Rosa’s Regret: Part One

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Beneath the rose, silence… A secret meeting, no one must speak of it. The white rose holds within it the thorned secret of the past.

Rosalba was born into a knightly noble house. Her father was the fourth son of the Marthas, a minor baronial family, and her mother hailed from a marquessate that had fallen into ruin due to poor stewardship of its lands.

Though now a knightly lady, her mother had once been of noble blood, and thus remained a strikingly beautiful woman. Like her mother, Rosa was considered exceptionally lovely among her kin, though she carried a slight roundness in frame that set her apart.

In her childhood, she had lived upon the estate of her paternal grandfather, the current head of the Marthas.

Her father held only a hereditary title for one generation, and thus their life was scarcely distinguishable from that of commoners.

The only thing distinguishing her from commoners was visiting the lord’s manor three times a week, as part of her education.

Rosa had looked forward to this day with particular anticipation.

She would wear her finest clothes, and at the lord’s manor, she would be served delicious meals and sweets. Above all, she would see her beloved Elder Brother and Elder Sister, and play with them.

Though they were not truly siblings—only cousins, in fact—Rosa called them both Brother and Sister, and cherished them deeply.

Among her kin, she was the youngest, affectionate, and naturally sweet, beloved by all as their little sister.

Yet of all, the one she cherished most was Flora, the second daughter of Baron Martha, twelve years her senior.

Flora was never the kind of noble beauty spoken of in common praise. She had a quiet, ash-brown hair color, a soft, rounded figure, and gentle, round blue eyes that gave her an air of quiet kindness—indeed, she was truly kind.

She would sit directly on the grass in the garden, despite being a noblewoman, to weave a floral crown for the goddess alongside young Rosa. She would secretly give Rosa more sweets than the others. Yet if Rosa did something wrong, she would be reprimanded with a sternness even more formidable than their mother’s—yet always with gentle words, clear enough for a child to understand. If Rosa failed to comprehend, Flora would kneel before her and explain until understanding came. And when Rosa apologized properly, she would be embraced with the tenderness of a flower’s fragrance, as her name suggested.

Rosa adored Flora above all, and looked forward to every moment she could steal from her lessons to play with her.

And lately, all the older cousins had begun marrying or taking up their duties, leaving me with less of their attention than before.

In this loneliness, Flora’s willingness to play with Rosa was precious.

The lady does not come to see me…

After the last study gathering, when I went to visit, I saw Flora-sama and my aunt weeping…

Yet today marks the third day since I last saw her.

I felt a pang of sadness, kicking at pebbles by the garden’s edge to distract myself.

These past few days, Father has been visiting Grandfather’s home every day, so I have come with him to the estate each time.

The household has been busier than usual, with more people coming and going—unsettling, almost frightening. Everyone seemed preoccupied, no one had time for me. Though snacks and tea were set out, eating them alone felt tasteless.

Normally, Lady Flora would accompany me, but the maid told me she has been confined to her room and will not come out.

When I asked if she was unwell, the maid looked deeply troubled, and I could not bring myself to ask further.

I went to her room several times, but always found a knight standing there, one who is never usually present, as if watching over her. I begged to be allowed inside, but he only shook his head and refused.

I stood there, unsure what to do, and then stepped out into the garden, where daisies bloomed beautifully.

These flowers remind me of Lady Flora.

Not showy, not bold—gentle, quiet, appearing wherever they are planted, in any garden, in any yard.

I had planned to pick a few daisies and bring them to her, but then remembered the knight had turned me away just moments before, and I stood lost, unsure what to do next.

What should I do...?

Her room is on the second floor; I cannot quietly deliver it to the window ledge.

Lost in thought, I was called by the head gardener’s elder brother. His eyes, when he looks at my lady sister, are so gentle—I, too, hold him dear as my beloved elder brother.

"Madam Rosalba, what would you do with that flower?"

I was thinking of giving it to Lady Flora as a gift! But since I couldn’t enter her room a moment ago, I’ve been wondering how I might possibly hand it to her…

My elder brother smiles, his face on the verge of tears.

