Romeo and Rosaline - 1

Rosaline, a servant of the Capulet family, did not have a father.

The stable boy or the butler were suspected to be her father. In fact, there was a brief rumor circulating when her mother was pregnant, suggesting that the Capulet patriarch could be the father. But it quickly disappeared.

Her mother was the closest friend of Lady Capulet during her lifetime. Although her mother was of common birth, she was renowned for her loyalty to Lady Capulet.

So close indeed that when Lady Capulet passed away shortly after Juliet was born, she, who took on the role of a wet nurse, gave Juliet more than just milk. She bestowed upon her a love greater than mere nourishment.

Juliet, who grew up consuming more milk and love than even Rosaline, was truly perfect. She was affectionate and beautiful, fulfilled her duties as the heiress, and especially adored Rosaline, her milk sister¹a person who is not one’s biological sibling but was nursed by the same woman as oneself.

Of course, apart from their shared black hair, they had no resemblance to each other.

Juliet possessed an extraordinary height, porcelain-white skin, and sky-blue eyes without a single flaw. Not only was she beautiful, but her gaze and words overflowed with strength and courtesy. Even at a young age, she possessed the wisdom and knowledge befitting the future head of the household.

But Rosaline, as her mother described her, was a woman with ‘no charm whatsoever.’ She had a fairly pretty face, but the melancholy brown eyes and consistently unyielding expression made her appear more like Juliet’s shadow than a person. Moreover, since she was taller than Juliet by an entire span, she often heard remarks from shallow-minded men that it wounded their pride.

Nevertheless, Juliet kept Rosaline by her side as more than a mere servant, involving her in many tasks and treasuring her. The wet nurse found this somewhat unsettling, as she worried that Rosaline, though her own daughter, might bring spoil to Juliet’s life.

Whenever Juliet showed kindness to Rosaline, she would give her a sharp remark.

“She will eventually belong to the temple anyway. There’s no need to be so generous.”

In truth, Rosaline was receiving an education forced upon her by her mother. The expenses required to become a proper nun were beyond what a mere wet nurse could afford, so the Capulet household provided full support. It was due to the gratitude Lord Capulet felt towards the wet nurse, who made great efforts for the sake of his daughter.

Her mother had initially thought of banishing Rosaline to the convent, but due to Juliet’s opposition, she was able to receive an education while going back and forth from home.

“It’s only natural for me to be unfeeling towards you.”

One day, her mother confided in young Rosaline.

“Having you was an accident… No, to be honest, it was a stroke of luck. If the Capulet couple hadn’t accepted me, I could have been driven out of the Capulet household. It’s all thanks to the kindness of Lady Capulet that simple-minded and mediocre servants like us can even have a meal.”

She firmly grasped Rosaline’s cheek.

“So, my daughter, you must do well. You must live with a grateful heart. That’s the way of being human.”

Rosaline agreed.

Considering how many abandoned children there were, she considered herself fortunate. Not only did she receive an education that would be unimaginable in an ordinary home, but above all, she gained Juliet.

Juliet Capulet. It pained her to say it, but she was beautiful and possessed a kind nature along with a resilient spirit.

“You are my sister, Rosaline.”

Occasionally, Juliet would hold Rosaline’s hand and whisper such affectionate words. Juliet was a woman who could not be loved any less. Rosaline swore to pray for her mistress for the rest of her life and kissed the back of Juliet’s hand.

“Thank you, miss.”

But when Rosaline turned twenty-three and officially became a nun after taking her vows, an official announcement was issued from the central diocese regarding Rosaline’s placement.

Once her placement was determined, Rosaline would have to spend her lifetime in the assigned temple after receiving several months of education at the convent.

In the uncertain situation of where she would be sent, Juliet stepped in. She lobbied the diocese with a substantial amount of money so that Rosaline would be assigned to a temple not far from home.

“That damned girl, instead of being of any help to the young lady, she only wastes money.”

When Rosaline’s mother heard this, she slapped her on the cheek, saying, ‘You must have asked for it.’ Rosaline did not rebel. She hoped that Juliet, who had become aware of the situation, would not worry, and she understood her mother’s anger. How displeasing it must have been to have a vulgar daughter who didn’t leave the side of the noble lady.

But it was better to be by Juliet’s side to understand.

She had to constantly remind herself, “It’s because of the lovely Juliet that my mother had no choice.” And by staying by her side, she believed that her mother would come to understand her circumstances.

“Rosaline, why do you look like that?”

It was the next morning. As usual, Rosaline was informing Juliet of her schedule in Juliet’s room. As she flipped through documents and listened, Juliet’s gaze grazed Rosaline’s cheek. She approached with a frown on her face.

“It’s swollen.”

Before Juliet’s hand could reach her, Rosaline covered her cheek with the back of her hand and smiled.

“It must be because autumn is coming that my skin is sensitive.”

“…Did the wet nurse say that? She didn’t say I brought you here, did she?”

Juliet sighed as she noticed the fatigue around Rosaline’s eyes. She couldn’t understand why the wet nurse would dislike her daughter. But it was difficult for Juliet to scold the wet nurse who had raised and loved her more than her own flesh and blood.

Frustrated by the situation that seemed to have no solution, Juliet bit her tongue.

“I will talk to the wet nurse myself.”

“You don’t have to. Mother will surely express her anger more openly.”

Rosaline slowly raised her head and smiled.

“I’m really fine, Juliet.”

