Chapter 420: Responsibilities

Chapter 420: Responsibilities

"So, it was Brinley and Ena Thun?" Rosalind's voice trembled with anger as the mention of Ena Thun made her blood boil. Her eyes pierced Lachlan's serious demeanor. "So... they attacked you, and she," her gaze shifted to Josephine, "somehow saved you?"

Lachlan nodded again, his expression grave. "Yes, we have been traveling together for weeks."

"You traveled with a sorcerer?" Rosalind asked, her disbelief evident. How could a member of the esteemed seven families, known for their arrogance, be associated with a sorcerer? She always thought that Lachlan and the rest had a strong disgust for the ones who can wield darkness.

"Yes," Lachlan replied simply.

Josephine, looking confused, chimed in, "Is there any problem?"

Rosalind cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure. "Nothing. Let's have some refreshments first..." Her words trailed off as Magda walked into the room.

"I would like some food... I mean, meat. Real meat," Josephine declared.

"Oh... then..." Rosalind began, but Magda interrupted by quickly leaving to fulfill Josephine's request.

Silence descended upon the room as Josephine indulged in the pastries that Magda had brought. Her voice broke the silence. "Hmmm... this is good. What is this?" Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Rosalind's gaze fell upon the heavenly pastry before heran exquisite creation with a swirl of mixed berry compote nestled within layers of flaky pastry dough, adorned with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. "It's called Blissful Berry Swirl," she replied. While she loved sweets, this particular pastry was a tad too sweet, even for her taste.

"I love it. Do you think I can have more of these?" Josephine inquired eagerly.

"Of course," Rosalind nodded, before diverting her attention back to Lachlan's serious countenance.

Rosalind observed as Josephine devoured another pastry, relishing the sweetness. "Make sure to give me two more... no, three..." Josephine eagerly held out three fingers in front of Rosalind, a clear testament to her enjoyment.

"Alright," Rosalind agreed, mentally noting the request, before once again shifting her focus to Lachlan's serious countenance.

"Do you know what has been happening in Korusta since you left?" Rosalind inquired, her voice tinged with concern.

"No, but I'm going to assume that those shameless people tried to frame me. Am I right?" Lachlan's voice dripped with frustration.

"Your father wanted to declare war against them," Rosalind revealed, choosing her words carefully.

"He should! He" Lachlan's words were interrupted by a clearing of his throat, his frustration giving way to a resigned sigh. "Well... It has been so long since someone openly challenged us. It's not a surprise that my father would immediately think about direct confrontation."

"Why would I be in a bad mood?" Elias hissed, his irritation palpable. "I was simply asking if she really thinks those beasts are stronger than us."

"No, I do not think they are stronger than you, but it's still better to be cautious," Rosalind assured them, her tone gentle yet firm. "The bracelets will remain with you, just in case."

"Alright, then. Just don't expect me to crush it," Elias retorted, his pride refusing to acknowledge the need for such a contingency plan.

..

"You look like you're about to faint," Magda commented, her voice filled with concern. "I remember how radiant you looked when you first arrived in the north. This makes me think it has something to do with the Duke. Is it because of his absence?"

Rosalind sighed, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle upon her shoulders. "I've been working tirelessly since I arrived," she confessed. Managing a territory was proving to be far more demanding than she had anticipated. In the past, she had relied on Dorothy while overseeing the Empire, thinking she would never have to take on such a role again. Yet here she was, rushing to yet another meeting in the middle of the day.

"How was Lachlan?" Rosalind inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"He's been waiting for you," Magda replied, her voice tinged with intrigue. She sat beside Rosalind in the carriage, offering a sense of companionship amidst the chaos. "That woman, on the other hand, was quite different."

Rosalind's brow furrowed, her interest piqued. "Different? How so?"

Magda leaned in closer, lowering her voice. "She doesn't sleep in a bed. I found her on the floor this morning," she revealed, a hint of bewilderment evident in her tone.

Rosalind's eyes narrowed, contemplating this peculiar information. "It seems like she grew up somewhere without a bed," she mused aloud. "But what about her behavior?"

Magda shrugged slightly. "The first thing she asked me when she saw me was for food. She wanted more of that berry pastry you introduced her to. I had to instruct the maids to make batches and deliver them to her every hour."

"Every hour?" Rosalind echoed, astonished by the request.

"Yes, that's what she asked for," Magda confirmed with a nod. "Fortunately, we have an abundance of those berries in the north, so meeting her demand wasn't a problem."

Rosalind's mind was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts as she contemplated the implications of Josephine's peculiar habits and insatiable appetite. The encounter with Lachlan and Josephine had added even more to her already overflowing plate of responsibilities.

Yet, amidst all the challenges she faced, one thing frustrated her above all else: Dorothy's unwavering determination to make Rosalind suffer. Dorothy's presence in this place was enough to make her wary!

As the carriage pressed forward through the vast expanse of snow, Rosalind's gaze wandered, lost in contemplation. She couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation as she anticipated the upcoming meeting at the palace. It was yet another encounter with someone who sought the Duchy, another opportunity for power struggles and negotiations. Deep down, she hoped that fate would spare her from crossing paths with Dorothy along the way.

The carriage continued its steady journey, each jostle and sway of the vehicle reflecting the turbulence within Rosalind's own thoughts. She clenched her hands tightly, trying to quell the rising unease within her. The palace loomed in the distance, its grandeur a stark reminder of the responsibilities and challenges that awaited her.