Chapter 238 – Sister and Brother

“That’s quite an interesting story, Helfried.”

Rosemary spread her feather fan and smiled as she covered her mouth. Though she was smiling, she clearly wasn’t pleased with Helfried’s words. That was the impression I got.

“However, even without you telling me such things, I intend to do as I please—”

“That’s impossible.”

Helfried didn’t back down from Rosemary. He cut her off as if interrupting her words.

Perhaps his reaction was unexpected, as Rosemary’s eyes widened while she still covered her mouth with her feather fan.

“The sister I knew in the past might have ignored Father’s wishes and done as she pleased. But that’s impossible now. Even I can understand that. Father wouldn’t actively pursue marriage negotiations for a sister who carries the risk of conflict with other nobles.”

Helfried spoke these words to Rosemary with an air of indifference. Somehow… it gave me the impression that after being thoroughly defeated last time, he had become defiant.

But indeed. When it comes to Rosemary, there’s the danger of assassination, and the possibility of her information being exploited.

Considering the connections Rosemary had built, depending on who she married, it could significantly affect the balance of power.

But telling me this here… In Helfried’s thinking, he probably wanted me to consider it. To ensure my sister’s position remains stable going forward, he likely wants me to take some normal initiative.

“I’m sure you’d say it’s none of my business, sister. But you know, something you said earlier made me wonder. Once you finish deciphering the Ancient Document, are you planning to return to the North Tower?”

“You…”

At Helfried’s words, Rosemary furrowed her brow.

“You’re going to accept that too, right? Even I can read your thinking to some extent. I am your brother, after all.”

“Fine by me. That place isn’t so bad either.”

“There you go again. Wasn’t it you, sister, who told me before to consider if there’s a path forward before giving in to despair or acting rashly?”

Rosemary was at a loss for words in response. Perhaps she realized she was responding to provocation with provocation.

Helfried turned to me and bowed his head.

“I’m sorry. For suddenly bringing up such a topic. I know it’s rude. I just don’t want to see my sister return to that tower.”

…I see. Now I understand. King Melvin, given the circumstances, probably can’t broach this subject with me himself, and Helfried, having heard about the situation, likely thought this far based on his experience with his sister’s behavior.

“If that’s the case… I think my fiancées should be here for this conversation.”

If we’re going to discuss this further, everyone should be present. I don’t want to proceed with such matters without informing them.

“That won’t be necessary. While they are indeed involved parties, if this is about confirming feelings, it should be settled once I state my feelings first, shouldn’t it?”

“…No matter the circumstances, I can’t imagine you would trouble yourself with someone you dislike.”

“Be quiet. I’ll admit I’m fond of him, but I don’t particularly like Theodore in that way—”

She stood up, thrusting her feather fan toward Helfried.

Just as she spoke those words, Rosemary’s voice stopped. Then she shook her head.

“…If I were to say this outright, it would probably violate it. …Yes, that’s right. I admit it. It’s exactly as you imagine.”

Violate—the Oath Magic, I suppose. Once activated, there’s no point in denying it with words, and more than anything, she probably disliked breaking a vow she imposed on herself more than revealing her true feelings.

Probably, when questioned about such feelings, she considered continuing to deny them while interacting with me as betrayal. That’s likely how Rosemary perceived it.

We decided to continue the conversation after having Grace and the others join us.

About Rosemary’s future plans. Once matters related to the Demon are resolved, Rosemary, having lost her reason to stay, might have intended to return to the North Tower. That would indeed be very characteristic of Rosemary’s way of thinking.

Even King Melvin, while probably not sending her back to the North Tower, would still need to restrict Rosemary’s movements to some extent due to the knowledge she possesses.

“…I’ve lived in different places and with different perspectives than Grace and the others. As someone whose life was saved by Theodore—I can’t possibly say something like ‘because I was forgiven.’ Even if we could fight together, I’m not suitable to stand by your side. It’s a separate issue from feelings.”

Saying this, Rosemary shrugged her shoulders.

“We too… have certainly been concerned about Rosemary-sama’s position.”

Grace spoke after hearing the story.

“It’s true that for us as well, there were many aspects of Rosemary-sama that couldn’t be seen through rumors alone.”

“Yes. But we had time.”

Ashley continued the words, and Grace nodded.

There certainly are aspects of Rosemary’s personality and inner thoughts that are difficult to gauge. Rosemary undoubtedly desired the throne and didn’t hesitate in her methods, and everyone knows that. The rumors circulating in society are also varied.

“I believe we’ve already been given sufficient time to be certain we can trust you.”

Time. The time spent together. Sleeping under the same roof, standing shoulder to shoulder as we headed to the Labyrinth, fighting Demons. And how we felt about Rosemary through all that.

Claudia spoke.

“When I reflect on my own situation, I have thoughts about being returned to a position close to confinement. But even setting that aside, I don’t think there’s any reason why you wouldn’t be suitable.”

“Since coming here, Marie sister has seemed much happier than when she was at the Castle. I like sister as she is now.”

Marlene took Rosemary’s hand.

“Sister… I—”

Rosemary showed a slightly surprised expression before smiling self-deprecatingly and looking down.

“…You know. I felt that Marie’s previous way of living had some similarities to mine. Though our positions and goals were different.”

We had clashed due to conflicting interests, but building her own foundation through her own power, changing her surroundings to make her life easier—in that aspect alone, she was the same as me. In Rosemary’s case, the inherent element of being royalty was mixed in, with responsibilities and pride attached from the beginning, I think.

Considering that and putting myself in Rosemary’s position…

Whether it’s confinement or seclusion, if it were me, I think it would be painful. I absolutely detest living with constrained feelings.

Even so, Rosemary, perhaps because of the pride of being born royalty, wouldn’t accept being with me without a proper justification.

“If you say you’ll return when you lose your reason, then we just need to create that reason.”

Saying this, I reached out my hand toward Rosemary.

Rosemary’s eyes widened, and after looking between my hand and my face, she spoke.

“…If I’m with you, you’ll probably have difficulties? My position as an outcast won’t change, and my personality is twisted like this, you know.”

“That’s exactly why. If I disliked you, I wouldn’t invite you to my home even with a reason.”

When I answered, Rosemary smiled wryly and hesitantly took my hand. Grace and the others smiled.

“Congratulations.”

After witnessing this, Helfried spoke, and Rosemary turned her head toward him with an unhappy expression.

“Helfried. You remember this, right?”

“Ahaha. I’ll be returning to my study abroad soon anyway, so revenge won’t come for quite a while, I think.”

“Really…”

Rosemary shook her head, her cheeks reddening.

“…I’ll report to Father myself later.”

“That’s good. I’ll stop my meddling here.”

Saying this, Helfried laughed.

“Your Highness Helfried, how long do you plan to stay here?”

“I plan to remain in Termwills for a few more days.”

Hmm. A few more days, huh. Will it be in time for the planned opening date?

“We’re planning to gather related parties and close friends for the opening of the hot spring facility. What do you think?”

Once everything is complete, I thought we could invite acquaintances to enjoy the hot springs ahead of others.

Well… it will probably be quite a luxurious and chaotic gathering. The prime minister seemed quite looking forward to it too, so should I invite him? If it’s through King Melvin’s inquiry, he probably wouldn’t feel hesitant.

“Can I attend too?”

“Yes. You’re welcome.”

When I answered, Helfried smiled happily, and Rosemary shrugged her shoulders. From this reaction, it’s somewhat unclear how Rosemary truly feels about Helfried being invited.

Well then. A few more days, huh. I need to work hard to ensure there are no issues with the hot spring facilities.