n

n

n

"This is a mistake…

" Rosa lamented.

n

"Hey!

" I quickly cut her off,

"Don't ruin the moment! You already piqued my interest and now you're backing out? What's with that? Spill it,

" I egged her on.

nShe lifted her head to glare at me,

"First of all… This is not about Noah–

" said Rosa, who's trying to save herself. A futile attempt, really.

nAs she was saying that, I fixed my gaze on her, piercing enough to make her blush like a shy maiden, which she is. It is so apparent that she's guilty, she can't even mention Noah without her turning like a tomato.

nSometimes, girls are so cute when they are being bashful. Sometimes. Other times, they are just annoying.

n

"You don't have to hide it because I already know.

"

nRosa paused, but it was for only a second and had quickly gathered her composure as she casually picked her cold tea.

n

"Know about what?

" She then feigned ignorance yet again.

nBoredly, I look at her through my lashes,

"As I've said, there is no use hiding it from me. I know that something is going on between you and Noah. Though only recently, I could already tell.

"

nAnd by recently, I meant during the night of the Founding Ball. I wonder, if I didn't go out to get some air and saw them together, would I have noticed the ambiguity between them? Hmmm…

n

"...

" Rosa didn't respond and just stared at me, albeit aggrieved if I may add. Though I'm confused, why would she feel that way?

nI offered her a friendly smile, eyes twinkling like gems.

n

"I can help you. I am very much willing to help you.

"

nRosa bit her lip and averted her eyes back to the teacup in her hand, deep in thoughts.

n

"But first of all, do you understand what that means?

" I inquired, more serious this time.

nI just want to know if she knows the implications of liking someone in her situation. And if it's really about Noah, what kind of help does she want from me? I can't think of anything at all.

nRosa who had been silent all this while sighed deeply. A lot of complicated emotions passed from her face and even her eyes have a hint of melancholy in them.

n

"I…

" She seemed to want to say something but then got indecisive in the end.

nWatching her be hesitant and timid just doesn't sit right with me. This is Rosamunde we are talking about, the proud daughter of the Vineas.

n

"Do you like Noah?

" I prodded her, giving her a hand so she could make up her mind.

nFor Rosa, prideful and haughty as she is, one needs to be straightforward! If she can't say it then I'll make her. I will put the words into her mouth myself. Because if this goes on, nothing will be done. Heck, we could be stuck here in this stagnant topic until dusk! I don't want to spend my time riding in circles with her.

n

"!!!

" Rosa blushes even more but compared to earlier, she didn't deny it anymore.

nA sneaky smile crept to my lips.

n

"I'll take that as a yes.

"

nRosa looked at me pointedly, which came off more coquettish than intended.

nShe then sighed for the nth time and grumbled.

n

"But I'm a Regina…

"

n

"Exactly. You are in this whole political situation right now. You are not just a lady from the ducal household, you're a prospective crown princess.

" Rosa's face sank even more after hearing what I said. But I don't want to sugarcoat it, it won't do her any good. What she needs is a slap from reality.

"If you tell them this, I bet your family would oppose it, especially your father. That old man is too uptight.

"

nRosa scowled at my last sentence.

n

"Hey! My father is kind!

" She defended.

n

"To you,

" I refuted.

nEveryone in the nobility is aware of what kind of a man Duke Vinea is. He's a very strict person with a stringent personality. I met him once and it was already enough for me to know that I would rather not talk to that man. He looked at other people like ants!

n

"I don't want to agree with you,

" Rosa firmly stated. Doesn't matter, she's his daughter after all so there would obviously be a bias.

n

"Anyway, answer me first. Do you like Noah?

" I repeated it for the second time. She didn't answer me yet and why would I let that slide? I want confirmation! A solid and valid confirmation!

nThe two of us locked eyes, mine are unyielding, while hers are sonorous.

nAfter a while…

n

"... Yes…

" she finally affirmed.

nA satisfied smile appeared on my face. Heh. I knew it.

n

"Then what help do you need me for?

"

n

"Well…

" Rosa bit her lip and trailed off, looking hesitant again.

n

"I think it's mutual.

"

nHer eyes widened in surprise.

n

"What?

"

n

"Noah likes you too, in my opinion. I mean, I could see it. So you have a big chance,

" I hummed.

n

"Stop saying nonsense things!

" She blurted.

nShe says that but she looks happy. Ah, the power of love… I don't get it.

n

"I'm not saying nonsense things,

" I fired back.

nNoah may try to hide it but not from me. Their actions speak louder than any words. Anyways, I have seen Noah keep up with all her whims, if that does not tantamount to him liking her then what is it? Patience? Heck, no.

nThere are more patient people I know than him and Noah is not the type to take it all in and persevere.

n

"Noah only sees me as a friend… So maybe…

" Rosa denied for the nth time.

n

"No, listen to me. I have been watching the two of you for a long time now, okay. And I can see sparks.

