Chapter 22 

“…M-mother?”

Jeremy muttered in surprise. Even though Hystein hadn’t answered, the door opened on its own.

Turning around in disbelief, Jeremy saw the excited Countess Aloua enter.

“I came after receiving the telegram. I’m sorry, Duke Vallière. I never imagined my son would cause such trouble…”

Countess Aloua rushed over and grabbed Jeremy’s arm. Bowing her head to Hystein, she immediately turned to look at Jeremy.

“Mother. H-how…”

“Didn’t you hear, Jeremy? The Duke sent word letting me know you were here.”

Jeremy slared at Hystein in disbelief. The Duke, who had already regained his composure, accepted Countess Aloua’s apology with elegant indifference, his hands still behind his back.

“I understand it’s only natural to be suspected, but I was already troubled by this early morning situation.”

“I understand. As his mother, I’m ashamed that my son has caused such a scene.”

Countess Aloua sighed. If society learned that Jeremy had gone to demand Rosalie’s release from Hystein, she would never be able to walk with her head held high.

Jeremy was a naturally gentle child, so he’d never actually caused a scene, but hadn’t the servant sent by the Duke described it precisely that way?

While seeking forgiveness, the Countess couldn’t help but feel curious.

“But Jeremy is a clever boy. If he deliberately visited here, there must be a good reason… I don’t want to suspect you, Duke Vallière, but you’re not hiding Miss Rosalie, are you?”

“I’ve told your son several times already that’s not the case. He simply refuses to accept it.”

“You heard him, Jeremy. Let’s go.”

Countess Aloua looked at Hystein with a troubled but charming smile, relieved. Getting mixed up with the Duke’s family would only fuel the rumors swirling around Rosalie.

“Just… let me ask one thing.”

As his mother pulled his arm, urging him, Jeremy asked, half-defeated. Summoning his mother like this—it felt unfair. Duke Vallière was truly a petty man.

“…Is Miss Rosalie safe?”

“Jeremy!”

Even as his mother scolded him, Jeremy didn’t budge. Hystein stared at him silently for a moment, then replied shamelessly.

“Who knows.”

That was the end of it. Jeremy had no choice but to be dragged out of the drawing room by his mother.

As they limped down the hallway and stairs, Jeremy glanced around, hoping to catch some trace of Rosalie.

But no miracle occurred. When he finally reached the entrance, Jeremy tapped his aching thigh from all the walking.

Then he looked up.

“What are you doing? Hurry and get in.”

Sir Eliot was helping his mother into the carriage, looking at Jeremy with a face full of questions. His mother, already seated, beckoned him in.

But earlier, hadn’t it been different…?

“…Ha.”

Jeremy let out a hollow laugh and glanced back. Hystein, who had come out to see off the Aloua family’s carriage, was indifferently receiving a report from the butler.

***

Rosalie stared blankly at Bibi, who was groveling before her. Not allowed to leave the room? Such an order had been given?

By Hystein? What was going on?

“…How long will this last?”

“I’m not sure, My Lady. But you must stay here until the master returns.”

“So the Duke must have an important guest. Isn’t that right?”

At first, Rosalie felt all sorts of complicated emotions. Could she be caught up in another crime so soon after being kidnapped? For a moment, she even wondered.

But this was Hystein’s house, and he had treated her so carefully after rescuing her; it didn’t seem likely he would harm her.

There must be a reason.

“It wouldn’t be good if people found out I’m here.”

“No, My Lady. Would you like to take a bath? You haven’t been able to wash properly since you arrived at the mansion.”

Bibi changed the subject, rambling nervously. Rosalie saw through her intentions but had no choice but to accept the offer.

“…Alright, that doesn’t sound bad.”

Still, since it was morning, Rosalie wanted to open the curtains again, so she glanced at the window. Bibi, determined to distract her, led her to the bathroom attached to the bedroom.

“Come, I’ll assist you with your bath.”

Between the bedroom and bathroom stood an antique vanity and a small chair. Bibi sat Rosalie on the chair, then went into the bathroom to run the water.

Rolling up her sleeves, Bibi spoke confidently. Her exposed arms were bruised, as if she’d bumped into something.

…Could it have been Hystein? No, he wasn’t a violent man.

“I’m quite skilled at hair care, you know. Since I was hired at the ducal mansion, I haven’t had a chance to show off my talents, but now I finally can!”

“So that means there haven’t been any female guests staying at the mansion?”

“Our master isn’t very social, it seems. Oh, that…”

“It’s fine, I won’t repeat anything you say.”

As in the past, even now, Rosalie could see from Hystein’s words and actions that he was reserved. Besides, he’d only recently returned to Ipelda, so perhaps Bibi was telling the truth.

But had he really been that way on the southern continent, too? With his looks, it was hard to believe he hadn’t met any women in all those years.

She couldn’t help but feel a little bitter.

“The water temperature is perfect. I’ve added bath salts, so it’s ready.”

Rosalie stood and removed her nightgown with Bibi’s help.

She’d been used to being waited on daily before her family’s downfall, but lately she’d grown accustomed to doing everything herself, so every touch felt strangely awkward.

Bibi wasn’t just skillful at hair care. Guided into the tub, Rosalie soon relaxed as Bibi massaged her arms, neck, and shoulders.

Bibi didn’t comment on how damaged Rosalie’s hair was for a noblewoman, nor did she mention her rough skin.

She simply focused on untangling Rosalie’s hair and applying fragrant oil to her dry limbs, repeating the process with care.

All the while, Rosalie dozed off without a thought, entrusting her body to a maid she’d only met days ago in a house that wasn’t her own.

“Shall we get out soon?”

“…Hm? Oh, yes.”

Rosalie opened her eyes, which had been resting against the edge of the tub. She had no idea how much time had passed.

The water had cooled, and her skin, unconsciously touched, felt surprisingly soft and moist.

Startled, Rosalie quietly expressed her amazement, and Bibi smiled proudly, rubbing her nose. A fluffy robe was draped over Rosalie’s body, decorated with rose petals.

“Please sit at the vanity for a moment. You must be thirsty—I’ll bring you some water.”

“You’re very good at your job.”

“Oh my, thank you for such praise…”

Rosalie spoke honestly while sitting in front of the mirror, and Bibi was delighted, twisting her body before heading to the bedroom.

Rosalie picked up the towel draped over her shoulders to dry her wet hair. Her flushed cheeks were tinged with pink.

She’d thought her face was terribly damaged, but now she saw it wasn’t so bad after all. She examined her reflection from different angles and looked around the powder room while waiting for Bibi.

“…Bibi?”

But even after a long time, Bibi didn’t return. Had something happened? Feeling uneasy, Rosalie got up from the chair and opened the bedroom door.

“Bibi? Where are you?”

The bedroom was quiet and bright. Bibi, who had insisted Rosalie not open the curtains, was nowhere to be seen.

Only warm sunlight poured in and the delicious scent of food filled the air.

Wondering what was going on, Rosalie took a step forward. At that moment, she saw a tall man standing by the window near the bed.