The Youngest Daughter Of The Great Wizard Of The Famous Swordsmanship [EN]: Chapter 205

205. Side Story 1: Permission for Marriage (1)

May 23, 2024

A banquet celebrating Joshua’s investiture as Crown Prince.

The main figure was, of course, Crown Prince Joshua Ernhardt, but Rosette received just as much attention.

Joshua’s lover and the great mage who saved the empire from the evil magic tower’s grasp.

People discussed the future the two lovers would create with excited faces.

Attention was also focused on the Adrian family.

There was a time when Adrian and Lilith were at odds in society, but now there was no family that could stand against Adrian.

“Thanks to the Duke, the empire is so peaceful.”

“Haha, I didn’t do anything. It’s all Rose’s merit.”

“Still, didn’t you recognize the Lady’s potential and adopt her? It’s all thanks to your excellent insight, Duke.”

“It was true that Rose had outstanding talent, but I didn’t decide to adopt her because of her talent. I wanted to become family after seeing the kindness in her heart.”

Duke Adrian politely dealt with the people, and far away, Daniel was also receiving blessings for his upcoming wedding with Ines.

Isabelle was also conversing with Lord Roten.

Lucas wasn’t alone either. He had come alone without a partner because the Duke had taken Rosette as his partner for the day, but people were still drawn to him.

Gentlemen trying to get close to him, and ladies trying to win his favor.

Lucas nodded along with them appropriately, but his attention had been elsewhere for a while.

‘Why isn’t she coming?’

It had already been an hour since Joshua and Rosette had left the hall alone.

At first, people who noticed the absence of the two main figures were flustered, but soon they laughed it off, whispering, ‘They probably haven’t had proper time together; let’s allow them to enjoy their time alone.’

At first, Lucas somewhat agreed with that opinion, but as time passed, he became more and more anxious.

‘Even though they’re lovers, they’re not even engaged yet. Is it okay to leave their seats so openly like this?’

That’s right. Lucas was still not ready to send away his little Rosette.

Lucas, who had been slightly frowning, quickly rushed towards Rosette, who was returning to the hall.

“Hey, brat. Even if you’re with His Highness the Crown Prince, how can you leave your seat alone for so long? What if something happens?”

“Hey, what could happen in the Imperial Palace?”

“Something could happen!”

Rosette could easily handle any assassin who attacked, but she didn’t bother pointing that out.

“So, what did you talk about……”

Lucas, who had been pulling Rosette’s arm, frowned slightly.

Something that hadn’t been there when she came to the banquet caught his eye.

A diamond ring with a shimmering pink glow was on Rosette’s right ring finger.

In the empire, there was a custom of wearing an engagement ring on the right ring finger. He knew that later, when they got married, they would move that ring to the left ring finger…….

As Lucas stared at Rosette with a shocked expression, she smiled shyly.

“……!”

Lucas’s silent scream was buried in the noisy banquet hall.

* * *

He knew that this day would come someday.

When he knew that Rosette loved Joshua, and when she headed north without hesitation to find him, Lucas was already prepared.

He also thought that the Crown Prince’s investiture ceremony might be an opportunity for the two people’s relationship to develop significantly.

But unlike his head, his heart didn’t accept it.

“Why are you so gloomy?”

Isabelle asked bluntly as Lucas sighed deeply.

“I don’t know. I just feel strange.”

“We knew we couldn’t keep Rose to ourselves forever.”

“I know! But what can I do if I feel this way!”

It had already been two days since Rosette received Joshua’s proposal at the party. The Adrian family, including Duke Adrian, were surprised to see Rosette’s ring, but they congratulated her.

They couldn’t completely hide their disappointment and regret, but they were genuinely happy.

Except for one person, Lucas.

He couldn’t even offer Rosette a congratulation or wish her happiness, even as a formality.

Even when Daniel noticed this and said, ‘Lucas, you should congratulate her too,’ he couldn’t bring himself to say it.

