Mad Rosetta - Chapter 68

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

Episode 68

Time of Downfall (3)

– “You… You must not betray me.”

Was that why?

When I begged so desperately, did you wear such a pained expression because of that?

Had you already filled your head with what you would do, then urged me to rise?

Since it had been nearly 10 years since the previous emperor’s death before I died, perhaps your intention for me to seek 10 years’ worth of revenge was a vow you made to yourself.

“…After all this, now I’m getting stabbed in the back by a ghost too.”

The words came out like a lament from within.

Even after I said that, when I looked up feeling regretful, I could see him about to open his mouth to say something.

At that moment, the knock-knock sound that came made me momentarily annoyed yet secretly relieved.

“Lady, it’s Lawrence.”

Though I couldn’t welcome the owner of that knock.

When I quickly gave permission, Lawrence entered with quiet steps and informed me.

“The Duchess says the meal is ready and has sent me to escort you both.”

“…Ah, I see. But what to do.”

Instead of Lawrence who asked “Pardon?” in return, I looked at him and replied.

It was a deliberately harsh tone as if showing my anger.

“I’ve lost my appetite, so I’ll have to skip it.”

“…Hmm. But Lady-“

“Didn’t you hear me?”

Lawrence’s eyes looked back and forth between me and him.

In the past, I would have naturally thought he was reading our moods, but somehow now it felt like he was gauging this situation.

Since the reason for the visit was about the scandal with Odette, it would be proper to first signal that my relationship with him was beginning to sour.

“Someone has made me completely lose my appetite so I can’t eat.”

So please handle dining with those people alone.

As I brushed past Lawrence and left the room as if I had nothing more to say, an urgent voice followed behind, saying he would escort him first.

The rain was fiercely beating against the corridor windows without letting up.

* * *

“I heard everything from the Butler, so don’t think to smooth things over with lies, Rosetta.”

Not even a few hours after being informed that Cessia had returned, Lianna summoned me to the reception room of her chambers.

To her scolding me as if she had seized an opportunity, asking how I could commit such rudeness even between close relations, I replied in an angry tone instead.

“Mother doesn’t even ask why I was so angry with my fiancé.”

“…Rosetta. If you too are nobility, surely you know that regardless of any reason, you must never forget courtesy toward others.”

“I was never taught that I must show courtesy even to those who have forgotten proper conduct.”

“Rosetta, you really-“

“He asked me why I couldn’t be sweet and gentle like Bonita.”

Even though I cut off her words, Lianna only flinched and didn’t point it out.

She didn’t even seem to suspect that I was lying.

It was the proper sequence to make her aware that Cessia was keeping an eye on Odette and to get Odette to move more actively.

‘These people who care so damn much about saving face will be deeply troubled.’

Since they remained in Benatra even knowing I wouldn’t go mad and ruin myself as they wished, a marriage partner like Montague was absolutely necessary for them.

Perhaps they might even think of a plan to use me as a decoy and then dispose of me, like in my previous life.

“The subject of comparison with his fiancée wasn’t even another woman, but his only sister. Was I supposed to agree with Fordicus’s slip of the tongue?”

“…Rosetta. Was leaving early from the ceremony also because of such problems?”

“Yes, since he kept mentioning Bonita throughout our conversation, I spilled some wine. To think he went to the banquet hall in that state – his shamelessness is astounding.”

“You must have been… very disappointed. I thought you and Youngshik got along quite well.”

“Haha, we should get along well. Aren’t we promised to each other? I’m considering it something that will pass.”

When I spoke as if there would be no problems with the engagement anyway, Lianna again made an expression of unknown intent and replied as if agreeing with my words.

The sound of her scheming is quite loud.

Since I was quite exhausted in body and mind to continue this conversation with such an annoying person, I opened my mouth indifferently like someone whose anger hadn’t subsided.

“I have plans tomorrow so I’m thinking of going to bed early… May I excuse myself first?”

“Of course, Rosetta. I should have considered your situation first – I’m sorry for creating an uncomfortable situation.”

Looking at her face that didn’t look sorry at all, I gave a trivial reply asking what could be done since she didn’t know.

