The Flower Of Eternity
Chapter 32: Blessing

Day by day passed. Anna returned to her busy life as Tsarina and as a single mother. While waiting for a reply from Eugene, Anna does what she can first to prepare for her negotiations with Haru or war with Orient if the negotiations fail. As much as possible he did not allow himself to be silent or alone, because once his busyness stopped and there was no one around him, sadness would come back to accompany him.

As Imperial affairs begin to give her a headache, Anna will briefly come out of her study and take Vierra for a walk in the greenhouse garden with Irene who invites Elyan. They would have tea together and chat. Irene can be a very pleasant interlocutor at times like that. Usually Irene will tell about her childhood in Schiereiland and tell about her friendship with King Edward and her love story with Kris, her father Leon. Anna was happy because it was like having a girlfriend who came from Schiereiland because Irene spent more of her youth in Schiereiland. As much as possible they avoided the topic of Xavier and Leon— - one left him for good, the other left him without a word and had not given him any news to date.

A week later, Queen Eugene's reply arrived. In the letter, Eugene said he would welcome Anna to discuss her plans to make Westeria part of the Imperial Schiereiland. It wasn't a letter of approval unlike the one in her dream, but at least Eugene was willing to discuss it directly with Anna. On that very day, Anna invited Vierra, Irene and General Tyros to visit Westeria.

The Wisteria Palace still looks the same as the last time Anna lived in the Palace when Montreux and Schere were bombed after the wedding day. It seemed that the incident had passed a long time ago, but the Wisteria Palace had not changed at all. The palace is still very beautiful, like it only exists in fairy tales full of wonders. Moreover, when it has started to enter spring— in Westeria, winter only lasts a short time. The entire flowers growing around the Palace were in full bloom and gave off the spring scent that Anna longed for.

Wisteria flowers bloom on the ceiling along the hallway. Vines adorned the walls of the Palace. If in most palaces the flowers are placed in vases, in the Wisteria Palace, the flowers are allowed to grow and bloom in the corners of the room as well as along the left and right long hallways. There are various fruits that have begun to ripen so as to give off a sweet aroma in the air. The servants were not only busy cleaning, they were also busy harvesting fruit to be distributed to the people who could not afford it. The people of Westeria, both rich and poor, never felt hunger because the land was so fertile and the Wisteria Palace always provided abundant food for all of them. Anna watches all of this on her way to the room Eugene had prepared for her entourage to occupy while in Westeria.

Eugene takes Anna for a walk in the inner garden of the Palace after making sure Vierra sleeps soundly and is guarded by General Irene, General Tyros, and his troops. Although the entire Wisteria Palace is a garden, they still have a special room that is used as a garden within the Palace, where Queen Westeria enjoys her private spring all year long while drinking tea. In the park, there is river water flowing in the room. The water was very clear, and the sound as the river water flowed gave a calming effect. Anna thought about where and where the river flowed until she remembered that the Wisteria Palace was actually built on a very large lake. A magical lake whose water never dries and is always clear, whose water is believed to cure various diseases. Lake Lacrima de Madre—Water Eyes Mother.

Because it is still early spring, there are not many flowers that bloom in the park. Nemophila flowers that have a bright blue color most dominates the garden so it looks as if the garden floor is blue. Wisteria flowers that creep on the walls to the ceiling give variations of purple and pink. There are also other flowers that still have not fully bloomed such as Tulips, daffodils and roses, as well as other flowers that Anna has never seen that have never even grown in Schiereiland.

Anna uses the power of Earithear to multiply the flowers in the garden and speed up the process of expansion. Queen Eugene watched her in awe, yet was not at all surprised as if she had already been told what Anna could do. Anna was not surprised, because Theana Ortiz, her personal bodyguard could read minds.

"Earithear or the Earth Dragon created the Wisteria Palace. He created it lovingly, and gave it to his son." Eugene. "Earithear was the mother of Frederico Reyes, the first King of Westeria. It was the most trusted ancient legend in Westeria."

"really? I've never heard of it at all." Said Anna. He had indeed heard of the ancient legend about Earithear who created the Wisteria Palace for mankind. Because the Wisteria Palace can grow any plant, heart-comforting fragrant flowers and delicious fruits that saturate the entire population of Westeria long ago. But Anna did not know that Earithear was the mother of the first King of Westeria.

