HOWSH~09

~Chapter 9~

But I couldn’t immediately resolve all the questions swirling in my mind. I vaguely remembered listening to His Majesty’s toast and leaving the banquet hall, only to lie down in bed and fall into a peaceful sleep.

Damn it. What kind of “surprise” was this?

The notice delivered moments ago by a staff member returning from the dormitory was nothing short of shocking. Even after tearing the paper into pieces, I couldn’t fully collect myself.

…This can’t be happening.

Knock. Knock.

“Rose, you in there?”

“…?”

The footsteps moving across the room abruptly stopped. I withdrew my fingers from between my teeth, which I had been nervously gnawing on.

That voice… it was Isid.

The morning bell hadn’t even rung for an hour before he called out in his usual cheerful tone. The reason for his visit was obvious.

“Can I come in? I have something to tell you.”

“…Yeah. Come in.”

“Thanks.”

No sooner had I given my permission than—sure enough—the ever-smiling Isid Fernando stepped into the room, grinning from ear to ear.

“Rose!”

“Huh. You’re here.”

His bangs were still damp, as if he’d dashed out straight after washing his face. His golden hair was messy, his uniform poorly fitted and creased, and the buttons mismatched.

I lowered my gaze and blinked in disbelief. What the hell happened to him?

“Isid, what’s with your appearance? And that look on your face?”

I glared at him, trying to stiffen my expression, but it was useless. Isid’s bright, cheerful face only widened in response.

“Come on, Rose. Do you really want to give a guest who’s come rushing to celebrate good news such a cold reception?”

“Good news?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

“Save the complaints for later. First, hug me.”

Before I could protest, he reached out, wrapped his arms around me, and pulled me into a tight embrace. My personal space vanished instantly, the sharp scent of citrus filling my senses.

Ugh. The fragrance was overwhelming.

I froze in the hug, pinching my nose slightly.

“…Isid.”

“Hm?”

“If you don’t want to get hurt, let go of my hand.”

“…Hm?”

Though I tried not to show it, the hug was painfully tight. If it weren’t for being trapped in his arms, I might have slapped him. My hands wriggled helplessly, and a small sigh brushed against my ear.

Apparently, he had realized his overzealousness. Slowly, he released me, letting go of my shoulder, looking slightly embarrassed.

Really… who hugged whom first?

“…Was I the only one who got too excited?”

“Probably.”

“Sorry, Rose. I got carried away… I was just so happy.”

“Fine. I allowed you in, after all.”

Even if it was improper for someone dreaming of early retirement to act this way, I didn’t mind. After all, this was Isid Fernando we were talking about.

I stepped back and brushed off my clothes. The lingering sharp scent seemed to cling to me, even reaching my chest.

“You… seriously, how much lemon fragrance did you pour on yourself?”

“Oh… it was an accident. I spilled it in my hurry to come running.”

“What?”

Isid coughed awkwardly. Spilling perfume in excitement… anyone who had romantic feelings for the meticulous Isid would have fainted at the sight. I glared at him, and he averted his eyes, a slight blush creeping across his ears.

Well, what’s the problem?

‘…If anything, the real problem is this.’

I sank onto the bed, a gloomy expression settling across my face, and lifted my right hand.

“Now then.”

Isid’s gaze slowly followed where I pointed. On the floor lay the torn remnants of a paper—the notice from earlier, ripped to pieces. I stared at the scraps, letting out a hollow laugh.

Of course, the pieces happened to include the words: “27th.”

“Do you dare to come here to congratulate me, Isid Fernando?” I continued, voice dry.

“…Well…”

“I understand your excitement. The news must have thrilled you so much that you dashed over, spilling perfume along the way, right?”

Normally, I might have laughed it off, joking with him. But now, I had no strength left.

Truthfully, extreme despair often invites unreal emotions. Even now, it felt surreal.

“A grace period… what kind of nonsense is that?”

“…Still, I wanted to congratulate you, Rose.”

“Congratulate me? For my tragedy?”

I glared sharply, and Isid froze, arms wrapping around himself as if struck by some unseen force.

“You… sometimes give off this killing intent, even without being an offensive type. Or maybe it’s the aura only the highest-level healer could emit.”

“….”

His hands faltered. I let the blanket I had been clutching fall. Surprisingly, Isid was unlikely to notice my inner turmoil.

Still, a gnawing unease lingered. Memories flashed unbidden through my mind—unpleasant memories. Pressed lips, suffocating heat, blindingly white light… I never wanted to relive any of that.

“Is that all you wanted to say?”

“Huh? No.”

“What else is there?”

Startled, I lifted my head. Isid smiled, calm as ever, but the feeling was ominous.

“I heard that even during the grace period, the work content stays the same. Right?”

“Yeah. The tasks are the same.”

“Good. Then we’ll just go together to greet them.”

“Greet…?” Before I could ask, Isid extended his hand. He straightened his crooked tie and shrugged his shoulders casually.

“Get up, Rose.”

“….”

“They’ve finally appointed someone to the vacant team leader position.”

Bad omens never arrive for no reason.

“You’ll probably be shocked when you see them.”

I don’t remember how I changed out of my thin shawl and pajamas, but somehow, I was walking alongside Isid, traversing endless corridors, until we reached the security department. My heart pounded.

“Rose… aren’t you coming in?”

“….”

The grand doorknob, engraved with a majestic lion, creaked as the door slowly swung open. Isid, checking the time nervously, turned to look at me.

I swallowed hard, staring at the threshold. The polished silver entrance seemed unusually forbidding today.

Perhaps Isid’s earlier words didn’t help.

‘The team leader position, vacant for three years, suddenly has someone new.’

I had no words for this sudden change. The Belos Territory was close to the royal palace, and security was taken seriously. The team had been composed of highly capable individuals, and the leader position had been intentionally left vacant to avoid hierarchical conflict.

And now… this sudden change? There had been no notice.

After yesterday… after everything that happened, I couldn’t feel anything but unease. Everyone had lost their memory except me.

A sense of foreboding had long since seeped from my toes to every corner of my body.

I couldn’t bring myself to rejoice at this personnel announcement. Something was off. Really off.

I had commanded Carlos to intervene to prevent future troubles—but who could have foreseen that it would backfire so thoroughly?

“Huuh…”

“Rose?”

I pressed my hand to my forehead. My instincts screamed: I don’t want to go in.

But I couldn’t skip a scheduled meeting just because of my personal feelings.

“…No. Go in.”

My decision was made. I brushed my bangs aside and stepped forward, following Isid toward the office.

Just then, something solid brushed against my back. A cold wind curled around my neck.

“You don’t want to go in, do you?”