Chapter 41 - Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Inside the bathroom, filled with warm steam.

I had put plenty of bath salts said to be good for relieving fatigue into the water, but I wondered what use any of it was.

Iundefinedd probably just be tired again by nighttime anyway.

"……Ruwellin, take your hands off."

"Do you dislike it?"

"No, itundefineds not that I dislike it…… but Iundefinedm in the bath."

His hands, which had been roaming over my body for a while now, were utterly impure. It was obvious that if this continued, I wouldnundefinedt get enough rest and would be tormented again, so I was firmly pushing him away.

undefinedBesides, I have to see Father and Adrian Hyll again! Adrian Hyll keeps opposing, and with Sierra appearing, things have gotten vague…….undefined

A maid had discreetly informed me that Sierra would be staying in a spare room in the servantsundefined annex. It would be fine to talk to Sierra again tomorrow, but I wanted to reach a definite conclusion with Father and Adrian Hyll today.

undefinedFather has given his permission for the engagement, but if Adrian Hyll continues to oppose, Father might change his mind…….undefined

So, absolutely! I must not leave Father alone with Adrian Hyll! Even at this very moment, Father might be being persuaded by Adrian Hyllundefineds words!

undefinedI need to finish my bath quickly and go see them.undefined

As I rose from the tub, water streamed down along the curves of my body. I got out, dried myself, and was putting on a robe when Ruwellin, who had followed me out at some point, hugged me from behind. His wandering hands gently caressed my lower abdomen and chest.

"I wish we could be alone a little longer……."

"No. I have to go see Father and brother."

At my firm answer, Ruwellin sighed deeply. Being quick-witted, he realized I was serious and released his arms without further complaint.

"I suppose I have no choice. Iundefinedll just have to look forward to tonight."

"……."

As expected, he was planning to torment me again at night.

Trembling at Ruwellinundefineds shamelessness, I dried my hair and changed my clothes. The maids tied my hair up neatly like an elegant lady, giving me a somewhat fresh feeling, but it would soon be messed up anyway.

By the hands of the famously ascetic Duke of Rashiane.

"Ascetic, my foot……."

"Pardon?"

"Nothing."

I gave a small smile to Ruwellin, who asked back in confusion as if he had heard my mutter, then draped the summer lace shawl the maids had brought over my shoulders.

After finishing all the preparations, Ruwellin and I walked hand in hand toward the guest room.

Father and Adrian Hyll were said to be staying in a suite with two rooms connected by a large living room.

I had heard that meals prepared for them had been brought to the living room, so they were probably eating there. Adrian Hyll probably hadnundefinedt touched a single bite, though.

undefinedHow am I going to persuade the stubborn Adrian Hyll…….undefined

I was walking along, deep in thought.

The corridor seemed unusually noisy.

Wondering what was going on, I quickly approached the scene with Ruwellin.

"Everyone, move aside."

Pushing through the crowd, what finally came into view was…….

For some reason, Enrique sitting on the corridor floor, and Alex with his collar grasped by Adrian Hyllundefineds hand.

undefinedWhat on earth is going on here?undefined

Quite flustered, I looked back and forth between the three people at the center of the commotion.

When Enriqueundefineds eyes met mine, he smiled sheepishly, dusted off his clothes, and stood up.

Adrian Hyll and Alex, who had been growling at each other, flinched and looked this way.

Adrian Hyllundefineds fierce gaze stabbed sharply toward me, but I didnundefinedt flinch.

After a moment, Adrian Hyll carelessly released Alex.

Alex staggered, coughed dryly, then bowed politely to Ruwellin. Then he quickly approached Enrique and helped him up.

"What happened?"

Ruwellin asked, slowly surveying the three.

Naturally, Adrian Hyll ignored Ruwellin and didnundefinedt answer.

Instead, Enrique tried to speak, but Alex quickly cut in and opened his mouth.

"That crazy Head of the Magic Tower threatened Sir Robitz. I happened to be passing by and saw it, so I intervened, and thatundefineds how things ended up…… as you see."

Adrian Hyll seemed displeased with Alexundefineds tone, which was both polite and sarcastic, as he glared coldly at him.

