《I Became The Secretary Of A Tyrant》


 Chapter 0

    <h2>I Became the Secretary of a Tyrant Prologue</h2>


    Etheus Calendar July 6th, year 359


    A man was sitting in his chair. The chair had a red velvet cushion, frame made of gold, and a lion crafted on the armrest that had blue diamonds as eyes. It was a chair that was the epitome of luxury, and a symbol of power and wealth, but it was all useless to him.


    The man slowly pulled his body up from the chair.


    Golden hair that shined brighter than the rising sun, clear orange eyes, a nose that seemed to have been crafted by the century¡¯s greatest sculptor, and a jawline that had both smoothness and manliness.


    He was a man that made others say ¡®God is unfair¡¯.


    The man came down from his chair. I swallowed nervously subconsciously.


    ¡°Rosaline.¡±


    He came up to me. I answered, avoiding his eyes as best as I could.


    ¡°Yes, your majesty.¡±


    ¡°What did you say you wanted?¡±


    The holder of absolute power. Ruler of the continent and judge of the three oceans. The legend of victory and the owner of the sword Estina, which was brought down by God. He asked me.


    I raised my gaze slowly. I checked his expression. A straight forehead, slightly bent eyes, closed in a line but a loose mouth. He was in a very good mood.


    ¡®Should I say it?¡¯


    I looked up at him with fascinating eyes.


    ¡°Go ahead, Rosaline. I¡¯ll grant anything you wish for.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    I asked in ark-like voice. I felt like puking at my own voice but it was a pure, soft voice that matched my appearance perfectly.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    I calmed my breathing. I was wondering if I should say it but I felt like I would never get another chance if I didn¡¯t say it now. I breathed in.


    ¡°Your majesty, I wish to quit being your secretary. I want to quit.¡±


    His face cooled down immediately. It was as if his face had be a type of ice that never melts.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°What? But you said you would grant anything I wished for?¡±


    ¡°Rosaline.¡±


    His voice became low. It was like the growling of a predator that had found its prey after days of starvation.


    ¡®He¡¯s angry!¡¯


    I could feel it. Although there wasn¡¯t a single wrinkle on his forehead, I could tell right away.


    ¡°Do you want to die?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    I only said I wanted to quit, so why does it feel like I¡¯m confronting the grim reaper?


    Not at all. I wanted to live a long, happy life, so I worked as a secretary for a tyrant instead of my brother. For 5 years at that!


    ¡°Rosaline, there¡¯s only one way you can quit being my secretary.¡±


    ¡°W-what¡¯s that?¡±


    I somehow felt like I knew the answer. But I couldn¡¯t let go of my one strand of hope.


    His majesty, who was smiling, came towards me. He slowly lowered his gaze. His red lips moved next to my ear.


    My hope was crushed.


    ¡°When you die, you can quit.¡±

 Chapter 1

    Rosaline Berit.


    She knew a secret about this world that no one else did. This was a world inside a novel.


    Don¡¯t lie? Yeah, you may think it¡¯s a lie. Since she couldn¡¯t believe it at first either.


    The Tyrant¡¯s Tamed Heart


    Rosaline closed the book. She tangled her light purple colored hair and stroked the the cover of the book, which was made of brown velvet.


    Rosaline Berit was possessed in the book. On top of it, it was on a day where she had thrown her boss a resignation letter after 6 years of working, saying that she wanted to enjoy her life now that all her younger siblings had graduated college. She rolled around on her bed and yed on her phone. She was bored but couldn¡¯t think of anything in particr to do.


    ¡®Should I read a book?¡¯


    She had once registered in a novel updates tform because of the secretary who sat next to her at work. She had just been clicking around randomly butnded on the story ¡®The Tyrant¡¯s Tamed Heart¡¯. ¡®A tyrant¡¯s pure love¡¯ was the main topic. The writer probably wanted the readers to pay attention to the female lead, who received the love of the tyrant, but she couldn¡¯t.


    She became emotionally attached to the secretaries who worked under the tyrant. The tyrant told his secretaries toplete tasks that would normally take three or four days in one day, and she furiously kicked the nkets in anger whenever he forgot about it.


    While crying,ughing, and raging over what happened to the secretaries, she had finished reading the entire book. She had spent the entire night reading. Then she fell asleep as she saw the light seeping through the blinds¡­¡­.


    ¡®It¡¯s a world within a book.¡¯


    On the first day, after realizing that she had been possessed as a character in a book, Rosaline had jumped out the window. She believed it was all a dream. Or she expected to wake back up in her room after dying.


    It would be difficult to buy a house in seoul even if she worked as the secretary of the president of a hugepany, but it was still better to be living in a familiar ce than apletely unfamiliar one. And most of all, it didn¡¯t make any sense. Being possessed in a book? It wasn¡¯t something someone who was still sane could ept.


    But what¡¯s this? There wasn¡¯t a single wound on her body. From then on, she continued to involve herself in dangerous activities. Poking at the beehive in the garden or eating a poisonous nt that would kill her.


    Each time Rosaline ended uppletely fine.


    People told her it was a miracle. But Rosaline knew.


    ¡®It¡¯s just that it¡¯s not time for me to die yet!¡¯


    Rosaline gave up on dying. When she did, she could finally pay attention to the other things. It wasn¡¯t much, but she had pretty dresses, and it wasn¡¯t many, but the people who worked in her house treated her like a princess, and her parents were people who would absolutely die for her.


    ¡®Ah, well, I¡¯ll just enjoy it till I die.¡¯


    Rosaline reconsidered her ns. And she slowly adjusted to this world. It was a very satisfying life. Her life was very peaceful because she wasn¡¯t the female lead or the viiness.


    She livedfortably for 5 years. She hadpletely adjusted into this world. It was the result of Rosaline¡¯s wit, adjustability, and sociability. No one even suspected Rosaline ofing from a different world.


    It was peaceful, it will continue to be peaceful, and Rosaline would peacefully end her life as well. This was how she had been thinking, and it was also the reason as to why she had forgotten something very important.


    The death of Rosaline in the novel was not peaceful at all.


    ¡°Roy, they say his majesty is hiring a secretary.¡±


    Viscount Berit told Rosaline¡¯s brother, Roy, and Rosaline¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    ¡®Secretary?¡¯


    Why does that word sound like a terrible idea?


    Rosaline put down the tea she was drinking and quickly ran into her room. She took out a small box she had hidden underneath her bed. She unlocked the box with the key on her ne and opened it, and found a book on top of the brown velvet.


    The Tyrant¡¯s Tamed Heart


    The book was falling apart because of how many times she read it. Rosaline didn¡¯t know why this book was here. The only thing she knew was that the book was under her waist on the day she had been possessed.


    ¡®It must be a gift from God, who took pity on me.¡¯


    Rosaline did not think too deep. She simply thought that it would be better for her to have the book than to not.


    Rosaline flipped the pages quickly. Her name was not in the book for the first half.


    ¡°I found it!¡±


    Rosaline stopped. In the entire 687 page book, her name only appeared once, on page 399.


    Rosaline¡¯s long, fair finger followed the text in the book.


    Roy failed to confirm Cahir¡¯s schedule. Because of this, Cahir was unable to keep his promise with E to eat with her. Cahir was enraged and killed Roy¡¯s entire family. Even his sister Rosaline, who was famous in the social circles for being beautiful, could not escape his wrath.


    Oh my goodness!


    Rosaline¡¯s face paled. She suddenly felt a chill at her neck. Rosaline raised her hand and stroked her thin, pale, neck. While she had been enjoying her life as a noble, her death had alsoe up extremely closely.


    Rosaline didn¡¯t want to die. There were too many good things in this world to leave her lifeline to her destiny as she had nned before. Sweet desserts, caring parents who were different from her original parents who only saw her as a money making machine, and Roy, who always fought with her but ended up losing to her all the time anyway. Everything was so precious to her.


    And the reason for her death was so dumb! If she died because she messed with the female lead, or because she was the viiness, or if she was the one who made a mistake with the tyrant, it would make more sense, but to die because of Roy¡¯s mistake,


    ¡®That¡¯s such a waste!¡¯


    Rosaline put the book back under her bed andy down. The soft nkets wrapped her body. The canopy danced in the wind.


    ¡®Ah, it¡¯s so peaceful¡­¡­.¡¯


    But just thinking about how this peace was going to end was so unfortunate.


    ¡®I don¡¯t want to die! I can¡¯t die like this!¡¯


    It was unfair. A desire to live shot out. There could be a way to not die.


    ¡®Yes, I¡¯ll train Roy to work well!¡¯


    But Rosaline¡¯s face soon turned dark. Roy was her brother, but he wasn¡¯t too bright. He was a good person, but that was it. Even if people hit him or made fun of him, he would justugh it off. He was basically like buddha.


    Cahir was someone who could change more than twelve times a day. You needed to at least be a fox with nine tails to be his secretary. At least.


    Could she turn buddha into a nine tailed fox?


    For once, Rosaline was pessimistic. Rosaline buried her head in her pillow.


    ¡°What should I do?!¡±


    Her light purple hair fell apart onto her pillow.


    * * *


    ¡°Did you find a secretary?¡±


    ¡°Not yet.¡±


    Cahir mmed his fist onto his desk. He was a very busy person. The number of things he needed to take care of in a day exceeded thirty. There were also people in line to meet him.


    There were even more things to take care of now because he had just finished a war.


    The thousand days war.


    Six months ago, Cahir had returned from his thousand days war. When the war began, he was the crown prince. After the war, he had be the emperor.


    It wasn¡¯t because he had wanted the position. The heir his unloving father had earned from Cahir¡¯s stepmother was kind of stupid, so Cahir had to take on the role of the emperor.


    An unexpected change in position and endless work. Cahir had been unable to sleep or eat properly in the past few months. He almost felt like fighting in the war had been morefortable.


    ¡°Find one immediately. If you can¡¯t find one by tomorrow, I¡¯ll take that as you wanting to do all this work yourself.¡±


    Might as well say you¡¯re going to kill me. Dereck smiled awkwardly and bit the inside of his mouth.


    * * *


    ¡°Sir Berit, we are in a hurry.¡±


    That night, Dereck visited Viscount Berit¡¯s house. It was rude to visit somee in the night, but now wasn¡¯t the time to be considering manners. Even now, he had left the pile of work he had toe visit the Berit household.


    ¡°Why does it have to be our family? I¡¯m sure there are much smarter and more efficient workers in the academy.¡±


    Viscount Berit knew about the rumors surrounding Cahir.


    Although he was a young emperor who led the empire to victory, the violent stories of him on the battlefield made it hard for people to praise him. Although the empire did in the war, it wasn¡¯t like his violent nature would suddenly disappear. This led to a violent rule, and the people, including the nobles, shook in fear of him.


    The stories of him taking the position as emperor as soon as he returned from war and assigning the former empress to the abandoned part of the castle and turning a noble into a ve just because he went against him were famous.


    It was something the kind Viscount Berit could not understand.


    Giving his son away to a tyrant like that? Unbelievable.


    ¡°He is your precious son.¡±


    Dereck spoke as he stroked his teacup. The Viscount lowered his suspicion at Dereck¡¯s understanding tone.


    ¡°He is not someone who can serve the empire¡¯s sun.¡±


    Viscount Berit added. He cared about Roy. But that wasn¡¯t the only thing he worried about.


    ¡®He¡¯s my son, but he¡¯s too soft. And he isn¡¯t witty at all.¡¯


    His son somehow reminded him of a moth flying into fire. Viscount Berit smiled in remorse.


    ¡°His majesty will not wait long, Sir Berit.¡±


    Dereck put down his teacup. He had not taken a single sip. Dereck looked extremely busy. He had nced at the clock several times since he had entered the room. Because of his workload, he could not even drink a cup of tea in peace. Although the Viscount felt sorry, it just strengthened his determination to not send Roy.


    Viscount Berit gazed at Dereck, who was simr in age to his son, with unfortunate eyes.


    ¡°Is it not possible to choose someone who isn¡¯t from our family?¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately Sir Berit, I¡¯ve heard that same statement several times.¡±


    Viscount Berit inhaled. He covered his eyes with his hand. Then he stroked his face with his dry hands.


    ¡°Please send him to the pce starting tomorrow.¡±


    Dereck took out a small box from his pocket. When he opened the box, a round badge with a deer engraved on it appeared. It was the sign of the emperor¡¯s secretary.


    Viscount Berit¡¯s face became dark quickly. He stared at the badge. The emperor had sent his closest secretary with a badge. He could not go back on these orders.


    ¡°Bring Roy in.¡±


    Viscount Berit shouted after biting then letting go of the inside of his mouth.


    There was silence after the butler left to find Roy.


    ¡°What kind of person is his majesty?¡±


    The viscount asked carefully. Dereck looked back at him after checking the time once more. Dereck did not understand why the viscount was asking such a question.


    ¡°Ah, well, I thought it would be good to give my son a few tips¡­¡­.¡±


    Because Dereck did not have any children, he could not understand the Viscount¡¯s feelings one bit. If he did, he would¡¯ve told him a hopeful description of the emperor.


    ¡°His majesty is unforgiving. He does not forgive any mistakes. He believes that efficient people do not make mistakes, and believes that only those who are efficient and doesn¡¯t make mistakes should be around him. Because he is that perfect. Just a while ago, a soldier was sent to the forefronts of war for identally dozing off¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°T-that¡¯s enough!¡±


    Viscount Berit turned pale and waved his hands. Dereck was a little disappointed that he did not get to keep telling the stories.


    Dereck liked talking about Cahir¡¯s cold and violent side. He felt as if it proved his worth by showing that he worked under such a ruler.


    But everyone who asked him about Cahir stopped him in the middle.


    ¡®Everyone¡¯s so weak. Everything will be fine if you just don¡¯t make any mistakes. If you don¡¯t make any mistakes, his majesty is a very good person.¡¯


    Dereck could not understand how hard it was to not make mistakes because he was a genius. Dereck closed his mouth and looked at the clock again.


    Knock knock.


    Just as he was getting tired of waiting, there was a knock at the door.


    ¡°Oh, he must be here.¡±


    Dereck stood up to greet Roy. His body moved on its own at the thought of apanion in his sufferings. He wanted to dance when he thought of the decreased amount of work.


    The door opened. Viscount Berit did not look back. He felt like he would start sobbing if he saw Roy. Poor Roy. Viscount Berit sighed endlessly.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Roy¡­¡­?¡±


    Dereck¡¯s greeting was not smooth at all. His eyes gleamed in confusion. Viscount Berit slowly turned his head.


    ¡°Rosaline!¡±


    Rosaline, who had her light purple tied in a ponytail onto one side, ran across the drawing room. She grabbed her skirt and lifted it slightly, and bent her knees in a greeting. It was a perfect greeting, as if she were a textbook for manners.


    ¡°I¡¯m Rosaline Berit.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, there must have been a mistake. I asked for Roy.¡±


    Rosaline smiled at Viscount Berit.


    ¡°Father, I¡¯ll go in ce of my brother.¡±


    ¡°W-what did you say?¡±


    Viscount Berit stuttered. Rosaline spoke again, clearly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go in ce of my brother. As the emperor¡¯s secretary.¡±


    After staring at her determined expression for a while, the viscount fainted.

 Chapter 2

    ¡°I¡¯ll go instead of my brother.¡±


    Viscount Berit fainted because of Rosaline¡¯s shocking statement. Thanks to this, the table was flipped over and the entire drawing room became a mess. The drawing room soon became chaotic with all the butlers and maids who came in to clean up.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll send a carriage the day after tomorrow. This is a simple file that I organized that will inform you on what a secretary needs to do.¡±


    The only calm people at this point were Rosaline and Dereck. He handed a small notebook to Rosaline, who was looking over with concern as Viscount Berit was carried out.


    ¡°Congrattions. You now have the honor of serving his majesty, Cahir.¡±


    He truly looked happy, which suddenly made Rosaline nervous.


    * * *


    ¡°Rosaline, think again. Is there anything you¡¯re upset over because of us?¡±


    ¡°Lady Rosaline, look at me! They say his majesty is a monster. His mouth is so huge that he can just swallow a woman whole! Miss, it¡¯s not toote to say you don¡¯t want to go.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline¡­ there¡¯s no need for you to do all this for me. I can¡¯t watch you suffer in my ce.¡±


    Rosaline rubbed her eyes. As soon as she had woken up, people began speaking to her, drowning her in their words.


    What¡¯s going on? Rosaline blinked herrge eyes. Everyone wore a sad expression.


    I¡¯ll go instead of my brother.


    Because of this one statement, the entire Berit family was in chaos.


    Viscount Berit was in emergency mode. His lovely,rk-like, lotus-like Rosaline was going to be the tyrant¡¯s secretary! The viscount¡¯s hands trembled. He ordered everyone in the mansion to stop her in any way possible.


    At dawn, the viscount and viscountess wrapped a white band around their foreheads and entered the room with the help of a servant.


    Following them was Rosaline¡¯s brother Roy, her close maid Anne, and the butler, Hans.


    ¡°What¡¯s the reason behind you making such a decision? Do you need more dresses? Rosaline, please wait just a little. I just invested in the gold mine. Soon I can buy you all the dresses you want.¡±


    Ah.


    Rosaline opened her red lips and let out a sigh.


    Investing in the gold mine was a terrible idea. Rosaline had begun reading the book over and over in her room to figure out a way to survive ever since she had learned that Cahir was looking for a new secretary. Thanks to this, she learned useless things such as Cahir¡¯s terrible deeds as a tyrant and even his sexual preferences, but she did learn some useful things as well.


    The gold mine scam. That was one of them. In the novel, Roy had nned on returning home after a week of working as Cahir¡¯s secretary. Cahir had a week long trial period, and very generously gave Roy a choice to stay or not after it. It was a very thoughtful process considering the fact that he was a tyrant.


    But Roy could not quit. The gold mine that Viscount Berit had invested in turned out to be a regr cave.


    Viscount Berit had put his entire fortune into investing in it too! He even took out a loan to do so. He went to find the people who had urged him into investing in it, but they had all run away, and it was toote.


    It was a scam. The family needed money, and Roy could not quit; the emperor¡¯s pay was quite good.


    Rosaline chewed on the inside of her mouth as she thought of the original novel.


    ¡®I wasn¡¯t nning on quitting, but now I have a reason to keep working.¡¯


    ¡°Rosaline, think again. Going to balls and hosting tea parties in a beautiful dress and fancy makeup. Rosaline, you¡¯re eighteen now. You¡¯ll be the flower of the social circles. It¡¯s not toote to inform the pce that there was a mistake.¡±


    If I do that, our entire family will be killed, mother.


    It wasn¡¯t like Rosaline wanted to be the secretary of a tyrant who ordered for her neck to be cut off either.


    She wanted to debut in the social circles, go to parties, meet an amazing man, and enjoy a night so exciting that it¡¯ll make her forget her single life from the past¡­ You know? She wanted to live a life like that!


    ¡®But to do that, I need to stay alive.¡¯


    It took only a moment to change her flower colored future into a gray, gloomy one.


    ¡°Father, mother. And brother- no, everyone here.¡±


    At this point, Rosaline¡¯s room was packed with people. They all looked at Rosaline.


    ¡°Just 5 years. I¡¯ll just work as his majesty¡¯s secretary for 5 years.¡±


    ¡°Why is it 5 years?¡±


    Viscountess Berit, who was leaning against the Viscount, raised her head to ask. Her face was pale and her eyes were full of sorrow.


    ¡®I¡¯m not your real daughter.¡¯


    Her sorrowful expression was so pitiful that it made Rosaline want to tell the truth. Her tears made Rosaline feel hurt as well. But Rosaline did not want to shock her any further, so she couldn¡¯t tell her the truth.


    Why is it 5 years, you ask? Well it says in the book that I¡¯ll die after 5 years, so I feel like I can live on safely after those 5 years.


    They would definitely think that she was insane if she said this, so Rosaline had to make up an excuse.


    ¡°Because I need to get married once I¡¯m 23?¡±


    Everyone seemed to understand her now.


    In the Etheus empire, one would normally debut in the social circles at the age of 18, and date freely until they were in their 20s and then they would start getting married.


    In the case of nobles, marriages are another form of business, so it wasmon for them to be engaged as a child, so nobles generally get married early.


    But because the Berit family was only a noble in name, Rosaline was not engaged to anyone.


    ¡°So I¡¯ll go in ce of my brother.¡±


    Rosaline dered again. The viscountess fainted once more, and Roy sighed and teared up.


    * * *


    Etheus calendar July 5th, year 354


    Rosaline stepped into the carriage sent from the royal pce.


    5 AM. Although it was early in the morning, everyone in the Berit mansion came to see her off and were dabbing their teary eyes with a handkerchief.


    It was a scene that told Rosaline how loved she was. She was only Rosaline on the outside, but she still felt moved.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon, don¡¯t worry!¡±


    Rosaline opened the carriage window and waved.


    ¡°Rosaline, can¡¯t you change your mind?¡±


    The viscountess held Rosaline¡¯s hands tightly. Rosaline shook her head.


    The carriage began moving.


    This was just the start.


    Whether she would die or live.


    * * *


    ¡°A new secretary wille.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯re not interested but they¡¯re from the Berit family. They have no ties to the empress and aren¡¯t rted to politics either. Is there anything else you wish to know?¡±


    The one thing Dereck looked into most when picking out a new secretary was whether they were under the empress or not. This was the reason why he went to the Berit family rather than picking someone from the academy.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you took care of it well. I don¡¯t want to know any more.¡±


    Cahir brushed his golden hair back. He replied in an uninterested tone. Dereck scratched his forehead as he frowned.


    Dereck was always unsatisfied with Cahir¡¯s hair. He had suggested on using pomade to clean it up a bit since he was the emperor now, but his idea was rejected immediately.


    ¡°When are theying?¡±


    ¡°Today.¡±


    Still uninterested, Cahir picked up a mirror and checked his face.


    He hated his father for torturing his mother and neglecting her, but his face was the only thing he couldn¡¯t hate.


    ¡®Perfect.¡¯


    He inhaled deeply. His shoulders stretched widely.


    ¡°Do you need your crown?¡±


    Dereck asked as he fixed the red robe on his shoulders. The crown, which was full of rare pink and blue diamonds, was the treasure of the Etheus empire and a symbol of the royal family.


    Cahir nodded. Just as Dereck was about to carefully ce the crown on his head, a knock was at the door.


    ¡°Ah! The new secretary must be here!¡±


    ¡°You mean the secretary who¡¯ll fix your mistakes.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t kick them out, Your Majesty. The new secretary I mean.¡±


    Dereck shot back. Dereck didn¡¯t usually talk back to Cahir, but it was different when the topic at hand was the new secretary.


    ¡®At this rate I¡¯ll die a virgin! It wouldn¡¯t be strange even if I couldn¡¯t get out of bed tomorrow!¡¯


    Dereck met Cahir¡¯s eyes and didn¡¯t turn away.


    He must be tired from the work. Cahir clicked his tongue and sat in his chair.


    ¡°Let them in.¡±


    The two doors opened as soon as Dereckmanded. Between the doors was Rosaline.


    Cahir frowned.


    He blinked, thinking that he was seeing things. His eyes scanned Rosaline from head to toe.


    Her thick, wavy, light purple hair was partly braided and tied to the back so that the rest of hair went all the way to her hips.


    Her fair skin sparkled in the sun and her blue eyes were more transparent and pure than the blue diamonds on the emperor¡¯s crown. Her nose wasn¡¯t too small or too big, and her red lips reminded him of a cherry.


    She was wearing a yellow dress that was tight at the waist, and puffy below it. She was someone who was just as beautiful as Cahir himself.


    ¡°A woman?¡±


    Cahir¡¯s said in an irritated tone. He tilted his head to look at Dereck as if he was demanding an exnation.


    ¡°She¡¯s Rosaline Berit, the new secretary.¡±


    Dereck was smiling proudly as if he had done a great deed. He looked ready to p any moment.


    Rosaline looked around Cahir¡¯s room and walked in another step. The door closed behind her.


    ¡°It is an honor to meet the Empire¡¯s Sun. I am your servant, Rosaline Berit.¡±


    Rosaline lifted her skirt and greeted him elegantly.


    ¡°Ah, so you¡¯re saying the new secretary is a woman?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just as you see it, Your Majesty.¡±


    Cahir slowly got up. He closed the distance between himself and Rosaline quickly with his long legs. And it wasn¡¯t so he could give her a weing greeting.


    The air around them changed slightly. Rosaline inhaled sharply.


    ¡®Huh? Something¡¯s wrong here.¡¯


    The coldness from Cahir¡¯s body felt like it could freeze the entire room.


    Rosaline felt a shadow towering over her. He was right in front of her. The man who was described as ¡®perfect and sexy¡¯. She hadughed when she saw the description, but now that she was actually seeing him in person, she felt a knot at her stomach. Rosaline¡¯s gaze slowly headed upwards.


    Cahir¡¯s eyes met Rosaline¡¯s. If she didn¡¯t know his personality, no, if she didn¡¯t know that it wasn¡¯t time for her to die yet, she may have said ¡®Please spare me¡¯ and begged for her life.


    Cahir looked down arrogantly at Rosaline with an uninterested expression


    ¡°I hate women.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never heard you say that, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Dereck and Rosaline both looked confused. Rosaline, who even knew of his sexual preferences, was even more shocked. was a rated R novel!


    Rosaline was so shocked that her face froze.


    Think again, Your Majesty. From what I know, you¡¯re super into women!


    It was so much to the point you actually took over an entire continent for a girl named E you fell for.


    You like women. You do stuff like beep in bed at night. I¡¯ll censor it, cough cough. Anyway, you do all that ¡®hnngh, mmm, ahhh¡¯ stuff you know? I already know it all!


    Rosaline was speaking with her eyes. But Cahir only interpreted her expression as strange.


    ¡°Especially women who look re at me like this.¡±


    Me? re? In what way?


    This was ridiculous. Cahir must have taken her desperateness and her desire to teach him about himself the wrong way.


    ¡°So send her back. How dare they send a woman as my secretary? Do a thorough research on the Berit family.¡±


    Cahir returned to his seat after he had finished talking.


    Doing a thorough research, getting caught for an illegal investment in the gold mine, naturally getting hanged? Wait, it¡¯s not time to die yet, so maybe I¡¯ll be a ve?


    That was even worse than dying. This couldn¡¯t be happening. Rosaline¡¯s smile fell apart.

 Chapter 3

    ¡°Your Majesty, I will ept it if you calm down a bit and tell me why exactly you don¡¯t like me.¡±


    Rosaline gulped. She couldn¡¯t back out like this. Thankfully, Cahir lovedpromising. He was a genius when it came topromising. He wasn¡¯t someone who would reject someone offering apromise without hearing what they had to say.


    And Rosaline was confident that she could persuade Cahir since she knew what he liked.


    So let¡¯s talk first.


    ¡°The reason why I don¡¯t like you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. Is it really because I¡¯m a woman? Please tell me if there is a different reason.¡±


    Cahir turned his gaze away from the mirror. He scanned Rosaline from head to toe once more. There was a low sigh from Cahir.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­¡±


    Rosaline and Dereck¡¯s eyes sparkled. Dereck also did not want to search all night to find a new secretary. After making eye contact with each of them, Cahir spoke.


    ¡°You¡¯re prettier than me.¡±


    Rosaline and Dereck grimaced. Rosaline didn¡¯t know if she should be happy or cry because of how unfair the situation was.


    She knew he was a crazy bastard but she didn¡¯t know it was this bad. Shouldn¡¯t he like a girl if she is pretty? E was also called the most beautiful woman in the empire, so why did it work for her and not Rosaline?


    This information could not be found in the novel. It was actuallypletely opposite from Cahir¡¯s tastes and preferences described in the novel. Truthfully, Rosaline¡¯s appearance today had been created through researching the type of dresses, hair style, and makeup that Cahir liked.


    ¡®But now you¡¯re saying you don¡¯t like me because I¡¯m pretty?¡¯


    Rosaline chewed on her lower lip, wondering what she should do.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you the one who asked? You said you would fix the problem. You looked like you really wanted to be the secretary, but I guess I was wrong.¡±


    Rosaline thought quickly. There was no way to get out of a situation like this in the novel. She knew because she had read the book until it was practically falling apart.


    ¡®The story changed!¡¯


    Ah! It was a mistake to be overconfident about being the secretary because I trusted the story of the novel. But she couldn¡¯t go back now.


    ¡°Your Majesty, thank you for regarding me so highly. However, you are the sun of our empire, the star of the Etheus Empire. My appearance cannotpare to your elegant, luxurious, and pure looks. Your Majesty, please take back your words.¡±


    It was tiring to suck up to someone. Rosaline gritted her teeth and praised Cahir¡¯s appearance. Dereck pped his hands from the side, as if he was telling her to go on. Rosaline activated her brain to the max.


    ¡®What should I say? I can¡¯t think of anything¡­¡¯


    There was nothing to praise besides his looks. He wasn¡¯t a tyrant for nothing, after all.


    Am I supposed to praise him for how smooth the de is when he cuts someone¡¯s neck off? Or what about the time he took over an entire country because someone from that country stole something from him? Maybe that is something to praise¡­ Anyway, there¡¯s nothing to praise him about!


    ¡°I¡¯m worried that I¡¯ll make your great deeds appear trivial if I dare describe them.¡±


    But there was always a way out.


    Cahir¡¯s frown slowly disappeared.


    ¡°You talk too much. Do you want to be my secretary that badly?¡±


    It was alright now. This was a very good sign.


    Rosaline stood up tall.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. I want to be the shadow of the empire¡¯s sun.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ going to be the shadow¡­ as the secretary?¡±


    Rosaline nodded energetically. A moment of silence passed. Cahir stared at Rosaline. He sighed often. He still didn¡¯t seem to be keen on the idea.


    Rosaline felt the need to exin a little more about herself. After all, self intros and self PR was necessary in 21st century Korea as well.


    ¡°I¡¯m good at it!¡±


    ¡°At what?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fluent in foreignnguages, I have good stamina, and I also have the confidence that I¡¯ll be able to suit your tastes perfectly.¡±


    ¡°Perfectly?¡±


    Cahir fixed his posture. Good, he¡¯s interested now. Rosaline smiled brightly.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty!¡±


    ¡°Anything?¡±


    ¡°Yes, anything!¡±


    Cahir hummed and made a rxed expression. He leaned into the chair. Then he put his arms on the armrests of the chair and scanned Rosaline again with his hands put together.


    His fiery orange eyes seemed to pierce into Rosaline. It wasn¡¯t a dangerous look. Cahir¡¯s heart seemed to have leaned to hiring her.


    ¡°Dereck.¡±


    Cahir called Dereck as he continued to stare at Rosaline. Dereck, who had been standing further away, came towards them quickly.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°The room next to mine. Rosaline¡¯s room will be the room next to mine.¡±


    Cahir¡¯s secretaries must stay in the pce. This is because there is so much work to do that they must work all day and night.


    Cahir¡¯s mood became nasty whenever the work that he wanted to do did not get done in time. Dereck shuddered at the thought of it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you one week, Rosaline. Show me how useful you are.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    Rosaline smiled prettily and curtsied. Cahir simply gazed at her light purple hair as it fell low.


    * * *


    Rosaline learning process was taken over by Cahir¡¯s maid, Hui. Rosaline was to look around the pce with Hui today and start her work as a secretary tomorrow.


    Only Dereck and Cahir were left in the emperor¡¯s bedroom. Dereck ced the crown on Cahir. The crown kept slipping because of Cahir¡¯s smooth hair.


    This is why they wanted to fix it with pomade.


    Dereck gave up on cing the crown on correctly. As expected, the crown leaned towards one side.


    ¡®I need to find a way to fix it.¡¯


    ¡°Just leave it Dereck. I¡¯m only gonna wear for it a little bit when I¡¯m meeting with the ministers anyway.¡±


    Cahir got up, holding the crown in his hand. Cahir was the only person in the royal family, no, the entire empire, who would dare mistreat the empire¡¯s treasure like this.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I am curious about something.¡±


    Cahir stopped in the middle of his tracks. He signaled with his chin, telling Dereck to speak.


    ¡°Do you really not like women?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t like pretty women.¡±


    ¡°Since when?¡±


    This was something even Dereck did not know. Dereck had grown up with Cahir.


