KILL the ROSE [Chapter 2 - I am an Etiquette Teacher?]

[Free talk: This series has mature content that might not be appropriate for very young readers.]
 
Narration: “I have met a lot of women. I have also possessed a lot of women. But, there was never a woman whom I truly love... That is, she doesn’t exist until now.” Louis is stunned upon seeing Eyde. He wonders, “A doll? No, human? This kind of appearance...

...Ivory silver hair. Like an ornate artwork. Gem-like eyes. All these indicate that she is a member of the royal family— Without a doubt, she is Eyde Adelheit, this country’s queen. But how come the queen is having an afternoon nap in the gardens...” Eyde looks at him and asks, “Who are you?”

Snapping out of it, Louis immediately bends on one knee and holds her hand. He says, “It is the first time we met. From today on, I’ll assume the post of an etiquette teacher at Your Majesty’s side--” Eyde quickly grabs the sword beside her and swings it at Louis. Louis manages to back away but the sword nicks his face.

Aghast Louis freaks out because this [face] is his number one means of earning money! Standing up, Eyde points her sword at Louis and asks, “Are you that old geezer’s son? Yes?” Holding his wound, Louis says about that, he thinks that there is a misunderstanding...

Eyde tells him, “Go back and tell your father that I won’t marry you!” Puzzled Louis thinks, “Marry?? How cruel!? My mission is obviously seducing the queen!!” Eyde shouts that if he understands, then quickly get lost!! Louis tries to explain that he thinks that there is some misunderstanding...

Eyde is startled when she hears someone shouting, “Your Majesty! Where are you? Your Majesty!” Pointing towards a woman, Louis says that it seems that person is looking for you... Eyde quickly hides in the bushes.

A glasses woman calls out to Louis, “Can I disturb you for a while but have you seen Her Majesty the queen? It is already time for her to have a gathering with an honored guest yet I couldn’t find where Her Majesty is...” Eyde grabs Louis’ coattail. Louis sweatdrops.

He smiles and apologizes to the glasses woman because he didn’t see the queen. Glasses woman sighs, “Really... This is the first time, and I don’t know where she ran off to.. By the way... It seems that it is the first time I have seen you. You are...”

Bowing to her, Louis says that he has been quite rude. “I’m Louis January. I have been appointed to be Her Majesty’s etiquette teacher. From here on, I’ll conduct guidance regarding necessary etiquette during social interactions, dancing, among others.”

Glasses woman says that she already received his recommendation letter. “I’m Marion Yus** the palace’s chief attendant. If I could, I would want to have a long chat with you. *looking around* But, it is of vital importance that I must find Her Majesty...” [**guesswork surname]

Eyde lightly tugs Louis’ coattail again. Louis tells Marion to let him search for Her Majesty here. “As chief attendant, you should first go inside the courtyard and search. What do you think?” Marion asks if he can help her? To her surprise, Louis holds her hands and says. “I’ll be honored if I can be of help to you, my lady.”

Marion quickly pulls her hands away and exclaims, geez, then, if he were to find Her Majesty first, please quickly inform her! Louis says of course. After she left, Luis tells Eyde that she can come out now since there shouldn’t be any problem now.

Going out the bushes, Eyde says yes. “I’ll be troubling you, ‘etiquette teacher’.” Louis replies that this is something he should do, ‘Your Majesty’. “Is the misunderstanding already resolved?” Eyde says yes...for the time being. “In short, I’ve been saved--”

Eyde is walking away when Louis quickly grabs her wrist. Eyde shouts, such a rude servant-- Louis gestures for her to be quiet. He points at the side. The other maids are running around and calling out for Eyde. Cornering her to the tree, Louis says even if it is very disrespectful but he thinks that it would be better for her to stay here for a while.

Eyde hesitantly agrees with him. Louis is happy with this development since he managed to naturally shorten their distance. “Please forgive me. I’m going to try open her heart.” Louis says, “Since you really detest it, the palace’s noble guest is your candidate for marriage?”

Looking away, Eyde says that it has nothing to do with him. Louis tells her would it be better to freely choose love. Eyde is puzzled. Louis explains that it is a political marriage kind of thing when a country’s ruler marries someone one doesn’t love... “Honestly speaking, I don’t approve of it.”

Eyde asks him even if this isn’t the job of an etiquette teacher... He tells her something about being a modern man who is teaching etiquette. [?] Eyde says that he is saying some interesting things but she is in favor of political marriage. This surprises Louis.

