Chapter 137

Chapter 137

Does that matter if Rosaline dies in that short time shes out of my sight?

Didnt I tell you not to underestimate us? While the extent of their abilities is unknown, its also true that Sir Rosaline is strong. For those few minutes after you detect the use of magic until your arrival, Sir Rosaline can handle it

Youre so sure?

Yes.

Rosaline listened to the conversation between Macaron and Ricardis, holding her breath. Time passed by.

What do you want from me? What do you want me to do when I meet them? Drive them away? Capture them and bring them before you? Or Do you want me to kill them?

It was a question veiled with blurred edges but sharp with hostility. Beyond mere negative feelings toward the enemy, Ricardis was puzzled by Macarons underlying motive.

Did Macaron know the identity of the other party? Why did they have such a reaction? It seemed as if they were acquainted with them.

I wish for Rosalines safety. Just as you do.

Ricardis didnt imply they need to harm someone. Any insinuation wasnt intentional, simply because such measures werent crucial. Regardless of what happens to that someone, as long as Rosaline remains unharmed, that would be sufficient. The piercing gaze of the eagle softened. Macaron fluttered their wings on the branch above with a wingspan large enough to cover the sky. As Macaron moved, the wind blew.

I will lend you a hand.

You have my gratitude.

You have no reason to thank me. We are merely walking the same path.

I am grateful for this shared path.

Your gratefulness will only be clear once the journey is over.

Macaron flapped their wings vigorously and soared high into the air. The wind blew fiercely, causing Ricardis to close his eyes tightly. When he looked around a few seconds later, Macaron had vanished. There was a noticeable absence where their massive wings had been. Ricardis briefly took in the sky with drifting clouds, then turned his head to look at Rosaline.

Rosaline felt a tightness at the back of her neck. She was confused; she couldnt discern the thoughts behind Ricardis piercing gaze as he kept his lips tightly sealed. Even if Rosaline couldnt delve into profound deductions, Ricardis had spoken in a way she could understand clearly.

[The opponent is someone who once killed the previous Rosaline.]

He knew that Rosaline Radwiell was dead! It meant he knew she was not the perfect Rosaline she was in the past. The various facts about Macaron applied to her as well. The fact that she could use magic, undergo transformations, anything! He caught her! She was exposed!

Its impossible. Rosaline prided herself on acting with great cunning. There was no way he could have known. How? Since when? Her head was spinning with confusion.

Rosaline took a step back. It was more instinctual than a deliberate action. Her feet subtly moved as if she had to escape from this place as if she wanted to leave. Ricardis also noticed her suspicious behavior. His eyes quickly scanned for her escape route, but something was off. Ricardis extended both hands forward, trying to impede her path.

Wait a minute, Sir Rosaline. Rosaline, lets talk.

He forced a smile and softened his voice, but Rosaline maintained a trapped mouse-like expression and continued to move her foot cautiously backward.

Their faces were close. Due to the height difference, Ricardis had always looked down at her, but now Rosaline was looking down at him kneeling on the ground. Concern flickered in her furrowed eyebrows. Ricardis expression was so grave she couldnt possibly accuse him of lying.

My heart?

Despite the apparent bullshit, Rosaline nodded solemnly.

Ill check.

How? How can you confirm its my heart thats hurting?

She soon answered Ricardis question. Rosaline knelt, lowering herself, and then pressed her ear against the left side of his chest. Ricardis looked down at her with a subtle expression.

May I ask what youre checking?

Im checking your heart rate. The time I count is probably only 0.5 seconds off the clock. So please, dont speak and stay still.

It was quite a talent indeed. In any case, Rosaline was remarkable in many ways. Typically, one would place their fingers on the persons wrist to check, but maybe she hadnt learned that method. Ricardis complied quietly.

With her face pressed tightly against his chest, Rosaline closed her eyes, fully concentrating. Her black eyelashes were long. Ricardis moved his hand, intending to wrap it around her shoulder.

Theres something wrong with your heart, Your Highness! Its beating too fast!

Rosaline snapped her eyes open, glaring at him. Startled, Ricardis quickly withdrew his hand about to encircle her shoulder and nervously ran his fingers through his hair.

Yes, of course. It must be beating fast because I was running.

Does it hurt a lot?

It feels like Im dying, but dont worry I wont die. Im fragile; I need careful attention, concern, and much love. When Im lonely, I cry quietly without anyone knowing. So why did you run away today on a day like this? A knight leaves their charge and runs away? If I were to collapse in the forest, alone and without help, you wouldnt know, would you?

Ah, no, thats not what I meant

Rosaline looked at him with an uncomfortable expression as if pricked by something sharp. It looked like she was trying to figure out why she had run away.

Well Your Highness Rosaline hesitated, losing her words as she pressed her lips together. Ricardis calmly waited for her to continue.

If you already know everything then you must also know that I am Rosaline, but not Rosaline-

I know.

His firm response took Rosaline aback. She remembered the reactions she had encountered from humans when shed wandered through deep and lonely forests. They saw her as a monster, a ghost! They would scream and run away in fear. They feared her more than the imminent danger of death itself. Rosaline knew that her existence could be a source of dread for people.

Rosaline lifted her gaze from his lips, which had uttered the words I know, and cautiously observed Ricardis.

His expression, calmly composed and with a touch of coolness, had a chilling effect compared to his usual demeanor. His eyes fixed unwaveringly on Rosaline, yet it only made her more fearful.