My Ruin to You - Chapter 164

“Do not approach me.”

“Why?”

“It makes me uncomfortable.”

“Alright.”

Roseline cheerfully stepped far back. Seemingly satisfied with the distance, Merrick finally gestured for her to follow and led the way down the corridor. When they were sufficiently far from the reception room, a sharp shattering sound echoed—as if something had broken.

Since it didn’t seem like a major commotion, Roseline glanced around briefly before exiting the annex without much concern.

“Why are you doing this?”

On the path toward the main building, Merrick came to an abrupt halt and pressed her sharply. Roseline, who had been admiring the unusually brilliant summer sunlight and the well-tended flower beds, widened her eyes innocently.

“Is there a problem?”

“Are you asking because you don’t know?”

“I’m asking because I don’t know.”

“That you like—!”

“Like—?”

“……Haah.”

Merrick let out a heavy sigh, as if even uttering the words was distasteful. It might not be so bad to keep teasing him like this, pretending not to understand. But seeing him so thoroughly agitated, she almost felt a bit sorry for him.

“If my feelings are the problem, you don’t need to worry. I’ll take my time to sort them out so they won’t burden you.”

“They’re already a burden.”

“Then I’ll start sorting them out today—”

“Oh my.”

A familiar voice interrupted. Roseline and Merrick turned their heads simultaneously toward the sound. Three young ladies, who had been hiding behind the shrubs, rose smoothly with expressions full of curiosity. It was Malsen and her group.

“Wh-why are you c-coming out from there?”

So startled that she even stammered, Roseline was flustered. Merrick was equally taken aback. Having been so focused on this absurd situation that he missed their presence, he swept a hand over his face in self-reproach.

“We were on our way to pay our respects since we heard His Highness had arrived. But when we saw the two of you coming out with such serious expressions, we thought it best to step aside.”

Malsen looked pleased. She seemed almost relieved, as if a painful tooth had been pulled—and the reason was obvious.

“So, the one you admire is Sir Merrick, after all.”

“You two look very well-matched.”

“No, that’s not it……”

“Don’t be shy, Young Lady. We’ll keep it just between us.”

Malsen smiled brightly. She went on to offer bizarre compliments, like how they looked very well-matched standing together or how their children would be adorable. Whenever Malsen set the tone, the two young ladies who followed her like limbs chimed in agreement. Merrick, growing paler by the minute, muttered under his breath. Damn it.

That was exactly what Roseline wanted to say.

◇◇◇

She had never trusted Malsen’s group, but she hadn’t expected rumors to spread this quickly. By the evening of the day they left Elgran and arrived at the next territory, most of the healing-affinity manifestors had already heard the gossip. Moreover, the story had been greatly exaggerated—Roseline was now portrayed as a pitiful woman suffering from unrequited love.

“I ought to tear their mouths shut to make them come to their senses.”

The one most heated about the rumors was Schnitzel. She continued her familiar delusions about her brother watching closely, but Roseline, already out of her mind, didn’t pay attention. All because I had to go and say I liked Merrick.

Even if I brought this on myself, what crime did Merrick commit to get swept up in this rumor? She felt terribly sorry. She wanted to seek him out and apologize, but it was incredibly difficult to pull him aside when he was always moving with Valen. Even if she managed to get Merrick alone, there were too many eyes watching. If anyone saw them together, it would only fuel more talk.

The only silver lining was that whenever the carriages stopped to rest, Merrick’s expression seemed no different from usual.

He must have heard the rumors, but unlike before, when he had looked as if he’d stepped in something disgusting, from a certain point on, he had regained his composure completely. Even on the rare occasions their eyes met, he indifferently looked away first, showing no other reaction. Still, Roseline couldn’t shake her guilt.

He’s just putting on a brave face. I’ve been there too. He must be rotting inside. I’m sorry, Merrick.

Even now, it was the same. After stepping out of the carriage, Roseline glanced at Merrick in the distance and let out a quiet sigh. But strangely, the more she glanced, the closer Merrick seemed to be getting. No, to be more precise, he was moving alongside Valen.

Again, why? Why is he coming over?

Swallowing her discontent, Roseline bowed her head in greeting. Valen, standing directly in front of her, looked down at her subdued figure and spoke.

“Shall we have a meal together? Sir Merrick, whom you like, will also be joining.”