Eyde continues to say that if she can attain political benefit from the marriage, then she would even marry a hundred times for it. Louis asks, “Even if there is no love... it is also okay?” Eyde answers, “Love? You...are really a romanticist. *Louis helplessly smile* You are simply my etiquette teacher, that’s all. *waving him off* In the position of royalty, one isn’t committed to love affairs [/personal considerations].”

Louis says that for her to run away from being under the eyes of the chief attendant, that kind of attitude isn’t quite like a royalty. This surprises Eyde as she starts to leave. Louis says that right now, the people around her are looking for her. “I am simply protecting you.”

He tries to hold her but Eyde quickly turns around and shouts, “You’re prohibited from touching me without consent!!” With that, Eyde gives him a hard kick on the groin. Holding his groin, Louis thinks, “My number two means of earning money...”

As he bends down in pain, Eyde goes hmph and quickly climbs up the tree. Louis is shock. “So fast! She’s like a squirrel!” On top of the tree, Eyde tells him to keep watch for her down there as she rests for a while here. Lying down, she tells him that he ought to be able to do this easy thing. This irks Louis.

He starts shouting, “Chief attendant Marion, she’s here! Her Majesty is here! *this surprises Eyde* Right now, Adelheit’s queen, Eyde Adelheit Her Majesty—is on top of this tree!” Sitting up Eyde shouts, “You bastard, immediately keep your mouth shut right now!”

Louis continues to shout, “Chief attendant! Please quickly come over here!” Eyde quickly jumps down the tree and says, you bastard. She holds up her sword at laughing Louis and says, “I want to kill you-” Marion shouts, “I found you, Your Majesty!”

Marion quickly grabs Eyde from behind and carries her. “I caught you and I absolutely won’t let you escape again.” Pointing at Louis, Eyde shouts, “You unexpectedly went against a royal order!?”

Louis replies, “In accordance to the royal family’s etiquette, a royalty cannot back out on an agreement one has made with someone. As a royalty, one must dress up neatly. *Eyde curses*...

...As long as the other isn’t one’s married partner, one isn’t allowed to lie down in front of someone else. *sparkling and smiling* I’m an etiquette teacher who is currently doing an etiquette lesson for Her Majesty.”

Eyde bites her lips. Trembling she curses him, “Da..darn it. Bastard. I’ll absolutely going to kill you.” And, she was carried off by Marion. In the palace, Louis stands outside the door. There are a lot of screaming inside. “Let me go!” “Ah!” “Your Majesty!”

Marion goes out and thanks Louis for his help. Louis tells her that she’s welcome. Gesturing to the door where Eyde kept on shouting ‘bastard’, Louis says that it seems that he is hated by Her Majesty. Marion says that she had obviously already become a queen. “It’s possible that she is still not used to it.”

Inside, Eyde continues to shout, “You’re not allowed to touch me. Let me go!” Louis laughs and says, still not used to it huh... “Since when have you started staying at Her Majesty’s side?” Marion says that she started serving her since the time when Eyde is still a princess. “Until now, it is more or less...more than ten years already.”

Louis smiles and thinks that Marion is serving the queen for more than ten years? “So, that’s how it is-- *Marion looks puzzled as Louis keeps on looking at her* For her to serve the queen around the clock, she has very few opportunities meeting with men. Even if she dreams about it, she doesn’t think about having a love life. Hence, her experience in going steady with men is zero.”

Marion asks what is it, is there something on her face. Louis thinks that she is always assuming this sense of indifference--- Louis says yes, please don’t move. He takes off her glasses and happily smiles, “In the end, you’re cuter when you don’t wear your glasses.”

Marion blushes. Louis thinks that what’s needed is simply a bit of warmth and it can melt this iceberg. Louis apologizes for that is quite rude of him. “The face behind the glasses is so cute that I momentarily cannot restrain myself...”

Holding her glasses, Marion says no, no, it is alright... Louis thinks, “Unexpectedly, she restrained herself in an instant. This woman’s heart can be described as a defensive city. In order to protect herself from a man’s seduction, she padded out an ice-cold towering wall...

...*image of Marion standing on top of a castle wall* But, no matter what kind of iron wall it is, there is definitely a weak spot. *there is a hole in the wall* If the weak spot was to be constantly broken into then at the moment when the wall is broken into...”

“*the hole is attacked by a battering ram* I’ll capture the castle owner. Her present face will show humiliation and shame. *Marion being surrounded and looks at her captor* Soon after, it will show the eyes of being in love— I love the moment of surrender...

...The queen’s heart is pretty much a solid castle, too-- Ah, if I seriously use this strategy, surrendering would be a matter of time. Slowly until the end, I’ll definitely use this strategy on her... And in the end, she’ll become a pawn in my hand.”

