This BL Novel Is Ruined Now [Book 2]

183

About two months before the ‘chocolate remark’…

In a basement so deep that even the faintest glimmer of light struggled to reach, the space, dependent solely on weak illumination, resembled an interrogation room. Or perhaps more fittingly, a secret chamber for forbidden studies into dark magic.

In other words, it was hardly a place fit for human habitation.

Reina Chantra, the mistress of the ‘13th Month’s Palace,’ sat there confidently, chin propped on her hand, rhythmically tapping her fingers.

“I knew it. Ferrero Rosé came from Rosénia.”
{ t/n: previously translated as roché because i assumed it followed the real world brand’s spelling. the korean spelling didn’t help either lol }

Responding to her quiet musings observation, Leo, standing opposite her, bowed his head and answered.

“They were so careful about accidentally revealing the source. However, they never forgot that it was through the grace of His Highness Benedict that they were allowed to establish themselves in the Empire.”

“So they only acknowledged the truth after receiving His Highness’s secret missive?”

“Yes.”

“Ah, seriously… If they wanted to hide it so badly, they shouldn’t have named it Ferrero ‘Rosé’ in the first place. And what’s with that? The Grand Duke already knew, but he waited for us to figure it out on our own? That man is really beyond me. It’s not like he’s training a puppy to potty train.”

“Ferrero Rosé claims that the name ‘Rosé’ is a pride they cannot abandon. And perhaps His Highness wanted humans to unite on their own.”

“And yet, why give out a secret missive? I seriously can’t understand him,” Reina grumbled, genuinely confused.

Leo smiled softly at her complaint.

“But thanks to that, our task has become easier.”

“That’s exactly why I’m frustrated. Why make us go the long way for something that could have been straightforward from the get-go? Does he find amusement in tormenting us?”

Releasing a heavy sigh, Reina unwound her clenched hand and slammed the documents on the table.

“Have the other Rosénia descendants been identified?”

“I’m sorry, not yet.”

Unfortunately, even the grand duke had no more information on that matter.

“When I flew to the Ladici Empire after finding out that Rosé was in trouble, Rosénia was already in ruins…”

It’s said that only Rosé, who was kept in prison, and the food and beverage division, deemed the least important, had been able to evade thorough searches. That’s how they were able to escape.

As a result, their whereabouts remained unknown, and the subsequent dark ages of the Ladici Empire only drove them deeper into obscurity.

Tracing them was practically impossible.

“To think Carly’s mother is Rosé…”

“But by the way, where’s Rosé? Didn’t she get rescued?”

“You saw her.”

“…Pardon?”

“The day you nearly died, remember? Carly introduced her to you.”

“……”

Truly, this world was a relentless parade of surprises. One headline-worthy story after another, without a moment’s rest.

But the things that confused her didn’t end there.

“What the heck happened for this to occur…”

How could a person from two hundred years ago still be alive and well now?

Considering that Carly himself was an exceptional being, it seemed plausible that his appearance and actual age might be different. Moreover, given the characteristics of the dragonfolk, one couldn’t simply regard him as a young child by human standards.

‘Still though, it wouldn’t be impossible to say that Carly must be over fifty years old, right?’

Or, didn’t that mean he hadn’t aged for at least an entire century?

‘Oh, wait.’

If Rosé had the appearance of her younger self, then she’s been asleep even longer, right?

“Ah, forget it. It’s too complicated. What in the world is going on?”

Recently, from Ethan’s ‘I can hear people’s true feelings’ story, and then the tales of Rosé, everything was just a bunch of mysteries.

The problem was, each matter was so sensitive that it’s not easy to ask about them.

“Lady Reina.”

Just then, a voice broke through her deep thoughts.

“We’re considering expanding the search area.”

“Ah… Yes. Please do that, Director Leo.”

“Then, do you plan to invite the people of Ferrero Rosé to the Palace of the Thirteenth Moon?”

The woman, questioned, slightly tilted her head and pursed her lips.

“Well, yes, but… it seems we’ll need a bit of trickery.”

.

.

.

So, back to the present.

“A reward? Really?”

“Yes. What do you desire?”

“Will you grant anything I wish for?”

“Let’s hear it first. What do you want?”

“Then, chocolate!”

“Re, Reina…! You, youuuu…!”

“M-Minister! Please calm yourself!”

“I wish to collaborate with Ferrero Rosé, Your Majesty!!”

“Reinaaaa…!”

THUD!

Eventually, Viscount Ruzest fell backward while still clutching his neck.

“M…Minister!! Call for a healer, quick!”

Amidst the chaos of the state council, with officials of the Ministry of Education frantically shouting for attendants, Benedict watched the entire scene, muttering under his breath.

“What a complete mess, an utter mess.”

* * *

The meeting was eventually suspended, thanks in part to Viscount Ruzest, who had collapsed, his body flushed red.

Due to the disrupted atmosphere, the emperor temporarily halted the meeting, and the officials headed to the private lounges.

“Director Reina.”

With Ethan temporarily away due to the ‘forest rapids’ issue, Reina headed alone to the private lounge, but she had to turn around at the sound of a familiar voice.

“It’s been a while, Reina.”

It was her former superior, Minister Grace Leicester Bohr, along with officials from the Ministry of Health.