Moonlight Ball - Chapter 145

It was Rosalyn who fell victim to Margaret’s wrath that day. The younger woman was a contrast to Margaret in every way, naïve and gentle whereas Margaret was cruel and calculating. But it was precisely that innocence that made her vulnerable, and Margaret sensed it.

Rosalyn had always been destined for marriage, a fact that Justina, her older sister, had accepted. But as the years passed, and Rosalyn remained unmarried, Justina’s resolve began to falter. She loved her sister dearly and could not bear to see her suffer, but finding a suitable match proved insurmountable.

Margaret saw an opportunity in Rosalyn’s vulnerability and lashed out at her with all her might. The insults were cutting, and the workers could see the hurt in Rosalyn’s eyes. But when Rosalyn stumbled and tore Margaret’s new dress, the situation turned ugly.

“I’ve wanted a black hair wig since I was little,” Rosalyn declared, and with a swift motion, she cut off her hair. It was a moment of defiance, of taking control of her life in the only way she knew how. Margaret’s revenge had backfired, and in the end, Rosalyn emerged stronger, while Margaret was left to nurse her wounded pride once more.

Rosalyn, the second daughter of Count Taverin, had the means to indulge in the finest luxuries, yet she chose not to burden her family, having seen her elder sister toil hard for their sustenance. Unfortunately, Rosalyn found herself in a hostile environment, which drove her to make a poor decision. She was dragged into a dress shop by her hired men, and before she could object, her acquaintance Margaret came and hacked off her hair with her sewing shears. Rosalyn left the shop in a daze, believing that the Duke of Genes wouldn’t cause her any trouble if she remained patient.

Later, Rosalyn recounted her ordeal in the presence of her sister Justina, the queen, Iris, the Duchess Sethang, and the Marchioness of Laisan. Iris was taken aback by Rosalyn’s shorn hair and overall appearance, wondering how many others in Serra Lons suffered similarly for the sake of their families. She couldn’t help but question why the victims must always change instead of the perpetrators.

As Rosalyn quivered with fear, Iris remembered the childhood trauma inflicted by Margaret, Rosalyn’s acquaintance. Iris couldn’t understand why Margaret still took pleasure in causing harm, and why some people refused to change their ways.

Iris looked at Rosalyn with concern and asked if she could grow her hair back. Rosalyn’s face, resembling that of the Virgin Mary, reflected her desire for long hair, even if it meant enduring some pain. Iris warned her that it might hurt a bit, but Rosalyn was resolute in her decision. Witnessing the nobility’s complex social norms and how they attached significance to trivial matters, Iris couldn’t help but feel sorry for Rosalyn.

As the queen recited an ancient language, all t

The aristocratic women in the room felt a surge of magical energy, causing the queen’s body to vibrate with energy. As Rosalyn’s hair grew longer, Iris could sense the pain and discomfort she was feeling. Forcibly growing part of the body often causes agony to the subject, and Iris felt Rosalyn’s nails dig into the back of her hand as she held it. Despite the pain, Iris continued to cast the spell, hoping to alleviate Rosalyn’s distress.

As the process continued, Iris wondered why only the victims had to suffer, and why the perpetrators never changed. She wished she could heal Rosalyn’s broken heart with magic, but she lacked that ability. She tapped the back of Rosalyn’s hand, encouraging her to endure just a little bit longer.

Iris picked up her pace, eager to reach the end. Despite Rosalyn’s increasing discomfort, she clung to Iris’s hand without a word of protest.

Margaret sat nervously in the drawing room, feeling the scrutinizing gazes of the other ladies on her. She stiffened her head, refusing to be intimidated. She wondered briefly if she should feel remorse for cutting off Rosalyn’s black hair, but quickly dismissed the thought as ridiculous. After all, she was the Duchess. And soon, she would have everything she desired. Hadn’t she even stooped to perform unspeakable acts for Duke Genes just yesterday?

As for her husband, Margaret had no intention of abandoning him this time but rather planned to leave him herself. She refused to consider the idea of divorce, preferring to think of it as bereavement. All she had to do was be patient a little longer. When all was said and done, everything would be hers.

Margaret clenched her fists under the table as the parlor door opened and the noble ladies rose to their feet. The queen entered first, followed by her two ladies-in-waiting. Then came Taverin, Rosalyn. Margaret’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of her. How could that b*tch’s hair be so perfect? Margaret still had it in her possession.

Rosalyn’s long black hair was intricately twisted up and adorned with a fresh flower. She looked radiant as she thanked everyone for coming, but her gaze lingered on Margaret, sparking a silent confrontation between the two women.

A moment of transformation for an ignorant aristocratic lady, as she becomes a true lady.

Iris turned to Rosalyn and asked, “Will you come tomorrow?” Rosalyn was the only person the shy queen had taken a personal interest in, apart from the Duchess Sethang or the Marchioness of Laisan. Unaware of the power dynamics in noble society, Iris was only concerned about Rosalyn’s well-being. However, Rosalyn was no longer the same person she was just a few days ago.

Rosalyn gazed at the queen, who had shown concern for her and saved her from her predicament. Rosalyn’s sister had always claimed that she would do anything for their family, but at that moment, Rosalyn realized that she was willing to give up everything for the man she loved.

The queen smiled softly, waiting for Rosalyn’s answer. As she did, Iris noticed a red mark on the back of the queen’s hand, a result of her fingernails digging into her skin. Despite the scars on her body, the queen made no complaints.

Rosalyn bowed to the queen, showing the highest manners. When she looked up, she saw the queen smiling, although she seemed a little tired. “See you tomorrow,” the queen said with a soft smile.

As Rosalyn watched the Duchess Ce adjust the queen’s dress, she made a silent vow that no one would ever touch her again, except for the person she loved. She glared directly at Margaret in Sarah, a woman who was not a duchess and was nothing more than the daughter of a Korean-American count, and a divorced woman who had been left by a merchant. Cold energy emanated from Rosalyn’s slender body.