted in Alans mouth, Rumeins voice was shaking.

Order of Magicians

Do you like it?

The words felt like those said by a snake. It had a peculiar chill to it. Alan was observing Rumeins reaction, although he had heard from Calian that Rumein was thinking of making an Order of Knights.

This is

Rumein, having said that, shut his mouth. After a long silence, he spoke again.

Who thought of it?

Not me. Im just a useful master

Rumein now figured out that Calian was on the same line of thinking as him. He was in awe and shock.

Rumein now flipped through the document and talked with Alan. The night passed and dawn came, and their talk never stopped.