A Rose Dedicated To You Chapter 10

Countess Rosenberg is selfish, domineering and a spendthrift.

She also loved gambling and went to gambling houses whenever she found free time. 

The rumour is that she is a regular at the famous gambling house on the outskirts of the capital. She stays there from day time and drinks wine like water. She flaunts her good-fortune for marrying a rich and handsome husband and taking bets from wealthy n.o.bles who have spare time. 

'Gambling' was a way for n.o.bles who have too much spare time and money to kill time.

However, it is disgraceful and vulgar for a young lady to be absorbed in gambling when it hasn't even been that long since she'd gotten married, and she hasn't even given birth. It was normal for society to frown at her.

Moreover, the madam's notoriety doesn't stop there.

Social behaviour, self-depraved private life, and lovers with a painter.

I was a Marquis's daughter, even though we were country n.o.bles. While everyone praised my n.o.ble husband, "He's wonderful," I took no notice and acted foolishly.

These days, people in high society all seem to say this.

『It won't be long until Countess Rosenberg is expelled from high society.』

――― Will I be expelled from high society first? Or divorced first?

I'd like to be divorced first, but that might be difficult considering the number of unfriendly glances that are thrown my way whenever I go to the gambling house. 

The n.o.bles, who are seated with me, look at me with smiles on their faces, but they were probably scoffing at me inside. She has more pride than others and is a foolish woman, they probably thought. 

No, they might be abusing me, since I was winning.

――― I'm tired. Let's stop.

Thinking it was the right time, I raked up the coins in my hand, handed it to Renee, who was standing behind me and stood up.

"Oh, are you already leaving, Countess Rosenberg?"

"Well, are you quitting while you're ahead? That's sly, Ms Ophelia. Play with us for just a little longer." 

I showed the n.o.bles, who were trying to detain me, an arrogant smile suitable for a winner.

"I'll hold back. I won't necessarily receive the G.o.ddess of Victory's smile so many times. Good evening, everyone." 

I curtsied at the n.o.bles, who were smiling wryly, and left the table. I ordered Renee to exchange the coins and headed to the rest area at the corner of the room.

I wanted to rest slowly in a place with few people, but I was caught by n.o.bles I knew and by the time I was seated on the leather-covered seats, I didn't have the will to stand up.

――― I'm exhausted.

I sighed heavily, opened the fan and was briefly fascinated by the painting of the large bundle of roses.

――― Orpheus. 

I thought deep crimson roses resembled that handsome person.

I continued to play the foolish Countess Rosenberg.

I said more selfish things, I became hysterical in some ways, I pleasured my lover and continued to waste money, breaking my promise of not wasting it.

Then, I started going to the gambling house, which I had neglected for about half a month.

I also started gambling to ruin my reputation, and also because the wealthy wife, who I was modelling my act of being the worst type of woman ever, is addicted to gambling. She did nothing but gamble and even fell into debt.

Of course, I didn't dare to imitate her until that happened to me, but I started going to the gambling house because my reputation would drop a lot since I was a young wife.

Gambling also has its advantages. If I'm lucky, I can make money.

The money I earned was invested in the business of a merchant I knew, and I've made quite a profit from it now. 

I kept my savings in the bank without touching it, and I was planning on withdrawing it all once the divorce has been decided, then I'll sell off all the dresses and jewellery that I have, add that amount to my savings, and give it all to Orpheus. 

Alimony, no, it's more appropriate to say that this is the fee for the nuisance I've caused.

I'm sorry that the money isn't very clean in the first place, but I have no other way to earn money.

The room inside the gambling place was laid out luxuriously like a high-cla.s.s salon and was filled with fas.h.i.+onable men and women of all ages, even today.

It was filled with hot air and was stuffy.

I want to bask in the outside wind, but I had to wait for Renee to return, so I could only endure it with the light breeze coming from my fan.

I stared blankly at the scene which unfolded before my eyes as I waited for Renee.

The n.o.bles who were laughing boisterously, and having fun gambling were of various ages and positions.

On the heavy tables were cards, dice, roulettes, wine gla.s.ses and stacks of coloured coins ――― which would become a hefty amount if one were to cash it out.

Gambling is a pastime for n.o.bles.

Most of the n.o.bles, who live in the capital, have a lot of time and money, and they didn't go to gambling houses just to seek thrills, but also to socialise. 

Gambling houses weren't only a place to spend money, but also a place for n.o.bles to interact with each other. The formality is excessively high in some areas, and there are gambling houses which looked like salons where only selected n.o.bles can enter as if it was a n.o.bility salon. 

――― Elegant.

I thought as I watched them shout.

All the n.o.bles come here to enjoy gambling and chatting. 

The whereabouts of large amounts of money, mansions, land or fiefs given by the King are sometimes decided with a small roll of a die.

Even losing is a pleasure for them.

I can't understand their mental states, no matter how much time pa.s.ses.

I don't think gambling is fun at all because betting makes me break out in a cold sweat. And above all else, it's tiring.

I don't bet a lot of money considering that I could lose, and the act of wagering money from those who lose it makes me feel guilty and shaves away at my energy and mentally.

A n.o.ble's extravagant pastime might not suit someone who has been living like an orphan since a young age.

――― I'm really doing stupid things. 

I'm beyond saving because I'm doing a lot of foolish things to break up with the person I love.

Instead of relying on Claude when I get divorced, it would be better if I become a nun and spend my days repenting to G.o.d.

Though, I don't think that all my past actions will be forgiven even if I do this ―――.

