OMI 10

The Beautiful Scenery I See With You

After Renard invited us on a double date, I started researching the destination. 

If a place is known for its flowers, I’m curious about the flowers and want to know what kind of place it is. 

The central district has gates to the north, south, east, and west, and people from this land also live outside these gates. The area beyond the East Gate is known as the Eastern District. 

The central district is surrounded by walls, and entry and exit through the gates is strictly controlled. 

It appears that there are no clear boundaries in the districts outside of the central district. 

The Eastern District appears to be a rural area with many farmers growing crops. A bit away from the eastern district, along the road to the neighboring country, there is a flower field. 

At first, the flowers grew naturally, but their beauty turned the area into a tourist attraction, and now it is tended by local residents. 

The flowers that bloom there are called azaleas, which are white. 

They are about the size of shrubs, with leaves that do not fall even in winter and are somewhat thick. The flowers are five-petaled, slightly smaller than the palm of my hand. While the place is known for its white flowers, there are other color varieties as well. 

“Éclair, you’ve been looking at that book a lot lately,” 

Lumière said as I read it in the living room before going to bed. 

“That’s because I’m excited. Plus, it has information about different places of interest, which is fun.” 

“Do you like to travel?” 

“Traveling means going to places other than where you live, right? I’m interested in that. It sounds like fun.”

I used to live aimlessly every day. If I had died, I probably would have thought, “What a boring life,” and that would have been the end of it.

But lately I feel like my world has expanded. 

“I have traveled to other countries quite a bit, partly out of necessity. I like to travel. Although I can only take you around the country for now, I hope we can travel more in the future.”

Come to think of it, during our initial compatibility session, Lumière showed me many photos. They could have been tourist spots in other countries that he liked to visit.

He had traveled to other countries for compatibility tests in search of his one and only. 

“You have photos, right? I’d like to see them again.” 

I wondered what kind of scenery he had seen and what he had thought. Besides the beautiful photos, I wanted to know his feelings. 

Permission for one Omega to leave the central district under protective observation was granted more easily than expected. Having another Omega with us and the tight security may have helped. 

I have Renard to thank for that.

The day I had been eagerly counting down came quickly. It could be a sign that my days are fulfilling.

I dressed in something comfortable, yet a little stylish, and paired it with a straw hat. The hat had a wide brim, perfect for shielding me from the sun. 

Lumière had bought all my clothes, but lately I started to enjoy putting together different outfits. 

The little details and accessories. Lumière always commented on what I wore every day. 

Well, he only gave me compliments, which was surprising. It made me think that paying attention to those details wasn’t so bad after all. 

Inside the central district we usually walk, but going outside is a different story. 

The same vehicle we used when we left the facility has been prepared. 

It’s called a transport vehicle. It was roomy enough for four people to ride comfortably. The driver and a guard sat in the front, while Lumière and I sat in the back. 

Another similar vehicle followed us from behind. It was the government escort. 

We were supposed to meet Renard near the gate. 

There were various transport vehicles waiting to leave the gate during the procedures. They came in many different shapes and sizes. 

After spending some time there, we finally went outside the gate. 

Immediately after leaving, there wasn’t much difference between the central district and the surrounding streets. The streets were well maintained. 

After about 30 minutes, it became much more sparse. There were fewer buildings and more fields. 

Whenever I saw something interesting from the window, I asked Lumière about it. 

What is this place for? What kind of crops are these? These were all basic questions, but Lumière was always patient in explaining.

If there was something he didn’t know, we enjoyed finding out together.

I think we were in the car for about an hour, but I didn’t get bored at all. 

“We have arrived. We’ll take a short walk from the parking lot. Please walk at your own pace. We’ll follow, but don’t mind us.” 

The person sitting next to the driver said this. These people are really unobtrusive. It’s easy to forget they’re even there. That’s a sign of excellent security. 

“Éclair! Lumière! Over here!” 

Renard called cheerfully. Since he visited our home, we’ve talked several times over personal communicators, and I feel we’ve become quite close. 