But Alex met Adrian Hyllundefineds gaze without yielding an inch. Truly befitting a man living only for today.

"……Sir Enrique Robitz is my teacher and a very important person who trains many other knights. Is it true that you threatened him? Adrian Hyll."

"……."

Ruwellin asked in a quite heavy voice, but Adrian Hyll gave no answer. As if he didnundefinedt even want to exchange words with Ruwellin.

Having no choice, it was my turn to step in. I shook my head and approached Adrian Hyll.

"Brother."

"……."

"Why did you do that? Sir Enrique Robitz is also our maternal uncle. Surely you didnundefinedt just throw our uncle to the floor?"

When I asked in a soothing voice, Adrian Hyll, who had been quietly looking at me, sighed. His red eyes, directed at me, held complex emotions.

"Maternal uncle, what nonsense."

At that one muttered sentence from Adrian Hyll, I could understand the whole situation.

I didnundefinedt know the details, but Adrian Hyll and Enrique must have encountered each other in the corridor, and probably exchanged words related to Mother.

Adrian Hyll, who tends to get emotional when it comes to Mother, must have caused trouble. Especially since Enrique is from the Robitz family…….

undefinedBecause Adrian Hyll hates the Robitz family almost as much as he hates the Rashianes.undefined

……Come to think of it, did Adrian Hyll know? The fact that Mother was an illegitimate child of the Robitz family.

undefinedI think Father probably knew. Could it be that I was the only one living in ignorance all this time?undefined

If so, that was a bit upsetting. That I was the only one in the family who didnundefinedt know about Mother.

Feeling a bit sulky, I opened my mouth.

"So you knew, brother? About Mother."

"……."

"I guess so. So I was the only one who didnundefinedt know. Father must have told you. Hiding it from me, treating me like a child again."

"Rosnia."

Adrian Hyll sighed deeply and called my name quietly. Curious to hear what he had to say, I folded my arms and glared at him.

"Hiding things about Mother was for your own good."

"Really? I didnundefinedt know that turning me into an ignorant fool was for my own good."

"Donundefinedt talk like that."

"Then how should I talk? You always hide important things from me, brother. Do you know how stupid I feel when I find out later?"

"……."

As the two of us started arguing, the others just watched, looking flustered. Even the scoundrel Alex was quiet.

Adrian Hyll didnundefinedt respond for a while, then spoke in a slightly agitated voice.

"You donundefinedt know anything, Rosnia."

"Yes, I donundefinedt know anything. Because you donundefinedt tell me! Thatundefineds exactly the problem, Adrian Hyll!"

The moment I shouted, the guest room door burst open.

The person who came out was, of course, our father.

He surveyed the chaotic corridor, then looked back and forth between me and Adrian Hyll, who were standing opposite each other.

Then, with an expression that said "fighting again," he shook his head. I was dumbfounded, my mouth agape. I had gotten angry for a perfectly legitimate reason, but I felt like a childish fool fighting with her grown brother.

"I donundefinedt know whatundefineds going on, but letundefineds go inside and talk. You too, Duke of Rashiane."

Saying that, Father was about to go back inside when he suddenly hesitated. His gaze was directed at Enrique.

"……."

Father quietly looked at Enrique for a moment, then nodded his head as if greeting him. Enrique bowed his head to Father more politely.

undefinedSo those two do know each other.undefined

I was thinking that sullenly as I entered the room. At some point, Ruwellin had attached himself to my side.

Adrian Hyllundefineds expression crumpled as he glanced at Ruwellin. He clenched his fist as if he wanted to resort to violence against Ruwellin right now, but he didnundefinedt act on it.

I glared at Adrian Hyll and led Ruwellin to sit on the sofa. Father was already sitting in the seat across from us.

After Adrian Hyll also sat down, Father looked around at us and spoke in a solemn voice.

"How old are you two, still fighting like that?"

"……."

Adrian Hyll sat silently, but I was itching to say what I had been holding inside.

That Father had hidden the truth about Mother from me all this time.

"Rosnia, I understand that youundefinedve had a hard time due to Adrian Hyllundefineds overprotectiveness. But Adrian Hyll did it out of care for you, more than anyone else. So please understand generously."