Then let me also gather flowers from the garden and make a bouquet together. Shall we have it delivered to the maid later? Miss Flora is presently burdened with a most significant duty….

Seeing the flowers from Lady Rosalba would surely give me courage.

My elder sister was truly troubled, wasn't she! Still, I thought my elder brother’s suggestion was most beautiful.

"Yes! I shall do it! Do you think my sister will be well enough soon to play with me again?"

My elder brother looked slightly pained, his eyes glistening with unshed tears, then smiled quietly and plucked a flower for me.

The next day, the maid reported, “Lady Flora was greatly delighted. She smiled upon seeing the flowers.”

I am glad my sister was pleased! It is a small sorrow that I still cannot meet her… yet.

The house of Grandfather is now bustling with preparations for the sudden evening gathering. In the end, I was told my sister is too busy and sent home.

Yet, a gathering in Grandfather’s home this evening—truly something rare. At the very least, last year there were scarcely enough afternoon teas to count, let alone evening assemblies. Still, I could have attended if I were but a little older…! This swelling of cheeks and this discontent—there is nothing to be done about it.

If it had been a garden party for the afternoon tea, I might have slipped in quietly and stolen a treat at least!

Apparently, some noble of higher rank is visiting, so the event must be conducted accordingly. Adults are so peculiar…

If it is a party, everyone should enjoy themselves! I am not pouting merely because I cannot attend. I have heard that on this day, the children’s wing will be opened for those of us too young to join—so it is not so bad.

Adults shall be adults, and children shall be children—on this day, we shall each find our own joy.

I arrived at the ball that night, half-dismayed, half-excited, after three days of waiting. I was dressed in the special dress Mother had worn as a child, carefully hung deep within the closet.

The delicate pink ruffles, with ribbons stitched at intervals, made me so delighted I bounced up and down, earning a reprimand from Mother.

Afterward, my parents—usually indistinguishable from commoners—wrapped themselves in their finest garments, the most elaborate of their everyday attire.

It struck me as strange, even now, that my parents, who seemed so ordinary, were indeed noble-born. I was shocked to learn that, at the imperial banquet hosted by His Majesty, their attire would be considered outdated, rustic—almost uncouth.

And yet, the very dress I wear today—something a noble lady of the capital would wear as everyday wear—feels utterly unjust.

I set aside my astonishment and arrived at Grandfather’s manor after tea time. Without pause, I was led straight to Lady Flora’s chamber.

“Mother, why are we going to Lady Flora’s room? Am I to play with her?”

Mother bit her lower lip, an odd gesture.

“Lady Flora will not be playing today. She is the star of this day. Rosa may not attend the evening gathering, but she has been granted special permission to pay her respects. Let us be proper in our greeting.”

I felt a quiet joy at the thought of seeing my elder sister again after so long, and skipped lightly toward the room.

Inside, my sister looked more worn than she had only moments before—her pale white dress framing her frail form.

“Sister, you look so beautiful! Like a bride.”

She looked as beautiful as a bride from a storybook, and I clapped my hands, saying how wonderfully lovely she was.

Even though I wore a pretty dress today, a proper young lady, my sister was even more beautiful than I could ever be.

"Thank you, Rosa. I'm glad you came to greet me before the evening gathering."

She smiled at me as gently as always.

So I let myself be a little mischievous. After all, I truly wish to play with my beloved sister.

"Yes, Rosa is still too young to attend the evening party. Everyone else is so unfair... Will I be able to play with you tomorrow, sister?"

A faint, troubled expression crossed her face... Had I said something wrong?

Lowering my gaze, I heard her voice—soft, kind, yet tinged with a quiet sorrow.

"Starting tomorrow, my lady will be traveling to a distant place. So for a while, you won’t be able to play with Rosa. I’m sorry."

"Is my lady going to be married?"

