Chapter 458
Flora embraced Amelie in a tight, heartfelt hug. “I am so sorry for the delay,” she murmured, pulling back just enough to hold Amelie’s shoulders. “I was absolutely swamped with last-minute tasks at the office p>
Amelie offered a soft, understanding smile. “It’s truly alright, Flora. Please don’t worry. Your work is important p>
Flora’s eyes brightened as she gestured toward several colorful shopping bags. “Where is Noah? I brought him a cache of new toys and other gifts p>
“He’s with his grandparents for the day,” Amelie replied gently. “Why don’t you put those down and take a minute to relax? Mom and Dad have already gone up to rest, and you look exhausted p>
Flora carefully placed the bags onto a nearby table, her cheerful demeanor suddenly fading. “I don’t need to rest right now. Amelie, is everything truly fine?” Her voice dropped, laced with a sudden concern. “June hasn’t caused you any trouble, has she p>
Amelie leaned back slightly, a wave of relief washing over her. “Thankfully, June couldn’t touch me or Noah. I don’t understand why she turned like this but after her marriage to Lord Valen, Brother Nick ultimately rejected her, and she is no longer in the palace p>
The two sisters settled onto the plush sofa. Flora gently took a cushion into her lap. “I do understand June, to some extent,” she asserted, carrying a thoughtful, troubled tone.
“She is utterly obsessed with power, and it completely blinded her. She wanted to rule and be the everyone’s queen. That’s the core of why she behaved the way she did.” Flora paused, her expression becoming distant. “But you can’t justify your own cruel actions just because you’re arrogant or blinded by ambition. You truly believe you’re the one in the right, and everyone else is an obstacle or a fool. I was once that person p>
Amelie sensed the deep, self-directed regret etched onto Flora’s face and gently placed her hand over her sister’s. “You’re no longer that person,” Amelie whispered, her voice full of warmth.
“Hmm.” Flora sighed, her gaze meeting Amelie’s. “I think that’s only because you and our parents gave me a chance to change. I don’t know if you’ve truly forgiven me yet, Amelie, but I will continue to thrive to be a better person. I truly hate my past self.” Her forehead creased into a deep frown of worry.
“You’ve absolutely changed, Flora. And I like the current you very much,” Amelie confirmed, squeezing her hand reassuringly. She then glanced toward Ashna, who was standing quietly nearby, and asked her, “Ashna, would you please bring my sister some refreshments and perhaps some of those candied nuts we have p>
Ashna bowed and left before Amelie turned her gaze to Flora.
“Juniper was given numerous chances, but she didn’t stop. That’s also a reason why Brother Nick couldn’t stand her anymore. Zilia and Idris were on the verge of banishment from the kingdom. Everyone was so damn worried. But things are turning better now. However, for Brother Nick it may take time,” Amelie explained.
“Hmm. I hope he turns better soon,” Flora stated. “Well, let’s not get tensed by all of this. Tomorrow is a big day for Noah baby. Are you excited? What will you wear tomorrow?” she switched their conversation to much lighter one.
“Of course, I’m very excited. The dress is in my closet. Gabriel bought it for me,” Amelie answered with a smile.
“Let’s see it then,” Flora said, holding her hand and the two rushed to the bedroom.
Gabriel pushed open the heavy oak door of an old potion shop and an ancient library. It had taken him nearly three frustrating hours to locate this hidden, inconspicuous building tucked away in the city’s oldest district.
He glanced toward the counter and saw the proprietor: a frail, old woman with wispy white hair and eyes that seemed to hold centuries of knowledge. She looked up, her expression shifting instantly from recognition.
Without hesitation, she rose from her stool and performed a deep curtsey.
“I am here for a specific book,” Gabriel stated simply. “I want to see an old encyclopedia p>
“How old, Your Highness?” the lady asked.
“As old as they come,” Gabriel replied.
The old woman pushed aside a small, creaky wooden gate beside the counter and began walking, beckoning him forward.
Gabriel followed her silently into the darker, dustier depths of the library, where the shelves towered toward the ceiling and the daylight failed to penetrate. He noticed her small hand struggling to keep the flickering oil lantern steady.
“Let me take that,” Gabriel said softly, reaching out. “I’ll hold it p>
The old lady murmured a quiet “Thank you” as Gabriel took the lantern. She walked a few more steps into the dim aisle and paused, pushing her spectacles up the bridge of her nose as she squinted toward the shadowy upper shelves, clearly trying to recall the exact location.
“Over there!” she finally announced, pointing toward the north. “That thick, leather-bound volume is one of the oldest this library possesses p>
Gabriel placed the lantern on a sturdy, lower shelf. He then swiftly mounted the small, wooden rolling staircase to reach the massive book. He gripped it and pulled it from the shelf, immediately realizing its immense weight. It was clearly heavier than any modern volume.
Descending the staircase, he saw the old lady was already holding the lantern again, illuminating the aisle.
“What does Your Highness wish to know from such a tome?” she inquired, her expression curious.
“I need to learn about a certain ancient place,” Gabriel answered, keeping his reply deliberately vague. “Someone directed me to this shop, assuring me I would find a suitable encyclopedia here p>
The old lady sighed, shaking her head slightly. “No one bothers with such things these days, Your Highness,” she muttered, a hint of sadness in her voice. “Everyone uses those little phones p>
“But some knowledge is hidden in the books alone, the old ones,” Gabriel countered, running a hand over the rough spine of the encyclopedia. “I will ensure it’s returned to you in a few days. What is the fee for keeping it p>
The old lady shook her frail hands dismissively. “I don’t need payment, Your Highness. Just keep it.” She smiled, refusing any money.
“Why not?” Gabriel pressed, his tone firm but respectful. “This is your livelihood. If you won’t name a price, then I will simply pay what I deem is the appropriate amount p>
“Then, a cent will be enough,” the old lady stated.
“I don’t have a cent,” Gabriel replied, reaching for his wallet. He took out a bill and handed it in the hands of the old lady. “Keep it.” He could have handed more, but seeing the pride in the eyes of the old lady for running such a shop, he didn’t.
“Thank you,” Gabriel said with a smile and walked out of her sight.
The old lady looked at the bill in her hands and smiled. Suddenly, the shop disappeared and she returned to her original form.
An ethereal one with long white hair with face shining like the moon light.
“You’ve to bring an end to your past life, Gabriel. I hope you find the origin of you soon,” the woman whispered.