After shedding tears in Wells' comforting embrace, Rose eventually regained her composure and retired to bed with his gentle goodnight wishes as a melody in her ear.
However, the embrace of sleep eluded her as her mind wrestled with complex thoughts. Unable to succumb to slumber, she rose from bed to retrieve the diamond ring.
Returning to the bed, she delicately opened the velvet case.
The diamond sparkled radiantly, even in the dimly lit room, reminiscent of the luster in Russell's hair.
Rose traced her fingertips over the smooth surface of the diamond, contemplating the significance of the ring.
"I still... Forgive me. I don't think it's time yet."
She said it softly, her thoughts echoing in the quiet room.
Closing the case, Rose cradled it against her chest, shutting her eyes in contemplation.
The festivities for the founding of the nation were in full swing.
Lady Dawson, who was crowned Gloria of Tristan, graced the square with a dance, officially marking the commencement of the founding ceremony.
The Tristan capital buzzed with the vibrant energy of the week-long festival, continuing well into the night.
Accompanied by Wells, Rose ventured out to witness the spectacle.
Despite the presence of an escort knight, she clung to her brother's arm, ensuring she wouldn't lose her way in the lively crowd.
Familiar faces greeted the Honeywell siblings as they strolled through the festive streets.
"Ah, isn't this Duke Honeywell?"
"Count Granger. Did you also come out to see the festival?"
Recognizing Wells, Count Granger warmly exchanged pleasantries.
Casually, he mentioned going out with his wife and hinted at Rose's presence.
"Duke Honeywell, did you hear? Actually, at the festival today..."
Count Granger's voice lowered into a conspiratorial whisper behind Rose, capturing Wells' attentive ear.
The unfolding conversation added an intriguing layer to the festive atmosphere.
Rose scanned her surroundings.
While her brother engaged in conversation with the count, she attentively surveyed the area as she formed a plan in her mind.
However, her focus became fixated on a particular spot.
"Isn't that...?!"
Without even the slightest deviation in her gaze, Rose started walking slowly.
"What? Is that true?"
Surprised by Rose's sudden reaction, Wells interrupted his conversation with Count Granger. Nonetheless, Rose navigated through the crowd, maintaining an unwavering focus on her destination.
Finally, she reached a flower shop, where she spotted a familiar face.
"Miss Kate!"
Engrossed in counting flowers, Kate turned to face Rose.
Her expression suggested she anticipated Rose's arrival.
"It's been a while, Rose."
"Yes. Long time no see... No, that's not it..."
"Hehe. There's a lot you want to say, yes?"
"That's right. About... It's about---it's about the item you gave me, a mirror."
"Yes. And now that the founding of the nation has begun, it seems like everything has been resolved well. It is a pity that Rose did not become Gloria of Tristan."
As Kate received change from the flower shop owner, she smiled at Rose, sensing the unspoken words she carried.
"Don't you want to erase your memories?"
"What would I not want to remember?"
"Well, for example..."
Leaning in close, Kate softly whispered into Rose's ear.
"A memory from before you came to this world."
Rose's shoulders trembled.
"H-How did you know that?!"
"When that incident happened in the Imperial Palace, he told me. With his help, you got another chance."
[TL/N: He is referring to a higher power that they worship.]
Tears welled up in Rose's eyes, but before they could fall, Kate's words successfully dried them.
"Don't you want to forget that memory?"
Nervous anticipation surged through Rose.
"Is that... Is it possible?"
"That's up to you, Rose."
"How do you do it?"
Kate gestured toward a flower pot hanging on the flower shop's display case.
"I have just sent a flower pot in Rose Honeywell's name. When the flower blooms in that pot, you will naturally forget the memories of your previous life---oops! Do remember, Rose, you have to nurture it yourself, alright? Otherwise, it would not work."
Rose couldn't dismiss Kate's words as mere jest. Though Kate might be an ordinary person to others, to her, she seemed more like a priestess who could genuinely hear the voice of God.
After all, she was the one who provided the mirror capable of sealing Abaddon's body, so erasing Rose's memories might be within her capabilities.
"Uh, that... I've never grown flowers myself... Can I just give it some water?"
"Water, sunlight, and other nutrients are necessary, but there are other crucial elements for the flowers to bloom."
"What are those?"
"That, Rose, is your homework to erase your memories."
Rose pondered this.
Peering at her contemplative expression, Kate offered a hint.
"Let me give you a clue. Why do you want to forget the memories of your previous life?"
Rose found the question perplexing.
If Kate knew her past, why ask?
The pain associated with those memories was still vivid.
Although she typically pushed them aside, they would resurface suddenly, overwhelming her.
Elliot and Ilya's betrayal, witnessing Wells near death, and the chilling memory of falling off a cliff on a cold winter day.
However, Rose withheld her response.
While she hesitated, Kate took a step closer.
"Don't forget. Whether or not you erase your memories is entirely up to you."
As Rose contemplated the significance of Kate's parting words, she belatedly realized that the woman had already vanished into thin air.
Scanning her surroundings, she could only see people reveling in the festival, with no trace of Kate.
"So forgetting my memories is left to chance, and making the flowers bloom... The conditions depend on me?"
Rose decided to return to the manor immediately to check on the flower pot that Kate had sent.
It was only then that she realized she had lost track of Wells during their outing.
