Chereads / The Sacred Frontier / Chapter 40 - Act II Chapter V

Chapter 40 - Act II Chapter V

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Autumndusk, The Green Grass Home, Time: 7:50 AM

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The greenhouse enveloped Mianne in a serene embrace, a world unto itself. Stepping through its threshold was like entering a different realm, a realm of tranquility and beauty.

The atmosphere was hushed and soothing, and Mianne could feel her racing thoughts gradually quiet down.

 The walls were adorned with lush grass and vibrant flowers, their colors painting a vivid tapestry against the sunlight streaming through the windows.

A delicate breeze rustled the leaves and petals, creating a gentle symphony of natural sounds.

Hummingbirds flitted about, their wings creating a soft, melodic hum as they danced from flower to flower.

Mianne's steps were unhurried as she wandered through this haven of nature, each footfall carrying her further into a realm of calm.

The air was imbued with the sweet scent of blossoms, each fragrance mingling harmoniously to create a sensory symphony.

Mianne closed her eyes for a moment, simply breathing in the purity of the moment.

The serenade of the hummingbirds' song and the delicate rustle of leaves were like a lullaby, lulling her into a state of profound peace.

She moved gracefully through the space, her fingers grazing the petals as she examined each flower with reverence.

Every bloom seemed to be a masterpiece, a testament to the beauty that nature could create.

The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the ground, and Mianne felt as though she were in a sacred grove.

Her eyes eventually landed on a flower that seemed out of place amidst the vibrant beauty surrounding it.

 It was a withered blossom, its colors muted and petals drooping. Mianne's heart twinged with empathy as she recognized the flower's struggle to thrive in its current state.

Though she wasn't an expert in gardening, she knew enough to realize that this flower's plight was not a result of its nature, but perhaps a lack of care.

Determined to help, Mianne's gaze scanned the surroundings for a watering can. With a sense of purpose, she located the tool nearby and carefully approached the ailing flower.

As she began to water the flower, she was astonished to witness its transformation.

The petals seemed to quiver and then slowly unfurl, revealing a hidden core.

To her amazement, the flower's center held a distinct brown eye, observing her with a mix of curiosity and appreciation.

Mianne was captivated by the flower's gaze, feeling a silent exchange between them that transcended words.

It was as if the flower was expressing its gratitude for her care and attention, and in turn, Mianne felt a deep sense of connection to the natural world around her.

With a smile gracing her lips, Mianne whispered, "You're quite the resilient one, aren't you?"

The flower seemed to respond with a subtle rustle, its presence a testament to the beauty that could be found in even the most overlooked corners of life.

"It seems you've taken a liking to the 'Sunclops,'" a gentle voice remarked as Mels looked up the stairs to see a figure slowly descending.

The newcomer was wearing an outfit that resonated with Mels' style – comfortable and suited for outdoor activities.

The figure was dressed in a loose-fitting, mustard-yellow kimono with a white line going down on the exterior crafted from breathable and durable fabric, the kimono offered protection from the elements, making it perfect for someone who spent their time in the garden.

She seemed to grow a branch out of her back, it was almost like she became the tree herself. Completing the ensemble were sturdy brown leather boots, a testament to her readiness to navigate various terrains.

These boots weren't just practical; they were designed to provide support and grip, ensuring her comfort as she tended to her beloved plants.

However, what truly set her apart was the most striking detail – the bunch of flowers that covered her eyes like a delicate veil.

She was Mels, The Yellow Archsentinel, known as The Perfect Blooms, embodied her love for gardening in both her attire and her approach to life.

"Is this... your greenhouse?" Mianne's voice held a touch of wonder as she gazed around, uncertain if her eyes could truly capture the beauty before her.

Mels responded with a gentle giggle and a nod, confirming Mianne's curiosity.

"Do you enjoy the flowers?" Mels inquired, her eyes resting on the array of blooms that she had nurtured herself.

Mianne's face lit up with a genuine smile as she stretched out her arm, almost as if trying to embrace the soothing atmosphere.

"I do. It feels so calming in here," Mianne admitted her words resonating with the tranquility that enveloped the greenhouse.

Mels shared a knowing smile. "These are my specialty flowers. They're called 'Parfum de paysage bulb.' They release specific air particles that have a relaxing and calming effect on people.

It's the reason behind the peaceful aura you're experiencing," she explained, revealing the magical secret behind the greenhouse's serene ambiance.

Mianne was astounded by the revelation, finding it hard to believe that a simple flower could create such a profound sense of tranquility.

"You are my first-ever visitor to this festival, so I'd love to give you a little tour around here," Mels kindly offered.

With that invitation, she ascended the stairs to the second floor of the greenhouse, Mianne following her lead.

