My Ruin to You - Chapter 221

What exactly is reconciliation?

Roseline pondered the true meaning of reconciliation. Looking back, she had never hated anyone so intensely before, nor had she ever restored a relationship with such a person.
If she had to name an example, Malsen could be cited, but that was merely a result of Roseline’s change in attitude to avoid friction; it wasn’t a formal reconciliation.

So, it was ambiguous. Just how was she supposed to act?

Frankly, last night, she hadn’t been entirely free from being swept up by her emotions, and she wanted some time alone to calmly sort through the situation, but Valen wouldn’t let her go. His reason was that they should at least eat together first. It was deeply troubling, but Roseline nodded. Now that she had even said she wouldn’t hate him anymore, she figured she should at least share a meal.

“How did you manage the screamer rats?”

“I wanted field rats, but that’s how it turned out.”

“You morphed all twelve of those people by yourself?”

“Yes. But Tara Armenia replenished my recovery magic.”

“Her ability is good too.”

“…I practiced a lot.”

“Practiced?”

“The Academy wouldn’t accept my withdrawal or expel me, so I kept practicing in the dormitory.”

“Did you think if you ran away like that, I wouldn’t be able to find you?”

“….”

“You quite like hide-and-seek, don’t you.”

Ridiculous. She hadn’t even gotten to properly hide.

She tactfully swallowed the remark that she’d never actually been hidden, all thanks to the seeker being overwhelmingly powerful. Valen made light conversation, and Roseline gave awkward replies as the meal was served. Although they had received quality rations even during combat, the meal served to the Grand Duke was in a different league altogether. Fresh fruit and a steak, grilled to a perfect golden brown and full of juices, were foods she had rarely seen lately.

The meal took place in Valen’s quarters. Unlike the Empire, where meals were almost always taken in a dedicated dining hall, each room in Carnoc was furnished with a spacious table. The chairs had no backrests, which was uncomfortable at first, but by now she had somewhat adapted.

“Eat.”

Valen cut the steak into small pieces and placed them in front of Roseline.

“…Thank you.”

Roseline, who had received the plate almost without thinking, glanced sideways. Not long after the meal was served, the men who had rushed in were lined up near the table. It was the Vice Captain, Merrick, Edan, and Giorno.

It was only yesterday that they had run together, their chubby bottoms waddling earnestly. Facing them now, restored to their original forms, felt somehow awkward, and the atmosphere was uncomfortable. The Vice Captain and Giorno’s expressions, as if they were being led to an execution ground, bothered her.

“At ease. I don’t have time for a separate report, so we’ll do this.”

“Are you returning to the encampment right away?”

“That’s what I’m deciding.”

Roseline reluctantly nodded. But with people standing there like that, she couldn’t possibly swallow her food properly. When Merrick was reporting on yesterday’s engagement, the memory of him hitting Giorno’s back with his tiny little fist surfaced, and she almost laughed without thinking. Roseline strained the corners of her mouth, trying hard not to, and just stared at the pieces of steak.

Valen, noticing Roseline’s untouched steak, asked why she wasn’t eating and said he would postpone the report if she was too uncomfortable.

Only then did she put one piece in her mouth and chew slowly.

“Continue.”

Once Roseline began eating, the reports continued. After Merrick, the next to speak was the Vice Captain. Roseline pricked up her ears, listening intently to the Vice Captain’s voice even as she chewed her meat.

The details of yesterday’s situation, learned through the Vice Captain, were extremely grave. She finally learned in detail the process that led to the mistaken belief the advance team had been wiped out. She had anticipated them being missing or captured, but total annihilation was beyond her imagination. So that’s why she fainted.

“……”

Roseline swallowed the meat and glanced furtively at Valen across from her. He was tapping the edge of his plate with his knife. As if contemplating what punishment to mete out.

Just as Valen, noticing Roseline’s sidelong look, lifted his downturned gaze—

“Please execute me, Your Highness!”