Chapter 216 - Vindictiveness
“Had a hunch you were gearing up to ask for the chance to rub things in Anguish’s face,” Rosa said, casting a knowing glance Scarlett’s way.
“Then you know me well in that regard,” Scarlett replied.
The bard smirked. “I’d never have the guts to call you petty myself—too attached to my purse and life for that—but that doesn’t mean the notion hasn’t danced across my mind once or twice.”
Scarlett’s expression soured slightly at that.
Seeing that, Rosa blinked. “Hey, it should be fair game for me to say it now that you’ve already owned up to as much.”
“…That is reasonable,” Scarlett spoke slowly. “…However, keep in mind that I also confessed to having no qualms about acting hypocritically. With that in mind, do you truly expect me not to be bothered when you label me ‘petty’ directly?”
The woman stared at her, then a sly grin lit up on her face. “Why don’t you view it as the perfect chance to patch up those character flaws you told me about, then? Let me be your ever-so-fetching and charming sparring partner—figuratively, mind you—and together we’ll have you in tip-top non-villainess shape in no time. I’ll even do it for free, because, as you wisely pointed out, I’m a veritable saint!”
“I do not recall using the term ‘veritable’,” Scarlett said. “And that was purely only in comparison to myself. By that measure, half of the empire’s populace might qualify.”
“Gee, thanks,” Rosa replied dryly. “Really lends to everything you told me earlier. It feels reassuring knowing you think so highly of me.”
Scarlett fell silent, realizing that her words just now did somewhat go against the sentiment she’d been trying to share with the woman earlier.
After a moment, Rosa let out a soft chuckle, her focus returning to her klert as a few more notes resonated from the instrument. “Well, I think we’ve long since passed the point where I expected you to be a master of motivational speeches,” she said with a wry smile.
“…Returning to the previous discussion.” Scarlett thought it might just be better to change the topic. “Do you think it is possible for me to have a conversation with Anguish or not?”