    Dereck was Cahir¡¯s friend, guard, and secretary. Dereck had grown up in the pce with Cahir. When Cahir began walking, Dereck also began walking, and when Cahir began talking, Dereck also began talking.


    Dereck had practically first handedly watched Cahir¡¯s entire development process. But this was the first time he had heard that Cahir did not like women.


    He simply thought he had no interest because he seemed bored even when the most beautiful women were brought as tribute¡­


    Perhaps?


    Dereck¡¯s face suddenly froze. He backed away from Cahir.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Dereck?¡±


    There were several male secretaries, but Cahir only called for Dereck. And Cahir hated mistakes, but he was pretty lenient when it came to Dereck. On top of it, he hates women.


    Dereck¡¯s face paled.


    ¡°Your Majesty, do you perhaps¡­like men?¡±


    Cahir¡¯s eyes widened. His eyes began glinting dangerously.


    ¡°Or, do you¡­ like me?¡±


    He shouldn¡¯t have said this. Cahir¡¯s hand was at the sword on his waist. Dereck staggered backwards.


    ¡°Dereck, have you lived too long? Or maybe you have two lives?¡±


    ¡°Then why?! Why don¡¯t you like Rosaline?¡±


    ¡°I told you. She¡¯s pretty.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand. Don¡¯t you like pretty things?¡±


    Cahir sighed. Did he really have to spell it out for him? He had expected Dereck to understand right away, since he had been Cahir¡¯s secretary for so long.


    But Dereck truly seemed to be confused. He didn¡¯t want to exin, but Dereck was someone who had to find out the reason behind everything. If Cahir didn¡¯t answer, Dereck would probably stare at him all day with desperate eyes.


    Cahir turned his gaze slightly. He hated being bothered. Cahir whispered.


    ¡°She¡¯s perfectly my type. So much to the point that it¡¯s suspicious.¡±


    He seemed to be blushing slightly as he said the words ¡®perfectly my type¡¯. Dereck rubbed his eyes, thinking that he was seeing things. He must¡¯ve imagined it for sure.


    Cahir was wearing a nd and uninterested expression again. Dereck sighed in relief.


    ¡°Right, Dereck. Research the Berit family again. Find out if they really don¡¯t have any rtions with the former empress.¡±


    Cahir ordered as he grabbed the door handle.


    There was no way Cahir couldn¡¯t get the wrong idea from Rosaline, since she was so perfectly his type, so much to the point that it was scary.


    * * *


    Rosaline went around the pce with Hui. The pce was extremelyrge.


    ¡°Can we rest for a bit?¡±


    Rosaline lifted her skirt a bit to reveal her heels. She couldn¡¯t understand why the maids in the pce only wore t shoes before, but after experiencing it for herself, she could finally understand.


    She didn¡¯t even want to think about walking to theundry area with high heels.


    She hadn¡¯t expected to be moving around so much. In fact, she would have to move around just as much as the maids as she followed the emperor around as his secretary.


    ¡°We can¡¯t¡­¡±


    Hui looked around. Hui looked down at Rosaline¡¯s feelt and scratched her cheek, wondering what to do.


    Hui and Rosaline arrived at the garden of the 3rd pce instead of the main pce. The Etheus royal pce had the main pce in the middle, and the 1st & 2nd pces on each side, and the 3rd pce in the back.


    Normally the 1st pce was used by the empress, the 2nd pce was used by the former empress, and the 3rd pce was used by the concubine of the emperor.


    But this was only a logical exnation. In reality, the owner of each pce was decided by how much the emperor favored you, which also symbolizes the power you have.


    The 1st and 2nd pces are usually used by those favored by the emperor. The 3rd pce was the opposite. It was hidden behind the main pce. People called the 3rd pce the abandoned star.


    Hui and Rosaline were in the 3rd pce, the garden of the person who had the worst rtionship with Cahir.


    Hui was someone who had served Cahir for a long time. She was just a maid, not even the head maid, but most people in the pce treated her with respect. On the other hand, people in the 3rd pce considered her a nuisance.


    They called her cocky, mocked her for abusing the emperor¡¯s power, and bullied her in a way that was unnoticeable to others.


    If Hui didn¡¯t have such a calm personality, she would probably fight with the people in this pce every day. In any case, Hui didn¡¯t want to stay long in here.


    ¡°Lady Rosaline, is it alright if we go on a little more before resting? The introduction for the 3rd pce will be very quick. After the 3rd pce is the library. Why don¡¯t you rest in the library? The chairs in the library are veryfortable and there¡¯s even a separate resting area, so it¡¯ll be better to rest there than the garden.¡±


    Hui was speaking quickly. Her voice was very quiet as well. She kept on looking around, as if she was nervous.


    ¡®Why is she so nervous?¡¯


    Rosaline gazed at Hui. Was there something in the 3rd pce.

 Chapter 4

    Rosaline followed the memory


    3rd pce¡­ 3rd pce,Something came up. A sh of light shone on Rosaline¡¯s head.


    ¡®?That¡¯s it, the Empress!¡¯


    She was Cahir¡¯s greatest enemy, who harrased him to his death. She was none other than Cahir¡¯s mother. If Cahir was a tyrant, the Empress was called a demon by some people.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like his dress, kill him.¡±


    ¡±The hair style is simr to mine. Push it.¡±


    ¡±He¡¯s the same height as Cahir. Banish him from the capital!¡±


    ¡±Did youugh when you saw our son? Hang it up.¡±


    She was also famous for her deadly execution without standards andmon sense.


    Moreover, the problem was that most of those executed had a friendly or neutral rtionship with Cahir.


    Therefore, the best thing for the people was to stay away from the third pce.


    If you get their attention, it¡¯s almost like putting a noose around your neck.


    ¡°Hui, I¡¯m sorry. Can I hold your hand?


    Once familiar with each other, Rosaline called Huifortably. Rosaline took Hui¡¯s shoes and put them on correctly.


    The brightly colored shoes that were worn to suit Cahir¡¯s tastes were neverfortable to walk in, no matter how good they were. Rosaline was worried about the pain in her feet she would haveter.


    ¡±Come on, Hui¡±


    Hui and Rosaline took a step. After this didn¡¯t want to get lost now. It was lunchtime and after he would have to start his work. At that time the owner of the third pce, Empress Az, would be busy receiving her massage. So, it was her chance to take a look at the pce and look outside.


    Rosaline wanted to see the third pce. So she asked Derek, but he refused, shaking his head.


    ¡®Rumors don¡¯tpare to reality.¡¯


    It was Derek who became stricter these days, resembling Cahir.


    Finally, four monthster.


    ¡°Oh, who¡¯s this? Isn¡¯t this Cahir¡¯s dog?¡±


    Empress Az had gone for a walk in the garden at this time.


    Hui¡¯s face quickly darkened.


    It was uneptable even for the Empress to make fun of the Emperor¡¯s name. However, Az is always a person who goes beyondmon sense. It was Az who naturally and unconditionally disrespected the Empire¡¯s sun and the Emperor.


    ¡°The Empire¡¯s Hyacinth, Your Majesty.¡±


    Hui bowed. Rosaline bowed without a word.


    ¡°You dare enter the pce without a reason?¡±


    The garden was an open space for everyone. But before entering the pce, you must exin the reason to the guards who belong to the pce.


    Az was holding a scabbard. While harassing Cahir¡¯s servant, she felt superior to him and wanted to show off. It was a kind of excitement.


    ¡°Forgive me, Queen Mother. I was wrong, I was too clueless.¡±


    Rosaline stopped Hui and stepped forward. Az¡¯s gaze went all the way to Rosaline. The corner of her mouth rose strangely.


    ¡°You are¡­?¡±


    Az eyes snapped open and she took a step closer to Rosaline.


    Az Monica Bell Luace.


    She was the second empress of Emperor Ker Go.


    Emperor Ker Go was a man of great women. When the first Empress Rizia gave birth to Cahir and dedicated herself to the care of her son, he openly invited women to the Imperial Pce.


    He spent the night with at least ten women, and changed them every night. He could becking in other things, except in appearance. He wanted to prove that he was superior to others and that his libido and sexual desire was unmatched.


    After raising Cahir to some extent, Empress Rizia approached Ker Go, but Ker Go, already trapped in the width of another woman¡¯s skirt, sent Rizia to the 3rd Pce.


    Empress Rizia, who loved Ker Go so much, stayed up every night with tears waiting for him. Finally, she died after suffering. And that ce was taken by Az.


    Az was only a little older than Cahir, only 16 years apart. When Ker Go and Az were next to each other, they seemed more of a neglected affair than a married couple.


    When Az entered the Imperial Pce, she was holding a child. Presenting him as Cahir¡¯s younger brother. Az saw Cahir as a thorn in her eye. She harassment him brazenly. It was Az who took him into battle.


    Unfortunately, Karon, whom Az intended to bring to the throne, was not intelligent. Attempts were clumsy and development was slow. It was not enough, even those on Az¡¯s side thought her son Karon was not worthy to sit on the throne.


    <i>¡°I can give birth again!¡±</i>


    Az tried. Unfortunately, heaven was not on her side. And also, her only refuge, the Ker Go emperor died.


    When Cahir came back. As soon as the session to the throne was over, he expelled Az to the third pce. Az¡¯s asylum was still there, but not everyone was strongly opposed to paying attention to Cahir. {1}


    <i>¡°You can do whatever you want. You just got on the throne. How confident will you be? Just wait a little longer.¡±</i>


    Az¡¯s madness was poisoned and entrenched by the Duke of Magnice. Az wandered around Cahir, seeking out evil. She wanted to discover even a small stain, some weakness of Cahir.


    ¡®You¡¯re the first woman I¡¯ve seen. It¡¯s even Cahir¡¯s favorite style, right?¡¯


    Az grabbed Rosaline chin and turned around to make a small sound.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Rosaline Berit.¡±


    ¡°Berit? What family is Berit? What do they do?¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s patience was about to run out. The Berit n was a poor familypared to the duke and count, but it was an excellent family, clean, highly educated, and loyal to the royal family. Of course, Rosaline was proud of the family. She was angry at Az¡¯s rude question because she knew she knew the warm and wonderful personality of Berit himself.


    ¡°The Berit family is a family of artists over 200 years old who produced great works and masters of poetry in the past.


    Hui exined in Rosaline ce. It was the story of her family, which was unknown to Rosaline.


    ¡°What? He¡¯s two hundred years old? So it¡¯s a dpidated house that has nothing to say if you don¡¯t bring up old stories? No money, no power, no status, no honor?¡±


    Wow. You can say those things in front of me? Az still didn¡¯t look her in the eye. Rosaline clenched her fist. Then she released the strength in her hand and lowered her eyes. The long eyshes made a shadow. The eyes shone brightly under the shadow. lips they curved.


    ¡°Our family can¡¯t evenpare to the Bell Luace family. Didn¡¯t the Bell Luace family produce the Empress Mother? Unfortunately, the reputation will not continue. Ah! The tragedy of the family is also very sad for me.¡±


    [I call this a low blow hahahaha]


    Rosaline pressed her eyebrows down, glowing and tearing at her sleeves. The Bell Luace family doesn¡¯t have a sessor. It¡¯s not like she didn¡¯t have one from the beginning. There was Az¡¯s brother, but Az, who didn¡¯t want to share power, took him to the battlefield.


    His brother was killed by an arrow in the war. No one could confirm if the arrow was the enemy¡¯s. It was a suspicious death. Rosaline pretended to be friendly, but the meaning of her words was ¡®I know everything¡¯. Ugh, Az hated it. One of the mistakes she made as a child was her brother¡¯s treatment. Az was also very familiar with the rumors that were circting.


    You reap what you sow


    Although Az did not kill the previous empress, people strongly believed that she was connected with her death. then Az sat in the Empress¡¯ seat and her brother died. It wasmon to die on the battlefield, but it made no sense to say that the man who became the sessor to the family would die just after the Empress had been crowned. Even then, a sudden death did not abandon her.


    Thest straw was the death of the emperor. The emperor lived desperately, but he always lived with good things in his mouth.{2}His death was really out of the question. [means that it was unexpected]


    The rumors spread like fire . Az used different methods to master the rumors, but the spread was more rapid. Az, who wanted to put her blood in power, was very sensitive to her reputation.


    Rosaline touched the sensitive area, pretending to be naive. She was very sessful if Rosaline¡¯s goal was to incur Az¡¯s wrath.


    ¡°Rosaline Berit¡±? Where do you belong? You shouldn¡¯t have to walk around the Imperial Pce, what¡¯s your title?¡±


    Az wanted to grab Rosaline¡¯s neck and shake it, but she put up with it. She was furious. But she quickly hid the anger and pretended to ask Rosaline a casual question.


    Only guests can attend the tea party. Rosaline had not been invited to the tea party, and Cahir did not even have tea parties, so she was not a guest.


    Az was determined to get her in trouble.


    ¡°You don¡¯t answer.¡±


    ¡°I am the Emperor¡¯s secretary. ¡°


    Rosaline omits the word ¡°can¡±. Because you don¡¯t have to be nice enough to give information that might seem superficial.


    Az stood up.


    ¡°Oh, I can¡¯t believe she¡¯s looking me in the eye without being too cheap.¡±


    Az raised her arms folded in front of her chest. Her mouth was shaking. Though Rosaline identity was clear, she seemed to have no intention of behaving well


    ¡°Rosaline Berit, did Cahir make you spy on me?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Rosalin and Hui were surprised.


    Why does the story unfold like this? They were both standing in the garden.


    ¡°Rosaline Berit. You don¡¯t have to answer the Queen¡¯s words, did Cahir say that? No way. Cahir, my dear boy, could not have said that. So you acted on your own and ignored me. ¡°


    Az¡¯s words are wrong from one to ten. I didn¡¯t know what to do Rosaline, who is good at grimacing and smiling, continued to the point where she couldn¡¯tugh.


    ¡°How angry would our Cahir be if he knew his mother was being ignored like this? Then how can I not punish you?¡±


    Rosaline stood by every word.


    ¡°Please forgive me, Queen Mother.¡±


    Rosaline picked up the nasty words. Rosaline sweet face, like cotton candy, changed quickly. Her white eyes became as sharp as a crescent moon. It is a pity to bend down in front of someone. In particr, it is especially repugnant to do so in front of those who deny and consider human life as an insect!


    It was a bad choice for Az to take a hard line on Rosaline.


    ¡°There¡¯s something you stated.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    When Az was verbally abusive, people would get scared and stumbled from fear . But Rosaline didn¡¯t. On the contrary, she lifted her hips straighter and looked her straight in the eye. Az was threatened by the way those eyes looked at her.


    ¡°Even if everything else happened¡­¡±


    Rosaline breathed for a moment. She smiled as if she were determined.


    ¡°I want you to take away the words that the Queen Mother loves Her Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Az¡¯s voice trembled.


    {1}: That although the Queen Mother did not have too much power, some were unaware of Cahir¡¯s position and power.


    {2}:The emperor had some faults. However, he had enough to live well and have a long life.

 Chapter 5

    <h2>Chapter 5 Part 1</h2>


    ***


    ¡°I¡¯m going to say one more thing, after I say it, Your Majesty will not be upset if I behave so badly to you.¡±


    Az¡¯s face turned pale. She hid her sword in her mouth (*she has a sharp tongue), contrary to her gentle appearance. Az was helpless against Rosaline¡¯s attack.


    ¡°How dare four years drive a wedge between our rtionship?¡±


    She couldn¡¯t help but get angry. The white-tired Az screamed. It was a loud scream that was sharp enough to tear off the ears. She then raised her shaky hand high. Rosaline regretted it.


    ¡°Oh¡­ crazy! Crazy! You little snout!¡±


    Her temper was the problem. But it couldn¡¯t be helped. Rosaline didn¡¯t know how she could stand to talk about the love between a mother and her child when she knew what Cahir had been through because of Az! It¡¯s a sin to know the original.


    It was a good thing Az didn¡¯t punch her the moment Rosaline shamelessly said she loved Cahir. Why does justice pop out of uselessness? If you¡¯re born again, you¡¯ll have to think about it after you be a powerful person. She came here to live, but she was going to die in the wrong ce. Rosaline closed her eyes tightly, imagining the taste of the hot p on her cheek. Then, Az¡¯s hand crossed the air.


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±


    Hui¡¯s cry cracked the eardrum instead of a stinging pain. ¡®Your Majesty?¡¯ Rosaline opened her eyes. In front of her, she could see the back of a robust man holding Az¡¯s wrist. Tall, stout shoulders, golden hair fluttering in the wind, and a slightly crooked crown. It was Cahir!


    ¡°Queen Mother, my secretary never said anything wrong.¡±


    Az¡¯s face distorted.


    ***


    *Earlier*


    Cahir took a short, sweet break. Thanks to his hard work in the morning, all the urgent paperwork was done. He had an early lunch and was about to enjoy a digestive nap when Derek suddenly opened the door and rushed in.


    ¡°Your Majesty! Oh my God!¡±


    Cahir frowned and sat up, buried deep in his chair.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not important, you¡¯ll be on night duty for a week,¡± said Cahir, shaking his hand.


    ¡°Rosaline, ah, I mean the new secretary, whom you said was beautiful and unlikable.¡±


    ¡°Secretary?¡±


    ¡°Anyway, she is caught by the Queen .¡±


    Cahir¡¯s eyebrows shot up into the air. He sighed heavily and kicked his chair away. He wanted to ignore her and rest. But the look on Derick¡¯s face made him feel that he must not. Derek, who was well aware of what had happened to Cahir¡¯s people who got caught by Az, was wondering if Rosaline would quit. No, in fact, the most hopeful oue for her would be to get fired and resign with a little, very little heartbreak. And it would be the most horrible thing for Derek.


    Suddenly, Rosaline came to Cahir¡¯s mind. Az waving her beautiful, rare, light purple hair in her hands? Would the yellow sky dress crinkle like a butterfly ying in a field of flowers? How does that face, which was so beautiful that it made him dizzy, change when she gets angry? Suddenly his curiosity soared. At the same time, he didn¡¯t want to see Rosaline in a mess. He reminded himself that one day he would get even with Rosaline, Az and Derek for disturbing his nap.


    ¡°Where is she?¡±


    ****


    At first he didn¡¯t intend to embark on it directly like this. He was not apanied by a convoy of attendants and guards who wanted to follow him to the trouble, but Derek was. When Derek announced Cahir¡¯s arrival, he dreamed of a peaceful picture which Az would withdraw quietly. He did not want to waste his anger on Az either.


    But then he heard it. Something about his mother and her loved one. His mouth dropped open in disgust. His feet were frozen, he couldn¡¯t move. For the first time, Cahir realised that a person can lose his soul in disgust. He came to his senses when Az¡¯s sound ended and Rosaline fired a shot. He thought it¡¯s a bit different. It was a strange feeling. And afterwards he genuinely felt better. What beautiful words. Rosaline¡¯s quiet but determinedly beautiful voice hit Cahir over the head.


    ****


    ¡°What, what? Your Majesty, please let go of my hand!¡±


    Az twisted to dislodge her wrist. However, instead of releasing her hand, Cahir put more pressure on it. Az groaned in pain.


    ¡°Rosaline had never said anything wrong, Queen Mother.¡±


    Az red at Cahir.


    ¡°Queen Mother!¡±


    Az¡¯s guards and attendants came rushing in from the distance. They nced around. The situation was easily understood, but it was difficult to decide what action to take. Cahir grabbed Az¡¯s wrist with great force. Az blushed, and a beautiful woman, whom he had never seen in the Imperial Pce before, stood between them with an unconcerned expression on her face, her hands gently sped.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been out in the air for a while,¡± she said, ¡°and in the meantime you¡¯ve lured His Majesty¡¯s people away. By the way, who is that woman?¡±


    The tyrant and the devil met. On the day they met, thunder rumbled in the sky and the wind blew strong. That¡¯s what the word spread. Rosaline bent down for now. Everyone lowered their heads and sped their hands together. Who¡¯s going to lose their head today?


    ¡°Do you take her side because you know what the wretcheddy said?¡±


    Cahir¡¯s brows narrowed and scarlet eyes red red. Ang was frightened. His angry face even made the formidable Az flinched. Ang usually bothered him a lot. It wasmon to ignore Rosaline today and tried to p her on the cheek.


    ¡°Rosaline.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    Rosaline replied sharply to Cahir¡¯s call. When he appeared like aet and held Az¡¯s hand, Rosaline was honestly touched. He was like an apostle of justice who showed up with the wind. Of course, she couldn¡¯t say that because she felt sorry for the immeasurable lives that died at his hands.


    ¡°Rosaline, exin again to the Queen. What¡¯s wrong with her?¡±


    As soon as she heard Cahir¡¯s order, she was grateful. Her feelings were messed up and broken. She had been hated by Az, but now she¡¯s in the situation where she had to talk to her again and probably would get bullied for the rest of her life in the pce. Now, she got one more scenario where she came here to not die and ended up dead. Rosaline hesitated.


    ¡°Rosaline, what are you doing? I told you to exin it to the Queen.¡±


    ¡®Forget the nice things I said about him earlier.¡¯Rosaline thought to herself.


    Cahir turned his head and looked at Rosaline, lifting Az¡¯s wrist up. Her arm must¡¯ve hurt. Rosaline came to her senses after thinking about something else. She alternately looked at Cahir¡¯s scarlet eyes and Az¡¯s brown eyes. It was time to choose. Cahir, the bloodthirsty lunatic, the butcher of the continent. Az, the notorious witch, the mean devil. She wouldn¡¯t die within five years of choosing one of them. She had already found out many times through the holy man.


    ¡®Which side should I take?¡¯


    She came into the pce to take Cahir¡¯s side, but she was confused when she saw Az¡¯s fierce hands. She wanted to live happily for a long time. Rosaline¡¯s eyes shook. She looked alternately at Cahir and Az. If she does something wrong, she will be hated by the both of them at the same time. But Rosaline¡¯s troubles did notst long. In times like this, it is best to stick to the person whose power willst a long time. In the novel, Cahir sat on the throne until the moment he married the heroine. Calcted, it was about five or six yearster. In addition, there was no chance of his sudden death, so her choice was Cahir.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m afraid that if I say the right thing, I may offend the Queen. A loyal servant must say the right thing, but she must also be sensitive to the feelings of her master.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, It¡¯s me you¡¯re serving. Not Queen Mother.¡±


    Cahir stared at her. Rosaline shouted inwardly with pleasure. This was the answer she wanted.


    Her master was Cahir. As soon as he professed this, no matter what she said, he would take charge of her disposition. Of course, there were exceptions. When the other party was a much higher power. But now Cahir was stronger! Rosaline¡¯s shoulders spread naturally. Az made an impression on Rosaline¡¯s straight posture as if she had a wooden board on her spine.


    ¡°The Queen,¡± Rosaline opened her rosy lips. All eyes were on her. Derek crumpled his brows, and the Queen shook her head and looked at Rosaline. She had a wishful look on her face, as if asking her not to speak, not to go against her nerves any more. Rosaline understood. If Rosaline agreed with the Queen¡¯s subtle intention, where would all the stress go?


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry, but. I have to live, too.¡¯


    ¡°One, I don¡¯t think the words that the Queen said about you as ¡®my beloved baby¡¯ are good to refer to the rtionship between her and Your Majesty. It¡¯s bad between you two, no, you two are a little more concise and carefree, right?¡± (*T/L: I¡¯m not sure what she meant here*)


    At that time, she heard the sound of smirking.


    ¡°Ah, Rosaline. I wonder what kind of rtionship you have with a man who is concise and simple?¡±


    Cahir said, turning around and looking at Rosaline, as if he was looking at the heroine of a well-organized y. Rosaline¡¯s eyes widened.¡®Tell me? Tell me what you¡¯re up to, now? Your Majesty, you don¡¯t like me very much, do you?¡¯Watching Rosaline¡¯s face like she was about to cry, Cahir shrugged and said, ¡°Next, please.¡±


    Rosaline swallowed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°Two, I¡¯m sorry if you¡¯ve been neglected by the Queen¡­¡±


    Rosaline looked at Cahir as if asking for help. Cahir¡¯s mouth was faintly twitching. He barely managed to hold back hisughter. Rosaline moved her eyebrows up and down hard, as if she was saying, ¡®You have to help me. I¡¯m afraid my unfiltered speech might make things worse. Please, please, please.¡¯


    ¡®Haha,¡¯ Cahir, btedly, letting out augh he had been holding back. ¡®Oh, yes, the Queen Mother.¡¯


    Cahir finally let go of Az¡¯s wrist, which was turning white and blue. It was an added bonus that he put it down and pushed gently. Az reeled.


    ¡°The Queen Mother!¡±


    Her attendants rushed to lift her up. Ang bit hard on the back of her mouth. She wanted to punish Rosaline now for her arrogance and selfishness.


    ¡®Rosaline, there is not a single lie in what you say. You deserve severe punishment for making my mother feel ufortable.¡¯


    Cahir was forced topletely change his cold temperament. His voice was soft and gentle as he spoke to Az. Like a gentleman of good manners, he ced his hand on his chest and bowed gently. One of his hands was supporting the crown, which was about to fall off his head.


    ¡°I will punish that arrogant secretary, but I¡¯m sure Queen Mother, whose heart is as wide as the sea, will be lenient on her.¡±


    Cahir turned his head and looked at Az.

 Chapter 6

    <h2>Chapter 6</h2>


    ****


    ¡°You will allow it, won¡¯t you?¡±


    Cahir made sure that Az had no choice but to allow it. The sun of the empire has risen. To the Empress, with whom it was rumoured he was not on good terms. Not only was he not going to fire his secretary for disrespect, but he was even going to punish her for her mistakes. Az¡¯s answer was obvious. Cahir raised the corners of his mouth. It was a in sneer.


    ¡°So be it¡­.¡±


    Az turned around after she had barely finished speaking. She staggered a few steps away. Her servants rushed to help her, but Az violently shook off their hands.


    ****


    ¡°The arrogant Rosaline.¡±


    Cahir and Derek were followed by Rosaline and Hui. They quickly got out of the turbulent Third Star Pce. Surely the ¡®lion¡¯s roar of Az¡¯ would not cease for three days in a row. As they turned onto the road leading to the Imperial Pce and the Third Star Pce, Cahir stopped dead in his tracks.


    ¡°Why did you be my secretary?¡±


    Derek¡¯s eyes widened. Cahir rarely took an interest in other people. If he did, he never expressed it directly. If there was something he wanted to know, he would let Derick go and find out. It was quicker and more urate that way. Basically, Cahir was a man who wouldn¡¯t trust people¡¯s words easily.


    ¡°What? Your Majesty?¡±


    Rosaline had other things on her mind. She wondered when Az would die. It was a given that Az would stare at her, and her bullying would follow her like a thread on a needle. There was a possibility of how long it wouldst. But no matter how much she thought about it, she couldn¡¯t remember the scene where Az died.


    ¡®I¡¯ll go home and read my book again. I¡¯vee home today, so in a week¡­. I¡¯m thinking of taking a holiday¡­ ¡®


    She tried to listen, but she couldn¡¯t possibly hear him properly. Rosaline¡¯s dumb reaction was justified. Hui poked her in the side of her ribs. He told her about Cahir¡¯s question again.


    ¡°Oh, Your Majesty! I want to be your secretary because I want to enjoy the glory of worshipping the sun of the empire. I also want to serve and learn from His Majesty, whom I call the greatest genius of all time¡­ ¡°


    ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me,¡± said Cahir, annoyed by the constant falling of the crown. He quickly took off the crown and threw it to Rosaline. She quickly took the crown and staggered. The crown was very heavy. It was full of jewels that ordinary people would never be able to see it. The jewels shone brilliantly in the sunlight in five colours.


    ¡°If you lie, I¡¯ll kill you. I¡¯ll ask you again. Why did you be my secretary?¡±


    She felt Cahir¡¯s gaze on her neck. If it was a knife, her head would fall off by now. She held the crown tightly, as if it was her lifeline.


    ¡°So that¡¯s ¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Derek also stepped closer to hear Rosaline¡¯s story better. He was also curious. It was Roy he had told Viscount Berit about, but before he had time to see Roy, Rosaline had turned up and suddenly said she would be his secretary.


    ¡°I¡¯m here on behalf of my brother.¡±


    ¡°On behalf of your brother?¡± Cahir uttered a ridiculous sigh. Derek also sighed.


    ¡°Did you hear that, Derek? Hahahahaha, she¡¯s her brother¡¯s recement.¡±


    Once Cahir had burst intoughter, it was difficult to detect. Rosaline¡¯s mood became worse by the minute. What was so funny? What was so funny about telling the truth when he¡¯s going to kill her for lying?


    ¡®Why it was totally unexpected. Don¡¯t ask me another question,¡® the words rose to her throat, but Rosaline swallowed it down.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. Ask me anything you like. I am your servant, am I not?¡± She smiled.


    ¡°Not in the morning. I¡¯m wondering why you came in your brother¡¯s ce.¡±


    ¡°My brother¡¯s body is a bit¡­ No, it¡¯s quite weak.¡±


    Cahir¡¯sugh faded. He narrowed their distance in an instant. Suddenly, a shadow appeared above Rosaline¡¯s head.


    ¡®Wow, I thought it was big, but when I saw it..,¡¯the top of her head was ced under Cahir¡¯s chin. Then she turned naturally.


    ¡°I told you not to lie. You almost died just now. Rosaline, do you have ten lives?¡±


    ¡®How the hell do you know I¡¯m lying?¡® Rosaline shuddered. Cahir was right. She had lied when she said that Roy hade to rece her because he was too weak. Unlike Roy¡¯s feeble nature, his health was the only thing he was short of.


    Most of the people in the house caught cold during the cold spell of history, but Roy was not affected. Perhaps that was the only reason why he drank rotten milk on a summer¡¯s day, only to be d that he had done his business in the cool of the day. Unlike Rosaline, who had had an ugly time with vomiting and going to the bathroom for days, ¡°But isn¡¯t it a bit silly to say that my brother is an idiot and I¡¯vee instead, bringing shame on the family¡­¡± Rosaline lowered her eyes. Her dark eyshes cast deep shadows. Cahir felt that there was something about it. If it was difficult to say, he felt that he needed to be considerate, but it was an eye-opener. He wanted to know more.


    ¡°Derek, Hui. Take ten steps back.¡±


    ¡°Yes? Is Rosaline in trouble?¡±


    Derek and Hui were disappointed. By the way, is His Majesty being considerate to Rosaline? Derek felt a kind of betrayal. The consideration that His Majesty, whom only he knew, had never given him the slightest thought because he had once stood up to Az. To think that he was doing it to his new secretary! He was sorry to leave him, but Derek was a man who valued life. He knew what it meant to disobey Cahir¡¯s orders, he stepped back without saying a word. Neither Derek nor Hui had any desire to put their lives on the line for the personal history of a trivial new secretary, whose life had no other relevance to the rise and fall of the Empire.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve given you enough consideration, why don¡¯t you tell me now?¡±


    It seemed that there was no such thing as a question that did not trouble others in his category of consideration.


    She had to say something, but she didn¡¯t feel like swearing in the pce. Rosaline looked around. Derek and Hui were exactly ten steps away, as Cahir said. She knew it would be hard for them to hear when she whispered but they could easily read her lip¡¯s movements. Rosaline had a hard time opening her mouth, but as Cahir urged her to answer. She made up her mind.


    ¡°Your Majesty, may I have a moment of profanity?¡±


    ¡°What kind¡­?¡±


    ¡°Will you hold the crown for a moment?¡± said Rosaline, and Cahir held out one hand wordlessly.


    Rosaline carefully returned the crown. Then, she grabbed Cahir by the shoulders and lifted her heels. Their personal space narrowed to a point where they could barely breathe. Cahir¡¯s eyes grew wide with astonishment. Never since he had been able to reason had someone touched his body in this way, and without permission. It was disrespectful. Even if her head had been cut off immediately, the Berit family would not have been able to utter a word. He must push her out, he must shout that she had put her hands on the emperor¡¯s body. But his body did not move as he thought. The moment Rosaline¡¯s lips touched his ear, he froze, as if he had taken a drug that paralysed his body at once.


    ¡°My brother is a bit of an airhead. I¡¯vee to take his ce,¡± said Rosalyn, with an earful, and stepped back. It all happened so quickly. Cahir didn¡¯t know whether to be angry or tough. It was certainly a punishable offense, but her answer made himugh. And to be angry, he should have done it long ago. It was all about timing. He missed the right moment to be angry. His strength slipped away.


