Romeo and Rosaline - 4

By this, Rosaline knew that all of his dubious and cocky words were an unpleasant joke. He must have realized that Rosaline was Juliet’s favorite aide and wanted a reward. She was almost caught up in their shallow intentions.

Juliet seemed to share the same thought and giggled, murmuring, “Prince Montague should learn proper manners again.” As Romeo’s lips began to part, as if to retort, Rosaline hastily intervened.

“Clearly, we don’t know each other.”

Something irritated Romeo, and his jaw tensed. She clenched her fists, exerting force with her hands resting on her thighs, and calmly spoke.

“I am devoted to my faith. It belongs to Kata. If you knew that, you wouldn’t make such jokes so easily.”

His gaze grew cloudy, and his impression, which had been mere frivolity moments ago, sharpened instantly.

“This is no trivial matter, Rosaline.”

“While I appreciate your help, your jokes go too far.”

Rosaline retorted swiftly and coldly, making it feel as if her pain was a lie. Even in the brief silence, they did not divert their gaze from each other. Juliet couldn’t help but intervene, fearing that if she left them like this, they might even come to blows.

“Romeo Montague, I assure you that I will grant you the favor as befitting a Capulet. So for today…”

“I don’t understand.”

He leaned back, slipped his hand into his pocket, and nodded his head. As he slouched, his well-defined calf brushed against Rosaline’s knee, and his toes came close to touching her thigh.

“It was Rosaline who received the favor from me, so why would you offer your favor?”

“Lord Montague.”

Displeasure was evident in his gaze directed towards Juliet. Rosaline urgently reached out and touched his knee. Whether it was discomfort or amusement, she couldn’t allow his gaze to even slightly shift towards Juliet.

Fortunately or unfortunately, his head turned back to Rosaline as if it were caught in a twist. With a clear gaze, Rosaline stood firm and spoke.

“I owe you my life, so I will personally repay this favor.”

Romeo’s lips parted as if he was about to reply in jest, but only Rosaline could notice how tightly they were pressed together. But that was all. The indescribable gaze that had been fixed on her gradually lowered. More precisely, it landed on Rosaline’s hand that had touched him.

Did he consider it impolite? Just as Rosaline was about to move her hand slightly to avoid the situation, a strong grip twisted her wrist.

“I look forward to it.”

Without a chance to react, he humbly bent at the waist and pressed his lips to her hand. His piercing dark eyes were intense.

“I have no patience for that favor. I hope you repay it quickly.”

He spoke almost in a whisper, then released his hand without hesitation and stood up. Whether Romeo’s strides were large or the room was narrow, when Rosaline regained her senses, she could only see the edge of his cloak between the doors.

Rosaline felt as if the touch of Romeo’s palm still lingered, and unknowingly, she tightly clenched her hand. His hand was more than just rough. The calluses and deep scars in every crease were ominous. Although Rosaline didn’t know him as a killer, she could tell he was a man capable of taking lives.

Lost in thought, she stared at his empty spot until she snapped back to reality because of Juliet, who had been observing his footsteps like herself. Rosaline urgently tugged at Juliet’s sleeve, pulling her gaze towards herself.

“Miss.”

Juliet responded with a vague expression, turning her slightly dazed face towards Rosaline. Overwhelmed by uneasiness, Rosaline couldn’t help but ask.

“Have you fallen in love with Lord Montague?”

“…Rosaline.”

Juliet gave her an impression as if she didn’t know such words could come from Rosaline.

“Are you out of your mind?”

* * *

Until Rosaline got out of bed, Juliet complained about Romeo’s rudeness. In fact, while she was preparing dinner to suit Montague’s capricious taste, it was almost like cursing his family, but one thing was certain: she didn’t like Romeo.

Today, before going to sleep, the same question arose in Juliet’s mind as Rosaline, who was combing her hair.

“Rosaline, by the way, are you really on unfamiliar terms with Romeo?”

“Yes, I saw him for the first time that day.”

Rosaline casually replied as she applied perfume to Juliet’s neck.

After a few days of investigation, Rosaline herself was still living as the daughter of a wet nurse in the Capulet family, waiting for the appointment of the central diocese as a priestess. Juliet, too, was the sole heir of her family.

The problem was Romeo.

Indeed, Romeo Montague had changed compared to the past, even in his actions. Around this time, he was supposed to be completing his studies in administration at the academy. But now he had returned as a knight who had ventured into the far west with his father Montague, participating in a long and fierce religious war.

Religious war.

Although there were obstacles for it to happen in a country with weakened religious authority, when the outsiders insulted the national religion, saying that “Kata has disappeared beyond the west, and the sun will never rise again,” the royal family mobilized the military along with the temples to punish them.

Moreover, it was heard that Romeo Montague had achieved great merit in battle and received land along with his knighthood. Even though he was a knight of the royal court, his achievements were remarkable, and it was said that the temple side bestowed upon him the title of the Apostle’s son.

It was a significant change in his physique and personality.

Everything remained the same except for Romeo. Of course, Rosaline, who had returned to the past, had also changed, but her life had not completely transformed.

“It’s strange.”

