Mad Rosetta - Chapter 74

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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 74

What to Watch Out for During the Hunt Isn’t Just the Beasts (5)

Confinement, you say.

Did Odette actually admit to her criminal acts?

When I hesitated upon hearing words I couldn’t even imagine, he quickly added an explanation as if my reaction was only natural.

“Less than half a day after the commotion, a report was filed with the Royal Security. The content stated that someone saw Odette pushing you toward the lake.”

“Wh-who on earth…?”

“Someone you know. Amis Demish.”

“…Knight Demish?”

Of all people, it was Benitra’s young knight.

I knew he was on the list of knights representing our household at the hunting festival… But to think he witnessed the scene and even filed a report.

Since last year’s Spring Stage, whenever there were gatherings requiring a partner, Odette would often attend accompanied by him.

So while I didn’t think he would go so far as to conspire under Odette’s influence, I thought it would be difficult for him to be favorable toward me, which made his help somewhat bewildering.

“Well, I was so out of it at the time that I didn’t even know there was a witness… In any case, his statement was detailed, and testimonies poured out from the princesses saying she lured you to the lake. She’s currently confined in the Imperial Palace as a suspect for attempted murder of a noble.”

“Good heavens…”

“Since you’ve regained consciousness… you’ll soon be summoned to trial as a victim.”

“…What does Odette say?”

“She denied everything and then shut her mouth.”

“That figures.”

I nodded obediently at the expected answer.

It was the best response Odette could take.

In a situation where I might survive, she couldn’t easily make excuses.

Once the trial date is set and she learns that I’ll be attending as well…

She would probably claim the accident happened due to her ‘mistake’ rather than let it go as attempted murder, no matter what.

Lianna also knows this, which is why she continues protesting, trying to take me to Benitra by any means necessary.

‘…How terrible.’

My appreciation for Knight Demish’s actions was brief, as the deeper I thought, the more evidence emerged that I wouldn’t be able to finish off Odette here, and my head grew cold.

There was a witness, and the victim was clearly alive.

However, since it was an impulsive crime, the evidence was merely verbal… Even if it went to trial, there was a high possibility that Odette’s statement would receive leniency.

Even if she was lucky enough to receive a prison sentence, it was obvious that Lianna would pay bail and get Odette out.

“…Come to think of it, didn’t Odette say anything to you? Like asking you to give false testimony… Even if she’s confined, she should be able to send letters.”

“Well… without any words about clearing up misunderstandings, she just keeps requesting visits.”

“Well, she’s not foolish enough to create evidence and send it.”

…What should I do.

Thanks to Knight Demish, the situation is certainly favorable to me.

The problem was that no matter how well things went, Odette would eventually be released.

“…Should I ask for leniency first?”

Wouldn’t it be better to make the first move?

“What?”

“Since she’ll be released anyway, what if I ask for Odette’s leniency first? If it’s accepted, we could even impose house arrest as conditional leniency.”

Yes, it might not be a bad method.

Since she was a child who hadn’t even had her coming-of-age ceremony yet. Rather than receiving a much lighter sentence for an impulsive crime, if I testified that Odette pushed me but asked for her leniency, the aspect of attempted murder would remain.

I didn’t need any more heartwarming stories about trying to embrace my malicious younger sister…

By the victim appealing for leniency, Odette’s punishment could fall into my hands.

After careful consideration, this method seemed best, so I spoke calmly. But unlike me, Sing lowered his head with an anxious voice.

“Buying time to keep her as far away as possible is also a method. This incident too, and who knows when it might become dangerous again. Right? Darling…”

“…”

“That woman is not in her right mind.”

I thought only his voice was trembling, but the anxiety was clearly transmitted through his knuckles touching my elbow as well.

I understand Sing’s fear.

It was uncertain how Lianna, with fire at her feet, would react.

The one positive thing to consider was that Odette’s crime made it impossible for them to move easily.

