The Flower Is Finished

He kept staring at me. When I lifted the water to drink, he suddenly rammed the tree I was standing on, sending vibrations through it. I smiled faintly. It seems he can't accept that his companion is dead, I thought as I watched the giant lizard before me.

After thinking of a way to deal with the remaining lizard, I jumped down and ran as fast as I could. As expected, it chased after me.

I quickly looped the rope again and glanced toward a deep cliff ahead. I looked back—the distance between us was dangerously close—so I rushed forward and leapt into the ravine.

"You think you can defeat me so easily."

As I jumped, my hands swiftly threw the looped rope. It hooked perfectly onto a rock I had been watching earlier.

"Aaaaaa—!"

After making sure the rope had caught, my heart was still pounding wildly.

Crack…

Crash!

The lizard followed and fell after me. Luckily, the rope held, leaving me hanging against the cliff. I looked down—the depth was terrifying. Falling from here would mean certain death. Moments later, I heard the loud crash of the lizard hitting the bottom.

My breathing was still ragged as I stared at the steep cliff. Below, I could see a river, but falling into it from this height would surely crush my chest.

Slowly, I began climbing back up, inch by inch.

Once I reached the top, I decided to continue my unfinished journey.

I walked on, and without realizing it, the sun began to rise, leaving orange streaks in the sky that made me pause.

"Why does time pass so quickly?" I murmured.

I picked up my pace, knowing I was nearing the city, where I could spend the night.

I decided to buy some food first, scanning the bustling crowd in the city center. I entered a simple eatery. It was crowded and lively, making it hard to find a seat.

Suddenly, I heard someone calling my name.

"Michael…"

"Michael…"

The voice was deep and calm. I turned, searching for the caller, but found no one familiar and eventually ignored it.

"What are you doing here?"

Someone tapped my shoulder. Instinctively, I pressed my dagger to his neck, startling him with my reflex.

"It's me. Agis," he said softly.

"Agis?" I asked in confusion, trying to remember him, but failing.

"Have you forgotten me?" he asked with a faint smile.

"I'm the one who almost got lost in the Forbidden Forest with Commander Arvan."

My thoughts immediately went to Xanders. I remembered the incident, though not his name.

"Oh… it's you?" I lowered my hand, and he smiled lightly.

"Yes."

"What business do you have at the palace?" he asked.

I paused. "I want to meet Xanders," I replied, carefully choosing my words.

"Is it urgent?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. I laughed softly.

"Oh, not at all. I just have some money I need to repay him!"

He still looked suspicious.

"Are you eating?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Yes. I am. Come, let's eat together!" he said, pulling me to his table.

"What would you like?" he asked after I sat down and ordered food.

"So… what exactly do you need?" he asked again after finishing his meal.

"I want to return the money I borrowed from him," I said firmly. He nodded.

"Really?"

"Yes."

"But the palace is in a state of emergency. Lord Xanders isn't there right now," Agis said, taking a sip of his drink.

I exhaled sharply. If that's the case, how will I find him? I thought. Agis tried to start conversations, and I answered briefly between bites.

After paying, we left the eatery. He insisted on treating me, but I refused and paid for my own meal.

"How about staying at my place? It's not far from here," he offered.

I shook my head. "No need. I'll find a cheap inn nearby."

He looked surprised.

"Inns are full right now. In a few days there will be a kite festival, so people are already flooding the city."

I remembered—next week, a gathering involving several clans would take place, making the city crowded.

"When will Xanders return?" I asked.

Agis shook his head. "I'm on leave today. Maybe I'll find out tomorrow."

In the end, I followed him toward his house. As we walked, I sensed something different. His home was far from the city center, passing through a quiet forest and crossing a small river. I discreetly memorized the route back to the city.

When we arrived, a small girl suddenly ran up and hugged Agis tightly.

"Brother Agis!"

I froze, observing the scene.

"Who is he, Brother?" she asked after noticing me, staring with eyes so cute I almost wanted to pinch her chubby cheeks.

"Oh, let me introduce—" Agis paused, looking at me.

"My name is Michael," I said, extending my hand. She hesitated, then slowly took it.

"My name is Princess Lany!"

"Nice to meet you, sweet little sister," I said warmly. She still seemed unsure, glancing between Agis and me.

"Go on, he's a good person. He's my friend," Agis said. She finally accepted my handshake.

"Come in. Sorry if it's a bit messy," he said, inviting me inside.

I followed him in, feeling an unexplained discomfort. Something about the house felt wrong, but I remained polite.

"You've lived here a long time?" I asked casually after he offered me a seat.

"Yes. I've lived here quite a while. She's my younger sister," he explained. I swallowed the questions forming in my mind.

I looked around the house. Something felt off, but I couldn't tell what.

"I'll get you a drink," he said, heading to the kitchen.

I continued observing the room. Lany, who had been watching me, approached curiously.

"Do you want to sit here, Lany?" I asked gently.

She shook her head shyly.

"Are you really my brother's friend?" she asked.

I blinked.

"Um… you could say that."

"Is there something you want to talk about?" I asked.

She shook her head.

"No. I'm just worried. My brother is quiet and not very good at socializing, so I worry about his friendships."

Before she could continue, Agis returned carrying two cups of tea, interrupting us.

"Wow, sounds interesting. What are you two talking about?" he asked cheerfully.

I shook my head, while Lany only smiled faintly—an expression that made my suspicion grow. She's hiding something, I thought.

I don't want to think negatively about Agis but something seems wrong.