    ¡°It¡¯s funny,¡± Cahir¡¯s eyes lit up. He was like a rabbit hiding in the grass with his ears close to the ground. He said everything he wanted to say, and when Az raised her hand, he listened for a moment like a rabbit before a wild beast. If you¡¯re a coward, don¡¯t do it. If you¡¯ve done it, be proud of it to the end.


    She was confused whether he was angry or not. Cahir¡¯s handsome face turned mysterious. He was not smiling, nor was he frowned. She looked at his face. His lips quivered as he tried to figure out what he wanted to say. Cahir became increasingly interested in Rosaline, who defied his expectations whenever she opened her mouth.


    ¡°Do you have anything to say?¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty¡­..? Aren¡¯t you going to be angry?¡±


    ¡°Angry? Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I dare to touch your body?¡±


    ¡°So you know it¡¯s something that makes me angry?¡±


    ¡°Of course! I know you have a dirty temperament.¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha, what did you say Rosaline Be¡­.?¡±


    Cahirughed, madly. He clutched his belly with his hand and bent over. His dazzling blond hair fluttered like willow leaves. The sunlight hit brilliantly on him. After a while theughter became lovely. He raised his head. Rosaline¡¯s breath caught in her throat as she saw Cahir smiled.


    It was bitter to admit, but he lookedmentably nice to be a tyrant. She didn¡¯t even dare to say ¡°handsome¡± in words like that.


    ¡°¡­..It¡¯s Rosaline Berit.¡±


    She breathed in, tied her swayed heart tightly in ce, and answered. It¡¯s going to bemon in the future.¡®Ah, Rosaline. Get a hold of yourself. To be swayed by a nice face, a usible appearance when you¡¯ve done a lot of kid stuff all over the possessed world.¡¯


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re the daughter of Baron Berit. Rosaline Berit, you¡¯re my secretary from today¡±.


    ¡°What? I didn¡¯t get fired?¡±


    Rosaline grabbed him by the neck with her hands. Cahir¡¯s eyes narrowed. He was amazed by her. He has an eye for the true nature of people. It was purely because he achieved quite a brilliant achievement at an early age for such an ability. But he didn¡¯t have any idea about Rosaline. It waspletely impossible to predict what she would do next, or what she would say. So he decided to keep her next to him. Because he was curious. Because she was interesting. Because she was strange.


    ¡°Yes. Well done, Miss Secretary,¡± said Cahir, holding out his hand. Rosaline stared at his big hand. If she grabs it, it will begin. The brutal pce life with him as a tyrant. However, the hesitation was not long. Because it was all part of the n. Rosaline took Cahir¡¯s hand in hers. The prickles prated her whole body.


    ¡°By the way, Your Majesty. How did you know that I was lying?¡±


    Cahir pulled her hands together towards him. Her waist was bent backwards. He ced the crown on the ground and held Rosaline by the waist. Her hand, raised reflexively, ced on Cahir¡¯s chest. She opened her eyes wide and swallowed her breath. Cahir¡¯s face came closer. Her head felt like it was going to burst. Her heart, which had been gripped tightly, crashed endlessly to the ground again, as if it was mocking her.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know, did you, Rosaline? You didn¡¯t know that the tongue hurts the lips before it lies,¡± he said in a husky low voice. It was definitely a rough voice, but as soon as he put it in his mouth, it turned soft as a sweet chiffon cake that melted. She felt as if she would want to eat it. Her body trembled like she was being cut open.

 Chapter 7

    <h2>Chapter 7</h2>


    ***


    It was not fear. It was an unknown dizzy spell. She couldn¡¯t believe she was being eaten by a predator. Was she an M-phobe? Rosaline was worried about her identity. However, the time to focus on herself was as short as a moment. She was getting closer to Cahir. The human body is mysterious that it kept getting closer even though there was no room for even a piece of paper. She wanted to get out of this situation as soon as possible. Rosaline gently pushed his chest. Underneath his jacket, Rosaline felt a hard, resilient touch that made her pull back. But because of Cahir¡¯s arm gripping her waist, she could not pull away.


    ¡°Well, I look forward to your kind cooperation.¡±


    Rosaline bowed in Cahir¡¯s arms, and a clear smile fell on top of her head.


    ¡°Oh, Rosaline. You deserve to be punished¡­.¡±


    The word ¡°punishment¡± echoed. The arm around Rosaline¡¯s waist tightened. She took a step backwards and the distance between them narrowed vainly. He must have been trying to kill her by squeezing her this tight.


    ¡°Rosaline, go and write. I want you to write about my achievements in the Sino-Japanese War. If it¡¯s not good enough, I¡¯ll add it up to a punishment you¡¯ll never forget.¡±


    The sound of Cahir¡¯s voice in her ears was like magic torture. She flinched every time his breath was as low as cotton wool.


    ¡°All right, all right! So please¡­¡±


    ¡°Please?¡±


    ¡°Out and away, Your Majesty!¡±


    Rosaline pushed hard on Cahir¡¯s chest. But he didn¡¯t move a muscle.


    ****


    ¡°I think there¡¯s a spark. Is it just me, Derek?¡±


    In the distance, there was a conversation between Derek and Hui. Derek wrapped his hand around Hui¡¯s waist in a disheveled outfit. It has been five years since Rosaline became Cahir¡¯s secretary.


    ¡°His Majesty and the secretary¡¯s me have transferred to us.¡±


    Derek cleared Hui¡¯s ck hair sideways and kissed her exposed neck.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do this, Derek. You¡¯ve already done it once. Rosaline has not been in a rtionship for five years and has been working, and I¡¯m the only one doing this¡­.,¡± Hui blurted out.


    Many things have happened in five years. The war broke out twice. There was also a conspiracy of rebellion by aristocrats who disapproved of the young emperor. Cahir went wild, and it was all up to Rosaline and Derek to sort things out. Derek was exhausted. From some point on, Rosaline took over for him. This gave Derek time to rx and he even fell in love with Hui.


    ¡°Both of us don¡¯t like work very much.¡±


    ¡°Derrick! That¡¯s because Rosaline hasn¡¯t done other things yet!¡±


    ¡°Other things? What do you mean?¡±


    Derek grinned and swept Hui¡¯s thighs. Hui put the teacup on the window frame and hit him on the back of her hand.


    ¡°This is how Rosaline will forever be single and die! All work! Do you know what people call Rosaline?¡±


    ¡°What do they call her?¡±


    Derek never cared for Rosaline. He was grateful to her for putting him at ease¡­ It was strange when she sometimes acted like Cahir, but that was as far as it went.


    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s tranquilizer! A workaholic without blood or tears! His Majesty¡¯s Shadow! A doll without desire! That¡¯s what they call her!¡±


    Hui painted as if she were in deep sorrow. People don¡¯t know. How cute and lovely Rosaline is. If it weren¡¯t for her by Cahir¡¯s side, there wouldn¡¯t be a day for the Empire to stop the bloodshed.


    ¡°If Rosaline didn¡¯t take care of His Majesty¡­¡± It was terrible to imagine. Hui shuddered. Whether she wanted or not, Derek¡¯s hands dug into Hui¡¯s coat without hesitation.


    ****


    In the year 359 of the Etheus calendar, Rosaline, Hui¡¯s biggest worry and bane, was lying in bed. She stared at the book in a brown velvet cover. Five years, a lot has changed. In the end, Rosaline survived. Rosaline¡¯s brother Roy married and had a child. The Viscount Berit¡¯s ¡°gold mine¡± case was neatly solved and the couple lived in peace. They moved to the capital to see Rosaline, who could note down to the estate as often as she would have liked because she was near Cahir. Everything was peaceful. Comints about the tyrant Cahir had died down. There was talk of what a tyrant was, and whether he was no longer a saint. The qualifier ¡°bad character¡± was added, but only Rosaline considered it a problem. ¡®Why hasn¡¯t the heroine showed up? Shey in bed, looking at every inch of the haunting novel and biting off her thumbnail.


    If the original story had been true, Cahir would have fallen madly in love with E, the female protagonist, by now. But now, let alone love, they haven¡¯t even met. After a year at the time they met, she wanted to know if the heroine lived in this world. In the novel, the heroine¡¯s name was E. She was said to be destined for the name of Cahir, and she had to appear at his birthday banquet a year ago. A dumb nobleman, Yongsik, spilled wine on Cahir and stained his white clothes. E saw this and painted a beautiful flower on his clothes, therefore, Yongsik¡®s life was spared, and E and Cahir fell in love, a cliche but fateful development awaited.


    ¡°What¡¯s the problem? Why aren¡¯t you showing up?¡±


    But nothing happened at the birthday party. Rosaline¡¯s life would not be reversed without E, and she was nervous that the original story and development kept changing. There was a big storming into Rosaline¡¯s life.


    ¡°What is it? Where did it start?¡±


    She wondered how different it was from the original. She slipped out of her soft bed and sat down at her desk.


    It was a desk of the finest marble, which Cahir had turned into a glorious achievement in the trade negotiations a week before. A lion pattern was delicately carved into the spacious marble, with gold filling in the spaces between. A lion upied the centre of the desk. The lion¡¯s eyes were iid with precious stones, just like Cahir¡¯s scarlet eyes.


    ¡°Oh my gosh!¡±


    She was surprised because every time she went to her desk, she felt as if Cahir was looking at her. Rosaline covered the lion¡¯s eyes with white paper and shouted. With the two sheets of paper side by side, she held a pen with a blue quill. This was also given casually by Cahir, but the feathers on the pen holder were unusual. It was the feather of a giant blue bird that lived only in the depths of a forest crawling with monsters. It was a preciousmodity thatmoners would never see. She was used to it by now, but every time Cahir threw it without a care in the world, her heart hurt again and again. She inked the paper just enough to keep it in ce. On one side she wrote the original story and on the other side she wrote something different.


    ¡°First of all, I took Roy¡¯s ce as secretary¡­¡±


    There were many things written underneath, mostly people¡¯s names. Rosaline, who had been writing about the changes from the original, filled up a sheet of paper and put down her pen.


    ¡°My God!¡±


    The changes were dizzying. And all because of her. She brought back to life the people who had died in the original stories over the past five years, out of a delicate mixture of pity because she didn¡¯t want to see blood, and she thought they also wanted to live just like her. Above all, it was something that she could do.


    To save them, Rosaline was hurried with activities. She would meet them before Cahir ordered an investigation. They lied in the Queen¡¯s name and collected more taxes. They would have to see Rosaline tomorrow and tell her the truth. The Queen Mother received money and goods once a month, and she would have to exin to His Majesty what they were for. At first, the nobles let the secretary¡¯s words and others fall on deaf ears, but after a while they changed their attitudes as if they were turning hands. It was only after they had seen the heads of noblemen who had made the same mistake hanging on the gates of the castle many times. They were grateful for Rosaline, and listened to her. When they made mistakes, she stood up for them and paved the way for their survival. The dust settled on the penitentiary and the torture chamber of the Imperial Pce. Now people were now more eager to see Rosaline before seeing Cahir. Rosaline interrupted him, but it was ast minute appointment. (*T/L: This part is a little confusing but I tried my best. Sorry.*)


    ¡°Rosaline, I think you¡¯re even busier than I am these days.¡± Cahir said this as a joke, but it was true.


    They¡¯re worse supporting actors than passing ants anyway, so there¡¯s no problem. It was Rosaline¡¯s judgment. But was it a wrong decision?


    ¡°Sigh, I did it, but this is too much.¡±


    Rosaline slumped down and put her chin on the desk. She held the paper in front of her and shook it lightly. There was another change. It was a banquet. There was no banquet held at the pce a year ago after Cahir¡¯s birthday party. Having missed the first opportunity, they had to make room for a second and a third until E appeared, but Cahir was not in the mood. Even if the female protagonist did appear at the pce, it was no use. But only if the female protagonist showed up, would she be able to hand over her role and disappear. In the original story, it was E who made the appropriate adjustments to prevent Cahir from running off. She knew she had to take steps so that E and Cahir could meet. She clenched her fist and stood up. Suddenly her heart ached. Was it because she was tired? Rosaline began to make ns for a long recuperation after E and Cahir had sessfully fallen in love.


    Rosaline¡¯s n to find the female lead was simple, she¡¯d throw a party, even if Cahir hated it very much. She would have to quickly find the heroine and visit her first and go to Cahir¡¯s bedroom, picturing a pink future where the heroine would take him over.


    It was early in the morning and Cahir had already woken up, washed and even changed his clothes. Rosaline¡¯s first task as a secretary was to put a crown on his head.


    ¡°Good morning, Your Majesty. How are you today?¡±


    ¡°Not good. Not good at all.¡±


    Cahir¡¯s tired hand rested on her shoulder as he received Rosaline¡¯s morning greeting.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m thinking of adding a spa bath to this afternoon¡¯s itinerary. What do you think?¡±


    Cahir¡¯s mouth rxed gently. In the morning, there was a meeting with the nobility. Cahir¡¯s anger gauge was set to soar, so the afternoon schedule was a no-man¡¯snd. Her n was to get Cahir to take a dip in the hot springs and ask his permission to have a banquet when he was in the mood.


    ¡°Not bad!¡± She thought.


    Rosaline didn¡¯t continue what she said, went back behind him, and leaned back against the chair.


    In the mirror, Rosaline and Cahir were both reflected. The servants who stood in the back swallowed their breath.


    ¡°When I see them, I don¡¯t want to live in the world. No matter how much it is, it¡¯s too much.¡±


    ¡°But aren¡¯t the two fascinated? How can you not feel anything when you look at such a handsome and pretty face every day?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the feeling?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s amazing that they don¡¯t die of a heart attack.¡±


    Hui stepped on the feet of the maidservants, who were chatting quietly. Surprised, they immediately went into silence and scattered away quickly.


    ¡°Hold still, Your Majesty. Do I really have to use this?¡± Rosalineined.


    Looking at Rosaline and Cahir, who showed no spark of the past. Hui sighed as she wondered where on earth all the mes have gone.

 Chapter 8

    <h2>Chapter 8 Part 1</h2>


    ****


    They were, as the maids said, the perfect couple. They were wonderful on their own, but together they were so full of light that even the glittering pile of gold would have to yield its shine. The light was almost divine. How can two people who look so good together be so numb?


    Hui just couldn¡¯t understand it at all.


    ****


    A cold chill filled the conference room. The nobles, seated around arge round table, nced at each other and broke into a cold sweat. Cahir, who sat in the biggest and highest chair, his fingers twitching. The pompous Marquis Su advanced in front of him like an arrow shot from the bow and kneeled down. He mmed and mmed his forehead on the marble floor. Cahir stared at the marble floor stained with the blood from his forehead. Rosaline felt worse and worse.


    ¡°Hui, get the mop. Quick.¡±


    Rosaline whispered into Hui¡¯s ear. Hui hurried out and brought a rag to clean the blood. Rosaline meanwhile called out the guards to prevent Marquis Su from staining the marble floor any more with his blood. The guards grasped his arms tightly.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I have sinned to die. I am blinded by the money before me! Give information to the general of the enemy¡±.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a fool at all, are you? Then you¡¯ll die.¡±


    The face of the splendid Marquis Su turned pale. He looked back at Rosaline with wistful eyes. Rosaline sighed.


    ¡®Yes, you did as I said. Why did you bang your head on the marble floor?¡¯


    Rosaline already knew all about the future of Marquis Su. In the original story, he was hanged. She came to him yesterday and told him how to avoid death. First, he must confess his crime. He must return to the Empire ten times the unjust profits he had taken. Half of hisnds must be returned to the empire. And never to defile the marble. But he ignored all Rosaline¡¯s words and did only one thing.


    ¡°What are you doing? Rosaline, collect the evidence.¡±


    ¡°I have enough evidence, Your Majesty,¡± said Rosaline, holding out the documents she had brought. The Marquis¡¯s movements, the time he met the enemy general, the dialogue they had, and the sudden increase of his fortune¡­


    The pompous Marquis had been in league with the enemy¡¯s generals, hoping to make a small profit from the war that Cahir slightly warmed up. The military travel routes, which he thought were confidential, were in fact a false leak by Cahir. Kahir was able to end the war more easily thanks to his handing over the false information to the enemy.


    But even if the information was false, it was unforgivable that he had sold it to the enemy. The man shuddered at the sight of Rosaline. Untilst night she had acted as if she was trying to help him. The Marquis looked somber and miserable, as if he had been betrayed by his first love.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. Pull him out and execute him immediately. No, it¡¯s a luxury for him to be executed. It doesn¡¯t sit well with me. Give me your sword.¡±


    In response to Cahir¡¯s cold words, one of the knights handed over his sword. The sword slipped out easily. It was an ordinary sword,mon among the knights, but when Cahir lifted it, it looked like a precious sword. Cahir¡¯s cool sword wrapped around the de. No one could withstand it. With one swing of the sword, it will separate the man¡¯s head and his body.


    ¡°Your Majesty, wait a moment,¡± said Rosaline, standing in front of Cahir.


    The terrifying sword shook. Cahir held the sword and waited for Rosaline to speak next.


    Your Majesty, what the Marquis did is a crime for which he clearly deserves to die¡­..¡±


    With a gulp, the pompous man swallowed his spit. Rosaline looked down at the tear-stained, snot-stained face of the man and wrinkled her brows. She really didn¡¯t don¡¯t want to help him. But when she thought of all the people who died in Cahir¡¯s hands.


    ¡®¡­. Ahh. No, no, no. I do good things in life, too. The man also does good things in life. I believe that.¡¯


    She looked at Cahir with a firm grip on her shaken heart. He smiled at her. She felt a shiver run down her spine at the look on his face.


    ¡°Killing is a very light punishment. Your Majesty, it¡¯s a small price to pay for the crimes he hadmitted against the people of heaven.¡±


    Before she knew it, Cahir had handed the sword back to the knight. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked at Rosaline, who was spitting venom with her clean lips. ¡°Try harder,¡± his eyes seemed to say. His eyes were talking, as if he was expecting a very interesting scene.


    Cahir liked the roughnguageing from Rosaline¡¯s mouth. He was always amused by the oundish punishments that she put forward in ce of the death penalty. Rosaline, who knew this, let out a breath.


    ¡°By the way, isn¡¯t it also a problem that the Marquis¡¯s dirty blood stains the pure white marble? It is the sin of ours, the servants, to put the Marquis¡¯s disgusting image in your beautiful eyes, Your Majesty. Please forgive our sins.¡±


    She¡¯s a good speaker. The nobles apuded heartily when they saw Rosaline pointing out facts to Cahir. The mere fact that she was not present at the meeting of the nobility was enough to make them cringe. After a long pause, Rosaline drew her breath.


    ¡°So?¡±


    Cahir urged her to speak quickly. Everyone stared at her breathlessly. The fate of the man would be decided by what words came from her red lips.


    ¡°I would like to confiscate his property and return hisnds to the Empire.¡±


    ¡°And the nobleman will retain his position?¡±


    With a grin, Rosaline smiled. Cahir was convinced. She would make the man look more gloomy and miserable than he wanted. Cahir didn¡¯t have to ask, he knew. Because there is no more pitiful tribe than the nobility without money.


    After all, Rosaline was Cahir¡¯s favourite. He wondered why she only chose pretty words. Cahir nodded pleasantly. Meanwhile, The Marquis put his fist in his mouth and swallowed the words, ¡°Just kill me.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline.¡±


    Cahir called. He and Rosaline were the only ones left in the vacant conference chamber. The nobles left the ce after witnessing the arrogant and pompous Marquis dragged away by the knights.


    Rosaline recapped, summarized and published the events that urred in the meeting. She inevitably stayed till the end of the meeting since it was quicker to finish in the conference room than to travel to her office. Cahir had to stay with Rosaline as she organized the announcements and documents; he had to approve them and put the King¡¯s seal on them


    All the time, Cahir waited and stayed with Rosaline till the very end of the task. It was quite an unusual scene for the emperor to wait for his secretary, although it had changed in thest five years, so Derek and the pce staff got used to it.


    ¡°Rosaline,¡± Cahir called her again.


    ¡°What? What? Your Majesty?¡±


    Rosaline raised her head. Cahir had unbuttoned his shirt, as if it was too tight around his neck. Her heart skipped a beat. Cahir approached her with azy smile. These days, Cahir often smiled at her. It seemed to be a purposeful smile. However, she had no clue what that purpose was. It seemed ufortable. She felt like she knew everything about Cahir but then to find out she didn¡¯t.


    There was also another reason for Rosaline¡¯s difort; she thought that Cahir was strangely sexy. As Rosaline tried to think of something she might be missing, Cahir flicked a finger in front of her. Their gazes collided.


    ¡°Rosaline, I¡¯m bored. Shall we have another war?¡±


    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with him again?¡¯Rosaline sighed. It had been barely four months since they had started the war. It wasn¡¯t a big war, and thanks to Cahir¡¯s efforts, it had ended without much damage, but the post-war work was notpleted until now. Yet, he is asking for another war?


    ¡®It means he doesn¡¯t feel very well at the moment.¡¯Rosaline thought. Her eyes widened. She folded up the documents she had been working on.


    ¡°Your Majesty, shall we go rest?¡±


    ****


    The hot springs where Cahir soaked his body and rested when he was tired was located in a separate building between the main pce where the emperor resides and the first detached pce, originally the residence of the empress. Surrounded by a high wall around a small detached building, it had an outdoor bath surrounded by green trees, an indoor bath for several people at the same time, and a private bath for the emperor alone.


    When the weather was fine, he would use the outdoor baths, but on days when he had much to think about, he would rest in the private bath. Today, Cahir went to his private bath, where the floor and walls were golden-colored.


    While he was in the bath, Rosaline sat on a sofa in the waiting room and rested. She was seriously concerned about Cahir¡¯s sexuality, which had been fervidtely. This had led to a gradual increase in the number of aides who have their heartbroken.


    There was also a spate of scams involving noblewomen who had fallen in love with Cahir. This was an obvious problem. How had Cahir be such a flirtatious emperor? Rosaline¡¯s eyebrows contracted. At that moment, a fact suddenly crossed her mind.


    ¡®His Majesty¡¯s male hormone! How could I miss that important thing!¡¯


    Rosaline hit her head. Cahir was full of carnal desire. It was a long novel, but there was a mention in a chapter about it. Before meeting the female protagonist, he had an affair with a number of noblewomen and met them on a light night, and after meeting the female protagonist E¡­. Rosaline¡¯s face turned red as the thought came to her mind. Her heart grew heavy.


    ¡°Oh, are you hot? Shall I bring you a ss of cold ice water?¡±


    Rosaline nodded. She dly epted Hui¡¯s offer.


    During the past five years she worked, Cahir had somehow managed to keep women at a distance. At one point, Derek was seriously concerned about Cahir¡¯s ¡®fertility¡¯. Although, it was true that Cahir was sexually frustrated.


    To relieve Cahir¡¯s frustration, and to save many women of the empire from the incurable disease of infatuation, a heroine was always needed. Rosaline made up her mind to find E again.


    ****


    She was leaning on the back of the sofa in the lounge right next to Cahir who was wet after soaking in the hot water. Rosaline sat down in front of Cahir with a tray of rehydrating tea.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I would like to hold a birthday feast for the Empress next month.¡± Rosaline said, sipping her tea and saying it like it was no big deal.


    Cahir, who had been reaching for his teacup, stopped abruptly. He stared at her. Rosaline stopped breathing. At times, it seemed she stopped breathing when Cahir looked at her with a little narrowing of the brows, or like when he washed his head roughly and smiledzily at her¡­.


    In five years, he had gone from twenty-three to twenty-eight. Originally hailed as ¡°God-given beauty¡±, Cahir had withstood the weight of the emperor over the years, and had acquired an assortment of masculine and sexy features. From afar, all thedies of the Empire took a liking to him. His beauty, his power and the fact that he was always cold and selfish, but almost always defeated by the female Rosaline, drove them crazy.


    ¡®If he keeps going on like this, I¡¯m going mad, aren¡¯t I?¡¯


    Rosaline knew how insanely obsessed he would be if he fell in love.


    ¡®Let¡¯s hurry up and find the heroine.¡¯


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you all of a sudden? You haven¡¯t held up a birthday party for five years?¡± Cahir said.


    Rosaline had a faint spirit with Cahir¡¯s crooked tone. She smiled.


    ¡°You had destroyed one of the noble families that had supported the empress.¡±


    ¡°Who? There are too many to tell.¡±


    ¡°Marquis Su. You said that you would kill him yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I remember. I pulled out the sword right away, but you blocked the way. He belongs to the Empress? We need to catch him again.¡±


    Cahir¡¯s face grew darker. Rosaline waved her hand hurriedly.


    ****

 Chapter 9

    <h2>Chapter 9</h2>


    ****


    Rosaline hastened to speak.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll regret helping Marquis Su. If you think about it, when this case will spread, you¡¯ll have the chance to get your hands on other spies as well. Besides, I¡¯m assured this will make the Queen Mother anxious.¡±


    Cahir raised his eyebrows, as if it was unimportant. He concurred with Rosaline¡¯s suggestions and reasoning. He had anticipated it, so he did notin about Rosaline¡¯s readiness to support him. Thanks to her perseverance, public sentiment towards the imperial family would improve and Cahir would be a benevolent emperor in people¡¯s eyes. This happened not once or twice, but almost every time. She had a keen judgement of his vexation, and in each instance, she directed his anger towards the right course. Of course, the oue was always satisfactory.


    ¡°It¡¯s really strange, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Cahir stared at her without replying. Rosaline took a sip of tea and her mouth curled up into an alluring smile. Then she pushed an untouched cup towards him.


    ¡°Your Majesty, the tea has cooled down. Just at your favorite temperature.¡±


    Cahir picked up the cup and took a sip. As Rosaline said, it was just the right temperature. Not too hot, not too cold. She had this way of doing things every time. She savvied his taste and preference impably.


    ¡°Rosaline, I¡¯ve been wondering for quite some time now.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. Please tell me.¡±


    ¡°How do you know me so well?¡±


    ¡®Oh, I¡¯ve read it in a novel. Thanks to the writer, there¡¯s nothing that I don¡¯t know.¡¯


    She stifled this reply that was about to blurt out. Rosaline smiled at him.


    ¡°Gwa, gwa, because I¡¯m interested!¡± (*T/L: not sure what sounds she made here.)


    The intonation was strange and she was stammering, but Cahir didn¡¯t take it as an issue.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not what matters, it¡¯s the birthday feast, isn¡¯t it?


    ¡°You want to please the Queen?¡±


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s good to keep the Queen in a good mood. Oh, don¡¯t get me wrong, it¡¯s not because I like her. It¡¯s because I want to keep her calm¡­.You know?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. How dare you speak ill of the Queen in front of me?¡±


    Cahir grinned and said it as if to punish Rosaline. She nced at him. Cahir drank his tea and spoke in a long, muffled tone. He hated banquets. He utterly detested the pretentiousughter and the formalnguage that people used at banquets.


    However, Rosaline still made the decision to do so. The options she picked and her discernment was infallibly for Cahir¡¯s best interests.Also, , she has Cahir¡¯s permission to ¡°do as she pleases¡±.


    ¡®Phew, that¡¯s enough.¡¯ Rosaline sighed into her cup, pretending to drink tea.


    ¡®Finally, we¡¯ve got all the conditions to meet the heroine.¡¯


    Although she would have to double the workload.


    ***


    ¡°Good night, Your Majesty.¡±


    The night fell.


    Rosaline, Derek and Cahir struggled with their work in the office untilte at night. It was not until Rosaline coughed and banged her head on the desk, they got up and took some break.


    ¡°That¡¯s all for today.¡± Cahir said.


    Rosaline smiled inwardly when she saw Derek¡¯s face suddenly light up. She could bet all her fortune on the fact that he was going to Hui¡¯s room instead of his. Derek quickly left first.


    ¡°Rosaline, aren¡¯t youing?¡±


    Cahir turned around, still holding the doorknob. Rosaline was nning to finish all the left-over tasks and to organize the mess in the office before leaving.


    ¡°Oh, I have some work left to do¡­¡±


    Cahir wrinkled his forehead. He strutted up to her. The air around them contracted, and Cahir felt ufortable. What is it again?


    ¡°Is there any important task left to do, Your Majesty? I¡¯ll stay and work on it,¡± she said, examining the pile of papers she had worked on to see if anything was overlooked.


    Whether it was due to her fatigue or due to her own carelessness while scanning the papers in a haste, she identally cut her finger with a piece of paper.


    ¡®It hurts more to get hurt like this.¡¯


    She pouted unconsciously, while eyeballing the red blood which was oozing out from her finger.


    ¡°Rosaline.¡±


    When she tried to suck her finger, Cahir held back her hand.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty?¡±


    ¡°The servant who delivered this paper.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Kill him.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    What did he dislike about the servant? Did he cheat ormit treason? Or did he stab his pride? Rosaline had a pack of questions to ask, although she was unable to ask a single one; for Cahir had put her finger in his mouth.


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±


    Rosaline screamed in astonishment. Cahir held Rosaline¡¯s fingers in his mouth and was surprised: How could her hand be so small? Did she carry all those papers in these tiny hands? A sudden surge of exasperation engulfed him; he realised that he didn¡¯t know her very well.


    ¡®It¡¯s not fair,¡¯ he thought.


    As the time went on, Rosaline became Cahir¡¯s ideal subordinate. She toiled as if she were another Cahir. She understood his thoughts and predicted his actions ahead of time. Howbeit, he was unable to predict Rosaline at all. He was only aware that he liked the vor of the tea that Rosaline presented him and the frequent breaks he gets by her rmendation.


    ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s dirty!¡±


    Rosaline quickly pulled out her finger. Cahir pressed his lips with regret.


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Go get some rest. Wasn¡¯t there supposed to be a delegation from Queensbury tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry about me sleepingte, it won¡¯t affect our preparations, Your Majesty,¡± said Rosaline, full of energy.


    Cahir was irked. He intended to say that she should be concerned about her well-being and let up. How dare Rosaline misinterpret his words! Her words came as a great blow to Cahir. The air between them suddenly turned cold. He stared at Rosaline in disbelief while holding her fingers tightly. He felt that the Rosaline in front of him was bing more and more blurred. His face was full of disappointment.


    ***


    Rosaliney on her bed. She couldn¡¯t get Cahir¡¯s face out of her mind.


    ¡®He looked so dejected¡­¡¯


    She wondered what was it about? After the five years in which Rosaline died in the original story, it has be increasingly tough to deal with Cahir.


    Not long ago, she was his perfect aide, but now he was constantly messing up with her. She quickly realized that he had changed. It was strange that she hadn¡¯t noticed sooner, as she was a very intuitive person. Cahir¡¯s cheeks puffed up and his brow furrowed like a heartbroken person. She would feel better if he was angry with her, like he was with everyone else and would have told her what she missed out on. However, he kept his mouth shut.


    Then he did something that Rosaline couldn¡¯tprehend. He grabbed her wrist and took her across the corridor of the imperial pce; he suddenly cancelled the whole afternoon¡¯s schedule and drove her to her bedroom for a nap.


    He pushed her into the bedroom. Then he added a few words.


    ¡°Don¡¯t leave until Ie to wake you up in the morning. Get a good night¡¯s sleep. Do you understand?¡±


    Cahir growled with sharp eyes. Rosaline nodded her head in bewilderment.


    ¡®I don¡¯t know what to think anymore,¡¯ she said, sticking her hand into hervender hair and scratching it around annoyingly. Her luxuriant hair soon became tangled.


    ¡®Why! I can¡¯t sleep!¡¯


    She turned andy on her stomach and thumped the bed with both feet, her paper-cut finger bothering her. Cahir¡¯s tongue was curling around her fingers, the moist feeling was vividly repeated. Her stomach felt warm. She tried to erase the thought, but s, it was of no use. The more she tried to forget, the more vivid Cahir¡¯s big hand that held hers, his mouth that sucked her fingers, and his scarlet eyes that encountered hers kept upying her mind.


    ***


    That day, Rosaline stayed awake all night. Her face was a mess because of it. Cahir looked at her, clicked his tongue and shook his head. Nevertheless, he wasn¡¯t angry. Rosaline was relieved.


