Touch My Brother and You Die - Chapter 133
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
#22: Twenty-Three-Year-Old Rosalite
I had merely grown older without accomplishing anything meaningful.
Hah. I still don’t understand Leon’s wish, Karl’s identity remains a mystery, and they claim the chain is my creation, the probability of Serena finding our house properly converges to the odds of drawing five random cards and somehow hitting a straight flush, Father and Papa still haven’t reconciled, Theodore hasn’t sent word since the matchmaking meeting, and Glen keeps vanishing with the Princess to who knows where!
My head feels like it’s about to explode, and today is my birthday on top of everything!
I was so frustrated that I did forward rolls endlessly and received a scolding from Violet. She grumbled about how I’d messed up the beautiful decorations she’d arranged, my clothes and hair all disheveled, so she called the other servants to dust off my dress and fix my hair.
Even if it’s my birthday, it’ll just be the family eating together, receiving gifts, and offering congratulations—then it’s over. What’s the point of all these decorations? This is nothing but Violet’s hobby dragging me and the other maids along for the ride.
Grumbling inwardly, I grabbed my diary. I’d done considerable reflection and deliberation about Glen going out with the Princess, and I’d prepared a countermeasure.
Didn’t Jack say it himself? Glen only has a contract marriage with me—there’s no sense of honor keeping him from looking elsewhere. So I need to mark my territory while I have the chance.
With firm resolve, I tucked my diary under one arm and strode confidently toward the Banquet Hall.
When I arrived at my birthday Banquet Hall, everyone—my family and guests alike—gathered to greet me. Father was there, Leon was there, Papa and his people were there, the Brown Family and the Princess’s entourage were all here. With everyone assembled, this declaration would be worthwhile.
As I recited a toast, everyone raised their glasses in unison, offered their congratulations, and handed me birthday gifts. Father, as always, went straight for cash, and Leon… wait, did this rascal actually stand in line at the Montecarlo Workshop for me?! Is this the Baby Pearl Edition that craftsman made when his youngest daughter had her first child? It has all the bells and whistles!
I was so delighted that I kissed Leon on both cheeks, then on the forehead, poked her ribs three times, and gave her a long, warm hug.
Hehe, this is why you need a younger sibling. Only my beautiful sister understands my taste.
“Rosalite, happy birthday…”
Still clinging to Leon and swaying happily, Glen presented me with a rectangular metal box. And somehow, Princess Natalie had quietly positioned herself beside him.
“What is this?”
“Well, I consulted with the Princess and had it commissioned, but I hope you’ll like it…”
“Have confidence! Your sister will absolutely love it, I’m telling you! In our country, after dairy products, we’re most famous for the craftsmen who create mechanical devices!”
What? Mechanical devices? So it’s not just a rectangular metal box? It looks like a flat pencil case, but…
Curiosity sparked, I took the box while keeping Leon tucked under one arm. But this shape… it seems familiar somehow…
“Gasp!”
The moment I recognized what it was, I pushed Leon away and dropped my jaw. No, no, this can’t be…!
“A calculator! A mechanical calculator!”
“Haha! As expected, our sister recognizes it instantly! This custom-made calculator can perform not only the four basic operations but also exponential calculations, and trigonometric functions can be added too!”
How is that even possible with a mechanical calculator?!
I was so overwhelmed with happiness that my breath caught, and tears welled up in my eyes as I held the calculator. This is the second happiest moment of my life, right after meeting human Excel. How wonderful, how absolutely wonderful!
“Rosalite, are you alright?”
“I’m… I’m fine. I’m just so happy… so very happy.”
As tears streamed down my face, Glen approached and took my hand. Apparently satisfied with the sight, Capo’s eyes grew tense before she turned away and wiped her eyes with her sleeve.
“I apologize. I knew you were lonely with me being away, but I wanted to keep it a secret until your birthday…”
So he wanted to surprise me? Yes, I understand. I understand completely.
Right, Glen would never look elsewhere while I’m around. Jack Brown, that fool, saying such nonsense and making me anxious. I’ll have to scold him later.
Before the mood could dampen further, I stopped crying and laughed, tested the exponential calculation function, and satisfied with the result, placed it where the birthday gifts were displayed. With its perfect ten-key layout, it felt natural in my hands, and its rococo aesthetic was absolutely beautiful—I adored it.
Ahem. Well, now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, it’s time for me to surprise him in return.
I honestly hadn’t expected things to unfold so smoothly, but all my advance preparations had paid off. If I could secure Glen right here and now, our future would be paved with gold.
“Well then, I have something to give you as well.”
When I brought out a diary lavishly decorated with gold leaf, Glen tilted his head in confusion.
I took a step back from Glen and bowed respectfully, then extended the diary toward him.
“This is… only if you’re willing, Glen. Really, only if you don’t dislike me. I know we’re in a contract marriage, but… truly, if you could possibly feel even the slightest bit of affection for me!”
“…!”
Glen seemed to catch on, his eyes tensing. Breathe. I can do this. Rosalite Rocksburg, fighting!
“Could we start as friends, with the premise of officially dating?”
I did it! I said it! Yes!
I cheered inwardly, but the elation didn’t last long. Glen wasn’t answering. Awkwardly, I straightened up and looked at him, only to see him covering his mouth, staring blankly for a moment before suddenly bursting into laughter.
It was a laugh that seemed utterly hollow. Emptiness, futility, void—how could I describe it? My scalp prickled uncomfortably as I glanced around, only to find everyone staring at me with the same expression.
This is terrifying. What is this? Why are they all looking at me like that?
“My apologies, Your Grace…”
“Yes. Speak freely.”
Excuse me. I just asked him to be friends, so why isn’t he answering me and calling the Duke instead? And why is the Duke responding to him?
What is this? What’s happening? Why are they ignoring me and acting like this?
“I shall retire to Veloche Territory for a time.”
“Granted. Compose yourself before you return.”
Wait! You can’t send Glen away at a time like this! There’s so much work piling up!
As I protested, Jack Brown gripped my shoulder and shook his head vigorously. His silent plea for me to keep quiet was quite forceful, yet neither the Brown couple nor the Duke reprimanded him.
Glen was limping out of the Banquet Hall quickly. Luke followed, saying he’d help pack his things. Papa caught up with Luke and handed him a camera he’d intended to give me as a birthday gift, telling him to give it to Glen instead.
No, Papa! You said that was my birthday gift! Why are you giving Glen to me?!
“Now then, form a line! The Young Lady has made a mistake, and the lecturing shall commence here!”
The scolding began. Everyone took turns saying I was at fault, and even Asterion, whom I’d trusted, joined the procession and approached me in turn.
“Glen does seem upset… but from my position, I find myself quite troubled as well. I think it would be best if you reflected deeply on this, Sister.”
Why are you speaking like that? I wanted to say something back, considering all I’d done for Leon, but the Duke stepped in and stripped me of my right to talk back.
Feeling wronged and indignant, I had to listen to everyone from Father to the Black-clothed Guard unit under Capo’s command tell me I was wrong. And the moment the birthday celebration ended, Father dragged me away to spend time writing a letter of apology to Glen.
I was furious. So furious I thought I might lose my mind.
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————