“The weather is great! Let’s go quickly. The flowers are at their peak today and tomorrow.” 

He said this as he took my hand and started to walk. 

“Renard, there are a lot of people. Don’t go too far.” 

Aubert, who had come with Renard, called out. 

“Okay! I got it! Oh, it would be a waste for me to go with him. Lumière, take the lead.” 

“That was my intention until you took over. Éclair, your hand.” 

“Uhm. Thank you.”

I felt a little nervous as I took the hand so politely offered. 

The path wasn’t paved, but it was well maintained and wide enough for two people to walk comfortably side by side. 

The surrounding trees were quite tall, making it feel like a forest path. It even seemed a bit like an archway. 

After walking for about 10 minutes, the view suddenly opened up. 

The hill was covered with a sea of white flowers as far as the eye could see. 

The scenery was breathtaking.

Lumière took my hand gently. 

We walked slowly through the gaps, careful not to step on the flowers. 

In the field of flowers, his magnificent blond hair shimmered even more in the sunlight. 

To be guided by such a beautiful person in such a dreamlike, beautiful place. 

“It’s like I’m in heaven…” 

The words slipped out. 

“Is this your idea of heaven, Éclair?” 

“Maybe. It’s quiet and peaceful.” 

Before I knew it, we were separated from Renard and the others. So this is what they meant by staying out of the way. 

There were a few other people scattered around, but everyone seemed to be enjoying their own time.

From the top of the hill, we could see the entire eastern district. Beyond that, we could see the central district. 

“This is the first time I have seen Padilla from the outside. It’s a big country.” 

“Mauve, where you were, must be bigger.” 

Lumière hadn’t forgotten the name of my country, even though I’d only mentioned it once. 

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen it from above. It was a crowded, stifling country.” 

It seemed like a country where the citizens didn’t have much room to move. I had lived all my life in a limited part of such a country. 

“I think this is a good country. I’m glad I came here.” 

I really believe that I was lucky to be chosen as the one who is called the summoned one, who is said to be called by the Goddess. 

“I’m glad you feel that way.” 

Lumière hugged me, overwhelmed with emotion. 

“Many people come to this field of flowers with someone special. I will never forget the day I came here with you, Éclair. “

Lumière leaned in gently and I closed my eyes in response. 

It was a soft kiss, just a touch. 

“Of course this place is beautiful, but there are many other beautiful places in this country. I want to travel with you and remember you in those places.” 

“Remember me?” 

“It has meaning because you’re here.” 

When I looked up and smiled, he looked at me with such affection. 

Whenever he looks at me like that, I always get a little anxious. Why is he looking at me with such a precious expression? 

We had made sandwiches for lunch. 

There were some benches a bit away from the flower field, and we saw some other people eating there as well. 

We joined Renard and the others. It seems he doesn’t cook much, so their housekeeper had prepared their meals. 

“Éclair, did you make this? The ingredients are many and elaborate.” 

“Lumière and I made it together. I like sandwiches because you can try different flavors when they’re cut into small pieces.”

Compared to people in this country, I couldn’t eat as much, so I liked being able to try a variety of flavors. 

“Our lunch box is a mix of everything. Looking like this, but Aubert likes kid foods like hamburgers, meatballs, and sweet omelets.” 

Everything he mentioned was included, along with many other items. 

“It doesn’t matter what I like. The kids like it too, so it’s convenient.” 

“I also like spicy food, so this mustard flavored sandwich is delicious.”

“I can’t eat all this, so please help yourself.”

I had eagerly gotten up early today and prepared a lot of food. It would be helpful if Renard and the others could eat some of it. 

“Éclair, try some of this. There’s meat, lots of meat!” 

Renard offered me many high-calorie foods. He seemed concerned about my small stature. 

He ate a lot. He was smaller than Lumière and Aubert, but he seemed to eat the most. 

Lumière knew my limits well, and when I felt full, he gently stopped Renard. 

Renard seemed shocked at how little I ate. 

