The Song of Flowers - Chapter 1: The Girl Who Never Grew Up (6)

The hallway outside the lord’s chambers was crowded and tense.

“Sister-in-law, what a disaster this is!”

Merlon, having rushed over, tried to enter the room immediately, but the knights standing guard blocked him. He collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. His wife, Natalie, dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, trying to comfort him.

“Compose yourself. Now, more than ever, you must be strong.”

“How can I? She was like a mother to me, and now… and my nephew… to witness such a tragedy again!”

The gathered retainers watched the scene with awkward expressions, unimpressed by the Merlon couple’s dramatic display.

“Quite a spectacle,” muttered a middle-aged man, frowning.

The head of the Mont family, a sturdy woman, replied to her son’s comment.

“You can’t fault someone for mourning a family tragedy.”

“Perhaps, but they don’t look particularly mournful.”

No one present viewed the Merlon couple favorably. Merlon was known as a useless younger brother who leeched off the lord. The amount of money the couple spent was not insignificant, and it all came from the lord’s personal wealth.

Though it wasn’t public funds, people whispered behind their backs about how shameful it was that the lord’s only living relatives were such freeloaders.

‘How unfortunate that these are the lord’s only kin,’ they thought.

The head of the Mont family sighed.

As a woman who had become the head of her household, Lady Mont understood the heavy burdens of leadership. Perhaps that was why the lord often invited her for conversations, appreciating the similarities in their positions.

“You and I have much in common.”

“How could I compare myself to you, my lord?”

Lady Mont had meant her words sincerely. She admired the lord greatly. Despite her own responsibilities, she was not alone—she had a husband, sisters, and children. But the lord had always shouldered everything alone.

‘Is the Levas family truly cursed to suffer a lonely fate, as the lord once said?’

She recalled something Shima had once confided in her.

“The founder of the Levas family left a message for their descendants. They said the Levas heirs would be destined for lonely fates for generations. Was it a curse or a prophecy? Sometimes I resent them for it.”

Just when the lord seemed to have finally found some peace in old age, this tragedy had struck. Lady Mont’s heart ached with sympathy for Shima.

The murmurs among the gathered people slowly died down as a shared silence spread through the hall. All eyes turned in the same direction.

A young girl was approaching. Some were surprised, others confused.

“Who is that?”

“Could that be… the girl the lord has been taking care of?”

“Ah…”

Most of the lord’s retainers had never seen Adele before. Though she had lived in the Levas estate for some time, she spent most of her days in the southern tower, avoiding social engagements. Shima had deliberately kept Adele away from the public eye, as the girl was shy around strangers.

Adele’s appearance was captivating in a way that went beyond mere beauty. The gathered retainers, who had been taught not to stare, nonetheless found it impossible to avert their eyes.

Usually, Adele avoided unfamiliar faces, but today she didn’t have the luxury to worry about that. She was in a daze.

“Miss,” someone called.

Adele looked up.

“Lady Mont…”

She had met Lady Mont a few times when Shima invited her for tea. Shima had a fondness for Lady Mont’s cheerful personality, and the two often exchanged thoughts on worldly matters. Adele would sit quietly by, listening to their conversations.

The way a person speaks, their expressions, their gaze—it all reveals their character. Lady Mont was someone who understood respect and kindness. She had never looked at Adele with the curiosity others did, despite her unusual condition of not aging.

Seeing someone she could trust brought tears to Adele’s eyes.

Without a word, Lady Mont enveloped Adele in a warm embrace. Leaning into the comforting arms, Adele wept silently.

Watching this, Stella’s eyes narrowed.

So, she knows Lady Mont?

The Mont family was one of the seven noble houses under the Levas banner, with considerable influence and decision-making power in the region. They were part of the highest echelon of the Eastern aristocracy.

Suddenly, Stella remembered seeing Calvin near the southern tower not long ago. The Coe family, Calvin’s house, was also one of the seven great families. Adele might have more connections than Stella had imagined. The thought made her blood boil with jealousy. She bit her lip, unable to tear her eyes away from the two.

***

As the bedroom door opened, the gathered crowd fell silent, all eyes turning toward the two figures who emerged.

One was an elderly man with silver hair and a long, flowing beard, wearing a monocle that gave him the air of a detached scholar. This was Luther Basil, head of the Basil family and a trusted advisor to the lord. For many years, he had served the lord faithfully, and the lord held him in the highest regard.

Standing beside him was a stark contrast: a tall, broad-shouldered man, easily twice Luther’s size. This was Marcus Coe, the most renowned knight in Haran and the commander of the Black Knights, the military order under the Levas family.

“Master Basil, how is my sister-in-law faring?” Merlon asked, still teary-eyed.

Luther glanced briefly at Merlon before addressing the assembled crowd.

“The lord needs rest. We cannot afford any disturbances.”

Merlon’s face flushed red, taking the comment as a veiled criticism. He quickly masked his irritation, forcing a smile—something he had grown adept at over the decades.

