65. Five Years Later (1)
January 4, 2024
“Lady!”
Joan was startled and tried to pull Silver away, but Silver ignored her and licked Rosette’s cheek.
“Ahaha, it tickles. Stop it. Joan, you don’t have to worry. Silver is His Highness’s familiar [a magical creature bonded to a witch or wizard].”
“A familia…r?”
“Yes! Besides, he likes me, so he won’t bite. Right, Silver?”
Rosette held Silver’s face in both hands and rubbed her nose against his, and Joshua’s voice came from the necklace. Joan and the maids, realizing the situation, all quietly left the room.
“Yes. Father said we’d leave as soon as he got back. I’m sorry I have to go without saying goodbye.”
Joshua replied gruffly, sounding uncharacteristically subdued.
“Still, I’ll be back in the spring…”
“Told me what?”
<……>
“Your Highness?”
Joshua paused for a moment before speaking again.
“How long is ‘a while’?”
“Why?”
Rosette tried to guess the reason for herself.
“Is it because of me?”
“But…”
“Yes.”
Rosette whispered gloomily.
“People claiming to be my parents tried to kidnap me. They were trying to sell me to some strange nobleman.”
“Ah.”
To be honest, Rosette couldn’t imagine spending 4 or 5 years in Adrian Territory.
Listening to Lucas’s enthusiastic talk earlier, there seemed to be more to do in the territory than in the capital.
She wouldn’t be able to keep up with the latest trends as much as in the capital, but Rosette wasn’t sensitive to trends, so it was okay.
‘I won’t be able to see Jane for a while…’
But that was something she had already resolved when she decided to come with Duke Adrian, so it didn’t matter.
However.
“I won’t be able to see Your Highness for a while either.”
She was very sad that she wouldn’t be able to see Joshua. It seemed she had grown fond of Joshua over the past few months, sharing secrets with him.
What was even sadder was that Joshua didn’t seem to care about that fact.
Rosette hugged Silver’s neck tightly, feeling gloomy for no reason.
‘Aren’t you upset that you can’t see me, Your Highness?’
The question rose to the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask.
“If I’m not there, the Empress will also…”
“Yes.”
Joshua sighed.
“Pardon?”
“Are you making fun of me now…!”
Rosette was about to shout back when Joshua whispered seriously.
“Yes…?”
Rosette was dazed, and Joshua murmured with a slightly laughing voice.
It was nothing special.
Words that had nothing to do with touching words about missing her.
Yet, Rosette’s heart pounded as if she had heard a confession. Her face turned red in an instant.
She covered her face with both hands, even though Joshua couldn’t see her. Silver licked the back of her hand.
“Ugh, yes.”
Silver licked Rosette’s hot cheek once more before leaving. And soon after, the door opened and Lucas urged her.
“Hey, kid, are you ready? Father’s here!”
“Ah, yes! I’m coming!”
Rosette jumped up from her seat and left the room. Bbibbi followed behind her.
* * *
[To Clara.
Hello! I’m sorry I had to leave without saying goodbye. Father made a sudden decision.
I arrived in Adrian Territory a few days ago.
It’s much nicer here than I heard. There’s a very high mountain behind the mansion, and the leaves are already changing color.
Lucas said it snows a lot in the winter. It snows in the capital too, but not much. So I’m looking forward to it.
By the way, hazelnuts are famous here. There are many snacks made with hazelnuts. I’ll send them with the letter.
Oh, and I’m sorry I couldn’t go to the tea party you invited me to. Invite me again when I return to the capital, okay?
Take care.
From Rosette.]
[To Rosette.
I heard the news. The capital is buzzing because the Adrian family suddenly went to the territory.
It’s a shame you couldn’t come to the tea party, but it couldn’t be helped. Of course, I’ll invite you again. I’m just waiting for the day you return to the capital. I hope you come back soon.
I’m enjoying the hazelnut chocolate jam you sent me. It’s so delicious on toast. I love the sweet and subtle hazelnut flavor.
My sister tried to eat it all as soon as she tasted it, so I had to stop her. Could you possibly send a little more? I’ll send you rose jam from our territory in return!
Anyway, write often. Let’s write again soon.
Missing you, Clara.]
* * *
[To Theresa.
It’s been a while, Theresa.
It’s already been 3 years since I came to Adrian Territory.
I’ve been doing well. I think I’ve completely adapted to the territory now. At first, it was so cold that I felt like my nose would fall off, but now the winters aren’t that cold.
Of course, it’s still cold. But it snows a lot, so it’s perfect for sledding with Lucas.
Why don’t you come and visit with Clara soon? I’ve sent a letter to Clara too.
