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𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐫𝐢𝐬
Dozens of armed soldiers, protected by mages, Flora is smiling as usual.
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“W, Why are you here?”
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“Flora-sama has been heading to the southern territories for several days now. She probably came to this island as soon as she arrived.”
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Luke explains to Alma in a whisper.
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Although the circumstances up to now had been reported, and Omid had decided to depart upon receiving Luke’s report that it was dangerous, it now seemed that this might have been just an excuse.
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Did Flora originally notice Omid’s rebellion?
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And did she send Luke to confirm that fact?
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“You knew this would happen when you came.”
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Gale throws a necklace at Flora with a grimace on his face.
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“Well, what do you mean?”
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Flora answers with an unchanged smile.
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“Hmph, you’re as unpalatable as ever. You must have known I was on this island long ago.”
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Gale turns on his heel, looking unamused.
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“Oh, where are you going? It’s been a long time since we’ve met. Won’t you tell me a little more about it?”
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“If you want to talk, ask Luke there. I didn’t do anything this time. There’s nothing to talk about.”
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With that, Gale disappeared into the forest.
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“Oh, even though we’ve just met again. He’s still a clumsy man.”
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Flora turns back to Luke with a small sigh of exasperation.
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“Luke, thanks to you, we were able to prevent Sir Wilkinson’s rebellion in advance this time. Thank you very much.”
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Flora expresses her gratitude by kneeling down and bowing her head to Luke.
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A small murmur arises from the knights behind her.
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It’s an exceptional case for a member of the royal family to bow to someone of lower status.
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“Please raise your head, Princess Flora. I just acted as the situation dictated. It’s not something to be thanked for.”
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“That’s not true. I had a vague idea that Sir Wilkinson was plotting something, but he was very cautious and I couldn’t get any evidence. Not only did you find it, but you also prevented his plot and even repelled the divine beast. You’ve practically saved the southern territories.”
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“Were you watching?”
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Luke couldn’t help but be surprised.
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He thought Flora had just arrived on this island, but she already knew that Luke and the others had defeated the divine beast.
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“I wasn’t watching directly.”
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Flora returns a smile to Luke.
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“I have someone who can be my eyes.”
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Luke sees a girl bowing slightly out of the corner of his eye.
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Once again, Luke was amazed at the breadth of Flora’s information network.
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While it was anticipated that Flora had her own network of information, it was surprising that she had extended it even to the inner workings of Osten Island.
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“And probably, that person must have been of help to Luke.”
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Flora’s gaze was fixed on Iris.
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Luke’s heart leapt at those words.
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Perhaps Flora already knew who Iris really was.
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It wouldn’t be strange if Flora, with such an extensive network, knew about it.
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“. . .That, that is. . .”
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After a moment’s hesitation, Luke decided how to explain Iris.
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It was impossible to gauge the extent of Flora’s knowledge, but Luke resolved to stick to the facts.
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“Yes, that person is my master, Iris. She saved my life as a child and taught me magic. I owe who I am today to my master.”
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Flora nodded slightly at Luke’s words, then approached Iris, lifting the hem of her dress and bowing her head.
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“I am honored to meet you. I am Flora Nightingale of the Kingdom of Arrogas. I cannot express enough gratitude for your help in the dire situation of the southern territories and Osten Island. Thanks to you, many lives were saved. I sincerely wish to express my gratitude.”
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“I’m Iris. I have no reason to be thanked by you. Luke here is my disciple. I just came to see his progress and happened to lend a hand.”
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“That makes it all the more significant. Luke has been a hero in our country. As his master, you too are a hero to us. Please, let me know your wish. If it’s within my power, I will do my utmost to fulfill it.”
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“A wish, huh. . .”
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Iris stroked her chin, a mischievous smile on her face.
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Luke and Alma watched anxiously.
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What if Iris wished for her own release?
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What would Flora respond?
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If Flora knew that Iris was a sealed demon, wouldn’t she be unable to overlook it?
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Flora’s expression revealed nothing.
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She only wore her usual calm, lake-like smile.
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“Then, just one thing. . .”
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Iris began to speak.
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“How about some liquor?”
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“Liquor. . .?”
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“Yes, liquor. I have a weakness for it.”
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Flora looked surprised as Iris smiled at her.
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“The amount Luke brings me is never enough. He always talks about health. Since I’m here, why not let me drink to my heart’s content?”