    The same thing repeated several times. Cahir suddenly would pop up where she was or throw her into the bedroom when she worked all night¡­


    Still, Rosaline prepared Az¡¯s birthday banquet. Derek was exhausted from having to deal with so much work, and as usual, Rosaline aided him without saying anything. Thanks to her hard-work, the preparation of the feast was not strenuous. There were times when the preparation was almost interrupted: it was when Cahir saw the dark circles under Rosaline¡¯s eyes.


    He yelled: ¡°If you¡¯re going to look like that just to please the Queen, then stop!¡±


    Rosaline applied lemon as a beauty water and morized her make-up. When the eyebags were gone and the color under her eyes seemed to have returned to normal, Cahir had no choice but to allow the banquet preparations to go on.


    Finally, after many twists and turns, the day of the feast arrived. Rosaline rallied the maids of honor who would be her hands and feet at the feast.


    ¡°It¡¯s about to begin! You know it, don¡¯t you? It¡¯s the first banquet to be held in the pce in a long time. We have to satisfy all the guests. Who¡¯s the best of them?¡±


    ¡°The Queen?¡±


    ¡°The sun of our empire, His Majesty!¡±


    Rosalineughed and joked, and the servants giggled. She pped her hands. The noisy atmosphere was quietened in an instant.


    ¡°So,dies and gentlemen, let¡¯s make today a sess!¡±


    There were little shouts of joy everywhere, everyone was excited about the long awaited banquet.


    ****


    Rosaline, stood in front of Cahir with a very troubled look on her face.


    ¡°What are you doing now, Your Majesty?¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s gaze was cold. Cahir, leaning back on the chair and flicking his fingers, disapproved of the servants¡¯ work.


    There was little time left before the feast started. Rosaline had to make a final inspection. She was afraid that she might have missed something, but Cahir didn¡¯t let her go.


    ¡°No, not that. Oh, yellow? Well, I prefer the purple one.¡± said Cahir.


    ¡°Your Majesty. Tell me what you¡¯re doing.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, stand up straight. I¡¯d like to dress you, because I know you don¡¯t have time for that.¡±


    The attendants put a purple dress on in front of Rosaline. The dress matched the whitece and gave off an elegant charm.


    Giving up on Cahir¡¯s disinclination, Rosaline asked Hui.


    ¡°Hui, can you exin to me what the situation is?¡±


    Hui hung the purple dress to one side, to which Cahir did not point out ¡°much¡±. Hui took the pink dress and put it on Rosaline¡¯s shoulders and replied.


    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m picking out a dress for you.¡±


    ¡°A dress? For me?¡±


    Looking at Rosaline¡¯s confused expression, Hui sighed.


    ¡°Did you intend to attend the party dressing like that?¡±


    ¡°Yes? What¡¯s wrong with my attire?¡±


    Instead of replying, Hui scanned her up and down. Then, Rosaline looked down at her clothes.

 Chapter 10

    <h2>Chapter 10</h2>


    ****


    The freesia-colored dress was specially ordered three years ago with few embellishments, tightened tubes on the sleeves, and adjusted length so it wouldn¡¯t get in the way of walking and Rosaline would be able to workfortably.


    ¡°Ah!¡±


    Rosaline let out a sob of realization. Her outfit was unbefitting for the banquet. Although, all the time, she ran around the banquet hall dressed like this, leading the charge. Everyone knew that she was Cahir¡¯s secretary so there was no need for a fancy dress.


    ¡°You have to dance with His Majesty today.¡±


    ¡°Huh? No, no, no, Hui, it must be a mistake. What did you say?¡±


    Rosaline listened to Hui though she was in a lower position than her. Although now Rosaline was addled at Hui¡¯s words and thought she had misspoken while Hui remained as calm as ake.


    Rosaline red at Cahir, Derek and Hui with a slight frown and a look that demanded an exnation.


    ¡°Everyone is supposed to dance with a partner at the nativity banquet in the imperial Pce.¡±


    ¡®¡­¡­.¡¯


    If everyone danced with a partner, it meant that Cahir needed a partner too, and if he was busy picking out the clothes for Rosaline now¡ª


    ¡®Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡¯


    Rosaline smiled awkwardly.


    ¡°Huh, but I didn¡¯t dance at His Majesty¡¯s birthday partyst year¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because His Majesty was the main characterst year. Besides, today is the empress¡¯s birthday, so there¡¯s no particr reason for His Majesty not to dance.¡±


    Dereck rified. Rosaline was more befuddled by the weird exnation.


    ¡°Therefore, His Majesty¡¯s partner today will be Secretary Rosaline.¡±


    ¡®That¡¯s outrageous! His Majesty might see E today, but you want me to stand by his side as his partner? How jealous will E be? Once I¡¯ve taken care of one death g, but you want me to make another one? At this rate, I will be hated by the heroine and get killed again.¡¯


    ¡°Rosaline, I¡¯m well aware that dancing with me is soul-suckingly good, but you need to pull yourself together now. I don¡¯t want my partner stepping on my feet.¡±


    Cahir approached Rosaline, who hardened in absurdity. He took the purple dress and ced it on her hand.


    ¡°Try it on, you won¡¯t look so different from me. Clothes are wings, right?¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m not as beautiful as His Majesty, but I¡¯m beautiful too. No, no, I don¡¯t want to dance with him!¡¯


    Rosaline outstared at him in frustration. Cahir nced at her and smiled lightly.


    ¡®That look! That one, that one, that one! That chilling expression! I¡¯m sure he enjoys it when I¡¯m in trouble.¡¯


    However, Rosaline took the dress withoutint, because Cahir was gone to get ready.


    ****


    The banquetmenced.


    The banquet hall was located between the Main Pce and the second annex Pce.


    ¡°Oh, look at the chandeliers glittering!¡±


    ¡°What delicious cakes will be served today?


    ¡°Well,you shouldn¡¯t eat it. Haha¡­Look at that tight corset, even a sip of whiskey will make it explode¡­¡±


    The sound ofughter from the aristocraticdies invaded the entrance of the Imperial Pce banquet hall. Lively footsteps, scent of perfume mixed with the scent of various flowers, the nervous expressions of the men standing in line to escort thedies, and the countless carriages entering the banquet hall¡­


    Rosaline was feeling smug. The party was a great sess. Not only that, the reaction was also satisfactory. There was a burst of admiration.


    The lighting and even the angle of the ss windows were adjusted wlessly. The light didn¡¯t re at people, but brightened up the banquet hall. There was a variety of rare foods flown in from other countries, and gorgeous ssware was imported specially from countries famous for their sswork.


    Rosaline put her heart and soul into making the encounter between Cahir and the heroine dramatically.


    The white four-wheeled carriage with an imperial symbol arrived carrying the main character. The horses slowed to a stop. Even the movement of the horses was graceful. The neatly uniformed Kingsguard mounted the carriage and opened the gate. Everyone held their breath.


    A pair of shiny ck handmade shoes without a speck of dust stepped out of the carriage. Then the ck pants that wrapped his muscr thighs. The jacket that encircled his broad shoulders was all ck. Although the aura around him was not dark at all. His skin was shiny and radiant, which made his golden hair stand out even more. Comparatively, the golden shoulder patches and gold threads he wore had lost their glow.


    ¡°Wow, he¡¯s much more handsome than I thought he¡¯d be. Can we say hello today?¡±


    ¡°Arthur, Arthur. You know who¡¯s by your side, don¡¯t you?¡±


    All the women were love sick again. Rosaline stood in the distance, her eyes narrowed with sadness as she listened to their conversation.


    Then she realized something. Someone was watching her. It was a woman with the same blond hair and yellow-green eyes as Cahir. She stood there like a painting, unfazed by Cahir¡¯s appearance. Derek stood beside Cahir as Rosaline had to oversee the banquet.


    ¡°Pleasee in, Your Majesty.¡±


    He walked slowly into the banquet hall like a beast hunting a prey. Every time Cahir took a step with his long legs, there were sighs of admiration from every corner. He was cognizant of his striking appearance and great achievements. It was rather surprising that there were no women falling over. Last year, there were a couple of youngdies who had gotten dizzy and copsed when they saw him.


    Cahir, who had a gentle smile on his face, suddenly halted his steps.


    ¡°What can I do for you, Your Majesty?¡±


    Derek, who was behind him, quickly approached him.


    Cahir scanned the banquet hall.


    ¡°Where is my partner?¡±


    ***


    Rosaline followed Cahir as he entered the banquet hall. However, a woman who looked like a lily caught her attention. She had blond hair, a high nose, a thin waist, green eyes that resembled the blue of spring, and skin so pale it reminded her of a deer.


    ¡®Lord! Lady E!¡¯


    Rosaline immediately recognized E. She was Cahir¡¯s destined lover.


    She was as alluring as the description in the novel. She looked like she had ¡°I am the heroine¡± written on her forehead. Rosaline knew that they were meant to be together. She thought that as she prepared for the banquet.


    It had been a year since the time they had to meet. Nheless, seeing that E appeared like this, it seemed that Cahir¡¯s fate was in line with E¡¯s. No matter how many changes were made to the original story, would the major plot remain the same? Rosaline had no idea. It was then that she felt an insistent stare. She turned her head and thought, ¡°Who is it?¡±


    Then, after a moment, her eyes met with E¡¯s. Rosaline¡¯s body stiffened like a statue. She was delighted. She had met the heroine from the novel! And on top of that, she had a lot of affection for E.


    However, the way E looked at Rosaline was strange. It wasn¡¯t the indifferent look one normally saw when looking at a stranger. E had dropped her gaze coldly.


    ¡®Have I misjudged you?¡¯


    Rosaline rubbed her eyes, while tilting her head. Meanwhile, E had disappeared into the banquet hall. Rosaline looked at the empty space E had left for a long time.


    ¡®Is it okay for me to go in there now?¡¯


    Rosaline, who had never dreamed that Cahir was searching for her, was wrapped in conflict as she hesitated to open the door to the banquet hall.


    ***


    ¡°Where is Rosaline?¡±


    It was the fourth time the question was asked already. Derek had circled therge banquet hall several times. Cahir was sitting on the emperor¡¯s throne with his chin propped up with an indifferent expression on his face.


    It was hard to befortable in the banquet when everyone had eyes on him. Normally, Cahir would greet the guests and then leave the banquet hall ahead of time. If he did not enjoy the banquet, others couldn¡¯t either.


    However, today Cahir didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of leaving early. The gazes of the nobles who had been observing Cahir hit Derek painfully on the back of the head. It was a silent pressure by Cahir to do something about finding Rosaline. He needed Rosaline more than anything at this very moment.


    ¡°Your Majesty, isn¡¯t this a seat for me today?¡±


    As Derek was pondering what to do, Az approached. She spoke hatefully. Cahir nced at her.


    Cahir lowered his chin. He didn¡¯t want to converse with Az, but there were many eyes watching, so he had to be polite. Otherwise, Rosaline would give him a hard time.


    ¡°Congrattions on your arrival, Queen mother. Please enjoy your banquet.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty is sitting so idly, how can your mother be rx? Look again, everyone is too busy trying to please you. Why don¡¯t you dance, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°My partner isn¡¯t here yet, so the dance is¡­¡±


    Az fanned herself angrily at Cahir¡¯s mention of a partner.


    ¡°Where the hell is Rosaline?¡±


    Cahir started to get irritated.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to dance with only one partner. I have an acquaintance I would like to introduce to you today, Your Majesty.¡±


    Az smiled at him. Cahir didn¡¯t allow it, but Az quickly turned around. A woman in a pink dress walked dazzlingly among the people. People opened their mouths in awe after seeing her. Her beautiful appearance and gentle way of walking strongly asserted that she was the best noblewoman on the continent. Cahir¡¯s eyebrows arched subtly.


    ¡°My name is E Paulos. I am honored to meet the Sun of the Empire.¡±


    In the end, E and Cahir finally met. The white deer and the golden lion came face to face. Their union was so strange yet beautiful that it drew the gaze of all the people. It seemed that they were the only ones alive in this space and time.

 Chapter 11

    <h2>Chapter 11</h2>


    ***


    The male and female protagonists of the original story met. It was bound to be a huge spark. The two of them were destined to be linked by the writer.


    Az screamed with rapture in her heart as she observed Cahir, who couldn¡¯t take his eyes off E. For the past five years, Az had lived on a knife-edge. Although she had been able to y some minor pranks, she was unable to n anything enough to grab Cahir by the cor; all because of his secretary, Rosaline.


    She had visited Az¡¯s pce the day before. Their meeting was discrete. They mette at night in the backyard of the Third Annex Pce without anyone knowing.


    ¡°Please take care of yourself. His Majesty is going to investigate the Buteux family.¡±


    She handed over the information as if it was for Az¡¯s benefit. The name of the noblemaning out of Rosaline¡¯s mouth was the person Az was supposed to meet the next day.


    For five years Az could do nothing but go berserk in the Imperial Pce. She felt like her hands and feet were tied up. Az abhorred Rosaline as much as she detested Cahir.


    However, even if she wanted to bully Rosaline, Az couldn¡¯t find an opportunity. All her efforts were for naught. She was unaware when or where Rosaline was going to show up. She couldn¡¯t even see her face, except when she met her in private that night. Rosaline was invariably with Cahir. Az was so eager to see Rosaline that she felt lucky to meet her.


    Meanwhile, she was also looking for a n to separate Rosaline and Cahir.


    ¡°Women!¡±


    After cudgeling her brain for a long time, Az pped her knee satisfactorily when she got an answer. If only Cahir could have a woman. A woman who would steal his heart, ce him in the palms of her hands¡­. Someone who would tolerate his secretary being a woman. A woman who has her hands on Cahir¡¯s heart will take care of Rosaline as well. Az endeavoured to find a woman like that but unfortunately for her, there was no woman felicitous the description.


    After the ineffectual attempt to torment either Cahir or Rosaline to her heart¡¯s content, Az gradually became ill. Az¡¯s attendants advised her to recuperate somewhere else. Az traveled to a region with high mountains and clean water.


    There, she ran across E. E was the daughter of the lord where Az stayed. She was a countess, but because of their low status Az never paid attention to them. There wasn¡¯t a single thing about E that got Az¡¯s inquisitiveness. However, the moment she met E, she was convinced.


    ¡°Yes! It¡¯s her! She¡¯s the one who will defeat Cahir and Rosaline!¡±


    She felt their meeting was fated as when she met her former husband who had died. Az dyed her recuperation trip from a week to month. Her conduct towards E was warm, and she thought E was worthy of her caring.


    One night, Az put on the face of a loving mother and summoned E into her bedroom.


    ¡°Do you know about Cahir?¡±


    ¡°It is an honor to hear the name of His Majesty, the Sun of the Empire.¡±


    ¡°E, what do you think about Cahir?¡±


    Az anticipated it. E¡¯s eyes trembled finely and her white cheeks turned pink.


    ¡°I really like you, E. The seat next to Cahir had been empty for far too long¡­ As a mother, I¡¯m concerned about him.¡±


    She acted like a mother who is perturbed for her son¡¯s future. E held out her handkerchief as Az burst into tears.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s so sweet of you.¡±


    Azplimented E.


    ¡®I¡¯ll make you Empress, and Cahir will kneel at my feet.¡¯Az thought with a devious smile on her face.


    ****


    Rosaline saw the encounter of E and Cahir. She had just entered the entrance of the banquet hall after telling Hui to look over the food. The whole ce was silent, and all at once, people¡¯s heads tilted seeing how E parted the crowd and approached Cahir.


    ¡®They meet!¡¯


    Rosaline was exhreted that they had met through her efforts. However, her excitement was short-lived, and Rosaline quickly calmed down.


    ¡®It¡¯s good that the female and the male lead have met. I should be happy, but why am I feeling like this?¡¯


    She questioned herself as she peered into the strange emotions that were felt. Her goal of making them meet was aplished.. However, why did she feel so regretful now that the novel is flowing with the original story?


    She felt bitter for some reason.


    ¡°Oh, I see you are here, Miss secretary.¡±


    ¡°Sir Derek, you can call me by my name.¡±


    Derek never called Rosaline by her name. He was Rosaline¡¯s senior, and he was also older, but he gave her the proper honorific title of ¡®secretary¡¯.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t important now. His Majesty is looking for you.¡±


    ¡°His Majesty? Why?¡±


    ¡°Why not? The first dance is about to start.¡±


    Since Rosaline knew what would happen, she just smiled to herself.


    ¡°Oh, Sir Derek. His Majesty just met his ideal partner, and I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll forget about me in no time.¡±


    Hui and Derek exchanged nces withan artictelook on their faces. Cahir¡¯s perfect partner was Rosaline. At least that¡¯s how Derek and Hui see it. She was a trainer who tamed the wild beast, and also a purple traveler who could stand beside a golden lion.


    ¡°There must be some misunderstanding. His Majesty appointed Miss secretary as his partner today.¡±


    Derek spoke softly. He recalled Cahir¡¯s face as he gave him the order to search for Rosaline for the fourth time. It was paradoxical that he was so frustrated by his expression, which was not the least bit disturbed.


    If he couldn¡¯t find Rosaline soon, there was a chance of an unprecedented incident in the middle of the banquet. The banquet hall was crowded with people that Cahir loathed and deserved to die since they came for Az¡¯s birthday. It was an ideal atmosphere for a sword fight.


    However, doing that will only make the situation worse. Derek searched for Rosaline to stop this catastrophe to take ce.


    ¡°No, His Majesty will not be looking for me.¡±


    Rosaline raised her hand and pointed to where Cahir was. Derek and Hui¡¯s eyes followed her finger. In a distance, they could see a woman standing in front of Cahir. They watched the unusual scene with their gazes intertwined. Even from a distance, they could sense an unusual atmosphere. Derek and Hui shrugged their shoulders.


    ¡°Who is that woman, Miss Secretary? Do you know her?¡±


    Hui approached Rosaline and asked. The corners of her mouth lifted suggestively.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t know her. However, she is so prepossessing that she has got His Majesty¡¯s eyes on her.¡±


    ¡°In terms of prettiness, Miss secretary¡¯s beauty will be tough to beat.¡±


    Hui¡¯s cheeks puffed up as she spoke. Rosaline blushed at Hui¡¯s frankpliment.


    She knew it too. Everyone acknowledged that she had a striking appearance and was a very beautiful woman.


    When Cahir saw her for the first time, he said:


    ¡°I almost faint because she is very pretty.¡±


    However, her beauty could not prevaill over the predetermined destiny. Rosaline smiled bitterly.


    At that moment, the soft dance music began. The music brought people back to their senses and they were soon busy in search for their partners.


    ¡°Oh, go dance, Hui and Derek. I¡¯ll take care of His Majesty.¡±


    Rosaline said, pushing Hui on the back. Hui stood in front of Derek. Rosaline nodded in satisfaction. There was a superstition in the Aethean Empire that if a person had his or her first dance at the first banquet with their partner, they would have a lifelong and unbreakable rtionship.


    Rosaline wasn¡¯t sure about Derek, but for Hui, it was her first banquet dance. Derek had no choice but to reach out to Hui in a nice gentleman¡¯s manner, even though he was on duty. He felt sorry for Rosaline, who was left alone, while thanking Rosaline for her consideration.


    Rosaline grinned while watching Hui and Derek.


    ¡®I did a good thing, didn¡¯t I?¡¯


    Most of the people were dancing. Her mind wandered while she watched the movements created by the men and women, who were lost in the enchanting melody. Her eyes clouded over as if she had lost focus to everything around her. Everything felt blurry and different. The years that had psed came into her vision, like papers scattered in the air. For the first time, she felt alone.


    She was lonely.


    An unfamiliar feeling wrapped around her. For five years she had been working and running, only to eliminate the death g, and spent her time hoping to meet the female protagonist.


    Since E and Cahir, the main characters, had already met, was her use over?


    ¡®Yes, I like that! Live a healthy, pretty life. I¡¯ll enjoy my life.¡¯


    ¡°Rosaline!¡±


    As tears swelled up in her eyes, a familiar voice was heard through the sound of music ying. She came to her senses and her blurred vision came into focus. Rosaline blinked and hurriedly wiped away the tears on the tail of her eyes.


    ¡°Your Majesty?¡±


    Cahir emerged from the crowd of dancing people. His knights rushed to follow him. E was nowhere to be found.


    ¡®Why did he leave E behind?¡¯


    Rosaline was dumbfounded. She stared at Cahir with a bemused expression on her face.


    ¡°Rosaline. What are you doing here?¡± Cahir growled.


    The expression on his face was very calm. However, she noticed immediately that the lower-than-normal husky voice was a signal that Cahir wasn¡¯t content.


    ¡°I was managing the banquet. It needs music.¡±


    ¡°What? What does music have to do with you? Rosaline!¡±


    He bellowed in an infuriated tone. His way of speaking caught everyone¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Your Majesty, lower your voice, everyone is looking at you.¡±


    Normally, she would have carefully yet quickly detected Cahir¡¯s emotions, found out what he was irritated about, and resolved it. However,her feelings were also a bit distorted tonight.


    One of Cahir¡¯s eyebrows went up crookedly.


    ¡°Hmmm, Rosaline.¡±


    He undone the button of the shirt that was tight around his neck. He gulped, trying to swallow his vexation. The chattering of the young nobles who had not chosen a partner could be heard here and there.


    ¡®Ah, many people are going to die¡­¡¯


    Rosaline frowned.


    ¡°Did Derek and Hui ask you to manage the banquet hall?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°How could they not? They got caught up so much in their love life that they neglected their work, didn¡¯t they?¡±


    Cahir¡¯s eyes slowly scanned the banquet hall and then fell on Derek.


    Cahir misunderstood.


    Rosaline noticed it and knew she had to fix it quickly. However, Cahir was quick with his words.


    ¡°Otherwise, I don¡¯t think they would leave you to manage the banquet by yourself and go dance. You tend to be extraordinarily considerate of others. Isn¡¯t that right, Rosaline?¡±

 Chapter 12

    <h2>Chapter 12</h2>


    ***


    No, that wasn¡¯t it.


    His own woman appeared, with the bold letters ¡°your fate¡± underlined, and five stars popping out!


    But Rosaline kept her mouth shut, and Cahir sighed heavily.


    ¡°Rosaline, the nobles on the border side are not easy to manage. I¡¯d like to have one of my own over there, how about Derek?¡±


    ¡®Oh my god!¡¯ Cahir asked Rosaline to agree to his horrible n of separating Hui from Derek, who would be miserable if they didn¡¯t see each other even for a day.


    ¡°No! There must be someone else besides Sir Derek who is worthy of the job. I¡¯ll find him for you!¡±


    Rosaline decided to sacrifice herself for the love of Hui and Derrick. How many families would she have to search and investigate in order to find the right person? She was already tired of staying up for a few nights.


    ¡°Rosaline, why should I need someone else when the right person is in front of me? I want to send Derek right away. There will be many carriages outside¡­¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±


    Rosaline cut off Cahir¡¯s words. It was necessary to bind his limbs and thoughts tightly so that Cahir could concentrate solely on the banquet, unable to do any other work. There was only one way to do that and the music began to y just in time.


    ¡®Oh, I really shouldn¡¯t be doing this. E is a more jealous woman than I imagined¡­¡¯ Still, there¡¯s something to be said for spending five years with a tyrant. For the sake of Hui and Derek, Rosaline was willing to make sacrifices. She held out her hand to Cahir with a refreshing smile.


    ¡°Let¡¯s dance together.¡±


    Cahir smiled handsomely, as if all his anger had gone away, and straightened his posture. His frustrated face finally became rxed. He neatly fastened the neck buttons without removing his gaze from Rosaline. It was a hundred times more eye-catching than when he had untied his clothes. Even Rosaline, who had seen Cahir¡¯s sexy figure closely for so long, couldn¡¯t breathe.


    Cahir lifted his right hand to shoulder height, ced it gently on his stomach and made a graceful bow. It was the perfect gentleman¡¯s greeting.


    ¡°Shall we dance a song then, Rosaline?¡±


    He got up and held out his hand. Rosaline¡¯s heart crashed. A nice smile, a neat posture, gentle voice, and warm eyes looking at her¡­ A man so sweet in front of her that she doubted if he was the usual Cahir. Rosaline covered her mouth in surprise. There was no hand to hold the hand that Cahir reached out to her.


    ¡°Anyway, you take all my work away from me, the same as you did when you were secretary and partner,¡± he tugged at the hand over Rosaline¡¯s mouth.


    Rosaline followed Cahir helplessly.


    ¡°What? Your Majesty¡¯s work?¡±


    Only when Cahir wrapped her thin waist did she react btedly.


    ¡°I was the one who asked you to dance.¡±


    The unruly tyrant was surprisingly perceptive to rules and procedures. Cahirughed again, as if he liked Rosaline¡¯s nk expression. Thanks to this, Rosaline¡¯s heart was shaken as if it were jumping without being able to find its own pace.


    They took slow, deliberate steps. They gave full consideration to each other¡¯s rhythm. The dance started slow and gradually elerated, and so their movements also became faster.


    Cahir ran with her, picked her up, and twirled her around skillfully. Rosaline had seen him dance a few times from a distance. His movements were distinctly different from those times. At the previous banquets, he stomped on the women¡¯s feet mercilessly, turning them roughly.


    She seemed to be good at everything, but only the dancing didn¡¯t seem to work. Rosaline had to correct her earlier assessment. Cahir was adept enough to make Rosaline, who was not used to dancing, perform some nice moves.


    ¡°Look, Derek, look!¡±


    Hui circled around to follow Derek¡¯s lead, and after he had her in his arms, she stopped with no thought of making the next move.


    ¡°Hui, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°His Majesty and Miss secretary¡­.¡±


    Her eyes were glowing with fascination. It was a little different from the way she had looked at Derek. It was as if she was looking at a rare gem that existed only in legends. The dreamy eyes of a little girl, who had read a fairy tale about the Prince and Princess, and couldn¡¯t help but think about bing a princess, looking at them lovingly.


    ¡°Let us rest now.¡±


    Hui wanted to appreciate the beautiful appearance of Rosaline, who flew like a butterfly, and Cahir, who became the flower where the butterfly would stay.


    Derek wanted to dance more. But he decided that it would be more useful to take a closer look at Cahir¡¯s unfamiliarity. Derek and Hui held hands as they approached a table with sweet desserts. He took a ss of wine and handed it to Hui.


    ¡°I can¡¯t drink while I¡¯m on duty. Let¡¯s drink after the party¡¯s over.¡±


    Derek lingered, making Hui¡¯s hips buckle. Hui nced sideways at him as he handed her the ss. It was the look of love.


    ¡°How can she be so good at it?¡±


    ¡°Who is that?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that Secretary Rosaline?¡±


    The whispers interfered with Hui¡¯s appreciation of the view. Derek and Hui, who were usually very sensitive to the two¡¯s reputation and rumors, pricked up their ears.


    ¡°Is the secretary always that beautiful?¡±


    ¡°Oh, what a handsome man and a beautiful fairy!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t hold back. Rosaline is so¡­..Oh, What should I do? I think I¡¯m falling in love with her.¡±


    Said the nobles in exaggerated voices.


    ¡°Not His Majesty, but Rosaline?¡±


    Derek asked, looking at Hui with a curious expression. Hui spread her shoulders wide and smiled.


    ¡°Look at Miss secretary. Her arms and legs are long and graceful in every movement, and her skin is wless. When I first saw her, I thought she was sprinkled with jewel dust. The mysterious purple hair, supple hips¡­Even Hui seemed to be infatuated with Rosaline. Feeling jealous, Derek lightly pinched Hui on her side.


    ¡°Derek!¡±


    ¡°I still vote that His Majesty is better.¡± Derek said crossly.


    ¡°Of course His Majesty is great too. That¡¯s why they suit each other well. Look at the defeated expressions on the faces of the nobledies.¡±


    Derek looked around. They had been looking at the two with envy, but now there was a dark shadow of defeat on their faces.


    ¡°You know it, don¡¯t you? There has been frequent talk among the nobles about the Empress seat being vacant. ¡­¡­¡±


    Derek¡¯s voice was filled with concerns. Hui bumped his ss and spoke.


    ¡°What are you worried about? His Majesty has a beautiful secretary.¡±


    It was Hui¡¯s belief that the secretary, who knows all about His Majesty¡¯s character, will often marry him.


    Derek didn¡¯t want to put a damper on Hui¡¯s dream n, so he decided to keep his negative thoughts to himself. They finally leaned against the wall to watch Rosaline and Cahir dance. They heard countless rave reviews about Cahir and Rosaline, that they had calluses in their ears, saying that they were the couple of the century, that they were the goddess and the man-god, and that they would never see a painting like this again. At some point, all the painters Rosaline hired painted the same picture.


    Rosaline and Cahir spun around hands in hands, not even knowing that the painters she had hired directly were painting them.


    ¡°Your Majesty! Aren¡¯t you a good dancer?¡±


    Rosaline asked with a blushed face. It was the moment when their bodies touched.


    ¡°Is there anything I can¡¯t do?¡± Cahir replied.


    ¡°You¡¯re not what you used to be. Did you practice?¡±


    ¡°Geniuses don¡¯t need practice. They get it once they see it.¡±


    ¡®It¡¯s just my luck.¡¯ Rosaline mumbled and frowned.


    The music yed faster and faster, and Rosaline and Cahir came closer.


    ¡°By the way, Your Majesty. I feel a bit unfair¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Was it because they kept bumping into each other? Rosalineined.


    ¡°It¡¯s my first, ah¡­, my first banquet, and my first dance. It¡¯s not your first time, isn¡¯t it, Your Majesty?¡±


    Breathing hard, Rosaline focused on Cahir¡¯s lead, not wanting to miss a step.


    ¡°It¡¯s my first time too.¡± Cahir answered.


    However, Cahir never ran out of breath. His breathing was calm, as if Rosaline was the only one dancing.


    The time for conversation was short. But they were more focused than ever on each other¡¯s stories.


    ¡°What are you talking about? I¡¯m a man who doesn¡¯t need to lie.¡±


    It¡¯s true. He didn¡¯t have to lie to look good. Rosaline¡¯s lips twitched.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ve been following you to every banquet. I can¡¯t even count the number of women you¡¯ve danced with¡­¡±


    Cahir pulled Rosaline in a different direction. Rosalynn¡¯s waist was firmly nted in Cahir¡¯s arms. Then, the music began to slow down. It was a signal that the song wasing to an end.


    ¡°Rosaline, let me tell you because you don¡¯t seem to remember. This is the first time you¡¯ve asked for a dance with your hand out first. So today is my real first dance at the banquet. Are you feeling any better now, Rosaline?¡±


    The music ended.


    Rosaline breathed hard. A long surge shook her as if she was hit in the head with a hammer. She couldn¡¯t move as she leaned her upper body back. Cahir put his arms around Rosaline¡¯s slender waist and held her up.To keep herself from falling, Rosaline gripped Cahir¡¯s arms tightly.


    ¡°That was fun, wasn¡¯t it, Rosaline.¡± Said the mean, mischievous Cahir, one eye blinked.


    Rosaline red at him.


    ¡°Now that I¡¯m in a reasonably good mood with the Empress, I¡¯d like to rest, what do you intend to do Rosaline?¡±


    Cahir looked at Rosaline with a very satisfied look in his eyes.


    However, with sweat oozing down her forehead, she was feeling very tired. She wanted to rest too. Dancing was an intense exercise. Especially for Rosaline, who only held a pen and walked and breathed every day. When it came to exercise, it was very strenuous. But Rosaline was the one who organized the banquet. She could not rest.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Your Majesty. If you go in first and rest, I¡¯ll send someone to get you when the feast is over. There is portrait will be made after.¡±


    Rosaline called for ten painters to today¡¯s banquet. She ordered them to paint a beautiful and lovely scene of the banquet. The paintings will be published in the weekly bulletin announcing the news of the Imperial Pce and spread throughout the Empire.


    If the beautiful stories about the imperial pce¡¯s close family spread throughout the empire, there would be fewer children try to profit from the gap between Az and Cahir. It was for this reason that the emperor had to stand side by side with Az, the empress, at the time of final celebration.


    ¡°Will you be here?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty,¡±


    Rosaline said quickly. Cahir looked at Rosaline with a worried expression and turned away. It was opposite the entrance to the banquet hall.

 Chapter 13

    <h2>Chapter 13</h2>


    ¡°Your Majesty? Won¡¯t you head back to rest?¡± Rosaline asked, walking behind Cahir.


