Vincent waited in front of the gates of Scarletia, tea cup in one hand and bouquet of roses in another, for Milich Openheimer. After the fall of the empire in the Gate Rune war the afternoon tea with Milich, Kaosis, Esmeralda and Olivia was about the only routine he followed. Vincent and the others would sit down in Milich’s fine garden, sipping the excellent tea Olivia would bring with Vincent’s fine china. They would discuss all things narcissistic, and Kaosis would grace them with a song while Olivia would paint the beautiful surrounding scenery.

“Excuse my lateness” Said Milich, gliding down the stairs of Scarletia’s entrance. “But I did not know what to wear today for this great occasion.”

“Oh yes” Kaosis came shortly after Milich’s decent. “Master Milich always wears nothing but the best for any occasion.”

“Shall we converse under the shade of your delightful garden.” Said Vincent, handing the china cups to the two others.

“What about Esmeralda and Olivia?” Enquired Kaosis.

“They are on their way.” Assured Vincent. “I visited their residence in Antei, they are not yet ready for the afternoon tea and shall be late. But Olivia has told me that they would never miss our tea time for anything in this lovely world.”

Vincent, Kaosis and Milich gathered around the table, organising the tea set Vincent has brought. They were greeted by Esmeralda and Olivia and, surrounded by the rose bushes and under the marble angel statue fountain, had their afternoon tea delight.

“Olivia, as usual this tea is exquisite” Said Milich, taking another sip of the tea. “I cannot believe the stars of destiny have not recognised you as the true hero of the liberation army.”

“Alas” Olivia bowed her head slightly, flowing brown hair sitting on her pink party dress, the pink ribbon on her bonnet moved slightly “I am forever in the shades of destiny, it was not my fate to be the true hero of the gate rune war.”

Vincent shuddered.

“What is wrong, good friend Vincent?” Asked Kaosis.

Vincent took another sip of tea. “Gate rune war, such a dull name. Can we not rename it? I am sure dearest friend McDohl would not be bothered by the fine name we, his closest companions, will come up with.”

“Excellent idea!” Esmeralda said. “But what shall be we rename it to?”

Only the sprinkling fountain could be heard for a brief period.

“Hearts in Passion of the roses empire!” They all exclaimed in unison.

“Such a lovely name” Said Kaosis.

The 3 stars of destiny plus Olivia started their reminiscent of the gate rune war Hearts in passion of the roses empire battle when they were interrupted by a woman. She was slightly chubby, her face was that of an english lady and her velvet purple dress matched perfectly her black velvet hat.

“Who is it?” Milich enquired.

“It is I, lady of the house of the Bucket (pronounced bouquet) residence.” She said.

“Hyacinth!” Vincent got up from his chair and pulled up the vacant seat. “What a magnificent surprise, such luck you have visited us during our afternoon tea. I see the ages have been most kind with you.”

Hyacinth sat down while Kaosis poured her some tea. “Why yes, I was in the region and thought I’d best visit my good friends to one of my candle light suppers. The Charlatans will be there. You remember the Charlatans don’t you?”

“Why of course.” Said Olivia. “Very fine people they are.”

“And then..” continued Hyacinth. “..we shall drink tea from my hand painted china sitting on my very expensive furniture. Violet will be there, you remember m’a sister Violet don’t you? The one with the mansion and room for a pony. Well, she has some paintings to show us, paintings of the Jardin au coeur du minuit.”

“The Jardin au Coeur du minuit?!” Exclaimed Milich. “Why, no one has set eyes on that garden! Only the greatest fables and poetry can describe its infinite beauty which we can only dream a fraction of.”

“To be able to go to the Jardin au Coeur du minuit.” Said Esmeralda. “I shall be in the great Eden, surrounded by those flowers.”

“It shall inspire my greatest painting ever.” Said Olivia.

“I shall be able to sing many a songs about it.” Kaosis said.

“It shall be an honour that my great aristocratic self shall enter in the gates of such heavenly mystique.” Said Vincent.

“My Scarletia will be the most beautiful vision any eyes will see.” Said Milich.

“Imagine my candle light suppers with flowers from the garden.” Said Hyacinth. “The illustrations Violet will bring is nothing compared to the real garden.”

Silence took over the afternoon tea again, each and every one drowned deep in their fantasies of finding the fabled Jardin au coeur du minuit. Their mission was clear, to be the first to find the garden and be in eternal Eden.

“But where can we start?” Kaosis said.

“The crude yet artistic Grasslands.” Said Olivia.

“Grasslands? Non non, such primitive people are undeserving of the garden, it has to be in the holy sanctuary of the Harmonia region.” Said Milich.

“Yes, Milich, you are very wise. It shall be in Harmonia.” Said Kaosis.

“I am convinced that it lies hidden somewhere here in the Toran republic.” Interrupted Esmeralda. “After all, such a fine place has given birth to many beauties, like the Emperor’s garden.”

“Non non, it has to be in the city states of Jowston, and I hear my good friend Simone is in the area.” Vincent said.

“It is agreed” Milich exclaimed, standing up. “We shall each go on our way to find the garden, may the best of us bask in its radiant glow.”

They shook their hands and departed their own way, each convinced that they will find the awe inspiring grace of the garden.

“But wait!” Hyacinth said. “What about the candle light supper?”

Present.

“... and so we ate at Hyacinth’s finely decorated house that night. The candle light burn reflected the burning of our souls. I returned to my residence to engrave the Rose rune on my right hand and departed. And I am still convinced that the garden lies here in the city states. I am told that Milich and Kaosis has accompanied dear Sonya in her navy and that Esmeralda, Hayacinth and Olivia have went their separate ways into this world. Although my meetings with dear McDohl, Viki and Eilie have momentarily slowed down my search...”

Vincent looked around to see that the sailors he was talking to fell asleep on the wooden table of the inn they were staying at. Kuskus, such a down undeserving of Vincent, hero of the hearts in passion of the roses empire battle. The stop shall be brief this time, Vincent thought, and he shall not be slowed down for a long period of time again.