Into the Rose Garden Novel - Chapter 35

A report arrived stating that the revenue structure had significantly improved. Unnoticed financial problems were perfectly resolved, and Teiwind’s assets were expected to steadily increase without special investments. Along with it, a card with a time written on it was enclosed, just like last time.
“He’s notifying me unilaterally. He’s incredibly self-willed.”
He wasn’t particularly active in social circles. Still, as the renowned Count Teiwind, he received many invitations, and beyond that, he had a string of various committee activities and charity-related schedules he was obliged to attend. Even when not going out, he had to write replies to letters received, read newly bought books for intellectual pursuits, and had various busy engagements like exhibitions, shows, and concerts. Yet, that fellow completely disregarded his important schedule. It was as if no other schedule mattered, and Count Teiwind should only focus on him.
He rummaged through his diary, where he recorded major schedules and tasks.
“As expected, I have an important appointment on this day.”
Finding a welcome mark, Aeroc snorted. It was the day he was visiting the art museum. The museum director had hinted that new works by a promising new artist he had been eyeing had arrived. They had promised to show them to Aeroc before hanging them in the exhibition hall for public viewing. Since he could purchase them before anyone else in this process, he usually made sure to attend such preview showings. If there was another important appointment, he could postpone the museum visit by a day or two.
“But why should I?”
In terms of importance, that fellow was less than a speck of dust on a painting. It was that rude fellow, not the museum director, who should postpone his appointment.
He intended to write a reply saying that he had a prior engagement on that day and it would be difficult, so could they reschedule. Then, it suddenly occurred to him why he should go through polite coordination. A unilateral notification deserved a unilateral response. He tore the paper, which began with customary phrases, into two pieces. After throwing it into the shredder, Aeroc decided to spend the day enjoying a somewhat wicked impulse.
The first place he visited was, as expected, the art museum. Despite his abrupt announcement of a visit, the director, with perfect demeanor, courteously welcomed a very valuable client. The luxurious private room he always used was, without fail, prepared. Aeroc settled into a historic chair that countless art lovers had used in the past. He placed his silk hat and cane on the table where a cigarette case and ashtray lay.
“Let’s start a bit early today.”
He took off his gloves and cast a glance at the director. When the director signaled, the waiting museum staff brought in paintings one by one. The director, with a restrained yet courteous demeanor, explained the artist who painted the work and its history.
“This work boasts a romantic style…”
The pleasure of trivial revenge had somehow changed a little. As the impulsive anger subsided and he calmed down, the value of his actions was naturally re-evaluated. It was too childish for an adult, and too petty to be considered revenge against a detestable person. No matter how much Bendyke’s arrogance and rudeness bothered him, this method of retaliation was not befitting of Count Teiwind. Rather, it was petty and caused self-loathing.
“Count. How do you find this work?”
“The style is too strong and rough.”
The work he glanced at when called by the director was not to his liking. The clumsy painting, made of dark brown and gray, would only suit someone’s bleak office.
“It seems to have talent at first glance, but excessive confidence negates even the remaining charm. I dislike it very much.”
With a surge of emotion, he poured out harsh criticism. Then, as if he had been waiting, the director quickly brought out another work, saying, “I think so too.”
As the promised time approached, Aeroc began to lose his composure. He crossed and uncrossed his legs repeatedly, and tapped the armrest of the chair with the tip of his index finger. Somehow, the back of his neck felt cold, and occasionally, goosebumps ran up his skin for no reason.
The director, who shared a deep understanding of his preferred art world through a long-standing relationship of trust, introduced several carefully selected works. But none of them caught his eye. Before the last work was brought in, Aeroc finally stood up. The appointment time had long passed.
“Let’s call it a day.”
“I apologize for not being able to prepare something to your liking, Count. I will invite you again when a good work comes in.”
“No, don’t worry about it. It’s not a problem with your discernment, but my personal issue. I’ll drop by again next time.”
“Understood.”
The director personally opened the door for Aeroc as he left, carrying his silk hat and cane. The staff who were about to bring in new works calmly stepped aside. As he placed his hat on his head, he caught a glimpse of the painting. It was a landscape depicting spring, with rich colors, warm and delicate brushstrokes, and above all, the artist’s gentle affection for the subject. He wanted to look at it more closely, but it wasn’t the right situation. Aeroc looked back at the painting once more.
“I’ll come back to see that painting next time.”
“Understood.”
The director courteously saw Aeroc off.
Upon his return, Hugo met him at the entrance. He took the coat Aeroc handed him and, as expected, announced the guest’s arrival.
“He has been waiting for two hours. He says you had an appointment.”
However, Hugo had not received any word from his master about the guest. Of course, it was because Aeroc had deliberately not mentioned it. The capable butler said he had ushered him inside, considering that he was the master’s employee and had recently been maintaining personal contact.
“Well done. Is he in the Violet Room?”
“No. He’s in the study.”
“In the study?”
“Yes.”
“He strangely likes the study. He doesn’t particularly look like a scholar, though.”
“The Teiwind family’s study boasts such an excellent collection of books that intellectuals not only in the capital but throughout the entire empire envy it.”