    ¡°I¡¯ve changed my mind. It has been a long time since a banquet has been held at the Imperial Pce. Since you can¡¯t make any mistakes, I have to keep watch.¡±


    Rosaline wasn¡¯t offended by his bluntness. She knew very well that he was simply worried for her. Smiling prettily, she continued to follow him.


    However, her eyes met with someone else¡¯s. E¡¯s. Rosaline stopped in her tracks, causing her purple dress to re out.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you following me?¡± Cahir looked back at Rosaline. He noticed that her gaze was focused somewhere further behind him, and turned to follow it.


    Standing there was E, the girl Az had introduced, looking small and pretty and delicate. Something about her triggered people¡¯s protective instincts.


    The two women exchanged a look between themselves before ncing at Cahir. Even though they were only looking at his back, they felt a chill sensation.


    ***


    Cahir stepped away from Rosaline. He had responsibilities as the emperor, and Rosaline had said she would make sure that the banquet hall was in perfect order.


    ¡°Send someone else to do it, not you.¡±


    As Cahir said this,Rosaline shook her head in response. She couldn¡¯t forget the way E had red at her so resentfully.


    ¡®As if it was my fault that you couldn¡¯t meet with His Majesty.¡¯


    She worked tirelessly day and night to set up this borate celebration in order to get E and Cahir to meet. It was frustrating that the person didn¡¯t know of that fact, and was even ming her.


    Since it was decided that the original couple should be together, Rosaline chose to step aside.


    ¡®Hey, you heroine, please notice my sincere efforts.¡¯


    Rosaline grabbed a random ss from the table and downed its contents.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    It must have been a strong drink. The alcohol settled unpleasantly in her stomach, her chest feeling tight as she was swamped with a sudden heat. In need of fresh air, Rosaline shook her head as if to clear it before leaving the banquet hall.


    ***


    ¡°Are you listening to me,Lady E?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Empress?¡±


    Az and E were seated together. The Empress¡¯s seat was to the right of the emperor¡¯s, and since this night¡¯s star was E, she was positioned a little more to the center.


    Of course, Cahir sat nearby. He scanned the banquet hall with unfocused eyes and a dull expression.


    ¡°There he is, in front of me.¡±


    Ehadwatched Cahir and Rosaline danceperfectly, squeezing the hem of her pale pink dress tightly as she did her best to maintain her smile.


    Azalea had introduced E to Cahir and encouraged them to dance together. But Cahir nced at Eonlyfor a moment andquickly lost interest.


    ¡°No way, how did this developthis way?¡±


    This was way off the mark. Weren¡¯ttheydestined to fall in love at first sight?


    ¡®What the hell?¡¯


    E¡¯s eyes turned to Rosaline. She could seeherwalking out of the banquet hall. E clenched her fist so hard that her nails dug into her palm.


    ¡°Mother, may I leave you for a moment?¡±


    Azsmiled andnodded generously when she saw E smiling.


    ***


    Rosaline sat on a bench near the fountain. She wasapparentlya person whocked alcohol tolerance. The single cup she drank earlier exceeded her drinking capacity.


    When the heat from the banquet cooled in the fresh air, Rosaline leaned back slightly and breatheddeeply,calming down little by little.


    ¡°How are you?¡±


    A voice interrupted her sweet rest. Rosaline turned her head toward the sound. With both hands sped in front of her, there stood E with a pitiful look on her face.


    ¡®Why are you here? Weren¡¯t you supposed to meet with His Highness?¡¯


    It was irritating. How hard was it to approach his seat and make a move?


    However, Rosaline was arationdult and smiled refreshingly without showing anyof her ire.


    ¡°Oh, hello.¡±


    After greetingher, Rosaline had nothing to say. They weren¡¯t exactlyclose enoughto have a conversation. E didn¡¯t return the hello, maybe she was surprised by Rosaline¡¯s kind greeting.


    There was only a cool breeze between the two.


    ¡°Yes. By any chance, did youe to rest?I¡¯ll be leaving you, then.¡±


    E stillhad no answer. Rosaline tried to pass her and head for the banquet hall.


    She was stopped by E gripping her by the arm. Looking back at E¡¯s profile, she could see how beautiful the heroine was. A gently sloping forehead, a delicate nose, plump lips. Her beautiful features made people want to protect her.


    ¡°What is it¡­?¡±


    ¡°Did you do this?¡± mumbled E.


    Rosaline, who barely held back her desire to shake off the hand,mulled overher words. She wondered if there would be a problem if she said something unsavory at the end of her sentence.


    E¡¯s head turned slowly. The look she gave was so fierce that even Rosaline faltered.


    ¡°Do you have anything to say to me?¡±


    Rosaline burst outughing.


    ¡°What are youughing about? Stop pretending. You¡¯re a transmigrator, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Rosaline gaped, wide-eyed and evidently surprised.


    ¡°What a surprise. I am a transmigrator as well. So, don¡¯t you think we need to talk?¡± E loosened her grip on Rosaline. Her handprints stood out on the white of Rosaline¡¯s forearm.


    Was there a setting that made her strong? Rosaline tilted her head down.


    ¡°¡­You too?¡±


    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s a little different from you, but are you curious?¡± E knew a lot of things and had a suspicion that Rosaline was a transmigrator from the first nce.


    Rosaline was indeed curious, but she felt pretty sick. She licked her lips and raised one eyebrow.


    ¡°Yes,we will need to have a conversation sooner orter. By the way, are you speaking informally? Isn¡¯t this our first time meeting?¡±


    ¡°Are you angry? Just talk informally to me too.¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s faceflushedwith embarrassment, while E smiled widely. That smile made her beautiful appearance shine even more.


    She was so pretty because she was the female lead, for sure.


    However, E¡¯s personality was different from the original heroine. This made Rosaline feel ufortable.She was rootingfor the original couple to get together, but she was seriously worried.


    In the original work, E was a girl who was so considerate of others that she lost money. She was a bit jealous, but overall a good-natured and vulnerable person.


    Then she met Cahir and began to assert her rights. She became a brave womanforlove, one able togive her life for Cahir. The story of a womanwho learned to grow in love. She was a heroine that readers had no choice but to love.


    She even had her own fan club.


    Rosaline was also one of her supporters, but the current E is not the one she knew.


    ¡°I¡¯ll visit you tomorrow during the day. Does His Majesty still drink tea at 2 p.m.? Tomorrow is Tuesday, so you can drink peppermint tea.¡±


    E wasa transmigratoras well. She had also read the original novel. Rosaline had no choice but to take her word for it. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for her to know the kind of tea Cahir drinks on the different days of the week. It was a secret known only to Rosaline, Derek, and some members of the Imperial Pce, who were famous forbeing tight-lipped.


    ¡°I¡¯ll goto the pce andmeet with you. Let¡¯s have a good tea time.¡±


    E took a step back from Rosaline. This Ewas dangerous. Nowhere in sight was the nobledy with a gentle and virtuous spirit. Rosaline¡¯s mouth twitched.


    Rosaline wanted to make a retort against her, but she endured. E is the main character in the novel and Cahir¡¯s favorite woman. What if Rosaline offends her and loses her own life? She tried so hard to survive.


    For now, as E had said, a conversation was necessary. Rosaline needed to decideter on where to stand.


    Rosaline looked at E for a long time.


    ¡®She really looks like a heroine¡­¡¯


    ***


    ¡°You¡¯re doing a magic fireworks show?¡±


    ¡°Wow, after all, we are dealing with an imperial banquet.¡±


    The people¡¯s cheeks were red from the alcohol, the delicious food, and the exertion of dancing to the music. Everyone excitedly went and sat down in therge garden.


    The wizards of the Empire formed a circle. They had to gather together because there were no longer any immensely powerful sorcerers remaining.


    The magic of life was dependent onmanastones. It was notmon for people to use magic becausemanastones were expensive.


    Wizards can now only use magic to process magic stones or set off fireworks.That¡¯s whythe value of wizards who can make beautiful magical fireworks has skyrocketed through the ceiling.


    Of course, only the imperial family of Aetheus could employ arge number of such wizards,which was why thepeople were so excited.


    The trumpets rang. Knights lined up on both sides to create a path. Between them, Cahir and Az walked side by side. Normally, they would never walk together, but he couldn¡¯t help it since Rosaline wanted to see the ¡°happy atmosphere in the Imperial family.¡±


    Rosaline exined her reason. Will the number of aristocrats supporting Az decrease?


    ¡°You just have to wipe it all out¡­. .¡±


    ¡°What, Your Majesty?¡± Azgave him abenevolent smile.


    Cahir wanted to leave her alone and go back even now. No, to be honest, he wanted towring her neck.


    ¡®No! No way!¡¯


    If she heard Cahir¡¯s thoughts, Rosaline would have gone pale and shuddered in front of him.


    That¡¯s no fun.


    After restraining himself, he began walking again.


    Derrek was relieved, thinking that Cahir had finally matured. A part of his heart felt proud.


    ***


    The fireworks burst.


    Peoplecheered as the red, blue, and yellow mes embroidered the night sky.


    Az nced at Cahir.


    ¡®Doas you please. There¡¯s only a few days left until ¡®that¡¯ happens¡¯


    Cahir looked for Rosaline.


    ¡®Where are you and what are you doing? Why do you keep leaving? We should never hold a banquet again.¡¯


    Rosaline saw E. E stood out of sight, staring at Cahir, as though drawn to him.


    ¡®What is E thinking?¡¯


    Rosaline couldn¡¯t take her eyes off E, who gazed passionately at Cahir, as if saying that the novel would go on as the original did, and that he should wait for her, his true love.


    Their gaze was tangled into a single space. Rosaline was confused.


    ¡®Which way is this novel going?¡¯

 Chapter 14

    <h2>Chapter 14</h2>


    Today was going to be even harder than handling the banquet. Rosaline put a hand on her stiff shoulder and stretched. Hui, who was watching the scene from afar, ran over in a second.


    ¡°Secretary, are you tired? Why don¡¯t you take a break today?¡±


    Rosaline visited Cahir¡¯s bedroom early in the morning because she thought she could get a day off today. Somehow without sleep, he still got up before the sun and finished grooming.


    As soon as Cahir saw Rosaline, he sprang up and handed over the crown. Rosaline epted the crown skillfully without panic, as this was often the case. At this point, people might even think that the crown was broken, considering it spent more time in Rosaline¡¯s hands than on Cahir¡¯s head.


    ¡°Rosaline, no more banquets.¡±


    No more, why? Rosaline thought the banquet had been very sessful. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had fun, which made for fantastic promotional material for today¡¯s royal family.


    Rosaline raised an eyebrow in question.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want them because you are so close to me. It¡¯s ufortable¡±


    s, a selfish human being.


    Rosaline had tried hard to meet with herndlord, and she pushed for a banquet to boost the image of the Imperial family and get rid of unsavory rumors before they get a chance to grow. Was he telling her not to hold a banquet just because he took care of her?


    This is really not the way to go.


    She didn¡¯t do it forpensation, but it was a brilliant achievement, so she believed she at least deserved some words of praise.


    ¡®You¡¯re being way too cheap and dirty, I want to quit!¡¯


    Unaware of Rosaline¡¯s thoughts, Cahir set out for the conference hall.


    ***


    The morning came swiftly like an arrow, all of the secretaries and staff who attended the banquet all night long rubbed their eyes and got ready to work at dawn.


    The Aetheus Empire had regr aristocratic meetings where the council of nobles discussed important matters of the state. The overall task of dealing with the decisions of the aristocratic council were undertaken by the secretaries and administrators set up by the emperor. Most of them graduated from the academy, were tested with difficult problems given by Cahir himself and personally interviewed, and had excellent brains and guts.


    Cahir listened to the war reparations proposed by the other country and discussed in depth how to revise some unsatisfactory proposals and how to proceed with future negotiations.


    He asked sharp questions non-stop, more like an interrogation to make sure Rosaline was sober and working rather than wanting to know the information.


    At the end of the meeting, Rosaline finally gave him some advice.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t advice, it was verbal abuse¡±


    It was good as far as solutions were concerned, but¡­


    ¡°¡­Can¡¯t the nobles read a report? You know how tough and drink at a banquet, but you don¡¯t know the basics of what to do first when you sit at the negotiating table. Do I still have to tell you this much myself? And as for the administrators¡­ Did you go to the academy through the back door? Or were you not the ones who took the exam and were interviewed? Did your twin siblings take over that day?¡±


    The problem was what Rosaline addedter.


    Rosaline was butting heads with the aristocrats and her colleagues, whose faces were getting darker.


    ***


    ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s time for tea.¡±


    Tea was prepared by Derek at two in the afternoon. At Rosaline¡¯s words, Cahir stopped frowning and he and Rosaline walked side by side. In the afternoon, the corridors of the Imperial Pce were calm. Sunlight came in and touched the jewels of the crown in Rosaline¡¯s hands. The light passing through the jewels illuminated the area, creating colored refractions.


    ¡®Pretty.¡¯


    At this moment, Rosaline loved walking in this sunny corridor. Cahir walked in front of her, always one step ahead of her stride.


    ¡°Has he really grown this much?¡¯


    As time went on, Cahir grew bigger and bigger. It wasn¡¯t just a matter of mind.


    ¡®It¡¯s really time for me to quit.¡¯


    Rosaline smiled bitterly as she looked at his gorgeous back.


    There were six rooms that were made specifically for the emperor.


    One of them was sponsored by the Imperial Pce, the one where the tea table was ced. Large evergreen trees surrounded the garden and flowers were in bloom throughout the entire year. It waspletely cut off from the outside.


    This space was called Lucete.


    Cahir loved it. The fresh air, singing birds, and especially the afternoon sun pouring in from the sky. The best thing about it was that Rosaline didn¡¯t care about other people¡¯s eyes here and she wasfortable with him.


    The tea tables were set and the servants left the garden. They stood invisibly behind the tree and would onlye out when Cahir called. The same was true of the guards.


    ¡°Peppermint tea.¡±


    Rosaline offered Cahir a moderately chilled cup. He missed and grabbed her hand, unable to take his eyes off of the documents before him.


    ¡°You used to rest when you took breaks.¡± Rosaline moved the teacup so that he could easily reach it.


    ¡°I can¡¯t rest because of these idiots.¡±


    Cahir was reviewing datapiled at today¡¯s meeting. It was thanks to him that the country was able to maintain this much order despite its unruly nature. He was capable enough to offset the atrocities that made him famous as a tyrant. Meticulous, brilliant, and always on the right side of a bet.


    ¡®This is the male lead¡¯s buff. But God mischievously doesn¡¯t grant everything.¡¯


    He had everything, it seemed. Appearance, wealth, ability, and power. The only thing he was missing was a good personality.


    ¡®That¡¯s the biggest w.¡¯


    Rosaline drank down the tea,menting that there was no perfect man in the novel. Simr to Cahir, Rosaline liked peppermint tea as well.


    ¡°¡­No.¡±


    ¡°Please, I have an appointment. I need you to let me through. Please¡­¡±


    Rosaline, who was about to put her ss down, doubted her ears for a moment. Beyond the garden, she heard a delicate, womanly voice.


    ¡®E?¡¯


    Rosaline hadpletely forgotten about her appointment with her. E had told her yesterday that they would meet at tea time, right? Was she here?


    Rosaline leapt to her feet. Cahir nced up at her. He followed her gaze and heard a noise. There was a sound, but he couldn¡¯t quite hear it without concentrating.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Having his tea time interrupted, Cahir¡¯s eyes shed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go check it out, Your Majesty. Finish your tea before it gets any cooler.¡±


    Rosaline grabbed the hem of her dress and moved clumsily towards the scene like a toddler. Cahir was angry, but he had to stay quiet now before he stabbed somebody.


    ¡°Ah¡­ Rosaline!¡±


    E grinned as soon as she saw Rosaline, girlishly raising one hand to wave hello. People would think they were really close friends. The knight flinched at the innocentughter and gesture. Rosaline was right.


    The knights blocked E. She was the daughter of an aristocrat, so they couldn¡¯t touch her recklessly, but she wasn¡¯t allowed in Lucete. Then things became noisy.


    ¡°What is going on?¡± Rosaline asked Sir James. He was a valiant and loyal knight who fought on the battlefield with Cahir.


    ¡°This youngdy said that she had an appointment with you, Miss Secretary, and wanted to get into Lucete¡­¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, right? Yesterday, you asked to meet with me today, didn¡¯t you? Did you forget?¡±


    E looked at Rosaline with her hands sped in front of her chest and shoulders drooping. It made her look really pitiful.


    Yeah, it was natural to stop a stranger from entering Lucete, but James felt guilty. He looked at Rosaline with a troubled expression.


    ¡®Damn, you¡¯ve fallen for it too.¡¯


    She sighed. ¡°Yes, she is someone I know. She is also right about having made an appointment with me, but we haven¡¯t decided on when or where.¡±


    Rosaline intended to talk to E in a quiet ce. To do so, she needed to get permission from Cahir first. Rosaline was about to tell E to wait for a while when she suddenly smiled brightly, grabbed the hem of her skirt, and bowed.


    ¡°Greetings to the Sun of the Empire.¡±


    Cahir approached the twodies. ¡°Who is this?¡± he asked Rosaline, ignoring E.


    ¡°Your Majesty, from yesterday¡¯s greeting¡­ I¡¯m E Paulos. I¡¯m Rosaline¡¯s friend, right Rosaline?¡±


    Rosaline froze in her bewilderment and Cahir¡¯s eyebrows shot up.


    ¡°Friends¡­?¡±


    His gaze sharpened. He studied E silently for a long time.


    ¡°Let me exin, Your Majesty. Lady E is¡­¡±


    ¡®She isn¡¯t my friend, I just happened to meet her, but I need to talk to her right now.¡¯


    The situation was a bit hard to exin. Still, Rosaline didn¡¯t want to bebeled as E¡¯s friend.


    ¡°No, wait.¡±


    Cahir cut Rosaline off in the middle of her sentence. Rosaline trembled. She should have expected that Cahir couldn¡¯t take his eyes off of E.


    ¡®Destiny is destiny, right?¡¯


    The original author used the term ¡°fated love¡± more than a hundred times in the novel. This meant that E and Cahir were strongly connected.


    Rosaline took a step back. The picture of the three of them together didn¡¯t look too good.


    ¡®I¡¯m the third wheel in this situation, aren¡¯t I?¡¯


    However, Rosaline was unable to get away from them. Her attempt remained an attempt. Cahir grabbed Rosaline¡¯s wrists in the middle of her retreat. E continued looking into Cahir¡¯s eyes as he held onto Rosaline. Rosaline turned around.Think about what it means to be the emperor.


    Rosaline remembered what Az once told her when they met in the hallway. The adviceing from the empress dowager¡¯s mouth was unbelievable. However, those words now came to Rosaline¡¯s mind because she was confused. What did work mean for Cahir?


    She looked back at E. For the sake of Cahir¡¯s happiness, it was necessary to cheer for E as it was originally written. But why didn¡¯t she like it?


    Rosaline felt strangely frantic, and her wrist began to hurt in Cahir¡¯s grip. Rosaline tried to twist out of it, and only then did Cahir¡¯s eyes finally move to Rosaline.


    ¡°Rosaline, what are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Let go of me.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡®What do you mean, ¡®why¡¯?¡±


    It is impolite to grab another person¡¯s wrist without permission. Especially between men and women! Rosaline couldn¡¯t answer because the question was too vague.


    ¡°First, finish drinking your tea. What do you think, Rosaline? Oh, and did you say that you were Rosaline¡¯s friend? Lady E, shoulde talk together.¡±


    Cahir walked back to the table holding Rosaline¡¯s hand in his. When the two disappeared, E grabbed the hem of her voluminous dress and hurried after them.


    Tea time, which should have been quiet, rxing, and peaceful, became a battlefield. The more Rosaline thought about why this happened, the angerier she got. E was selfish.


    After returning to their seats, neither the emperor nor the secretary wanted to speak first. Cahir¡¯s eyes were aching, Rosaline was in a bad mood, and the atmosphere was bleak.


    E continued to talk by herself, praising Lucete¡¯s beauty.


    Cahir was lost in thought.


    ¡®That can¡¯t be a friend of hers.¡¯


    Cahir had noticed Rosaline¡¯s frown when E said she was her friend. It was gone in a sh, but that meant that whatever E imed, they weren¡¯t truly friends.


    ¡®Who is she?¡¯

 Chapter 15

    <h2>Chapter 15</h2>


    Cahir was well aware of Rosaline¡¯s rtionships. Five years ago, he finished investigating the people and families around her and spent most of his time together with her after that.Banquet? Rosaline? Not a chance.Secretary Rosaline is now slowly socializing. She must have one or two friends in the world¡­Derek said that it¡¯s obvious that women in society converse. They pretend to talk about a variety of topics, but in reality, they¡¯re assessing the men. What if she loses interest in her work?Is the secretary going to neglect her work just because she¡¯s dating a guy or has friends? Besides, she wouldn¡¯t be able to work at this pace all the time.Rosaline will work for the rest of her life. Don¡¯t worry about her, just take care of yourself, Derek.


    Cahir remembered a part of an old memory. When Rosaline was just 20 years old, Derek told her that she needed a friend. At that time, Cahir prohibited it, saying she would be negligent in her work if she went out to socialize.


    She didn¡¯t get the chance to make friends. What are friends?


    However, Cahir couldn¡¯t get rid of E right away. That was the problem. There were plenty of reasons to throw her out. Az introduced her to him first, so he could say that they were members of opposing factions. Plus, she lied about being friends with Rosaline.


    ¡®But why¡­?¡¯


    He wondered what would happen if the word ¡°kill¡± came out of his mouth. Cahir narrowed his eyes. Soon, the tea pots were emptied and had to be refilled. He looked at Rosaline. (pg 0-3)


    ¡°Rosaline¡­¡±


    Why didn¡¯t she just look at E and say that they weren¡¯t friends. Maybe there was something that he missed. Was E truly Rosaline¡¯s friend? Or was Rosaline just observing her out of interest?


    She must be nning something.


    Cahir decided to stifle his unpleasant feelings and just endure their ruined tea time.


    How annoying.


    It felt like someone was squeezing his heart.


    Why did it hurt to see Rosaline? There was a flood of unknown variables. Cahir was proud that he knew everything about himself, but recently he wasn¡¯t so certain about that.


    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C


    ¡°Your Majesty, do you feel ufortable?¡± E asked Cahir with round, doe-like eyes.


    ¡°No, Rosaline¡¯s friend¡­ I¡¯m enjoying being able to spend this time here together.¡±


    A lie.


    That smile on his face didn¡¯t reach his eyes, and there was a small twitch near the corners of his mouth. This was a sign that meant, ¡®How unpleasant, I want to kill this nuisance in front of me.¡¯


    Slowly, Rosaline¡¯s patience was also running out.


    Would her small actions offend Cahir? Her past, in which she acted carefully because of her fear of him, shed before her eyes at the speed of light.


    Was she willing to put up with everything, even when she was irritated, because of the heroine buff E had?


    Rosaline clenched her teacup, tightly enough that her tea rippled. One of Cahir¡¯s eyebrows went up.


    ¡°Rosaline, are you sick?¡±


    Arge hand pressed against her forehead, and Rosaline almost jumped.


    She was used to physical contact with Cahir. He often grabbed her wrists or her waist, which was even more frequent yesterday as they danced together. None of those formal touches were like this, warm and gentle and unfamiliar.


    ¡°You look pale. You can¡¯t do this. It¡¯s nice to meet friends, but I think you need to rest today.¡±


    Technically, it was a misunderstanding, but the suggestion was good. It would be nice to have a break after this stressful morning.


    ¡°Your Majesty¡­ Are you staying?¡±


    However, Rosaline didn¡¯t want to leave Cahir alone with E.


    ¡®Why?¡¯


    Rosaline was surprised at her own pettiness.


    Her goal was to meet with His Majesty, cleanly quit her job, and enjoy azy life.


    ¡°Why are you asking me? I¡¯ve been with you for a long time, too. You seem to have forgotten your duty as secretary, Rosaline. Can you tell me the first and most important role of being a secretary?¡±


    ¡°The secretary is always next to the king?¡±


    ¡°Do you know what¡¯s wrong with yourself? Let¡¯s go, Rosaline.¡±


    ¡°Would you excuse us, E?¡±


    You shouldn¡¯t ask that, Your Majesty.


    It¡¯s rude to ask even if you ask with that hurt face.


    Cahir only said that he would leave first, but E looked like a lost puppy.


    However, E quickly put on a smile. She was trying so hard to look good in front of Cahir to the point where Rosaline felt sorry for her.


    E¡¯s facial muscles trembled. Her tendons popped out with how hard she was clenching her hands under the table.


    ¡°I was here to see Rosaline, but it looks like it can¡¯t be helped. Rosaline, take good care of yourself.¡±


    Rosaline got goosebumps from that chilling goodbye. Was E supposed to be this pretentious? Since she was also a transmigrator, shouldn¡¯t she try to match the personality of the original story?


    If God hadmon sense, would they have allowed a person withthatkind of personality to transmigrate into the heroine¡¯s body? There must be some kind of mistake, maybe Rosaline misread something, how could this¡­? Rosaline became increasingly confused. She too was a transmigrator and, unwittingly, changed the flow of the original story.


    Seeing E, who looked as fragile as a daffodil, Rosaline¡¯s head began to hurt.


    The warm and caring expression she had when pretending to care about Rosaline could have easily fooled people into believing she truly was the original heroine¡­.


    This was so confusing.


    ***


    ¡°Rosaline, tell me what you know about E.¡±


    Rosaline, who had been escorted back to her bedroom, was prepared to send Cahir back and rest well. Instead of going back to his room, however, Cahir strode into Rosaline¡¯s room.


    ¡°Your Majesty, you said you would let me rest.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, are you sick? Why do you keep forgetting secretary rule number one? Do you want me to re-evaluate you from the beginning?¡±


    Secretary¡¯s first rule.


    The secretary is always next to the king.


    ¡°No, doesn¡¯t that only apply when you work?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think you know exactly what the rule means. To say you¡¯ll always be with me, whenever I want. I¡¯m not referring to business hours.¡±


    Wow, what a vicious boss you are!


    A self-centered psycho who doesn¡¯t give others a choice!


    Left or right, it¡¯s room A!


    ¡°Phew. Rosaline, what¡¯s with that look?¡±


    Cahirughed. Her dissatisfaction seems to be a source of entertainment for him. Rosaline puffed up her cheeks and pouted. Cahir¡¯s big hand came to rest on top of her head.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll stop talking. Get some rest. I¡¯m going to work here.¡±


    His crescent-shaped eyes instantly melted Rosaline¡¯s displeasure. An invisible tremor swept past her body.


    As he said, Cahir refused to leave. That was until Rosaline was saved by Hui and changed from her day dress to afortable sleeping gown andy down on the bed.


    Rosaline had thought he was joking when Cahir said he would stay in her room. However, as if to show her that it wasn¡¯t a joke, Cahir had Derek bring the documents into Rosaline¡¯s room to review.


    Rosaline heard a small ring, the sound of a bell falling over. She pulled the quilt under her chin and quickly nced around. Cahir had ordered Rosaline not to do any work and to stay in the room but, ¡°do nothing¡±, saying she needed rest. Honestly, it made her feel a little lonely.


    ¡°Rosaline, I know you¡¯re not closing your eyes.¡±


    Cahir got up, folding up the papers. He approached Rosaline¡¯s bed.


    Rosaline closed her eyes when she heard him move.


    ¡°Your eyshes are shaking and I can see your eyes moving under those eyelids. Rosaline, are you awake¡±


    Could you sleep in this situation?


    Rosaline sighed and pulled down the quilt.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Well, can we talk about this conversation?¡±


    ¡°You already are.¡±


    ¡°No, not like this. Rosaline, who is E?¡±


    Rosaline didn¡¯t want to hear E¡¯s nameing out of Cahir¡¯s mouth. As Rosaline¡¯s brows furrowed, Cahir¡¯s eyebrows shot up.


    ¡°Answer yes or no. Even if you are tired, that¡¯s something you can still do.¡±


    Pulling her lips into a straight line, Rosaline knew she could do it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to lie. I know everything.¡±


    Rosaline tossed and turned trying to get up. Cahir sat on the bed and gently pushed on her shoulder with one hand. Rosaline struggled to get out of Cahir¡¯s hands, but gave up. A soft mattress and a cozy nket wrapped around her body perfectly.


    ¡°Rosaline, you can answer me before you sleep. That E girl isn¡¯t one of you friends, is she?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Rosaline didn¡¯t want to be friends with a girl like that. Even if E married the emperor, she still wouldn¡¯t want to be friends.


    ¡°Can I kill you?¡±


    Cahir¡¯s dismal words made Rosaline feel numb. It¡¯s been dyed for 10 years¡­?


    Rosaline¡¯s mouth moved on its own.


    ¡°No.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t kill her. There is still something she has to check.


    ¡°Is she on our side?¡±


    ¡°Noment.¡±


    ¡°Just say yes or no.¡±


    Rosaline agonized. Was E on their side? She certainly isn¡¯t on Rosaline¡¯s side. However, E¡¯s eyes were full of affection for Cahir¡¯s opposition.


    ¡°Is it the Empress Dowager?¡±


    Maybe she¡¯s on the side of the Empress Dowager. Rosaline heard from Derek that it was Az who introduced E to Cahir. But if that person was transmigrated, then they would know that Az and Cahir were bitter enemies. Why did she team up with her? She didn¡¯t want to know what E was up to.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Answer yes or no.¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t understand, what are you going to do?¡±


    Rosaline¡¯sck of confidence came as a surprise. Cahir had a clear view of Rosaline. His own vermillion eyes stared straight into Rosaline¡¯s sky-like eyes.


    ¡°Rosaline, is there anything I don¡¯t know about?¡±


    Rosaline covered herself with the quilt. If she lied, she would be found out, and without wanting to lie, she answered ¡°Yes¡± in a small voice while her face was stuffed behind the nket. Her answer was too quiet for Cahir to hear.


    ***


    Cahir confirmed that Rosaline was asleep and returned to the office. Even after the conversation, Rosaline tossed and turned in search of what was worrying her, and eventually fell asleep without finding her burden. Cahir stayed next to Rosaline until her breaths became deep and even.


    ¡°Derek, search around Rosaline.¡±


    While Derek was working hard in the ownerless room, Cahir put the crown on the corner of the desk.


    ¡°Around the secretary?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s weird. Sometimes I be numb, I can¡¯t remember things well, and turn pale.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not the kind of person who would make a mistake.¡±


    ¡°When did I say I was working? You think I¡¯m doing this because I can¡¯t work? I¡¯m a generous person when ites to making mistakes. You know that, right? That¡¯s not why Rosaline changed. You have to know what it¡¯s for.¡±


    He didn¡¯t know. Derek bit the inside of his mouth so that he wouldn¡¯t identally blurt out the truth.


    Cahir is misunderstanding himself. Generosity, that is the farthest word to describe him. Mercy, generosity, tolerance, forgiveness: none of these terms suited Cahir at all.


    ¡°It¡¯s because Rosaline is tired. Your Majesty, why don¡¯t you take a vacation?¡±


    ¡°Vacation?¡±


    Cahir didn¡¯t want to, but maybe Derek was on to something. Rosaline had refused to ept Cahir¡¯s offer of a special leave in addition to general days off for the past five years. Cahir had just thought Rosaline like her job, but did she have a lot of work to do?


    ¡°And I think it¡¯s necessary to see a doctor. I heard your face often turns pale. Shall we deal with the matter of the vacation right away?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll think more about my vacation. Gather all the royal court doctors tomorrow. Don¡¯t forget to check Rosaline¡¯s surroundings. Oh, I almost forgot. Look into the rtionship between Az and E.¡±


    Great, Derek was going to have to start working overtime again starting from today. He was supposed to go on a night outing with Hui. Derek sighed, internally, of course, so that Cahir wouldn¡¯t hear.

 Chapter 16

    <h2>Chapter 16</h2>


    It had been a busy day. The royal court doctors rushed into Rosaline¡¯s room one after another. They looked very nervous.Heal Rosaline. If Rosaline doesn¡¯t get better, your title will be stripped.


    Doctors were indispensable, but they were also the most neglected. During a pandemic, the people on the streets were more interested in trying to move to a new building rather than looking for a doctor.


    Pharmacies were rare and considered ¡®witch huts¡¯.


