Blood In Rose

Chapter 41

"I do. Something that has been handed down to Tatiana's descendant for generations..."

It's the pendant that has been said that Tatiana, who has been captured and executed, left for her sister.

(But the pendant is...)

I lost the pendant right before or after I entered this castle.

"Hey Alfred. Do you remember me wearing a pendant when I came here?"

"It's just like your pocket watch...round...and gold..."

"With a red gem?"

"You know it? Where did you see it?"

"Long time ago... I used to see Tatiana wearing it."

Alfred softens his expression with longing eyes.

"Good. It has been inherited to you, then..."

"But, I didn't see you wearing it."

"I see... I know I was wearing it until I entered the castle."

"If you lost it after you came into this castle, we should be able to find it here."

"Let's find your pendant first."

"Thanks, Alfred..."

"I'm the one who should be thanking you because after all you're helping me so I could take a step forward to the Rose Garden."

Alfred holds me tight.

"Alfred..."

"What?"

"Did you Tatiana?"

(Since Rupert told me that I couldn't be Alfred's No.1, I have been thinking that Tatiana might be his No.1.)

(And... He looked so tender when he was recalling Tatiana...)
(A/N: Aha! I knew you were jealous!
Mina: I am so not!!
Lil Cutie: What ever you say honey.
Mina: I told you! I'm NOT jealous!!)

"Well... I liked her, but it's a completely different feeling from one that I have towards you."

"I told you. It's not because you are Tatiana's descendant, but because you are who you are and that's why I want you."

"Alfred..."

Fraught with great emotion, I can't help but ask him.

"Hey, your feelings for me, could it be... Is that..."

(... Does he mean that he loves me?)