My Ruin to You - Chapter 177

From the moment they passed through the city gates, things felt strange. Even considering it was a territory bordering another country, the number of soldiers stationed was excessive. At a glance, the inspections seemed rigorous—they were thoroughly searching every carriage and luggage leaving the Grand Duchy, as if determined to find even a needle.

If this was a measure taken with Roseline’s escape in mind, it was utterly pointless. Because I have no intention of running away.

But Roseline held her tongue. There was no point in telling him it was unnecessary—he wasn’t the type to listen, and she had no reason to inform him anyway.

Apart from the strange inspections, as they drew closer to the Grand Duke’s estate, her mood grew calmer. The other manifestors marveled at the majestic buildings and beautiful gardens, but Roseline was too busy suppressing memories that unsettled her.

I tried hard not to recall them, but what are memories anyway? Seeing the garden brought back the day they kissed under the fountain; seeing the entrance reminded her of Valen coming out to greet her on her first visit to the Grand Duchy.

He’d flung the carriage door open before it even stopped, startling me so much I clung to the wall in shock. He let out an inexplicable sigh at the sight, then suddenly climbed in and showered me with kisses.

“……Is he insane? How far does he plan to take this?”

Roseline shook her head violently as if to dispel impure thoughts. Looking back, those memories weren’t even that beautiful. I should have questioned why I ended up at the Grand Duchy in the first place. After the ruin survey fell through, I had nowhere to go and was pacing anxiously when his invitation arrived. Out of pride, I couldn’t possibly accept outright, so I hesitated and vaguely refused, saying I’d visit another time. Valen laughed, almost like a sigh, and said:

‘Roseline.’

‘Yes, Your Highness.’

‘I’m saying I want to be with you. Don’t you get it?’

Yes, back then, I didn’t understand. I thought it was just a tender affection, sparing my fragile pride. But now I know—it was his unadorned sincerity. That’s why he went so far as to cancel the academic conference to bring me here.

“……”

As she turned her head toward a gaze she felt from somewhere, her eyes met Valen’s. The knight captain and several retainers who had come to greet him were bowing. After briefly studying the familiar faces—especially Edan—Roseline turned away first. Valen’s gaze lingered long after her retreating figure disappeared toward the annex.

Roseline and the other manifestors were assigned to the estate’s annex. Though called an annex, it was as spacious and luxurious as the mansion of any noble family. Though now part of the Grand Duchy, this northern land originally belonged to a fallen ducal house, and this annex had once been the duke’s residence.

Even the annex is a first for me. Every time I came to the Grand Duchy, I always stayed in the main building with him…

“Stop thinking. How far are you going to take this?”

Roseline punished herself for conjuring impure scenes by smacking her own temple. It worked. As a throbbing pain spread, the wicked thoughts vanished completely. Rubbing her sore head, Roseline surveyed the room.

A gleaming desk, a bed with neatly arranged bedding, two sofas, and a small tea table harmoniously arranged. The sunset streaming through the large window dyed the curtains and carpet red, casting a languid silence. It was the perfect scenery for getting lost in thought, so Roseline flopped onto the bed.

Soon, Lina will finish unpacking in the servants’ quarters and come up. She’ll chatter excitedly about the Grand Duke’s estate like this and that, so this silence won’t last long.

However, the person knocking on the door was not Lina.

“His Highness has requested that the young lady be brought to him.”

The middle-aged woman with a calm demeanor was the head maid of the mansion. The people bustling through the hallway glanced at the head maid standing before Roseline’s door. Lina was no exception. Holding a trunk as large as herself in both hands, Lina stared wide-eyed, alternating her gaze between the head maid’s back and Roseline.

Amidst the exchange of furtive glances, the head maid merely delivered her message, adding nothing more and avoiding eye contact. It was a demeanor perfectly befitting a servant of a grand ducal household.

“To where?”

“The dining hall, young lady. He has requested you join him for a meal.”

“That is a kind offer, but please relay that I am not feeling well and plan to skip the meal.”

Only then did the head maid stare at Roseline, as if she wanted to see the face of the audacious young lady who dared to refuse her master’s invitation.

“Yes, young lady. If there is anything you need during your stay, please do not hesitate to let us know.”