“Yes.”

Rosette whispered gloomily.

“People claiming to be my parents tried to kidnap me. They were going to sell me to some strange nobleman.”

“Ah.”

Honestly, Rosette couldn’t imagine staying in the Adrienne estate for 4 or 5 years.

According to Lucas, who had been talking enthusiastically earlier, there was even more to do at the estate than in the capital.

She probably couldn’t keep up with the latest trends as much as in the capital, but Rosette wasn’t sensitive to trends, so it was fine.

‘I won’t be able to see Elder Sister Jane for a while…’

That too was something she had resolved when deciding to follow Duke Adrienne, so it didn’t matter.

Only.

“I won’t be able to meet Your Highness for a while either.”

Not being able to see Joshua was very regrettable. It seemed she had grown attached to Joshua over the past few months of sharing secrets.

What was sadder was that Joshua didn’t seem to care about that fact.

Rosette felt depressed for no reason and hugged Silver’s neck tightly.

Don’t you feel anything about not being able to see me, Your Highness?

That question rose to the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t bring herself to ask it.

“If I’m not there, the Empress will also…”

“I see.”

Joshua sighed.

“Pardon?”

“Are you making fun of me…!”

Just as Rosette was about to shout angrily, Joshua whispered seriously.

“What…?”

As Rosette was dumbfounded, Joshua muttered in a slightly amused voice.

It was nothing special.

Completely unrelated to touching words like saying he would miss her.

Yet Rosette’s heart raced as if she had just heard a confession. Her face turned red in an instant.

She covered her face with both hands even though Joshua couldn’t see her. Silver licked the back of her hands.

“Uh, yes.”

Silver licked Rosette’s hot cheeks once more before leaving. Not long after, the door opened and Lucas urged her.

“Kiddo, are you ready? Father’s here!”

“Ah, yes! I’m coming out!”

Rosette jumped up from her seat and left the room. Pipi followed behind her.

Hello! I’m sorry I came without saying goodbye. Father decided suddenly.

I arrived at the Adrienne estate a few days ago.

It’s much more wonderful here than I heard. There’s a very high mountain behind the mansion, and the autumn leaves have already started to change color.

Elder Brother Lucas says it snows a lot here in winter. It snows in the capital too, but not much. So I’m looking forward to it.

By the way, hazelnuts are famous here. There are many snacks made with hazelnuts. I’ll send some with this letter.

Oh, I’m sorry I couldn’t attend the tea party you invited me to. Invite me again when I return to the capital, okay?

Take care.

From Rosette.] [To Rosette.

I heard the news. The capital was buzzing about how the Adrienne family suddenly went to their estate.

It’s a shame you can’t come to the tea party, but it couldn’t be helped. Of course I’ll invite you again. I’m just waiting for the day you return to the capital. I wish you’d come back soon.

I’m enjoying the hazelnut chocolate jam you sent. It’s really delicious spread on toast. I love how it’s sweet with a subtle hazelnut flavor.

I had to stop my elder sister from eating it all at once. Could you send a little more if possible? In exchange, I’ll send you rose jam from our estate!

Anyway, write often. Let’s exchange letters again.

From Clara, who misses you.] [This is the timeline separator] [To Teresa.

It’s been a while, Teresa.

It’s already been 3 years since I came to the Adrienne estate.

I’ve been doing well. I think I’ve completely adapted to the estate now. At first it was so cold my nose felt like it would fall off, but now winter doesn’t feel that cold.

Of course, it is cold. But there’s a lot of snow, so it’s perfect for sledding with Elder Brother Lucas.

Why don’t you come visit soon with Clara? I’ve sent a letter to Clara too.

I’ve already got Father’s permission, so you can come anytime. By the way, it’s best to come here in summer. The summers are cooler than in the capital.

Write back.

From Rosette.] [To Rosette.

As soon as I saw your letter, I asked my parents for permission. Is it alright if my parents come too? They seem worried about sending just Clara and me.

I really want to visit. It’s not a place we can easily go to. I really, really want to come.

Write back.

From Teresa.] [To Teresa.

Of course it’s alright. Your elder brothers can come too.

I’m so excited.

