When they did arrive inside the palace, both of them immediately searched for the nearest fireplace, which was in the guestroom.

  Some of Jibran’s aides stood outside the door while the others stood inside the room with them. Same as such with Elda’s men.

  They sat at the sofa, staring silently at the fire. That was until Elda couldn’t hold her curiosity anymore.

  “So, what’s the importance of the flower?” Asked Elda. Usually at a sight like that Elda wouldn’t bat an eye to it.

  “Isn’t it amazing that such a small flower survived such a weather when some of the bigger plants didn’t? It made me want to try harder in all honesty.”

  Jibran replied with a wistful smile. Elda raised her eyebrow, baffled by his response. Seeing that, Jibran chuckled lightly before continuing.

  “On a more serious note, I think we can research that flower, as to how it survived. Maybe we could track it, there could be a bunch of flowerbeds somewhere near it. It would be more favorable if there are other plants too.”

  The answer Jibran gave this time made much more sense to Elda. It also made it that Noir’s action earlier seemed no longer out of place.

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  “Thus my brother marked it. I envy how both of you have such quick-thinking.”

  Right after Elda said that Jibran faced her. She knew but she kept her gaze at the flickering fire instead. Not wanting to see his expression, whatever it was. Thankfully, Jibran decided to change the topic.

  “Speaking of which, my Lady, Lord Noir and your siblings seemed to have abilities inherited from Lord Tenebris. Do you have one too?”

  Elda supposed he got curious after seeing Noir do the non-chant magic earlier. Even in Tenebris, not all could do that, so the surprise a lot of people express was not foreign, rather usual.

  “No. I’m the only one who doesn't, except for the blessing of slower aging. Even my aptitude for magic was weak. Maybe it was because of my frail constitution. So instead I seek knowledge. In a humorous and ironic way, we are the same.”

  Yet another reason for Elda to feel frustrated. Being in the shadow of a lot of talented older siblings. But it was just a mere childish feeling she failed to conquer. Not as important as the state of her country right now.

  “Indeed.”

  That was all that Jibran said and Elda felt as though there’s no need for more words. From that alone and the context she had on Jibran, she knew that he understood.

  Elda couldn’t imagine how it felt like to be thrown as a political hostage, even if it was very needed. Even if his family truly loved him but had to do that anyway.

  While she stayed in her silence, Jibran stood up and bowed to her.

  “If I may, I want to rest in my quarters,” he politely asked. She just nodded in response. With that he walked slowly towards the door before stopping.

  “But even the smallest flower could survive, if not they would have gone extinct long ago, my Lady. Resilience truly is a strength.”

  He left after saying that, not giving Elda the time to even reply. But it’s not like she wanted to talk anyway.

  But what a sweet man, she thought. Trying to cheer someone as bitter as her up. But she supposed what he said had some merits.