Chapter 88: |
“What do you mean there’s nothing you can do?”
“Oh, look who’s here. Greetings, Lieutenant Raymond,” Pardict called out.
Raymond had returned after filing the papers registering Hessa under Rosaline on her behalf. Hearing Rosaline from afar was already quite a shock. ‘So you’re saying you picked him because he looks cute? That’s it?’
“Rosaline, this punk! From whom did you learn to judge people by their face alone!”
“From Count Drythorne.”
[A man’s face is everything.]
These were Cecil’s words while they looked around the training room inside Drythorne Castle. Even before she spoke, Rosaline had thought those half-naked men were handsome with square jaws and high noses. They were fun to watch.
“There are people who pick others just because of their faces.”
Raymond closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. Indeed, Count Drythorne would say something like that.
As Rosaline, Raymond, and Pardict conversed in the hallway, the senior knights passing by stopped one by one. After exchanging frivolous talk about Rosaline having a new apprentice, the subject of conversation flowed and changed to ‘Who is the prettiest and most handsome person?’
“Speaking of which…”
“If we can only choose one…”
“There’s still His Highness Diech?”
“Even His Highness Elpidio’s face is fine.”
“But yet…”
It was unanimous without any debate: Ricardis, the master of Moonstone Castle, took first place. The most popular opinion was that he was the prettiest and the most handsome person they had ever seen in all their lives. And the rest were of the opinion that until the day they died, they would not see anyone as beautiful as His Highness.
“When I see him, my heart flutters.”
“That’s right. His Highness is so hot that one can’t even make eye contact.”
“He’s so beautiful.”
Rosaline agreed with the senior knights. Seeing their prince would make their hearts beat out of their chests, and a flush would appear on their faces! Everyone had the same reaction. It was because he was so beautiful.
“Me too,” said Rosaline. “My heart pounds.”
Raymond nodded his head too. ‘So does mine.’ Then he clapped hands with Rosaline.
Only Shuten, nicknamed Shushu, looked at this scene in disbelief. He remembered the strange atmosphere between Rose and his master during the festival. The air around them tickled one’s chest, but Rosaline had gone completely off the beaten path. ‘Rosaline, you shouldn’t be stuck in this conversation… What are these idiots doing now…’
“He has very nice skin, doesn’t he?”
At someone’s words, Rosaline boasted that she had touched His Highness’ skin. The big guys slapped Rosaline on the shoulder.
“Woooow!”
“It was very smooth,” said Rosaline.
“Ah, seriously, Rosaline…”
“Woahhh… Rosaline…”
***
“What is this?”
“…”
Ricardis threw stolen cookies at Rosaline. Although she faced away from the carriage, she still snatched the flying sweets out of the air. Rosaline, who opened her hand to confirm the identity of the raisin oatmeal cookie, widened her eyes in delight. Her eyes moved sneakily and wandered over to the back of Knight Commander Starz’s head, who escorted Ricardis from the front of the carriage.
“She’s on duty. Can she eat?”
“Yes. Rosaline just recovered from a serious injury. She must eat well.”
In response to Ricardis’ answer, Rosaline raised an eyebrow and smiled. The superior who made all the decisions was on her side, so she was reassured.
“Phweeee!”
A sharp sound escaped Rosaline’s mouth after she curled her thumb and index finger and placed them in her mouth.
In response, a similar sound echoed from the sky. Macaron then descended and perched on Rosaline’s arm.
“Let’s eat, Macaron.”
Because of the bird’s name, the sentence sounded like they would eat macarons instead of oatmeal cookies. Rosaline gave Macaron a cookie and then put one in her mouth with a joyful face.
“Sir Rosaline.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“They said you brought in another apprentice knight.”
The eyes of the other senior knights escorting the carriage narrowed. Ricardis is famous for caring for his people, but he doesn’t care enough to know about such little things like someone taking in an apprentice knight. It was plain to see that Ricardis’ unusual curiosity was directed only toward Rosaline.
“Yes. The apprentice knight’s name is Hessa. He has the same hair color as the raspberry wine I drank with Your Highness that night. Hessa’s eyes disappear into crescents when he smiles, and he’s pretty and cute.”