The butler, who had great pride in the family he had served his whole life, replied in an elegant tone. But was Bendyke’s interest that of an ordinary intellectual? With a sense of bewilderment, Aeroc quickly walked to the study. He wanted to walk leisurely, but it didn’t work.
As he entered the study, he saw Bendyke’s back. He was sitting on the sofa, looking out the window. White smoke curled from the end of his left arm, which was draped over the comfortable leather armrest. A cigarette was between his index and middle fingers. The highly addictive indulgence was half-burnt. Several cigarette butts already lay in the crystal ashtray on the nearby table.
“No smoking in the study. It can damage the books.”
“Oh, is that so?”
Bendyke, without turning around, answered that way, yet didn’t stop smoking. Instead, he brought it to his mouth.
Sizzle.
The fine paper wrapped around the dried leaf powder crackled, letting out a faint scream. His apologies for making him wait were brief; Aeroc approached him without bothering to hide his displeasure.
“Hello. Did you enjoy your outing?”
Bendyke, who greeted him artfully, slightly curved the corners of his lips. His eyes didn’t smile at all. That difference made the surrounding air dangerously tremble. The thin smoke rising writhed, bending at the waist. Bendyke knew too well how to convey his intentions without speaking.
It was an unfair accusation. Aeroc had no obligation to accommodate unilateral notifications, and as the head of a family with a long history, he had social roles he was obliged to fulfill, so he firmly intended to draw a line, stating that he could not accept every demand from a mere employee.
But when Bendyke actually opened his mouth, he deviated from Aeroc’s expectations. He gestured with his chin towards the stack of books on the table next to him.
“They were interesting.”
His left hand, holding the cigarette, passed over them. The attitude of not caring if ash fell on the precious books was irritating. Aeroc picked up the books. Each one was a favorite among his favorite books, read countless times.
“How did you know?”
“Know what?”
His feigned ignorance was infuriating. Bendyke had chosen only Aeroc’s cherished books from this vast study. He clearly had someone’s help. Hugo? But Hugo wasn’t the type to chat with guests. He wondered how he knew.
“Are you saying it’s a coincidence that you picked only the books I cherish?”
“You told me yourself.”
A playful answer came, making him sick.
“If you don’t want to answer, just invoke your right to remain silent. The deception and mockery are already enough.”
His admonishing tone sounded cold even to himself. As if that wasn’t enough of a rebuke, Bendyke added, “It’s true.” His ridiculously serious demeanor made it even more absurd. So enraged, Aeroc roughly turned the pages of the book he was holding, almost tearing them.
“If I believed such words, what would be the difference between me and a legal incompetent?”
“Considering your financial sense alone, I’d say you’re quite close to a legal incompetent.”
“…That’s not what I meant.”
Caught off guard by the counterattack, Aeroc flared up a beat late.
“Anyway, I meet the Count in my dreams. Every day.”
“Ha! Not content with tormenting me like this, you even summon me in my dreams. As I’ve experienced, you’re tenacious. Treating me like a legal incompetent just because I’m not good with money games. I’m not curious at all, but please don’t unilaterally summon others into dreams that would only be filled with cold, desolate ledgers. It’s utterly unpleasant.”
Only emotion remained in his illogical outburst. There was no way to win against this insane person by dealing with him rationally anyway. When dealing with a madman, one needed a madman’s manners.
“I didn’t know my dreams would displease you so much. You must be tired. You’ve been reflecting on it for the past two hours.”
That wasn’t what he meant, but he didn’t feel like correcting it. He ground out the almost burnt cigarette in the ashtray and stood up. There was no proper etiquette to be found between a master and guest, employer and employee, despite the difference in status.
“I’ll go back today.”
His slow rising movement was like that of a beast. He buttoned his unbuttoned jacket. It looked like a hunting ritual.
He didn’t believe for a second that he would really leave without doing ‘anything’. As expected, Bendyke approached Aeroc. He wished his prediction had been wrong this time. Damn it.
The long fingers that had just held the cigarette tickled his nape and hair. When he looked up, the tar-boiling, swamp-like eyes he met conveyed an unspoken warning. A shadow slowly fell. His sharp nose bridge subtly approached. He was clearly going to kiss him.
Aeroc flinched and froze, and the other man also paused slightly. The pressure of the momentary silence felt like his lungs would be crushed at any moment.
The fingers stroking his neck moved, rubbing the prominent bone below his neck. His spine twitched minutely. Bendyke’s lips hovered just above Aeroc’s nose. He hesitated slightly, then let out a short sigh and kissed his forehead. A bitter, acrid scent lingered. If it were a manufactured perfume and Aeroc had the authority to name it, he would call it ‘Amon,’ the demon who governs gold and greed.
He was already exhausted from the uncomfortable half-day. The brief encounter with Bendyke completely depleted his remaining energy. His whole body felt heavy, like water-soaked cotton.
He spent the evening reading to soothe his tired mind and body. Then, he would suddenly find himself rubbing his forehead with his fingers. It felt as if he had been burned by hot lips spewing sulfur. A tingling sensation appeared and disappeared intermittently. It bothered him unbearably.