Mad Rosetta - Chapter 131

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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 131
It is best to clap one’s hands louder than others (4)
* * *
“It brings me such peace of mind to see you in such good health.”
“I must confess, I never dreamed I would encounter the Princess in a place like this. Surely you have come to support that student you hold so dear?”
Surrounded by people offering their greetings as though my presence here were utterly unexpected, I smiled readily, as if I had been waiting for this very moment.
“Well, since it is the child’s first presentation, I simply could not miss it. I have been looking forward to it so much.”
As I replied while gazing toward Marmint in the distance, those around me responded with knowing nods, as though they had anticipated precisely this.
Today was the day of the Academy’s presentation festival.
Student booths lined the side of the Grand Hall, a venue used only for major events, while the central hall bustled with spectators who had come to witness the presentations.
There were quite a few nobles of my acquaintance present, so I had been making the rounds to greet them.
“By the way, the sleeves of the gown you are wearing today are quite remarkable. Is it something imported from a foreign land?”
“Ah, the sleeves, yes.”
I could only laugh it off with a dismissive wave, as though it were nothing of consequence.
‘I certainly cannot tell them it is to conceal my shattered hand.’
The dress I wore today was nothing short of Etienne’s thoughtfulness.
The sleeves of the ash-grey embroidered gown were notably longer than those of my usual garments, allowing me to conceal my mouth without need of a fan.
When I had gone to entrust Marmint’s dress to her care, Etienne had seen my bandaged arm and hastily altered this gown to send to me.
‘I believe I have greeted all the acquaintances I needed to. Perhaps it is time I made my way to Marmint?’
Perhaps it was because I had never studied alongside peers my own age, nor participated in events like today where students displayed their accomplishments.
With a peculiar sense of anticipation stirring within me, I was just about to turn toward the booths when—
“It appears you are attending as a patron, Princess.”
“…?”
Youngsik, with whom I shared no particular connection, suddenly addressed me.
“I am Adeus Geron of the Bemard Family. I fear I have been rather hasty in my eagerness to make your acquaintance.”
“…I see.”
Rather than offer any particular response, I merely regarded him, and he proceeded to offer a proper greeting with due courtesy.
The name seemed familiar—it was one of the noble houses with whom Cessia had conversed during last spring’s Spring Stage.
In other words, he was a person from a household close to the Imperial Court.
‘…He is not someone sent by the Empress Dowager, is he?’
I offered a brief reply that made clear I would not lower my guard, and Adeus Geron’s expression grew somewhat awkward.
Yet there was no help for it. Of late, I had been feeling increasingly as though I were being followed.
– “Word came from the Temple that the number of worshippers inquiring about my whereabouts has grown considerably. They are likely the Empress Dowager’s agents… For now, it would be wise for you and the Princess to keep a low profile.”
When I had visited the Guild recently, Sergio had issued this very warning.
While we had been staying in Balmora, it appeared that those tracking Sergio and the former Second Empress had begun appearing near the Northern Agata Temple.
Fortunately, few knew what the grown Sergio looked like now, and since he had lived under an assumed name, the Guild’s identity seemed to have remained concealed.
– “This is no ordinary matter… and yet I warned him with such severity.”
Though I had anticipated it would not be easy, Sing’s expression had grown stern as well, as though troubled by the news.
No sooner had we heard this from Sergio than suspicious individuals had begun keeping watch over Sing and me.
Even when I took Marmint to Jedo, we remained so heightened in our vigilance that we found ourselves glancing around repeatedly.
So it was only natural that we kept our guard up against someone like Adeus Geron, who approached so suddenly.
“We at the Geron household have been deeply concerned about the recent events involving the Princess, and I wished to express our relief that matters have concluded favorably.”
“Ah, yes… I consider it merely the natural course of events.”
“Haha, of course. Those who commit sins must naturally pay the appropriate price, after all.”
Whether he intended to flatter me or not, Adeus Geron brought up a topic that demanded a response.
‘…I heard Lianna bit her tongue the moment her brother’s sentence was confirmed.’
Along with news that the divorce approval had been granted, Father informed me that Lianna had attempted suicide but failed.
Not long ago, the date for the public execution of the Epsilon Mother and Daughter had been set.
Whether she could not bear to accept such a shameful public end, I heard that the guards’ surveillance over the Epsilon Mother and Daughter had become even more stringent as a result.