I’ve already gotten permission from Father, so you can come anytime. By the way, it’s best to come here in the summer. The summers are cooler than in the capital.
Write back.
From Rosette.]
[To Rosette.
I asked my parents for permission as soon as I saw your letter. Is it okay if my parents come too? They seem worried about sending just Clara and me.
I really want to visit. It’s not an easy place to get to. I’ll definitely, definitely go.
Write back.
From Theresa.]
[To Theresa.
Of course, it’s okay. Your brothers can come too.
I’m so excited.
Contact me again when you’ve decided on a date.
Rosette, who is very excited.]
* * *
[To His Highness the Prince.
I hope this letter finds you well, Your Highness.
Is this the right way to write a greeting? Mrs. Noier taught me this way.
I am writing to Your Highness, but I don’t know if this letter will arrive safely. I heard from Father that security at the Imperial Palace has been further strengthened.
That is, after the Empress almost had a major accident with the explosives that came with a letter.
How is the Empress doing? I was so shocked when I heard the news. I heard that the culprit hasn’t been caught yet; what if they target the Empress again? I’m very worried.
How have you been, Your Highness? How is Silver?
If you ask about me—though I doubt you’re curious—I’ve been doing really well. I’ve been continuing my physical training and swordsmanship practice, so I can spar with Lucas to some extent.
Are you going to say that Lucas is just letting me win? You’re right. Lucas teases me throughout the sparring.
But I’m better at magic, so it’s okay. My mana core has also grown quite a bit. But I’m not using magic much, as Father asked me to.
I know you’re not curious about this either, but a friend visited me recently, so I had a really good time. Being with my friends makes me want to return to the capital soon.
I told Father that I want to go to the capital, but he said it’s not allowed yet. When will I be able to return?
There’s so much more I want to say, but I can’t bring myself to do it, thinking that someone else might read my letter first.
I’m just curious about how you’re doing.
I know you’re busy, but if you receive this letter, I hope you’ll send me even a short letter to let me know you received it.
You can just put a dot. Just send me a reply.
I’ll stop here.
Rosette Adrian.]
[.]
[What I wrote on the previous page was a joke.
Mother is safe. However, I’m worried because she seems to be in poorer health since that incident.
I’m fine too. Just the same daily routine.
Oh, one thing that has changed is that I feel like the Heir Apparent [the person next in line to inherit the throne], that person, is watching me more closely than before. Probably after I summoned Silver.
Other than that, there’s nothing special.
Master came to the Imperial Palace this time, but none of you came. I thought at least Daniel would come.
Master must have his reasons, so please be patient a little longer. You’ll have to come to the capital later, even if you don’t want to.
Anyway, I have a lot to tell you too, but I won’t write it in a letter because it’s not something I can say in a letter. I’ll talk to you when we meet later.
Anyway, I’m glad you’re doing well.
Goodbye.
J. N. E]
* * *
[To Clara.
Clara, hello? How are you doing?
It’s already been 5 years since I came to the territory. I can’t help but think that time is really flying by.
You know what? I think I’m going to the capital this spring! Daniel is coming of age this year! I’m going to the capital to attend his debutante ball [a formal party for young adults], and I think we’re all going together.
And this is a secret, but Daniel is planning to participate in the swordsmanship competition. So we’re all going to cheer him on. Only you and Theresa know!
Invite me to a tea party when I go this time. I’m really looking forward to it. Okay?
Rosette, who is excited to meet you.]
[To Rosette.
Really? I screamed as soon as I read your letter. Daisy, who was with me, told me to be quiet, but who cares! I’m excited!
I’m so excited. When are you coming? I’m going to have a tea party to coincide with the day you come. I’m so excited.
It’s the first tea party where I’m announcing that a genius magician like you is my friend. I’m going to decorate it very lavishly.
I hope you come soon.
Come safely.
Clara, who is already excited.]
* * *
“Look at this, Bbibbi.”
[Bbi?]
Bbibbi, who was biting the petals of the flowers in the vase, flew to Rosette’s shoulder.
Rosette unfolded the handkerchief she was embroidering and held it in front of Bbibbi’s eyes.
“How is it? I’ve improved a lot, right?”
[Bbi?]
Bbibbi tilted its head this way and that. It didn’t say anything, but its flustered expression was obvious.
Rosette quickly became sullen.
“Is it bad?”
[Bbit! Bbiit!]
No, that’s not it!
Bbibbi belatedly made excuses, but it was already too late. Rosette put down the handkerchief and sighed deeply.
“I know. My embroidery skills are terrible.”
In the meantime, time had passed quickly, and it had already been 5 years since Rosette came to Adrian Territory.