Rosie's Games

As Rosalind prepared to step into her awaiting carriage, the familiar voice of Martin called out to her, disrupting her departure.

"Lady Rosie—" he began, his tone filled with a mix of urgency and hesitation.

Rosalind turned her attention towards Martin, gesturing for her attendant, Magda, to give them a moment of privacy.

When Dorothy arrived earlier, Rosalind immediately bid the Queen goodbye. She did not want to talk to Dorothy, and she still had things left to do.

She cannot waste any more time in the palace.

"Your blessedness," she acknowledged, her voice poised and composed. "Is there something you require?"

Martin stumbled over his words, clearly uncertain how to approach the matter at hand. "I... I heard that you had an audience with the King."

Rosalind nodded, a flicker of curiosity gleaming in her eyes. "Indeed, I did. And what of it?"

"Well... I was thinking, perhaps we could discuss certain matters in more depth..."

Rosalind interjected, her tone polite but firm. "Your blessedness, forgive me, but I currently have pressing obligations to attend to. I'm afraid I don't have the luxury of engaging in casual conversation at this time."

Martin's disappointment was evident, tinged with a hint of longing. He took a step back, conceding to her constraint. "I understand," he murmured, a sense of regret coloring his words. "I apologize for intruding."

Rosalind offered a shallow bow, a gesture of courteous farewell. Without another word, she turned towards her carriage, a wave of determination guiding her steps. The wheels of her carriage creaked into motion, leaving Martin standing behind, his gaze lingering on the departing figure of Lady Rosie, filled with unspoken desires and unexplored possibilities.

"Lady Rosie..." Magda's voice broke the silence inside the carriage, drawing Rosalind's attention away from her thoughts. "Why would those two individuals choose to stay here?" she inquired, her tone tinged with curiosity. "There have been significant events unfolding in the south."

Rosalind contemplated the question for a moment before responding. "Clearly, they have their own motives," she mused. "But what specific events are you referring to?"

Magda leaned closer, her voice lowered. "I overheard Denys and Huig discussing it earlier today. They mentioned a looming war between the Blaize and the Fleur family. A conflict between two powerful empires."

Rosalind's brow furrowed in concern. Such a scenario hadn't occurred in her previous life. While there had been war, the attack on the Fleur Family came from the Dreaston, not the Blaize Family residing in the north of the Fleur Family's Sloryn Empire. "Why?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and unease.

She suspected that Denys might have intended to inform her about these rumors earlier, but their busy schedules had prevented a proper discussion. Furthermore, Denys abruptly departed when she went to see the Queen due to some urgent matter within the palace walls.

Regretfully, Magda shook her head. "Unfortunately, I didn't catch the reasoning behind these rumors."

Rosalind nodded, acknowledging Magda's words. Determination settled in her gaze. "In that case, let us proceed to the walls," she decided, a hint of exhaustion lingering in her voice.

Magda voiced her concern. "But Lady Rosie, you appear sleep-deprived. You haven't rested for hours."

A wistful smile graced Rosalind's lips. "Indeed, I haven't slept for hours," she admitted, her fatigue apparent. Yet, her mind seemed to defy the call for rest, driven by an inner force. Moreover, she had utilized her own light blessing to stave off exhaustion.

As she contemplated her sleepless state, she couldn't help but wonder if it was a subconscious effort to distract herself from the absence of Lucas. Could her fear be the reason for her restless nights?

"I am fine," Rosalind spoke as she leaned back and closed her eyes. The next thing she knew, Magda was already informing her that they were already on the walls.

As Rosalind stepped out of her elegant carriage, her gaze fell upon the imposing walls that stood tall and formidable before her. These walls, a symbolic barrier between the fragile human world and the relentless beasts that sought their destruction, exuded an air of strength and resilience.

They stretched far into the distance, disappearing beyond the limits of her vision, their massive presence dominating the landscape.

The atmosphere within the walls was buzzing with activity. Soldiers clad in sturdy armor bustled about, their disciplined footsteps creating a rhythmic cadence that echoed through the air.

Voices mingled, creating a chorus of conversations, orders, and occasional laughter, which added to the lively ambiance. It was a constant symphony of organized chaos, a testament to the ceaseless vigilance required to safeguard humanity.

