Mad Rosetta - Chapter 113

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Rosette Gone Mad
Chapter 113
Lingering Echoes (2)
Jeremias Eshed.
An ill-fated prince recognized by neither of his parents.
Though the firstborn, he watched the throne pass early to the most legitimate of the legitimate, and even after driving a blade into his own flesh, he became nothing more than a puppet of the Empress Dowager—an Emperor.
‘I thought he must have been thoroughly mad from the moment he obeyed his mother’s command to harm himself.’
Perhaps it was because I had lived such a wretched and pitiful existence myself?
The sight of Jeremias caring for his own child left a deep impression on my mind.
Perhaps that was why Sing wore an indescribable expression whenever Jeremias was mentioned.
Whether what lay beneath it was compassion or resentment.
It seemed as though he trembled with a sense of betrayal, yet was steeped in a guilt I could not comprehend.
Until now, I had pretended not to notice, fearing I might hinder the path he wished to walk… but seeing him so troubled made my heart ache.
“If we are to draw Jeremias in… wouldn’t it be better to reveal that Carina is the true mother of Montague Estate’s heir?”
“I think so too. I’ve heard she endured years of neglect from the Empress Dowager, so it seems like a sound strategy.”
“Then what if the Princess herself revealed the truth? Considering she even persuaded Carina, her capabilities seem quite formidable.”
Wow, I was praised.
To make Jeremias betray Carina, revealing Cessia’s secret seemed most effective.
If he learned that the woman who had lived her entire life seeking recognition abandoned him for a mere illegitimate child…
It was certainly a plausible scenario.
“I think it would be better if Sing spoke to him directly.”
But praise aside, this didn’t seem to be my role this time.
“…Darling?”
“When I faced the Empress Dowager, I could only manage it by playing the victim… Honestly, I don’t know much about what kind of person the Emperor truly is.”
“Hmm…”
“Wouldn’t it be more fitting for someone who understands the other party’s nature well to meet with him?”
I turned to Sing with a satisfied smile.
He seemed somewhat taken aback, but there was no sign of displeasure in his eyes.
My suggestion came not merely from concern for his feelings toward Jeremias.
I judged that having Sing meet him directly would allow matters to proceed far more smoothly than having a third party sow suspicion and drive a wedge between them.
For a half-brother he watched die before his eyes to appear as an entirely different person…
What greater terror could there be?
“Instead, I think I can at least dangle some bait.”
“Then you’ll need a place where you can meet your brother separately and in secret. Somewhere secluded enough to summon the Emperor—”
“Winter.”
“…?”
“…There’s a retreat Jeremias visits every winter.”
Sing continued, his gaze fixed on the table as though weary.
“There’s a hot spring in the Northern Balmora Mountain Range. He takes his child there every winter without fail… so unless something unexpected happens, he’ll go again this year.”
“It’s because of Princess Jullia Bell, Princess. She develops dermatitis when winter comes. The hot spring water there helps soothe the rash, so he visits every year.”
“…You know me well, Selina.”
“Background investigation is my profession, brother.”
Perhaps she had been consistently digging into the Imperial Family’s secrets without letting others know.
Sergio’s confident demeanor was reassuring.
“Still…. It seems the conversation is flowing as though we’ve already decided to bring Jeremiah into this.”
“What? You were still considering it?”
“I’m simply being cautious, darling. Though I must admit, I don’t see a better alternative.”
“Then nod your head quickly. I have an evening appointment with Father.”
Sing laughed awkwardly, asking me to mention such things in advance.
I exchanged farewells with Sergio at my suggestion to end the meeting, then bundled myself in my robe and coat before leaving the Guild Building.
“I’ll try to arrange for me to meet the Emperor as well, timed with the Empress Dowager’s invitation. Though I’m uncertain if our schedules will align.”
“More importantly, darling. I wonder if the Duke will permit you to suddenly head north. There’s no need for you to accompany me.”
“It should be fine without Lianna and Odette. Look at today—I managed perfectly well without a single Maid.”
“I see.”
“If necessary, I can simply whine about needing rest and recuperation.”
Sing grasped my hand and helped me into the carriage, as if to say I was quite capable.
As I heard him wish that we might coincidentally meet at the Imperial Palace, I suddenly squeezed his hand firmly.
“Ow? That hurts, darling.”
“…You.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t be evasive.”
“….”
“If something troubles you, settle it completely. Don’t let it fester.”
Speaking with such firmness, his eyes widened in surprise.
With the finish line in sight, I didn’t believe Sing would let personal feelings ruin everything.