"I think the legend is true. Lake Lacrima de Madre was created from Earithear's tears, happy tears when she gave birth to Frederico safely. That is why the water can cure various diseases. Earithear has always been said to be a Dragon who loves and loves humans." Said Eugene who was still paying attention to the flowers that Anna had just grown. There was a long pause before he finally came back saying, "I heard the late Queen Isabella, your mother, is an Earth Dragon."

"true." Anna answered briefly. He wished Eugene had not spoken the words that people used to say to him. That they apologized for talking back about her mother or that they were sorry for her. Because if Eugene says it, it feels like Anna wants to go back to crying for her mother.

And at that moment, the memory of his mother's death came back to his mind. Anna braced herself and tried to put aside her suffering. Her mother's death was very hard for her because Anna was very close to her mother. And because until the last seconds of her mother's life, Anna only knew that her mother was an Earth Dragon. It seemed to prove how little he knew about his mother. How many things his mother did not tell him. About her mother's past as the only daughter of the previous Grand Duke Smirnoff, a daughter who is unwanted by her mother because the Grand Duchess wants to have a son to be the heir to the Smirnoff family. And how much it made Queen Isabella not want to repeat her mother's mistake so that once Anna was born as the first princess of the kingdom of Schiereiland, instead of blaming her for being born a woman, her mother bestowed all her love for Anna. Queen Isabella loved him so much, that after his death, Anna felt very lost. But Xavier was by her side and helped her through that deep pain, albeit with a process that was not easy. Xavier's existence can strengthen him. Now that Xavier is gone, Anna feels like she has lost the grip on her life and fallen into an endless abyss of grief. It was as if all the wounds in his heart, which had been patched, repaired and healed by Xavier, were now all re-opened after Xavier's death.

Eugene looked at Anna who looked pondering after talking about her mother. Knowing that if he discussed it further would only make Anna even more sad, Eugene immediately said his next sentence. The main sentence he was about to say. The main reason why he asked Anna to come to his palace.

"That is why I am more and more convinced to make this beautiful, lovingly created, wonder-filled land a part of Imperial Schiereiland."

Eugene's words surprised her so much that it took a while for Anna to be able to digest them. "What did you say?"

Eugene smiled at him. "Tsarina Anastasia, before replying to your letter, I had already first negotiated with the four Clan leaders. I've even met in person and talked to Lady Violetta Reyes, the first Queen of Westeria, who is very difficult to find. We have decided to accept your offer. Westeria will be subject to Imperial Schiereiland's law. We'll be part of the Imperial."

Anna did not at all imagine that Eugene would just take the offer for granted. Westeria has been an independent prosperous country since it broke with Schiereiland a thousand years ago under the leadership of Grand Queen Zhenra. Anna even remembers a thousand years ago that she was the one who allowed Westeria to secede and continue to support the progress of the country.

So Anna asked back to make sure that Eugene did understand what he was trying to do, "I know that your bodyguard can read minds. I don't think there's any point in lying or keeping something from you. So I will be frank that I intend to recruit some of your best technicians to work with Grand Duke Smirnoff in creating the Steel Dragon. A flying steel vehicle and a war vehicle previously designed by Empress Dowager Reina of the Orient."

"I know." Eugene said calmly.

"And you're still accepting the offer even if you know?"

"Yes, Tsarina."

"May I know why? Westeria avoided war for many years. By agreeing that Westeria is under the Imperial rule of Schiereiland, you are simply declaring that Westeria is ready to fight with us against the Orient."

"Orient will still attack us, whether we are part of Imperial or not. Based on geographical location, Westeria is between Orient and Montreux which is your territory. We will remain affected both directly and indirectly." Eugene. Then, with a friendly smile, he added, "At the same time we will be led directly by the Queen of Dragons. We have a strong and reliable leader. We're not afraid of anything. If you need someone who can destroy the Orient with one look, we have Navarro's powers curbed for hundreds of years and hidden from outsiders. If you need a spy who can know the mind of our enemy, we have Ortiz who can not only read minds but also control the minds of others. There are also Torres who can imitate the strength of their opponents so that it will compensate them on the battlefield, salazars can talk to animals and tame monsters and make all beasts and monsters their accomplices. We will all be ready to fight with you. We believe you, Tsarina Anastasia."

***

That day they signed an agreement stating that the kingdom of Westeria would be part of Imperial Schiereiland after agreeing on several points of requirement between the two. Eugene remained Queen, but his power was limited to the internal affairs of Westeria while Anna would hold supreme power in the reign of Westeria. Eugene promises to provide Westeria's best technicians to assist Anna in the creation of the Steel Dragon. Anna immediately sent a letter to Ludwig to give him the good news.

