Chapter 139

Chapter 139

I am human.

No, didnt you liken Rosaline to flour?

Oh, you mean that? Rosaline nodded.

Anyway, I will just think of the you before me as flour, the main ingredient for the cake, only for this moment.

Understood.

Im not entirely clear, but if thats what His Highness says, its the truth.

Rosaline Radwiell.

Yes, Your Highness.

Ricardis looked at her with a solemn face.

I say this to your past self, he took hold of Rosalines hands.

For everything, I am grateful.

Ricardis closed his eyes and bowed his head; his hold was not painful but was instead a firm and comforting grip enveloping her hand.UppTodated from nô/v/e/lb(i)n.c(o)/m

Rosaline looked at him intentlythe prince of the empire, Ricardis, was bowing to her what a bizarre sight.

Ricardis looked up after a while, his expression complex and filled with subtle nuances. He hesitated for a moment before finally uttering his thoughts.

What would Rosaline have thought of my words?

Im not sure, but since I am also Rosaline, can I share my thoughts?

Its alright, go ahead.

Well, my heart skipped a beat, and As Rosaline spoke, Ricardis furrowed his eyebrows and forced a smile. I thought something was hurting you.

Ah, why did she suddenly mention being hurt They say people are odd when theyre about to die These words must have been a result of that peculiar state.

Ricardis let go of her hand as embarrassment rose on his previously sorrow-filled face.

I didnt expect you to be sad or burst into tears, but I genuinely spoke my heart with such indescribable sincerity! He turned away, his temper rising. But anyway, thank you!

[T/N: It took me a few minutes to understand this part. Rosaline interpreted Ricardis bowing his head as a sign of distress and commented, I thought something was hurting you. Ricardis, anticipating a teary response from his heartfelt words of gratitude directed at the past Rosaline, felt embarrassed upon hearing Rosalines playful reply. His thoughtsThey say people are odd when theyre about to die These words must have been a result of that peculiar state stemmed from his belief that Rosaline was speaking on behalf of the past Rosaline and implying that she had lost her sanity moments before her death, which caused her to reply to his gratitude with I thought something was hurting you.]

Truthfully, as Rosaline watched him retreat, there were things shed left unsaid. Her senses took her back in time as memories of the days spent watching that back flooded her mind Rosalines memories.

Thats it, Your Highness! Isserion murmured from behind.

It was a warm smile that could melt a thousand-year-old block of ice, but Ricardis was too focused on Rosaline to hear him.

Rosaline, Shuten, and Claude would participate in the hunting competition as representatives of the Knights of the White Night. While Claude and Shuten were busy checking their equipment in the distance, Rosaline seemed at ease alone. Instead, the other knights checked Rosalines sword and arrows and prepared extra supplies in their spare time. Raymond firmly attached an extra bag to Rosalines belt, and Nestor inspected the saddle of Rosalines warhorse, Chocolate.

It was fortunate that everyone seemed to get along well. Ricardis deliberately brushed past that unusual sight.

As Rosaline watched the knights bustling around, she discreetly extracted some dried meat from her extra bag. She took a large piece of the jerky and slowly closed her eyes as she savored it. It seemed to be a perfect fit for her taste buds.

Ricardis approached her. Even with closed eyes, Rosaline seemed to have sensed his presence, as she showed no signs of surprise when his voice resounded clearly.

Is it delicious?

Rosaline opened her eyes and retrieved another piece of jerky with a triumphant smile before handing it to Ricardis. Ricardis immediately put the jerky in his mouth without receiving it with his hand. It was chewy, tender, slightly salty, and delicious. It seemed of higher quality than the jerky distributed as rations.

Its delicious. Rosaline nodded emphatically. Its the finest jerky thats dried in a sea breeze. It may appear completely dried out, but it has a chewy texture and a rich aroma and saltiness of the dried meat. Its brushed with honey and juice during the three drying stages, which gives it a subtle sweetness. It surpasses the overall taste of jerky and makes your mouth water.

Ricardis felt slightly bewildered as he had expected a simple response like Its delicious. He had noticed since yesterday that Rosalines vocabulary had significantly expanded. Upon reflection, he realized that improvement seemed limited to food-related terms, but still. Ricardis chuckled. Well, it was enough that she found it tasty.

Of course, Nathan advised Rosaline not to snack while on duty. She used to follow such rules obediently, but now he could faintly feel the heat of her rebellious spark.

Isnt the point of fasting to maintain focus while on the job, Deputy Commander? Even while eating, I can still maintain my focus!

Her words did not work, and she was getting scolded even more.

But His Highness also had some.

The include-my-boss strategy didnt work, and Rosaline remained in deep trouble.

***

Rosaline, who was inspecting the dangers around Ricardis tent, was interrupted by the arrival of a man.

I am Jurenz of the Lasso Mercenary Corps, Your Highness.

As he knelt, his stern gaze clearly showed his displeasure. Ricardis was sure this ashen-haired man was Macaron, even without an introduction.

People who arent very close to me usually call me Juju. You can call me that.

And what about those who are close to you?

I dont have any. Im just that unpleasant of a person.