Mad Rosetta - Chapter 48

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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 48

The Second Spring (5)

A brilliant garnet sat squarely in the center of the gilded ribbon knot, its presence unmistakable.

The gem’s ideal luster and size were such that, upon assessment of its quality, it posed no threat to Benatra’s reputation.

‘Besides, this is a style Odette would never wear.’

Her eyes were neat and gentle, her features small yet precisely placed—it was only natural when one considered her appearance.

Odette’s true beauty was maximized when she dressed in understated, subtle elegance.

She seemed to pursue such an aesthetic herself, and for her young age, she possessed a remarkable understanding of the art of restraint.

In short, it was clear she would not be particularly delighted to receive this ornament that Sing had indicated.

A gift that would not diminish the Household’s honor, yet something that would make Odette uncomfortable.

The brilliantly lustrous red gem evoked the hair color of both myself and Cessia, and this fact would lend even greater weight to the notion that we had chosen the gift together.

“Fordicus. What do you think of this ribbon hairpin?”

“This? Hmm… The polish looks excellent, and I don’t see any inclusions. But isn’t this more the style Bonita used to favor?”

“I suppose you’re right. Though Bonita does wear understated things from time to time… I wanted to convey that we chose this together. Perhaps that’s too naive a sentiment.”

“…Hmm, no. If that’s your intention, it seems like a fine choice. Shall we go with this?”

At my awkward demeanor as I spoke only of the ornament before me, Cessia swiftly shifted his attitude.

I then opened the small purse I had brought for making the purchase.

‘Blast it all. Regardless of my intent to torment her, spending such a sum on Odette hardly sits well with me.’

The gem’s quality meant the piece commanded a considerable price.

At some point, I had thought to drive out Lianna and Odette and extract a hefty alimony from them. With that in mind, I reached into my bag to retrieve my coin purse.

Cessia’s fingers descended carefully onto the back of my hand.

“We agreed to prepare this together. Since you chose it, Rosette, let me cover the cost.”

…Was that so?

No, answering like that would be rather awkward.

I swallowed the impulse that had nearly burst forth and let out a hollow cough instead.

“Ahem, if you insist on it like that, I suppose I have no choice. I can already picture how delighted Bonita will be. Thank you.”

“Haha, I hope so.”

Cessia finished the transaction without fuss, and we left the shop after receiving the Proprietor’s parting wishes for a pleasant time.

Thus, without spending a single coin, I had somehow managed to prepare a gift for Odette.

After that, we wandered about the surroundings and observed quite a number of things.

Street poets. Melodies drifting from unknown sources. Things that weren’t necessary but were beautiful enough to indulge one’s desires—exactly the sort of trinkets worth acquiring.

【That looks delicious.】

“Don’t talk to me.”

【I was just muttering to myself.】

“Then keep your distance while you do it.”

In the Dining Hall where we’d stopped for an early dinner, while Cessia stepped away briefly, that creature pestered me as expected.

‘Besides, what is this…. Isn’t this a seafood feast? It’s nice and all, but….’

Most of the dishes Cessia had ordered contained seafood as the primary ingredient.

Given the time we’d spent together since childhood, he would surely know that I was fond of seafood dishes.

Smoked salmon. Carpaccio made from scallops.

And the saffron aroma rising from the soup awakened the palate.

Every dish seemed designed for those desperate to impress their lovers.

The finely diced ingredients and sauces that wouldn’t lodge between teeth—all calculated to prevent embarrassment.

【…enjoying fine cuisine all alone.】

“Blame whoever made you this way. You can’t even eat, so why do you keep whining?”

【I can at least smell it. A true connoisseur savors a meal through aroma alone—】

“Yes, yes. I’ll listen, so stop talking. How much longer do you want to make me look insane?”

I was whispering quietly, after all.

Had anyone else heard me, I would have looked like a madman conversing with himself at an empty table.

As I quickly spooned up the gratin, its cream sauce and cheese mingling together, Sing leaned in close with a broad grin.

Rather… endearing.

【Gratin, is it? Hmm, did you mix crab meat into the sauce?】

“You certainly have refined tastes.”

【A pastime from another life.】

Sing shrugged proudly, and until Cessia arrived, I found myself spoon-feeding the aroma(?) to him.

Even afterward, I laughed several times—perhaps because despite being in Cessia’s company, it felt as though Sing and I were on an outing together.

