My Ruin to You - Chapter 126

Relic shops dealt in antiques and magical artifacts. Merrick asked a nearby merchant for directions. Though their hoods concealed their identities, the merchant must have sensed something from their demeanor—he scrambled forward in a fluster, bowing deeply before stammering out the shop’s location. It wasn’t far.

“Take a look around.”

Most relic shop owners tended to be eccentric, and this one was no exception. Whether customers entered or not, regardless of their status, he barely glanced up before returning to his work.

Roseline’s eyes wandered over the cluttered displays only briefly before she zeroed in on a particular cage amid the haphazardly stacked merchandise and pointed.

“I want this one.”

At her shameless demand, Valen glanced down at the squealing mouse in the cage and smirked.

“You’re being cute.”
“If I’m cute, then buy it for me.”

He narrowed his eyes at her for a moment before laughing and smoothing the corner of his eye with a finger, his usually composed lips curling fully. Maybe her unexpected request amused him, or perhaps the obvious ulterior motive behind the squealing mouse was laughable. Either way, Roseline wasn’t complaining. Soon enough, he paid for it and placed the cage in her hands.

“Now we’ll see if this mouse really screams well.”
“Yes.”
“Give it here. I’ll carry it.”
“It’s fine. It’s mine, after all.”
“What’s yours is mine.”

How could he say such things without batting an eye? She wanted to grumble, but sensing he might snatch the mouse away if she annoyed him, Roseline forced a meek smile and took his hand.

Fortunately, Valen didn’t press further. Instead, as if pleased by her “Buy it for me”, he kept suggesting more things all the way to the inn—gloves, jewelry, snacks. He asked about everything in sight. After a few refusals, they arrived at the inn.

The moment Valen stepped inside and lowered his hood, the innkeeper practically leaped over the counter, prostrating himself on the floor. Once the fervent welcome subsided, Roseline set the squealing mouse on the counter and got straight to the point.

“I heard Lady Schnitzel was staying here.”

The squealing mouse, Roseline, and Valen—standing a step behind with his arms crossed, watching her back. The innkeeper’s eyes darted nervously before he spoke.

“Y-yes. But Lady Schnitzel checked out early this morning.”
“So the knights came after she left?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“I see. My apologies for the trouble.”

Roseline picked up the mouse and turned away.

“Done confirming everything?”

When Valen approached and asked, she nodded awkwardly, fidgeting with the cage before stuffing it into her pocket.

“Let’s go now.”

Her steps back to the mansion were heavy. So far, things had gone more or less as planned, but Valen hadn’t left her side for a second, leaving no chance to exchange even a word with Edan.

But maybe desperation opens doors.

No sooner had they stepped into the mansion’s garden than the Count, who had come out to greet them, cautiously spoke up. His expression was the most solemn Roseline had seen since the soup incident on the first day.

“Your Highness, I have urgent matters to discuss.”

“Should I wait here?”

When Roseline asked, Valen licked his lips as if considering. He didn’t want to leave her alone in the bedroom, but he also wouldn’t like the idea of her being secluded with another man, even if guarded by knights.

“If it takes too long, I’ll send a servant. Wait here for a bit.”

Having made up his mind, he unfastened his cloak and draped it over Roseline. Meanwhile, the Count said stiffly to Merrick, “You come too.” How wonderfully convenient.

“Take your time.”

Roseline offered Valen a faint smile as he hesitated to leave. When her neat front teeth peeked through, he silently chuckled and tapped her cheek lightly. Then he turned his gaze to Edan, who would remain with Roseline.

Though it was just a brief, wordless glance, Edan understood the cold warning in his eyes and bowed his head. After giving Roseline’s shoulder a firm squeeze, Valen finally turned away.

“Have you ever made a snowman?”

Once Valen was out of sight, Roseline plopped down and began gathering snow. Edan, scanning their surroundings like a guard on duty, answered curtly.

“Yes.”

Though his reply was frosty, the fact that he responded at all was a victory.

“When? When you were young?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“I see. Did it snow a lot in your family’s territory?”
“Yes.”
“Then was it by His Highness’s order that you slaughtered the Marquis and his knights?”

Edan’s pupils flickered, but Roseline continued shaping the snow as if nothing were amiss. After staring at her slightly hunched back for a moment, Edan schooled his expression and spoke.

“No. Why would you suddenly—”

Squeak-squeak!

The cry of the squealing mouse in her pocket seeped into the twilight. It was the moment the mouse’s purpose shone brightest.