Chapter 35: Replacement

"You seem quite fond of her" Ceil noted.

Kai nodded, looking down at the now bundled up Rosalia in his arms. He was afraid she would get cold and decided to request a blanket.

He had her on his lap now, so he could hold her closer.

"Her personality is far more appealing than the Rosalia here" Ceil said, not looking up from the documents he was provided earlier. His interest great in these items.

"It attracts a lot of unwanted pests" Kai said lowly. He was simply staring at her sleeping features with great joy.

She was okay, and within his arms, how could he not be pleased?

"Your Highness, The room is prepared" A servant under Ceil's wing reported, not daring to raise his head.

Ceil nodded.

"Go rest in our guest room, I'm sure you also must be exhausted" Ceil said calmly.

Kai nodded, it was daylight out now, so he could afford to sleep. He's been staying up all night to watch over Rosalia and sleeping in the day for a long time now.

He held Rosalia steady in his arms as he got up and left, only pausing by the Prince for a moment.

"You have my gratitude" he said plainly, but Ceil nodded.

Like that, Kai and Rosalia were able to rest properly while Ricin suffered his injustices trying to break out the caged Rosalia.

He was horrified by the dungeon that Gerald's family was responsible for, but was even more shaken by the cruelty present deeper within.

My heart was heavy and my body was exhausted. I ended up falling sleep in Kai's arms while we awaited Ricin's arrival with the real Rosalia.

When I woke, we were in a palace guest room, one for the VIP and high nobility or foreign ambassadors. The Elven Kingdom often sent their second prince.

I noticed, quite happily, Kai's sleeping face.

Of course, an unearthly beauty like him would be difficult to look at with his sharp gaze, but now that he's asleep, I can't help but fawn.

Such a beautiful man.

My hand moved to touch his cheek, shocking me just how warm this man ran. His skin felt somewhat burning to the touch, but he wasn't sweaty or pale, so I presumed it was his natural temperature. He's a beast man after all.

His glossy black hair was thick but cool like silk to the touch, unlike his warm skin. I couldn't help playing with his hair, and envying his long thick lashes which brushed his cheeks.

I didn't even notice how long I'd been playing with his hair when a large hand gripped my wrist, and in a flash, my back was pressed to the bed and Kai was on top of me.

My heart nearly stopped.

"Kai...?"

His eyes were a little hazy, obviously from just waking up.

His grip was firm but not painful, so I chose not to complain.

"You should still be sleeping" he murmured, his voice husky and deeper than usual. My skin pricked a bit at the vibration from his chest when he spoke.

"I'm not tired anymore, you sleep" I countered.

His eyes only narrowed as he leaned close enough to my face that I could feel his breathe.

"Hey Kai..." I asked now in whisper.

A small rumble in his chest let me know he was listening.

"How come you don't have the ears and tail?"

Kai seemed to freeze for a moment, pulling back to look at me properly. His lip twitched a little.

"My mother was a Princess from the Beastman tribe, a full blood, while my father is only a half-blood. I fortunately inherited my mother's side, so I can hide the ears and tail" he said slowly for me.

"I want to see" I said confidently. Kai gave me an odd look before nodding.

A small bit of smoke appeared but when it cleared around Kai, my body felt like it was hit by lightening.

Two small rounded ears rested atop Kai's head, slightly twitching, and I could see from behind him, a long black tail.

Ah!!!

"T-touch! I wanna touch!" I said with enthusiasm. I want to feel!

Kai looked a bit exasperated, "you do know only our mates can touch those areas. It's quite rude to do so otherwise" a sly smile began to form on his lips.

"So I can't...?"

"If you agree to marry me, then you can touch me whenever you want" he said, but the dangerous glint in his eyes, daring me to oppose, made my body tremble a little.

This is certainly Xavier's personality. I somewhat missed the flirty persona he had taken up.

"Do I really have a choice?" My laugh was forced and awkward, but Kai's eyes became gentle.

"No" he murmured softly, his head moving down to lay against my chest, he released my wrist, and only used one arm to keep from crushing me as he lay.