It was already evening when he and Eugene finished discussing all matters relating to the handover of Westeria power to Imperial. Anna came to the room where Vierra slept in the right wing of the Wisteria Palace. But her daughter was already fast asleep with Irene who was also asleep with her. Noticing that the mother-in-law and her daughter looked very deep in their sleep, Anna could not bear to wake the two. So he left both of them in the care of the Engelberg team that Tyros had brought.

Drowsiness was not felt yet, Anna decided to take a walk around the park where she and Eugene took a walk this afternoon. The park looks even more beautiful at night. The silvery moonlight illuminated the entire garden, making it a place of elegance and peace with the clear sound of flowing water. Among the flowers that grew in the garden, there were flowers that gave off a light that changed in color. Anna initially thought that it was one of the technologies created by Westeria, but it turned out that it was a real flower that Anna did not know her name. There are also some fireflies whose light shimmers bright purple. Purple fireflies like the ones he had seen a few times. Above, through the clear glass ceiling, among the Wisteria flowers surrounding it, was a starry night sky. Seeing the brightly glowing stars, Anna recalled the night Xavier proposed to her at the celebration of the thousand-star night in the Orient. It was the happiest night of his life.

Are you like that too? Every time I see the stars at night, I think of you.

No voice answered him. Anna did not expect the missed voice to appear, but she remained silent waiting while looking at the stars in the sky.

"Married to me."

The voice was so shocking to her that Anna froze for a few seconds. It was definitely not Xavier's voice. Similar, but not. The voice was hoarse and the accent was somewhat different from Xavier's. Moreover, the person who said it used Westernia language as if he was talking to a Westerian.

"I told you I'm not getting married!" This time it was the voice of a woman speaking Westernia.

Then there was the sound of footsteps. They were walking very fast as if the woman was trying to avoid the man, and the man was unwilling to let the woman get away from him. The longer, their footsteps sounded closer and closer so Anna hurriedly ducked hiding behind the trees and among the flowers.

"You said you weren't getting married. Not not to." Said the man. Now Anna knows whose voice it is. He was General Tyros. Her voice sounded a bit different when she used Westernia so Anna barely recognized her voice. Anna peered among the flowers and found the two standing face to face quite far away from her. But Anna could see both of them quite clearly. Tyros extended his hand, clasping the woman's hand. "Theana, look at me and tell me that you don't love me and don't want to marry me. That way I'll go and completely forget about you. I'll stay away from you and won't bother you anymore. But you really should tell me."

Anna felt bad about having to hear the conversation of the two of them, but at the same time Anna could not leave the place without being caught. And if he gets caught, he's worried he'll ruin both of their moments. Tyros seems to be trying to get his ex-girlfriend back and Anna could have thwarted his attempt if he had moved just a little. So Anna tried to be quiet and sat waiting among the flowers without making a sound. Letting the two couples solve the problems between them.

After a long pause, Theana finally said, "I..." But no words came up after that. He seemed to try again, "I... I wasn't..."

"Why? Can't do? I heard that instead of being able to read minds, the people from the Ortiz Clan cannot lie. Don't you?"

"Then let's marry me. You don't have to leave Westeria and leave your career as the Queen's bodyguard. Westeria will soon be part of Imperial Schiereiland. La Gran Puerta will never separate us again because Queen Eugene will order that the great gate of Westeria that has been separating us be destroyed."

"You don't understand. That's not the only problem."

"If you're concerned about your true age three times my age, then I'll tell you that it's not a problem for me at all. I'm old enough to be married, Theana. You won't marry a minor or anything." Tyros.

Theana looked surprised at his words. "You...know my real age?"

"I didn't intend to find out at first. I was about to give up and, although it was hard, I intended to completely forget about you after you rejected my proposal back then. But then I accidentally saw Goddess Aletheia's eyeball when Leon took her to the boardroom, and that's where I found out the real reason you rejected my proposal. Are you worried that I'm too young for you? Or are you worried that you will live long and young for hundreds of years while I will die? Is that what you're afraid of?"

Anna did not see it clearly enough, but Theana's trembling voice told her that she was crying. "really. That's all I'm afraid of."

"Then make my short life more meaningful and worth living. Marry me, Theana. I don't care if you're even a thousand years old or even if you'll still look this young when I'm wrinkled later. I just want to live with you because I love you. And if it wasn't you, I don't think I'd ever marry anyone. Just you."