The scent of sweat and metal lingered in the air, a reminder of the arduous battles fought daily. The walls were not just a protective barrier; they were a sanctuary and a battleground, where the fate of countless lives hung in the balance. It was a place where fear and bravery coexisted, where the strength of unity prevailed against the ever-looming threat of the beasts.

Along the bustling pathways, temporary barracks stood in regimented rows, offering respite to the weary soldiers. These structures, though modest and functional, provided a semblance of comfort amidst the chaos.

The sound of camaraderie resonated from within their walls, as soldiers shared stories, sharpened their weapons, and prepared for the next shift in defending their shared cause.

"Lady Rosie!" Sir Bohan's voice cut through the bustling atmosphere, capturing Rosalind's attention. As a member of the esteemed Bohan Family of assassins, he represented one of the four great pillars. Bowing respectfully, he addressed her with a tinge of surprise. "We had no prior knowledge of your visit to the walls today. Had we known, we could have made arrangements to make your stay more comfortable."

Rosalind offered a gracious smile, appreciating the concern expressed by Sir Bohan. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Sir Bohan. I assure you, I am quite content. My purpose in coming here is to seek an audience with Denys. Would you be so kind as to inform me of his whereabouts?"

Rosalind found the people of the north to be warm and compassionate, contrary to their characterization as ruthless and barbaric.

While their strength sometimes led to arrogance, they possessed a deep respect for authority and exhibited unwavering loyalty to the Rothley Family. Rosalind found solace in the resilience and unity of these individuals.

"Lady Rosie!" Another familiar voice broke through the air, and Rosalind raised an eyebrow at the sight of Dame Fraunces. It was not long ago that Fraunces had informed her of an upcoming marriage to another man, so Rosalind was pleasantly surprised to see her in this place.

"You look as beautiful as ever," Fraunces remarked, a smile gracing her lips. "Are you in search of Sir Denys?"

"Yes, indeed," Rosalind confirmed, her curiosity piqued by Fraunces' presence. The two women exchanged pleasantries as they ventured deeper into the barracks, their conversation serving as a brief respite from the demanding realities of their surroundings.

"He is inside, engaged in a discussion with the suppliers of the Kingdom. Should I inform him of your arrival?" Dame Fraunces inquired, her voice laced with sincerity that Rosalind was not used to.

Rosalind's smile widened. There was something different about Fraunces, a noticeable shift in her demeanor. It intrigued Rosalind, prompting her to comment on the change. "You sound different," she mused. "It's unfamiliar to my ears. I remember you as fiery and argumentative, always seeking trouble. But now, you seem... transformed."

"People change," Fraunces replied nonchalantly, as if accepting the inevitability of transformation.

"I suppose so," Rosalind acknowledged, her eyes reflecting the depth of her experiences. Time had molded her into a person of greater maturity and wisdom.

"You, too, appear different," Fraunces observed. "There's an air of maturity and experience about you."

"I hope that is not you telling me that I look older since we last saw each other." Rosalind chuckled at the astute observation. It was true; she had undergone tremendous growth in just a few months. The thought of it made her smile. "Perhaps we should find a time to share a cup of tea," she suggested. "I've been craving the bitterness of that tea under the oldest tree."

A mischievous grin played on Fraunces' lips. "As long as you're the one footing the bill, I'll gladly accompany you to that place."

Rosalind's smile remained before she nodded.

Not long after, she stepped into the two-story wooden house where Denys was in.

The moment, she walked in, she immediately heard arguments coming from the inside.

"Sir Denys, you must understand the difficulties we face in our daily operations." A gruff voice echoed. "The journey to these remote places, surrounded by treacherous snow and harsh weather conditions, poses great risks to our lives. We navigate through perilous terrains and face unpredictable natural elements just to bring food to those in need."

Rosalind immediately frowned. Her mind raced. as she thought about the things that happened in her past life.

Then another voice echoed.

"We cannot ignore the escalating threat of the monsters in these regions. The attacks have become more frequent and vicious in recent times. Our lives are in constant danger as we traverse these treacherous paths. We've lost colleagues and friends to these beasts, and we fear for our safety every day."

"Indeed, the safety of our team and the security of our deliveries are paramount. These monsters, driven by hunger or territorial instincts, have grown bolder and more aggressive. We have witnessed firsthand the destruction they can cause and the lives they can claim. We must take measures to protect ourselves thus, we have to increase the prices of the basic commodities that we sell in the north."

...

A/N: More problems for Rosalind to solve. hehehehe