Rosie's Games

Chapter 396: Glimpse of the Past

"As the lady of the house, you now possess the freedom to pursue your desires, including the soldiers. You have already received the approval of the four families so this should be easy." the man declared while Rosalind made her way towards Denys's study. Remaining true to his words, he transported everyone back, except for Atior. The rest of the group, drained and weakened, lacked the strength to move, compelling Rosalind to request the man's company during her visit to Denys.

Rest was a luxury she couldn't afford at that moment.

"Who are you?" Rosaind suddenly asked as she halted her steps. The man told her that demons might be coming and that another tide will come at any time. Because of this, she needed to talk to Denys who was currently managing the affairs of the North in the absence of the Duke.

"Pardon?"

"We have been talking for hours. You have yet to reveal your name."

"You may call me Rius."

"That is not your name," Rosalind muttered, her expression blank.

"What— "

"Was it Belisarius?" Rosalind's words clearly surprised the man.

"You— "

"I have seen you before," Rosalind declared, then turned her back and proceeded to walk towards the study. She was telling the truth.

Rosalind's mind raced as she recalled encountering the man in one of her dreams, where he had been among the individuals accompanying them. The realization left her astounded.

The past few hours had given her ample time to reflect upon the events unfolding around her, prompting her to meticulously sift through the gathered information and vivid dream fragments. As the pieces fell into place, a singular theory began to form in her mind, shedding light on the inexplicable phenomenon.

A startling revelation struck her core—she wasn't glimpsing into the future after all. Rather, her visions were a haunting glimpse of the past.

Questions flooded her mind, each one vying for attention. Why was she experiencing these visions? What purpose did they serve? And most importantly, how did they connect to the present circumstances she found herself entangled in?

Clearly, the woman in those visions was not her. That woman … the woman who would sacrifice everything was not her.

She frowned when she no longer felt the presence of Belisarius behind her. After making sure that she was already alone, she shrugged and continued walking.

Not long after, she arrived at Denys's study.

"Young Madame," one of the knights greeted. "Sir Denys is currently talking to some visitors."

"Visitors?" Rosalind arched an eyebrow.

"People from Aster Empire and Sloryn are here."

Rosalind's gaze narrowed. Without uttering a single word, she retrieved a badge adorned with the Duke's distinguished insignia from her possession. It was the very same badge that Lucas had bestowed upon her.

Rosalind presented the badge before the knight, a silent command emanating from her piercing stare. The weight of her rightful position as the Duchess of Wugari resonated through the hall.

"Announce my presence and open the door," she ordered firmly, her voice carrying an air of undeniable authority.

The knight, recognizing the significance of the badge and the woman standing before him, nodded in understanding. He swiftly approached the door, his hand knocking against its sturdy surface three times. Clearing his throat, he proclaimed in a resounding voice, "The young Duchess Rosie Rothley is here!"

He did not have to wait for any response. After all, they are in the presence of the new Duchess. He opened the door revealing a few people inside.

josei

Seeing her, Denys was quick to rise from his seat. He approached her and offered a low bow.

"Greetings to the Duchess."

However, Rosalind's gaze was already toward the three other people in the room. First was her very own father, Martin Lux. Second was her very own sister, Dorothy Lux and the third was quite an unexpected person. It was Brinley Fleur from Sloryn Empire.

"Greetings to the Duchess," the first one who gave her a greeting was none other than Dorothy Lux. She gave an elegant curtsy and smiled at her. "My name is Dorothy Lux, I believe we have already met before."

"We have," Rosalind said. Dorothy tried to offer her a hand but she did not even look at it as she added. "I have yet to clean my body from the beast that I killed. I believe I do not have the right to shake your hands…" She turned her attention towards Martin and Brinley while ignoring Dorothy.

"Duchess..." Martin began, his tone tinged with surprise. "I was expecting the presence of the Duke."

Rosalind met his gaze, her expression unwavering. "The Duke is preoccupied," she replied curtly, her voice carrying a sense of finality.

Brinley interjected, his tone laced with a hint of indignation. "And what could possibly keep him from paying respects to those who have been blessed by the goddess?" he questioned, his frustration evident.

A flicker of annoyance flashed across Rosalind's features as she responded. "The Duke is occupied with battling the beasts, defending the people of Wugari and the southern lands. He is fulfilling the duty befitting those who have been blessed by the goddess."

A heavy silence settled over the room as Rosalind's lips curled into a smile, her eyes shifting to Brinley Fleur. It was undeniable that a part of her held an inexplicable dislike towards the man.

With tensions palpable in the room, Dorothy swiftly intervened, attempting to diffuse the rising unease. "Well... shall we take a seat?" she suggested, her voice laced with a calming tone.

Rosalind nodded in agreement, her expression composed. "You may take your seats," she granted.

As the others settled into their chairs, she purposefully made her way toward the bar, intending to procure the spiciest alcohol the region had to offer.

Her motivation was not to indulge in drunkenness, but rather to jolt herself awake from the haze of the present. The fiery intensity of the beverage held the power to awaken her senses, serving as a stark reminder that the world of politics could be just as treacherous as the dangers lurking beyond its walls.

These people may not look like it but they are just as dangerous as the demons on the other side of the barrier.

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