Chapter 19: Creating a Rosa Loan

In the story, due to Alex’s excellence, he has been exposed to the dangers of poisoning and assassination many times since childhood.

Whether he aims for the throne or not, he cannot escape because those around him won’t leave him alone.

Ethan, who grew up in a similar situation, supported Alex. Thanks to his skill as a healer, Ethan escaped difficulties and even gained the position of a duke, but Alex couldn’t do the same.

Alex is currently in the midst of turmoil and is scheduled to become the crown prince in the manga.

Ethan plays the role of a constant shield for Alex.

Of course, when Rosa reads the manga, she fully embraces the role of the heroine, making Ethan her favorite.

From the heroine’s perspective, Ethan is a reliable ally.

(Originally, the reason Alex disliked the engagement with Rosa was not just because of Rosa’s personality but also to declare that he did not aim for the throne. The Croitzer family would become a powerful supporter. In the story, he did not desire the throne…)

While contemplating various things, Rosa speaks.

“Well then, wouldn’t it have been normal for Your Excellency to simply write me a letter? Handing me a note like a summons was unnecessary.”

Then, Ethan looks unusually troubled.

“Lately, Lord Croitzer seems to be persistently searching for your ‘person of interest.'”

“Huh?”

“He asked me if it was me. And he’s been asking other unmarried high-ranking nobles besides me.”

There is a realization.

To escape from Alex’s proposal, Rosa let slip something like that.

“I see. I apologize for that!”

Being too much of a doting parent gives me a headache.

Rosa, who answered too easily, is the most at fault.

As Rosa is in distress, Ethan speaks up.

“I’ll ask straightforwardly: is Alex still proposing to you?”

In the manga, Ethan was Alex’s greatest understanding friend and advisor. It’s supposed to be that way, but he doesn’t know.

“Yes, he frequently visits my home and continues to propose.”

It became troublesome, and her choice of words became rough.

“So, who is the person you’re interested in? Is it a means to escape from Alex’s proposal?”

After directly hitting the mark, Rosa is surprised.

“Why, how did you know?”

“In your case, if you have a man you like, you would actively approach him.”

Rosa didn’t expect Ethan, not her parents, to notice that. She stumbles over her words.

“So why were you at the banquet? Were you following Alex? ”

“No, no, I’m not following him anymore. Why were you there, Your Excellency?”

Rosa retorts sharply.

“I told you. The venue was a little troublesome, so I went outside.”

Ethan seemed calm.

“Oh, you are so popular.”

“You were popular too, weren’t you?”

“Is that sarcasm? No one is interested in me. They are looking at the Croitzer family behind me.”

“Do you think I’m not in the same situation?”

“Huh?”

Surprised by the unexpected comment, Rosa was taken aback.

“No, well, Your Excellency, even without various things, you would still be popular, wouldn’t you?”

“On what basis?”

“Isn’t it because you’re a healing expert with a good face and skills?”

Ethan chuckled at Rosa’s words.

“Well, perhaps. On that day, too, only women interested in the fertile Griffith territory gathered around me. It became suffocating, so I went out to the garden. There, I happened to witness Alex and Miss Moreau having a rendezvous.”

“Well, what a coincidence! I did too.”

“Let me make it clear: I was there before you. Your footsteps were confident, as if you knew that Alex and Miss Moreau were having a secret meeting.”

Sharp. But since this is a manga world I read in my previous life, I can’t say I knew the development.

“Even if you say that, I can only say it was a coincidence. But one thing is for sure: I’m glad I was there. I don’t need an insincere man proposing to me when there are other women around.”

Rosa asserts herself decisively. Whether Ethan believes it or not, it is an undeniable fact.

And if possible, she would like Ethan to be removed from Poison Killer 1. He is a threat to Rosa.

“I may not agree with all your explanations, but I have my thoughts about Alex. Even though he hates you, he says he won’t hurt you by asking you to marry him as a way for him to take responsibility for causing you to have the scar. Besides, I’m not impressed by the idea of going out into the garden alone with Miss Moreau.”

He makes a face as if he has just bitten a bitter bug.

Rosa remembers a scene from the manga.

“Could it be that Your Excellency witnessed the two embracing?”

Ethan raises his face in surprise.

“What in the world…”

“Let me clarify in advance: I’m not stalking His Highness or having someone investigate. But judging from the atmosphere, it’s obvious that they are in love.”

“I see.”

Ethan nods with a half-doubtful expression.

“So, did you call me here today to confirm that I’m not stalking His Highness and to warn me about spreading rumors of a proposal from someone in a romantic relationship? Are you planning to put a stop to me regarding His Highness?” Rosa asked.

He shrugged lightly at Rosa’s words.

“I didn’t intend that. How many days do you think have passed since the evening party? With your influence, rumors would spread throughout the capital in one night. Didn’t you realize that?”

Rosa was surprised. She had been prepared to be scolded or warned today.

“Do you believe me?”

“No. I’m just looking at the facts. So, what are you planning to do from now on?”

Ethan keeps asking questions.

“You said you weren’t impressed by His Highness’s actions earlier, right? Could you ask His Highness not to propose to me?”

“I’ve said it multiple times.”

A concise response came back. However, there is a hint of sorrow in his expression. Perhaps he is wavering between wanting to believe in his nephew and the truth.

“I see.”

(Well, this meeting is utterly unproductive. Unlike the original story, Alex doesn’t seem to listen to what His Excellency says.)

“I’m also concerned about Miss Morrow’s family situation and worried about Alex’s relationship with her. So, could you cooperate with me temporarily?”

“Huh?”

Taken aback by Ethan’s abrupt proposal, Rosa blinked.

“You’re a marquise’s daughter, and you’ve been actively involved in socializing. What if we share information?”

“Does that mean Your Excellency wants to know about the relationship between His Highness and Miss Moreau? Are you looking for rumors in social circles about them dating… Is that what you’re after? And what information would you share with me? By the way, paying with money is out of the question. I’m wealthy, you know.”

As Rosa delivered her words, Ethan smiled wryly.

“How about I owe you one? There are many secrets in the royal family, but I can’t reveal them. If I did, I would be forced to drink from the poison cup. However, I can collect information through different channels, and I can also obtain rare gems that you might like.”

(Does His Excellency want to owe me one? It might not be a bad deal. Or should I stop getting involved?)

This is a point to ponder.