My fingers twitched, and I eyed the ears with great intensity.

Reaching out slowly, I cautiously touched a fluffy ear that flickered a little. I was in heaven.

I began quick work of finding out what made Kai purr like Xavier did. I began a gentle stroke, a light scratch, until he finally let out a small rumble when I touched the soft tops of his ears! I cheered mentally, enjoying this moment, and feeling a little bit of peace.

"Not to interrupt... but I've returned"

"Ah!"

I shoved Kai off me in panic as Ricin languidly moves onto the bed.

I'm given a glare from Kai who happened to knock into the headboard.

"We weren't even doing anything to make you so panicked..." he grumbled. My face flushed!

"S-so? How'd it go?" I asked nervously, my lips twitching.

Ricin leveled me with a deadpan stare, but spoke anyway.

"She was locked up in a cage... that kid... I get why you always said he was creepy. He's full blown insane! He's already killed a few other noble girls too. He wasn't happy I took her, and followed me. Prince Charming is trying to calm him"

My face paled. I really didn't want to see anyone else, but I knew Ceil trusted his aids... so there wasn't much I could do.

I stared up at Kai nervously, he seemed to finally notice and gave my head a gentle pat.

"I won't let anything happen to you. You're my fiancé now afterall" he grinned, making my face even paler.

"You made quick work..." Ricin looked at me disappointed.

"Eh? I didn't though-"

"Let's go" my words were ignored and I was led out of the bedroom and through the castle to Ceil's familiar study.

Seriously, he's the same no matter what.

Walking into the spacious room, I could see familiar yet unfamiliar faces right away.

The one who caught my eye first was this world's Rosalia...

Tied to a chair and gaged.

Her eyes... that looked the exact same as my own, were in rage. As if fire was burning in her eyes full of hatred.

Yet when she saw me, the look in her eye turned confused.

Of course, I'm also in a bit of shock.

Seeing myself, not reflected in a mirror... is odd.

Though, maybe it's my vanity admitting she is truly quite a stunning lady. Gorgeous by all means, with a large full bust in good display because she was in a Noble's dress.

Nobility in Frare liked to show skin... just not too much. Women often showed a bit of their breast, I would too if I really had this Rosalia's assets.

My diet was too picky, and gaining weight was a bit troubling for me.

Though, the first words out of my mouth in room with Ceil, Gerald, Vincent, Maxwell, Phillip, and this world's Rosalia... was far from a good first impression.

"I'm hungry"

All eyes were on me now.

Of course, my partner in crime took it upon himself to burst into a fit of laughter.

It was amusing coming from a little cat.

"Bwahahahaha!!! That's my Rose! Hey, Prince Charming, I'm hungry too! Kai's a hard ass, he wont request food, but he probably needs to eat too"

His furry body was rolling on the ground.

"Watch your mouth cat" Kai said with a low murmur at Ricin.

"Sorry... bad timing. Why is she tied up...? I highly doubt from the stories I've been told, that she has any real physical strength" I said slowly, eyeing Rosalia who began to viciously struggle.

"I'm glad you could join us Lady Vermillion" Ceil stood, his fixed smile ever present.

"Ah- just Rose is fine you know? It brings me unriddled disgust when you say it" I laughed, an excited gaze following a servant bringing pastries and tea into the room.

The atmosphere in the room turned colder, but I paid it no mind, my stomach hurting from not eating for so long. Despite my size, I can eat a great deal.

Kai pulled me to sit on the vacant couch, Ricin lazily pouncing on the table and swiping a tart with caviar on it.

Ceil was behind his desk, facing us and the door, while on the right was a couch occupied by Vincent and Gerald, and to the left was Maxwell, and behind the couch standing was Phillip.

The overly cautious air was a bit suffocating, but I was filling a plate for Kai, and then my own.

"Very well, then Rose, I'm sure you already know the names of everyone present?"

"Yup" I spoke after swallowing. My manners were thrown out the window as I leaned back and crossed my legs.