I simply didn’t want him to harbor lingering regrets or create something he’d later lament.
“…Did I worry you?”
“The fact that you didn’t realize is shocking in itself.”
“I feel somewhat embarrassed now.”
“You’ve completely forgotten all my past foolishness, haven’t you?”
“I only recall it when I want to laugh, darling.”
“…You.”
As I tightened my grip on his hand again, he let out a pleased laugh.
I wondered how to express myself, but the atmosphere seemed to have lightened.
“For worrying you, I deserve to die…. I’m unworthy as a man.”
“…Don’t exaggerate. I really must go now. I told Father I’d return early.”
“Reluctant as I am, I must let you go. Thinking of the Duke’s shock later….”
“…What?”
“After all, I’ll be bringing the Former Emperor, whom your father thought dead, as my beloved…. Shouldn’t I show proper consideration to my future father-in-law?”
He released my hand and closed the carriage door.
Through the window, I could clearly see that fellow waving his hand with a carefree laugh.
‘…He’s lost his mind.’
I wanted to finish everything quickly and bring him back to our house.
An ambitious desire burned within me.
* * *
I deliberately got off at the entrance to the Imperial Palace.
It was to walk for a bit.
Smooth stone pavement beneath my feet. The scent of those passing over it carried both tension and anticipation.
Yet I couldn’t say I missed it…. With that conclusion, Sing slowly made his way toward the Empress Dowager’s Palace.
It felt like arriving after eleven years of death.
‘…Whether a man alone could create a child, or whatever.’
I had tried to calm my mind, but it all fell apart.
Sing realized his small goal had failed when confronted with people whose eyes were set far lower than his own.
It was because of two children who resembled Jeremiah’s childhood.
“…Fordicus Cessia of House of Montague presents himself to the Princess and Prince.”
As I lowered my waist in a deep bow, the scent peculiar to children brushed against my lungs.
It was uncomfortable.
They’re still so small. That thought crossed my mind too.
Unlike Jullia Bell, whom I had seen several times since infancy, Behard Adel, who had just turned three, was someone I was meeting for the first time.
‘I’ve heard his growth isn’t particularly noticeable….’
While Jullia attempted to say something, Behard simply stared at me blankly.
“It is a pleasure to meet you this way. Your Highness also possesses beautiful hair.”
“…My hair.”
“Yes, yes. It is quite red, and it seems to suit your betrothed well.”
What I meant was, she seemed to want to mention Rosette, her betrothed.
‘She doesn’t know the betrothal will be broken soon.’
I was aware that she had interest in the one who revealed Etienne’s name…. But to be this slow with current affairs.
I was genuinely concerned about how the Imperial education had deteriorated.
They were raised only to be beautiful and precious.
So they hadn’t even learned to conceal their feelings, and were merely shy like this.
There was no way I would think them lovely or cute.
Light blonde hair, blue eyes that appeared somewhat dark…. Perhaps it was because their faces looked as though young Jeremiah had been copied exactly.
Or perhaps the children’s particularly cautious and deliberate demeanor reminded me of my older brother in his youth.
Yet I found no need to distinguish between them.
Their mere existence had already soiled my mood so thoroughly.
“…Empress.”
“Hmm? What did you say, Behard?”
“The Empress’s hair, Sister.”
It was a burdensome moment when he had simply stared up at me for a long time.
The Prince hid behind his sister and spoke softly of the Empress Dowager.
His discerning eye wasn’t entirely without merit, I thought.
“…I’m honored by your assessment. I was on my way to meet with the Empress, so I could certainly relay your words to her.”
As he smiled and spoke gently, Behard Adel glanced once at the Princess before nodding slightly.
If the treason of the current Imperial Family were exposed, these small heads would scatter to the winds without hesitation.
The children walked through the Imperial Palace with a cruelty born of innocence, unaware of what their fathers had done to secure such wealth and treasures.
– “You. Don’t hem and haw about this.”
– “…”
– “If there’s anything that could be traced back, finish it cleanly. Don’t leave loose ends.”
…Damn it. You know me far too well.
By now, my beloved was somewhere within these palace walls.
As you grow ever more resolute, I too must find my footing to match your stride.
I was a man incapable of offering complete mercy, yet equally incapable of casting others aside without hesitation.
I would drown in wine and rot away.
Thrashing about in delusion and guilt until I perished…
My brother had relentlessly thrust these similarities upon me.
I despise you all.
You who planted this wretched guilt within me…
I hate you so much I think I’m losing my mind.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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