    The doctors who studied the human body as a profession were treated poorly. Rosaline, who came from 21st century South Korea, did not understand this.


    After bing his secretary, Rosaline exined to Cahir that being a doctor is a noble and necessary profession. Eventually, Cahir stamped the emperor¡¯s seal on Rosaline¡¯s doctor training project n.


    In just three years, the empire¡¯s rate of infections diminished significantly. The number of deaths caused by dysentery also decreased drastically.


    Rosaline set out for a second time.


    Cahir was persuaded to give titles to doctors who gave valuable contributions to the field of research. They were temporary and couldn¡¯t be passed onto offspring, but people went crazy. The number of people who wanted to be doctors increased and medical advancements improved. Although, to Rosaline, it still wasn¡¯t enough.


    Anyway, these doctors studied hard and were paid for their research. Life for them improved after they received their titles. The economic improvement couldn¡¯t be ignored, and the eyes of those who despised them changed.


    If they hadn¡¯t experienced these changes, then they would have remained clueless. But for those who had finally experienced a rich life, the thought of losing their titles was terrifying. (pgs 1-3)


    It would be horrible if they did. That was why they were so nervous.


    ¡°Miss Secretary, may I touch your hand?¡±


    ¡°Miss Secretary, can you tell me where you feel ufortable?¡±


    ¡°Miss Secretary, do you usually have symptoms such as tremors under your eyes?¡±


    ¡°Hui, what is her diet?¡±


    Rosaline was scared. The doctors surrounded her bed each time she said something, they listened solemnly, wrote everything down, and talked among themselves.


    ¡®Is this what ab rat feels like?¡¯


    While she was definitely treated better than an experiment, it was not a very pleasant experience to have doctors trying to monitor her every move and record the smallest of reactions.


    ¡°Whoa, I¡¯m sorry doctors, but I have to go to work.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± a doctor yelled. Fear hung over the faces of all the other doctors.


    ¡®What¡¯s wrong with them?¡¯


    Rosaline looked to Hui for help.


    ¡°His Majesty said he would take away their titles if they could not heal the secretary.¡±


    ¡®I¡¯m going to die!¡¯


    Rosaline held her head. Her sudden migraine caused an uproar. (pg4 ¨C 6.1)


    ***


    Rosaline sent all the doctors back. She had to speak passionately to convince them that she was healthy. She ended up doing push-ups and pull-ups in front of everyone.


    ¡®Oh my goodness, I¡¯m so tired.¡¯


    She was going to get sick because of them.


    ¡°Oh, I really want to rest,¡± she muttered to herself, shaking her head.


    ***


    Rosaline found Cahir in the library.


    Located between the second and third pces, it was famous for housing the most books on the continent. Many schrs even made it their greatest goal in life to visit the library of the Aetheus Imperial Pce.


    Sunlight streamed through stained ss windows, painting beautiful pictures on the floor. Kaleidoscopic colors flitted across Rosaline as she walked.


    ¡°Your Majesty.¡±


    Cahir was sitting on a windowsill, reading a book about the Holy Land of Berlos. In thest war, the ruler of Berlos mediated between the countries and prevented the spread of conflict. It was an approach he personally disapproved of, saying that it was the perfect opportunity to wipe out the barbarians at once, but Rosaline disagreed.Your Majesty, the people are dying.


    Additionally, had Berlos demanded that Aetheus build a temple for their god, Berlios, in exchange for their mediation. Their demands were not unreasonable. Rather, their demands were so minor that Cahir had easily agreed.


    However, since it was a temple dedicated to the god of Berlos in a country that served the goddess Eteusis, Cahir had asked everyone to learn more about Berlios in order to anticipate possible problems.


    That¡¯s why Rosaline should have been the one reading this book, not Cahir. She was going to read it, summarize, and teach the others. If Cahir hadn¡¯t sent those doctors in the morning, she could have finished the book and written the summary by the end of the night.


    Rosaline scowled at the idea that she wasn¡¯t able to fulfill her duties as a secretary.


    ¡°You kicked out all of the doctors. Were they not good enough? As expected, it¡¯s not enough to strip them of their titles. Do you want me to sell them as ves?¡±


    He said all of this while smiling at Rosaline. Considering how easily it came out of his mouth, anyone looking would have thought he was just joking around. Rosaline¡¯s face darkened even more.


    She red at Cahir, who abruptly closed the book and held it out to Rosaline.


    ¡°I read 2,985 pages out of 3,890 pages. Rosaline, you finish the rest. My eyes are about to fall out.¡±


    She put the heavy book down on one side of the table. ¡°The inquiry about the temple needs to be answered by tomorrow. What do you think?¡±


    A new representative was sent from Berlos a week ago. This was because Cahir had not been able to answer for months since he talked about seriously building the temple.


    ¡°Peace and mercy are the core of the doctrine. They say to avoid violence and to respect all cultures.¡±


    Rosaline knew that Cahir would eventually build the Temple of Berlios, just as he did in the original. However, it was supposed to be built after the war because of E. This time, the timing was a bit earlier.


    ¡°Then I will respect our culture and our goddess. Shall we finish the book?¡±


    Rosaline settled down and opened the book. Cahir got up and closed it.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to read anymore. We are going to see the priest.¡±


    ¡°Are you finished?¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t read it.¡±


    ¡°Then why won¡¯t you let me read it?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to. A genius like me knows everything from the beginning.¡±


    ¡°You told me to finish reading it earlier, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s, well¡­.¡±


    ***


    Cahir was speechless.


    Truthfully, he had just finished reading it when he heard the sound of footsteps. Derek and Rosaline were the only people who could approach him while he was reading in the library. As soon as he heard the sound, he turned over the pages of the book without realizing it.


    Rosaline¡¯s face stiffened after seeing Cahir reading. He instinctively knew that she was ufortable.


    ¡®Do you think I took your job? Or are you disappointed that you couldn¡¯t work?¡¯


    Words popped up on impulse, even specific numbers. Cahir stared at Rosaline before turning away. Rosaline didn¡¯t hear another word even after they left the library and arrived at the main pce.


    ***


    Rosaline and Cahir went to see Anthony, the new priest from Berlos, who was currently staying at the Second Star Pce


    Although it was right to discuss specific construction ns after deciding whether or not to build a temple at the meeting of aristocrats, it was impossible to leave the temple from the Holy Land of Berlos unattended.


    It was necessary to say that the empire is favorable to the divine kingdom and is positively considering building a temple.


    ¡°Your Majesty, the Duke of Pasita is here.¡±


    Derek busied himself and approached through the corridor. He offered Cahir an example and told him about his business.


    ¡°So?¡±


    The Duke of Pasita, who came without an appointment, made Cahir feel sick.


    ¡°He says he has something to say.¡±


    ¡°Tell him to make an appointment first. Do I have to meet him each time he suddenly shows up and asks to see me?¡±


    Derek furrowed his brows with a troubled expression. The Duke of Pasita was not a person who should be offended. He was the centerpiece of the nobles who supported Cahir.


    ¡°Your Majesty, you had better go. The construction of the temple is not in the agreement right now, is it? Isn¡¯t it necessary for the emperor to meet at the new building if he is to make a good impression? I thought it was too much. I¡¯m quite proud of myself,¡± Rosaline said with a coy look. ¡°And you know very well that the Duke of Pasita is not a light-hearted person, right? It is definitely important, so please go ahead. I will meet with the priest.¡±


    She was probably right. Cahir was not the pope of the kingdom, so he had no obligation to meet with a mere priest.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to, but it can¡¯t be helped. James.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± the guard who always followed quietly, jumped out at Cahir¡¯s call.


    ¡°Go with Rosaline.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Your Majesty, can I go alone?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because I think I¡¯m going to have a fight with the Empress Dowager.¡±


    Was he worried about her? Did he think Az was going to hurt her?


    A bit of emotion seeped into Rosaline¡¯s heart. However, the feeling didn¡¯tst long.


    ¡°It would be troublesome to find a servant to rece you if she decided to do something.¡±


    ¡®This jerk!¡¯


    Looking at Cahir¡¯s receding figure, Rosaline clenched her fists.


    ***


    ¡°Rosaline Verite, the servant of the goddess Eteusis, greets Anthony, the servant of the god Berlios.¡± She curtsied elegantly.


    ¡°Respect to the goddess Eteusis and glory to the god Berlios. I am Anthony, servant to the god Berlios.


    Anthony wore a white robe to symbolize his priesthood and a vest embroidered with ancient symbols. He was dressed neatly and gave off a reverential feeling.


    Rosaline rose back up and looked at Anthony. She felt a sense of familiarity towards him. In the future, Anthony became the Pope of Berlos who imed to be the empire¡¯s strongest ally.


    He was the most powerful, handsome, and benevolent Pope in all of history.


    ¡®And he is a sub male lead¡¯


    When Rosaline¡¯s sparkling eyes met with Anthony¡¯s dark, twilight eyes, Anthony groaned softly.


    ¡°Oh, are you feeling unwell?¡±


    Rosaline was surprised and approached suddenly. Anthony faltered and took a few steps back.


    ¡°No, I was surprised¡­¡±


    ¡°What surprised you?¡±


    Somehow that line seemed a bit familiar. Where did it appear in the novel¡­?¡¯


    Rosaline tilted her head.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s¡­¡± Anthony bowed his head, the back of his neck turning red as he muttered a little bit. ¡°s, I¡¯m sorry if I am being rude. It¡¯s because your appearance resembles what I had imagined Eteusis would look like¡­ Well, I mean, it¡¯s not just your looks, but¡­¡±


    ¡®I remember!¡¯


    Rosaline quickly looked into her handbag. Anthony¡¯s words were cut off. He was getting restless because he thought he was in trouble for being rude.


    ¡®When Anthony met E, he was an ambassador¡­ Wait, why are you saying this to me?¡¯

 Chapter 17

    <h2>Chapter 17</h2>


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s exactly the same as the goddess Eteusis¡­¡±


    That was what Anthony said the first time he met E in the novel. But why was he saying that to Rosaline now?


    Did that happen to be his automatic response? Was that his first response whenever he met a girl?


    Rosaline shook her head in suspicion.


    Who really was Anthony? As far as she knew, he wasn¡¯t like E or Cahir. He was a true priest who would not raise his hand to hurt her even if she raised hers against him.


    ¡®He is definitely not the type of person to say that to just anyone.¡¯


    ¡°Excuse me. Miss Secretary, have a seat here.¡±


    Anthony apologized to her repeatedly, believing Rosaline was deeply offended by his earlier behavior. He hastily removed the scriptures he was reading and pulled out a chair for her.


    ¡°Thank you, Father.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°His Majesty told me to check if there were any inconveniences in your amodations. His Majesty very much wants you to befortable.¡±


    Of course, that was a lie. If Cahir was even a little interested, he would have shown some courtesy by having a meal with Anthony on his first day. It wasn¡¯t until a week after he arrived that Cahir remembered that Berlos¡¯ representative was in the annex. Derek and Rosaline had told him, but he had forgotten.


    ¡°May the Sun of the Empire share the blessings of Lord Berlios. The emperor is very busy, right?¡±


    Rosaline quickly caught onto what Anthony was trying to ask. He was curious about the progress of the temple¡¯s construction.


    Berlos was a country maintained by donations from saints. Although they made money in exchange for casting divinities and dispatching holy knights, it only made up a small part of the funds. That was because most of the priests used their divine powers to help treat the poor, and they couldn¡¯t send out knights for unjustified battles.


    Therefore, Berlos devoted most of its efforts to erecting temples throughout thend in order to increase the number of believers throughout the continent. It was the reason why most countries on the continent have a Temple of Berlios. So far, there have been no temples erected in the Aetheus Empire, although this didn¡¯t mean Berlos was ostracized or disliked.


    The construction of temples dedicated to other gods created many problems. The former emperor of the Aetheus Empire was not confident in his ability to solve them, so he left the situation unattended.


    ¡°Yes, as you know, His Majesty has a lot of work to finish because he does not wish to overlook even the slightest of details. But don¡¯t worry too much. These days, you can see that the construction of the Temple of Berlios is undergoing careful observation.¡± Rosaline looked over and gave a radiant smile.


    Anthony¡¯s gentle eyes were in crescent shapes.


    ¡®Isn¡¯t it a waste that a face like that belongs to a secondary male character?¡¯


    Rosaline felt so sorry for Anthony. He was handsome in a different sense from Cahir. Unlike Cahir, who was full of color, Anthony has a neat and controlled beauty.


    The words ¡®soft¡¯ or ¡®gentle¡¯ would describe Anthony exactly.


    ¡®But I can¡¯t join hands with E. E and Cahir¡¯s fates are tied too strongly.¡¯


    When the original plot came to mind, Rosline¡¯s face darkened. She lowered her eyes, her long eyshes creating a deep shadow under her eyes.


    ¡°Are you ufortable? Do you want me to take a look at you?¡± Anthony asked slowly.


    These mistakes have been frequenttely. Rosaline was a person who was very good at picking up other people¡¯s feelings and understanding what they liked and disliked. She wasn¡¯t an amateur who expressed her feelings like an open book.


    Rosaline looked at Anthony. His clear eyes were the same as those of a Catholic priest in the 21st century.


    ¡°Would you like to confess?¡±


    Rosaline wondered if Anthony could guide a lostmb and tell her why she was being like this. She dismissed the idea quickly, though. Her purpose ining was for work, not personal business. She cleared her mind.


    ¡°No. Is there anything making you ufortable, Your Holiness?¡±


    ¡°Oh, no, there isn¡¯t. However¡­¡± He quickly closed his mouth.


    Rosaline rolled her eyes. The question was only a formality. She had already told Anthony¡¯s servants to pay extra attention so that he could livefortably without having to lift a single finger.


    So what was the problem?


    He scratched the back of his head in embarrassment when she looked at him quizzically. ¡°I¡¯m bored because I am stuck in my room all day. There isn¡¯t anyone to really talk to.¡±


    What was Anthony¡¯s personality like in the novel, again? Rosaline tried to remember what she had read.


    Right, he was a very talkative man. He liked listening to other people¡¯s stories, and his ears were always open when others visited him and told him about their travels or experiences. It was something he always looked forward to.


    ¡®Except he hasn¡¯t seen anyone in a week.¡¯


    Rosaline understood how bored and stuffy it must have been.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, could you talk with me for a moment?¡± Very carefully, Anthony sped his hands together as though he were holding a flower made out of ss. His dark, navy eyes twinkled. He almost looked like arge puppy wagging its tail


    ¡°Of course,¡± Rosaline answered dly.


    ***


    ¡°She feels maternal love towards men, doesn¡¯t she?¡±


    In response to Anthony¡¯s reply, Rosaline felt a shock as if she were struck in the head with a hammer.


    After talking to Anthony for a while, Rosaline bluntly confessed how she felt about Cahir. However, she made it seem like she was talking about the experiences of a friend.


    ¡°What? Maternal love?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Didn¡¯t your friend feel proud if he didn¡¯t lose his temper and worked things out?¡±


    Rosaline did feel proud when Cahir said ¡°exile¡± instead of ¡°hanging¡± or ¡°pay cut¡± instead of ¡°dismissed¡±. She thought he was starting to act more and more like a human being.


    ¡°Shall I say it again? She¡¯s always worried he might make a mistake. Doesn¡¯t she always hope that everything he does will go well?


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Rosaline nodded with an enlightened look.


    Anthony gave a big smile. ¡°That¡¯s the infinite affection that mothers have for their children.¡±


    The conversation ended with Anthony showing a benevolent smile.


    ¡°Well, sometimes my heart aches when I see him, what¡¯s that? Oh, it¡¯s not me, it¡¯s my friend.¡±


    ¡°That? It¡¯s just in case he goes wrong. Think about it like when mothers see their babies taking their first steps. Even if it¡¯s faint, their hearts will hurt a little. It¡¯s the same thing.¡±


    In the face of Anthony¡¯s confident replies, Rosaline felt as though her worries had been blown away.


    ¡®I was looking at Cahir like a son.¡¯


    While he was a tyrant, he was still somewhat of a human being. Although the love of a mother who gave birth to and raised her children is iparable, Rosaline¡¯s dedication for thest five years was no less than that.


    Talking to Anthony helped to clear Rosaline¡¯s mind. Eventually, Rosaline decided she would try milking this story to get out as much information as she could.


    ¡°Father, my friend has another problem. Yes, another.¡±


    ¡°Is it serious?¡± He gestured with his head in a way that told Rosaline to tell him as much information as she wanted. The reaction was so intense that Rosaline was worried that he would fall out of his seat.


    Anthony was excited. Rosaline¡¯s story was not only interesting, but her attitude was good as well. She listened to him while nodding her head and added a slight ent when she continued or replied. She evidently had a knack for making other people listen.


    ¡°Well, my friend told me that there was a woman who would be a great match for that man. A so-called, ¡°fated person¡±? Somehow, I¡¯m not very convinced. Whenever we meet, she looks pretty and pious, but the way she acts sends goosebumps down my spine. Why is that?¡±


    Rosaline leaned expectantly in front of the table. Anthony frowned, seemingly having a hard time answering this time. He rubbed his chin and fell into deep thought.


    ¡°Oh, I see!¡± Anthony¡¯s face brightened up. ¡°Jealousy!¡±


    Jealousy, as in a mother¡¯s feeling of jealousy?


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, this kind of story has existed in this country since ancient times. It¡¯s the story of a young man¡¯s mother bullying his bride, you know? The love that a mother holds for her son runs deep and they sometimes express that instinct in unsavory ways. I bet she just wants him to meet someone better. You know what I mean, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Of course!


    Rosaline admired Anthony¡¯s wisdom. After all, the wisdom of a pope who would eventually be revered for generations was different from that of other people.


    The vermillion rays of the sun streamed through the windows of the room. Seeing the sunset, its hue the same as Cahir¡¯s eyes, Rosaline suddenly wondered what she was doing.


    ¡®So my feelings for him were motherly?¡¯


    Anthony¡¯s answer was clear, and the confidence on his face was enough to convince Rosaline, but something was off. She wanted to ask more, but she still had a job to do. A long time had already passed.


    ¡°I¡¯ve taken too much of your time. My apologies.¡±


    ¡°No, It¡¯s been such a long time since I had this much fun. Rather, I think I have taken too much ofyourtime since you are so busy, Miss Secretary.


    Rosaline was already on her feet and ready to leave, while he scrambled to get on his. Anthony told Rosaline toe back anytime.


    She replied that she woulde with His Majesty the next time and that she would be able to share some good news. His face brightened with an innocent smile, which made her feel so much better.


    ¡°Well, if I could meet him, there¡¯s something I¡¯d love to tell you.¡±


    ¡°¡­?¡±


    ***


    Rosaline blinked. Every time her long eyshes fluttered, the sunlight made her eyes shimmer. Anthony forgot what he was going to say and stared nkly at Rosaline.


    ¡°Your Holiness?¡±


    Her voice snapped him back to his senses.


    He smiled shyly. ¡°There¡¯s amon truth on the continent that transcends religion. I really want to tell you that.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Marrying against your mother¡¯s opinion is not something that should be done. A mother¡¯s intuition is almost always right.¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s jaw dropped slightly.


    ***


    ¡°His Majesty says you may rest when youe back.¡±


    When asked where Cahir was, Hui replied with a refreshing smile. She and Rosaline walked side by side.


    ¡°Oh, look at this! There¡¯s suddenly an urgent message for Miss Secretary. It¡¯s for this afternoon.¡±


    A quick telegram was called an express telegram. Most aristocrats exchanged letters to each other using their family¡¯s personal footmen, but sometimes professional telegraph offices were used.


    The people from these offices were very agile and delivered letters quickly and more urately than the average family footman. Delivering longer, more detailed messages was part of their job. The telegram Rosaline received was also sent by a professional telegraphist. She could clearly see the seal of a pigeon that only they used.


    ¡°Who sent the telegram?¡±


    ¡°It says it¡¯s from the secretary¡¯s friend. By the way, did you have any friends?¡±


    She didn¡¯t, but somehow one person¡¯s face popped up. She tore open the telegram. Written inside were a time and location to meet.


    ¡°Hui, what time is it now?¡±


    ¡°What? It is a little past six. Why do you ask, Secretary?¡±


    ¡°Since I don¡¯t have any ns for this evening, I¡¯m going to have to leave right away. I¡¯m going out for a bit, but I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    ¡°Alone? No way!¡±


    ***


    Eventually, Rosaline was able to leave with Hui¡¯s permission as long as she left with James. Derek stood next to Cahir. He had been ordered to give Rosaline a break, so he didn¡¯t dare leave to look for her. Recently, however, Cahir¡¯s mood had been unpredictable. He didn¡¯t know whether or not he would get fired.


    ¡®We need to finish this meeting quickly so I can go home.¡¯


    Rosaline fixed her hood.

 Chapter 18

    <h2>Chapter 18</h2>


    The ce E chose was fortunately close to the Imperial Pce. She seemed to have chosen this location so that Rosaline could quickly respond to her sudden requests.


    The lively pub was full of young and rowdymoners. Its rustic aura was something that usually repelled the aristocrats in the area, which made it the perfect ce for two nobledies to meet in secret.


    ¡°James, you stay here.¡±


    ¡°No can do,¡± he answered immediately.


    ¡°Fine, you cane inside with me. Instead, please keep yourself ten steps away from me at all times. Can you do that for me?¡±


    That was all right. James was an excellent knight who excelled on the battlefield, so he would be able to act calmly in most unexpected situations. James finally agreed, and Rosaline opened the pub¡¯s door.


    E was already there. She smiled brightly at Rosaline. It was an angelic smile, but it somehow didn¡¯t feel right.A mother¡¯s intuition is almost always right.


    Anthony¡¯s voice rang in Rosaline¡¯s ears. Her muddled mind cleared instantly. She moved past the crowd and sat in front of E. ¡°What is this about? We¡¯re not close enough to each other to be meeting like this.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be friends in the future.¡±


    ¡®What the hell is this nonsense?¡¯


    Rosaline¡¯s jaw dropped in bewilderment.


    ¡°Once I marry His Majesty, I¡¯ll be seeing you regrly since you¡¯re his secretary. Since we¡¯ll be meeting often, we¡¯ll be close.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s getting married to whom?¡±


    ¡°Of course, me to Cahir . So you need to cooperate with me.¡±


    Rosaline stared at E. Her confident expression was unpleasant. Her eyes glistened with greed every time she said ¡®His Majesty¡¯. E was a transmigrator. This meant she was different from the true heroine of the novel.


    The heroine of the novel was able to heal Cahir by showing him the affection he was deprived of in his childhood and saving him from insanity. She epted all of his ws and gently swept away his anger. It was possible because E loved Cahir with all her heart.


    ¡®Will this E¡­?¡¯


    Looking at E¡¯s attitude now, Rosaline had to be skeptical. E and Cahir could start a dating without any real feelings and eventually fall in love, but what if the rtionship failed and E ended up hurting Cahir. Rosaline didn¡¯t want to cause Cahir any pain.


    ¡®Oh, is this how a mother feels?¡¯


    Rosaline decided.A mother¡¯s intuition is almost always right.


    Anthony¡¯s voice echoed again. Rosaline¡¯s gut told her E was bad. Whatever it was supposed to be, from now on she would allow nothing to go the way like in the original story.


    ¡®I¡¯m sorry, dear author, but I can¡¯t go through with this.¡¯


    Rosaline¡¯s eyes turned cold.


    ¡°That will never happen. How dare you speak of marrying our emperor?¡±


    ¡°What right do you have? I¡¯m supposed to be his fated lover! You¡¯re just an extra who ruined everything!¡± E shouted maliciously.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s your own fault that you can¡¯t marry His Majesty. It has nothing to do with me.¡± Rosaline¡¯s voice was frosty, then she stood up from her seat.


    ¡°What? Say that again! What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± E grabbed Rosaline roughly by the arm. A chair rattled and James sprang up like a snake, his dagger held next to E¡¯s neck.


    ¡°James, it¡¯s alright.¡±


    The music stopped and everyone fell silent. A lot of people looked over to see what was happening. It wouldn¡¯t be a good thing for people to notice what exactly was going on. Rosaline told James to put away his knife and pay attention to where they were right at the moment.


    James refused.


    ¡°Please, James.¡±


    James took his knife away very slowly, ring. ¡°If you dare harm the secretary, His Majesty will kill you.before that, I will end you before I die.¡±


    E hairs stood on end, but she tried to pretend to be calm. James turned his back on Rosaline and E and signalled them to finish what they had to do.


    People quickly forgot about themotion E and Rosaline made, got drunk, and continued with their lives.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you again by all means. You never know. I¡¯ll make this happen no matter what.¡±


    Looking at E¡¯s shocked face, Rosaline felt a strange joy. She shook off her arm and E stumbled back nkly. E¡¯s center of bnce was disturbed, but Rosaline ignored her and moved to keep herself from falling. E, who had looked ridiculous while righting herself, red at Rosaline. If looks could kill, Rosaline was sure she would be dead.


    Rosaline spoke without breaking eye contact. ¡°Could you please learn to keep your hands off of me? That is, unless you have two lives. This is thest time I will spare your life from the de.¡±


    Rosaline turned away from E and left her alone.


    ***


    The Pasitas were distinguished contributors to the founding of the Aetheus Empire. They have served the emperor closely for generations. It was also the family that produced the most chairmen of the aristocracy.


    Most aristocrats disliked Cahir or felt ufortable around him, but the Pasitas were an exception. When the previous emperor imprisoned Lizia, Cahir¡¯s mother and the previous empress, in the pce, the Pasita head disagreed with the emperor and sided with the empress until the end.


    ¡°Lord Pasita, I like you very much, but I don¡¯t want you to do this.¡±


    ¡°Greetings to the Sun of the Empire. I apologize, Your Majesty, but the matter is too urgent.¡±


    The old man with gray hair had a slim waist despite his advanced age, as robust as a young man. No one would have been able to guess his age if it weren¡¯t for the wrinkles on his face and the grey hair


    ¡°Well, I wonder what the urgent matter is at hand.¡± Cahir plopped into a chair without hiding his displeasure. When Cahir seemed unwilling to offer a seat to the duke, Derek pointed gently to it.


    ¡°May I sit down, Your Majesty?¡± the Duke of Pasita asked.


    Cahir nodded roughly and Derek pulled out the seat for the duke. After a while, warm tea and sweet cookies were ced between the two.


    ¡°Well, as you get older, you¡¯ll lose more energy at this hour.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.¡± The Duke of Pasita looked at Cahir with warm eyes. To the duke, Cahir was like his grandson. He watched him grow up ever since he was born. The duke knew that although he had a rough personality, he was warm-hearted.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what¡¯s going on once I¡¯ve finished the snacks.¡± he took a sip of tea while Cahir urged him to hurry.


    ¡°Well, Your Majesty. It seems Prince Karon is getting married.¡±


    ¡°What, that silly brat?¡±


    Cahir frowned.


    Az¡¯s son, Karon, had entered the Imperial Pce with his head held high because his mother was the emperor¡¯s favorite concubine. Karon shared the same blood as Cahir since they were half brothers, and was the first in line to the throne if Cahir died.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager is investigating the youngdies from several notable families. Don¡¯t you know what this means? It¡¯s time that you find apanion and get married.¡±


    ¡°Is that really important enough for you toe and visit me in such a hurry?¡±


    ¡°Of course it is, Your Majesty. I¡¯m sorry, but the reason why the Dowager Queen was unable to push Prince Karon into the emperor¡¯s seat was because shecked power and Karoncked talent.¡± Pasita was a loyal servant to the royal family. He felt guilty saying the prince wascking.


    ¡°How does getting married make an idiot smarter?¡±


    Cahir remembered something that Karon had written about him. His existence alone was like a noose hanging over his mother¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Would it bother you to find someone to give birth to a healthy heir?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Confusion shed in Cahir¡¯s eyes and quickly changed to anger.


    ¡°It may be 10, even 20 years from now, but we can¡¯t just sit by and watch. The emperor¡¯s direct heir will always be the one to inherit the throne over any other member of the royal family.¡±


    A vein was visible on Cahir¡¯s temple. He chewed out his next words. ¡°There must be a reason for you to say this to me. I¡¯ve been thinking about it. How do I prepare for this? Tell me, what are your ns, Duke Pasita.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty must produce an heir first.¡±


    Cahir realized immediately what he was talking about. He was being told to get married. Finding love in marriage had always been a low priority when it came to members of the aristocracy. Staying a bachelor at the age of 28 was considered veryte for a member of the royal family; it¡¯d be toote even if he got married right now.


    However, he didn¡¯t want to get married. He would avoid it if he could. He was a man who wasn¡¯t confident in his ability to give all of his love to a single woman since his father¡¯s blood flowed through him. He didn¡¯t want to make another woman suffer as his mother had.


    So far, he¡¯d been offered countless marriage proposals, but none of them interested him¡­


    ¡°Your Majesty, you are the Sun of the Empire. Marriage is not a matter of personal feelings. There are only two things to consider: political interests and securing the royal bloodline.¡± Pasita bowed his head.


    Looking at the top of the gray-haired old man¡¯s head, Cahir, feeling frustrated, unfastened the buttons at his neck.


    Suddenly, Rosaline came to mind.


    ***


    E returned to the mansion, huffing and puffing. Her estate was a quiet but elegant ce sitting right next to the capital. However, E had not stayed there for a long time. Instead, she bought a small house in the capital and stayed there.


    ¡°When did you leave the capital, Miss E? I told you the capital was dangerous. You should never go out alone. Do you understand?¡± E¡¯s servant, Jackie, greeted her with a worried face.


    E smiled awkwardly and headed straight to her room, saying she wanted to rest.


    ¡®Son of a *****!¡¯


    E closed the bedroom door and let out a silent cry. She remembered the humiliation Rosaline had dealt to her again. With a pale face, she slid down the wall and tore at her golden hair.


    The future was changing.


    She couldn¡¯t guarantee that the status, honor, and lover that belonged to her would be returned now. Fear settled in E¡¯s heart.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do this¡­¡± E stood up, muttering in bewilderment. She opened the drawer next to her bed. There was a box with a small lock in the drawer. She took off her ne and opened the box using a golden keyed pendant.


    Out of the box came an old book with a purple velvet cover. She patted the back of the book with a dreamy look.


    <The Heart of a Tamed Tyrant>


    It was the same book as Rosaline¡¯s, one that she had read so many times it was practically engraved on her soul.


    E¡¯s heart ached. She held the book tightly, remembering the forgotten past.


    She was a transmigrator as well. She transmigrated far earlier than Rosaline too.


    One day she had fell asleep while feeling jealous of E from the novel. When she woke up, she realized that she had somehow be E. She had liked Cahir and wanted him all for herself, and jt was very easy to achieve that since all she had to do was follow the plot of the novel. Fortunately, she had her book and it wasn¡¯t hard to imitate the original heroine.


    ¡°E¡± was innocent. She was always elegant and dignified. Her life had been very boring since childhood. E, who had grown up with loving siblings and caring parents, was timid due to being overprotected, but generally had a gentle personality and was considerate towards others.


    The person who transmigrated into E¡¯s body was a greedy and conniving individual. They had no problems lying and acting as E, so everyone was fooled.


    Everything unfolded just like the novel. She got her hands on Cahir, who was happy by her side. She also gave birth to a pair of healthy twins. But that was it. That happiness didn¡¯tst long.


    Like all novels, the story ended with the two of them getting married and having children. It didn¡¯t say what she had to do next.


    In all honesty, E didn¡¯t truly understand or ept Cahir¡¯s fiery nature with all her heart. She only acted like she did because she was following the novel. However, the story, which she clung onto like a toddler, wa over. E no longer had a manual to tell her what to do and had to make her own choices. She was worried that her rtionship with Cahir would fall apart, that she would lose everything she had gained. E began clinging desperately onto Cahir. From that point, her rtionship with Cahir began to crumble.


    It was the beginning of a tragedy.

 Chapter 19

    <h2>Chapter 19</h2>


    Cahir called on her and told her to pay more attention to the children. The children were cute, but E had no idea of what to do or how to treat them. It was hard to force her to sacrifice her own love to look after them. She felt betrayed by Cahir, who showered his kids with love and attention. Her possessiveness went to the extremes, demanding him to love only her, not the children.