And today, Joshua was scheduled to formally receive permission for marriage from Duke Adrian.

The entire mansion was turned upside down by the Crown Prince’s visit, and everyone was dressed in formal attire. Lucas also dressed up, but he couldn’t manage his expression.

Isabelle was pointing that out.

“No matter how you feel, smile because His Highness the Crown Prince will be here soon. At least pretend to.”

“But……”

“Anyone would think you raised Rose. Why are you the only one being so difficult when Father is happy?”

“I practically raised the brat!”

Lucas was confident.

It was true that all four Adrians cherished Rosette. They each cherished and took care of Rosette in their own way.

But Lucas could confidently say that he spent the most time with Rosette and talked to her the most.

He even heard her say ‘I like Lucas oppa [older brother] more than Daniel oppa’ not long ago!

Even though there was only a two-year age difference between Rosette and him. Wouldn’t that be considered raising her?

Isabelle sighed.

“Yes, it’s your freedom to think whatever you want, but be careful not to hurt Rose.”

“Hurt?”

“Yes. Wouldn’t Rose be hurt if you keep acting like you’re dissatisfied? It’s not like she’s marrying His Highness the Crown Prince out of necessity or for political reasons; she’s marrying him because she likes him.”

“……”

Lucas touched his face with a complicated expression.

Just then, the servant announced that Joshua’s carriage had arrived. The two siblings quickly headed to the first floor.

Soon, a very nervous Joshua entered the mansion. He smiled briefly at the beautifully adorned Rosette, but then politely greeted Duke Adrian.

“Thank you for inviting me, Duke Adrian.”

The Duke laughed heartily.

“Please speak comfortably as usual, Your Highness.”

“Today, I came not as the Duke’s disciple but as Joshua Ernhardt, so I must show respect. This is wine from the Ivelin Kingdom. My grandfather sent his cherished wine.”

“Is it alright for you to give such a precious thing?”

“I asked my grandfather to give it as a gift to the Duke. Please accept it.”

“Then we can all taste it together this evening.”

The Duke gestured, and the butler Sebastian accepted it.

“There’s still time until dinner, so let’s have tea together first.”

The Duke led Joshua to the drawing room. Only then did Rosette run to him.

“Was it difficult coming here?”

Joshua looked around and gently kissed her forehead.

“Difficult? It doesn’t take that long.”

“But I heard Joshua has a lot of work.”

“Who said that?”

“Lord Roten……”

“It seems Lord Roten is not my aide but an Adrian spy.”

Rosette was surprised and bit her lip.

“That’s not it. Lord Roten is just worried about Joshua……”

Joshua had been neglecting his health and focusing on work lately.

Lord Roten was worried that Joshua might overwork himself to death, so he asked Rosette to persuade him to take it easy.

However, before Rosette could say that, Joshua kissed her lips this time. It was a longer and deeper kiss than before.

“Just kidding. I just didn’t want to hear another man’s name coming out of your mouth.”

Rosette’s eyes widened. Soon, her cheeks flushed red.

“You, you can say things like that too?”

“Of course. How possessive I am of what’s mine.”

“Mine……”

Rosette’s face turned even redder. She quickly looked around to see if anyone had heard.

The employees who were waiting for them, including Joanne, were turning their heads as if they hadn’t heard. But judging by the smiles on their faces, they had heard everything.

Rosette punched Joshua’s shoulder with her fist.

“Stop it. Everyone’s listening.”

“Don’t you like these words?”

“It’s not that……”

To be honest, it sounded good.

As a declaration to express his feelings without reservation, Joshua said such nice things every time they met.

Rosette had never realized before that she would melt so easily at Joshua’s honest expressions of affection.

However, she was very embarrassed to think that other people had heard it!

Rosette, whose ears had already turned red, whispered softly.

“Only say those things when we’re alone.”

“When we’re alone……”

Joshua’s lips curved into a beautiful line.