Marion asks Eyde if she is ready. All dressed up Eyde comes out of the room. Louis looks at her and becomes mesmerized. Eyde sees him. She angrily glares at him and walks past him. Louis thinks about that? He hurries to follow Eyde but Marion stops him. She explains that the noble guest is there so he cannot go.

Louis says then, Marion has time right? “Regarding the lessons from today on, there are some things that he wants her to teach him...” Marion asks is that so? “Regarding Her Majesty? Afterwards, yes, indeed, there is some time...”

Louis leans to her and says, “No, no... Miss Marion, if you don’t come then I’ll be very troubled.” Later on, they are in a stable. Louis gives her a long kiss. As he sits her on a stack of hay, Marion says no, this is no good, an attendant is forbidden to fall in love.

Louis says he knows. “For ten years, complying with this idiotic rule is like being bounded by a rope, right? Have you tried giving time for yourself?” As Louis removes her clothes, Marion asks, idiotic...? She looks at him and says indeed...perhaps, it has been a long time already... And, Louis embraces her.

Later on, the two are lying naked. Louis says good job for all this 10 years of work. Marion admits that while in the palace, she never had time for herself. “Her Majesty will also always give you trouble... Her Majesty is quite headstrong... Honestly, I’ll soon lose my patience.”

Louis agrees with her. “By the way, isn’t Her Majesty really amazing, she is simply well-matched with a squirrel.” Marion agrees with him. Louis asks her if Eyde is originally like that. Marion says that she’s a very strange person, right.

“Yes... In the ‘palace’, in this kind of place, all sorts of things happen. Inside the palace, I have seen all sorts of things that it makes my blood run cold [/hair stand on the end]...

...Her Majesty is very hard to read and understand but compared to anyone else, she lives perfectly upright and compared to anyone else, it’s very difficult... If it is possible, I hope that I can still serve at Her Majesty’s side after she gets married.”

Recalling Eyde’s reaction earlier about not wanting to marry him, Louis asks Marion if today’s noble guest is related to a marriage with Her Majesty? Marion says yes.

“Since you already know about this then, it cannot be helped. Fine, I’ll tell you something but don’t tell it to anymore. Just behind the garden’s pavilion where there is a secret dinner, the person she’ll be with is-- Foreign affairs minister*, Tequila-sama.” [*I’ll change chancellor to minister]

Narration: “‘Tequila’ is one of the three ministers who act as the country’s regent. He is both young and handsome. An outstanding diplomat. Among the three ministers, he is the most popular among the masses...

...But, in order to stand out among his peers, whether it is his subordinates, friends or family, he had them all ‘sold off’. Because he is very greedy and such a schemer over power and money, the people gave him the nickname of ‘Glutton Tequila’.”

At the pavilion, Tequila takes a bite of his steak and tells Eyde that the taste is not bad at all. Eyde tells him that some time had passed since she saw him and he had grown a lot thinner. “It is better if you eat a lot more, Lord Tequila. And, the one at your side is...”

The boy introduces himself as Corey. [Corey Cullman, Tequila’s oldest son] Tequila says that it is almost time for him to go into today’s main topic. “Your Majesty, you are already of age when you should marry. As early as now, you should think about giving birth to an heir. There is a formidable strong candidate here you see...what do you think?”

Corey sheepishly smiles. Eyde takes a bite of her steak. Holding her sharp fork, Eyde chews and says, “You want your son to become my husband?” Tequila tells her that Corey is an intelligent and healthy child. “And if Your Majesty would agree to this marriage.”

Standing behind a tree, Louis eavesdrops on them. Eyde says so that’s how it is. “I felt it was strange when the three ministers are outdoing one another in requesting to have a formal dinner with me. It turns out that it is for my future husband. And, it looks like everyone is very anxious?”

Tequila says that Chrysler’s son is very stupid. “He is a stupid muscled idiot. Oberto, that man is already old. He only has an adopted son and has no biological son.”

Louis thinks so that’s why that old geezer sent him here. “The time when the three ministers’ alliance of holding power together in order to control the country will soon be over... Step by step, this man wants to seize the country’s political power.”

Tequila says that compared to anyone else, he thinks that his son is the most suitable one to become the queen’s husband. Corey happily says, “Not only that, father and the country will also...” Eyde kicks Corey under the table. This causes Corey to wince in pain as his father wonders what’s up with him.