“…It’ll be okay. With suspicions that she tried to kill me, they won’t make hasty plans to deal with Father and me.”

“…Sigh. Duke Benitra will obviously return soon, this is maddening. How can I leave you alone in such a dangerous place.”

“Oh, about that. I think it would be good to postpone the broken engagement for now.”

“…That’s impossible.”

“Huh, what?”

“I’m saying that’s nonsense.”

He glared at me with an utterly resolute tone, like someone who was upset.

“Have you forgotten how rock-bottom your fiancé’s reputation is right now? Even if you push forward, do you think the Duke will just sit still?”

“Mm, he would naturally hold her accountable.”

“See, it’s impossible…”

…Why is he acting like this?

The way he just buried his face in my shoulder as if dejected seemed more mentally unstable than showing increased affection.

‘Was he quite shocked by this incident.’

As I rested just my cheek on his hair and thought it over, that seemed to be the case.

Until now, even when I was in dangerous situations, Sing was always nearby watching over me, so being apart might be anxiety-inducing.

Father would certainly likely demand the broken engagement. No, it was practically already decided.

‘He was so alarmed even when I was caught in the fire…’

If he learned that I had nearly died again somewhere he couldn’t see, he would never allow anything threatening to remain around me.

‘But we can’t keep talking only through letters forever… Most importantly, we have so much to do.’

We need to find Princess Selina and inform her of the current Imperial Family’s treason, and discuss it.

Since Odette had gone as far as she could go, we also needed to devise new methods to strike first before Lianna’s side could do anything.

‘Most importantly, I don’t even know how much longer I can be with this guy.’

Since I had resolved to join in his revenge as well, there was no telling how long Sing would remain in Cessia’s body.

With each day being precious, if we broke off the engagement, there would be enormous restrictions on my meetings with him.

“…Sing. You said you kept all the letters you exchanged with Odette, right?”

“Hm? Of course. I promised to give them to you when the time came.”

“Give them to me now. I’ll use them to persuade Father.”

“…Rather than persuasion, it seems like it would only backfire, darling.”

He narrowed his eyes as if I was talking nonsense.

When I stretched out both arms as if asking to be helped up, it was amusing how he quickly embraced me and gently sat me on the bed.

“When did I say I wouldn’t break off the engagement? I’m just postponing it.”

“…I don’t understand.”

“Then just wait. I think I can persuade him.”

“…”

“If he learns that Fordicus was the Empress Dowager’s illegitimate child… He’ll probably respect my wishes.”

The marriage of great nobles must be conducted under Imperial permission for every process.

Therefore, the Empress Dowager, who actively pushed for my marriage with Cessia, would never consent to a broken engagement over such a scandal.

But if letters proving that the affair with Odette was true came out into the world, then there would be no choice.

If he knew that I held the blade to sever the relationship at any time, Father might also understand and give me time.

“So, how about we visit the guild together after the trial ends? There’s a place where I commissioned something.”

“What kind?”

“I asked them to investigate Lianna and Lawrence… If their skills seem decent, how about we also find out the Princess’s whereabouts through them.”

“Alright, darling. Let me know when the date is set.”

Now I finally felt like my mind was somewhat organized.

One by one, step by step.

I would put shackles on Odette’s ankles and lead Lianna to self-destruction.

I must expose to the world every detail of the crimes of those who cruelly harmed Sing, and set right the foundation of the disgusting current Imperial Family.

I’ll make sure they deeply engrave in their bones what price they must pay for making others shed tears of blood.

“Then I’ll inform the Imperial Palace that you’ve awakened.”

“And also that it was your intention to stay at the Marquis’ Mansion until Father returns.”

“Yes, understood.”

“Oh, and.”

Toward the guy who tilted his head as if asking what else there was, I casually mentioned the part that had been bothering me all along.

“You should change your bath salts first.”

“….”

“It stinks.”

Cessia’s scent is overwhelming, isn’t it.

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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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