Mad Rosetta - Chapter 19

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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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Rosetta Gone Mad

Episode 19

Even Saplings Require Careful Watering (2)

* * *

After changing into the plainest dress I could find, I made my way to the Main Manor.

I had Reina inquire about a visit, and fortunately, Lianna accepted without hesitation.

“How remarkable—a day has come when I sit across from you, Rosetta, and share tea together. The passage of time feels surreal.”

“Before my health deteriorated, I believe Bonita and I visited Mother quite often. It’s strange how time slips away, isn’t it?”

And so I found myself exchanging pleasantries and smiles with this inscrutable woman.

As I gazed steadily into Lianna’s eyes, I found myself thinking that this must be what Odette would look like in a few years—more mature, more refined.

When her lustrous emerald gaze was framed by those deep auburn locks cascading down her shoulders, there emanated a serene and elegant beauty reminiscent of ancient oak—the kind that naturally commanded deference.

And yet, with such an honest face, she had poisoned Father.

The human heart was truly unfathomable.

“Won’t you visit your mother more often from now on? I’ve always regretted not spending more time with you, Rosetta.”

“Of course. Actually, I’ve seen Mother and Bonita strolling through the Garden together a few times from my room, and I must confess I felt envious.”

“Oh my. You felt that way? Now that your health has recovered somewhat, shall we take a walk together next time?”

As she laughed demurely, I mirrored her with my own affected laughter, though my facial muscles were beginning to cramp from the strain.

Lianna.

More precisely, the former Lianna Londry—the former Epsilon Baroness.

I had heard she was raised as the eldest daughter of a rural knight in the eastern provinces before marrying the Epsilon Baron, despite their considerable age difference.

‘Thanks to Odette back then, Lianna’s reputation within the Epsilon Estate surpassed even that of the Baron himself, or so I’ve heard….’

The young Princess of Epsilon was so graceful and refined in etiquette, possessed such admirable character and sound judgment that she was called the finest bride candidate, and so forth….

As praise for Odette multiplied with each passing day, Lianna’s standing rose accordingly.

Even after the Epsilon Baron’s death, the Epsilon Baroness fulfilled her duties as mistress of the household and guided her children with such virtue that many nobles lavished praise upon her educational philosophy, or so it was said.

When those tales of virtue reached the ears of my Father, who had lost his wife and raised me alone, it became the beginning of this entire catastrophe.

‘I only asked her to raise my daughter well…. And now I’m planning a joint funeral for both of them.’

My Father’s two conditions for remarrying Lianna were crystal clear.

That I be treated with the same regard as Odette.

And that they bear no children together.

Then as now, my Father’s devotion—still unable to forget my departed Mother—was sacrificed entirely for my future.

Knowing this better than anyone, I accepted the Epsilon Mother and Daughter as family so as not to disappoint my Father.

‘I never imagined the outcome would taste so bitter.’

The melancholy that washed over me each time I recalled those days had been dwelt upon so thoroughly that it became almost a comfort to know I had only repayment left to give.

Should things not unfold as I wish and the woman before me’s life were to end, at least I could spit upon her face rather than die helplessly consumed by resentment.

I made a silent vow and set down my teacup without a sound.

“It feels strange to say this after visiting you for so long, Mother…. But truthfully, I have a favor to ask.”

“You never made requests of me before. If I can be of help, I would be glad to hear it.”

“Have you perhaps seen today’s newspaper?”

I observed Lianna’s face carefully.

Her expression was composed enough that I could not discern her thoughts, though I imagined mine appeared much the same.

She opened her mouth as if to speak, then closed it again. After a moment, she finally broke the silence.

“I heard there was quite a commotion at Arcanis Academy yesterday.”

“How fortunate that you’ve heard! The matter I wished to discuss with you is actually related to that incident at the Academy.”

“Rosetta, you and the Academy?”

“Yes. I had personally requested something from Dr. Drabe Beaumont at the Academy, but unfortunately, he passed away before he could help me….”

