Mad Rosetta - Chapter 96

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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 96
A Princess Must Possess Acting Ability as a Basic Skill (3)
More than four years had passed since the Duchess died.
At this point, presenting evidence was absolutely essential if I were to confront Lawrence about his role in that day’s tragedy.
But back then, Lianna was nothing more than a Duchess with no connection whatsoever to our Household.
As Sergio had said, mere testimony that Lawrence and she exchanged letters periodically could not serve as proof that the two of them conspired to murder the Duchess.
‘Unless he confesses of his own accord.’
Then I would simply have to create the evidence myself.
Thus, while staying at House of Montague, I sent word to Marmint requesting she synthesize a drug called a ‘truth serum.’
From what I had learned through books, unlike certain foreign lands, the Empire rarely employed such substances during interrogations.
This was because its effects were limited to calming the mind and body, making it unreliable for serious purposes.
So I waited for research that could maximize the efficacy of the existing foreign-imported formulas.
“…So? What advice did you hear from Schuteram Young Master?”
“To be honest, I feel like I stumbled upon the answer unintentionally… Have you ever heard of ‘Romaron Tea’?”
The unexpected name of a tea tumbled from Marmint’s lips, and I simply nodded.
Romaron Tea.
A type of herbal tea brewed from leaves called romaron grass.
It had enjoyed a brief surge in popularity among young nobles a few years ago, complete with marketing that suggested drinking it when one wished to have a sincere conversation with another.
‘…Though the rumor came first, and marketing scrambled to catch up.’
From what I knew, couples who had ordered Romaron Tea at the time had an unusually high tendency to develop romantic relationships, which led to word-of-mouth promotion that bordered on advertising.
However, because the leaves possessed a distinctly bitter aroma that was quite potent, its popularity quickly waned and it faded from sight.
But why would she bring up a tea that was difficult to find at any Tea House?
As I merely stared at Marmint, she spoke matter-of-factly.
“I’ve been experimenting with combining romaron leaves into the existing truth serum. You did ask me to enhance its potency.”
“That’s right.”
“That romaron tea, I heard—lovers used to drink it to encourage confessions. And it actually works.”
“Hmm?”
“It dulls the senses and makes it difficult to maintain self-control.”
During her conversation with Schuteram Young Master, Marmint had heard in passing about the romaron tea trend.
Since there are countless varieties of tea, their effects are equally diverse.
But most were marketed as improving immunity or providing beneficial effects to the body.
Marmint found this peculiar and investigated the romaron leaves herself.
“The leaves contained many components that affect the nervous system. Things that weaken patience or ease one’s guard.”
Marmint explained that this was likely why rumors spread about it inducing confessions and making people reveal their true feelings.
In reality, the romaron leaves were simply more potent than the herbs used in existing truth serums, causing people to unwittingly lose their self-restraint.
‘…How did I ever end up meeting someone like her.’
The fact that she had continued Dr. Drabe Beaumont’s research, and that she had synthesized an antidote to Panilnia poison in such a short time, was remarkable.
But her ability to seize upon a single passing remark from young Schuteram Young Master and connect it to pharmaceutical development was a level of reasoning that a criminal like me could scarcely comprehend.
“Fortunately, it seems we can expect results… I’m combining various formulations, so I’ll let you know once I have news.”
“I wasn’t joking when I said that in the corridor earlier.”
“Pardon?”
“After you graduate from the Academy, join our Household. Think about it seriously.”
I had to secure her commitment.
The moment I made this sudden proposal with that intention, I saw Marmint’s expression grow troubled.
If she wished to study abroad for broader knowledge, I would send her.
Should she desire pure research, I was prepared to support her studies at the Academy itself.
Yet I truly hoped Marmint would remain closer to me.
Her exceptional talent was certainly a factor, but I wanted to stand beside her as she flourished and witness her growth with wonder.
‘Above all, I’m terrified that others might poach her.’
Like other academies, most students here solidified their career paths before graduation.
Typically, they inherited their family’s enterprises or secured positions in fields related to their studies.
It was only natural that the more exceptional the student, the more people approached them beforehand.
‘Marmint has no family business to inherit, and her grades rank among the very best…’
Those seeking to recruit her would descend without hesitation.
“…Aren’t you expecting far too much from me?”
“Why? Does it burden you?”
