Chapter 47
Iscarion pulled Rosen into his embrace and glanced at Joshua. As Rosen was lightly pulled along, Joshua’s cloak, which had been draped over her shoulders, fell to the ground with a thud.
Rosen’s cheeks flushed noticeably as his icy blue eyes scanned her body. He must have already realized that the hastily sewn, crude garment she was wearing was originally the bedroom window’s curtain. Perhaps he even understood that her excuse of repairing a precious doll was merely a ploy to obtain a sewing kit. Just as she closed her eyes, bracing herself, a luxurious long men’s jacket wrapped around her body.
“…Brother!”
“Wear this. It’s cold.”
He dressed her in his coat, buttoning it up from top to bottom. He then raised the collar and wrapped it tightly around her, as if hiding a precious gem from prying eyes.
“Um…”
Joshua, unable to step forward, stood there frozen. Watching them, he felt a wave of emotions that he couldn’t fully understand. He felt like an outsider looking at a masterpiece from a distance, dominated by a sense of perfect isolation and unfamiliar despondency. Eventually, he averted his eyes, blushing.
Without looking at Joshua, Iscarion gave his order while keeping his gaze on Rosen.
“Return to your post immediately.”
“…Yes, sir.”
If the Grand Duke had held him accountable, it would have been less humiliating. But despite seeing Joshua helping Rosen attempt to escape, he acted as if nothing had happened. Feeling powerless in a situation where he didn’t belong, Joshua failed to notice Rosen’s pleading look as he lowered his head.
“Joshua…! Ugh.”
“That’s enough, Rosie.”
Just as Rosen was about to call out to Joshua, Iscarion grabbed her waist from behind. Biting her small earlobe, he whispered a warning in a low voice meant only for her.
“How much trouble do you want to get into?”
“…Ah!”
Once Joshua’s figure disappeared around the corner, she tried to break free, but before she could take a step back, she was caught. Iscarion hoisted Rosen onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
As her feet left the ground and her body folded, she let out a silent scream. Her vision flipped upside down, and she found herself staring at his broad, unyielding back.
“Brother! Ha, ugh, let me go! Put me down!”
“It would be best if you stayed still.”
“Ah, ugh, help, Joshua! Joshua…!”
Despite banging her forehead against his solid muscles and calling for help, Iscarion, holding her with one strong arm, walked steadily. Her desperate punches to his back had no effect. She had no chance to escape as he headed towards the annex, yet she kept struggling, her feet dangling in the air. When her resistance didn’t cease, Iscarion stopped abruptly.
“Haah… Rosie.”
Sighing deeply as if restraining his anger, he frowned.
“I told you to behave.”
“Ugh, I said let go! Joshua! Someone, please, ugh…!”
“Huu.”
Even without her provocation, Iscarion was already holding back a rising fury. Seeing Rosen wearing another man’s coat and attempting to mount a horse with the help of that boy had ignited a fire in his eyes.
He pretended to dismiss it as nothing and sent Joshua away, not wanting to make Rosen’s escape attempt official. However, beneath his composed exterior, he had wanted to sever the boy’s hand for touching her waist. He had wanted to blind the boy forever so he couldn’t see Rosen’s desperate gaze.
The faint scent of another male on Rosen provoked an uncontrollable primal rage. Despite his patience, she continued to look towards Joshua for help.
How dare she call out another man’s name in front of him?
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