The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 111: You And You Alone

Chapter 111: You And You Alone

Rosalie found herself wandering aimlessly, her footsteps barely audible against the backdrop of the softly falling afternoon snow. High Priest Alexander’s departure with the Army of Shadows, prompted by Damien’s curse that could result in unexpected seizures during the campaign, had left Altair with the responsibility of guarding and managing the Holy Temple in his stead. This new duty consumed Altair’s time and made it impossible for him to visit Rosalie in her mansion. Therefore, Rosalie made the thoughtful decision to relocate their usual treatment sessions to the Temple, respecting her friend’s busy schedule.

With each mindless step she took, her mind began to drift, entangled in a turbulent storm of her weighty thoughts.

’Three times... I’ve had that nosebleed thrice already, and twice... Twice, I’ve heard a beast asking me to follow its eerie call... Is it somehow linked to Rosalie’s pact with the demon? I’m left with countless questions and absolutely no answers. I am so lost..’

Her train of thought faced an abrupt interruption as she discerned faint yet assured footsteps making their way toward her from behind. Lady Ashter pivoted gracefully, a smile tugging at her lips as her eyes alighted upon the towering, charismatic figure of Altair. His presence seemed to radiate, mirroring the pristine whiteness of his surroundings.

"Good afternoon, Altair!"

"Lady Rosalie, why did you not choose to await sheltered indoors? The chill in the air, coupled with the relentless snowfall, is bound to leave you vulnerable to illness at this rate!"

The man stood before Rosalie, his expression carrying a hint of gentle admonishment, as he placed his large, pale hands atop her shoulders, adjusting her soft coat. A subtle smile danced upon Rosalie’s rosy lips as she shook her head.

"Don’t fret too much, Altair. Thanks to your Holy Power, my health is well-protected. Besides, I’ve been confined within the mansion’s walls nearly every day. Being outdoors now feels like a luxurious breath of fresh air. I find it invigorating."

Altair could not help but let out a sigh of understanding. He shared Lady Rosalie’s longing for the open world, and truth be told, he was growing weary of his own confinement within the Temple’s solemn walls. With a conceding shrug, he finally mirrored her smile and spoke in softer tones,

"In that case, would you care to join me for a leisurely stroll through the garden?"

Lady Ashter responded with a nod of affirmation.

"Yes, I would love that."

***

As the two of them continued their tranquil promenade through the snow-blanketed garden, an odd silence hung between Altair and Rosalie. Strangely, neither knew quite how to initiate a conversation. It was as if they were each burdened with unspoken thoughts, their words held captive in their minds.

Finally, Rosalie summoned her courage, weary of carrying the weight of her thoughts alone. She drew a deep breath and broke the silence first,

"Altair, I’ve been thinking about our discussion regarding demons in the Imperial Library. It led me to ponder... Can a pact with a demon manifest as a physical ailment?"

Altair, taken aback by the unexpected question, slowed his steps. He arched his eyebrows and gazed thoughtfully at the lady’s back before finally responding,

"I must ask for clarification. You mean a genuine physical ailment?"

Rosalie maintained her nod, her gaze still fixed ahead as she elaborated,

"Yes, precisely. Is it conceivable that someone who bartered their soul with a demon might eventually manifest symptoms of corporeal illness? Something as mundane as a headache, perhaps? Or even, say, a nosebleed?"

Altair’s gaze drifted beyond the lady before him, his thoughts delving into his own contemplation.

’Is she succumbing to illness? I can’t recall any mention of this in my father’s writings. And as for me, I’ve detected no signs of affliction since my pact was sealed. And I treated my entire soul to Mephisto.’

After a moment of introspection, he redirected his gaze toward Rosalie and inquired once more,

"Lady Rosalie, what exactly––"

But before Altair could complete his question, Rosalie spun around, a surprisingly radiant smile gracing her lovely features.

"I apologize, Altair. I’ve been indulging in some rather frivolous pondering. Please forgive me for entertaining such perilous thoughts. Now, let us simply con––"

This time, it was Rosalie’s turn to be interrupted. Engaging in a conversation while walking backward, her heel snagged an elusive root cleverly concealed beneath a thick shroud of snow. It sent her tumbling not-so-gracefully onto the soft, pristine snowy expanse, her limbs splayed out like a human star.

Altair, taken aback by this unexpected turn of events, hurried to his friend’s side with an expression of growing concern. His eyes widened with apprehension as he leaned over her and extended his hand, offering assistance.

"Lady Rosalie, are you unharmed? Did you sustain any injuries? Allow me to help you up!"

However, instead of accepting Altair’s offered hand, Rosalie responded with a soft, almost playful scoff. She seized the man’s hand and directed it downward, using her wits and his momentarily shattered vigilance to her advantage. Caught off-guard by this unforeseen maneuver, Altair lost his footing in the snow, finding himself sprawled on his side beside Rosalie, half of his face tingling from the chilly snow.

He fixed his wide, perplexed gaze on the lady who, in turn, erupted into genuine, childlike laughter as she struggled to speak once more,

"Goodness, I’ve been carrying such a weight of seriousness and tension lately, and now, as I lie here in the snow like this, all I can do is burst into laughter. Isn’t it rather amusing, Altair?"

Without waiting for a response from the man, Rosalie began to move her arms and legs, creating an impression in the snow reminiscent of a playful snow angel. Her melodious laughter resonated in the cold, tranquil air within the Temple Garden’s snowy enclosure.

Altair, still somewhat perplexed by the lady’s sudden change in behavior, raised his body, propping himself up on the elbow of his left arm. He fixed his pale eyes on Lady Ashter’s joyful countenance, his chest tightening as a potent, yet enigmatic, force enveloped his heart in its invisible, thorn-laden clutches.

"It is truly peculiar... How I’ve longed for you to share in my misery, just so we would have a shared bond. Yet, each time I gaze upon you, resplendent in your vibrant hues and flourishing, I find myself yearning to protect that radiant smile from anyone or anything that might dare to wipe it off your face. What am I to do, Rosalie? You alone possess the power to stir my heart in this manner. You and you alone."