Had I been Odette, I would have covered my mouth with my hand at this moment, lowered my gaze, and expressed my regret.

The handkerchief I had prepared so carefully served its purpose, helping me wipe away tears that refused to come.

“My, what a shock this must be for you. I had no idea you were connected to the Academy in such a way.”

“As you know, Mother, I’ve always been prone to various ailments. But at some point, I noticed that whenever Bonita gave me flowers, I would suffer from allergies…. I asked the late Doctor to help me find a solution to this problem.”

As I continued my act of sobbing—’If only I could find a way to treat the allergies, I wanted to arrange flowers together with Odette, but now everything is ruined…’—Sing beside me clapped his hands, remarking that I was truly a great actress.

‘Your darling is updating her acting skills right now, so don’t ruin the performance, you fool.’

Even if her subordinates scattered throughout Benatra had already reported these facts to her, the significance of hearing it directly from my own lips was immense.

The misconception that I am merely a sixteen-year-old girl of no consequence.

The misconception that I trust Lianna.

The misconception that my hostility toward them is not as great as they imagine….

I hoped that the misjudgment born from these misconceptions would create a single moment of hesitation when they attempted their wicked schemes.

And that no more victims would fall because of it.

With this fervent wish, I let out a quiet sob.

“My, seeing you cry like this troubles my heart. You needn’t strain yourself for Bonita’s sake.”

“Yes, and since the Doctor has passed, further research seems impossible anyway, so I was planning to abandon the endeavor. However, he was still someone we were connected to…. I thought it only proper to pay my respects as he departs this world.”

“If you’re asking about an escort….”

“Would it be possible for you to attend the Doctor’s funeral with me?”

She would have no choice but to accept.

Given how little contact she had with me, she would have only received limited information from others.

For Lianna, this proposal was an opportunity to observe me directly—the one about whom rumors of change were spreading.

“I even considered asking Father, but as you know, Mother worries about so many things. I thought spending time with you would be better than causing unnecessary concern, so I’ve come to make this request.”

“Indeed, even if it was only a fleeting connection, it’s important to fulfill one’s duty. If this old mother is acceptable, let us go together to bid farewell to the departed.”

“Really? Thank you so much. I was certain you would agree without hesitation.”

“I’m grateful you think so. But do you have mourning clothes prepared separately? There doesn’t seem to be enough time to prepare and depart.”

My stomach churned at Lianna’s question, but I forced myself to smile gently.

I did have mourning clothes, of course.

The ones I wore for the first and last time at my birth mother’s funeral, from when I was a child.

‘If I added fabric and lengthened the hem, I could wear them even now….’

But I didn’t want to wear the clothes in which I had last bid farewell to my mother while accompanying Lianna.

“…Actually, all my mourning clothes are from when I was young. If it’s not too much trouble, could I have the mourning clothes you have altered and wear those instead?”

“Mm, that would be best given the time constraint.”

With those words, Lianna summoned the Maids and entrusted them with the alterations.

* * *

Thanks to preparing as quickly as possible, I was able to board the Carriage by early afternoon.

By the time we arrived at the Monastery, it was already late evening, so Lianna and I had to quicken our pace.

I found myself genuinely grateful that the Monastery where the Doctor typically spent his time was so close to the Duke’s Mansion.

“It seems the lying-in-state ceremony has already concluded.”

After descending from the Carriage.

As I walked beside Lianna, those who recognized her offered silent bows in greeting as we passed.

Some mourned the departed’s final journey with unceasing tears, while others paid their respects through quiet prayer.

Yet the number of attendees was disappointingly sparse, making me regret our evening arrival.

‘There won’t be much information I can gather from this….’

I caught Sing’s eye, and without hesitation, he shifted away in the opposite direction to listen in on the others’ conversations.

Bring me something worthwhile, partner.

“Ugh, damn old geezer….”

…Hmm?

Had I just heard something that shouldn’t have been spoken at a funeral?

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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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