Let me know when you decide on the dates.

From a very excited Rosette.] [This is the timeline separator] [To His Highness the Prince.

I pay my respects, Your Highness.

Is this the correct way to write a greeting? Lady Noyer taught me to write it like this.

Although I’m writing to Your Highness, I’m not sure if this letter will safely reach you. I heard from Father that censorship in the imperial palace has been strengthened.

It’s because Her Majesty the Empress almost had a serious accident with an explosive that came with a letter.

How is Her Majesty the Empress doing? I was so shocked when I heard the news. I heard the culprit still hasn’t been caught. What if they target Her Majesty the Empress again? I’m very worried.

How have you been, Your Highness? And Silver?

If you ask about me – though I don’t think you’re curious – I’ve been doing really well. I’ve been constantly training my physical strength and practicing swordsmanship, so I can even spar with Elder Brother Lucas now.

You ask if Elder Brother Lucas is going easy on me? You’re right. Elder Brother Lucas teases me the whole time we spar, grinning.

But I’m better at magic, so it’s okay. My mana core has grown quite a bit too. But I’m not using magic much, as Father requested.

You probably won’t be curious about this either, but my friends visited recently and I had a really enjoyable time. Being with my friends makes me want to return to the capital soon.

I told Father I want to go to the capital, but he says not yet. When will I be able to return?

I have a lot more I want to say, but I can’t bring myself to write it thinking someone else might read my letter first.

I just wonder how you’re doing.

I know you’re busy, but if you receive this letter, I hope you’ll send even a short letter to let me know you received it.

Even just a single dot is fine. Just please send a reply.

I’ll end here.

Rosette Adrienne.] [.] [What I wrote on the previous page was a joke.

Her Majesty is safe. However, I feel her health has noticeably worsened since that incident, which worries me.

I’m fine too. Just the same daily routine.

Ah, if there’s one thing that’s changed, it’s that His Majesty seems to be watching me more closely than before. Probably since I summoned Silver.

Other than that, nothing special.

By the way, my teacher came to the imperial palace recently, but none of you came. I thought at least Daniel would come.

My teacher must have his reasons, so be patient a little longer. Later, you might have to come to the capital even if you don’t want to.

Anyway, I have a lot to say to you too, but it’s not something to write in a letter. Let’s talk when we meet later.

In any case, I’m glad you’re doing well.

That’s all.

J. N. E] [This is the timeline separator] [To Clara.

Clara, hello? Are you doing well?

It’s already been 5 years since I came to the estate. I can’t help but think how fast time flies.

Listen! I think I’ll be going to the capital this spring! Elder Brother Daniel is coming of age this year! He’ll be going to the capital for his debutante, and I think we’ll all go together.

Plus, this is a secret, but Elder Brother Daniel plans to enter a swordsmanship competition. So we’re all going to cheer for him. Only you and Teresa know!

When I come, make sure to invite me to a tea party. I’m really looking forward to it. Okay?

From Rosette, who’s excited at the thought of meeting you.] [To Rosette.

Really? I screamed as soon as I read your letter. Elder Sister Daisy, who was with me, scolded me for being noisy, but who cares! I’m so excited!

I’m so thrilled. When are you coming? I’m going to hold a tea party on the day you arrive. I can’t wait.

It’s the first tea party where I’ll announce that a genius magician like you is my friend. I’m going to make it really splendid.

I wish you’d come soon.

Come safely.

From Clara, who’s already excited.] [This is the timeline separator]

“Look at this, Pipi.”

Pipi, who had been nibbling on the petals in the flower vase, flew over and perched on Rosette’s shoulder.

Rosette unfolded the handkerchief she had been embroidering and held it up to Pipi’s eyes.

“What do you think? I’ve improved a lot, right?”

Pipi tilted its head this way and that. Although it didn’t say anything, its bewildered expression was evident.

Rosette immediately became dejected.

“Is it that bad?”

No, that’s not it!

Pipi tried to explain belatedly, but it was already too late. Rosette put down the handkerchief with a deep sigh.

“I know. My embroidery skills are terrible.”

Time had passed quickly, and it had already been 5 years since Rosette came to the Adrienne estate.