[TIDK] 132 – Marguerites

June 6

"Then you can dig up my grave later. It seems there's no other way," Viktor remarked calmly. Then, addressing Harold, whose expression contorted, he asked,

"Is there any medication related to memory?"

"Why are you suddenly asking about that? You treated everything we use as narcotics," Harold retorted.

"That's what I thought. But the royal family doesn't seem to view it the same way."

"Huh, shouldn't you be against it?" Harold said, then immediately asked, "Why is that?"

"If I tell you the reason, will you promise to keep it here?" Viktor responded, his expression unwavering.

"Oh, I see," Harold replied, then continued, "There is something. Something related to memory. When used, it enhances one's memory, making it more vivid."

"And what about the side effects?"

"It causes temporary memory loss."

"What exactly does 'temporary' mean in this case?"

"It varies from person to person, so I can't provide an exact answer."

"Are you suggesting that recovery might not be possible?"

In response, Harold tapped his head with his finger and said, "It depends. It varies so much for each individual."

"In fact, the reason for memory loss is due to the defence mechanism here. Each person's psychological state and mental capacity are different, so it's possible that they may choose not to recall memories they find undesirable."

"And what about the treatment?"

"There isn't one. Although it's referred to as a side effect of the medication, ultimately, it's the individual's brain that determines the outcome. The only approach is to reduce stress, get plenty of rest, and try alleviating tension."

As he explained, Viktor remained motionless, observing Harold with a steady gaze.

Harold understood the implication behind his piercing stare. Even in the absence of a solution, Viktor expected him to come up with one.

"While there may not be a definitive cure if frequent memory loss continues to occur afterwards, a mitigating remedy is available."

"I see."

Viktor responded in that manner, but he didn't delve further into the topic of the mitigating remedy. Harold understood it as a signal to prepare the medication on his own.

After Viktor opened the door, he instructed one of his subordinates, "Continue to keep watch."

"Yes, Captain," the subordinate replied respectfully. With that, the naval personnel turned and exited the warehouse.

Viktor maintained an expressionless face, but Evan and Pallin, the two sailors aware of his medication actions, seethed with anger.

Pallin made a conscious effort to lower his voice as he spoke to Evan, "Is this acceptable? How dare he... This is an attack on the royal navy by the Royal Police."

Evan nodded in agreement, replying, "Well, you see, the Captain isn't part of the royal family, so he doesn't have access to the information held by the Royal Police."

Pallin acknowledged the point, saying, "True."

Underneath the carriage wheel, a yellow flower known as Marguerite bloomed. It reminded Viktor of Scarlett, who used to smile radiantly at the sight of these modest weeds flourishing year-round, unnoticed by others.

In his reminiscence, Viktor recalled how Scarlett would craft flower wreaths and jewellery out of Marguerites, adorning them on her fan. Scarlett's parents were known for their strong emphasis on reason, making her innocent and joyful fascination with even the simplest of flowers a cherished sight for them.

It was only now that Viktor recalled Scarlett's words, echoing in his mind. Before boarding the carriage, Viktor bent down to pluck a single Marguerite flower, prompting the footman to intervene hastily.

"I will do it, my lord," the footman offered politely.

At that moment, Viktor recalled his request for a maid to be summoned to assist Scarlett, who had been about to boil water herself. He also remembered her response.

"I... I want to be alone with you. It's natural for you to have people around you all the time as if they don't exist, and you can live that way. But that's not me. I get concerned when there are others around. It doesn't feel like just the two of us."

Understanding eluded him.

In truth, he couldn't comprehend her thoughts at all.

Two reasons accounted for this. First, Viktor didn't regard the servants as equals. Second, the high-ranking nobles of Salantier, including Viktor himself, inherently believed their lives were constantly subject to scrutiny. They didn't consider their lives their own but rather a conceptual existence that perpetuated their family lineages and safeguarded their domains. Hence, he couldn't fully grasp the significance of not feeling like it was just the two of them or her desire for solitude.

Nevertheless, it didn't necessarily appear detrimental.

Viktor gazed contemplatively at the Marguerite he had plucked before casting it out of the carriage.

For her, lush roses and crimson blossoms would be more suitable companions.