Gardenia of Blooming Desire

Aster wrote three letters four days ago, for Esther Yvette, the Second Princess of North Fort, Gaum Cresthold, the Second Prince of Kingdom Rhea, and Lady Merse Thana, Duchess of Arion.

They were the three closest one he could reach right now. To cultivate his alliance, he needed to occupy the one he had contact with. All of them were influential in their respective houses, especially Lady Merse. Since Lady Merse was actually the one who held Duchy of Arion power currently.

He should be getting replies soon. The farthest one was Lady Merse, while Gaum and Esther weren't that far from here. He inquired from Jain that Gaum stayed in the nearest city, which meant that he was in Grand Duchy's area. While Esther was studying in the Clearwater Academy, an academy in the city of Dionde, the capital city of Grand Duchy Stormhill.

'Both are actually living in the Grand Duchy area.'

Grand Duchy of Stormhill's real office was actually located in the city of Dionde, a rich, beautiful city on the coast. But because it was near the coast, the heat was unbearable for Aster. He could faint because of extreme heat and his rashes were severe even though he was sheltered. Thus, they moved to this mansion far away from the city.

'Gaum and Esther's letters should arrive today.'

'At least, I need to understand their interest.'

Aster was dazed thinking about the possibility of what he would gain and sacrifice for doing this. However, if he didn't do anything, he couldn't cement his place in Golden Camellia Empire political sphere.

'I couldn't rely on my father and mother forever.'

'And I still didn't have any political and business partner.'

'I wouldn't be able to protect him if I stay like this...'

Aster glanced at Ramuja who followed behind silently. He was currently doing his regular morning walk with Ramuja. But for four days straight, they didn't talk at all.

Aster really hated this silence. He wanted to talk with his servant. He wanted to ask many things, but whenever he remembered what his servant said about him being a 'nothing' compared to the Golden royal family. His pride was severely hurt.

He couldn't face his servant at all.

After the sun started rising, Aster ended his morning walk. However, before he left, Ramuja called him, "Young Lord, this servant um... wants to give Young Lord this..."

Aster turned his head, Ramuja was holding a freshly picked sunflower, "Hm? What's the meaning of this?" Aster raised his brows.

"This servant uh... wants to give Young Lord a sunflower..."

"I know that. I mean, why are you giving me sunflower?"

"This--this servant just feels that Young Lord looks good with sunflower..." Ramuja said sheepishly. He lowered his head. Aster almost chuckled, because this big handsome man was acting cheeky.

"Do you know the meaning of giving someone a sunflower?" Aster smiled and took the sunflower.

"This servant asked the maids... um... they said the flower that represent loyalty and adoration is sunflower, so this--this servant..." Ramuja couldn't continue his words, because he was embarrassed.

"Hmm? So you want to prove your loyalty by giving me a sunflower? How cute," Aster chuckled. This seemed to be the way Ramuja tried to say sorry for his harsh word before.

But Ramuja seemed tense, he replied immediately.

"N--No! Young lord deserves more! It's just... this servant can only do this much..."

Aster's expression brightened. He fiddled with the petals and there were still drops of dews. He realized that it was really an extremely fresh-picked sunflower, such freshness only survived few hours after being plucked.

"How did you get this? We don't have any sunflower in the garden. Well, I remember we had a sunflower garden, but it was quite far from here."

"Yes, this servant went out early to pick it," Ramuja replied.

"You picked it just now?" Aster reckoned that it took around one hour of walking just to get there, and then returned here. If this was true, then Ramuja went out at two in the morning, picked the sunflower and then return here at four, because Ramuja was on time for the daily walk.

"Yes, Young Lord. This servant took two hours before morning walk," Ramuja looked nervous and asked, "Does... the flower not suit Young Lord's taste? Did this servant pluck a bad sunflower?"

"No, I'm just..." Aster saw Ramuja's expression and felt hopeless. This servant was really dumb... but cute, "Never mind, I appreciate it, Thank you."

Aster smiled sincerely to Ramuja.

Ramuja was overwhelmed by such smile and he stammered, "Th--th--that un... this servant doesn't deserve a... thanks from Young Lord."

Aster raised his hand, he wanted to pat Ramuja's head. But he hesitated and hid his hand behind his back. He left the garden, he glanced again and saw Ramuja with desolate expression.

'Maybe I should let him attend me...'

"Ramuja," Aster called him. Ramuja hurriedly approached Aster.

"Yes, Young Lord!" Ramuja heed to his call excitedly.

"You will attend me tomorrow," Aster said.

"Yes! This servant will gladly attend as Young Lord's servant tomorrow! Thanking Young Lord's kindness!"

Aster smiled. He finally left the garden and entered his room. Jain was already standing near his desk.

"You are early," Aster said with a big smile on his face.

"Yes, Young Lord. This servant bring a letter from Gaum Cresthold, Second Prince of Kingdom Rhea."

Aster nodded and put the sunflower on the table.

"May this servant knows why is Young Lord look very bright today?"

"Oh, nothing much. I'm just happy," Aster giggled. "Well, give me the letter."

Jain wasn't sure what happened to his master, because he was forbidden to tail his master's morning walk with that slave. He handed the letter to Aster and asked him whether he should bring an empty vase for the sunflower.

"Yes, bring me a good small vase."

While Jain left the room to get a vase, Aster opened Gaum's letter. The letter was written informally, but surprisingly very neat. That brazen man actually could write with such neat handwriting.

-- 'Dear Aster Di Arlingdon,

Young Lord of Grand Duchy Stormhill.

I would be pleased to meet you as I also have a meeting to do with Grand Duke on Thursday in Grand Duchy mansion. Since this is my first visit, I will bring a gift for you. Be sure to greet me with your gorgeous appearance, because I couldn't wait to kiss your soft hand again.

Love,

Gaum Cresthold.'--

"Ugh, disgusting!" Aster crumpled the letter and threw it on the floor.

"How dare he brazenly court me like that!" Aster complained. But strangely, he wasn't disgusted. Only the feeling of ridicule, as if looking at a flirty clown.

Aster's lips curled up again. Maybe because of his bright mood from Ramuja combined with that positive letter from Gaum. He was delighted.

He caressed the sunflower, and then pecked it with his lips.

'How could I ever hate you? My dear servant.'