"……."

"And Adrian Hyll, I understand that you worry a lot about Rosnia, but Rose is at an age where she needs independence. She can no longer live in someoneundefineds shadow. And……."

"……."

"Try to practice speaking more honestly from now on. I know you find that difficult, but as you express your feelings honestly, youundefinedll have fewer fights with Rose."

……Fatherundefineds words were all correct, so my rebellious spirit deflated.

Looking back, it had always been like this. Claud Hyll, the former Head of the Magic Tower who was once notorious, was actually a very good mediator, easily resolving any conflict.

undefinedI fell in love with your father because of that side of him.undefined

Suddenly, I remembered Mother saying that once.

"And Duke of Rashiane, Iundefinedm sorry for the commotion my children caused late at night. I will apologize separately to Enrique and that boy later."

"Itundefineds fine. Thereundefineds no need for you to apologize separately. I will speak to them myself."

For the first time, a satisfied expression appeared on Fatherundefineds face as he looked at Ruwellin, who spoke politely. He must have liked Ruwellinundefineds calm and upright attitude.

Well, Ruwellin is usually like that. Except when heundefineds coming at me, then he becomes a madman.

"Since weundefinedre all gathered here like this, Iundefinedd like to resume our earlier conversation…… what do you think?"

Father asked, looking back and forth between me, Ruwellin, and Adrian Hyll.

My answer was, of course, yes. Thatundefineds why I had come this far. Despite the unexpected incident.

"I, of course, agree."

"So do I."

When Ruwellin spoke, I also quickly chimed in and nodded. Father nodded his chin as if he had expected that, then turned his gaze to Adrian Hyll.

As expected, Adrian Hyll was sitting with a stiff expression, his fist clenched tightly.

"Adrian Hyll, what do you think?"

"……."

Father asked, but Adrian Hyll didnundefinedt answer, just stared at me uncomfortably intently.

His expression was as cold and indifferent as always, but his eyes somehow looked pitiful.

As I continued to look, I felt an inexplicable sense of guilt, so I subtly avoided his gaze. Then, after a moment, Adrian Hyllundefineds voice came.

"……I understand."

His voice was clearly reluctant. Glancing over, he had averted his gaze from me at some point and was glaring at the table.

"Good, youundefinedve made a wise choice."

Father said with a kind smile and lightly patted Adrian Hyllundefineds shoulder. Adrian Hyllundefineds expression wasnundefinedt good, which bothered me, but regardless, the second meeting between the families began.

Naturally, it was Father who spoke first.

"Well, Iundefinedve already given my permission, but thereundefineds something thatundefineds been bothering me. Who is that young lady who came looking for you earlier?"

"Ah……."

At Fatherundefineds question, Ruwellin let out a short exclamation, and at the same time, Adrian Hyllundefineds eyes flashed.

Adrian Hyll glared at Ruwellin sharply, as if ready to strike his neck if he answered wrong.

But Ruwellin didnundefinedt flinch and spoke calmly.

"That woman, Sierra Oscar, is the daughter of Killian Oscar, who used to be my parentsundefined physician. She came to ask for my help for certain reasons, but do you wish to hear the details?"

"Tell us in detail."

Father didnundefinedt answer, but Adrian Hyll suddenly interjected.

I glared at Adrian Hyll in disbelief, but he ignored me.

Ruwellin glanced at Adrian Hyll, then looked back at Father and spoke.

"I will tell you in detail. Miss Oscarundefineds ability is……."

Ruwellin explained in detail what Sierra could do and what had happened to her.

After hearing the story, Father nodded and murmured quietly.

"Hmm, I see……. I understand. Thank you for telling me."

"Not at all, the pleasure is mine."

Adrian Hyll looked disinterested, probably because it wasnundefinedt the story he had been hoping for. He had probably hoped that Sierra was a major problem wedged between Ruwellin and me.

"As I said, I am in favor. Your feelings seem sincere, and Rosnia seems to like you as well……."

At Fatherundefineds following words, Ruwellin smiled shyly. Adrian Hyll looked at Ruwellin with disgust, as if looking at a bug.

