The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 56: Oh No!

Chapter 56: Oh No!

Rosalie’s heart leaped to her throat as she contemplated the gravity of the proposition. Could it truly be her—stepping forth to vote alongside the esteemed Imperial Council for her own brother’s execution? The notion seemed utterly preposterous, yet an inexplicable force tugged at her heartstrings, urging her to rise and claim the vacant seat behind the council table. It was as if the spirit of the original Rosalie implored her to take revenge on Raphael in her stead.

Summoning strength from within, she inhaled deeply, finding solace in the breath, and resolutely advanced toward the vacant seat once occupied by Lord Steinhem. With deliberate poise, she settled herself at the council table. A black fountain pen and a small rectangular piece of paper awaited her touch. Her unwavering gaze fixed upon her brother’s countenance, Raphael’s eyes locked with hers, and a smile—a smile that appeared almost jubilant—graced his lips, sending an unsettling churn through Rosalie’s stomach.

"Sick miscreant. Let us witness if that smile endures beyond the conclusion of this vote."

Once more, the courtroom succumbed to a haunting hush. Every gaze remained fixed upon those diligently penning their decisions on the paper, their every move scrutinized with unwavering attention. When the voting eventually concluded, and the collection of ballots rested before the Judge, he proceeded meticulously, his thick grayish brows furrowing with each piece of paper he held in hand.

With the final vote placed upon the table before him, the Judge turned his gaze towards Raphael, whose eyes, wild yet wearied, remained fixated on his sister. In a resolute and measured tone, he pronounced,

"The decision is unanimous. Lord Raphael Ashter shall face capital punishment with Grand Duke Damien Dio as his executor."

In that poignant moment, time seemed to halt in the face of impending death. The only soul unwilling to concede to the relentless grasp of this final verdict was Raphael. Summoning every ounce of his strength, he strained against the firm hold of the knights, his anguished cry akin to that of a tormented beast.

"No! Rosalie! How could you betray me like this?! Am I not your only brother—the sole individual in this vast world who cherishes you with boundless love? Recall the depth of my affection! I beseech you, Rosalie! I implore you!"

His imploring cries sliced through Rosalie’s chest like sharp blades, not because she felt pity for the man pleading for her assistance, but because she remained astounded by the audacity with which he hoped to seek redemption. He embodied a repugnant creature, undeserving even of being called an animal, and the time had come for him to meet his demise, unworthy as he was.

Finally, Rosalie Ashter would claim her well-deserved revenge.

In a protective gesture, Damien positioned himself before his fiancée, his imposing frame forming a formidable shield. However, Rosalie gently urged the Duke aside and took a resolute step forward, confronting her brother head-on with unyielding confidence and grace.

"How dare you beseech me? You stand as the most loathsome wretch the world has ever borne witness to. Your transgressions and offenses demand retribution. I fervently hope that your punishment is commensurate with the weight of your sins, and that you endure eternal damnation."

Raphael’s large gray eyes widened, utterly perplexed by his sister’s resolute response. Before he could utter another word or react further, the Imperial Knights promptly covered his head with a somber black sack, escorting him swiftly out of the courtroom. As the wild clamor subsided upon the Judge’s silent command, the man cleared his throat and resumed,

"Marquess Ian Ashter’s guilt has been irrefutably established, and he too shall be spared from a trial. In his absence, he is sentenced to a lifetime of imprisonment for shielding the criminal and dereliction of duty in protecting his own daughter, Lady Rosalie Ashter, from relentless domestic abuse."

"Excuse me, Your Honor."

All eyes turned to Viscount Hemill, who gracefully rose from his seat, directing his inquiry to the Imperial Judge.

"What fate awaits the Ashter family then? With Marquess Ashter imprisoned and his son executed, there remains no heir to uphold the esteemed title."

Before the judge could respond, the Emperor himself rose to his feet, causing every soul in the courtroom to hold their breath, eager for his sagacious pronouncement. Bestowing a subtle nod upon Rosalie, he declared,

"In this instance, Lady Rosalie Ashter shall be granted the reinstatement of the Marquess title."

"How can such a thing be, Your Majesty? After all, she is a woman!"

Baron Aelon voiced the concerns shared by the council members, prompting the Emperor to acknowledge the validity of the question with a self-assured smirk.

"According to the Imperial Law, established many years ago during the time of the late Viscountess Astrid Valentine, in exceptional circumstances, a married woman possesses the opportunity to secure and reinstate her family’s esteemed title and the associated legal properties. Given Lady Rosalie’s impending union with Grand Duke Damien Dio, this provision may indeed be extended to her as well."

The Emperor then turned towards Rosalie, a content smile adorning his handsome countenance, as he continued, his voice adopting a somewhat benevolent tone.

"However, for this to come to fruition, the wedding must be conducted expeditiously. Delaying it may result in Lady Rosalie forfeiting the Ashter property, and persisting as the daughter of a criminal instead."

Lady Ashter felt her heart flutter like a feverish bird once more. A tumultuous blend of elation and unease surged within her, as the Emperor’s words gradually began to unveil their significance. Yet, amidst her curiosity, anxiety and uncertainty clutched at her.

As if attuned to her thoughts, Damien drew near, a guardian akin to her shadow, and whispered in a conspiratorial manner,

"Reinstating the family title signifies that you gain the right to emancipate yourself from the rest of the Ashter lineage, forging a fresh path while retaining full possession of the ancestral property and legal assets associated with the name."

Lady Ashter’s silent contemplation seemed to linger for what felt like an eternity, leaving the others in an apprehensive state of restlessness while they awaited her intriguing final decision. Truth be told, the prospect of assuming the mantle of a Marchioness held undeniable allure, particularly with the prospect of becoming the sole inheritor of all the wealth and estates, however insufficient, befitting the esteemed title. Yet, such material wealth did not resonate with Rosalie as her own; she felt undeserving of it. However, the original Rosalie did. This realization finally guided her toward the right course of action.

"So, Lady Rosalie, what shall be your answer?"

Drawing a deep breath, Lady Ashter responded with unshaken confidence,

"I shall undertake it, Your Majesty. I will indeed reinstate the title of the Marquess."

The Emperor’s lips curved into a gratified smile, and he graciously nodded in response.

"Very well, then. The formal legal decree shall be issued upon the signing of the marriage license by Lady Rosalie and His Grace, Grand Duke Damien Dio."

As those words resonated, a sudden realization struck Rosalie, leaving her feeling weighed down by bewilderment.

’Wait, what? Have I unwittingly agreed to hasten our marriage?’

While the others engaged in animated discussions surrounding this unprecedented turn of events, Rosalie discreetly sought refuge behind Damien’s imposing figure, discreetly slapping her forehead in astonishment at her own impulsiveness.

"Oh no!"