Welcome to the Rose Mansion - Chapter 48
“Thank you for the medicine. There’s a little left, but…”
“Keep the leftovers for your medical supplies. Are you done?”
“No!”
Why was he in such a hurry? Was he in the middle of an interesting book?
Trying to be understanding of his impatience, Richelle quickly moved on to the next item.
“What I really wanted to give you is this. I prepared it as a token of my gratitude. It’s nothing much, but…”
Alan’s eyebrows shot up. He reluctantly accepted the item.
“A book and… a pouch?”
“It’s filled with herbs like lavender and lemon balm. It’s a potpourri. Smelling it can have a calming effect. Hanging it by your bed can help you sleep better. And the book is…”
Richelle scratched her cheek awkwardly.
“It’s a collection of math problems I enjoyed solving. It always clears my mind when I’m feeling overwhelmed. Ah! I solved them in my head, so it’s clean. The answers are in the back.”
Both items had been with her for a long time – the potpourri still had a strong scent thanks to regularly changed herbs, but they looked unimpressive as gifts.
Yet, if they could provide even a slight relief to Alan Otis’s clouded heart.
Then, Richelle would be truly happy.
Alan silently inspected the items in his hands and brought the potpourri to his nose. His long eyelashes fluttered like golden waves.
A sigh-like comment escaped him.
“…It doesn’t smell like roses.”
“This is a secret, but actually, I don’t really like the smell of roses, ahaha.”
“…Sure.”
Alan closed his eyes as if to savor the scent. Watching him, Richelle opened her mouth slightly. For a moment, a clear smile appeared on Alan’s face, albeit briefly.
Quickly reverting to his usual stoic expression, Alan flipped through the book.
“But these things, aren’t they important to you?”
“Huh? Oh. It’s fine. They’re precious to me, which is why I wanted to give them to you, Lord Otis. I’ve received so much help from you.”
“…What help?”
Alan’s voice sounded puzzled. Richelle awkwardly waved her hand.
“Help. Not just the cold medicine, but in many ways, you’ve taken care of me.”
“…”
“So, I really wanted to say thank you. Thank you for your help, Lord Otis.”
She bowed her head, then lifted it again. Catching sight of his face, Richelle felt at a loss.
His sullen eyebrows, the sharp corners of his eyes, and his pressed lips. Alan Otis’s expression was the same as always.
Yet, hidden beneath that facade, his heart seemed like a child about to burst into tears.
Forgetting her initial resolve, Richelle impulsively exclaimed.
“If there’s anything you need help with, Lord Otis, please tell me.”
“Huh?”
“I’ll do everything in my power to assist you.”
Though it started as an impulse, expressing it felt liberating.
Yes, this was what she truly wanted to say to Alan Otis. If you’re facing difficulties, let me help. Reach out anytime.
Alan blinked blankly, the veins in his hand clutching the book and potpourri standing out.
“…You.”
He couldn’t continue his sentence, just flicked his lips several times before finally biting down hard, as if swallowing something difficult.
After a long silence, his voice emerged, deep and submerged.
“Then, stop getting involved with me.”
“…Pardon me?”
Alan stepped towards her. His suddenly icy demeanor chilled her to the core. Richelle involuntarily stepped back.
His long, white fingers pressed sharply against her shoulder.
“Live quietly for a year, and once the contract ends, leave this mansion immediately.”
He spoke in an utterly cold tone, emphasizing each word.
“That’s the only way you can help me.”
Leaving only those words behind, Alan Otis turned away. The door was about to close again, and this time, she couldn’t stop it.
Just before the door shut completely, a faint voice reached her.
“And… don’t get too close to Rogéros.”
With a bang, the door closed firmly. Richelle stared blankly at it. Her breath, which had paused for a moment, began to leak out slowly.
‘Was offering help… too presumptuous?’
But she had no regrets. If, at the edge of despair, Alan Otis could remember that there was someone willing to help him, she knew how much of a salvation that fact could be.
She turned away, though her spirits sank. Each step felt as heavy as walking through mud.
Suddenly, across the hallway, Rogéros’s room caught her eye. Only then did Alan Otis’s final warning vividly spring to life in her mind.
“Don’t get too close to Rogéros.”
Why would he say that?
