Reincarnated Villainess Does Not Want Revenge - Chapter 99
Translated by: ShinigamiTori
A Gift, at the Very Least
I felt as if I was shivering and hugged myself.
Perhaps Risel-sama took it as a sign that I was cold, and he kindly draped his own coat over me.
“I’m sorry for bringing up such a topic, especially during your precious break.”
“No… I’m glad you talked to me.”
“I see…..”
Risel-sama lowered his head as if contemplating something, then looked at me again.
“…. Are you acquainted with Duke Rose, Marie?”
“…. Eh?”
My heart jumps at the mention of my previous life’s brother’s name.
“Why did you come to that conclusion…?”
Reynaldo and I have never had a conversation since I was reborn. I thought it would be better if we didn’t meet, so I haven’t met Reynaldo except for the one time I saw him nearby when I was a maid in the royal palace.
Risel-sama looked at me with his beautiful sapphire eyes, as if he could somehow see through the lie in me.
“Because you were calling his name so naturally.”
“Ah….”
I became aware of my careless statement earlier and unconsciously covered my mouth with my hand.
When I learned the name of the mastermind, I got pulled into past memories and ended up mentioning Reynaldo’s name.
In the first place, it was odd for me to suddenly mention the Duke’s name, calling him by his first name made it even more suspicious, so it was only natural that he found it strange.
“No! No, I… I don’t know him at all. I just started calling him that on my own…”
“….”
I think it’s a feeble excuse.
However, Risel-sama didn’t press the matter any further.
While I’m grateful for that, my heart hurts just thinking about the rebellion that’s about to occur.
I thought I shouldn’t interfere with what Risel-sama had already decided.
As the only legitimate son of the royal family, I felt that he had made his decision with various considerations in mind. Risel-sama understands the duties he must fulfill for the kingdom and as a member of the royal family.
“… Risel-sama.”
“Yes?”
I thought about the pain that Risel-sama would experience in the future and felt like I should say something, but…
What could I possibly say?
“… Please… please return safely…”
“Thank you, Marie.”
He gently patted my head, and it felt like I was the one being comforted, making it even more painful.
The future king who will condemn his own parents.
What can I do for the prince burdened with the heavy responsibility of the kingdom?
“That’s right. There are fruits you can pick around here. Shall we go see them together?”
As if pulling himself together, Risel-sama smiled at me.
I smiled as best as I could, trying to understand his thoughts.
The day filled with joy and contemplation came to an end in the blink of an eye.
As we rode the horse back to the castle, I silently rested my back against Risel-sama.
The warmth of his arms around my waist was gentle, and for some reason, I felt like crying.
Without any particular conversation, we arrived at the royal palace around dusk.
After entrusting the carriage to a servant, Risel-sama covered me with a hood and escorted me into the royal palace.
Even though he was concerned about my identity, he kindly guided me to my room until the end, which made my heart swell.
As I arrived in front of my room, I remembered something.
“Risel-sama, would you mind waiting for a moment?”
“What’s wrong?”
I removed my hood and hurriedly opened the door to my room, where there was no sign of anyone.
“I have something for you.”
Having said that, I hastily grabbed the handkerchief that was placed on my desk in my room.
I hurriedly handed a single handkerchief to Risel-sama, who was standing in front of the door.
“This….”
“It’s embroidered with Risel-sama’s name. I’ve heard that stitching your name with golden thread turns it into a protective charm. Please, may you be safe… Will you accept it?”
“For me…?”
“Y-Yes.”
“Mine….”
Risel-sama muttered to himself and graciously took the handkerchief from me.
He traced the embroidered part with his finger, gently and fondly.
It felt as if I were the one being caressed, and my face flushed red.
“What should I do… I’ve never received such a heartwarming gift before…”
He smiles at me while holding the handkerchief in front of him, radiating true happiness.
“Thank you, Marie. I’ll cherish it as my treasure.”
“You don’t have to do that. Please use it regularly.”
“No, I won’t allow it. I’ll treasure it forever. Ah, I want to keep it stored away, but I also want to carry it with me always…!”
Seeing him so happy, I didn’t feel bad either.
“I’ll make another one for you.”
That’s what I said.
But Risel-sama just looks at me with blank eyes.
“… You’ll make another one?”
“Yes.”
“…. If you’re going to make me another one, does that mean you’ll stay by my side for a while longer?”
“Ye?”
I was about to say yes, but then I paused.
?
What am I doing…!
I realized that I had made such a promise, albeit unconsciously, and I cursed myself for once again speaking without thinking.
“Hey, Marie. Will you stay by my side?”
Risel-sama gets closer.
His face drew near as if peering at me. I can’t open my eyes…!
“Marie?”
“Y-Yes…..”
In resignation, I nodded. I was so flustered that I couldn’t even open my eyes and kept them closed.
I felt embarrassed, wondering what kind of expression I had on my face.
If he didn’t move away soon, my face would become too hot.
Then, I felt something soft touched my cheek.
What? I thought and opened my eyes.
Unbeknownst to me, Risel-sama had already stepped back and was holding the handkerchief with a delighted look.
“I’ll take good care of it.”
He expressed, with a beaming smile.
?
What was that feeling on my cheek?
It felt somehow familiar, though.
I was too embarrassed to say anything, so I simply nodded without saying anything.
“Oh, and Risel-sama….”
Before Risel-sama left the room, I handed him another handkerchief.
“I have a favor to ask. Could you please give this handkerchief to Duke Rose?”
“…. To Duke Rose?”
I acknowledged the potential suspicion from Risel-sama but decided to entrust it to him.
“Yes. No matter how much you’re questioned, please keep it a secret as to who you received it from. Just say it’s something you’ve been entrusted with, and…”
I spoke the words that Rosemary, who lies dormant within me, would wish for.
“I hoped it would reach him,” I told Risel-sama.
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