Countess Rosenberg's reputation in social circles isn't good.

However, an unexpectedly large number of n.o.bles talk to me.

They want to get to know Orpheus through me.

Even now, I was surrounded by three n.o.bles.

One is a young man, and the other two are young ladies. From what I've heard, all three aren't married yet.

They talked about the same thing as everyone else: Orpheus.

『I'm jealous that you could get married to such a wonderful person.』Most of the people who speak to me say this. With irony, he's too good for a woman like you.

"The women who admire him don't mind being temporary partners, so have mercy."

"My friends say that too. She is so attracted to Count Rosenberg, her face turns red, and she bursts into tears just by glancing at him."

"Oh my, isn't that you?"

"No way, I'm different. Although I am attracted to him…"

Both the young ladies are gorgeous. They are lively and sparkling.

One of them had bright golden hair and resembled Diana somehow. 

"But he's as popular as always. I can't believe a prideful lady would say that she wouldn't mind being his plaything. Madam, aren't you proud?" The young man, who was listening to the young ladies talk while smiling, interjected, and I replied with a vague smile.

As always, they continue talking even if I don't say anything. They swiftly tell me that Orpheus is excellent and popular.

However, I know how wonderful that person is even without having to be told by others. Because I'm by his side.

"Come to think of it, I heard that he took in a blind relative and they're living together."

"I heard about that too. Earl Rosenberg is very kind, isn't he? I envy the young lady. What kind of person is she?"

"I'm sure she's a beautiful lady since she's related to that handsome man, right? … Well, not as much as you, though."

They also bring up Diana a lot.

People who are suspicious about the relations.h.i.+p between Diana and Orpheus, are particularly interested in knowing what kind of person she is since she doesn't appear in social circles. They look at my reaction to make sure.

"She's a gorgeous person. I'm no match for her."'

I return an unwavering smile at their rude stares.

I never lied. Diana is beautiful. She has a sparkle that oozes out.

But they don't agree.

"What's her hair colour? Eye colour?"

"How is she compared to the Princess?"

"Her personality?"

I couldn't help but give a small sigh behind my fan. My fatigue came back even though I was taking a break.

My reputation is terrible in social circles, but there are still people who talk to me.

Not because they're interested in me, but because they are interested in Orpheus.

I could probably answer their questions with a heartfelt smile if we were an average couple and our relations.h.i.+p hadn't broken down. I would possibly boost about Orpheus more than them.  

My beloved husband is wonderful, and Diana is a good friend, I would say.

――― Also, if there was no irony or jealousy.

Renee had already returned and was standing behind me.

I got bored of what they were saying because it didn't seem like they were going to change the topic, and was about to leave, when the young man said something that bothered me to the women who were praising Orpheus, "Come to think of it, this is something I heard from my friend, but Lord Rosenberg doesn't like people who fall in love with his good looks. He gets uncomfortable when people approach him amorously. I guess that just shows how many women try to approach him. I'm extremely jealous of him, but I guess people struggle in their own way when they're better than others."

I, who was about to get off my seat, froze just like that.

This is the first I've heard of this. 

Orpheus is a gentleman, and he's kind to women. I've seen many women approach him, but he gently refuses them all without looking disgusted or hurting anyone. 

I've never heard or seen the kind of reaction that this man mentioned and I've never heard about this before, and I can't imagine it from the way Orpheus behaves typically. 

I couldn't believe it, and the women looked surprised as if this was the first time they've heard of this.

They covered their mouths and criticised the man with their eyes.

"Well, did the person himself say it? That person? It's a lie."

"I can't believe it. Because isn't he a kind, caring and a wonderful gentleman to everyone? Right, Madam?"

"… Right."

See? The man, who was being glared at, shrugged and laughed in a troubled way, "You may not believe this, but my friend heard this from Lord Rosenberg himself. Most women change just by seeing him, and he's sick of it. I mean, doesn't he like that candid woman? I think it's alright to be a little cold."

I thought quietly as I glanced back at the three talkative people.

I can't say for sure whether Orpheus hates women who approach him because I've never seen this before. After all, he's the type of person who is kind to a woman who he had married because of someone's last request.

However, there's a chance that he feels unhappy inside even if he doesn't let it show on his face.

However, that wasn't what worried me.

――― What would Orpheus think if I approached him like this?

The wife, who has disliked her husband until now, suddenly acts amorously and snuggles up to him.

I might have thought at the beginning, should I change and start over? But, I acted the same as always and remained a bad wife.

Usually, he would get angry wondering what I was up to and what I was thinking.

All the more so, if my approach is terrible.

Still, the wife doesn't stop persisting, and she finally became jealous of Diana…

"This is an interesting conversation."

They stopped talking and concentrated their glances on me.

The man stiffened a little. Maybe he thought he had put me in a bad mood.

"Mm, Madam…"

I didn't answer him and covered my mouth with my half-opened fan.

――― It's not about pulling back all the time, sometimes I should push once in a while.

I acted in a lot of loathsome ways, but Orpheus was still putting up with me.

It might be only a matter of time, but I couldn't take things slowly because I wanted to be divorced as soon as possible.

It's worth a try.

If I fail, then I just have to think of another way.

It takes time to build trust, but it only takes a moment to break it.

"Thanks for letting me hear such an interesting conversation, Viscount Heidfeld. Please tell your father h.e.l.lo for me. Well, have a nice day, everyone."

I got away from the three silent people and quickly left the gambling house. 

Translator: Blushy
Editor: delishnoodles