“…Honestly, yes. What if I suddenly start trembling at the mere sight of medicinal herbs? What will you do if my grades plummet to the bottom?”
Whether my proposal truly weighed on her or not, Marmint spoke with a sullen tone, her lips pouting slightly.
Trembling at herbs? Yet the scent of medicinal plants clings so heavily to her body—how boldly she speaks such words.
With that thought, I let out a low, quiet laugh.
“Then the duration of my sponsorship would simply extend longer. I would need to support you until you become self-sufficient.”
“That’s…that’s not what I meant.”
“But you would never ask me for help in your lifetime unless I pushed you this hard.”
“…”
“If you have a clear calling, I won’t stop you. But don’t exclude our Household from your future path.”
Given the harsh environment in which Marmint was raised, she had always yearned to live independently.
She suffers alone, never relying on others.
Whenever such stubbornness surfaced, I found myself deeply displeased, seized by the impulse to break her resolve—and this was far from the first time.
If she wished to live autonomously, that was commendable.
Yet to reject a genuine opportunity that came her way was, from my perspective, foolish.
‘…This child, acting coy when I’m offering to build her a sanctuary.’
Above all, the introduction as ‘a talent desired by Benatra’ would undoubtedly enrich her future prospects.
It would certainly prove beneficial when she sought good employment later.
“Patronage from the nobility is akin to investment. If my proposal burdens you, then treat it as I did before—a stepping stone for your advancement. A driving force.”
“Before?”
“When I sought a contract regarding the antidote, didn’t you ask that I defer payment until you completed the transaction successfully?”
“…”
“I’m not saying you must meet my expectations as a patron. Rather, reframe your thinking: if you work diligently, your path to success is assured. The outcome may be the same, but wouldn’t it also serve as motivation?”
Marmint began contemplating my words with unexpected seriousness, her expression no longer clouded with doubt.
It seemed that invisible things like justification and motivation still mattered greatly to her.
Since she appeared to want reasons attached to every act of kindness, I supposed I could fabricate one to persuade her, but….
Even that didn’t sit well with me.
“That’s not a bad idea. It almost sounds like a reward.”
“…Sigh. Fine then. But if you’re not genuinely tired of herbalism, don’t speak hastily. Others might think you lack true ambition and actually look down on you for it.”
“You always said that what you truly love should be hidden away, and you shouldn’t appear to want it too much. How many people approach kindly just to take advantage of others?”
The way she quickly softened her words—as if to clarify that the Princess wasn’t one of those people—made it clear she was quite an unusual child.
Whether she beat people with words or tugged at their heartstrings, I was tired of her doing only one or the other, so I clicked my tongue in exasperation.
“Why does an eleven-year-old speak so well? Have you been reading nothing but rhetoric books?”
“When you want to curse but don’t know the words, you learn them quickly.”
“Quite sharp-witted indeed.”
“But why do you seem to be in such a good mood today?”
“Me?”
“Yes, you look quite elated.”
I twisted my hair awkwardly and kept my gaze fixed on the table.
‘Damn, was it that obvious?’
How could I not be in good spirits?
Ever since learning the method to resurrect Sing, I’d been in this state constantly.
I wanted to finish everything as quickly as possible and finally face Sing in his true form.
The man in the Imperial Palace portrait had been gaunt and terrifying, but the one I’d actually encountered showed every trace of his humanity, making him far more dimensional.
‘If only I had a bit more Memoraph, I could have built a far more versatile hand.’
Two pieces were scarce enough, but the more cards you could use, the greater the peace of mind they brought.
So I’d checked with Father to see if there were any Memoraph stashed away, but he told me I’d already used them all when I was younger.
They were consumables, so I had to use them carefully.
Though I’d already decided where to use one of them.
“I have a moving class soon, so I should get going.”
While I was lost in thought, Marmint glanced at the clock on the wall and began to rise.
I stood as well, brushing off my dress, when I remembered something I’d meant to tell her and paused.
“Oh, right. I’m telling you in advance so you won’t be shocked when you hear it later.”
“Yes?”
“I’m breaking off my engagement soon.”
“…Yes?”
“Pay attention in class.”
I’d mentioned it beforehand so she wouldn’t pester me with questions about what had happened, like she used to.
Yet I’d announced it as casually as if I were just saying I was going out for tea.
At Marmint’s expression—a look that seemed to ask what on earth I was talking about—I burst out laughing.

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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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