Don't Remember Me - Chapter 52

Chapter 52

“The fruit skewers, maybe?”

“No.”

“Is it the knitted doll I bought from the vendor by the roadside?”

“Not that either.”

Flitta beamed, shaking her head with a mischievous grin, which only deepened Rosé’s frown.

‘What could it be?’

Rosé retraced their steps from the festival, recalling all the things Flitta had found fascinating and enjoyable. She remembered the tasty street snacks Flitta had raved about, the toys and dolls the girl had begged to buy.

“Nope.”

Yet, none of those were the right answer. Ultimately, Rosé raised her hands in surrender, declaring defeat.

“I’m sorry, Princess, but I just can’t guess.”

“Tsk… How can you not know?”

Fltita pouted, then pulled Rosé closer, whispering into her ear.

“Earlier, when you became my ‘mom’! That’s what I’m talking about!”

“…!”

Rosé’s lips quivered in surprise. It had been a simple mix-up when the merchant selling puppies mistook her, along with Haven, and Flitta for a family; just a fleeting moment that could easily be laughed off.

“But you didn’t mind it?”

For Flitta, however, it seemed like much more than a trivial matter. The fact that her favorite part of the festival was that moment struck Rosé. She smiled back at Flitta, who was gazing at her expectantly.

“How could I have minded? It was… really nice.”

“You’re sure you didn’t dislike it?”

“Of course not.”

“Phew, what a relief. Um… but can you keep it a secret from your real mom?”

Flitta hesitated for a moment before making her request. Rosé looked at her with wide, uncertain eyes.

“A secret?”

“Yeah. Honestly, I’m okay with it; it actually feels good… But if your real mom knew, she might be sad.”

Flitta pressed her lips tightly together since she had no one else to call ‘mom’. Rosé felt a surge of compassion for her. She gently wrapped her arms around Flitta, who let out a yawn as sleepiness overtook her.

“It’s really time for you to sleep now.”

“Uh-huh. If I’m going to play with Hayang, you, and Dad tomorrow…”

Flitta nodded sleepily and quickly fell asleep. After a long day at the festival, it was no surprise she was exhausted.

Rosé carefully laid the child down on the bed, listening to her soft breaths. She tiptoed out of the room, careful not to make a sound.

As she headed back to her quarters, she noticed a light approaching from across the way. Wondering if one of Grand Duke’s employees was nearby, she paused. Then a low voice called out from the direction of the light.

“Rosé?”

“…Ah, Your Grace.”

It was Haven.

He must have come to check on Flitta, so she hurried toward him. He was alone, holding a small lamp in his hand.

“I’m sorry, Your Grace. The princess just fell asleep.”

“I must have taken a long time to review the documents before I came to her.”

Haven chuckled lightly, but Rosé noticed the faint redness in his eyes. It seemed he had pushed himself to finish his work after spending the day at the festival. His reason for being there had originally been for inspections, not leisure.

“Would you like a cup of tea, Your Grace?”

The words slipped out before she realized it, prompted by her concern for him.

“… Tea?”

He surprisingly looked at her while pressing his fingers against his tired eyes. Rosé felt heat rise in her cheeks, unsure if she had overstepped.

“Oh, I apologize. I just thought you looked a bit tired…”

“…”

Haven stared at her, unresponsive. Rosé felt the intensity from  his gaze so she shook her head vigorously.

“No, it’s nothing; I’ll just—”

“If you say you’ll offer tea but then don’t, that would be more disappointing.”

“… Pardon, Your Grace?”

“Come to my room. I was just thinking about how much I wanted some tea.”

Haven’s words had a teasing air to them as he turned away. Rosé watched his retreating figure, then hurried to follow him.

* * *

Fortunately, the tea leaves known to help with fatigue were prepared. Rosé was relieved as she brewed the tea and handed it to Haven.

“Here you go, Your Grace.”

“Thank you.”

Haven took a sip and nodded, the tension in his face easing a bit. Seeing the corners of his mouth relax, Rosé felt a wave of relief wash over her.

“Well, I’ll take my leave now.”