"Ah! Brother...! I've lost my brother!"
Rose hurriedly sought out Wells with a confused expression on her face.
She had no idea where he was or how far she had strayed from him.
"Didn't Lord Dyke follow me?"
Changing her focus, Rose attempted to signal her escort knight, hoping he would realize she was lost, but despite her efforts, no one appeared to be searching for her.
"Where should I go?"
Left with no choice, Rose reluctantly started walking, trying to retrace her steps.
As she moved through her memories, she noticed the surroundings were growing particularly noisy.
Listening closely, she realized the fireworks display was about to begin.
The Founding Festival featured fireworks twice---on the first and last days.
Fireworks were among Rose's favorite events, but her current predicament left no time for enjoyment.
"Setting aside the fireworks, I have to find my brother first."
Rose went against the flow of people heading towards the fireworks display, wandering through the square alone.
Despite being alone, she no longer felt the fear she experienced as a child when left unattended.
As an adult, she had learned how to navigate her way back to the manor.
There was even a sense of leisure as she strolled, taking in the surroundings and walking along the colorfully decorated street. She came to a stop when she noticed a sign.
The sign appeared different from what Rose remembered---perhaps an entirely new one from the old days.
However, her gaze remained fixed on the blue sign.
"Look at the sign for that store over there. Don't the blue ones remind you of the sea?"
A voice from the past echoed in her memory, prompting a wistful smile from Rose.
Just then, someone firmly grasped her arm.
Rose winced at the pain from the tight grip and turned to see the other person.
Ragged breathing, sweat-soaked bangs, a flushed cheek, and disheveled silver hair.
"Your---?!"
Russell?
Before Rose could call out to him, Russell enveloped her in a tight hug.
"Do you know how my heart sank when I heard that Wells' sister was missing?"
"..."
"I was afraid I wouldn't find you this time."
...This time?
"What do you me---?"
Rose opened her mouth to ask, but Russell, who had released her, lightly held her cheeks, stretching them with a somewhat crooked expression.
"...?!"
"When we return to the manor, I will order the Duke to punish you severely."
"Uh, huh?!"
Seeing Rose's wide eyes and stretched cheeks, Russell bursted into laughter.
He let go of her cheeks and took her hand.
"How did you find out about this place?"
"It's a festival commemorating the founding of the empire. There's no law that says the emperor has to stay only in the imperial palace, right?"
"That's right...?"
"I was walking around and saw a peacock. The duke can't do anything because he lost his younger sister. He was too busy running around in search of her instead of questioning the truant emperor."
Russell glanced at Rose, a sly smirk dancing across his lips.
Although his tone was playful, she remained silent, acknowledging that it was indeed her fault.
Walking through the square, guided by Russell, Rose absentmindedly stroked her cheek.
It didn't hurt, as Russell had held it gently, but it felt warm from his touch.
It was only then that she noticed he wasn't even wearing a cape.
"Your Majesty, it's better to wear at least a hat..."
As Rose spoke, fireworks exploded in the sky.
Following the sound, she saw fireworks blooming in the dark sky.
Rose looked around.
Everyone was gazing up at the sky to enjoy the fireworks, so no one was paying attention to Russell.
...I'm glad the fireworks started now.
Rose breathed a sigh of relief.
Another burst of colorful lights lit up the sky.
This time, perhaps due to a blue flame, the world turned blue in an instant.
The light landed on Russell's head.
Rose stopped walking as she watched, stunned, as his silver hair dyed blue.
When Rose, who had been following along, stopped, Russell turned around.
"What's the matter, Rose?"
"No, that is... Nothing. It's nothing."
After hesitating, Russell resumed walking until Rose grabbed his sleeve.
"Rose?"
Russell looked back.
Looking at him like that, Rose gently opened her mouth.
"I hurt my leg."
"What?"
"A moment ago, I was pushed by someone, so my ankle..."
Even to the casual observer, it was clear that it was a lie.
Russell suppressed a laugh.
"Hmm. Are you really asking me to turn my back on you now? What will the people say? That our Rose is going to climb on top of the Emperor?"
Russell's voice was teasing, but she was surprised when she realized what she had said.
Even though Russell treated her well, she had almost directly asked him to carry her.
She blushed and bowed in embarrassment and shame.
"S-sorry! Well, I... For a moment, I lost my senses."
Rose stumbled through an apology.
Normally, Russell would have reassured her, but this time, he remained silent, as if genuinely upset.
Her flushed face turned pale in an instant.
"Your Majesty... Forgive me..."
"Rose, how long are you going to keep waiting like this?"
Russell interrupted, causing Rose to slowly raise her head only to find he was kneeling in front of her with his back turned.
Rose was taken aback.
"Your Majesty! What are you doing?!"
"Well... Haha. Weren't you trying to tell me to carry you because you hurt your leg?"
"Ah, that... No, I'm not really hurt. I'm sorry, Your Majesty! So, please, get up. What if someone sees us?"
Rose panicked and tugged on Russell's sleeves, but contrary to her expectations, he showed no intention of getting up.
"So you should get on my back quickly before anyone sees."
"Your Majesty, please..."
"Rose, if you delay, I'll keep doing this."
With no sign of backing down, Rose ended up jumping onto his back, making Russsell laugh.
Amidst the fireworks in the sky, she could hear his laughter.