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𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐚 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐞
The two were shown to the royal residential area located deep within the royal castle.
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The private room of Flora they were guided to was as spacious as an entire house.
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“I’m sorry for calling you so late at night. Do you like sweets? Feel free to ask for anything you’d like to eat.”
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Flora, smiling, offered cookies placed on the table.
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“No. . . it’s alright, thank you.”
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Luke said this and looked towards Flora.
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Even though she was now dressed in casual clothes, her elegance was captivating.
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Yet, she had a natural charm that didn’t seem boastful or forced.
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(Why have I been called here? Is it about the match with Gale earlier. . .?)
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“Oh dear! I forgot to introduce myself.”
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Flora quickly stood up, lifting the hem of her skirt.
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“Pleased to meet you, I am Flora Nightingale. I look forward to your acquaintance.”
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“It’s an honor to meet you! My name is Luke. Nice to meet you.”
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Luke hastily knelt down.
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“I’ve met Alma-san a few times before.”
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“Yes, I’m honored that you remember.”
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“Please sit down, don’t be so tense. Relax.”
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The two sat down on the sofa as Flora suggested.
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The sofa was so soft it felt like they could sink into it.
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“Luke-san, I watched your match with the prince. You are very strong. Where did you train?”
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“At the Arrogas Royal Academy of Magic Knights. I was in the same year as Alma-ojousama. But I dropped out and have been training on my own since then.”
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“That’s impressive! To achieve so much on your own must have been a rigorous journey.”
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“It’s not much. I just blindly pursued becoming a full-fledged magic knight.”
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Luke spoke while inwardly sweating.
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Flora’s innocent tone precisely targeted Luke’s secrets.
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What is her intention?
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“So, why have you called us here? Is it about the earlier match with the prince?”
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Luke decided to delve into the heart of the matter.
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He felt he might get swept up in Flora’s pace otherwise.
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“Well. . . that’s part of it, I suppose. . .”
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Flora, touching her lips thoughtfully, eventually turned to Luke with a smile.
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“Being indirect doesn’t help either of us. Is it true that you led the large-scale abduction crackdown last month?”
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“How do you know about that?!”
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Luke was astounded.
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He never expected that topic to come up from Flora.
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“It might be better to let this person answer that question.”
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At Flora’s signal, the door opened.
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Standing there was. . .Sicily
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“”Sicily?!””
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Luke and Alma’s voices echoed.
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“Why are you here?”
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“Actually, I’ve been in contact with them for some time.”
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Flora continued the conversation.
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“Though I am of the lowest rank, I am still a member of the royal family. Various rumors around the royal palace reach my ears. Apparently, Prince Gale is having trouble with that matter. As his cousin, I was thinking of how I could help, and then I heard that you were the first to catch the kidnappers, so I immediately approached Sicily to hear the story.”
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“That’s right.”
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Sicily continues with a sly grin.
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“I was surprised when I was suddenly called, but Flora-sama. . . rather, Flora is quite understanding. She listens even to the opinions of commoners like me.”
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Luke and Alma exchanged glances.
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How much does this person know?
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It’s hard to believe there’s a gag order, but still, only a few should know that Luke, Alma and Sicily were involved in that incident.
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Her smiling face might deceive you, but hidden behind it may be immeasurable wisdom.
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“But, you didn’t say anything when we met earlier.”
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“Ah, that. I wanted to surprise you, so I kept quiet. Did it work? Were you surprised?”
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“You’re unbelievable. . .”
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Alma holds her head in her hands.
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“Flora-sama. . .how much do you really know?”
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“It’s not that I know everything. I’m just doing what I can. However. . .”
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Flora smiles at Luke, who is asking.
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“The magician who was involved in the kidnapping, named Zomduck, was using a contraband drug. We have our eyes on a certain Chamber of Commerce connected to it. It’s a small one called Gluton Chamber of Commerce. . .”
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“Gluton Chamber of Commerce?!”
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Luke’s eyes widen.
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Gluton Chamber of Commerce is known to be connected with rogue adventurers.
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“Oh, you knew about it?”
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“Yes, actually. . .”
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Luke explains to Flora what happened during the dungeon subjugation in Rampart territory.
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“I see. . .”
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Flora sighs deeply after hearing Luke’s explanation.
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“It seems we need to investigate further. However, even though Gluton Chamber of Commerce is small, they are in good standing with influential nobles. Gathering evidence won’t be easy.”
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Flora looks at Luke as she says this.
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“Would you two be willing to cooperate with Sicily? If you find anything, I’d like you to let me know. In return, I’ll provide as much support as I can.”
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“. . .Understood. I am delighted to accept Flora-sama’s invitation.”
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Luke kneels before Flora.
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This was an unexpected but welcome proposal for Luke.
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Without much power, the three of them would inevitably hit a dead end.
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Having a supporter in the royal family was more than they could have asked for.
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“Thank you. And. . . from now on, you don’t need to use honorifics with me. We are a team.”
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Flora smiles at Luke.
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Her smile was like a fully bloomed flower.