Mad Rosetta - Chapter 27

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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

Chapter 27

A Spring Blossom With a Bitter Edge (1)

“So at the very least, you shouldn’t interfere, should you?”

Marmint’s icy tone left only silence hanging in the carriage.

They knew it too.

Ever since Marmint had been registered into their household, the vast majority of Dr. Drabe Beaumont’s research and academic achievements had actually been the child’s work.

Which meant that if Marmint were to declare right now that she would not continue her contract with Rosetta, they would all find themselves buried under a mountain of terrible debt.

“Don’t even think of visiting the Research Lab. Provide meals on time and properly. And I don’t appreciate being pestered with questions about what specifically the Princess has assigned me to research, or whether there’s been any progress.”

“B-but surely we should know at least the status of the work, shouldn’t we? If you would just give me a hint, your father….”

“Isn’t that what we call a breach of contract?”

“….”

At Marmint’s scathing retort, Gaildo’s lips pressed shut.

The contract drawn up between Rosetta and Dr. Drabe Beaumont specified only ‘herbal analysis and medicinal products resulting therefrom,’ with no explicit mention of ‘Panilnia Flower’ or ‘antidote.’

Moreover, when Rosetta and Marmint had formed their new contract.

The analysis of Panilnia Flower had already been completed, so the new contract specified only ‘medicinal products.’

Instead, much like Dr. Drabe Beaumont’s agreement, the clause regarding disclosure of research results was printed in very bold lettering.

‘I am different from the Doctor.’

With that thought, Marmint turned a sharp edge toward Gaildo.

It stemmed from her unwillingness to betray Rosetta’s good faith—the woman who had believed in her abilities and proven her trust through the substantial compensation written into their contract.

“With only a month’s deadline, you should at least provide an environment where I can concentrate.”

“….”

“…Unless you want to see me accidentally slip outside and say something foolish.”

At Marmint’s sarcasm, Gaildo’s face hardened into something menacing.

It was unmistakable blackmail.

Turning away from their faces—furious yet unable to voice their anger—the young girl gazed out the window.

‘…Nothing special.’

Yet the old sorrows remained unresolved, and there was no sense of satisfaction washing over me.

I still thought that grasping someone by the throat and coercing them was hardly a pleasant affair.

Separate from the satisfaction of being the first to end this tedious quarrel on my own terms.

* * *

“Wow, it’s truly beautiful….”

“I’ve never seen a dress with such a silhouette before.”

As the servants’ praises continued, Ant Etuilane standing beside me couldn’t suppress her smile.

The dark circles beneath her eyes testified to how much passion and dedication she had poured into my dress.

Yet Etienne herself, the weary-eyed creator, gazed upon her work with nothing but satisfaction.

‘It really is incredible.’

My own assessment of the Debut Tante dress that had arrived early this morning was much the same.

The dresses, crafted from pale-hued fabrics that were radiant yet soft, exuded quiet dignity alongside an endearing charm.

Most notably, the main dress of white silk was adorned with delicately embroidered lace that wove together to create an ethereal beauty, luminous as moonlight in the depths of night.

It was customary for women attending feasts to prepare two or three spare dresses as backup.

Yet with all of these crafted so beautifully, I found myself wondering if I should deliberately spill food on one just to have an excuse to change into another.

“Our children cannot take their eyes off them. What do you think, Etienne?”

Ant Etuilane had created garments that captivated the eye.

I was genuinely delighted by this fact, and I gazed at her with eyes full of satisfaction.

“Well, ahem… surely this is all thanks to the superior designs you provided, my lady. I myself found great joy in every stitch.”

“No. This is your achievement.”

“My lady?”

“I merely explained my discomforts and requirements. It was you who brought them to life so beautifully.”

“…”

“Had I entrusted this to another, such a treasure would never have come into my hands.”

When I added that she should never claim elsewhere that these dresses were made at my request, her eyes widened considerably.

