The Flower of Separation

"I wonder if he did betray the Empress."

Pierre blinked. "Whenever I tell anybody this story, they would question my motives. Most people don't like hearing about how he was before because, in the end, he betrayed her in the cruelest way possible."

"I wonder why they would get angry. It's not like that man got another lover. Sure he was against her in the end, but his feelings must never have gone away. It must have been painful for him too."

After hearing Pierre's story, she thought this even more. The first time she learned about the history of the Empire, Zushi felt that there was something wrong. Everybody calls that man a traitor, yet perhaps he became the bad guy to save the woman he loves. Empress Olivia's time was one of peace, but before she ascended the throne, there were many conflicts. That person most likely wanted to save her from it.

Her thoughts broke off when Pierre patted her hair.

"I guess I will go with you that day,"

….

Time flows equally for everybody, with no pause whatsoever.

But for those who long to see somebody they care about, the days drag on for more than they would like.

Contrary to those words, an entire month passes by, and she still hasn't heard from him.

Zushi tiptoed as she tried to reach the drying pole, as she carried damp linen in her hands. This was the last batch of laundry for the day. If she finishes this last chore, then the monastery will take her on as an apprentice.

Shortly after she met Pierre, she came in contact with people from the monastery who offered to help her control her mana.

Zushi understood that these people would be more helpful, call it a hunch, but there was something about them. It was surprisingly easy to persuade her father. Then again, for a while, it felt like he was wondering what to do about her training that wasn't getting anywhere.

But as an apprentice, she could only do the odd jobs around the monastery; she has yet to learn anything. At first, she agreed because she wanted to be of use to the Zestra family. However, after spending time here, Zushi learned that her way of thinking was so shallow.

It doesn't matter if she proves herself or not; what is important is what she wants. To think she would learn that after coming to this place. It is not like this place is free from corruption, but it is slightly better than other areas. At least it is better than staying at home.

Instantly she thought of Pierre and sighed.

She hasn't seen him in so long; it worries her a little. The last time they met, there was something off about him, and he even told her that story. She has never met anybody like him before. Somebody seemed so bland with a dull personality, yet he would occasionally have those moments where she thought he was cool.

She never got a chance to properly thank him for saving her.

Will they meet again?

Although he often scolded her for being careless and not behaving like a noble, he seemed nice enough. He never refused the food she brought him or her company even though it looked like he was busy. He was a nice enough person in her eyes, but nice doesn't necessarily mean she should trust him.

Zushi sighed when she recalled her brother's expression when he learned about her sneaking off to meet Pierre. He really misunderstood.

"Pierre." She whispered his name. Zushi felt the heat creep onto her face, and she slapped her cheeks. What is she doing behaving so unsightly for a noble?

Even though she came to the monastery, she shouldn't forget that she is noble. Besides what is she doing thinking of a man when she is so young, she must have gone crazy.

Her thoughts broke off when the piece of clothing slipped from her fingers. Zushi tried to reach for it, but an arm reached for it from behind.

Zushi turned around to say thank you when she saw who it was.

"Raiju."

"Your welcome, miss Zestra who can't do the laundry properly."

This man is Ageha Raiju; he is her senior apprentice here but also a member of the ageha family. He is the heir to that cruel family, making him the boy she saw that day. It surprised her when she learned that he was training in this place too. But what surprised her more was he wasn't as scary as she thought.

No, he isn't scary, but it is the opposite. He liked to trick people. This isn't a simple matter of tricking and joking around; he was very skilled at tricking people. Others would immediately believe his words even though they knew of his reputation already.

How many times has he tricked her since she first came here?

"It was because of the wind."

She hated how he seemed to catch her spacing out.

"I understand; you are a noble girl."

Zushi disliked it when he made those comments. He has a younger sister, too, right?

"Just in case you're wondering, my sister isn't like you, so don't compare yourself to her. She isn't a klutz, nor does she space out while doing a simple chore."

Gah, she hates this about him. "If you and your sister are so close, why does she never visit you?" Zushi countered. This guy talks about his sister like she is some kind of precious gem, but not once has she seen her.

Raiju sighed. "You know the monastery prohibits outside visitors."

"Eh? But-"

"You're the only one they made an exception to. Trust me; my sister has tried to sneak in here. But she has way too much dark magic; it is easy for her to get caught."

Dark magic, huh? Zushi looked him up and down. "Why can't I tell what kind of magic you have?"

"Maybe because you're really bad at detecting mana?"

Zushi glared at him, and Raiju shrugged. "What? Should I remind you what happened last week during the test?"

At that comment, her face color turned pale. "It was an accident! I didn't mean to blow up the magic ball."

"You can't even control your own mana, let alone detect how much another person has. You're going to be here for a while."

"Says the person who has been here for two years," Zushi mumbled.

"Unlike you, I have special circumstances, hence why I am different from the other apprentices."

Indeed he is the only one who never does chores.

She wonders if it really is due to her mana detection. But there is something unusual about this person. It occurred to her to write a letter about it to her brother, but she felt that something bad would happen if she did that. As a member of the Zestra family, their role is to judge people.

If it turns out that there is something wrong and threatening about his magic, then Raiju could get in trouble.