Welcome to the Rose Mansion - Chapter 69
…So that’s how it is.
Richelle clasped her hands on her lap. She had suspected that Rogéros Walter was deeply connected to the secrets of the Otis family. It was only conjecture, though.
But his open discomfort about her recent activities was… practically a confirmation.
Rogéros Walter stood at the center of all the horrific events occurring at Bertrand.
Confronting the dark side of someone she had opened her heart to was more horrifying than she had imagined.
However, she couldn’t show this emotion. She had to act as if she knew nothing. Just a tutor focused on her duties…
Composing herself, Richelle spoke as nonchalantly as possible.
“It might seem presumptuous, but I believe Young Lady Penny and Young Lord Nero need a better environment. So, I merely sought to ask the Madam for her opinion and if she could bring up my suggestion to Master Otis… I never imagined she’d react so sensitively. It was thoughtless of me.”
“Haha.”
Rogéros let out an empty laugh. Then, he clasped his hands together on his lap.
“Richelle, you are very kind.”
Whether those words held genuine admiration or mockery was unclear.
After a brief hesitation, Richelle continued her act.
“I’m just doing what any teacher would do.”
“No, you are kind. Normally, when one’s life is on the line, they don’t have the luxury to care for others.”
Rogéros whispered as he stirred his tea with a teaspoon. A whirlpool formed in the teacup.
“Yet, you don’t completely give yourself away. It’s a balanced and wise kindness.”
His evaluating gaze swept over Richelle. Then, his eyes curved sweetly.
“But Richelle, the Otises are not worthy of your kindness.”
With a snap, the mask she had carefully worn cracked. Richelle responded in a dazed voice, even to her own ears.
“…What?”
“Because they are sinners.”
She had only expected a warning, not for Rogéros to suddenly reveal the Otis family’s secret. As she stared wide-eyed, Rogéros spoke.
“The Otis family was blinded by greed and made poor choices, amassing wealth through sin. This is mere retribution. They are now paying the price for it.”
“…So, you’re saying that everything happening in the mansion is the result of the Otis family’s sins?”
“Exactly.”
His voice was calm. Richelle bit her lip. Was everything happening at Bertrand really the result of the Otis family’s karma?
It was an unexpected revelation. No, had she really never considered that this tragedy might be due to some wrongdoing by the Otises?
Her mind was a tangled mess. The firm goal she had held to help the Otis siblings began to waver.
If there were victims of the Otis family’s actions… was it right for her to interfere in this matter?
But whatever happened to the Otis family likely occurred six years ago, when the Otis siblings were still children. Could she overlook the fact that innocent children were also suffering the consequences?
The voice that barely escaped her lips sounded as stiff as a broken wind-up doll.
“…That retribution. Exactly what is it?”
“Don’t delve too deeply, Richelle. Not now. If you truly wish to know, one day you’ll naturally come to understand the whole truth. In one way or another.”
He hinted but didn’t reveal everything, only increasing her confusion.
So she couldn’t help but ask.
“Why… Why are you telling me the Otis family’s secrets?”
“Isn’t it a relief? You’ve been curious all along, haven’t you?”
“Uncovering such well-hidden secrets implies you have a motive.”
“Aha.”
Rogéros raised an eyebrow and rested his chin on his interlaced fingers. His face, adorned with a subtle smile, looked both dangerous and beautiful, like a venomous flower.
“I was curious about what choice you might take.”
“My… choice?”
“Yes. Because you are kind. Would you still choose to help those sinners? Or would you say that they must pay for their sins?”
Rogéros poured out the cold tea and placed a steaming new teacup in front of Richelle.
“Well? What will you do?”
The overwhelming scent of roses filled the air. Strangely, her throat felt incredibly parched. Richelle hastily sipped the tea. The aroma was intoxicatingly sweet.
Perhaps due to this, a bit of courage began to emerge from within her.
“…If I say I want to help the Otises, what will you do, Rogéros?”
“Is that your answer?”