She gently took hold of Juliet’s shoulders and slowly guided her towards the seat. When Juliet stubbornly refused to sit, Rosaline gestured to the desk overflowing with documents.

“There’s a lot for you to see, Miss Capulet.”

It was a signal for her to turn her attention away and focus on work. Juliet grumbled without giving in.

“…Did you apply ice to your cheek? Did you use ointment?”

“Yes, plenty.”

With a long sigh, Juliet leaned on Rosaline’s arm. Her worries had now shifted from Rosaline to household matters. She tapped the stack of documents with her hand and said.

“I can’t understand. Why do the Montagues hate us so much?”

The Montague family, who had held the position of knights for generations, had a long-standing feud with the Capulet family. In the past, during the time of polytheism, it was because the Montagues and the Capulets worshipped different gods. The Montagues worshipped the sun god, Kata, while the Capulets worshipped the moon god, Tiber.

But that’s a story from a hundred years ago. Over time, the Capulets, being a merchant family, became disenchanted with religion. Moreover, about thirty years ago, when the king who ascended the throne proclaimed Kata, the god of the sun, as the supreme deity, the majority of the people, including the Capulets, received baptism as followers of Kata.

“Think about it! We have no reason to fight over religious issues anymore, right? We receive baptism for Kata, and we make offerings regularly.”

As Juliet passionately spoke, ticking off her fingers, she abruptly turned around. As a result, the chair she had been sitting on also squeaked. Seeing her master’s questioning gaze, Rosaline rolled her eyes as if contemplating.

“…It may have become a habit after being hated for a long time.”

Emotions are similar to habits. When love or hatred persists for a long time, they become ingrained in one’s being, making it difficult to remove or change them.

“Especially, hatred is a very bad habit, and it’s hard to break bad habits. Like a child who must find something sweet before going to bed.”

When Rosaline compared the Montagues to a child who couldn’t break a habit, Juliet’s eyes widened.

“…Rosaline, I didn’t know, but it seems like you dislike the Montagues more than I do.”

With Juliet’s observation, Rosaline suddenly felt uneasy. Come to think of it, her impression of the Montagues was simply that they were annoying. Unlike others, she hadn’t gone out of her way to ostracize them. Primarily because Juliet didn’t want her to, and also because she couldn’t find a reason to do so.

But the moment the name Montague crossed her lips, a sharp discomfort pierced deep into her chest. To avoid showing her confusion, she composed herself.

“Just because I didn’t say anything doesn’t mean I have no feelings.”

“I didn’t expect you to.”

Juliet raised an eyebrow as if surprised.

“Anyway, you’re right. Even Father seems to be eagerly waiting to fight with the Montague boys as if it’s a habit.”

The Montague family, who had produced knights for generations, was wealthy, but they couldn’t surpass the Capulets, the leaders of a powerful merchant association. But the Capulets also dabbled in finance, which was deemed dishonorable. Although such perceptions had diminished now, the reality was far from the noble image associated with handling money.

As a result, the Montagues treated the Capulets as lowly scoundrels who only knew money, while the Capulets viewed the Montagues as aristocrats lacking in practicality.

“…It will change once Miss becomes the head of the family.”

Rosaline spoke with conviction. It wasn’t just a wish, it was a fact. As Juliet began to take on about half of the Capulet family’s responsibilities, the friction between the two families decreased.

Whenever employees got into disputes or fights with the Montagues, Juliet dealt with them firmly and occasionally invited Montague members as guests, treating them with great care. Of course, there were internal objections, and Juliet faced numerous rejections from the Montagues, but she remained resolute.

From the crimson silk brought from across the sea to the wine that couldn’t be touched by ordinary connections, to finely crafted jewels. Even Montague, who couldn’t withstand the onslaught of Capulet’s market offensive, gradually became more flexible.

Thanks to that, it seemed as if the fine rift between the two families was gradually being filled.

“Well then… alright. I’ve made up my mind. We’ll have a dinner party to coincide with Tybalt’s return.”

Juliet confidently crossed her arms and sat at the desk. Then, she pulled out a few papers from the pile and began writing something.

“It seems like Montague’s delicate prince has come down with the real royalty. This is an opportunity to invite them all and publicly declare that the relationship between our families is intact.”

Rosaline furrowed her brow.

“Montague’s delicate prince?”

Even she felt an odd sense of discomfort. In the midst of her own bewilderment, Juliet continued speaking without taking her eyes off the desk.

“Rosaline, don’t you have to go see Friar Lawrence now?”

Rosaline was receiving education from Friar Lawrence in Verona. Although she had completed her formal education, she still had to go to the temple at designated times to assist the friar.

But Rosaline couldn’t think about the friar due to the growing unease. When Rosaline didn’t respond, Juliet nudged her head forward. It was then that Rosaline snapped out of her daze and hurriedly nodded her head.

“Yes, but I should bring Lady’s refreshments…”

“Forget it. We already have plenty. Just go quickly.”

Rosaline, who was pushed away, tried to gather herself. But the more she moved, the greater her unease became. Her heart was throbbing painfully.

‘Who on earth could this delicate prince be?’

Rosaline tried to think of someone among them who could be considered a delicate prince, but she couldn’t recall anything as if something was blocking her thoughts. Despite knowing very little about the Montagues, her heart raced as if consumed by fear.

Rosaline hurried her steps, struggling to think that she had been scolded by her mother yesterday.

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  a person who is not one’s biological sibling but was nursed by the same woman as oneself