Welcome to the Rose Mansion - Chapter 56
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Could I be dreaming right now?
Rogéros set down the oil lamp he was holding on the floor. Richelle inadvertently had her gaze stolen by the lamp. The flame, burning red, was enchantingly warm.
“Richelle.”
Startled by the gentle call that tickled her ear, she shivered and looked up at Rogéros. Under the light, his eyes, glowing red, gently gazed down at her.
“Rogé―”
“Shh.”
The man put his index finger in front of his lips and smiled like an innocent boy. He took off his jacket and draped it over Richelle’s shoulders.
“Your clothes are thin, Richelle.”
All Richelle was wearing was a thin linen dress, which was all too natural since she had been thrown into the stair landing out of nowhere after going to bed.
Feeling the comforting embrace of the jacket, Richelle sneakily glanced at Rogéros. Despite the late hour, he was perfectly dressed, as if prepared for an unexpected guest.
Noticing her puzzled look, Rogéros sheepishly scratched his cheek.
“I couldn’t sleep, so I was reading. But, it’s good that I could help you in the end, so it all worked out, didn’t it?”
Rogéros pulled Richelle to her feet and supported her, not forgetting to hand her the oil lamp.
“Please take care of the lamp. In such darkness, nothing beats the light for peace of mind. Even if it’s a very small light.”
Leaning heavily on Rogéros, Richelle followed him. She had to rely entirely on him as her body had no strength. Yet, Rogéros showed no sign of strain.
The corridor, once filled with noises, footsteps, and laughter, was silent from the moment Rogéros appeared. Richelle looked down at the lantern in her hand. So, this was why the Bertrand rules emphasized finding light.
Without any hindrance, they smoothly made their way and arrived in front of a door. It was an unremarkable door, but Richelle knew by its location.
It was Rogéros’s bedroom.
“Come in, Richelle.”
Rogéros spoke crisply as he held the doorknob. Richelle’s eyes widened.
‘Why invite me…?’
[As you have been informed, individual bedrooms are provided for all employees of the mansion, and entry into another’s bedroom for reasons other than work-related (such as cleaning) is strictly forbidden.]
This was clearly stated in the rules of Bertrand. Having come to fully trust the rules through tonight’s events, Richelle mustered all her strength to pull away from Rogéros’s steady arm.
“It’s late at night. I should return…”
“Richelle.”
Rogéros interrupted her and called her name. His eyes glinting with a reddish glow met hers deeply.
“It’s okay.”
“……”
“It’s okay, Richelle. Trust me.”
Even upon close inspection, his face, which was more than simply beautiful, was flawless. A soft scent of roses emanated from the kindness he had draped over her shoulders.
She was undoubtedly captivated by the darkness. Or perhaps it was the warmth of the lamp she held.
When Rogéros said it was okay, somehow it felt like it really would be okay.
‘…Right. Rogéros has helped me several times.’
He was almost like a benefactor who had pushed her back to muster the courage to move forward…
Following Rogéros’s lead, she cautiously entered the room. It was about half the size of her own bedroom, meticulously tidy to the point where no signs of life could be felt.
“Sit here. Would you wait for a moment?”
After guiding Richelle to the bed, Rogéros headed towards the wardrobe. Richelle fiddled with the bedding. It too seemed as pristine—as if it had never been used.
Rogéros returned, cradling a box and furrowing his brows as if embarrassed.
“Truthfully, I also suffer from terrible insomnia. I end up spending nights sitting on the sofa, only nodding off at dawn.”
“You must be fatigued.”
“Haha, I’ve somewhat gotten used to it now, so it’s okay.”
Rogéros knelt on one knee in front of her without hesitation. Richelle, taken aback, recoiled slightly, but he smiled at her like a fresh young man.
“Richelle, may I have your permission to touch your body?”
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