Welcome to the Rose Mansion - Chapter 140
「 I have returned, my beloved and loathsome Bertrand! I, the true master, have come back! No longer is there a miserable Neil Otis rotting away in that wretched room on the fourth floor! 」
Neil Otis began a grand renovation of the estate, summoning artists and craftsmen from across the nation. During this time, he also became engaged to a beautiful lady from a prestigious noble family.
On the day of his wedding, which was so splendid that it would be remembered for years to come, Neil unveiled the newly renovated Bertrand to the public for the first time. People were left speechless.
「 There is no mansion in the world more beautiful than this, Lord Otis! 」
「 Truly, it is a masterpiece that deserves to be admired for generations! 」
Amidst the shower of praise, Neil’s shoulders lifted with pride, and he basked in the admiration, intoxicated with joy. At some point, he tenderly caressed a marble pillar carved with roses and began to speak.
「 In truth, I had a younger brother. 」
It was the first time in a long while that he had mentioned Edgar.
「 He was such a lovable child. He followed me so well, we were the closest of brothers. 」
「 Oh my… Could it be that your brother…? 」
「 He was always in poor health and left this world too soon. Ah, my dear Edgar. How wonderful it would be if I could share this glory with you! 」
People consoled Neil, praising him as a truly good brother. Emboldened by their sympathy, Neil’s spirits rose even higher, and he ended up shouting out loud in a burst of emotion.
「 Yes! I shall dedicate this mansion to my brother. His nickname was Rose, as he was more radiant than a fully bloomed rose. From now on, this Bertrand shall be called ‘Rose Mansion’. 」
It was a statement made carelessly, under the influence of alcohol, and Neil Otis soon forgot about it.
Even after the wedding, Neil’s fortune showed no signs of diminishing—in fact, it only continued to grow. He had a happy marriage and soon welcomed a healthy heir, just as he had hoped.
On the day his son’s third birthday party was successfully concluded, Neil Otis stood alone, enjoying a drink while gazing out over Bertrand’s elegant gardens.
Unaware of what was about to happen.
< It’s been a while. >
A low, rhythmic voice echoed, as if reciting poetry.
Neil Otis turned around, as if entranced, and the glass slipped from his hand, shattering into pieces.
「 E-Edgar? 」
< You were just as foolish when we first met, and you haven’t changed. >
A face, identical to that of his deceased younger brother, curled into a mocking smile. Under the moonlight, a pair of blood-red eyes gleamed, bright as crimson drops.
It was then that Neil Otis finally remembered—the red-eyed demon he had encountered over a decade ago, a memory he had buried deep.
「 It… it wasn’t a dream! 」
< If it had been a dream, a fool like you would never have enjoyed such luxury. >
「 W-why are you here all of a sudden? 」
Neil Otis staggered backward, cautiously extending his hand to pull the bell rope.
Rose smiled sweetly, and at the same time, Neil Otis’s hand twisted unnaturally.
「 Ahhhhhh!! 」
< Shh. I do not care for loud noises. >
「 Wh-who… Who are you? 」
< Hmm. I’d rather you not call my name. >
Rose casually strolled over to the window.
His black hair swayed in the breeze, contrasting against his pale skin. His features were sculpted with perfect precision, his posture straight, his limbs long and elegant.
He was a youth who possessed a flawless beauty no mere human could ever hope to achieve. His crimson eyes shone like a surreal, dreamlike illusion.
< …Rogeros. Yes, let’s go with Rogeros for now. >
「 W-Why are you doing this to me…? 」
Overwhelmed by the otherworldly presence, Neil cowered. Rose replied in a melodic tone.
< I’ve come to collect my payment. >
「 Payment…? 」
< The price of the wealth, fame, and power you’ve enjoyed until now. >
Neil Otis felt a pang of indignation.
「 But… but we already settled that! You took Edgar’s life…! 」
< I’ve changed my mind. >
Before he realized it, Rose was right in front of him, his flawless face inches away.
< Someone as worthless as you has enjoyed far more fortune than you deserve. >
「 Uh… 」
< So now, it’s time to pay the proper price. >
Rose straightened up, glancing around with a leisurely air.
< You called this Rose Manor? Quite a fitting name. >
「 Ugh… Aaaah… 」
The sight of his younger brother, eternally preserved as a youth, now appearing as a grown man, struck fear into Neil like a weight dragging him into the deepest abyss. His entire body began to tremble.
「 Did Edgar… Did Edgar send you? Is he seeking revenge on me…? 」
Those crimson eyes turned back to Neil Otis. Empty as if they contained nothing, yet within that emptiness swirled an unfathomable storm of emotions.
< Who knows. >
Wearing the face of the brother Neil had effectively sent to his death, the demon whispered in a calm, almost casual tone, as if inquiring about a friend’s well-being.
< Here’s how it will be. I’ll take this manor, everything within it, and everything that will belong to it in the future. >
Of course, for Neil Otis, there was no option to refuse.