“Éclair, are you sure this is enough? You’re not holding back, are you?” 

“He always eats that much.” 

“I love to eat, so I’ll have to be more selective about what I bring for Éclair next time.”

Renard laughed and said there were still many delicious things he wanted to introduce me to. 

As the sun began to set, we began to prepare to leave. 

As we walked from the flower field to where the transport was parked, Renard called me out, suggesting that we have a secret talk. 

Aubert and Lumière followed a short distance behind.

“Flowers have meanings. White azaleas symbolize a fulfilled heart, the joy of love, and the happiness of being loved by you.” 

Renard told me this in secret. No wonder there were so many couples. 

“What do you think? If you like them, maybe you could plant them in your garden?” 

“They are beautiful flowers, so that might be a good idea.” 

I didn’t want to forget today. Planting a flower to remember it seemed like a great idea. 

Renard seemed surprised by my answer, his eyes widening slightly. 

“Really? I’d be so happy if you grew them. You know, these flowers are often used to respond to confessions. If you ever feel like giving them to Lumière, I’d be thrilled.” 

Giving Lumière a flower that symbolizes happy being loved. It seemed like an answer to a confession. 

“Um… I don’t really understand feelings like love or affection… Renard, how did you feel when you met Aubert?” 

“Normally I wouldn’t have been able to ask, but I thought now might be the right time.”

“That’s an embarrassing question. Well, I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. I wanted to keep looking at him and talking to him and getting hugged by him. And that was just from seeing him when he came to our house.”

I felt like I could relate to that feeling.

“But… isn’t that just the instinct of an Omega reacting to an Alpha? I don’t really understand the difference…”

“That may be true. But isn’t it more complicated because you’re trying to separate them? I never had that reaction with anyone but Aubert, and after that I just kept thinking about him. I wanted to know the smallest things about him and spend more time with him.”

“Renard remembered the past and murmured nostalgically. 

I’m glad to hear about Lumière, and I want our current living situation to continue. 

Can I already say that I like him? 

“I feel like it’s too comfortable, like I’m just going with the flow… I don’t trust my feelings. Knowing that Lumière is serious makes me even more hesitant to answer lightly.” 

“Love is sudden, and love is the ultimate ego! You’re thinking too much. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with Aubert. I wanted him to see me the most. That’s why we came together.” 

He smiled beautifully as he said this. 

“I don’t know when I’ll be able to give the flower, but I’d like to plant it in the garden.” 

“Really! I’m sure you’ll grow beautiful flowers, Éclair.” 

Renard said this and patted me lightly on the back. It felt as if he was encouraging me. 

◇ 

The parking lot for the transport vehicles seemed quite crowded. 

One of the guards, wearing a familiar uniform, nodded at me and led me to a vehicle. 

Without suspicion, I followed him. 

“Huh? No! Éclair, that isn’t our transport vehicle!” 

I heard Renard yell from behind me. 

“Sorry, I made a mistake…” 

I was about to turn around when I put my hand on the door. 

“Damn, we’ve been found out. Hurry, pull him in!”

“Eh!?”

Before I knew it, I was being shoved into the car and it started moving. 

“Wait, what’s going on…?” 

“Don’t struggle. If you sit quietly, nothing bad will happen.” 

The voice was frighteningly dark. 

The person in the guard’s uniform looked familiar at first, but on closer inspection I realized it was an unfamiliar face. 

I had been careless. I had no suspicion of anyone in that uniform. 

“Judging by the look and reaction to the uniform, and the fact that he is getting into a government vehicle, it’s probably an Omega… Hey, confirm it just in case.” 

The man in the driver’s seat gave the order, and the man in the guard’s uniform next to him pricked my fingertip with a small needle. 

He took a small amount of blood and put it in a test tube with some liquid. The clear liquid reacted and changed color. 

“No doubt about it. This is an Omega.”

Cheers erupted in the car. 

The atmosphere was dark and somber. 

I finally understood. I had heard that Omegas were often abducted. 

I had become involved in this crime.