Ch.94Rose (6)

“The next day.

We were spending time in the same dark room.

The snake, the rose, the little prince, and even the personal maid.

Though it had originally been a scene filled only with gloom, as everyone gathered one by one, it became quite a lively scene.

The children sat in their respective places, conversing.

“…I can’t believe it.”

A voice suddenly muttered.

It was none other than the maid.

With an appearance of perhaps a middle school student at most.

The young girl’s eyes lit up brightly as she stared at Elise lying on the bed.

She seemed surprised by her mistress’s improved complexion.

‘Her name was… Tanya, wasn’t it?’

From what I heard, she was personally assigned by Sharlotte.

Though younger than other maids, her hands were as skilled as a veteran’s, and with her bright personality, she seemed like a choice made without hesitation.

With her obedient nature as well, she was perfectly suited for the role.

At present, she was essentially the only maid attending to Elise.

“Th-thank goodness… *sniff* I was so worried because she’d been having frequent seizures lately.”

A response of relief.

Though unable to approach too closely, she stood on the opposite side, wiping away tears.

As I’d heard, she seemed mature beyond her years.

Considering she endured the rose’s difficult personality, perhaps she was more impressive than most adults.

It was quite admirable how bravely she stood by her mistress’s side.

“I’m so glad the doctor came.”

Tanya smiled with joy.

Normally, a regular maid would have been severely scolded for interrupting the conversation of high-ranking individuals, but both princesses seemed to allow it.

It felt more like they treated her as a younger sister.

She was truly young, and practically the only family member in the detached palace.

They merely gave her a light warning and let it go.

“Tanya.”

“I-I’m sorry. I just, I’m just so happy to see Your Highness resting comfortably after so long…”

She chose only pretty words—how could anyone scold this little angel?

In the end, Sharlotte closed her mouth that she had opened.

She gently wiped the girl’s cheek with a handkerchief she had taken out.

“Wipe your tears. Stop crying now.”

“Y-yes… Your Highness Sharlotte.”

The perfect image of sisters.

The two stood side by side.

Following my instructions that stability was needed, they couldn’t approach the bed, only watching from a distance.

Of course, since we were all in the same room, their voices were clearly audible.

It was other people’s mana that needed to be avoided, not particularly conversation.

So we talked while divided on opposite sides.

“Y-Your Highness… are you really alright?”

“Is there anything uncomfortable?”

Most questions came from Tanya and Sharlotte.

Every word expressed concern.

The two were already surprised by the rose’s improved condition.

Just days ago she had been on the verge of death, but today there was no sign of suffering, the cold sweat that had poured like rain had dried up, and even the periodic seizures had subsided.

They were delighted that her condition, which had only been worsening, was improving.

However.

They also seemed worried.

Her strength was recovering so suddenly that they wondered if she was truly alright.

Since it was still early, we decided to let it pass.

“Elise.”

“What.”

“You always said your head was throbbing. How is it today?”

“Nothing to worry about.”

A voice cold as winter wind.

Whether unaware of her sister’s anxious heart, Elise was only giving sharp responses.

The thorns she raised rejected others’ approach.

“…Elise.”

Sharlotte hesitated but eventually backed down.

Her expression was stoic as always, but a particular bitterness seemed to shine through.

I didn’t like that.

Though I knew her twisted attitude wasn’t sincere, it bothered me that she couldn’t say one kind word to such a devoted sister.

Sitting beside her, I secretly slipped my hand under the blanket.

I intended to tease the naughty child.

“My… Your Highness Sharlotte must feel disappointed to hear that.”

“You shut up.”

“Hehe.”

A hand gently approaching.

Inside was warm with the girl’s body heat.

I burrowed under her neat top, stopping at the soft skin of her abdomen.

Then without hesitation, I pressed my palm against her lower abdomen.

*Press*

“…?!”

Her shoulders flinched momentarily.

Elise turned her head and glared at me with disbelieving eyes.

Her green pupils trembled like foliage in the wind.

“What are you doing…?”

“Treatment.”

“Why are you doing that here…!”

“I told you. I can do as I please whenever I want.”

I whispered explicit words into the ear of the slightly rebellious girl.

Without waiting for her continued response, I pressed her stomach again.

*Press*

“Wait…!”

The rose couldn’t let out a moan.

She was being controlled by lies.

It would be troublesome in many ways if this situation were discovered.