Juliet spoke with a fragment of a severed poem on her lips. As she inhaled and exhaled, a subtle fragrance filled the room. Indulging in expensive poetry while sipping from a glass was one of Juliet’s few hobbies.

“He was a bit excessive, even on the day he brought you along. It was strange to say he’s just a worrisome person.”

For half a day, Rosaline was in a daze, while Romeo wandered the corridors like a lost soul. Despite being told that the doctor would take care of it, he refused to leave and guarded the spot.

“I saved you, so I will make sure your breathing is stable before I leave.”

Though it was a harsh tone, it felt like a momentary plea that was left unspoken. In reality, he was one of the little puppets who has schemes to deal with Rosaline.

“I heard he’ll be returning to the capital soon, so he wanted to have some fun with an innocent girl before that. Or maybe he planned to use you to squeeze money out of me.”

Montague wasn’t exactly poor, but no matter how much he had, it never seemed enough. Juliet looked at Rosaline and spoke firmly.

“Anyway, if he keeps bothering you, let me know. I’ll formally complain to Montague, whether it’s about the banquet or anything else.”

“No, Miss. I already sent a separate gift as a token of gratitude.”

“Already?” Juliet’s eyes expressed surprise, but Rosaline just smiled.

“I must have forgotten to mention it. Montague seemed satisfied, so you don’t need to worry about it anymore.”

“Oh, really? How impressive of a gift did you give?”

“A sincere apology. He saved my life, and I guess I was overly cautious, which wasn’t pleasant.”

“Goodness, he talked as if he was going to empty your pockets. He was just a prideful fool. I thought he would stick around like a leech.”

“It’s fortunate, then.”

It was a lie. Just a lie she told Juliet, in hopes of getting rid of her attention to Romeo.

It was easy to lie to Juliet. On the days when her mother scolded her with a stick, she lied to Juliet with a casual face. What was more difficult than lying was dealing with Romeo at the moment.

It would be nice if he lost interest and simply disappeared or died on his own, but unless that happened, a proper response was needed.

As she contemplated deeply, Juliet stubbed out her cigar on the ashtray and stretched out on the bed.

“But the banquet will still take place. If Montague and Capulet keep fighting like this, they might actually end up killing each other.”

The image of Juliet’s lifeless body, which had instantly grown cold at the mere mention of the word ‘death,’ came to Rosaline’s mind. She felt her fingertips weakening, as if she could collapse at any moment.

Juliet, who said it would be difficult even to embark on a journey, wanted to cling on and leave together only until Romeo returns.

Will she believe the nonsense that I came back from a future where she died? Not only would she not believe it, but it would make me suspicious. Rosaline’s hands trembled as she tidied up the ashes. She looked at her own wrist and asked nonchalantly.

“Miss, will you be inviting Lord Montague for the banquet?”

“You mean Romeo? I should, but there’s a high chance he won’t come.”

With almost closed eyes, Juliet spoke.

“You might not know because you’re not interested in rumors, but it’s said that he participated in the western expedition as a squire without informing Montague’s family. He was 14 years old back then.”

“…The title of squire doesn’t suit him.”

Rosaline, who had tidied up the cigars and glasses, lit a match and the candle on the silver tray. The room was filled with a faint crimson glow. Juliet murmured as she looked at the candle that resembled twilight.

“Hmm, maybe he’s neglecting his household duties? They say he has entrusted all the responsibilities of the successor to his younger sister.”

Unknowingly, Rosaline chuckled. It was not out of amusement, but rather a smile born out of unease and restlessness. Romeo was naturally sincere and bright. He had insisted to Rosaline that he could be a good husband to her and had clung to her, urging her not to become a nun. It was a memory she didn’t find detestable.

With the silver tray holding the candle in her hand, she approached Juliet, who was lying down. Sensing her presence, Juliet closed her eyes and chuckled softly.

“Don’t worry, Rosaline. If he does come, I’ll make sure he’ll never see you.”

“I’m not worried.”

“Yeah. Still, … you should be careful.”

Rosaline gently brushed a few strands of Juliet’s black hair as she slept soundly, then kissed her forehead, making a vow. Whatever Romeo was, she wasn’t going to waste another god-given chance.

Perhaps Juliet, because of how much Romeo had changed, might not feel any special emotions towards him right now. But knowing the unpredictability of love that comes unexpectedly, she couldn’t let her guard down completely.

On the boundary line, Romeo was still there.

The present Romeo is unpredictable. But one thing is certain, Romeo’s gaze is solely directed towards Rosaline.

‘Just get through the dinner.’

Once this dinner was over, Juliet was scheduled to embark on a long journey with her fiancé. In the past, it had been ruined because of Romeo, but this time would be different. Rosaline took out a letter from her bosom. It was a letter that had been placed in its spot without a seal in the afternoon.

[Debts accrue interest. Didn’t your master teach you that?]

The sender was not specified, but she was certain it was from Romeo. The slightly rough handwriting contained only a brief message.

[I will see you at night.]

Rosaline stared at the letter for a moment before blowing out the candle she had been holding. With a whoosh, darkness descended. Only the eerie moonlight outside traced Rosaline’s cheek.