‘…Should I let them die as they wish?’
No matter how I reconsidered it, the news was simply infuriating.
I was about to thank him for his concern, thinking perhaps he had merely come to pay his respects to our household for resolving the incident.
“The sin of tarnishing the Princess’s name through such a foolish mistake is indeed grave. And the young Princess has not yet even undergone her coming-of-age ceremony, has she?”
…What?
“The Princess must find someone to fill that void as soon as possible.”
…Excuse me?
Like someone witnessing an utterly absurd spectacle, I could not hide my wide-eyed stare.
Listening carefully, he was not referring to the trouble caused by the Epsilon Mother and Daughter, but rather mentioning Cessia’s infidelity.
As of last week, I had completely broken my engagement with Cessia.
The approval came through remarkably quickly after submitting the documents.
Whether it was because I had mentioned my consideration of a marriage with the Imperial Faction, or because Sing had met with Jeremiah, I could not say.
‘Haha… Now that Cessia has fallen away, all manner of fools come crawling.’
How should I handle this man who spoke of voids and such, trying to paint me as someone desperate to find a husband?
With so many eyes watching, and since I had come today to support Marmint, I had no desire to cause a scene.
“…Why should my heart be in such haste? Is it not simply a matter of examining the marriage proposals sent to my household and selecting a suitable candidate?”
“…Ah, haha. Of course, that would be the case. But does not each person have their own prime age? If the Princess wishes to avoid further gossip-”
“Then Youngsik of the Bemard Family must be quite impatient himself.”
“…Pardon?”
I had certainly intended to let the matter pass as if I had not understood, ending things amicably.
If only this foolish, clueless man had not dared to treat my age and broken engagement as casual topics.
“Youngsik has been an adult for quite some time now, has he not? Should he not find a suitable match as soon as possible? As Youngsik himself said, each person has their own prime age.”
“…Princess-”
“And you must be careful not to accept someone lacking in qualifications. If you choose hastily in your urgency… would you not invite misfortune upon yourself?”
No matter how urgent matters became, I would never choose a man like him as my husband.
With that intention, I flashed Sing’s signature icy smile, and Adeus Geron’s face flushed red and purple with shame.
Ignoring his reaction entirely, I turned to leave, saying I would be on my way.
Adios, you bastard.
* * *
“…Ah, you’ve arrived?”
Weaving through the crowd, I barely managed to reach the Medical Department booth, where Marmint greeted me with a polite bow.
Having wasted time on that insufferable fool, the booth had already accumulated quite a crowd.
I found myself wondering what could possibly warrant such attention.
“Mother, candy. There’s candy here too.”
An unknown woman approached my side, leading a small child by the hand.
As the child reached toward the candies displayed in various types on the table, the woman hesitantly stopped him and asked Marmint.
“Are these items also being presented at the exhibition?”
“Ah, yes. They are made from medicinal compounds. They provide the same effects as fever reducers.”
“My, how fascinating.”
“Most children refuse to take bitter medicine, you see.”
Though she paused briefly, Marmint continued her explanation in a composed tone.
‘If something like this had existed when I was young… Marahan and the maids wouldn’t have struggled so hard to get me to take medicine.’
Recalling Marahan coaxing and cajoling me before ultimately resorting to threats, I couldn’t help but smile.
“But even if they are made from medicinal compounds… wouldn’t they have a negative effect on teeth?”
“Madam, teeth suffer equally if one doesn’t brush after eating regular meals.”
Why must she speak so bluntly?
The concerned woman awkwardly laughed at Marmint’s cold response and quickly moved elsewhere.
Does my daughter lack social skills, or is she simply inexperienced in social situations?
I looked down at Marmint’s slightly pouty face and spoke.
“The booth is quite crowded.”
“Ah, well… we’re grateful for it.”
I had expected nothing more than perhaps a health beverage, so I carefully examined the table.
‘…A, a spray bottle?’
I was momentarily taken aback by the unexpected tool’s appearance.
On the table sat a small spray bottle small enough to fit in one’s hand, and a flat container that appeared to hold some kind of salve.
Unable to discern the purpose of these items, I was glancing at Marmint when—
“Ah, that one! That one!”
Some unknown male student pointed toward the Medical Department booth and rushed over, shouting.

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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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