Chapter 31 (2/2)

Alexus carefully laid down Aiolos’ egg. Flora kept wailing. Alexus continued speaking, “There will be a big war soon but I won’t let them come here and trample on your love. I will do so by any means. This is my atonement for you and him.”

The video disappeared and I thought of my wife with closed eyes. My current heart was no different from Aiolos. If my wife hadn’t died first, I would’ve acted the same way. I understood Aiolos’ heart.

Ttiring~

[The Love Between Flora and Aiolos]

[The secret history of the wind flower Aiolia!

If you tell this to a bard who likes sad love stories, they will reward you.]

“I didn’t expect this to be the story. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have...”

“No, I’m fine. By the way, he is still by my side.” Her gaze shifted in the direction of the fireplace.

“This...?”

“That’s right. It is Aiolos’ egg.”

It was a dark brown egg that looked like a large ostrich egg. From a distance, it might just seem like a round stone. However, this was Flora’s treasure and her reason for living. Her eyes were misted over.

[The first apostle, ‘Prometheus,’ is looking at the egg with pitying eyes.]

Her eyes were full of love and hate. Longing, sadness, and love were all mixed together and I didn’t know how to comfort her or what words I should say. How would she react if she found out I was his successor? She might be angry and kick me out. However, I wanted to tell her. This was an important matter for me from the moment I decided to walk on Alexus’ path. “Flora.”

“Yes.”

“In fact, I’m actually the successor of Chef Alexus.”

There was silence in the air. Flora’s shoulders shook for a while but she seemed calm. Was it due to all the years that passed? Or was it because of Aiolos’ egg? I didn’t know the reason.

“I was able to learn his cooking method through his diary. As his successor, I deeply apologize. I’m sorry.” I bowed toward her. It was undeniable that Alexus that inflicted indelible wounds on her, despite all the years that passed. Maybe it was fate that I met her.

[The first apostle, ‘Prometheus,’ is looking at you with surprise.]

Flora closed her eyes and remained silent. She seemed to be thinking of someone. After a short time, I could hear her voice. ”I can’t forgive Alexus for taking him away.”

“......”

“However, I don’t think that is your fault.”

“...!”

“It is late at night. The room on the right is the one my son used. Stay there for today.”

After speaking these final words, Flora went straight to her room and closed the door. I turned my head and found her son’s room.

-Kerenos’ Room.

I entered it silently. The aloof moonlight came in through the window and the gentle melody was calm and comforting. I looked up at the moonlight and muttered, “This is the karma I have to bear...”

The next day...

Morning arrived and the world was bright. Flora greeted me when I opened the door. “You woke up.”

“Ah... did you sleep well?”

I sat on a nearby chair with an awkward expression. She was sitting in a rocking chair and knitting like yesterday. The moment I sat down, Flora spoke, “I haven’t given you anything for bringing back Elizabeth yesterday. Please receive this.”

[Lost Puppy has been completed.]

[$200 have been acquired.]

I couldn’t help laughing. I hadn’t done it because I wanted something. Cer, no, Elizabeth, licked my hand. “I slept well. This girl.”

Elizabeth gazed at me as her head was stroked. I saw her satisfied expression and involuntarily laughed. Pretending she didn’t know me now that she met her master?

“Kwal!”

...Cute. I wanted to raise her.

At this moment, Flora spoke, “I have a request.”

“...?”

I looked back at her when I heard she had a request.

“Did you say that you are Alexus’ successor?”

“That's right.”

“In fact, I have not eaten a dish made of wind flowers since Aiolos died.”

I could vaguely guess why. Perhaps...

“I thought I would be reminded of him if I ate a dish made with Aiolia. I never made that dish again to forget the grief of losing a loved one.”

...It was truly like this.

“Now Jackson came here. Perhaps it was Aiolos’ intention to make this happen.”

She looked at Aiolos’ egg and suggested, “Can you make a dish out of the wind flower for me?”