When a flower slowly withers, will it be gone forever?

After you bloomed beautifully, withstand every wind and yet it still slowly withers.

Is it truly the end?

R.L

PROLOGUE

A night that could have been peaceful turned upside down when the brightest moon above the night sky illuminates a dreadful accident.

A heavy sound creaked from the front door. In front is the family merchant panting heavily and, in his arms, is an unconscious young lady.

The staffs were horrified to realize that she is their master’s daughter, his first born.

Her delicate and custom-made clothes were ripped, along with several bruises and cuts throughout her body, her long and luscious hair that was carefully taken care of was covered in blood.

In her state, no one could even recognize her.

No one dared to take a step to touch her until they heard the heavy steps from the stairs, the master and his wife quickly made their way down to check on their daughter.

“The physician. NOW!” her father shouted.

The maids quickly attended his order.

Upstairs is a silhouette of a young boy that was awaken from his sleep by the noise and commotion downstairs. He is hiding in the shadows, observing down below and witnessed all the staff running back and forth.

“Mother, what’s wrong?” he asked from upstairs.

“Please take him back to his room.”

“Yes, my lady.” The maid bowed and went to the young boy’s side guiding him back to his room. “Let’s go my lord. You shouldn’t be awake in this hour.”

“Are they okay?”

“They’re just taking care of some adult matters.” The maid replied.

Knowing that he’ll never get an honest answer he just followed the maid and went back to his room.

That night, the sound of their mother’s cries, Rosetta, echoes around the hall. While their father, Alexander, frozen still watching his beloved child fight for her life.

“The physician is here!”

“Send him in, quick!!”

--

6 YEARS LATER : In Daitri, Capital of Cazheria

The much-awaited ceremony from the most prestigious university in the country is being held in the university’s Bermuda grounds.

Just like their tradition, seats are lined up accordingly on the stage that is designated for the founder’s succeeding families.

The excitement from the students radiates the whole place when they saw 2 figures making their way up the stage.

The current principal is accompanied by his daughter and made her way to her seat, while her father made his way towards the podium.

“Welcome students, to our congratulatory ceremony for Meilleur!” he stated. 

Loud cheers came from the students as they anticipate the new set of top students, that is known as ‘Meilleur’.

“Another top 7 students that show their remarkable performance had been chosen. A huge congratulations to all the selected winners.” A set of loud applauses filled the place.

“As a small reward for their efforts, they will have the opportunity to spend their spring break in one of our state’s locations.” He continued.

Just like every year, one of the lands will have the chance to be the host for Meilleur.  A professor handed him the glass bowl filled with sealed envelopes.

A soft murmur radiates the whole place, everyone is anticipating the participation from the land that is hiding in the shadows for so long.

“I heard Zelin is included this year?”

“Yes. I think it is!”

“I heard it's beautiful there.”

“Indeed!”

As the principal finally chose one. He slowly cuts the seal off, and carefully opened the envelope.

“This year’s host… "

"is…” he slowly said and showed the name in front of the crowd.

"The place that is well known as the 'Rising of Beauty', ZELIN!"