"However, Adrian Hyll is still opposed."

As Fatherundefineds heavy gaze turned to Adrian Hyll, he affirmed with silence. That he still opposed Ruwellin and my engagement.

After a moment of silence, Father spoke again.

"Adrian Hyll, tell me your opinion. What would it take for you to approve the engagement between Rose and the Duke of Rashiane?"

"……."

Adrian Hyll, who had been sitting quietly after hearing that question, slowly raised his head.

An ominous light flickered in his red eyes. I flinched and frowned, and sure enough, Adrian Hyll dropped a bomb-like statement.

"If Ruwellin Rashiane makes the undefinedOath of the Heart,undefined I will also approve."

"What kind of crazy talk is that?"

I blurted out involuntarily. The undefinedOath of the Heartundefined! Was he serious right now?

"Be quiet, Rosnia. This is ultimately Ruwellin Rashianeundefineds decision."

"What? How can I be quiet!"

I jumped up from my seat, shouting, and glared fiercely at Adrian Hyll.

The undefinedOath of the Heartundefined was no different from telling Ruwellin to live a life with a time limit!

"Adrian Hyll, the Oath of the Heart is…… a bit much, donundefinedt you think? He is the Head of Rashiane."

"Thatundefineds precisely why itundefineds more necessary. Because heundefineds the Head of Rashiane."

Answering that, Adrian Hyllundefineds eyes glaring at Ruwellin were full of distrust.

To interpret Adrian Hyllundefineds words, it meant: I canundefinedt trust a scoundrel from the Rashiane family, so go ahead and risk your life to earn my trust.

That was precisely the purpose of the undefinedOath of the Heart.undefined

"The Oath of the Heart, you say……."

Ruwellin muttered blankly. He must have been shocked too.

Because if he made the Oath of the Heart, his life would be bound to mine, and if I died, he would die too!

undefinedThatundefineds absolutely unacceptable. Thereundefineds no need for Ruwellin to make such an oath!undefined

How could he be bound by an oath that would make him die following me when he didnundefinedt even know when I might die?

If he died without leaving an heir, the Rashiane familyundefineds direct line would be cut off.

So forcing the Oath of the Heart on Ruwellin was insane. Ruwellin would probably refuse too. Thereundefineds no need for him to risk his life for our engagement…….

"I will do it."

……What?

Did I just hear that wrong? I stood frozen in place, blinking blankly.

Ruwellin was speaking as if it were nothing, with an utterly calm face. As if he were saying something mundane like "I feel like eating lemon pie today."

"After all, I have no intention of living without Rosnia anyway. If she leaves this world, I will gladly follow. Let me make the oath right here, right now."

"W, wait a minute, Ruwellin? Have you lost your mind?"

When I looked at Ruwellin with horrified eyes, he smiled faintly. As if such an oath was no big deal.

"Iundefinedve always been crazy. I think Iundefinedve told you several times already…… Rosnia."

"……."

"Iundefinedm crazy about you, and I will be forever."

It seemed I wasnundefinedt the only one staring at Ruwellin in stunned silence. Father was also gazing at Ruwellin with a dumbfounded expression. Only Adrian Hyll was glaring at him sharply.

"Duke of Rashiane…… you donundefinedt have to go so far as to make the Oath of the Heart. Adrian Hyll probably said that to test you."

"No."

Adrian Hyll quickly refuted Fatherundefineds words. He stood up and summoned mana into the air, instantly drawing a magic circle. A magic circle for making the undefinedOath of the Heart.undefined

"I sincerely wish for the Duke of Rashiane to dedicate the Oath of the Heart to Rosnia."

Adrian Hyllundefineds red eyes flashed as he looked down at Ruwellin. Ruwellin did not avoid his gaze. Looking straight back, he slowly rose from his seat and placed his hand on the magic circle.

The moment blue mana touched his palm, I hastily reached out. I grabbed Ruwellinundefineds wrist and pulled him, and he looked at me in surprise.

"Rosnia……."

I shouted urgently at Ruwellin, who called my name softly.

