The Flower of Separation

She must not forget, even if it is for a single moment, the number of lives she has taken just to achieve her goals and to cure this madness.

Lilian took a deep breath as she turned to Gil. "Will you tell me what you learned? Those clothes and gifts he sent me."

Gilbert sighed deeply. "It is exactly as you thought mistress, his gifts for you were secretly weapons that could harm you. When Miss Natalia picked up one of the dresses, a large poisonous blade cut her."

She knew there was something wrong. After the last time, surely he knew that she would not fall for it, so he tried something else.

"Natalia, is she alright?"

"Yes, it seems like the young miss has already had the immunity for this type of poison before. She was the first one to notice the poison and told me not to touch the other clothes."

It seems it was a good decision to send the child there. Of course, Lucas could have easily discovered that information too. But Lucas would have burned everything in one go and dispose of any evidence.

"Did Natalia check the rest?"

"Yes, and it seems she discovered something too."

Eric must have come in during that time. From the looks of it, he became hostile because Natalia would not hand over what she found. It is unlike that man to be careless, but normally he does not come check on her after giving her a gift. Unless he accidentally left something amongst his gift that would cause problems for him.

"Sir Gil, have you seen Natalia today?"

"If it is the young miss, I heard that she was running away from the young master's servants. After the incident the other day, he decided to assign her new people."

Lillian sighed when she heard those words, she knew this would happen, but this is too soon. That person is far too quick to react, but it is a good thing her sister is so skilled. If it is Natalia, nobody should be able to catch her that easily.

"Lucas, come with me."

Lucas nodded and turned to Gil. "You don't go anywhere today and head to your chambers."

Gil laughed. "Should the mistress not be the one who gives me that command?"

Lilian's lips curve to a smile. "Since we are in a relationship, his words are the same as mine."

Lucas looked at her dumbfounded and sighed. It looked like he wanted to say something, but he simply went along with things.

But after they left the room, Lucas grabbed her arm. "Before we find your sister, I need to ask you something."

"Sure, go ahead. But you know if you have something to ask me, you do not need to be this aggressive."

Lucas clicked his tongue, annoyed. "You know the only reason I am doing this is because I do not want you to run away like you did before."

Lillian laughed when she heard those words. "It seems you bare quite the grudge?"

Unconsciously she slowly backed away until her back hit the wall. Lucas also stepped forward. "You truly want to go through with what the rumors imply?"

"I do." This is the only way she can delay her engagement. Lilian did not know who her father has in mind, but his recent moves suggest it is somebody from a powerful family.

When they sent Lucas away, the marriage talks increased, and she even met with several prospective candidates.

It does not matter what happens to her after she completes her goal. But until then, she has to avoid getting married or even any prospects of such talk.

Lucas sighed. "You didn't even ask me about this."

"Does it bother you that much? We only have to act, or is the idea so unpleasant after all?" Lilian wondered.

She suspects something else, but if she were to admit that things would turn out badly even in her head. She does not want any strange feelings between them. Her thoughts broke off when Lucas pulled away and suddenly kneeled down.

"I told you before, and I am yours to command. I will not refuse any of your orders no matter how absurd it is."

If he knew about that matter, not even he would look at her the same way anymore. This is for the best.

…..

Lilian was very confident in Natalias ability to escape Eric's servants, and indeed, it seemed like nobody could find her.

But it only took her a few minutes to find the girl. In the grand gardens of the Ageha mansion, there is a clearing in the middle of the forest. It looked like an old battleground, but now there is nothing but ruins. Lilian found Natalia crouched down on the ground clutching a bottle and a scroll tightly.

She immediately took the item from her sister, and the girl raised her head, alarmed. Her instincts are a lot sharper now. Indeed it will not be long before this girl becomes a fine assassin. This is the main reason why Eric cannot do anything to harm her.

Lilian winked. "This is for me, right? Good work."

"Sister!" Natalia immediately stood up, but the girl looked wobbly on her feet.

"Sit back down."

Natalia nodded as she crouched down again. Lilian took a seat beside her. "So, do you know what this is?"

"It seems eldest brother is planning to poison the marquise's son."

"He is going for the heir and not the father?"

Natalia nodded. "I heard rumors that lately, the two are at odds since eldest brother keeps losing to him."

So there is a man out there who can challenge him? That is interesting.

"Also, sister, that poison is not one of ours. It came from the south."

"But then how are you-" Lilian finally got a proper look at her sister and saw how pale her face was. Her gaze dimmed when she noticed that the girl was out of breathe. So she ran away carelessly like this despite her condition?

Eric has gone too far this time, and she will make sure he pays this time. "Lucas."

Lucas, who had been hiding behind a tree, walked over. He bent down and brushed his hands across Natalia's forehead.

"Huh? This poison.."

"What is it?"

"Lilian, do you remember me telling you there is a city out there for magicians?"

"Yes, I do."

Lucas sighed. "It seems this is a poison from there." He trailed off. "I don't know what kind of deal he made with them, but they are not the type to sell their stuff to the nobility."

So Lucas is implying that Eric is in league with a powerful mage. This situation has turned out to be more complicated than she thought. It seems like she will have to take more drastic measures from now on.

Her thoughts broke off when Lucas pinched her cheeks. "What are you--"

"Together, we are finding a solution for this together. I do not want you going off on your own again."