As they moved through the quiet and calming space, Mels began to speak, her words weaving a sense of wisdom and passion. "Gardening is a form of art, you know? When you plant a seed in the soil, you become an artist. With your tools and care, you nurture the art to grow on its own.

She smiled, "And when those plants flourish into their most beautiful forms, it's like witnessing a masterpiece that you've brought to life."

"So inspiring..." Mianne listened intently, captivated by Mels' perspective. The soft-spoken words resonated deeply, connecting her to the essence of the artistry that lay within the act of gardening.

In that serene moment, Mianne realized that beyond the vibrant colors and delicate petals, the act of tending to the earth was a reflection of creativity and the power to bring forth beauty from the simplest of seeds.

"Do you have any favorite plants that you like?" Mianne's curiosity led her to question as they navigated the space.

Mels, her vision impaired by the flowers covering her eyes, used a gentle touch against the wall to guide herself. She turned to the right, leading Mianne along.

"I do have favorites, but with plants, you can never truly pick just one. Each one requires care and attention for them to thrive," Mels responded, her voice carrying a sense of dedication to her role as a guardian of nature.

As they continued their journey, Mels brought them to a stop in front of a wooden door.

Mianne observed as Mels fumbled for a key, struggling to locate it in her pants. Mianne saw an opportunity to assist and reached out, retrieving the key for her. "Here you go, Ma'am!"

Mels expressed her gratitude with a warm "Oh! Thank you, dear!" as she attempted to insert the key into the lock.

The door bore the label 'Betsy.' With the door unlocked, Mels turned the doorknob and opened it, revealing what lay beyond.

To Mianne's surprise, what she saw was a Venus flytrap that stood about twenty times the size of a regular one. The enormous plant seemed to be waiting patiently, its monstrous maw open, its menacing allure tinged with a sense of awe.

Mianne watched in both fascination and a hint of terror as she witnessed a gigantic bug, far larger than any she had seen before, crawling out of a nest within the plant's jaws. The Venus flytrap swallowed the sizable prey whole, its movements deliberate and almost hypnotic.

To her astonishment, the enormous Venus flytrap noticed their presence. It descended to the ground and approached Mels, its massive head rubbing against her in a strangely affectionate manner.

The sight of the colossal plant's interaction with Mels was both curious and heartwarming, reminding Mianne of the intricate bond that existed between the guardian and nature.

"I want you to meet Betsy!" Mels declared with evident pride, introducing Mianne to the colossal Venus flytrap.

However, Betsy's attention seemed focused on Mianne, which triggered a sense of fear within her.

The giant plant's attempts at friendly interaction caused Mianne to turn away in a mixture of trepidation and uncertainty.

Mels quickly reassured her, her voice filled with a gentle warmth. "Oh! Don't be shy, Betsy doesn't bite." Mianne decided to trust Mels' words, reasoning that as an Archsentinel, Mels surely understood the behavior of her guardian charges.

With a deep breath, Mianne turned to face Betsy, trying to quell her apprehension.

To her surprise, Betsy's enormous form radiated a sense of joy, and she leaned in to lick Mianne's face with a massive tongue.

Mianne's initial reaction was one of shock, followed by a realization that she would need to clean her face and redo her makeup later. Mels' reassurance proved true as Betsy's behavior was far from aggressive.

Mels beamed, happy that Mianne had embraced the encounter. "See? I told you, she wouldn't hurt you." Mels reached for something nearby, her attention momentarily diverted. "Betsy will always hold a special place in my heart. She started as a small Venus flytrap before blossoming into the beauty she is now."

Mels retrieved a small pink bulb from a flowering pot, extending it to Mianne. "Here! You can take this as a token for being the first person to visit!"

Mianne's gratitude was palpable. "Thank you so much, Mels!" She attempted to find a spot for the flowering pot in her backpack, but her attempts only resulted in making a mess within the bag.

Mels noticed Mianne's struggle and had a solution ready. "Oh! Don't worry, I can get you a new backpack. Betsy!" The colossal Venus flytrap moved to retrieve a specially designed backpack that seamlessly accommodated the flowering pots.

Amazed by Mels' generosity, Mianne questioned, "Is this for free too?" She found it hard to believe that such valuable items were being given away without a cost.

Mels nodded, her smile unwavering. Mianne expressed her gratitude with a bow, genuinely touched by Mels' kindness. Aware of the time, Mianne checked her pocket watch.

 "I need to get going now, but thank you so much, Mels!" She knew she had to leave but wanted Mels to understand how much the experience meant to her.

"Mhm! Please do visit again, one day!" Mels waved her hand in farewell as Mianne exited the greenhouse. Left alone with Betsy, Mels' attention turned to the plant with an affectionate chuckle.

 "Soooo, who's a hungry plant?" She retrieved a frozen treat containing a fly and presented it to Betsy, who eagerly awaited her meal.

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