The Flower of Separation

A few days go by and the day of the hunt arrives

Over the last few years, the hunt has gained more and more attention, attracting a larger crowd. Many foolish nobles no longer see this as a tragic event but as a form of entertainment.

At first, many people disapproved. But as the corruption of the Empire grew, more and more people showed up in the audience seats. This is the first year when she sees other members of the seven royal families.

"Lillian, you know what you must do, correct?" The man standing beside her now is Augustine Ageha, her father. A man with pitch-black hair and pure red-colored eyes. He wore a black overcoat with fur and a black tuxedo underneath.

"Of course, father. I will make sure there are no intruders with bad intentions."

She has to use her red spider lilies to spy on each member of the audience. It is tiring and will use a lot of her energy.

He makes her do this, so she stays put and does not do anything to interfere with the hunt. Normally there is a group of people who excel on spying magic, but today there was no sign. It seems her father intends for her to do all of this on her own.

"But before then, get ready."

Lilian raised her head and spotted two people approaching. An older man with faded ginger-colored hair, and a younger man with ginger hair and emerald green colored eyes. Oh? He resembles that servant her brother gave her.

But unlike that joyful youth, this guy seemed more solemn.

"So you came this year? It hurt me so much when you did not accept my invite last year."

This elder gentleman is Richardo Bonavento, the former head of the orange phoenix.

"Apologies, old friend, it seems my health is declining over the years."

"That is no good if something bad happens to you-"

"There is me." The younger man interjected.

This man is Orion Bonavento, the young heir who took over a year ago. He also one of her upcoming chess pieces. Lillian introduced herself and exchanged words with the elder.

"Oho, this must be your daughter. I have heard the rumors, but it seems she has grown into a fine woman."

"Indeed, the number of people I have lined up for her hand increases. But it is a waste for me to hand over my precious and talented daughter away at such cheap offers."

Lillian rolled her eyes at those words. Is he trying to indirectly make a deal with the former head of the phoenix? Her thoughts broke off when Orion casually whispered in her ear.

"Miss Ageha Lillian? Could I have a moment of your time?"

Her lips curve to a smile. "It would be my honor."

..

At the corner of the forest, Lillian leaned against the large tree. They were quite a distance away from the audience seats but not too far away from where her father could not see. He will most likely ask for a report on what they talked about later. But it is easier than she thought to deceive him with her words. Or maybe he is simply playing along.

Either way, she would take advantage of it. Her beloved father wants her to use the lilies to spy on every member of the audience? Surely he should have reworded that order. She will send the most dangerous creature to watch him since he is the most dangerous person in this area right now.

Eric has not arrived yet, but Lillian knows he would cause havoc of some kind when he does. She just hopes the Empress finishes the death course before Eric comes.

Orion extended his hand out and pulled out an envelope. "The contents of this letter along with this seal, is it true?"

"It seems you were not aware that your friend is very much alive."

"I did hear odd rumors about the Blank family having another son. But I just assumed that it was another son with the second son's mother. I did not think for a moment that he was alive."

"Are you not pleased with this outcome?"

Orion sighed. "I am very much confused. I assume there is a deep reason why he has not appeared in public for the last five years?"

"Indeed, and I know the reason. But I do think it is best if he informs you himself instead of hearing it from a third party like myself."

"A third party, huh?" Orion scanned her up and down. "Miss Ageha Lillian, you must be the woman he mentioned before."

"Orion Bonavento, you're the one who made sir Ramon stay away from me."

"I did not know your name." Orion trailed off. "But from his story, I could tell there was something dangerous about you. Moreover, it seemed like he was on the verge of falling in love with you, so I had to stop him at all costs."

Lillian blinked when she heard those words. "Sir Ramon towards me?"

Orion looked at her dumbfounded but shook his head. "I probably shouldn't be the one to say that. In your letter, you say you have not seen him for the last ten years. What I am saying now is probably a thing of the past. You can laugh about it with him another time."

"I see."

This man she thought he would be a dull person since he appears to be the straight lace type. But like what Ramon said, something is interesting about him.

"If you read the contents of the letter and approached me. I presume you accept?"

Orion slowly nodded. "I will admit that I hesitated."

"Naturally, you would. I do not think that the Bonavento family takes pleasure in torturing lives so easily."

"Of course not."

"But to proceed with this plan, you will end up seeing things that may go against your values. Even with that, will you still accept?"

"Only because it is in my best interest to do so. People call me the head of the family now, but my uncle still wields most of the power. Moreover, he is still continuing his horrendous deeds, but this time under my name."

"You want revenge, correct?"

"Revenge, putting it that way seems so petty. But I will be removed as the head at this stage, and my uncle's son will replace me. I would not mind if my replacement was a good person, but he is equally corrupted. I cannot allow them to continue destroying the family my parents risked their lives to protect."

He appears to be a righteous person, just like Ramon said. But there is something in this demeanor of his that resembles somebody she knew. No, it was not that joyful guard but another person.

"Lili!" A familiar beaming voice exclaimed, hugging her from the back. "People said they saw you wandering around here."

"Jorah." She addressed her friend.

"Miss Lillian, this is--?"

"My friend, her husband is related to the Empress. Jorah say hello this is-" Lillian's sentence fell short when Jorah let go of her.

She seemed to freeze in one spot as she looked at the ginger head man. "Brother?"

Lilian's eyes widened when she heard the words that escaped Jorahs lips. Just now, she did think they resemble each other, but who would have thought? Ah, now she understands why her father invited Jorah to the hunt to set up this unexpected reunion between siblings.