"

nWho would sneak around to frolic in the garden with the opposite gender as a friend? Who would do that? The nobility is already a scary enough place because one gossip and your reputation is over. Would a man such as Noah, an heir to a count, risk it? Plus he's already planning to enter officialdom, why would he not care about propriety?

nI bet Noah likes her too! I should have drilled that man when I had the chance… Tsk. Now he's busy again.

n

"You're just saying that…

" Rosa pouted.

nYep, she definitely did. Disgusting.

nJust kidding… But it's so uncharacteristic of her. Is she like this with her friends?

n

"Why would I even lie to you? If anything, I should be discouraging you right now because Noah's my friend,

" I snorted in derision.

nRosa looked offended.

n

"You– Well, that's true. You're a horrible person after all…

" she sneered back.

n

"Hey! I'm helping you here, how am I horrible?

" She's the only person I know who doesn't know how to be grateful at all!

nRosamunde's eyes flashed with mirth,

"Oh, right. It should be insufferable, my bad.

"

nMy lips pressed into a thin line.

n

"No, you're insufferable. No, better yet, awful. Absolutely horrendous.

"

n

"You're also childish.

"

n

"Like you're the one to talk.

"

n

"This is why I don't like you.

"

n

"The feeling is mutual.

"

n

"Hmph.

"

nThat banter continued for a while with both of us flinging dirt at each other. Hers and my attendants remained silent at the sides but they were all a bit tense at that moment, probably anticipating that a fight would suddenly erupt between us.

nThe 'fight' eventually ceased. There were no grievances because all we said were empty words.

nRosa heaved a deep breath.

n

"You know, you should do what makes you happy. If being a Regina is not what you want, then you shouldn't force yourself. If it's true that your father, or your family, loves you, then they will surely prioritize your happiness,

" I expressed after seeing her dejected face.

nI can't believe I'm talking about love and happiness right now, and to Rosa at that too.

n

"Marriage is very serious, especially in your situation. It's a lifetime commitment to both the throne and the empire. You better weigh your decisions well,

" I added.

nRosa stayed silent, probably processing what I said in her head. I let her be. The atmosphere turned heavy which made me uncomfortable. Serious topics such as this are not my cup of tea.

n

"Just saying… Anyway, if you're out of the picture then Bea wouldn't have any competition anymore,

" I uttered just to disperse the gloomy air.

n

"Tch. So that's what you're aiming for,

" Rosamunde trod along.

n

"Of course, I'm loyal to my best friend.

"

nThere's a pause before I saw Rosa straighten her back, looking determined.

n

"I'll drop out… I'll drop out from the competition for the crown princess position,

" she declared in a firm voice.

nIt wasn't just me, her attendants were also quite shocked but it didn't deter her resolve.

nI looked at her sternly,

"Are you sure? Do you even understand the repercussions?

"

nRosa nodded, albeit distressed.

n

"I'm fully aware. This is about politics after all.

"

n

"Which is a pain. I would never want to be in your shoes,

" I seconded.

nAll that pressure, I'd rather not marry in my lifetime than uphold such a big responsibility.

n

"I don't even want to be in my shoes,

" Rosa complained.

nThe corner of my lips lifted,

"Oh? But didn't you like Ezekiel so much you pestered your father to put you here?

"

n

"Wha– Who told you?!

" She looked at me, wide-eyed and apprehensive.

nI sipped my tea and didn't answer.

nI've read it from the book. After all, instead of Bea, it was supposed to be me who is competing with you for the position right now.

n

"That's not important, are you really going with it? You should think more about it. This is not a simple matter. Everything is at cost. For you,

" I reminded her again.

nRosa thought to herself for a moment before biting her lip in exasperation.

n

"You're right. I should consider this thoroughly.

"

nShe met my gaze and said.

n

"I will talk to my dad first.

"

n

"And Noah,

" I added.

nThese two should make their feelings to each other clear before jumping right in. What if there is this small chance of possibility that it's not mutual?

nRosa paused and smiled softly.

n

"... Yeah, him too.

"

nMy lips formed a twisted smile as I happily leaned back.

n

"Alright, that would be 100 gold coins. Just send the payment to my address.

"

nRosa's brows furrowed in confusion which only made me giddier.

n

"What payment?

"

n

"For the help. Of course,

" I grinned at her.

nHer mouth opened slightly as if she couldn't believe what she's hearing.

n

"You're truly insufferable!

"

n