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Chapter 87 Part 4 – What a Simple and Happy Dream

The white-bearded Brian grabbed Teddy by the neck as he seriously tried to run away.

『Well, if you don’t do that much, you won’t be able to protect what’s truly important. It is also an expression of our expectations. You should consider it an honor to have three instructors, so just give up on running away and diligently work hard.』

Teddy struggled to shake off his hand, but he soon had to give up. Just like that, he was held high with one hand and his feet were completely off the ground. The road to surpassing the three instructors seemed to be a difficult one.

『W-Wait, teacher Brian is going to participate in the training as well!? Against me alone!? That’s too sadistic …… Ronnyyy ……!! Why didn’t you join the Imperial Guards too …… The teachers would have praised your talent and good senses.』

Teddy looked at the grown-up Ronny resentfully, but Ronny calmly shook his head.

『…… I’m not cut out for fighting. I’m more interested in tending to the soil and the trees. I’m happy to see people feel at ease when they come to my garden and enjoy the delicious vegetables I’ve grown. Nothing makes me happier.』

His calm face was completely different from the fierce Ronny we saw in Countess Rosenthal’s memory, who jumped into the flames with their father in order to protect his older sister. But this is the kind of life he truly wanted.

The father in the illusion praised Ronny.

『…… Ronny has been rapidly improving his skills recently. The nobles who came to visit recently were impressed with the waterfall. Tom, the head gardener, also praised Ronny. Oh, but he asked me to keep it a secret, so as not to let Ronny get carried away ……』

『That strict person actually said that about me ……!!』

Ronny seemed to be very happy. His mouth curled into a grin and he clenched his fists over and over again. Seeing this, the white-bearded Brian deliberately raised his eyebrows and glanced at Teddy.

『…… Hoho, that obstinate old man actually said so. Well, it looks like Ronny will be the first to master his chosen path. Do you want to quit the special training? Teddy.』

A competitive flame ignites in Teddy’s eyes. Together, the two of them vowed to become outstanding men that won’t bring shame to their older sister Rona. The three old warriors are well aware that his pride will not allow him to be left behind.

『I’ll do it!! I’ll work hard!! I’m desperate to do it!! Feel free to squeeze me as much as you want!! But after the special training, Marielle-san!! Please give me treatment!! I don’t want to be in pain all the time!!』

『…… Haaa, it can’t be helped then.』

The brown-bearded Bill let out a sigh at Teddy’s lackluster declaration of determination.

After everyone burst into laughter at those words, father spoke.

『…… Ronny, Teddy, I’m counting on you. Please continue to support our family. And now that you two have become strong, it’s your turn to protect Rona, who has protected you two all these years.』

『Yes!!』

『Even at the cost of my life, I’ll definitely do it.』

With cheeks flushed with emotion, both of them stood up straight and answered immediately with renewed vows. The three old warriors nodded in satisfaction at the expression on their faces, which showed not a single hesitation.

『…… Ronny …… Teddy ……』

Rona burst into tears at the gallant appearance of her younger brothers, who had grown up into excellent men and had overtaken her before she knew it. At that moment, the twin babies that Rona was holding in her arms reached out their hands and made a motion to try to wipe away Rona’s tears.

Marielle was impressed.

『This is a surprise. They are trying to comfort Rona-chan at this age. They are kind and smart children. Just like Wendell-sama and madam. And also like their older sister Scarlet-sama.』

Me!? Come to think of it, in this world, I ……!! Ah, there she is. This world’s Scarlet was hiding behind Mary’s skirt. She seems a little shy. And somewhat lacking in facial expression. Without the 「108 times」 loop memory and personality, this is what I would be like at about 4 years old.

Ehh, not to be outdone by my younger brothers, I’m standing on tiptoes and trying to wipe Rona’s tears. Am I an idiot!? There’s no way I can reach that height!! My calves are shaking from standing on tiptoes. Stop it!! I’ll die of embarrassment!!

Unable to just watch this situation, Mary put her hands on both sides to support her, and this time she turned around, wiped Mary’s cheek, and smiled smugly …… The objective has changed.

But still, that expressionless face and intense body language. Together with that red hair and red eyes, she looks just like father when he was a toddler. I’m worried about my future on this world line. On the other hand, my younger brothers are adorable even though they are still babies.

Overcome with emotion, Rona prayed for my younger brothers.

『…… Ahh, I pray that the young masters will be blessed with happiness in their lives. There are many difficult things in the world, but it’s okay. After all, there are such kind people around the two of you. I’m sure you’ll be happier than anyone else ……』

『Above all, Rona-san, who loves the young masters so much, will be by their side!!』

Said Mary with a smile. Rona looked like she was about to cry, then she tried her best to smile.

『Thank you, Mary-san. Just like Mary-san did for young lady Scarlet, I will do my best to take care of the young masters with all my love. So, I pray that these children will grow up to be as strong as the duke, as noble as madam, and as kind as young lady Scarlet ……』

Rona pressed her cheek against my younger brothers.

Everyone was smiling as they looked at the scene.

A world where no one is unhappy ……

Heyy, the little me over there, don’t do that honey bee dance where you put your hands on your hips and wiggle your butt because you’re so happy to be praised. Read the situation. Besides, the trajectory of the dance shouldn’t be in an ‘o’ shape but ‘s’ shape.

Embracing the warmth of the babies, Rona closed her eyes and murmured dreamily.

『Ahh, it’s so warm. Right now …… I am so happy …… If it’s a dream, please don’t let me wake up ……』

…… Immediately after that, the scene that never actually happened abruptly vanished from our sight, like the last rays of light seen by the little match girl.

Instead, what we saw was the figure of Countess Rosenthal, cruelly stained with blood and about to draw her last breath. The merciless reality burst back in.

Mother and I couldn’t stop crying.

Because we realized instinctively that the illusion that had just been shown to us was what Countess Rosenthal had truly wished for when she was Rona.

It’s okay if she doesn’t get married to her first love. She just wants to serve him forever, protect his family, and live happily with the people she loves. That’s all she wanted ……!!

To think that such a simple scene was the wish that the woman who rose to the rank of countess in her lifetime really wanted to make come true ……!! And yet, she was tossed about by fate and continued to struggle in the darkness of the power struggle. Causing her to be called a wicked woman ……!!

Countess Rosenthal, who was lying down, opened her closed eyelids and blinked slowly.

「…… It’s ridiculous. Don’t be absurd. Do you think such a thing is worthy of me who is a countess and the former king’s favorite mistress …… something like this ……」

She saw the same illusion as we did.

However, contrary to the words she said, her tone was exceedingly gentle.

「…… What a simple ……」

Countess Rosenthal closed her eyes. The corners of her mouth slowly curled into a smile. It was such a beautiful and content smile.

「…… and happy dream ……」

…… After she murmured that, her eyelids never opened again.

No matter how much father wailed as he hugged her.
No matter how much mother cried and shouted as she clung to her.

Countess Rosenthal, who was famous as ‘the poisonous scorpion of high society’ and an atrocious wicked woman, passed away quietly with a shy smile on her face like a young girl.