Drinking her wine, Eyde asks if he is finished with his proposal. Stabbing his steak, Tequial says no, what this marriage will set up is— “Chrysler and Oberto’s political power will be offered up to you... *Eyde and Louis look surprised* I want a bilateral profit so what do you think?”

Louis clenches his fist and thinks that if the queen agrees to this condition then he’ll be... Wiping her mouth, Eyde exclaims, “Fine!” This shocks Louis and delights the father-son. Tequila says, “That is a very wise choice, Your Majesty.”

Eyde says that she has conditions. Pointing at Corey, Eyde says, “Even if we are already married, I won’t go to bed with you.” Corey tries to protest but Eyde kicks him again under the table.

Eyde says, “I’m not finished talking. After the marriage, your family’s assets and territories, all of it will be handed over to me. Everyone in your clan will forever leave this country. What do you think of this proposal?” The father-son look stunned.

Tapping the table, Tequila tells her to please don’t do a ‘beating around the bush’ rejection. Eyde asks if she calmly accepts it, would he feel happy? Slamming on the table, Eyde shouts, “You want to use me to drive back the two ministers and swallow up this country!”

Tequila asks if it is so, whose son would she prefer to marry? Scowling Eyde exclaims, “Then, I won’t marry! It isn’t necessary to lean and borrow a husband’s strength. I will use my own power and take back this country from your [ministers] hands!”

Tequila says that she is choosing a path that is filled with thorns... “What can you do without any foundation, not having any other comrades, and staying all alone in the palace?” Eyde shouts, “I don’t need you to worry about me, you stupid snake*!” Tequila is stunned.

Eyde thumbs down at Corey and shouts, “The same goes for you, earthworm*!” [In Chinese, it is a profanity which seems unlikely uttered during that time so I checked what the original Jap used ^^;] Corey trembles over being called that. Louis thinks that no matter what, there’s no need to be so cruel to say that.

Standing up, Tequila says that he’ll take his leave for now. As he leaves with his aghast son, Tequila tells Eyde that if she changes her decision, then please contact him as soon as possible. Eyde scowls as she watches them leave.

Later on, Eyde sits by herself. Louis is still watching. Eyde says out loud, “There’s no one whom I can trust. If at that time, it wasn’t me but rather, [older] brother who lived, would they still hijack this country? They won’t, right... *clenches her skirt* Wearing the queen clothes...how can I be a ‘ruler’...”

Louis blushes and his heart beats loudly. He starts slapping his face and wonders what to do. “I have to pull myself together! The opportunity is now!” Putting Eyde’s cape on her, Louis says, “If it is Her Majesty, you are already an amazing ruler.” Eyde is surprised to see him. She shouts, “What, you, what are you doing here?!”

Louis smiles and says that it just so happened that he passed by and overheard it. “Sorry, Your Majesty. For refusing this marriage, things will become very difficult from today on. *Eyde is surprised* From today on, the three ministers will constantly pressure you to marry...

...Your Majesty, as a ruler, it is your duty to think over giving birth to an heir. It is very obvious that if you agree to this current marriage, you will become their puppet...”

Furious Eyde grabs his collar and shouts, “You’re annoying to death! Do not just talk here as you wish--” Louis smiles and continues, “But! I have a way that can resolve this current predicament.” Surprised Eyde asks what is it? Holding her wrist, Louis says “That is for Her Majesty and I to become lovers.” Eyde exclaims in disbelief.

Comment: It seems like love at first sight but Louis is ignoring it, rather suppressing it. After all, he has a task to accomplish and failure means death. And, apparently, Eyde isn’t easy to deal with like the other women he had seduced before. This one doesn’t believe in love.

Hehe, it must have been the first time a woman he touched casually had tried to killed him/wounded him and even kick his precious. ^^;; Even if Eyde is still immature and childish, she knows what she wants and won’t let others have their way with her.

Unfortunately for Marion, Louis used her to get more information about Eyde. She’ll realize that soon. And, she might be a problem for Louis later on. It is interesting though that even if she is having a hard time with Eyde, she wants to continue on serving her.

Apparently, from what they talked about, all the ministers are rotten people. We know what Oberto did to his wife in the last chapter. Here, we learn that Tequila will ‘sell’ anyone for his own benefit. Perhaps, it is karma that he got a timid son whom Eyde can easily deal with. Scans by 鴿子漢化组

Word of the day:

We all face difficulty. Perhaps you are in a crisis situation right now. You’re hurting and afraid. Even so, you can sing praise to the God of power, love, and mercy. Pause to remember that He can be trusted. It’s the right thing to do—and keep on doing—in a time of crisis. ~ Our Daily Bread