The Flower Is Finished

The Search for the Lost Book

I had been searching for the book for an hour, yet still couldn't find it. Of all the records of the past, only one story remained — the tale of the great downfall. Just as the old man in prison had said, everything was written in that book. Yet I couldn't find any detailed explanation anywhere.

The arrival of the sorcerers instantly stirred the palace. It was rare for them to visit, even though they lived within the same realm.

"Greetings to His Majesty," said a woman with a gentle face and long flowing hair.

"Welcome to the palace. I hope you'll find comfort here," replied King Albert with a small laugh.

"The King worries too much about us. We'll be comfortable staying here," answered an elderly man with sunken cheeks, his features softened by age.

"How are the sorcerers faring in your domain?" asked King Albert. Arvan and I listened attentively.

"Ah, the palace is a little chaotic, but I can still manage," said the old sorcerer with a faint smile.

"Hmm… and how are things here? I've heard chaos has spread everywhere," he asked, narrowing his eyes at King Albert.

The King nodded slowly. "Yes, as the rumors say — that is the truth."

"My visit this time isn't without reason. I came for her." He looked toward his daughter, and I frowned in confusion.

"She is his beloved daughter," Arvan whispered softly, "and she will lead his kingdom one day."

"Isn't the rule about assigning people to the palace still in effect?" asked King Xavier. King Albert nodded.

"Yes. Each clan has the right to send several representatives to live and serve in the palace."

"If my daughter makes any mistakes, please let me know," said the sorcerer respectfully. King Albert replied with a faint smile and a nod. Then, the two of them continued to talk, delving into matters of politics between their kingdoms.

Feeling bored, I decided to take my leave.

"Permission, Your Majesty. I shall withdraw. I wish to train."

Instantly, all eyes turned toward me. Arvan's sharp gaze met mine, but I simply looked away.

"Very well, you may go," said the King. Once permission was granted, I quickly exited the chamber and made my way to the library.

This time, the library was livelier than usual. Several attendants were busy dusting off the shelves.

"Where's the book about the kingdom's ancient history?" I asked a servant who was cleaning a stack of books.

"You mean the history of this kingdom from the past?" he asked hesitantly. I nodded.

"Yes. There should still be a record of it, shouldn't there?"

He glanced around cautiously to make sure no one was listening. "That book has been destroyed. It's no longer in circulation," he whispered.

I frowned. How could a royal bloodline erase its own history?

"Is there truly nothing left?" I pressed.

He shook his head. "The book was burned long ago, during the reign of King Gustav. He ordered every relic of King Alfred to be destroyed. Everything in the royal library was set aflame."

My mouth fell silent, my thoughts went blank. How could I begin an investigation if the primary source no longer existed?

"Is there really no one who still has a copy?"

He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Some say the old librarian once possessed one, but it's only a rumor. He's senile now — forgetful, sometimes remembering, sometimes not."

"Do you know where he lives?" I asked.

"His house is behind the palace, facing Mount Suro. The path goes uphill and deep into the forest," he explained.

Without wasting time, I left the library immediately.

This time, I would investigate alone — without Farrel or Arvan. Mounting my horse, I tightened the reins and set off.

The twilight sky stirred my memories. It had been a long time since I last hunted in the forest. I even missed Grandma Wilona.

As I entered the woods, faint laughter echoed among the trees.

"Don't you think Albert is an idiot?"

I couldn't see who said it — they sat with their backs turned — but I recognized their voices. They were the King's own guards.

I stopped my horse and listened carefully, knowing full well it was impolite. But I had to know who dared speak such words.

"Did you hear him yesterday? He said the Ancient Flame has awakened! Doesn't that sound absurd?"

"Hahaha! Let him fight the demons. When he's gone, we'll take the throne!"

My fists clenched. I didn't particularly like Albert, but betrayal like that would only lead to another bloodbath.

"Besides, even if we fought the demons, we'd lose. We always have — trapped in the same story, repeating it over and over again," one of them said, pausing as he stood and readied his bow.

"Tell me, do you really think he's fit to be king? Or perhaps a royal concubine? Hahaha!"

They burst out laughing and went back to hunting. The sun was sinking, yet they showed no intention of returning.

Once they were gone, I urged my horse forward again, heading toward the old man's house. The journey took almost an hour — the path was steep, and I had to move carefully so as not to arouse suspicion from the palace guards.

At last, I arrived. The yard was overgrown, the fence in disarray, the house looked long abandoned. I knocked several times, but no one answered.

Slowly, I pushed the door open. The hinges creaked. My breath caught — the place was a complete mess, covered in dust and cobwebs.

I stepped inside and knocked on the inner door. No response. Gathering my courage, I opened it and stepped in.

"Is anyone here?" I called softly. No answer. The silence felt heavy, lifeless.

Then, a raspy voice spoke from behind me.

"Who are you?"

I jumped in surprise, spinning around. Standing there was an old man — his hair completely white, his beard thick an

d unkempt, his face lined deep with age. His eyes, though weary, still gleamed sharply in the dim light.

"I'm Xanders," I said, bowing politely to introduce myself.

He studied me for a moment, then gestured toward a wooden chair on the porch.

"Sit outside," he said quietly.

I obeyed and sat down carefully.

"Who are you looking for, coming all the way here?" he asked.

I bit my lip, unsure how to answer. In truth, I was looking for the old man who once guarded the roya

l library.