I had no intention of enjoying myself, yet I ended up thoroughly entertained.

* * *

‘Still, this won’t do for the journey home….’

Whoooosh.

Desperate cries echoed through the Street as countless people scrambled for shelter beneath shop awnings, fleeing the relentless downpour.

The sudden cloudburst struck the ground with such violence that it sounded like ball bearings shattering against pavement.

“R-Rosette. Here, at least dry yourself with this.”

“…Oh, yes.”

Having barely managed to take shelter beneath a tree, Cessia handed me his handkerchief with an expression of helpless distress.

Unlike those who had moved with agility from the first drops and claimed spots beneath buildings, we who had been strolling down the middle of the Street were now thoroughly drenched—a pathetic sight by any measure.

The hair the Children had so carefully groomed this morning, the spring dress Etienne had sent, the shawl I’d draped over my shoulders—everything was soaked through.

Water dripped from every thread.

‘And it’s so cold…!’

Even in Spring, the mornings and evenings carried a biting chill.

The downpour appeared as though it would pass quickly. Yet in this state, there was no question of boarding the Carriage.

Even if we forced the journey, I would catch a cold before reaching Benitra Territory.

Cessia, harboring similar thoughts, brushed his wet hair back with evident irritation and spoke.

“Sigh… We should find lodgings first. Being something of a tourist destination, there should be plenty of Inns nearby.”

My lips wouldn’t move easily, so I answered with a nod instead.

Peach blossoms that had bloomed in profusion now clung to the Street, trampled and wilted.

An unauthorized overnight absence.

I could already hear Father’s thunderous voice echoing in my ears.

* * *

“Then rest, Rosetta.”

“Yes, I’ll see you in the Lobby tomorrow.”

Leaving Cessia’s weary face behind, I closed the Doorway.

“…Freezing! Damnably freezing, blast it all!”

Then I immediately began surveying my surroundings, searching for a towel or anything of the sort.

An unplanned overnight stay, an unplanned overnight stay!

Not only had an unmarried woman spent an unexpected night away with a man, but if it became known that the man in question was her betrothed…?

My ears already itched at the thought of what people would say.

For that reason, I had entered the Inn with my face wrapped tightly in Cessia’s coat, but the problem was that there might be those who recognized Cessia’s distinctive handsome face.

‘If I’m not careful, I’ll be forced into marriage! Absolutely not!’

Never mind the Household’s honor.

If rumors spread that I had gone to an Inn with my betrothed, it was painfully obvious what people would say about me after I broke off the engagement in the future.

My soaked body felt uncomfortable, and I regretted not bringing Penny or the other Children along.

Besides, why wasn’t there a towel even in the Bathroom?

As I stood shivering with my arms wrapped around myself, looking around the Room, Sing let out a low sigh.

【Such a high-maintenance Princess…. The Children boast about serving you so devotedly.】

In a quiet corner beside the Doorway that Sing had led me through, thick towels were stacked neatly alongside an elegant cabinet.

No, weren’t such things normally kept in the Bathroom?

I was about to say something to the creature who seemed to be mocking me for growing up spoiled and unable to find even a single item.

However, faced with Sing’s subsequent action, I could only express bewilderment.

“What—what are you doing!”

【Since I can’t dry your hair myself, I’ll have to do it this way.】

He took one of the towels from the stack and placed it in my hands, then began vigorously drying the moisture from my hair.

So technically, I was the one doing the drying, but he was controlling every movement.

I understood—he couldn’t grasp objects himself—but I felt like nothing more than a puppet in his hands.

【If you catch a cold, that would be dreadful. Even if it’s warm tonight, you should bundle yourself well under the blankets, darling.】

“…I’m not a child. I know that much.”

【So you’re not a child—how delightful to hear.】

Sing continued moving his hands without pause as he spoke.

The well-maintained towel’s fabric wiped away the moisture from my cheeks, and he gently patted my head.

It was a touch brimming with affection.

The warmth of my two hands, held captive by him, seemed to rise steadily.

【If you fell ill here, you’d be stuck spending another day with Fordicus.】

“….”

【That man seems to be lavishing quite a bit of attention on my darling.】

If Sing’s playful little remark had felt like the ‘jealousy’ people always spoke of—

And if a small, simmering urge to confirm something had bubbled up from deep within me—

Then it must have been entirely my own desire.

I regret it now.

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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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