Chapter 309: Solanthera Flower - SunHeart Bloom
CH309 Solanthera Flower - SunHeart Bloom
***
Alex had displayed a form of trust by giving her the letter of recommendation before even saying a word. He could have used that letter to pressure her into compliance, but he didn’t. Instead, he placed it openly on the table, giving her the freedom to choose—stay or walk away.
Considering how important the letter was, this was no small gesture. She could have taken it and left, and he would have handed over something priceless for nothing in return.
Likewise, information about one’s Class was usually a closely guarded secret. Yet Alex had revealed so much, trusting her not to speak of it. Once again, he had offered trust without receiving any assurance in return.
Now, it was up to Eleanor to decide whether that trust was misplaced—or deserved.
Eleanor quietly mused over these unspoken thoughts as she regarded the man sitting opposite her.
"So, let me get this straight," she began. "You’re in need of an alchemist. And here I am—the alchemist you need, conveniently already betrothed to you. Yet instead of capitalising on that, you choose to break the betrothal so you can forge a new relationship with me—one of my choosing—that will then determine how much access you have to my skills."
She leaned slightly forward. "Did I leave anything out?"
"That’s the gist of it, yes," Alex nodded.
"I thought you were strange for a noble, but I was wrong. You’re just strange in general."
"I prefer enigmatic, but thanks," Alex replied lightly.
"I don’t think I meant that as a compliment," Eleanor said. Then, after a short pause, she frowned. "Actually, I’m not even sure anymore."
Alex chuckled.
"I know it’s a lot to think about," he said as he stood. "So I’ll take my leave and give you time to ponder it. Personally, I think we’d get along quite well—and I still hope you’ll choose the marriage option. But if not, I’m perfectly willing to settle for a business partnership."
"Then you shouldn’t have spoken about voiding the betrothal in the first place," she quipped.
"Yeah... I’m starting to regret that a little now," Alex admitted with a sheepish smile.
"So," Eleanor asked, eyes narrowing with curiosity, "why did you do it?"
"My principles," Alex replied simply. "I always trust the people I use, and I never use those I don’t trust.
"If we’d gone ahead with the betrothal as it was, I would’ve felt like I used your brother to force you into it. And if you were forced, you wouldn’t give your all to my cause. And if you didn’t give your all, then I couldn’t trust you. And if I can’t trust you—"
"—you won’t use me, thus defeating the purpose of marrying in the first place," Eleanor cut in smoothly.
Alex smiled faintly. "Exactly. So I decided to nip the problem in the bud. If you choose to partner with me of your own free will, neither of us will harbour doubts. And without doubts, trust can grow."
"And with trust comes understanding—and progress for both of us," Eleanor said, finishing his thought again.
"Precisely." Alex grinned. "See? It’s already working. We’re building a healthy understanding of each other to the point we’re finishing each other’s sentences. Imagine what we could accomplish once we bring that rapport into our crafts."
Eleanor gave him a sidelong glance, but a small, reluctant smile touched her lips.
"Alright," she said at last. "I’ll take you up on your offer and think about it."
"Excellent." Alex rose from his seat. "Then I’ll be expecting a favourable response."
"It’ll be your fault if you don’t get one," Eleanor teased lightly.
"Maybe," Alex said with a smile, turning to leave.
He had almost reached the door when he suddenly stopped.
"Ah!" he exclaimed, spinning back around. "I’ve got it."
"Got what?" Eleanor asked, raising a brow.
"The flower that encapsulates your identity..." Alex declared. "A Heart of Sun Blossom—the Solanthera."
"A Sunheart Blossom?" Eleanor echoed softly.
She fell silent for a moment, her mind flipping through half-remembered pages of botanical compendiums she’d studied.
The Solanthera, also known as the Heart of Sun Blossom, was an exceedingly rare flower. Its silken outer petals faded from creamy ivory to blush pink and lavender near the base, while faint violet-blue veins traced the undersides in intricate patterns. At its heart bloomed five luminous white, star-shaped florets with golden centres that glowed faintly at dusk. Its slender stem bore powdery blue, lance-shaped leaves that curled gracefully outward in quiet elegance.
The Solanthera flower symbolised quiet royalty — grace, subtle elegance, and natural poise. It represented hidden opulence — layers of refinement, deep emotional richness, and intellect. It also embodied understated kindness — modesty, loyalty, and humility — and a radiant spirit filled with healing, purity, and gentle light.
It was said to be a metaphysical bloom that only revealed itself under the light of the Providence of Kindness.
Just as Origin Flames were coveted by alchemists, forgesmiths, and craftsmen alike, the Solanthera was a mythical flora sought by healers. Once bound to a healer — mage or warlock — it was said to amplify their healing prowess to unprecedented levels.
The Solanthera was a flower one could easily overlook at first glance. It didn’t flaunt its beauty or demand attention. Yet, upon closer inspection, its soft, refined radiance and quiet elegance revealed a beauty far more enduring than any loud splendour. It was a flower that didn’t try to shine — and yet did — with a subtle regality that made its superiority self-evident.
Alex had chosen this flower because, to him, it reflected exactly what Eleanor was — and what she strove to be.
With that, Alex left the collateral princess to her thoughts and walked out of the suite, making his way out of the clubhouse.
He didn’t say another word. He didn’t need to. His goals had already been achieved.
Every step of his approach — from surrendering the letter to their exchange of ideals — had been carefully orchestrated.
He had made sure to distinguish himself from any other suitor she might have met, elevating his worth by showcasing both his principles and his potential, all while subtly capturing her curiosity.
Eleanor might have assumed his actions were scattered, but in truth, they were deliberate — each move crafted to guide her into making the decision he wanted, all while making her believe it was her own choice.
’I’d make one scary villain,’ Alex mused with a faint smirk.
By the time he reached the entrance, a stable steward was already waiting for him, holding Dread’s reins.
The man’s stiff posture and careful grip said it all — the act of handling that beast was no small feat. Only sheer professionalism kept him from showing more than a flicker of unease.
Alex smiled, accepting the reins while slipping a few coins into the steward’s hand.
With a smooth vault, he mounted his trusty steed. The air stirred beneath Dread’s hooves as Alex rode off towards the Enclave Tower, a quiet smile tugging at his lips.
He was confident — he’d be receiving that favourable answer soon enough.
***