Let's go our separate ways

Part 63

Miraculously, Flos really is not bothered by the Royals or the Dukes. Flos is really amazed. Thanks to no distractions, Flos gets to enjoy the treatment from this spa and beauty salon to the fullest. Ehem. The price is worth the service, but Flos still won't pay for this unless it's necessary.

1-time experience is enough. For now.

And now, Flos is set to wait for the Royals to appear so they can go back to the Castle together. Whilst waiting, Flos also takes a look at the garden in this place. Maybe because this is a place for business, the garden is taken care of. Personally, Flos doesn't think there's a need to change anything; but it all depends on Rhythm's aesthetic to decide though.

After waiting by the garden for some time, Flos then moves around. It is still within the entrance's vicinity, but Flos surely walks farther and farther away from the gate. It sounds like, around the corner in front of her, a group of people are talking.

Before showing herself, as she walks steadily in that direction, Flos listens to the conversation for a bit.

"...Does King Ray still live with Queen Viola?" a woman's voice, asks in curiosity

"Oh, my!" genuine surprise

"Lady Freya, hush!" embarrassed surprise

"Lady Freya, we all are curious about it. However, it is not something for us to ask out in the open," the tone seems to suggest for they to move to somewhere private, to continue with this subject

"Yes, I apologise," a pause, "Your Majesty, you can nod or shake your head if you don't want to say it,"

"I will still have to answer, hm?" this voice belongs to Queen Viola, Flos is certain

"The question has already been spoken, Your Majesty," the sentence is said in a mischievous tone and the people around Queen Viola giggle together

Flos does not quite understand what they are talking about, so she carefully peeks at the group of people standing close to the corner where Flos finds them. Just as Flos is watching them, 1 of the ladies, around the same age as Queen Viola, also notices Flos.

"We have company," she tells her friends, causing everyone to turn their heads to look at Flos; with Queen Viola recognising Flos

"Miss Flos," Queen Viola greets Flos lightly as she informs the ladies surrounding her, "This is the guest I invited,"

The ladies all share a smile and nod their heads at Flos, a woman younger than them. Flos also gives them a curtsy, although it is done somewhat slowly and hesitantly.

After observing Flos, a lady says to Queen Viola, "Is she the rumoured girl?"

Queen Viola glances at the lady, "It is a rumour not worth mentioning,"

Flos belatedly realises that the absurd rumour regarding herself with the King is known by people outside the Castle. She thought the rumour has been quelled already.

The lady smiles, meeting Queen Viola's gaze without wavering, "I understand. I was just slightly surprised by such a rumour," turning her gaze towards Flos, the lady apologises, "I'm sorry, I should have known better than to bring up this improbable gossip,"

"My Lady, you don't sound sincere with the apology," 1 of the ladies there teases her friend

"But I do know I'm in the wrong," the lady who brought up the gossip shakes her head, "After all, we all know King Ray will only have Queen Viola in his life,"

Flos hears and understands. This lady is not sincerely apologising to her, as another points out. She is apologising to Queen Viola, although not sincerely either. She is the 1 who asked Queen Viola a question that Flos overheard. At that time, Flos thought they were conversing playfully as friends, with the laughs and cheerful atmosphere.