She clasped her hands together and gave a polite bow, ready to turn toward the door when Haven set down his cup and raised a hand to stop her.

“Stay and enjoy the tea with me.”

“… Yes?”

“Rosé, you look tired too. Wouldn’t it be better to have a cup of tea before you leave?”

“Oh, no, Your Grace! How could I—”

Rosé was taken aback, shaking her head in refusal. But Haven paid her no mind, placing another cup opposite him and pouring tea from the kettle.

“It’s not ‘how could I,’ it’s just a simple cup of tea. Don’t feel pressured.”

He gestured toward the cup with a casual air. Although flustered, Rosé found herself sitting awkwardly across from him, unnaturally taking a sip of her tea in silence.

The aroma of the tea wafted gently, and she wondered if its scent could also melt away her fatigue. Initially tense, she began to relax, feeling lighter as she savored the fragrant brew.

Without realizing it, Rosé softened her expression and glanced around the room.

Haven’s quarters exuded a timeless elegance, clearly reflecting the care of the Duke. After all, it was a quarter fitted for someone like him.

Yet…

Her gaze caught the piles of documents scattered about the room. It was evident just how much Haven was buried in work, even here.

She had thought he could at least take a break after spending the day outside, but it seemed he was instead working late into the night. It was truly unfortunate.

Just then, a series of loud bangs erupted from outside the window.

“…!”

Startled, Rosé set down her cup and jumped to her feet. Haven glanced at her, waving a hand as he spoke.

“It’s probably nothing. Just fireworks…”

But before he could finish, Rosé was already drawn to the window, looking out with a serious expression.

“… Huh?”

Colors burst across the night sky, blooming brightly before fading away, only to be replaced by yet another shape of firework.

“Oh, fireworks!”

Realizing what Haven had meant, she suddenly thought of Flitta, who was surely still asleep, and turned back quickly. But right before her, she collided with Haven’s chest, having moved right behind her without her noticing.

Startled at the near collision, Rosé stumbled back.

“Are you okay? I didn’t mean to scare you,” Haven said, catching her arm to steady her. Rosé glanced down at his hand wrapped around her arm, surprised by the warmth of his grip.

“Oh, I apologize.”

Realizing her gaze, Haven released her arm, but the sensation lingered, the comforting stability of his touch and his kindness still echoing in her mind.

“… I should take my leave now, Your Grace.”

She struggled to calm the fluttering in her chest as she spoke, though she couldn’t hide the blush creeping across her face. Haven observed her flushed cheeks and spoke softly.

“You haven’t finished your tea.”

“Um… I think I should go see the princess, Your Grace. She was really looking forward to the fireworks.”

Rosé fiddled with the hem of her skirt as she replied, feeling inexplicably defensive.

Why did she want to escape this moment? She wasn’t even sure.

Haven stroked his chin thoughtfully, tilting his head slightly.

“Well, you just said she was already asleep. Are you really going to wake her for that?”

“I just want to check. She might wake up startled by the noise.”

As Rosé lowered her head to bow before exiting, Haven reached out to stop her.

“Leave her be. She’s been playing all day and probably won’t wake up from just a little noise.”

“But…”

Rosé’s voice trailed off, unable to let go of her hesitation. Haven glanced at her, then moved toward the sofa as if dismissing her concerns.

“Why not send someone to buy a few fireworks for tomorrow morning?”

“… Yes?”

Rosé’s eyes widened in surprise. Haven sank deeper into the sofa, gesturing toward the seat opposite him.

“I heard there are some fireworks sold within the estate for children. It might not be a grand display, but it could still be nice to set off some with Flitta in the late evening. Don’t you think?”

“Hmm, yes, that does sound nice.”

It was indeed a wonderful idea. It could create a cherished memory for Flitta. Even if it didn’t compare to the breathtaking sky filled with fireworks, launching them alongside her father would surely leave a lasting impression.

“So, finish your tea, and let’s enjoy the fireworks together. You’ll see them better from here.”

Haven encouraged her to take a seat again, and Rosé couldn’t refuse any longer. She approached the sofa and sat down, turning to gaze out the window.