In two years’ time, Ant Etuilane would create such garments solely through her own inspiration.

I had no wish to tarnish her noble reputation in any way.

‘Besides, if she gained fame through designs lacking true merit, it might become poison in the end.’

For some reason, Ant Etuilane gazed at me with eyes gleaming as though she had been deeply moved.

But I refrained from responding to such things, as my next appointment awaited.

“My lady, a package has arrived from Drandri Jewelers. Where shall I place it?”

Sara, my servant, entered the room and offered me a beautifully wrapped box.

It was something I had ordered during a brief visit to the Shopping District on the day I returned from the Monastery after meeting with Marmint.

I deliberately arranged for the dress to be placed in the wardrobe with an indifferent expression, then turned to face Ant Etuilane.

“I apologize for not being able to spend more time conversing with you—I have commitments afterward. Still, I intend to enthusiastically showcase your work at the feast, so do stock up on fabrics generously. You’ll be quite busy from here on out.”

“…Ha, do you really think so?”

Ant Etuilane laughed sparingly, unwilling to harbor false hopes only to face disappointment.

After all, no matter how beautiful a dress appeared to our eyes, its success or failure depended entirely on who wore it and how trends were shaped.

Her concerns were not without merit.

【Your reputation does need to improve somewhat.】

Be silent, phantom.

Sing, arms crossed, scrutinized my debut gown with meticulous attention while agreeing with Ant Etuilane’s sentiment.

Yet even if I were to cause a disturbance in the banquet hall itself, my bearing would remain elegant—and so I harbored no doubt whatsoever in my own assertion.

“Reina, hand that to me.”

I received the documents that had been placed on the side table from Reina.

Then I handed them to Ant Etuilane, who was packing her travel bag, and spoke.

“Stock the fabrics. Even if no one places orders with you afterward, I shall continue to entrust my dresses to your atelier indefinitely.”

“Oh, this is…”

“Ideally, I would employ you as my exclusive seamstress. But I suspect that is not what you desire, is it?”

Ant Etuilane carefully withdrew the documents from the envelope that had not yet been sealed, her eyes widening considerably.

Beauty must be widely known to flourish.

I wish to become as she is. Trends born from such desire spread rapidly, eventually capturing the capital itself.

Yet precisely because of this, should one seek to monopolize beauty, those who cannot possess it will inevitably seek other forms of beauty elsewhere.

I had no desire to witness the brilliance of such an exquisite design fade into obscurity.

‘But I cannot afford to let this opportunity slip away.’

With that thought, I smiled to myself.

“It’s a contract. A sort of preemptive claim, ensuring that Rosetta Coco Benitra’s orders take absolute priority. The deposit is specified, and I’ve included detailed terms, so review it carefully before deciding.”

“Ah….”

A seamstress destined for brilliant success.

Yet not yet renowned?

Then it only made sense to claim her as mine first.

If I delayed even slightly, by the time anyone thought to visit Etienne’s Atelier, I would inevitably hear that reservations—much like those at Ceitela House—required months of waiting.

A dress from her hands, obtained after such considerable time, would possess a rarity all its own.

Women would undoubtedly draw envy simply by appearing in a gown from Etienne’s Atelier.

‘But I despise waiting.’

So before matters reached that point, I intended to secure my place in her schedule well in advance.

Of course, this scheme was only possible because Etienne had not yet grown confident in her own success—which meant I had to act swiftly.

“I’m afraid I cannot offer you much time. The Spring Stage is roughly a month away…. Yes, I shall be in Jedo the night before the feast as well. Why not visit me then?”

“Um, yes….”

“Careful deliberation is natural, of course, but I do hope you won’t miss this opportunity. Later, even if you wish to sign a contract, you won’t be able to.”

【You?】

Yes, me.

At the mocking question that stirred something within me, I could not deny it.

‘Ugh, I’m nervous.’

Truth be told, I was acutely aware of every eye upon me.

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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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