Since the treatment required explicit contact, it could easily be misunderstood by others.

Therefore, I had placed a restriction preventing her from mentioning it at all.

Elise could neither do this nor that.

She could only grit her teeth, holding her heated breath until the bee passed.

I repeated it, meaning for her to reflect.

*Press*

“…nngh.”

The situation continued precariously.

Because the room was dark and covered by blankets, the other two didn’t seem to notice.

The distance also helped.

Meanwhile, questions continued to come.

“Elise.”

“…”

“How’s the treatment? Can you feel your body getting better?”

“…Yes. I can feel it.”

Realizing she would be pressed each time she ignored a question, the girl belatedly added an answer to her sister’s inquiry.

Perhaps because of the unexpectedly compliant response?

Sharlotte blinked blankly.

Her blue eyes soon curved into a faint smile.

It was the little prince’s smile, seen after a long time.

“That’s good… Yes. I’m really glad.”

A girl who seemed pleased with just one word from her sister.

It would have been better if she’d been like this from the start—I don’t understand why she hurts the feelings of someone so precious.

From now on, we could correct things one by one.

I was planning to keep her for at least a year anyway.

I hoped these issues would be resolved by then.

*Press*

“Why this time…!”

Ah.

This time was by mistake.

“I will definitely, nngh, kill you…”

With the inevitable death threat behind me, I slowly withdrew my hand.

Now she should be more mindful and answer properly.

While I pretended nothing had happened, Elise was glaring at me with eyes that had grown moist.

Sharlotte and Tanya, who knew nothing, could only tilt their heads in confusion.

“Your complexion doesn’t look good.”

“You’re right. Your face is flushed, and your breathing is rough.”

“Elise… are you really okay?”

“You’re not pushing yourself because of us, are you?”

“…There’s no problem, so stop making a fuss.”

The rose brushed aside their concerns.

I smiled in approval and stroked her stomach while whispering.

So quietly it couldn’t be heard.

“Good girl.”

A few curses came back, but I maintained my nonchalant response.

A few more exchanges of conversation continued.

That’s how we spent time in the dark room.

***

The somewhat noisy visit.

Elise went to sleep early to recover her strength.

Although she was receiving treatment.

Since we were still at the beginning stages, her body remained in terrible condition.

Therefore, she couldn’t help but tire more quickly than others, and noticing this, the children vacated to let her rest.

While the rose wore her glass cover.

The snake and the little prince were having a private meeting in the adjacent room.

“I believe you’ve gained some confidence now.”

“…”

A voice echoing through the cool air.

Sharlotte sat alone.

Across the sofa stood the boy.

The dull golden hair positioned itself behind the girl, then lowered its head to whisper in her ear.

The lips, close enough to be dizzying, maintained a precarious distance.

“Let me ask you, Your Highness.”

“…”

“Has there ever been anyone capable of this until now?”

The snake asked.

About the value of the miracle he had shown.

The solution to the nightmarish curse that seemed impossible to solve, that no one had been able to cure.

The girl’s sister was gradually gaining vitality.

“Do you think there will be anyone in the future?”

A voice melting in cunningly.

Sharlotte, lost in thought, eventually shook her head blankly.

“…No.”

Her rose-colored lips muttered a denial.

At the same time, that sentence was the first step in opening her heart and accepting his value.

Knowing this fact, the boy twisted the corner of his mouth.

“Remember.”

He continued.

“That only I can help you.”

It was a process.

Burrowing into tired gaps, licking the weakest wounds, dyeing the other’s world with himself.

So that she couldn’t live without depending on him.

“You shouldn’t listen to what others say.”

“…”

“Only I can help you, and only I won’t betray your hope.”

So you can depend on me.

If you want to save Your Highness.

A voice sweetly violating her ear.

As if enchanted by the stimulating words, the little prince nodded her stiffened head.

Perhaps a single gesture dedicating her entire future.

“Yes… I’ll believe you.”

“Only I can help you.”

“Only you… can help me.”

“Very good.”

The snake wore a satisfied smile.

The girl carefully raised her hand and stroked the platinum-colored hair.

The girl accepted it without particular resistance.

Her characteristic narrowed eyes flashed for a brief moment.

Beyond the slightly opened eyelids appeared dangerously shining white pupils.

An ominous feeling flowed across his lips.

“That’s right, slowly… you can entrust everything to me.”

It was a statement hinting at the future.”