“Didn’t the rumor spread that I was picking my teeth with a knife? Since it’s come to this, engagements or whatever, nothing’s happening until I regain my senses, right? My mind keeps flipping, briefly coming back, then flipping again, and even I’m so scared of myself I could die.”

“…You’ve really lost it.”

“Well then, I guess I shouldn’t think about going far away and just stick to big brother’s side for life. Forever.”

“….”

“Hey? Big brother, where are you going? Huh? Take me with you!”

That night, Rosetta was grabbed by the nape by the furious Duchess and dunked into a vat of perfumed oil.

The first scolding was for provoking her brother, the second for acting shamelessly in front of the servants, and the third was to polish her appearance to counter the vicious rumors that would surely cling to her.

It was a scolding, sure, but as the Duchess gently slathered cosmetics on her, Rosetta didn’t feel the least bit cowed. For Rosetta, who was used to punishments like being abandoned on a deserted island for a month with a lump of salt and a knife, this was nothing.

Besides, frankly speaking, whether the rumor of her madness spread or not, Rosetta had no reason to care. The reputation of the Red Dawn was already in tatters, so all that remained was Lea’s reputation… but since she planned to abandon everything and escape, what did reputation matter? It’d be a miracle if she didn’t gain more infamy here.

Rosetta preferred subduing others with the logic of strength, but when her strength was lacking, she was wise enough to know when to yield. That guy seemed to loathe his every action becoming gossip, so she’d just grant his wish. The aftermath… well, she’d think about it later. The engagement might get tricky, but what’s the big deal? The world is wide, and there are bound to be men with peculiar tastes.

Once she decided to be shameless, everything became a bit easier. From then on, Rosetta began groveling with a servile face every time she ran into the Little Duke Valdemore.

“…Please, shut up and get out of my sight.”

“Oh my, big brother, as you wish. If I’m an eyesore, I’ll gladly vanish.”

“Acting like that is a disgrace to Valdemore!”

“A disgrace, Blair big brother! How could you say something so harsh!”

Rosetta pretended to cover her face with both hands, making fake sobbing noises. By now, calling him “big brother” rolled off her tongue effortlessly. She rubbed her hands together so much that, in just two days, her fingerprints were practically worn off.

The servants, who were shocked the first couple of times, had now grown accustomed to their banter. And so, on the morning of the third day, Rosetta finally saw the Little Duke Valdemore grimace and avoid her gaze—a moment worth celebrating. Sure, his face looked like he was avoiding her out of disgust, but a victory was always exhilarating.

“You’re attending the boating event by the Ende River tonight, aren’t you?”

Rosetta, who had been tormenting a blade of grass on her plate with her fork, tilted her head. For the past few days, Blair, the Little Duke Valdemore, had practically treated her like she didn’t exist, so it was surprising that he spoke to her first. And as far as she knew, this was the first time he’d spoken without sarcasm.

“That’s true, but…”

Rosetta twisted her lips, not hiding her suspicion. Annoyed by her expression, Blair twitched his fingers but seemed unwilling to witness his sister’s madness again. He calmly took a sip from his water glass and spoke.

“I’ve already chosen your partner.”

“What? But big brother, I already had a partner lined up. The Eldest Son of the Dreuire Family…”

“I turned him down.”

Blair glanced at Rosetta’s face and quickly added.

“How could I let you act this deranged in front of other nobles?”

“….”

“Sir Ethan, a loyal vassal of Valdemore for generations, should be trustworthy enough to handle you, no matter how you behave.”

…He’d been quiet for a few days. Rosetta narrowed her cold eyes. Sure, it didn’t matter much who she went with, but the Eldest Son of the Dreuire Family was one of the few men unfazed by the recent rumors of the Valdemore princess’s madness.

Plus, he was tenacious enough to survive the clutches of Montrosa. He was quite the appetizing catch in many ways, so it wasn’t pleasant to see Blair throwing a wrench in her plans.

“Well, that’s how it is, so prepare accordingly.”

Perhaps her past antics had worked, because just wrinkling her nose made Blair flinch and rise from the table. His quick instincts were nice, at least… Anyway, she’d attend, but she could seize the chance to talk at the boating event.

“Lea, you should go up and get ready.”

As Rosetta chewed a piece of carrot as if it were Blair himself, the Duchess, who had elegantly finished her meal across the table as if oblivious to their tension, spoke soothingly. Her face was kind, as if assuring that everything would be fine… but somehow, it felt ominously like she was hiding a sinister scheme.

It’s probably nothing. Shaking off the unease, Rosetta let the maids attend to her with growing familiarity.

The Ende River boating event began at dusk, a romantic summer night affair where lanterns and floating lights were set adrift at midnight. Thus, slightly relaxed attire was permitted. The dress the Duchess carefully chose was a white chemise dress.

With her light brown hair pinned up with a diamond pin and a blue shawl draped over her shoulders, Rosetta looked like a beauty from a classic painting. She gazed at her reflection with satisfaction. With looks like this, she could knock anyone flat.

Rosetta clenched her fist. For the free life of a near-married woman! For a perfect and successful escape!

With that in mind, all this humiliation felt bearable. She could even smile through sharing a carriage with the insufferable Blair. But what awaited her at the Ende River wasn’t Sir Enoch or the Eldest Son of the Dreuire Family.

Rosetta froze as she opened the carriage door, staring in disbelief as she looked Cardier Montrosa up and down. With a hollow laugh, she growled.

“Why are you here?”

“Didn’t you hear?”

Cardier extended his hand with a grin. His blond hair glinted in the twilight. Despite her irritation, he looked stunning enough to take her breath away for a moment.

“I sent word that I’d like to escort you to all the upcoming social events.”

He answered brightly. Rosetta raised an eyebrow and shot back.

“I didn’t hear anything about that.”

“Of course not. I sent it to the Duchess of Valdemore, not you.”

“….”

“And the Duchess, of course, graciously agreed.”

Rosetta blinked in shock, then stepped out of the carriage, nudged by Blair’s fake cough. Cardier, with careful attention, bent to adjust her chemise dress, which had crumpled up to her calves. Blair, who got out late, gave Cardier a brief nod.

“Ah, Little Duke Montrosa.”

“Little Duke Valdemore.”

“You’ve heard the rumors, but she’s a flawed girl. Please, be generous with her today.”

“Generous? Lea’s perfect as she is.”

“….”

“….”

…Madman.

In that moment, Rosetta could’ve bet her right wrist and ankle that she and Blair were in perfect agreement for the first time. Blair, looking momentarily stunned, spotted his fiancée approaching from afar and hurriedly disappeared.

While Rosetta glared at Blair’s retreating back, Cardier, now close, politely extended his hand.

“Shall we go?”

Rosetta blinked, alternating between his face and his outstretched hand.

Cardier’s face was always a work of art, and as a mere mortal, Rosetta couldn’t help but be weak to beauty. She often wanted to hurl insults at him, but face-to-face, it wasn’t so easy. His was a masterpiece that felt almost holy to behold.

But this time, she couldn’t let it slide. Crossing her arms and planting one foot forward, she snapped.

“Are you joking right now?”