There was no sign that my gloomy mood would improve.

* * *

“Penny. This might take a while, and it’s raining, so wait in the carriage. Or you can go into a nearby tea shop.”

“Mm, I’ll wait in the carriage.”

The next day. My words about having plans weren’t a lie.

Since he had left my side and I could no longer have him monitor Lianna and Odette, I had to find out about them on my own.

So I came to find a guild from the list of information brokers Stilling had given me, one that the household often used.

Since it was a place the household also received help from, the quality of information would be unquestionable, and I needed somewhere with guaranteed credibility.

“…The founder is from the north.”

How devout of them.

I sat in the waiting room and made idle observations while looking at the framed sign that read 【Ar-Cel】.

Agate, one of the three sons of the sun god.

Agate, who was supposed to ascend to heaven following the sun god, split his own body in two to look down upon the people of the land who were frequently suffering from floods.

The name of the fallen alter ego was Arsan.

‘It could just be seen as an ordinary myth, but…’

Arsan also became the name of North Port, and there were actually records of many imperial citizens losing their lives due to severe wave damage in the distant past.

Though technological advances meant no more such damage occurred, the north still had far more Agate temples and believers compared to other regions.

So there must have been good reason for deliberately splitting the guild name.

“I’ll escort you to the interview room.”

…What a surprise.

Because of a guide who appeared from who knows where, I tried to hide my startled reaction and moved to the room he was leading me to.

Honestly, since this was my first time visiting a guild, I was a bit scared and wanted to bring Penny inside with me.

Though I was soundly rejected at the waiting room entrance for differing from the scheduled number of people.

‘His eyes look just like… peridot.’

Bright olive color. Despite wearing a mask, the eye color was clearly visible, and as I sat on the sofa, I had that much of an impression of the man before me.

Was he a representative?

As if security about identity was as important as life itself, though I was also wearing a robe and mask, I thought I was probably sloppier than him who had even hidden his hair completely.

“…Are you a representative?”

“The guild master is busy. All requests can be processed through me.”

“I was just asking.”

“…Since there are many who request direct meetings with the guild master, I stepped forward first.”

Rather blunt.

But thinking that he just needed to do his job well, I placed several sheets of documents I had scribbled alone on the table and said.

“I’d like you to look into the current Duchess of Benatra and that household’s Butler. As much as possible.”

“Hmm… The scope you’re mentioning is quite broad. If you could tell me your intended purpose, I can investigate that aspect in detail.”

“…Please confirm whether these two had any connection even before entering the Benatra Estate.”

“That’s sufficient. Is there anything else?”

At his words, my lips moved involuntarily.

There were many things I wanted to find out.

‘…I wanted to hear it directly from him.’

For instance, about Sing.

I wanted to hear about him from others so much that I considered it several times.

But if I made that request, it would be no different from spying.

Thinking about how I would also be displeased if someone investigated my background, I decided to change direction since I didn’t feel like it.

“Do you also take requests regarding the Imperial Palace?”

“…I’ll listen and then judge.”

“I want to know about the circumstances surrounding the Former Emperor’s death. It was officially announced as an attack, but I’m wondering if there were any suspicious aspects within the Imperial Palace at the time.”

“May I ask the reason?”

I frowned at his direct question, which was too straightforward to be mere probing.

If I ask him to do it, he should just do it—why is he making such a fuss about it.

“If the payment isn’t enough, I can add more.”

“That’s something you should rightfully pay more for, especially for difficult requests.”

“…”

“If answering that question is difficult, you may proceed with just the first request.”

He’s being firm.

But what can I do? It’s human psychology to want to push harder when someone shows they’re reluctant to accept.

As he organized the documents I’d given him, showing signs of wanting to end this meeting, I quickly threw out my words.

“I heard that the mastermind behind the Former Emperor’s assassination is within the Current Imperial Family… I simply wanted to know the details.”

When I spat out this absurd rumor as if it were truth, he visibly stiffened while gathering the documents.

If word of this got out, I’d be arrested without fail for the crime of impiety.

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