Chapter 165
Roseline, who had been staring at her own toes with her head buried, slowly looked up. Under the slanted sunset glow, Valen was looking down at Roseline with an expression that was impossible to read. When their eyes met, the corners of Valen’s mouth curved into a faint smile. Roseline, swallowing a sigh, lowered her head again as if to avoid his gaze.
“My apologies, Your Highness.”
“Why? You were the one who asked for help.”
“I am deeply grateful for Your Highness’s proposal, but I do not wish to cause trouble for Sir Merrick. I am sorry.”
“It is no trouble.”
Merrick, who had been standing behind Valen like a shadow, interjected. Roseline’s head shot up, and she stared at Merrick with a thoroughly startled expression. Now clearly visible, half-hidden behind the esteemed figure’s broad shoulders, he seemed utterly composed, as if rumors were of no consequence to him.
“Since we’ve met, I should apologize. I never intended to cause you any inconvenience, but it weighs on my mind that false rumors have spread because of me. I am sorry, Sir.”
“Is the Young Lady bestowing her regard upon me something to apologize for? Please do not concern yourself. It is quite alright.”
Why is he like this?
He was handed a perfect opportunity to set the rumors straight, and he’s stomping on it himself. No, isn’t he rather pouring fuel on the fire?
Everyone was pretending not to listen, bowing their heads, but their ears were wide open, focused on this conversation. If Merrick had said anything resembling a rejection—’So the Lady of Celodienne got thoroughly rejected, huh?’—it would have been briefly tumultuous, but they would soon lose interest and the rumors would die down. But with this ambiguous response, it was obvious the speculation would only grow. Talk of him seeming willing to accept, or that Sir Merrick might actually be interested himself.
It was happening already. Roseline glanced around and met several pairs of sparkling eyes and gazes. Malsen, showing no intention of bowing his head, was bouncing in his seat and pointing a finger at himself. He was even mouthing words. ‘Me too.’
Does that young lady have no conscience?
Valen alone was burdensome enough; if she had to bring Malsen to the dinner table too, it was clear she’d get sick even just drinking water.
Roseline averted her gaze, pretending not to see, and at that moment, Valen tilted his head and caught her eye. His black hair flowed down, covering his neat forehead. His blue-grey eyes, from behind long, sweeping eyelashes, gazed quietly at Roseline.
“Sir Merrick says it’s no problem.”
“……”
“Is the Young Lady still refusing?”
“…My apologies, Your Highness.”
“A pity.”
Surprisingly, he accepted it readily. He gazed at the top of Roseline’s lowered head for a moment longer before taking a step back and turning to walk towards the mansion. Just then, waiting for the sound of his footsteps to fade, Roseline gently tugged on Merrick’s sleeve. Of course, Merrick stopped, and even Valen, who was walking ahead, halted and looked back at Roseline. Roseline glanced at Valen, then whispered in a small voice to Merrick.
“Could you spare a moment?”
Merrick, extricating the gripped part of his sleeve with polite firmness, stared at Valen as if seeking permission. Valen’s eyes swept over Roseline, the spot on the sleeve where Roseline had held it, and then Merrick, before giving a slight nod. It was truly a touching display of loyalty.
I understood. Merrick was the illegitimate son of a now-extinct ducal house. The Grand Duke took him in, giving him a title and a new life, so his devotion was bound to be absolute.
However, contrary to popular belief, I can’t help but think the order of events might be different. For instance, perhaps the Duke’s house wasn’t annihilated before Merrick was taken in; maybe some kind of proposal had been exchanged even before that.
No matter what the truth was, Merrick was someone who would not just feign death but truly lay down his life if it was Valen’s command. In other words, the sudden change in his attitude most likely meant Valen’s order was behind it.
“Might I ask what you are thinking?”
As soon as they stepped deep into the garden, out of sight, Roseline got straight to the point. The estate where they were staying today was also a royal territory; many of the estates on the route from the capital to the northern duchy were. This was because gold, silver, and magic stones were buried along the mountain range where ore veins connected.
The governor managing the estate had long since followed Valen, bowing so deeply his forehead touched the ground. With his back to the grassy area where a bluish dusk was settling, Merrick shrugged his shoulders with his usual impassive expression.
“I don’t understand the intent of your question.”
“I’m not trying to blame you, Sir. You could have refused sufficiently, but speaking so ambiguously will only spread the rumors further, and you, Sir, who will continue to be involved, will also be in a difficult position. I wonder why someone who should know better would do that?”
“I will say it again, it is no trouble. What does it matter what others say?”
“Then why did you dislike it so much yesterday?”
“I never disliked it.”
“……Perhaps was it on the Grand Duke’s orders?”
“He has never given an order to ‘accept the Young Lady’.”
“Ah, so there were other orders?”
“That is informal speech, Young Lady.”
“Huh?”
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