After I spoke, the door once more opened, and a timid voice spoke out.

"Y-your Highness? May I enter?"

It was a sweet and somewhat familiar voice.

While I turned my head, everyone else stood up. Ricin peaked over the couch curiously as well.

Vincent moved towards the door, helping a nervous and confused Katrina in.

She looked adorable in a light yellow sundress.

I was wearing a white sun dress in similar style, but she filled her own dress out much more than I ever could.

I also had a light pink silk jacket on, as I often got cold.

"Katrina-sama, please join us-"

"Why is Lady Vermillion tied up?!" She cried in surprise.

"Ah, I also want to know that" I said after rinsing my mouth with tea.

I frowned at this tea though, such a terrible quality.

"Please calm down, don't worry yourself over her" Vincent said with a gentle face much similar to my own Vincent. My heart hurt, missing my little brother.

Teasing him about girls, or making him tag along for projects within the Kingdom...

Kai seemed to sense my mood drop, and easily placed a hand on my waist and brought me closer to him.

My face flushed.

"This is not the time!" I whispered angrily.

Ceil gave an amused glance before focusing on Katrina who was coming towards him.

For a moment, and merely a moment, his smile became genuine.

My heart felt less heavy.

If this man could find someone to love outside of political gain... I'd route for him.

"Well, I've already informed the rest, and gave a brief explanation in a letter to Katrina- but everyone, this is Rose, a Rosalia from another dimension with almost exact similarities except... this Rose is different in appearance, personality, and ability" Ceil introduced plainly. Katrina looked at me with curiosity and caution.

I gave her a warm smile, to which she seemed surprised but returned.

Seems she is also the same.

"Guess I should introduce myself a bit~ I'll be honest, I'm not really going to use any formalities as I see it's not necessary as for our current situation. In my world, I'm quite accomplished! Not to brag, but me and my contract fairy Ricin, are an unstoppable force! I suppose my hobbies include science, poison testing (on myself), reading, and working underneath the Hell King himself" My voice was cheerful, and for some reason, in Kai's arms, I wasn't nervous.

Vincent snorted, "this is all a bit unbelievable. Though I guess seeing for my own eyes... you're still the same as this hateful whore right?"

I stared in horror.

"Such language! Ricin! My baby- my baby brother is using bad words?!" I was trembling in anger.

"Bwahahaha! That kid only uses a sweet innocent front for you alone Rose, he's a menace behind scenes" Ricin laughed playfully.

True enough, many have said this, but the image that my Vincent could be so crude... I couldn't imagine!

"Nonsense Ricin, Vincent would never!" I said in defense, glaring at the cat.

"You still treat him like he's 6, just what do you take him for?" Ricin asked.

My face relaxed, with a serious expression replacing it.

"Isn't it obvious? An angel. My little brother is the best of the best you know? I practically raised him myself, seeing as how Nobility has a hard time making time to watch their own children, it often falls on the elder sibling's shoulders" I said matter of fact.

Ricin burst into another round of laughter.

"Well fact is, the Rosalia in this world probably isn't as dedicated as a sister as you are. So we can assume that the language arose from her cursing around him?"

I nodded in understanding.

"Yeah.. sounds reasonable" I leveled a look at the now pale and distressed tied up Rosalia. My eyes narrowed but I slowly looked away.

"Well, no matter, responding to your question, I wouldn't call myself a whore by any means. The only men I've had real contact with are those present in this room, and my father of course. Vincent, because he's my little brother. Ceil, because he's a demon from hell and often forcibly removes me from my home to work like a slave. Oh! Gerald too, he has a habit of poking me when I daze off, or grabbing onto my leg when I have him kicked out of our residence when he says something rude" I concluded easily.

"Rose, that's not what that phrase means- no, never mind that, why haven't I heard about Gerald doing those things?" Kai asked in a low voice.

"Eh? It never came up...? It's not a big deal, though I would call it annoying" I said casually. Kai looked annoyed.

"Somehow... she seems stupid" Gerald spoke now, looking at me with a creepy fascination. I shrunk back towards Kai.

