The Flower of Separation

Lucas stood up and placed his hand on her forehead. "Somebody must hold quite a grudge on you; these curses get worse by the day."

"Is it done by the same person?"

"No, it seems to be from a cluster of people who dislike you. I don't know how they have managed to pass it onto you without making direct contact."

Lilian paused for a moment before something came to mind. "Maybe it is that freckled face maid? She is the only one who hasn't served me for long."

The idea of torturing her is very appealing. After all, she disliked those people who had a good upbringing. In that sense, she supposes she and Lucas are very similar.

"Did you receive the notice?"

Lillian nodded. "Mm, the Blank families two heirs."

"Tomorrow, you might end up meeting her again. But, I advise you not to and avoid her at all costs."

She rolled her eyes when she heard his warning. "I know the last time I saw her, I almost killed her, but relax, that was back when I was younger. I have better self-control now."

Lucas looked at her with a doubtful look, and she laughed. "You don't trust me?"

"I will distract her, so you don't do anything stupid."

…

Even though Lucas told her that he would keep Seira occupied, it did not make her feel good. She was very restless and kept fidgeting in her seat. Moreover, why did the Empress set such a grand place for this meeting? The area she and the so-called fiance are in is the open space area from the gardens before.

"I believe this is our first official meeting as future spouses, but you do not seem to be focusing on me."

Lilian sighed as she turned to the man opposite her. This man is the one currently leading the Blank family as a substitute head. She heard rumors that this man's father has an illness, but surely arranging a marriage is the last thing on his mind?

"Sir Shuhei, that comment is unnecessary."

"That comment?"

"As future spouses."

Shuhei chuckled. "Did I say anything wrong?"

"I believe you already know this, but I have not accepted this marriage."

"Indeed, it seems neither your father nor your brother has informed you of anything. But even then, you must have heard about how earnest I am about this."

'So my stupid father and brother set this up.' Then again, she already concluded that.

"I don't mind striking a deal with you, Miss Lillian."

"A deal?"

"I am aware you're not fond of my family, to be exact, my little sister. But it seems she has developed an interest in sir Lucas."

Her gaze darkened when she heard those words. So this is the reason he asked for her hand? Now she understands why father and her brother would accept. It is simply so they can get rid of Lucas.

Lilian found it very odd when she first heard the rumors. After all, she knew how much those two dislike the blank family. Father has a deep hatred towards them, and he even made plans to invade them.

So why on earth did he accept the engagement? It was to get rid of Lucas. Father has always disliked Lucas. Lilian observed from the moment that she brought Lucas home; father had secretly plotting away. What could it be?

Her lips curve to a smile. "Do you think you are in the position to make a deal?"

Does this man not realize that she could kill him with a single wave of her hand.

"I can be. I think I have something you're interested in."

'Oh?'

Shuhei slid an envelope in front of her. "I think you will find this useful."

Lilian picked up the envelope and opened it. For a moment, she was startled, but she laughed. "I see; it seems that maybe it is worthwhile to strike a bargain with you."

"You are a wise person, then we should--"

"It is unfortunate that I will not be making a deal with you. These documents, you stole them from your brother?"

"What are you talking about? I don't have a brother--"

"The blank family main line has only ever had sons. It is unheard of to have females. I wonder what people would think if they heard you use some old dark magic to create your sister?"

"That's absurd! Seira isn't--"

"That woman is the leech of our family." Another voice said.

Lilian's chuckled. "I wondered when you would show yourself, Mr."

A man with white-colored hair and a blue streak emerges from the bushes. A deep sigh passed his lips. "You're calling me out like this after so long. You never change."

This man is the true heir to the Blank family Ramon.

"Were you not the one who told me to stay away for a while?"

"That's because father was starting to notice."

"Wait a minute; you two know each other?"

Ramon sighed. "Unfortunately."

"Is that what you should be saying to the person who saved your life?"

"Saved?" Shuhei said. "Is that--"

"Of course, you should remember it well, brother. It was the day you sent people to kill me."

Right, that was how they met. Her brother was being annoying, and she wanted to get away from the manor alone. So she took her horse and went hunting. She chose the usual forest since she wanted to go to the tower for the usual visit. It was right there where she found a badly wounded Ramon.

If she just let him be, he would have died. But even in that weak state, she sensed that there was something powerful about him. That was why she killed all the people who chased him and saved him from the sacred beasts who were about to devour him.

She did not save him as an act of kindness but because she knew she could use him.

"…you--have known since.."

"Lady Lillian here is very useful; she personally investigated the case for me. She said it was interesting to see two members of the Blank family squabble."

Lilian blinked before laughing again. "Right, that's how it was. You remember it very well. Good boy." She extended her hand out to pat his hair, but he grabbed her wrist and coughed.

Oh right, his brother is here.

Shuhei's gaze dimmed. "I didn't realize you were so close to my fiance."

Ramon sighed. "You keep calling her your fiance, but I'm sure you will back down when her scary guard dog comes along."

"That man is being occupied."

"Fool, do you wish to lose your life? Go ahead, and I won't stop you."

Lilian laughed as she tugged on Ramon's arm. "Don't bother warning him; it is already too late anyway."

Besides knowing Lucas temper and Seiras attitude- Lilian already knew how things would end up.

Before they could exchange any more words, the doors opened, revealing one of the servants. "Sir, Miss Seira is--"

"Seira?"

Lilian rolled her eyes. 'Lucas is too impatient.' Then again, that is the reason he said he would meet with her instead. He wanted to stop her from going out of control.