    The rtionship between the two gradually fell apart, but he didn¡¯t let go of E. E¡¯s mental health deteriorated due to her dissatisfaction with Cahir and she began searching for fulfillment elsewhere.


    When E reached middle age, her need for luxury and tyranny reached its climax. People went out of their way to avoid making eye contact with her. The Imperial Pce was on thin ice.


    That night, E saw Cahir with another woman. As soon as E pped the ungrateful maid, she tore into Cahir. He tried to exin to her that it was a misunderstanding, but E refused to listen. Instead, she got angier because Cahir insisted on defending the girl from her.


    She pped him harder than one would a horse.


    The next day, the nobles rose to their feet. They could no longer sit back and tolerate E¡¯s atrocities, which called for special measures. The call for violence had been increasing.


    Cahir could not abandon E. Instead, he locked her up in the Third Star Pce. She ended up dying there. It was such a miserable death for the heroine of a novel.


    But then she came back.


    She didn¡¯t know why she got a second chance. This time, E vowed to do it right.


    Everything would follow the flow of the novel. She thought she could do even better since she already did it once. However, sheter realized that something was off.


    At the banquet where they were supposed to have their first meeting, Cahir was supposed to wear a ck suit that would match well with E¡¯s dress. However, this time he wore a white suit instead. Frustrated, E ran away.


    Then, after a whole year, she looked into what had changed. Even more things had, and there was one person who seemed to be behind it all.


    ¡®Rosaline.¡¯


    She was called the tyrant¡¯s tranquilizer and an experienced mediator among the aristocrats. Rosaline, an angel and self-proimed judge, was glued to Cahir¡¯s side.


    E had no choice but to hold Az¡¯s hand in order to meet Cahir again. At first, she would be hated by Cahir, but E believed that one day he would understand her. But that was all E¡¯s delusions. Cahir¡¯s eyes showed no emotions after seeing E.


    ¡°It¡¯s all her fault. It¡¯s all because of her.¡± E clenched her fists, crumpling the page that described Roasline¡¯s death.


    Destiny was fixed. It couldn¡¯t be changed recklessly. People who are destined for death will die one day.


    E¡¯s eyes glowed brightly. (pg 4-5)


    ***


    Derek felt sorry for Cahir. He sat at his desk with his hands on his forehead without facing the light gleaming off of his back. Cahir seemed deeply distressed by the weight of marriage hanging on his shoulders.


    Derek knew better than anyone why Cahir had put off getting married. He was a man who couldn¡¯t love anyone wholeheartedly. He had never been loved, nor seen any true forms of love throughout his life.


    ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s gettingte. If you don¡¯t want to bete for the breakfast meeting with Berlos¡¯ new priest tomorrow morning, you¡¯d better go to bed early.¡±


    Cahir looked at Derek with a slight tilt of his head. His scarlet eyes were deeply sunken. Who knew what he was thinking about.


    ¡°Derek, are you getting married?¡±


    Derek was startled at Cahir¡¯s sudden question, but grinned when he thought of Hui.


    ¡°Yes, I will.¡±


    ¡°Is it Hui?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Cahir frowned as he listened to Derek¡¯s answer. He could feel the affection Derek had towards Hui. Would it be possible for him to be like that? Cahir couldn¡¯t understand it at all.


    ¡°Why are you getting married?¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about marriage in general, or Your Majesty¡¯s own marriage?¡±


    Dereked asked back. Cahir went silent. Cahir was already well aware. He only asked because he didn¡¯t want to get married.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to move on this time.¡±


    Derek seemed to be adding fuel to the fire, cing the proposal from the Council of Nobles on Cahir¡¯s desk. Cahir turned on the small mana stonemp on his desk.


    His face darkened dramatically. That¡¯s why the Duke of Pasita had forced himself toe. The proposal from the Council of Noble was an urge for Cahir to marry.


    ¡°Darn it,¡± Cahir growled.


    Now he really couldn¡¯t put it off. (pg 6-9)


    ***


    Rosaline washed herself in cold water as soon as she came in. She suddenly came to her senses. Even after telling off E, she didn¡¯t feel any better. On the contrary, her mind became a jumbled mess.


    ¡®But E is the heroine¡­.¡¯


    Did she make a mistake?


    No.


    Rosaline recalled Anthony¡¯s words. She had a hunch. Plus, wasn¡¯t E a transmigrator like Rosaline?


    This wasn¡¯t E, the perfect half who would help to fill the void of Cahir¡¯s heart. Nevertheless, as luck would have it, the author constantly emphasized the fact that E and Cahir were ¡°fated lovers¡¯. They mentioned it hundreds of times throughout the novel¡­


    ¡®Is this how a mother feels? Can I change that too?¡¯


    Rosaline changed many parts of the novel. She even took a stand against E, the heroine, who gave off negative vibes.


    ¡°Haah, I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Rosaline dipped her head ofvender hair into the washbasin of cold water.


    ***


    When Rosaline arrived at Cahir¡¯s bedroom the next morning, he was all set, dressed in a white suit with golden embroidery.


    When she saw Cahir, her heart pounded and an unknown source of pride filled her heart.


    ¡®It¡¯s my motherly heart.¡¯


    Rosaline recalled her mother¡¯s eyes looking at her brother when he got into a good university in the past.


    Her lips involuntarily raised into a smile.


    ¡°What is the schedule for today?¡± asked Cahir, who had seen Rosaline grinning. He handed over the crown.


    Rosaline came back to her senses. She shifted through Cahir¡¯s schedule at once.


    ¡°At dawn, you¡¯ll have to look at documents on tax adjustments near the border, and there is a meeting with the priest from Berlos. Afterwards, there will be a meeting with administrators on securing funds for the construction of the temple. You have an appointment with the head of the Imperial Knights, Sir Hamburg, for lunch. You can take a tea break for 30 minutes after eating, then immediately¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop it, I¡¯m bing light-headed from just listening to you talk.¡±


    Rosaline raised her eyebrows for a moment in surprise. He¡¯s really be much more mature. In the past, Cahir would have made a fuss about how nobody would endure this kind of schedule and clear out all his appointments¡­


    ¡®Five years have changed this man.¡¯


    ¡°Hey, Rosaline.¡± Cahir frowned.


    It must have been her strong maternal instincts, but even looking at such a grim face made her want tough. Rosaline smiled.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    ***


    Taxation issues on the border were serious. It was partly because the continent was so vast that the royal family could not pay attention to it, but it was more due to the greedy tendency of individuals.


    ¡°I should have left it half done. Send the knights. No, I want to see your face, I¡¯ll go there myself.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty? No, we¡¯ll take care of it on our own.¡±


    The administrator who managed the knights belonging to the royal family was very surprised. It was obvious that countries adjacent to the border would be very nervous to hear the emperor was leading and moving knights directly to the far border. Atst, the situation on the continent, which was caught up in the atmosphere of peace, was once again on the eve of a storm.


    ¡°Why? Is there a reason I shouldn¡¯t go?¡±


    There were many reasons. However, the administrator swallowed his words and couldn¡¯t answer. If he made a mistake, then his head would go flying and get trampled under the Empire¡¯s g.


    The administrator¡¯s eyes turned to Rosaline. He shot her a pleading look. Cahir¡¯s eyes narrowed. He began drumming the desk with his long fingers.


    The atmosphere of the conference room changed when he became upset. Even though the windows were tightly closed, a chilling wind blew in from somewhere. His scarlet eyes were as cold as ice.


    As time went by, more eyes fell on Rosaline. They became more mournful and desperate.


    ¡°Rosaline.¡± Cahir stared at his secretary sitting next to him.


    Why did people keep looking at Rosaline?


    Was Rosaline special?


    It didn¡¯t seem like anything had changed about her.


    Rosaline was the same as usual. She wore a light purple dress that reached the ground and had little embellishments. No corsage, no gemstones, only a little bit ofce.


    Round, soft eyes, gentle curves from forehead to nose, thick lips, and fair skin. She looked just as she usually did.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty, let me know if you¡¯ve called.¡±


    Rosaline was burdened by Cahir¡¯s stare. Now everyone in the conference room was watching her.


    Cahir flung himself up onto the desk. Little Rosaline¡¯s body was obscured by Cahir¡¯s body. The people sitting on the side of Cahir had their vision blocked.


    ¡°People keep looking at you. It¡¯s disgusting.¡±


    Rosaline knew why people were watching. It was a look pleading for help, but Cahir would never know. He was the reason why people looked towards her in the first ce.


    She couldn¡¯t decide what to say. It was irritating, but the reason why people looked at her was to save themselves. What did he want her to do?


    Rolling her eyes, she tried to think of something to say. Cahir reached out one hand and grabbed her by the chin. With her chin in his grasp, he turned Rosaline¡¯s face around in all directions. Rosaline puffed up her cheeks at the sudden touch.


    ¡°Did¡­ you get prettier? Is that why everyone¡¯s looking at you? I don¡¯t think so. I¡¯m annoyed. That¡¯s it for today¡¯s meeting.¡± Cahir leapt to his feet after releasing Rosaline, who had be as hard as a stone statue. ¡°Get a record of all the tax-evading nobles, go inside and report everything to Rosaline. Meeting adjourned.¡±


    Cahir quicklypleted his work order. Administrators moved in unison, fearing Cahir would lead the knights back to the border.


    ***


    ¡°Rosaline, do you have anything to eat these days?¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, did you change your makeup?¡±


    ¡°Rosaline¡­¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, stop asking! It¡¯s the same. Nothing has changed!¡±


    On their way to the breakfast hall, Cahir constantly asked questions. Themon point of the repeated questions was, ¡°Why did you change and when did you change?¡±


    ¡°Nothing¡¯s changed?¡±


    ¡°Yes, not at all. Nothing!¡± Rosaline said with all her might.


    Cahir snorted and slowly looked around Rosaline with his hands behind him.


    Rosaline¡¯s head naturally turned along Cahir. ¡°Your Majesty, what are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just making sure nothing has really changed. That¡¯s very strange.¡±


    ¡°What? Are people looking at me? Your Majesty, I¡¯m asking you to stop.¡± she retorted coolly.


    She thought he would be angry, but Cahir took it unexpectedly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just say they are.¡±


    ¡°Is there anything left?¡±


    Cahir was the type to ensure he saw the end of a flower once it bloomed. If one liked fruits from foreign countries, you had to conquer the area in order to obtain them. The library of the Aetheus Empire became the best library on the continent because Cahir was interested in books. He was born with talent, but he also had to learn everything. As such, Cahir began to pay attention to Rosaline¡¯s personal information. It must have been frustrating.


    ¡°Why do I keep looking at you?¡±

 Chapter 20

    <h2>Chapter 20</h2>


    ¡°Why do I keep looking at you?¡±


    Rosaline closed her mouth.


    The doctors said it was fine, but why did something seem wrong with his heart? Cahir wasn¡¯t in any danger right now. So why?


    Was it incurable?


    Maybe Cahir should meet with Anthony. He could identify the disease by using his divine powers.


    Cahir, who turned his head away when Rosaline gave no answer, took the lead.


    She hugged the crown in front of her, her heart beginning to beat faster and faster.


    ***


    ¡°It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty, the sun of the Empire. May the light of Berlios, the god of Berlos, shine brightly on your future. I would like to say hello.¡± Anthony bowed deeply.


    Cahir responded with a light salute. When Derek pulled out his chair, Cahir sat down. On either side of him sat Rosaline and Derek, and the priest across.


    The food was constantlying in. Although it was a simple breakfast, it would take about two hours to finish because the food was being served through courses.


    Usually, Cahir would skip the whole process and only eat some bread and fruit. A special breakfast party like today was an exception.


    Anthony, who did not know this, frowned inwardly. Only the four of them were eating, but there was an enormous amount of food being brought out. There is darkness in light, but if there was a man who ate a lot, there was also a man who starved.


    He remembered the children in the slums and felt guilty.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you like the food?¡± Cahir asked politely. He looked like a naughty child in front of Rosaline and her aides, but he was different at the negotiating table. It was Cahir¡¯s natural talent to change his appearance depending on who his opponent was.


    ¡°No, everything is so precious and delicious.¡±


    ¡°Very good, I¡¯m d. Don¡¯t you usually eat a lot?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°ording to the Berlos doctrine, it is a sin for God¡¯s servant to be excessively full. Why is that?¡±


    Anthony was surprised. He didn¡¯t expect Cahir to know about Berlos¡¯ doctrines.


    Different gods were usually indifferent to other people¡¯s religion. There were ces where interest in another god was considered a sin. The Aetheus Empire did not reject Berlos, but the construction of the temple had been postponed for a long time. Due to this, Anthony was not sure if the Empire nned on epting their request. Anthony was deeply moved by the fact that the emperor was interested.


    ¡°Do you know the doctrines of Berlos?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious? I can¡¯t give you the front yard without looking into it.¡±


    That meant the temple would be built.


    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty!¡± Anthony¡¯s facial muscles twitched. He couldn¡¯t shout because of courtesy and decency, but his whole body was cheering with joy.


    Cahir lifted his fork indifferently. The breakfast hall became quiet, but the air surrounding it was warm and lively. Rosaline felt proud when she saw that Cahir, who always seemed to speak thoughtlessly, cared for Anthony.


    ¡°Oh, not a friend, but a secretary?¡±


    Just then, Anthony¡¯s hands stopped in the air as he tried to remove the food from Rosaline¡¯s te. Yesterday¡¯s conversation with Rosaline passed through his mind. The story of Rosaline¡¯s friend who was always anxious about whether a man would be happy or ruined if he chose someone. Anthony had said it was ¡®motherly love¡¯.


    While Anthony stared nkly at them, Rosaline kept her eyes fixed on Cahir. The moment her lips drooped withughter, the more certain he became.


    ***


    The day had gone by. After a day¡¯s work, Rosaline followed Cahir to his bedroom and ced the crown on the storage rack.


    ¡°Rosaline, is tomorrow the day you go home?¡±


    ¡°Oh my gosh, it¡¯s already that time?¡±


    Originally, a day off was set for once a week, but Rosaline had stayed with him as much as possible because she didn¡¯t know what kind of trouble Cahir would make. Sometimes, though, she would try to take time out of her busy schedule if the viscount and his wife were ill.


    ¡°Are youing back in two days again?¡±


    ¡°Well, if you¡¯re not busy, I¡¯d like to extend my vacation. May I do that?¡±


    There was no excess work, and even without Rosaline, nothing would go wrong with running the empire.


    Another thing Rosaline had done well over the past five years was creating the human resources development system. She reorganized the education system of the academy, which had been disorganized, and generously supported the training of professionals.


    The royal court administration, filled only with aristocratic rituals, became selected based on thorough abilities, regardless of family or origin. That was why the empire¡¯s administrators were all young andpetent. The Imperial Pce was always full of energy.


    ¡®You really don¡¯t need me anymore. I¡¯m so proud, I¡¯ll quit and be on my way. Tea parties, socializing, just wait. I¡¯ming.¡¯


    Rosaline smiled in her own world without knowing that Cahir was watching.


    ¡°Have a good rest.¡±


    She opened her doe-like eyes and smiled.


    Cahir felt relieved when he saw Rosaline smiling. Then, thinking about her absence for the next few days, he felt his fatigue double.


    ***


    ¡°Morning work.¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s forehead was slightly furrowed by Cahir¡¯s words, who came bursting into her room while she was packing her luggage.


    ¡°Three days? Are you giving me three days off? I told you to have a good rest!¡±

 Chapter 21

    <h2>Chapter 21</h2>


    ***


    The coffee tasted worse than he had expected. Rosaline, who enjoyed the bitter and acidic taste of the brewed liquid, gave him a strange look.


    Soon realizing his mistake, Anthony quickly covered his mouth with his hands. It wasn¡¯t polite to the person who rmended it. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s good, really.¡±


    Gulping it down, he finished his coffee in an instant, forcing out augh even though the unnatural wrinkles on his face clearly exposed his lie.


    ¡°Pffft.¡± Rosalineughed. ¡°I¡¯ll let you try something else.¡±


    She grinned and ordered a ss of warm milk for Anthony. It was considered rude to order milk at a coffee shop, but the owner was willing to warm it up for Rosaline, who was a regr.


    ¡°How is that friend of yours?¡±


    They exchanged light stories until the milk came out and became lukewarm. Anthony brought it up around the time Rosaline had finished her first cup of coffee and ordered another one.


    ¡°My friend?¡±


    ¡°Well, the one who felt maternal love for a man¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh, that one!¡± Rosaline was startled, but pretended to be calm. She had forgotten about that. ¡°That friend¡­ Why?¡±


    ¡°This is about you, isn¡¯t it? Her story.¡±


    Was Anthony supposed to be this sharp? Anthony was a character well-known for his density.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, priest.¡± She looked down.


    Whatever the situation, Rosaline deceived a reprimand from the temple. She doesn¡¯t believe in God, but given the sentiment of the continent, she hadmitted a terrible offense. Rosaline looked at Anthony.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to receive an apology. I just wanted to be a little more useful if it¡¯s the secretary¡¯s job.¡±


    ¡°Help? You¡¯ve helped enough! Thank you very much for your words.¡±


    Luckily, Anthony was not too upset. Seeing that he was willing to help, he must have been genuinely worried about Rosaline.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s presumptuous, but human beings are always suffering from worldly desires and conflicts, and are lost in choices.¡±


    Why was he suddenly talking about philosophy? Rosaline struggled to maintain her smile.


    Anthony had a very serious look on his face. ¡°If the secretary makes the wrong choice, oh, not to say that the secretary will do so, but perhaps. Humans are always under temptation¡­ No, it¡¯s not¡­¡±


    He shut his mouth for a moment, perhaps because he kept stuttering over his words. He sighed after another minute. Rosaline was the party in question, but Anthony looked more distressed. Rosaline felt like she had to help him.


    ¡°You can feel free to tell me what you¡¯re worried about, sir priest.¡±


    She would handle it.


    Anthony¡¯s expression grew more determined. He let out a deep breath as if he had made up his mind. ¡°Secretary, maternal affection is an infinite love, so there is a high possibility of bias. Excessive love can sometimes be poison that will spoil a child, and if you keep too far away, they will suffer from ack of love for the rest of their life. You understand this, don¡¯t you?¡±


    A spoiled child, ack of affection. Strangely, there was someone who vaguely came to mind.


    ¡°So, priest?¡±


    His advice was something only professors in the Department of Early Childhood Education would hear.


    ¡°The most important role for parents is to know when to let go to give way to someone who will fill the void of life that parents can¡¯t fill.¡± Anthony, who suddenly stopped talking, nced around. He gripped the table and leaned over the table towards Rosaline. ¡°The aristocrats surrounding His Majesty are searching for a noble daughter to be hispanion.¡±


    Anthony¡¯s face, which always had a tender smile, waspletely nk. He was serious.


    Rosaline, on the other hand,ughed. The information he was divulging had already been circting for several years. The nobles could not afford to leave the emperor single past his marriageable age.


    ¡°Ms. Rosaline, I dare say, from now on, you will be constantly shaken like a man on a boat, a rolling river. Your motherly feelings will tempt you to make the wrong decision.¡±


    ¡®What is he talking about?¡¯


    Motherhood aside, Rosaline was about to get annoyed. The priest was startled and leaned back when he saw her expression harden.


    ¡°Oh, well, I¡¯m sorry if I am rude.¡±


    Anthony, who had been saying something about temptation, disappeared and returned to his old self.


    ¡°You mean, you¡¯re worried that I might interfere with the emperor¡¯s marriage?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not it! It doesn¡¯t matter to me who the emperor marries since it doesn¡¯t have anything to do with the rtionship of Berlos, that¡¯s not what I¡¯m worried about!¡± Anthony swallowed his words.


    ¡°What are you worried about?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ Rosaline¡­¡± His body sagged and he had an enlightened expression on his face.


    ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ I¡¯m afraid Rosaline will be misled by her motherhood¡­ I believe in Rosaline, but human love can obscure one¡¯s judgement for a moment.¡±


    s, Rosaline now understood what Anthony was saying.


    So he was worried that she is going to interfere with Cahir¡¯s marriage by acting as a mother-inw to the woman who would be his partner?


    Oh my goodness, did he think that her love for His Majesty was so strong that it would cloud her judgement? Did she look that dull to the people around her?


    But she couldn¡¯t guarantee it wouldn¡¯t happen.


    Viscountess Verit, her mother, came to mind. The viscountess¡¯ attitude towards Yuri, who married Roy and became his wife.


    Thedy, who was a solitary and virtuous woman, secretly gossipped about Yuri behind her back.


    Anthony¡¯s worries were valid. Rosaline¡¯s rxed smile copsed.


    Rosaline knew the end of those who dared harm his woman.


    The time she spent beside Cahir to survive. It was natural for her to have some affection, but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to die for him.


    It really was time to leave his side.


    ¡°Thank you, priest.¡±


    ¡®You just saved my life.¡¯


    Rosalineughed bitterly.


    ***


    ¡°Wee, my daughter!¡±


    She hugged her as soon as she jumped off the carriage. Rosaline felt warm in the arms of Mrs. Verit. That¡¯s what love was all about.


    ¡°Rosaline, your father¡¯s waiting in the study. He has something to say. You must be tired, but would you like to talk with your father first?¡± Mrs. Verit ordered Rosaline¡¯s luggage to be moved to her room.


    ¡°Yes, mother,¡± Rosaline said.


    Mrs. Verit gently swept Rosaline¡¯s hair, smiling brightly in response.


    Rosaline knocked on the door in front of the study. A voice from the other side told her toe inside. As Rosaline opened the door, Viscount Verit, who was sitting at his desk, jumped up.


    Viscount Verit¡¯s eyes fell on Rosaline. He really had no choice. Rosaline, who was already lovely, has saved the family twice.


    Rosaline protected the Verit family from falling into crisis. What would have happened if Rosaline hadn¡¯t asked him to withdraw his investments from that gold mine fraud? He shuddered when recalling that. It was also fortunate that Rosaline volunteered to be the emperor¡¯s secretary. If Roy had gone¡­


    He trembled.


    Rosaline was a smart, pretty, and humble child.


    ¡°Father?¡±


    Rosaline was told that he had something to say, but Count Verit just stood there smiling at her.


    ¡°My daughter, you¡¯ve be prettier since I¡¯vest seen you. Let¡¯s have a cup of tea and talk.¡±

 Chapter 22

    <h2>Chapter 22</h2>


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a break.¡±


    As soon as Cahir said these words, all of the administrators rushed to get out. The meetingsted three hours. Rosaline also rose from her chair to leave.


    ¡°Rosaline.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty, do you have any orders?¡±


    She almost yelled at him to stop giving her work during breaks. However, as an experienced secretary, Rosaline smiled and adopted the attitude that said she could do anything.


    ¡°When the early morning festival is over, I¡¯d like to give you a reward. Is there anything you want?¡±


    ¡®What did he mean by ¡°reward¡±?¡¯


    What did she just hear? Rosaline knew it was rude, but she didn¡¯t speak. Instead, she rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Rosaline, answer me. Don¡¯t you want a reward?¡±


    Rosaline shook her head.


    Cahir slowly stood. He descended slowly from the throne. ¡°Rosaline.¡± He stood in front of her.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Could she say it? Was this the right time?


    Cahir seemed to be in a good mood.


    ¡°Tell me Rosaline. I¡¯ll grant whatever you want.¡±


    It was like a dream.


    Rosaline looked up at Cahir with ecstatic eyes. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Rosaline was encouraged by Cahir¡¯s clear answer.


    ¡®It¡¯s time, It¡¯s time!¡¯


    Instead of bing the mother-inw of <The Noose>, she would get the chance to go live her own life!


    Rosaline inhaled deeply. ¡°Your Majesty, I want to quit being a secretary.¡±


    His smiling face turned cold. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°What? You said you¡¯d grant me whatever I wanted!¡±


    ¡°Rosaline,¡± he practically purred, his voice dangerously low like a fierce predator.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s only one way you can quit being my secretary, Rosaline. By dying.¡±


    Her dreams were torn to shreds.


    ¡®You want me to live with you for the rest of my life? I don¡¯t want to!¡¯


    This was getting out of control. The life she had dreamed of was getting farther away from her.


    The silence was heavy between Rosaline and Cahir. His anger seemed like a tangible thing, and she now understood just why people were so afraid of him.


    Steps thundered from outside the door, probably the people who wereing back from the recess. A young administrator opened the door but hesitated toe in.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Aren¡¯t you going in?¡± Derek shoved the administrator¡¯s shoulder into the conference room.


    It was too soon.


    The room had be a wild jungle, with a hungry beast facing a surprised rabbit. The atmosphere seemed fit to explode.


    But Derek was the chief executive officer, and this was something he had to do even if he didn¡¯t want to. He took a step inside. An important decision had to be made, so the meeting couldn¡¯t be postponed. Of course, being dyed by an hour or two wasn¡¯t such a big deal, since Derek and the other employees could work until nighttime.


    ¡°Your Majesty, are you talking to your secretary? Shall we go back out?¡± he asked carefully.


    ¡°Yes. Get out.¡±


    ¡°But this meeting is important, Your Majesty. If we don¡¯t finish it today, the schedule will be¡­¡±


    Rosaline sighed. In order to reschedule the cancelled meeting, they would need to look into the entire month¡¯s schedule and coordinate it. Just adjusting the schedule would take a couple of hours.


    ¡°Rosaline, what¡¯s the most important thing for a person?¡±


    ¡°A way to make a living?¡±


    Cahir shook his head slowly. Derek quietly exited the room when he saw the two engage in conversation again. There were some cries of despair from the administrators who had to adjust their schedules.


    The emperor frowned. ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal to make ends meet.¡±


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t that a big deal?¡± Rosaline¡¯s eyes widened. She remembered how difficult it was to make ends meet in her past life in Korea.


    She struggled to get a job, struggled to not get fired when she got one, took the crowded subway to work, went home, and repeated the cycle over and over. Rosaline couldn¡¯t think about it without getting emotional.


    ¡®Every day, just to make ends meet!¡¯


    ¡°Rosaline.¡± Cahir swept his golden hair back, raising his chin arrogantly. ¡°If you die, you won¡¯t even be able to eat. What use is everything you do if you die in the end?¡± He had a refreshing smile.


    So why was she so nervous?


    She could barely nod her head in response.


    ***


    Rosaline jumped into bed as soon as she came back. Fluffy pillows and the soft mattress surrounded her body.


    Sheid on her back and looked at the ceiling. Painted on it were numerous murals of saints and wise men who worshipped the goddess Eteusis. The intricacy of the patterns and embellishments caught her attention.


    ¡®I never thought you wouldn¡¯t let me quit. What should I do now?¡¯


    Rosaline pondered on it. Her life as a secretary wasn¡¯t that bad either. She was used to the packed schedules and Cahir had be a lot more reasonable. Rtive to her workload, the pay was high, and she could rest if she wanted. Thanks to the emperor¡¯s excellent performance, his reputation was mended, and even older noblemen respected her.


    The good things about living as Cahir¡¯s secretary outnumbered her ten fingers.


    But she couldn¡¯t do this forever. She had to get married someday. In the Aetheus Empire, noblewomen couldn¡¯t hold jobs if they married, so they couldn¡¯t be secretaries either.


    She considered staying single, but her parents would never allow it. Besides, she didn¡¯t want to die single. She could date, but that would mean looking for a partner within the pce, since she didn¡¯t have enough time to go out and socialize.


    Unfortunately, unlike what happened with Hui and Derek, no one caught Rosaline¡¯s eye. Everyone just seemed¡­ inferior when shepared them to Cahir.


    ¡°Oh my goodness.¡± Rosaline sighed. ¡°My expectations have been raised too high.¡±


    Initially, her n was to serve for five years, removing the death g for her and her family and resigning after. After that, she just vaguely hoped that life would be peaceful, pleasant, and enjoyable.


    ¡°But what¡¯s wrong with him all of a sudden?¡±


    Cahir had never been obsessed with anyone other than E. Even though he had met countless other women, he had never prohibited them from leaving. He would only casually wave farewell to them.


    ¡®Did I emphasize the importance of humanity to him too much? Is it because of a sense of loyalty or camaraderie? Courtesy?


    Perhaps people-centric policies?¡¯


    That was politics, and her future was a different matter. Rosaline sat up and nearly screamed, but refrained from doing so so as not to disturb Hui and Derek¡¯s precious time together in the neighboring room.


    ***


    Except Derek was not with Hui at that moment, but with Cahir. He nced at his watch and waited for the emperor to say something.


    As soon as he entered his bedroom, Cahir unbuttoned his shirt and sank into a chair, crossing his arms casually and resting his neck on the backrest. His golden hair fluttered over his face.


    He felt betrayed by Rosaline. Rosaline, his closest aide. His most efficient, capable aide wanted to quit. Cahir didn¡¯t even want to consider it, but he couldn¡¯t help it.


    ¡®I didn¡¯t mean to tell her she would die¡­ I wanted to tell her to never die. Where can I even find a secretary as amazing as her, who knows exactly what I¡¯m thinking even when I only blink?¡¯


    There was no substitute for her. He would never be at full-strength without Rosaline.


    And that¡¯s why he felt so betrayed.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been standing here for an hour, Your Majesty. Is there anything you need?¡± Derek asked, unable to stand it anymore. He was already forty minuteste for his rendezvous with Hui.


    ¡°Derek.¡± Cahir stared at him.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°I told you to investigate Rosaline. The report iste.¡±


    Derek scratched his forehead. Of course, the investigation had beenpleted. James had been tailing her for the past few days. He just didn¡¯t report anything to Cahir because there was nothing to say.


    Investigations were ordered because people were acting suspiciously against the empire. But Rosaline didn¡¯t do anything like that. She had a fixed schedule with Cahir at the center of it. Derek wouldn¡¯t find anything suspicious even if he gouged out his eyes, washed them, and put them back in.


    ¡°The investigation is already over. I didn¡¯t report anything to you because there wasn¡¯t anything particrly important.¡±


    Cahir frowned, crossing his long legs and leaning forward.


    He absolutely looked like a predator in this moment.

 Chapter 23

    <h2>Chapter 23</h2>


    ¡°Derek, do you think I had Rosaline investigated because she was suspicious? Do you think she¡¯s suspicious? You¡¯ve been working with her for five years and you still don¡¯t know her personality? Rosaline is crazy about me. She¡¯s so loyal that she doesn¡¯t do anything if it¡¯s not for me. Do you understand?¡±


    Derek smiled awkwardly. Rosaline, crazy for Cahir? It seemed unlikely, but he wisely opted not to reply.


    ¡°Any little thing about Rosaline is fine. Report to me about things that might change her mind, or something. Go ahead.¡±


    He scratched his nape. There really was nothing to say because her routine was so monotonous that there was nothing that didn¡¯t revolve around her work for Cahir. But that re¡­ Derek had to say something.


    ¡®What else is there¡­?¡¯


    ¡°Ah!¡± He suddenly remembered something that Cahir might be interested in, considering how Rosaline and Hui had reacted to it.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been informed of a Verite marriage proposal.¡±


    ¡°Marriage proposal? Did Roy get divorced? That¡¯s impossible.¡±


    Divorce was difficult to obtain in the Aetheus Empire, where marriage was considered a sacred vow. It was only granted when a serious crime wasmitted by at least one of the parties. Especially in aristocratic families, divorce was a stain on one¡¯s honor. Of course, there was a provision that allowed for separation as long as both consented, but it was rarely used. Marriage between noble families had a lot at stake, so it was nearly impossible to have an amicable separation.


    What if Roy got divorced? Society would be in an uproar. And with Rosaline being a Verite¡­ It wouldn¡¯t be good for her reputation either.


    Meanwhile, Derek was wondering if the proposal really was such important information.


    ¡°Roy¡¯s divorce led to Rosaline¡¯s resignation.¡± Cahir wrote down the reason.


    Obviously, she valued the image of the imperial administration more than anyone else. She always told new employees to avoid being embroiled in controversy and preserve the purity of the empire.


    How painful it must have been for Rosaline¡¯s family to be embroiled in a divorce scandal.


    ¡®Rosaline, as expected. Thinking about leaving me for my own good.¡¯


    The sense of betrayal morphed into deep affection. Cahir knew he was fond of Rosaline, but his mind was filled with even more thoughts of her as he appreciated how she always sacrificed herself.


    He could imagine her face, eyes filled with awe¡­


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m sorry, but the proposal is for Rosaline, not her brother.¡±


    Cahir¡¯s smile cracked, and Derek could feel an unfamiliar sadness in the emperor¡¯s face.


