Reincarnated as a Flower, Fine then I'll bloom my own way

The door across the room opened. A man dressed in a royal red robe entered, a golden crown gleaming on his head. He sat at the opposite end of the table and met my gaze.

"Welcome to the Great Stellar Kingdom," he said. "I am Altabet, the king of this land."

I looked at him, and in my mind, I said:

(So he is the king...)

"It's nice to meet you, Sir Altabet. I am Sumi Hana, the ruler of Paradise Garden," I said and lowered my head slightly.

"I just have one question," Altabet said in a serious voice.

I looked at him in confusion, and then he spoke:

"Are you just a child acting to be a god?"

My face turned cold, and my face grew pale.

"F-Father, what are you saying?!" Aurthor said in panic.

Beside me, Bokkon gripped his katana, his face twisted in pure rage. He was about to draw it when I raised my hand and stopped him.

"Is that why you called me here?" I asked in a low, cold voice.

"No, no, I was just asking. Anyone can fake being a god with some magic powers and with a good body—even my son can do it, because he's the fastest in the world, after all," Altabet said while looking at me with a smirk.

Bokkon's eyes burned with fury as he tried his best to hold back. I kept my gaze locked on the king, my expression icy. Beside him, Aurthor was sweating profusely.

"So, are you asking for a war? I don't mind that. I will show you my power by killing every single being that exists in this land," I replied in a cold, unforgiving tone.

Altabet listened and suddenly burst into laughter. Bokkon and I froze, staring at him in confusion.

"I was just testing you. I know how strong you are. If you can react to Aurthor's movements, you're no joke," he said with a broad grin.

"..."

Bokkon and I exchanged silent glances.

"I was just checking how you would react as a ruler," Altabet said with a chuckle.

I looked at him with a deadpan expression.

(Bruh...seriously?)

"Sorry for acting like that," Altabet said with a grin.

Aurthor glared at his father with a mixture of fear and embarrassment.

"And thank you for coming to today's feast. We'll be celebrating the alliance between our kingdom and the country of the Goddess herself," Altabet said.

"Yeah...you got me there for a minute," I replied, exhaling slowly.

"I heard your country makes excellent fruits and clothes—and I can see that for myself," Altabet said while glancing at my dress.

"Yeah, I was thinking of opening shops in this kingdom if you don't mind," I said softly.

"Oh? Are you planning to become a merchant?" he asked, raising a brow.

"Yeah...you can say that. It's someone's wish...someone I used to know," I replied, my voice softening.

Bokkon's face turned sad. He knew exactly who I was talking about.

"Well then, you can open it whenever you want," Altabet said casually.

"Really? Can I?" I asked, surprised.

"Of course. How could I refuse the Heaven Goddess herself?" he said with a smile.

"Thank you for your generosity," I replied with a small smile.

"Well then, I'll see you tonight at the party," Altabet said, standing up.

"I have to make some preparations, so I'll head back. Thank you for the conversation."

With that, he turned around and left the room.

"I would've killed him," Bokkon muttered through gritted teeth.

"Sorry for what my father did. He can be...reckless sometimes," Aurthor said while walking toward us.

"It's fine. I don't mind it that much, seriously," I replied.

Aurthor's expression froze as his mind drifted to the memory of me saying:

"I will show you my power by killing every single being that exists in this land."

"I see...you don't mind it that much," he said with a nervous smile.

"Oh yeah, I remember. I heard that you were called by the Supremes," Aurthor said, changing the topic.

"Yes. Do you know why they called me?" I asked.

"Hmm...no idea. It's rare for them to summon someone personally," Aurthor replied, shaking his head.

"I see...I wonder what they're up to," I murmured.

"Who knows... But anyway, could you both follow me? I'll show you your rooms," Aurthor said.

We followed him through the castle hall. The corridor was enormous—far bigger than I expected.

Bokkon's eyes widened in amazement. "This place is huge," he said.

"Oh yeah, it's pretty big," Aurthor agreed with a laugh.

After a while, we reached two large doors.

"This one is Sir Bokkon's room," Aurthor said, pointing to the first door.

"And that one is your room, Miss Sumi," he said, gesturing to the door farther down the hall.

I opened the door and stepped inside. My eyes sparkled in awe. The room was vast and luxurious, decorated with intricate patterns and elegant furniture. In the center stood a massive bed with soft, white sheets and fluffy pillows.

"Wow...this place is so godly," I said in amazement.

"Lady Sumi, Prince Aurthor said he will take us to other places in the castle," Bokkon called from outside the door.

"Oh sure! I'm coming," I replied, walking toward them.

Suddenly, a sharp sensation pierced my mind. My Investigation Zone flared. I closed my eyes and focused.

(Those people...they're here..why??)

It was the same group—the black hooded figures I'd seen when we first entered the kingdom. Seventeen of them. They were watching us from the shadows.

(What are they trying to do...?)

"Lady Sumi, are you coming?" Bokkon repeated.

"Ah—yeah, wait for me," I said, forcing a smile as I joined them.