"He's giving me a weird look. No one else can see it?" I looked at Ricin for help who merely laughed.

Bastard cat.

"I would say the same thing if not for the detailed project plans she gave me. Of course, I keep to my word, so I'm willing to lend a hand to help Rose get home safely. Seeing her relationships in her own world, I'm sure many miss her" Ceil spoke.

"I'll have you know, you in my world and the you here, are the exact same! Keeping your word is a lie, you just want to see if anything interesting will happen" I said with a growl. Ceil's own eyes widened for a moment before his smile grew a little.

Creepy!

"Our first meeting, I drank an entire cup of poisoned tea which made you laugh so hard, you had to leave early. Yes, I know you well, you closet freak"

"You seem to insult me freely, I'm assuming this is also normal in your world?" That's a scary gaze Ceil...

"No. It's why I'm getting it out of my system now. Normally, I'd just challenge you to a dual or try to destroy your office to piss you off" I said lazily.

My tea was really horrible.

I pulled out a small bottle of concentrated arsenic from my bracelet, before dumping the contents into the tea.

Everyone watched with a bit of curiosity.

"Ah! I want some too, this tea sucks" Ricin said bluntly making me smile.

"What a rude and unconstrained fairy" Phillip spoke now, his presence imposing and his expression stern.

"Shut it, you oversized gorilla man" Ricin hissed. I laughed at his cuteness.

"Ricin is honest, and doesn't hold back. I like that about him!" I said happily drinking my tea and feeling my teeth ache and my throat burn.

This is far better than what they served before. It tasted like dirt water.

"Ah, I can't let you live like this anymore, Ceil, I'll also leave you with tea formula and how to raise the strains. This is really awful" I said dully.

"What did you put in the tea to make it better?" Katrina's soft voice made the entire room go soft, as if flowers were pouring from the sky!

I smiled sweetly at her, and she seemed more comfortable to come closer to me.

"Well, it's not something you can have" she paused, looking a bit distressed. Everyone else leveled me with a glare.

"But I like it, and I've trained my body for years to be able to drink it like this. What I added was concentrated arsenic. It isn't harmful to breathe like other poisons, so I feel safe pulling it out around other people with less immunity"

Now the room just seemed confused.

"You... poisoned your own tea?" Ceil asked curiously.

"It's quite refreshing, but I'm aware others aren't able to handle such a dosage and live. I also carry many antidotes on me, so nothing to worry yourself over" I laughed.

Kai strengthened his hold on me.

Katrina seemed lost. Poor girl.

"I suppose we should move on to more pressing matters. Rose, seeing that you need a cover, I've concluded that you should replace this world's current Lady Vermillion. It'll make the transition easier if we are helping behind the scenes" I paused at Ceil's words.

Replace?

"Where would this world's Rosalia go?" Kai spoke for me, eyeing the tied up girl. She looked quite pitiful, but I knew better than to help.

"Of course, we'll be placing her under guard in a hidden monastery for her crimes"

"Your Highness! That's too much!" Katrina said in panic.

"It's not! She abused and nearly had you killed Lady Haze!"

"Rina~ she's a bad lady"

"She should just be sentenced to die"

All kinds of voices rose up in dissent to Katrina.

I became nervous.

"Why would she attack Katrina?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.

"She's obsessed with the Prince of course, she wants to be Queen" Vincent sneered.

"But even if Katrina wasn't in the picture, Ceil could just take someone else. It doesn't mean she'll get it, especially if she fails the Princess training. I heard that course is like a battlefield" I said curiously.

"We don't know why either. But she has constantly harassed and bullied Katrina-sama" Vincent explained.

"Wait- you want your sister to die because she was bullying?! I'm not saying what she did was right, and she does deserve a punishment, but aren't you two family?" Ricin asked.

Vincent glared hatefully at Rosalia. She seemed to pale even further under his gaze.

"She never once treated me like family, why should I not give back the same treatment?" Vincent claimed.

He's got a point.