86 [2-20] ?? ???? (1/2)

”Hey, Mom. Is silver a bad color?　Am I a bad girl?

”Rene ......

Rosalia hugged Rene, who had come home crying after being stoned, without asking any questions.

She smelled as comforting as a sun-bathed futon. Her soft light purple hair touched Rene's cheek.

The color of her hair or her eyes does not make her a good or bad person.

I love Rene's silver hair and silver eyes. They're as beautiful as the moon.

Rosalia said softly in Rene's ear.

In the far west of Ciel-Teira. Inion, the capital of the Marquisate of Berger.

The city's scenery and culture are close to the Gilesh Hattar Federation, and René, a silver-haired, silver-eyed abomination, is not overtly persecuted.

But that's just because it's not overt.

You may be avoided or scorned just by walking down the street. There are children who behave distantly because of what their parents told them. I feel like I've always felt alienated growing up, even before I can remember.

When did Rene realize that it was because of his hair and eye color? ......

...... It's a story from long ago. I'm not sure what to make of it.

Someone with silver hair and silver eyes will destroy this country.” ......

So is it a bad color?

No!　No, that story has nothing to do with Rene!

Rosalia bent down and grabbed Rene's shoulder to face her.

Rosalia bent down and grabbed Rene by the shoulders. Rosalia looked more serious than Rene had ever seen her before.

There's no way a pretty girl like her can destroy Ciel-Teira.

Besides, the fortuneteller might have made a mistake. For example, it might not be a silver-haired, silver-eyed person, but a person covered in snow.

”...... haha!

Renai laughed at the thought.

The person who walked through the blizzard and got covered in snow was silvery white all over, not just his eyes.

Rosalia smiled and kissed Rene lightly.

Rosalia smiled and kissed Rene lightly, then withdrew her hand.

Let's forget about the boring story and have dinner.

Come on, Renai. Today is a special day. Do you remember what day it is?

Of course!　It's my 10th birthday!

Very good.

Rosalia clapped her hands and took out a small package.

It was a pretty little box with a red ribbon tied around it.

On Rene's birthday, she always gave him a present and a small treat. He could afford to do so.

Life was simple, and Rosalia worked hard, but she may have been given some property when she left the palace, or she may have been given a pension of some kind.

Here's a present for you. Open it.

”Yes!

The short time it took for the ribbon to be untied seemed frustrating to Renai.

She unwrapped the package with her clumsy hands and found it filled with a glow like the first star in the evening sky.

”Is this a ...... brooch?

”It's a silver rose brooch. It's the same color as Rene's hair. I think it will look good on you.

It's a brooch in the shape of a rose, with a pin fastening on the back.

It was probably plated or something, not sterling silver, but it still looked very beautiful to Renée.

No jewel could match this brooch. I can wear such a beautiful thing. And it was her favorite mother who had given it to her!

Rosalia pulls the same brooch out of her apron pocket.

”This one's for me. It's mine.

”Ehehe ...... Thanks mom!

Rene was happy again.

She was happy for herself, but even happier for the two of them to have the same brooch.

Now then, .......

Rosalia pulled into the kitchen with a bouncy step and brought something.

”I'm going to have a celebratory ...... feast.

A platter is placed on the table.

A plate with Rosalia's head on it.

”What?

Her face is distorted from the beating. Her eyelids are closed, and she seems to be asleep, but her sleep does not look peaceful.

There was a puddle of blood on the plate, and her light purple hair, with blood stuck to it in some places, overflowed from the plate and spread across the table.

Rosalia, who put the plate down, was headless.

The fresh blood dripping from the cut surface stained her ragged clothes red.