“We will move elsewhere to discuss the situation. I will explain what you need to know,” Luther continued, leading the group down the hall. Adele followed at the back, while Stella trailed behind, sneaking glances at her with thinly veiled disdain.

Who does she think she is, tagging along like this? Stella thought bitterly. She’s not even a servant or family member. She has no right to be here.

They arrived at a large meeting room that could accommodate the group. As people settled into their seats, Stella approached Luther.

“Master Basil, I must ask something,” Stella said, her voice tinged with a pointed sharpness.

Luther regarded her calmly. “Yes, what is it?”

“The matter you are about to discuss is of great importance, isn’t it? Shouldn’t only those who are directly involved be allowed to hear it?”

“That is correct,” Luther answered, his eyes steady.

“Then it would be improper for an outsider to remain.” Stella gestured toward Adele with her finger. The sudden attention made Adele’s lips tremble.

“She’s nothing more than an orphan raised by my aunt. She has no place in matters concerning the Levas family.”

Adele lowered her gaze. Stella’s words were painfully true. Adele was, after all, merely an orphan being taken care of by the lord. Everything she had, every comfort she enjoyed, was purely because of the lord’s generosity.

She hadn’t always known that. When she was younger, Adele had believed Shima was her grandmother. It was Stella who had cruelly revealed the truth.

“You’re just an orphan. You’re not the lord’s granddaughter. You’re nothing. Even your parents abandoned you.”

The shock had made Adele so sick she’d been bedridden for days. During that time, she began to recall dreams—memories she had forgotten, like the first day she met the lady of the castle.

“My, how beautiful you are,” Shima had exclaimed, her violet eyes glowing as she looked at Adele for the first time.

Adele had been frightened of those eyes.

“I’m not a scary person, sweetheart. It’s all right.”

Adele had been confused, overwhelmed by the sense of rejection she felt from those eyes but also drawn in by the warmth that emanated from the old woman. There was a fragrance about her, a comfort that Adele had craved. She had stepped toward the woman despite herself.

“Good girl. What’s your name?”

“Adele Stone.”

“Such a lovely name.”

Shima had scooped her up in a tight embrace, lifting Adele off the ground. The sensation had surprised Adele, her eyes wide with confusion, as Shima rubbed her cheek against Adele’s in affection.

“Adele, why don’t you come live with me?”

Adele had cried uncontrollably when she woke from that dream. The memory, instead of bringing her joy, had confirmed the truth of Stella’s cruel words. She had fallen into such a deep despair that she had been unable to speak for days.

Stella had paid a price for her cruelty. Shima, suspicious after Adele’s sudden illness, had discovered that the siblings had been tormenting Adele.

For a time, Adele had tried to understand why Stella treated her so harshly. But as time passed, she realized there was no reason. Stella’s malice needed no justification.

Adele bit her lip hard, determined not to cry. That was exactly what Stella wanted.

Lady Mont clicked her tongue in disapproval, watching the scene unfold. What kind of character does that young lady have? she thought to herself.

Luther looked between Stella and Adele, letting out a small sigh.

“While this matter concerns the Levas family, it also concerns the lord herself. And the lord would want Adele to be here for this.”

Stella’s expression twisted in frustration. Her face contorted as if she had been humiliated in front of everyone. Merlon and Natalie, too, stiffened with displeasure at the rebuke their daughter had received.

I knew she’d embarrass herself, Chase thought with a smirk, though he too shot a spiteful look at Adele. His own recent humiliation still stung.

Without Aunt Shima, you’re nothing.

Adele, still pale, caught Chase’s look but ignored it. More pressing was what Luther was about to say.

“As most of you have heard, a terrible tragedy has occurred. The young master, Paul Levas, was caught in a landslide while traveling on the continent.”

Soft gasps and murmurs of disbelief filled the room.

“Is it… confirmed that he’s truly gone?”

“All has been confirmed. Young Master Paul, along with twenty-one others—his servants, managers, and knights—are all deceased,” Luther said, his voice trembling ever so slightly despite his efforts to remain composed.

“The lord was deeply shocked by the news and… she is currently unconscious,” he continued.

A murmur of alarm swept through the room.

“Unconscious? What does that mean?”

“How can this be?”

Luther raised a hand to calm the crowd. “When the lord briefly regained consciousness, she entrusted everything to me. As of now, I am acting as her representative and will oversee all matters.”

“What nonsense is this?” came a loud shout.

The head of the Kailey family, standing abruptly, slammed his fist on the table.

“You announce such a critical matter without any consultation? None of us have even seen the lord! How do we know that this is truly her will? The only ones who claim to have spoken with her are you, Master Basil, and Sir Coe. How do we know you aren’t conspiring together to seize power? The lord’s affairs falling entirely into your hands—that’s highly convenient!”

“Conspiracy? Watch your words,” Marcus Coe growled, his eyes narrowing dangerously. Even with age, his reputation as one of the strongest knights remained untarnished, and he was known for never losing his temper without good reason.