"No! Take your hand off right now! Making such an oath is insane!"

If he dedicated the Oath of the Heart to me, if I died, Ruwellin would also die.

But even if Ruwellin died, I wouldnundefinedt die……. That was the nature of this oath.

It couldnundefinedt be exchanged between both parties; only one could dedicate it to the other.

So even if Ruwellin dedicated the Oath of the Heart to me, I couldnundefinedt give him anything equivalent in return.

undefinedI hate that.undefined

My eyes filled with tears. I didnundefinedt want Ruwellin to die because of me. And I hated the fact that there was nothing I could do equally for him.

So I wished he wouldnundefinedt make this kind of terrible oath, but Ruwellinundefineds eyes were unwavering and resolute.

"Itundefineds alright, Rosnia."

"Itundefineds not alright!"

"I can do anything for you. If I must sacrifice my life for you, I will gladly do so."

Ruwellin, holding my hand tightly, slowly bowed his head. Soon, warm lips touched the back of my hand. Ruwellin kept his eyes closed for a moment, then opened them and smiled.

His emerald eyes, meeting mine, were quite serious and serene.

"Everything I have is already yours."

"……."

Where does that exist, you crazy bastard!

Dumbfounded, I shed tears and hit Ruwellin wildly, then collapsed, exhausted. Ruwellin hugged me and patted me silently.

I glared fiercely at Adrian Hyll over Ruwellinundefineds shoulder, resentful that he had brought up the undefinedOath of the Heart.undefined

"Then…… you really intend to do it? Duke of Rashiane."

"Yes. Thatundefineds the only way to get his approval."

Having calmed me down sufficiently, Ruwellin raised his body and answered Fatherundefineds question. Adrian Hyllundefineds displeased gaze swept over Ruwellin.

As Adrian Hyll snapped his fingers, the blue light of the magic circle floating in the air grew deeper. All preparations for making the Oath of the Heart were complete.

"Do you know how to make the oath?"

Adrian Hyll asked, and Ruwellin nodded instead of answering. I had to watch helplessly as his hand touched the magic circle again.

"I, Ruwellin Rashiane……."

I considered blocking his mouth as he recited the oath, probably hundreds of times, but even if I did such a thing, Ruwellin was a man who would simply start over from the beginning.

Moreover, once the oath had entered its domain, I couldnundefinedt interfere. Because that might put Ruwellin in danger.

"……Therefore, my heart, my life, from now until forever, is yours. Rosnia Hyll."

Ruwellin gazed at me quietly as he recited the final verse. I looked at him with complex emotions as he smiled, his eyes slightly narrowed. Why are you smiling, you fool. To actually make such a crazy oath…….

undefinedMy heart is burning, truly…….undefined

The magic circle, which had begun to glow white, split into two, one flying toward me, the other toward Ruwellin.

My magic circle seeped into the back of my hand, but Ruwellinundefineds seeped into his left chest where his heart was.

Meaning that I was the owner of that heart.

"……Itundefineds done."

As the magic circle completely seeped in and disappeared, Adrian Hyll murmured quietly.

I clenched my fist and approached him, striking his chest hard. But it was so solid. Only my hand hurt.

"……."

Adrian Hyll silently met my gaze, as I looked at him with tearful, angry eyes. His always dry face was expressionless. His gaze was annoyingly calm, making me feel like the only one getting emotional was a fool.

undefinedBad man…….undefined

As I tried to hit him again, Adrian Hyll grabbed my wrist firmly.

Then, with his other hand, he gently stroked my cheek and spoke in a calm voice.

"This much is necessary for me to feel at ease that the bastard wonundefinedt betray you."

"……."

"Why did you choose a guy like that, instead of just staying by my side forever?"

What are you saying, you crazy bastard…….

I was so dumbfounded I couldnundefinedt speak.

"I would have protected you properly."

"……."

"……Even if you like that bastard, donundefinedt trust him too much, Rosnia."

Saying that, he released my wrist and slowly moved away. I let out a hollow laugh and dropped my hands.

I didnundefinedt know about other things, but one thing was clear.

Adrian Hyllundefineds overprotectiveness toward me was at a pathological level.