In a place like this, a woman of my lady’s age traveling far would only be for a wedding. My lady must have a fiancé, and perhaps the wedding has suddenly been arranged! The head gardener’s brother mentioned something about duties, too. That would explain the pure white dress! If that’s the case, I should have prepared proper congratulations and a gift, but why didn’t anyone tell me?

I looked at my lady, dazzled by the thought that she was to be married.

But my misunderstanding would be corrected by my lady herself.

"No, I’ve been entrusted with a task from the royal court. I am not going to be married."

I felt a strange relief at my elder sister’s words. I had always thought, even if only in secret, that it would be lonely if my sister were to leave far away to marry… These past few days, her silence had surely come from the anxiety of working with great and solemn figures.

But if it is work, she will surely return soon.

“Then, when my sister returns from her duties, please play with Rosa again! I shall be looking forward to it! So please, finish your work quickly and come back, my sister.”

I said this, wrapping my arms tightly around her, pouring into the embrace every hope for her success. She returned my embrace with the scent of blossoms.

“Yes, I shall do my best. Then, when I return, please praise me—say I’ve done well, that I am worthy.”

I was startled by my sister’s faintly trembling voice, yet it was clear—even she, so composed, felt fear when facing those of high station.

I nodded in agreement and saw my parents and sister off, heading to the evening gathering.

As my sister—true to her name—smiled like a blossom, she said, “I’m off,” and stepped from the room.

It was a fleeting smile, delicate as a dream, and something in my chest tightened at the sight.

I could not have known, nor had I been told, that this would be our final exchange—our last moment together as the living Flora.

Four years later, in the spring when I turned ten, a grand coffin adorned with intricate carvings was carried into my grandfather’s estate.

Through the small window, I saw Flora sister as she had been the day we parted—frozen in time, untouched by years.

The elder sister I had longed for, asking endlessly when she would return and where she had gone, lay there as she had been the day we parted—white as wax, serene in her stillness.

She had retired from her duty as the Virgin of the Barrier and returned home.

Unchanged in form from the day she set out, yet altered beyond recognition.

She had petitioned for aid to the faltering domain.

Reflecting on our lives since she left her post, I find myself with complicated feelings—our days had grown better, far better, yet I had not known it, unaware that her kindness had sheltered me, and had come to take it for granted. I am ashamed of myself for that.

Welcome home, Elder Sister Flora. You have done so well. You are truly admirable—my pride, my aspiration… Thank you so very much. You have worn yourself thin. I give thanks to your spirit. And now, rest well.

Silently, I offered a bouquet of daisies before the shroud veiling my elder sister’s resting casket, my gratitude mingling with the haze.

The day came when she understood, as she had not four years prior, the true meaning of death and a lifetime’s parting.

I wished to know, that day, the parting from my elder sister. I wished to be told. It grieved me that I had not been told, because I was young.

If I had known, what action would I have taken...?

Whether she wept and clung to her elder sister, lashed out in anger without reason at her, or simply swallowed everything and bid her farewell in silence—whatever the case, it was a thing that could never be, a what-if that would never come to pass.

The tale of Rosalba von Subroza’s regret.

Afterward, much unfolded. I relocated to the imperial capital, and at every feast of the Divine Conveyance, I offered heartfelt gratitude and prayer to the maidens of the Barrier. Perhaps it was mere self-indulgence. Yet I wished, if only in the slightest, to stand near their hearts.

And so I worked, that no child—like myself, so young—might be left to regret an unspoken farewell.

It was a small endeavor. Yet it caught the gaze of my sovereign, the Supreme Emperor *Sumeragi*...

This ill-fated tale shall be told another time.

It has been long, this silence. I am Sato.

This story was discarded during the book’s compilation.

A tale of a family whose fate was twisted, chosen by the nation to become the Virgin of the Barrier.

I hope you find it enjoyable.

A brief announcement.

The date for the manga serialization has now been set.

It has been confirmed that the serialization will begin on October 28th.

Though it is still some time away, please look forward to it as well ^^

The summer break passes like an arrow in flight—so swiftly, it feels like no time at all…

Let us persevere, undaunted by the lingering heat!