rosesa

Thank you so much, hanimefendi!

I still can't believe my lovely daughter would leave her old father like this. She won't even read my letters!

It's almost the day of the rainmaking ritual. I can't thank you enough for being willing to play the part of my daughter and help us complete it!

Don't mention it! I'm sure your daughter only left on a whim, and she'll come running back to her loving, wealthy father before you know it.

Incidentally, I'm not here for the reward or anything—I just couldn't bear to see such a kind father wasting away from sorrow.

Oh, you sweet, sweet girl!

I really hope you've had a good time staying at my palace these days. I must thank you again. Here, take the promised reward! And there will be more once the ritual is complete!

Oh, you're too kind! How could anyone hurt the feelings of a kind father like you?

(Look at this bag of cash! Now that's what I'm talking about! And he's paying this much up front?! <i>And</i> I get to live in a palace?! I've hit the jackpot!)

Please come with me, kind hanimefendi!

Sure, thanks!

Please, kind hanimefendi, no need to thank us! We are simply doing our duty.

(Whisper) Why would the lord ameer's daughter run from such a lavish life in the palace, surrounded by jewels and servants?

(Whisper) What kind of crazy person doesn't want the good life?

(Whisper) Well, whatever, more for me then!

The soft and comfy palanquin takes a few turns and stops in front of a luxurious mansion.

The servants carry Rose Salt down from her seat, and the lord ameer gives the orders for the gates to be opened.

Wow...

Fire burns in the fireplace of the grand hall, the flames flickering to the breeze of the servants' movements.

We can hold a ball here whenever you want.

A ball...

Gentle music fills the room. Rose Salt takes off her shoes before stepping on the carpet with her bare feet, taking in its softness.

Such good manners... So adorable... Just like our dear princess.

The lord ameer was crying just now when he told us to treat you as his own daughter.

We prepared all sorts of clothing because we didn't know what you liked, hanimefendi.

Every season, the lord ameer commands us to procure new clothes. Linen, satin, silk, cotton... dresses, pants, robes, anything you want, we have it.

Perhaps this gem-set frock, this pearly silk skirt, or this long plumed dress? If you prefer something other than dresses, we also have many other selections—

Oh, there's no need to choose, I like all of them!

(Choose? Why would I choose when it can all be mine?!)

Really? Oh, thank goodness... I can't believe you like everything I prepared!

We have also prepared a simple dinner for you. I apologize for how humble it is, as we were not expecting you to arrive today.

Rose Salt has to gulp, lest her saliva overflow from her mouth at the myriad elaborate dishes laid out on the table.

Oh my god, that's soooo kind of you. I'm really not a picky eater, you know. There isn't a single thing here that I don't like!

(Steak! Stew! Fruits! Fins! All mine!)

Night has fallen, and Rose Salt lies on a huge, soft feather bed, wearing a jewel-lined silk nightgown.

The white moonlight shines through the curtains, falling like water upon the marble floor.

A good life... a life of luxury... it's mine at last!

I'll never leave, no matter what!

NEVER!

A few days have passed. Rose Salt is enjoying everything that the lord ameer's palace has to offer.

Mm...

*Yawn* That was a great night's sleep!

Mm... I wonder what I should eat today...

Good morning, hanimefendi!

Would you like to have breakfast now? I've seen that you have a liking for meat, and have prepared it according to your tastes. Let me help you get washed, and then we will serve your meal.

Whoa!

Y-You guys were here all along?

Of course, hanimefendi! In order to help you adjust to life here, we have been monitoring your every move twenty-four hours a day. We are absolutely confident that we can provide the best possible care!

Twenty-four hours a day?!

Of course! We are ever so grateful that you have agreed to help us with the ritual. It is hard to find people as kind-hearted as you! We'll make sure that your time here is as comfortable as it can possibly be.

I... I want to get up...

Please, don't move! I'll do it!

The servant stops Rose Salt from getting up, places a pillow under her, wipes her face clean with a cloth dipped in rose essence, and changes her clothes into a casual house dress.

We can't possibly make our princess get up on her own!

I... I...?

Oh princess, you're so beautiful... According to our observations, you always wish to have breakfast as soon as you get up. Bring the table!

Huh? Wait...

Wow, this does look good...

Please, don't move! I'll do it!

Another servant stops Rose Salt from moving her hand, before cutting a piece of steak and bringing it to her mouth.

We can't possibly make our princess cut her own meat! Here, open your mouth, hanimefendi, ahhhh—

Ahhhh—

Er...

What is it, hanimefendi? Is it not to your taste?

(How old do they think I am, three? I don't need to be hand-fed!)

Oh, no, not at all, I love it!

But you hesitated! There must be a reason. Did I fail to adequately predict your tastes? Were you not satisfied with the steak's quality? Or was the seasoning not to your taste?

(Does nobody here think it's weird to be hand-feeding me?)

Of course not! I'm super satisfied with the food. It's just... I want to eat on my own!

B-But think of the toll on your delicate fingers! Ah, I know, I will wrap your utensils in silk ribbons, so that they will not harm your fine skin!

Here, I've wrapped them for you... are they too heavy? Do your wrists hurt? What about your fingers? Maybe I should feed you after all...

No, not at all, there's no need, no problem at all...

(Finshit! Just leave me alone!)

You must not exert yourself nor carry anything heavy! All you need to do is enjoy everything in perfect comfort!

It already pains me so much to see you eating by your own hands!

(Help!)

Oh, not at all!

Being able to help you all is already more than enough for me. I wouldn't want to be a burden to such kind people!

But please, let me eat on my own... That's what I'm used to...

I-I see... as you wish...

...(Chews with a forced smile)

(Please, stop giving me that doting look! I'm getting indigestion!)

Alright, I'm done!

Hanimefendi! How are your hands?

Were the dishes to your liking?

Absolutely! Thank you so much!

Now that I've eaten, I'd like to go for a walk, take a look around.

You would like to go out? Of course! Where to? The garden is beautiful, and we have all sorts of adorable pets to keep you company. Allow me to—

No, no, I know, you're here to make me happy, right?

Of course, hanimefendi!

Then do you know what would make me happiest?

Wh-What?

Let me explore the garden by myself! I'd be happiest if you're not on my tail!

Wh-What do you...

Like I said! I would be so very, very pleased if you didn't do that! So, please, absolutely do not follow me!

Finally, I can breathe! What is WRONG with those people? At least I've lost them, finally.

So, I get to enjoy this entire garden all to myself? Is this how the wealthy live?

Ah... This rocking chair feels so good. They even have a pavilion with ice to keep you cool, and delicious fresh fruit... but... but...

Why do I feel like I'm being watched?

Don't see anyone... Must be my imagination.