Raymond instantly became upset. A loud squeak interrupted Ricardis and Rosaline’s conversation for a moment.
Raymond had wanted to ask, ‘You, Rosaline, when did you and His Highness…!’ but Shuten had quickly covered his mouth.
“Oh, right.”
Rosaline, who watched the two men’s actions, drove the black warhorse, Chocolate, a gift from Ricardis, closer to the carriage. Standing on the saddle, she naturally slid into the carriage through the window.
On the empty saddle, Macaron sat in Rosaline’s former position and bit the reins. Chocolate looked behind him dumbfoundedly but still ran without a problem.
“… Is the saddle uncomfortable?”
“No. I have something to tell you. Excuse me.”
Ricardis wanted to say that she’s usually the one asking questions, not the one informing him of things, but Ricardis swallowed those words as her expression looked quite serious. As Rosaline closed all the windows, her eyes met Raymond, whose pupils had dilated.
Swish.
Rosaline shut the windows casually as if she didn’t notice Raymond’s startled eyes. She turned to Ricardis.
“Your Highness.”
“What are you doing? Tell me quickly. Perhaps it might still be manageable. I’m pretending not to be, but I’m nervous you’ve done something you shouldn’t have.”
“Your Highness, my new apprentice knight is a mage.”
Ricardis’ eyebrows rose. Then he wiped his forehead once and nodded.
“Well… It’s not like it’s a big deal… This is fine.”
‘Another mage.’ He must have been living quietly somewhere. It was hard to consider the timing and location of his appearance as a mere coincidence. It must be some result of Rosaline’s fame that spread across the continent. However, Ricardis could not be sure whether this person was a friend or an enemy.
“He doesn’t seem like a Black Moon member. He’s cute.”
‘It’s as if she’s saying he’s not from Black Moon because he’s cute.’ Ricardis stamped down a laugh.
“There must be others in Illavenia.”
“Your Highness, what I told you is a secret. You must not tell anyone.”
Hessa had never asked for it to be a secret, but somehow she felt he’d prefer it this way. It looked like he didn’t want to reveal his mage status. Ricardis leaned toward Rosaline and stared at her. A secret.
“Promise you won’t tell anyone.”
Ricardis was perplexed when he saw Rosaline’s little finger sticking out in front of his nose. A pinky promise. It was something that Setistia had done a few times while she was still alive. As Ricardis hesitated, Rosaline brought her finger even closer to his face. Ricardis could feel the silent pressure. With an awkward motion, he hooked his little finger around hers.
Rosaline vigorously waved their intertwined pinkies a couple of times and pressed their thumbs together to seal the deal. And as if this clumsy vow was enough, she heavily exhaled through her nose.
“I will ensure Hessa is not a nuisance to His Highness.”
Ricardis prayed for the apprentice’s well-being. Even if that pretty boy turned out to be a Black Moon assassin, it seems Rosaline would do everything she could to make him repent… In any case, they had put their little fingers together, so he would definitely have to protect this promise.
The two spent some more time chatting. Rosaline and Ricardis could feel Raymond’s presence— ever Rosaline’s protector— hovering outside, but they both ignored it.
“I don’t think I’ve been to the Great Temple since the time after the hunting competition.”
“Hmm.”
“It is a wonderous and beautiful place. I want to show you around slowly, but there will be many people who want to get a bit of my attention. We won’t have time to look around.”
“So, without people…”
Rosaline’s eyes looking into the distance felt eerie. Ricardis hastily spoke.
“No, you can’t.”
He told her not to even think about touching one hair on the head of any priests. They’d only come to the Temple to pray quietly. Rosaline gave him a sullen expression.
“I won’t.”
‘Why are you giving me that look?’ Ricardis smirked. At least she showed some progress seeing that she now understands the meaning of the word ‘no.’
T/N: Didn’t expect Count Drythorne to be a beauty lover. That aside, soon enough Rosaline will be getting a white, fluffy rabbit and she’ll name it Marshmallow… Watch me.