Kailey, though momentarily cowed, furrowed his brow deeply. “You think I’m going too far? How can we be sure you two aren’t manipulating the situation for your own benefit? Master Basil from within, and Sir Coe with his knights from without—how perfect! The Levas family could fall right into your hands!”

“Do you think words alone give you the right to make accusations?” Marcus began to rise from his seat, but Luther calmly placed a hand on his arm, signaling for restraint. Luther adjusted his monocle and fixed Kailey with a steady gaze, betraying no emotion. His composure was one of the reasons why many trusted him.

“Lord Kailey, I understand your concern. But I wish you had waited to hear me out. Surely, you don’t think I would bring such news without witnesses.”

“Witnesses…?”

“As you may have guessed, there are three individuals currently keeping watch over the lord in her chambers. I shall summon them here shortly.”

Kailey’s face tightened.

“As you might have inferred, those witnesses are the sages from the Three Towers,” Luther explained.

The tension in the room eased, and many heads nodded in agreement. Even those who had harbored suspicions moments ago quickly accepted this explanation. Kailey, now looking uncomfortable, cleared his throat and sat back down.

In Haran, important matters were always validated by the presence of mages. The mages, bound by their magical oath, could not lie when making statements, which made their words incontrovertible.

“The Levas family is in crisis. This is also a crisis for the entire eastern region. Please, let us all remain calm and maintain our composure. Everything will return to normal as soon as the lord regains consciousness,” Luther said firmly, scanning the room. His steady voice helped soothe the crowd’s unease, and it seemed the situation was beginning to settle.

But then Merlon spoke up.

“I have a question.”

Luther turned to him. “Go ahead.”

“When you say ‘temporarily,’ how long do you mean?”

“Until the lord wakes up.”

“Ah, I see,” Merlon said, nodding gravely. “But what if the lady never wakes up?”

The room fell silent, and Luther’s eyes narrowed slightly.

“It is too soon to speak of such things.”

Merlon, however, was undeterred. “Ah, of course, I understand that discussing the future amidst such a tragedy is difficult. But surely, we must address the issue of the heir. The position of the family head cannot remain vacant for long, can it? We need to establish a successor.”

Luther gazed at Merlon, and Marcus’ eyebrow twitched in irritation.

Everyone knew that Paul was Shima’s only son, and with him gone, there were no other blood relatives left in the Levas family. It was clear to all that Merlon was using this gathering to assert his ambitions.

“I’ve looked into our family’s laws,” Merlon continued with an air of self-importance.

“As you all know, only blood relatives can inherit the family name. But the problem arises when there are no direct descendants left.”

The room grew even quieter. The Levas family had no branch families. With Paul dead, the only remaining blood relative was the unconscious Shima.

“A family without an heir must dissolve. Of course, not immediately—there is a grace period, to allow for the discovery of a possible successor. Perhaps our late young master had a hidden child, after all.”

Marcus could no longer contain himself.

“Lord Brody, you are speaking out of turn. This is not a matter to be discussed so lightly.”

Though his words were polite, his tone was sharp. To Merlon, it felt like a thinly veiled threat. He had always felt dwarfed by Marcus’ towering presence, but today, for once, he refused to back down.

Merlon’s eyes flared with defiance, his lips curling into a sneer.

“Lightly? This is an important matter! We must always prepare for every possibility. What if, after a year, my sister-in-law does not wake up? Or, heaven forbid, she passes away in her current state?”

“That’s enough!” Marcus roared.

Marcus slammed his hand on the table, but Merlon shouted defiantly, “Don’t silence me!”

It was unusual for Merlon, who was typically quick to retreat and defer to others, especially someone as hot-tempered as Marcus. The crowd, sensing the growing tension, paid closer attention.

Luther shook his head subtly at Marcus, signaling for restraint. Marcus, glaring at Merlon, reluctantly leaned back in his chair, choosing not to escalate the situation further.

“I’m merely curious,” Merlon continued, his voice oozing with faux innocence. “If such a tragedy were to occur—if the lady does not wake—surely you, Master Basil, cannot continue acting as the lord’s representative indefinitely. So, who would take over then?”

The room was silent, all eyes on Luther.

“And let’s not pretend we don’t know the law. When the head of the family cannot appoint a successor due to unforeseen circumstances, isn’t it the council of elders who steps in to make that decision? Is that not correct?”

“…Yes, that is correct,” Luther replied quietly.

“And as you well know,” Merlon said, a sly smile creeping across his face, “the council of elders is composed of those listed in the family registry. And, wouldn’t you know it—” He paused, glancing around the room with barely concealed triumph. “I’m the only one left in the Levas family registry. Did you all know that?”

Luther’s voice remained calm, but there was a weight behind his words. “We are aware.”

“I just wanted to clarify for those who might not be,” Merlon said with a smirk, as a ripple of murmurs spread through the room. Some exchanged glances, realizing the significance of Merlon’s claim.

Merlon was no longer the pitiful brother-in-law who relied on the lord for his wealth. He had positioned himself as the only legitimate figure who could influence the future of the Levas family.

He now held the power to decide the family’s successor.