The Emperor's Daughter

Chapter 19: The Truth

Burning flame in a bright orange was the first thing she saw. Another dream. It smelled like ashes and smoke of the dead wood. The air was hot and suffocating like every previous dream. There were black figures resembling people trying to attack her. But with her scythe, she slashed them down mercilessly. Those bodies turned into ashes and dissolved into the air.

She walked toward the old man who was sitting in the same place as before.

"Grandfather." She called him, looking at him with a pair of eyes that were red as blood.

"Get out." He whispered

She woke up before the pain came. It was her familiar room. They got home after the last meeting with lord Edelweiss. However, it felt strange to her, like she was at a foreign place. Slowly she rose up from her bed, how long had she been sleeping? The house was quiet as usual, but she couldn't find Vincent anywhere. Luckily, his note next to the breakfast tray gave her a clue of where he was. It made her feel a little bad for avoiding him recently, however, there was something she needed to do first before they had a proper talk.

After an 8 hours trip, she stepped out of the train and could see that she had arrived at her hometown. The familiar scene somehow didn't feel like it was welcoming her back even under the bright sky. Every step Shiki took was heavy like her feet were tied with a chain and ball, like a prisoner going into their jail room. She traced the familiar road that she had took almost 17 years of her life that she could walk even with her eyes closed. Then she opened her eyes to go to a different way. Should she buy flowers? If yes then what kind of flowers should she buy? Should she ask the florist? Vincent would tell her that so she decided to follow his advice.

The flower stand was small and owned by an old lady. She took her courage to speak out.

"Excuse me? I want to buy some flowers for my mother. Which flower should I buy?"

The old florist lady turned and looked at her without saying anything. Just looking at her in silence questioned her whether did she say something weird. Or even worst, she recognized that she was a Mikado member.

"Such a nice daughter you are."

"Pardon?"

"Can't believe to see someone at your age is still thinking about their parents. Your mother is a lucky woman to have a daughter like you. Let's see, carnation will be the best choice."

"Then can I have some of that flowers?"

"Of course, I will get you some carnations." the old lady took out a scissor and began to gather the flower "My first son, after getting married, never visit me even one or send me a letter. I want to smack that boy's head. What kind of son who never contacts his mother? My second son is no different...."

She didn't know what to do other than listen to the old lady rambled about her life. But it was a better situation than she could ask. Then the lady gave her a beautiful bouquet of colorful flowers which she believed that they were not just carnations.

Seeing her confused expression, the old lady smiled and explained

"I added some chrysanthemums and lilies for extra. Your mother will be happy to see her beautiful daughter bringing her beautiful flowers. Just accept it as my gift to you."

"Thank.... thank you so much."

The old lady laughed, but it was a sincere laugh.

"I've never seen you before, especially a beautiful young girl like you. Do you just move here or are you visiting your parents?"

The question stunned her a little bit and almost made her drop the money. She lowered her head and said.

"Yes, I am visiting them."