Theana did not answer him immediately. Anna waited with forced patience. It felt like he was yelling at Theana to immediately accept Tyros proposal. But of course it's up to Theana. A woman's heart no one can understand, not even a woman. Theana may have a reason if she rejects a proposal from a loved one who also loves her.

After a pause that felt like hundreds of years, Theana finally said, "My age will not reach a thousand years. Most of our people died at the age of three hundred. At most our lifespan could reach five hundred. And I'll start to wrinkle as well if it's two hundred years old. I'm not immortal, it's just that my aging process is different from ordinary humans."

That doesn't answer anything. But more or less Anna already knew this would be a happy ending for both of them. And he would immediately leave secretly from that place before the two of them realized his existence.

"So, no problem, right?" Tyros. Men need clear answers, while women tend to give enigmatic answers that raise other questions.

"You have no problem marrying a woman older than your mother?"

"You're not older than my mother—“

"Don't lie, Tyros. I'm sixty-nine!"

"I knew. I mean, you're older than my grandmother. Not just my mom. My grandmother sixty years—Aw! Pain, Theana." Tyros rubbed his legs which Theana had just stepped hard on. She seemed to hold back a laugh when she saw her lover scowling annoyed at her. "How many times do I have to say that your age is not a problem for me. Age is just a number."

"Then, are you sure you want to marry a woman who can read your mind? You won't be able to lie to me. You didn't have a chance to cheat on me either. There must be no other woman on your mind but me. I'll know right away that you're thinking about another woman. And you certainly know my sword skills, General."

Tyros laughed, "Well... It must be so exciting. Thrilling."

Although Anna did not see him, Anna knew Theana was smiling. "alright. Let's get married."

"Now?"

"Don't be rude. In Westeria tradition, you have to bring your parents to see my parents first." Theana.

"alright. Later after I return to Noord, I will directly talk about this to my father and mother. Tradition in the north, I must have the blessing of both my parents first." Tyros.

"One more thing before you ask for your father's and mother's blessing." Then I heard footsteps again. This time Anna was pretty sure the two of them were walking towards where she was sitting among the flowers behind the big tree. "We must ask Tsarina Anastasia for her blessing. Your Majesty, are you going to bless our marriage?" Now Theana's voice is right behind the tree where Anna is hiding.

Anna just remembered that Theana must have been aware of her existence since. Theana Ortiz can read minds. So of course his hiding had been free. At least it is not useless for Tyros because in the end Tyros managed to propose Theana and got a positive answer from him this time.

Anna immediately stood up, tidied up her dress, then came out of hiding. He saw Theana and Tyros holding hands in front of him. Their fingers clutched together as if nothing could separate them. Seeing them, it somehow made Anna miss Xavier even more. He used to hold the hand of the man he loved. Now his hands feel empty.

Tyros looked surprised, but Theana looked ordinary. Anna apologized to them immediately.

"sorry. I accidentally—“

"It's okay, Your Honor. We should indeed ask for your blessing as well as the Imperial leader." Tyros said directly. "Your Majesty, this woman is the woman I love very much and will marry. And just as my oath of allegiance to Imperial is to always guard Imperial and sacrifice my life for Imperial's sake, I will also vow my allegiance to always love, love and protect this woman with all my soul and body. Will you bless our marriage, Your Majesty?"

For some reason Anna's eyes glazed over when she heard Tyros say that, asking her blessing to marry the woman she loved. Perhaps because when Xavier asked the blessing of the Goddess of Heaven to marry him in the night of a thousand stars, the Goddess of Heaven never really answered him.  Perhaps because of her marriage to Xavier, both in the past and in the present life, never got the blessing of the Goddess of Heaven.

"Of course I approve of you. May you have a happy, long-lived married life to be able to love each other for a long time. Congratulations to you guys." Anna said with a sincere smile. In his heart he prayed for happiness for the couple so as not to end up with tears like himself.

Hearing that, Tyros smiled happily. Anna had never seen her general look so happy before. Tyros and Theana knelt before him, "Thank you very much, Your Majesty."

***

The journal of King Xavier:

O Goddess of Heaven, I love her. That woman, the woman I love with all my heart, is now reborn. And I met him. And I fell back in love with him. You have kept your promise, but I don't think I can keep my promise not to go near him anymore.

If we can't be together, if we're not meant to be together, please make her life happy always. Don't give him the hard-to-bear trials of life. Don't let her tears flow. I want it, but I want it more.

If I am his happiness, please don't separate me from him. If you want to take my life, please make sure it won't make her sad. And if she's sad, please give me back to her.

***