    When Rosaline said she wanted to quit, Cahir felt like the ground was swallowing him. And now it seemed like there was also a thunderstorm above him.


    A dizzying flood of bad news came rushing toward him.


    ¡°Your Majesty? Are you alright?¡± Derek asked seriously.


    Cahir pushed his hair away from his face, repeating the sweeping motions until he had regainedposure.


    Derek held his breath.


    ¡°Which family sent the proposal?¡±


    ¡°The Speedo Family, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Look into them. Everything they own, any speck of dirt rted to them.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let anyone know. Just report to me immediately.¡±


    ¡°Well, there must be a justification before I can start the investigation¡­¡±


    ¡°The emperor¡¯s words are justification enough, Derek. Who do you think I am?:


    Cahir¡¯s tone silenced Derek. He bowed his head, apologizing for his momentary insanity.


    After Derek left, Cahir stared out the window holding a ss of wine. Dark clouds covered the sky, concealing both the moon and the stars. His heart felt just as gloomy and overcast.


    ¡°Rosaline¡­ Rosaline is getting married?¡±


    It felt like a dream. No wonder, because nightmares were also dreams.


    ***


    For the next few days, Rosaline and Cahir calmly acted as if nothing had happened. He did not even acknowledge her resignation. Words starting with ¡®re-¡¯ were banned from being spoken.


    Inwardly, though, their minds were in turmoil.


    Rosaline was trying toe up with a new n for her future, while Cahir was considering the results of the investigation on the Speedo Family and how to punish the bastard who dared to aim for a woman way out of his league.


    ¡°Your Majesty, why don¡¯t we use the site on Pretzel Street?¡± Rosaline handed him a report on the construction of the Temple of Berlios.


    Cahir epted the report and carefully read through it, although outwardly his page-turning was so fast that it seemed doubtful that he understood its contents.


    ¡°Rosaline, both Axel and Pretzel Street are highly suitable sites for construction. Why do you think Pretzel Street is better?¡± He snapped the report shut. Cahir was excellent at reading quickly and urately picking out the most important information. As expected, the author really made him perfect.


    Rosaline grinned. ¡°In the case of Axel Street, the atmosphere would be ideal as it is a neighborhood with good security and cleanliness, given that the residents are mostly from the nobility. That¡¯s also why it¡¯s a little closed off, as is often the case with aristocrats. It won¡¯t be a problem at first, but as the worshipperse and go, there can be some issues. Conservative nobles will show signs of difort, and so will the Holy State of Berlos. On the other hand, Pretzel Street is mostly inhabited bymoners, but it has a refreshing atmosphere and is receptive to foreigners. The surveys show that the rejection of the Temple of Berlios is significantly lower therepared to the other sites. When choosing a location, we should make it our top priority to find where cultural differences won¡¯t cause problems.¡±


    ¡°Well.¡± Cahir rested his chin on his hand, looking back at the report. ¡°Submit those two as the final choices. Of course, tell them that I prefer Pretzel Street.¡± He lowered his head to the papers again to make sure there was nothing missing.


    Rosaline smiled, pleased. Before, Cahir would have said, ¡°Let¡¯s go with Pretzel Street, push ahead immediately.¡± without even meeting with the other aristocrats. Now, he was even trying to show consideration for others. His adherence to due process was admirable.


    ¡®You¡¯re going to be an excellent ruler.¡¯


    She could imagine him standing tall on the balcony of the pce, wearing his crown while the people below cheered for him. No one would call him a tyrant.


    ¡®This isrgely due to my efforts over the past five years.¡¯


    Cahir put down his quill. The jewel pendant on the feather sparkled in the light. He nced at Rosaline. She looked immersed in his own world at her desk, which was next to Derek¡¯s.


    What was she thinking about? Marriage? Was that proposal from Speedo the reason why she wanted to quit?


    Rosaline finished her work early and stood up. Cahir did the same, his chair screeching against the floor. She looked up in his direction, and before she could ask what was going on, he was already striding toward her.


    She looked up at him, exposing her graceful neck.


    ¡®I want to put a gold ne on her, one with the most precious pink diamond in the world.¡¯


    He mmed a hand against her desk. ¡°Rosaline.¡±


    Her eyes widened and she lowered her head slightly.


    ¡°Look for a pink diamond ne.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me any details? Are you giving it as a gift?¡±


    ¡°Gift? Does this qualify as a gift? It¡¯s more like a bonus.¡±


    ¡°A bonus? For whom? We should also consider the recipient¡¯s preferences.¡± Rosaline picked up her quill and notepad. ¡°Who are you going to give it to? How much is the budget for it and when do you need it ready?¡±


    Every time she opened her lush, red lips, a honeyed voice soothed Cahir¡¯s ears.


    ¡®Why is your voice so sweet? There¡¯s no dessert as sweet as this. The chefs in charge of desserts at the pce should reflect on themselves.¡¯


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about the price. Please have it ready as soon as possible.¡± He purposely left out who the recipient was.


    Rosaline stopped writing. ¡°Your Majesty? Who are you going to give this gift to?¡± she urged. She needed to know so that she could choose the design based on the person¡¯s taste/


    Cahir leaned down slowly until he was close enough for their breaths to tickle each other¡¯s faces. ¡°It¡¯s not a gift, it¡¯s a bonus. Rosaline, it¡¯s yours.¡±


    The hand holding her quill drew idle circles on the notepad, creating arge ink blot and obscuring the word ¡®pink¡¯.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I don¡¯t need it.¡± Rosaline came to her senses a beat toote.


    A pink diamond! Pink diamonds were rare, only three or four of them were found per year throughout the continent. The price of one is equivalent to the annual operating cost of a small country. Of course, it wasn¡¯t impossible to buy it using the deep pockets of the royal family, but Rosaline couldn¡¯t fathom owning one herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m not giving it to you because you need it. I¡¯m giving it to you because I want to. Bring the pink diamond ne to me as soon as possible.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t joking.


    Rosaline pictured giving Cahir a box containing the ne, and then he would hold the box for a while before giving it back to her.


    It felt weird to even think of it. It would be better if he used all that money to buy a goodmercial establishment near the pce.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I really don¡¯t need it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me repeat myself, Rosaline. Do you want a specific date? I just told you to get it ready as soon as possible because I was worried that you would be busy. Can you prepare it by tomorrow?¡±


    She was speechless. He¡¯d end up getting his way anyway, so what use was it to resist?


    A hand came up to hold her jaw. It was a rough move, but Cahir¡¯s touch was gentle. Their eyes met.


    Hesitant, Cahir tried to say something but quickly shut up. It was a rare sight.


    ¡°Rosaline, don¡¯t you like the ne?¡±


    She nodded slowly, her chin still in his hand.


    ¡°Well, what do you want?¡±

 Chapter 24

    <h2>Chapter 24</h2>


    ***


    There was only one thing she wanted. The reason why she made this five-year n to begin with.


    ¡°To quit.¡±


    Cahir raised an eyebrow sharply, releasing Rosaline¡¯s jaw and quietly stepping back. He bit his lip, looking annoyed. ¡°No.¡±


    Never, ever, ever.


    His t refusal was like a deration of war.


    ***


    Rosaline went out for a while to handle the purchase of the temple site. Before the next meeting, the site had to be thoroughly inspected in advance. She brought with her several other administrators.


    So lunchtime was¡­ quiet. The only sounds were that of Derek and Cahir¡¯s forks and knives clinking against the gilt white porcin of their tes. They ate neatly and wordlessly with perfect manners. For them, food was simply to supplement them with energy. One must eat quickly and efficiently to maximize time for work.


    The servant who brought the food made a loud appearance, wondering if anyone was there.


    ¡°Your Majesty, the investigation of the Speedo Family isplete.¡± Derek broke the silence, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief.


    Cahir nodded indifferently and ate more slices of meat.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing out of the ordinary. They own a small estate near the capital, their wealth is abundant because the farnds are fertile. There¡¯s nothing you¡¯d care about.¡±


    The emperor poked the meat. ¡°Derek, I¡¯m sure I told you to investigate every little thing. So there¡¯s really nothing?¡±


    ¡°What exactly do you want to know?¡±


    ¡°Any speck of dirt on them.¡±


    ¡°Then there¡¯s something. There¡¯s no one who ispletely immacte. But¡­ really? Even just a speck?¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Do you remember the winter three years ago? Fur became in high demand because of the freezing cold. The earl was one of the people who raised the prices of fur at that time, joining the hoarding and deliberately selling itte to make a lot of profit. However, this was all legal, even if themoners did suffer.¡±


    Cahirughed. The firstugh Derek had ever seen since they started eating. He put the meat on the fork into his mouth, chewing well and washing it down with cold water. ¡°They don¡¯t deserve to have Rosaline marry into their family. All legal? Remember how the nobles demanded tax exemptions because of the severe winter? The tax collections had already been reduced, and yet which sector did they ask to reduce spending? If you don¡¯t remember this, Derek, you¡¯re dead.¡±


    Derek cleared his throat. There was no way he wouldn¡¯t remember. ¡°They wanted to reduce spending on the relief for the poor.¡±


    ¡°It hurt the people of the Aetheus Empire, didn¡¯t it? It¡¯s a sin worthy of death. However, as it¡¯s been some time, they¡¯ll get off with a light punishment. Send Sir Speedo to the troops at the border for mandatory service. Five years should be enough.¡±


    It was too much! There were always skirmishes at the borders. Even if it wasn¡¯t a conflict between countries, the security was not good due to the environment. Those who voluntarily became knights avoided working there.


    Now he wanted to send this bookish young noble to the border? It was practically a death sentence, either by sword or by depression.


    However, that was already a light punishment by Cahir¡¯s standards. He hated the idea of the aristocrats turning their backs on themon people to take care of their own interests. Rosaline had drilled that into his head.


    Due to the size and sentiment of the empire, such cases were notmon, and corruption ran rampant and was simply ignored. This intervention was unusual, but not at all surprising for the emperor to aplish.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good decision. I¡¯ll handle it today,¡± Derek said reluctantly. He couldn¡¯t wait to finish this conversation. Hui would get mad if he waste again.


    Cahir grinned.


    He had a very satisfying meal today.


    ***


    ¡°Secretary!¡± Hui rushed up to Rosaline, who was crossing the hall with a bunch of papers in hand.


    She stopped. ¡°What is it, Hui? Is there something urgent?¡±


    ¡°I was told to say it was urgent.¡± Hui presented a telegram bearing the Verite¡¯s tulip seal. Next to the seal was the seal of a pigeon from the telegram service.


    Rosaline exchanged the papers in her hand for the letter, then ripped it open. Her face hardened after reading the contents.


    The marriage proposal was cancelled. Additionally, the man who was supposed to be her husband had voluntarily joined the border troops.


    ¡°Why all of a sudden?¡±


    It was strange. It didn¡¯t make sense for things to happen this suddenly.


    ¡°No way.¡±


    Cahir came to mind, putting down his crown and smiling softly.


    Why was she suddenly thinking of him at this moment?


    ¡°Sir Derek!¡± Rosaline hid behind a pir.


    Derek looked around and soon found her. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± He approached.


    She put a finger to her lips and gestured to him to follow her. He respectfully did as he was told, and Rosaline went ahead and slipped into an empty room with him in tow.


    ¡°Sir Derek, what happened to the heir of the Speedo Family?¡±


    Derek¡¯s eyes had bags. He and Count Speedo had talked until well into the night. They had demanded to know the reason for the punishment, and he had to show the calctions of their profit from monopolizing the fur three years ago, including how much taxes they didn¡¯t pay due to the exemptions.


    The count¡¯s face had paled with each calction.Well, it¡¯s already been three years.I agree, it¡¯s been a while. But you shouldn¡¯t have joined the aristocrats in hoarding and pushing for a tax exemption.


    He had bitten his lip and asked what would happen if he refused.Then you will be charged with treason.


    ¡°Sir Derek?¡± Rosaline¡¯s clear voice snapped him out of his reverie.


    ¡°How did you know of it?¡±


    ¡°Is this something you did?¡± Rosaline answered the question with one of her own.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s something I¡¯ve done.¡±


    ¡°Is it rted to me?¡±


    Derek paused for a moment. ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡±


    It was a denial. Rosaline looked at him.


    ¡°His Majesty was very interested in the nobles who monopolize products. While investigating how it affects society, I discovered the profits of the Speedo Family from the harsh winter three years ago. That was just their punishment.¡±


    All his words were still true. In fact, it was decided that the administrators would look into other cases of monopolizing, though that was partly to justify sending the Speedo heir to the border.


    ¡°Why did His Majesty never mention this to me?¡±


    Rosaline, as expected, was aware that matters like this would usually be handled with her involvement. It was clear that there was a separate reason why Cahir became interested in monopolies.


    ¡°Tell me, Sir Derek.¡±


    He shook his head. It bothered him that he would need to fool innocent Rosaline, but he refused to die at Cahir¡¯s sword. He still had to marry Hui and have children and live a long life with his family.


    ¡°As you know, the emperor loves Aetheus more than anyone else. This is all for the empire. That¡¯s it. I¡¯m busy, bye.¡± Derek bowed lightly and left the room first, her suspicious look stabbing the back of his head.


    ¡°Hah, what the hell is this?¡± Rosaline plopped onto a chair, chewing her lower lip.


    ¡®Is that true?¡¯


    Indeed, if Cahir was investigating monopoly issues, it was possible that the Speedo Family was identally caught. But the timing was too perfect.


    As her doubts grew, she remembered Derek¡¯s tired face. Somehow, she felt guilty about doubting his hard work even though he firmly said it was unrted to her.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a coincidence.¡± She rose from her seat with a bitter smile. She had been gone from Cahir¡¯s side for too long.


    ***


    She went to the office and saw that Cahir really was discussing a merchant monopoly. The administrators, Derek, and the judge all had serious faces.


    Everyone looked at her as she opened the door, warmly weing her appearance. Of course, the emperor looked petnt.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡±


    ¡°I was replying to a telegram from my family.¡±


    ¡°Telegram? It hasn¡¯t been long since you went home. It must have been something important.¡±


    Derek had reported yesterday about the Speedo Family.


    The marriage talks must have been destroyed. Now she couldn¡¯t say she was quitting.


    He felt much better, but he reined in his smile and pretended not to know.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t very important.¡± Rosaline shrugged.


    ¡°Thene and sit down. We¡¯re talking about something important.¡±


    Sadly, only the seat next to Cahir was unupied.


    The meeting, which had been paused briefly due to her appearance, resumed after she took her seat.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


    ****


    Monopolies weren¡¯t built in a day. Freemerce promoted the development of the market and made merchants rich, but it facilitated the monopolizing of goods and the tyranny of the rich.


    The merchants and nobles began to mingle, and the aristocrats who wished to profit invested in businesses. The rich became richer, and the poor, poorer.


    Cahir clenched his fist.


    ¡°There will be a lot of opposition from the nobility. Our rtionship with the merchants is already strained.¡±


    Everyone nodded.


    ¡°Judge, is there any case where the freedom of merchants is restricted?¡±


    ¡°None, Your Majesty. The basis of imperialw is the rights and equality of the people. Merchants gain unfair profits from monopolizing, essentially denying people their rights to fair trade. There will be no problem legitingws restricting monopolies.¡±


    Rosaline smirked.


    It wasn¡¯t that they were wrong, passingws against monopolies was a step in the right direction. However, the ¡®the rights and equality of the people¡¯ part was just funny. There was definitely a caste system in the empire, and ¡®equality¡¯ was rtive to one¡¯s status.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple, at least legally. What do you think?¡± Cahir concluded.


    Derek pushed up his sses to scan the relevant data. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s going to be easy.¡±


    The emperor grinned. ¡°It¡¯s fun to do difficult things. Prepare the materials thoroughly and meet with the Duke of Pasita in advance to share some opinions. Rosaline has a list of aristocrats who will likely be in opposition.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    Cahir dismissed everyone. His judgments were always quick and his orders direct. The administrators left the office to do other things.


    ¡°Oh, Rosaline. Did you get the pink diamond ne?¡± He organized the remaining data.


    Rosaline stopped his hand and faced him. Cahir fiddled with a in diamond on his crown.


    ¡°Your Majesty, as you know, there are very few diamond mines, and among those, pink diamonds might not even appear even if they are mined all year round. I¡¯m looking into it, so could you wait for me?¡±


    Cahir smiled gently at Rosaline¡¯s articte remarks. ¡°That¡¯s right. I didn¡¯t realize it was that precious because I have a lot on my crown. I¡¯m sorry that it got kept all to myself. Rosaline, let¡¯s try this out.¡± He tried to remove the plum-sized diamond from his crown.


    Rosaline snatched it from him, as quick as lightning. ¡°Your Majesty! What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Why? I want to give one to you, but it¡¯s hard to acquire, so I¡¯m giving it directly. Is there a problem?¡±


    If it wasn¡¯t the crown, there wasn¡¯t a problem. If it wasn¡¯t a national treasure, there wasn¡¯t a problem. But it was both, and that jewel was called the Tears of Eteusis.


    Rosaline nearly cried. ¡°Please give me until tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? Can I trust you?¡± Cahir¡¯s eyes were smiling. His lips didn¡¯t look any different, but his eyes were smiling!


    He was delighted to see her in distress, probably. Rosaline nodded reluctantly.


    ¡®As secretaries, we must protect the treasures of the imperial family.¡¯


    She smiled awkwardly, thinking about who to contact among the jewelers she knew.


    ***


    The day after the attempted muttion of the national treasure, Rosaline got her hands on a pink diamond the size of her pinky nail, and two dayster, she was able to receive the finished ne.


    The pendant was shaped like a flower bud, made of gold thread, and fixed tightly so that the diamond didn¡¯t fall off.


    She didn¡¯t like shy designs that could obstruct her work, but it would be a crime for a pink diamond to be used haphazardly. It was a modest design, but the value of the delicate work and the gem itself was great enough to attract attention.


    Rosaline gasped as she was handed the ne. She wouldn¡¯t call herself greedy, exactly, but she did love elegance.


    ¡°His Majesty designed it himself.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    No¡­ way. He did? Even if it wasn¡¯t a pink diamond, she would¡¯ve loved the design.


    Her heart trembled.


    Anyway, following Cahir¡¯s desire to give it as a gift, Rosaline personally wrapped the ne and went to him with the small box in hand.


    Cahir was currently watching the knights train in the moor. To be selected as the imperial representative of thepetition held during the dawn festival, the knights were determined to increase their training. The emperor had visited them to provide encouragement.


    A wide range of appearances greeted Rosaline, along with the smell of perspiration. Cahir¡¯s eyes were cool andced with disapproval.


    ¡°Your Majesty, is everything alright?¡±


    He knew she had arrived from the scent of flowers. She always smelled so good that he could sense her even if she wasn¡¯t visible.


    His face rxed. ¡°They¡¯re all so weak.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because Your Majesty is too strong.¡±


    ¡°Obviously, yes. It might be too much to ask them to do as much as I do. But still, they should at least be like Hamburg.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, Sir Hamburg has been holding a sword since he was five years old. He¡¯s one of the best knights in the continent!¡± Rosaline shook her head. Geniuses really couldn¡¯t understand ordinary people.


    Cahir murmured, ¡°Is that so?¡± He crossed his arms and directed his attention to the knights. ¡°Let¡¯s make a hundred concessions and say that Hamburg is one of the best knights in the continent. Isn¡¯t it too embarrassing to have only one such knight in the entire empire? Hamburg.¡±


    Hamburg, who was silently standing nearby, heeded the emperor¡¯s call.


    He was the best knight on the continent, no concessions necessary. He was the object of envy of all knights, and the line of those who wanted to be his student could wind around a mansion thrice over. Each of his movements was disciplined, and his stern face spoke of extensive training and experience.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s raise the intensity of the training and hold a ranking match once a month. Duel format with wooden swords. I¡¯ll give the directions.¡±


    His Majesty¡¯s own directions!


    Hamburg¡¯s eyes gleamed.


    Cahir was the greatest genius of swordsmanship this empire had ever seen. He familiarized himself with the different swords and styles from across the continent, eventually developing his own style. He was leagues away from basic knight training.


    To be guided by him¡­


    Every knight dreamed of bringing honor to one¡¯s family. However, it wasn¡¯t so easy, and many lost the pride and confidence they had in the beginning.


    ¡°Rosaline, please discuss the schedule with Hamburg.¡±


    His schedule was already timed to the minute! Her head throbbed at the thought of having to adjust it again. However, his intentions weren¡¯t bad, and that was also why he gained the reputation of being a hands-on emperor.


    The knights were beginning to tire. Hamburg went down to watch them more closely, and Cahir and Rosaline were left alone under the awning.


    ¡°Oh, Your Majesty, here¡¯s the pink diamond ne. Do I just leave it to you?¡±


    The situation was hrious. She couldn¡¯t believe she chose a present for herself and even wrapped it up beautifully. Rosaline held out a box the size of her palm.


    ¡°Give it to me. Open it yourself.¡±


    Rosaline loosened the pink ribbon.


    Cahir opened the lid. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s not bad.¡± He took out the ne, the diamond shining colorfully in the sunlight. ¡°Rosaline, turn around.¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll put it on you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it, please give it to me.¡±


    It¡¯s been a long day, and there were a lot of people around. But it was a shame¡­ No. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. This wasn¡¯t right.


    Rosaline reached for the ne. Cahir raised his hand to avoid her. Even on her tiptoes, she couldn¡¯t get it.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to give it to me, then just give it to me now, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°The giver has the right to choose how to give the gift.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re so mean!¡±


    ¡°You only know that now?¡± A low voice hummed by her ear.


    After several attempts, Rosaline gave up, realizing she couldn¡¯t get it from Cahir.


    ¡°Come here, Rosaline. It¡¯s an order.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so mean.¡±


    Heughed. She blushed.


    ¡°Rosaline, move your hair.¡±


    ¡®I guess he¡¯s really serious about doing this here in this crowded ce.¡¯


    ¡°Rosaline, if you keep avoiding it, I¡¯ll tell everyone to look here.¡±


    His threats worked. She swept hervender hair forward with one hand, the scent of lcs filling the air. Cahir involuntarily took a breath.


    ¡°Rosaline, I want to use the same scent of soap as you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t use scented soap.¡±


    ¡°Then I want to use the same perfume as you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t even use perfume.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm.¡±


    Cahir¡¯s hands slipped over her shoulders, making her breath hitch.

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


    Cahir¡¯s hands were bigger than she had thought. Unlike that beautiful face, his hands were distinctly masculine, withrge bones and calluses. Rosaline shivered each time they identally grazed her neck.


    She tensed, making Cahir tense as well. His joints stiffened.


    He couldn¡¯t quite secure the ne, partly because hisrge hands were unustomed to such delicate movements, but mostly because he was¡­


    ¡®Nervous? Am I nervous?¡¯


    He scoffed at himself. He had never been nervous even when he took the lead against an army that outnumbered his own, ten to one. And yet now he was nervous about putting on a ne? It was absurd.


    Was it her body? Her scent? Would he finally rx if he could breathe it in to his heart¡¯s content? It was embarrassing, but he had to get used to it somehow.


    ¡°Gah!¡±


    Cahir buried his nose in her hair, wrapping thick arms around her waist.


    ¡°Your Majesty, what are you doing?¡± She tried to move away.


    ¡°Rosaline, just tell me the truth, okay?¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, people can see us!¡± Her hand hovered above his forearm, her strength insufficient to push it down.


    The knights were staring at them.


    With his head still pressed against her neck, Cahir rolled his eyes at Hamburg. ¡°Resume training! One hundred strikes!¡±


    Everyone raised their swords at his roar.


    ¡°Nobody¡¯s looking at us now, so just tell me the truth.¡± He had no intention of loosening his grip as he took a deep breath.


    Rosaline flushed, from her cheeks all the way to her neck. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡±


    He breathed through his mouth, each exhtion warming her even more. ¡°Rosaline, if not scented soap or perfume, then what is it? What do you use?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t use any!¡± Her small hand pushed Cahir¡¯s arm away to no avail.


    ¡°Tell me,¡± he whispered into her ear.


    ¡°It¡¯s powder!¡± Rosaline blurted out nervously. ¡°I use it when I take a bath¡­¡±


    Why did thepletely objective and normal term ¡®bath¡¯ feel so obscene today?


    Cahirughed, vibrating against her skin and sending flutters to her belly.


    ¡°Your Majesty, please let go of me.¡±


    ¡®Get off me, you shameless bastard!¡¯


    ¡°Rosaline, one more. Just one more question.¡±


    ¡°Please, Your Majesty, go ahead,¡± she nearly begged. Aside from the embarrassment, she was at a loss due to the unfamiliar heat.


    ¡°Answer quickly and I¡¯ll let you go and never speak of it again.¡±


    ¡°¡­Just ask me.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, let¡¯s say you¡¯re half-serious about wanting to quit. What are you going to do after you resign?¡± Cahir asked curiously.


    The premise of his question was wrong. She wholeheartedly wanted to quit.


    ¡°Really¡­¡± she mumbled. Rosaline felt muddled. One of his arms was still around her waist, and his hot breath tickled the back of her neck. Her temperature soared and she felt a bit breathless. ¡°No¡­¡±


    ¡°What did you say, Rosaline?¡±


    ¡®What do you mean, ¡®no¡¯? Did I just fall for that pink diamond? Was I this much of a materialist?¡¯


    She frowned.


    ¡®Right, that must be it. I guess I¡¯ve been living too simply until now. Maybe I should buy some things for myself during the uing holidays.¡¯


    Rosaline tried to calm the butterflies in her stomach.


    ¡°What¡¯s your answer?¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± she began, voice trembling slightly. Rosaline med herself for being so shaken up by the pink diamond. ¡°I want to quit and enjoy life.¡±


    Cahir let her go, stepping back. ¡°Enjoy life?¡± he asked, waiting for an exnation.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. I want to have tea parties with otherdies and buy jewelry and dresses.¡±


    That way, she wouldn¡¯t be too sentimental about the pink diamond ne and fall back into being his secretary again.


    ¡°Oh, only that?¡±


    ¡®¡¯Only,¡¯ you say!?¡¯


    Rosaline¡¯s eyes widened. True, it wasn¡¯t much, but it was a luxury that she had never had in the past five years.


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡± Cahir was particrly persistent today. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re going to live like that, Rosaline? Are you going to spend your life having tea parties and buying clothes and essories?¡±


    ¡°No, I just mentioned the two things that first came to mind.¡±


    ¡°Then tell me more. I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    He called for Hamburg, deciding to give her time to mull it over.


    Themander of the knights ran to him, the two of them discussing this and that. Cahir asked about Hamburg¡¯s son, Stergios, and Dorian, who were both knights-in-training. He normally wasn¡¯t interested in the lives of his subjects, but those two were exceptions, being the top students of the academy that he established.


    Cahir liked smart andpetent people


    ¡®That¡¯s why I like Rosaline.¡¯


    Hamburg noticed the emperor¡¯s gaze falling to her again, and he nearly shuddered at what he suspected.


    That beast on the battlefield, the tyrant who shed neither blood nor tears, showing that much emotion in his eyes¡­ He couldn¡¯t even imagine the repercussions.


    ¡°Hamburg, are you listening?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m listening,¡± he lied bravely.


    ¡°I heard that the students are in charge of security during the dawn festival.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that is correct. Serving the empire is their pride and honor.¡± He handled it skillfully, speaking like someone who had been focused on the conversation from the start.


    Cahir stared at Hamburg and smirked. He was always like that with his son¡¯s sess. His own mother, Lydia, who had been the golden flower of the empire. He inherited his golden hair from her.


    ¡®My mother was¡­¡¯


    Everything had be a mess once Lady Az entered the imperial harem. Lydia used to stay at the Third Star Pce, and his father, Kergo, had a lot of women. Everyone knew that Az was the emperor¡¯s favorite, and that going against her spelled harm, and so Lydiaid low to protect her son.


    He frowned, gripping the railing.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I have an answer for you now.¡±


    If it wasn¡¯t for Rosaline¡¯s clear voice, one part of the railing would have been crushed by his hand.


    He rxed. ¡°Tell me. What the hell are you going to do with your life?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t live too luxuriously.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Then are you going to live brilliantly?¡±


    ¡°No. I want a normal life.¡±


    Cahir blinked slowly. Rosaline smiled at the look on his face.


    ¡°Rosaline, are you out of your mind?¡±


    She tilted her head.


    ¡°It¡¯s a basic human desire to pursue a better life. Are you studying asceticism these days?¡±


    ¡®A better life¡­¡¯


    For Rosaline, a better life was not about having lots of material possessions. It was a normal one, where she could get upte and brew a cup of tea, stroll around and chat with other girls her age, attend balls, and¡­


    She¡¯d never even dated in her life.


    Rosaline had been single even in her past life. She got a job as soon as she graduated college and worked like crazy. She didn¡¯t have the time to meet any guys.


    Why was it the same even now? It was a little embarrassing that she had never been in a rtionship even though she was from a respected noble family. At twenty-three, she was already at a marriageable age, especially because this world was not like Korea. It was difficult for noblewomen to live without getting married. Late marriages were also criticized by the aristocracy.


    That¡¯s why she needed to meet as many men as she could in a short amount of time.


    ¡°Alright, I understand. I guess you miss ordinary things because you spend so much time with me. It¡¯s the same way that I¡¯m sick of gold and jewels,¡± he said, gesturing to his crown. ¡°But I don¡¯t know anything about ordinary things, so let me see. Not now, butter.¡± Cahir raised his hand and pointed over her shoulder.


    Derek approached them. ¡°The meeting is about to start.¡±


    They had an emergency meeting about the selection of a site for the temple. It was clear that Cahir would do as he wanted, but it was important to obtain the consent of the nobility.


    ¡°Rosaline, let¡¯s go.¡± He put on the crown crookedly.


    ¡°Your Majesty, wait a minute.¡± Rosaline stood on her tiptoes and reached out, Cahir lowering his head so it would be easier for her to fix it.


    It was a very rare sight for the emperor to bow to a woman.


    ¡°Hey, hey, hey, hey.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not seeing things, am I?¡±


    ¡°I can see it too.¡±

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


    The emperor was bowing to his secretary. That in itself was a feat, regardless of how little his head lowered.


    ¡°Rosaline, it¡¯s ufortable.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t move¡­ Alright, it¡¯s done.¡± She swept back the locks of hair that had fallen in front of his face.


    He shivered, but Rosaline continued her ministrations. Her fingers gently ran through his lustrous golden hair.


    Although the situation was a little awkward and inappropriate, they made a beautiful pair.


    Rosaline had ced the crown perfectly. She pulled away and the knights pretended they hadn¡¯t been looking. The courtdies sighed, disappointed.


    ¡°Rosaline, it¡¯s really ufortable.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, hang in there. You have to wear it properly to the meeting with the nobles.¡±


    The majority of the staff and visitors of the pce had already epted Cahir¡¯s casual, informal style, but that wasn¡¯t the case for the aristocratic council. They wanted him to always be neatly dressed and thoroughly courteous.


    Cahir knew that, but their demands went into one ear and out of the other. It wasn¡¯t that he couldn¡¯t do it because of ignorance, as he had been educated on etiquette and manners since birth. He simply hated doing it because he thought it was annoying and unnecessarilyplex.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he replied, sounding like a child reluctant to run errands but had to do it anyway. He stood tall with the crown on his head, embodying the grace and dignity of the empire itself.


    Rosaline¡¯s chest swelled with pride as she looked at his broad back.


    ¡®This well-raised tyrant is even better than ten sons.¡¯


    ***


    The meeting with the aristocrats went as smoothly as a sail in fair winds. Rosaline had advised them to read the material beforehand so that the main agenda would not be dyed by trivial questions.


    Abandoning their pride, the older nobles also joined the meeting. Their perspectives were narrow, but they maintained a respectable attitude.


    It was thanks to Cahir that thezy nobles changed this much. His fiery passion and contempt for inefficiency spilled over to them without exception.


    Rosaline recalled the first few meetings she had attended as a secretary.


    The emperor stormed in with a thin sheaf of papers in his hands. She had only just begun working at the pce, and could not contain his anger.


    These details weren¡¯t in the novel, but based on what she had read before, Rosaline already predicted Cahir¡¯s behavior and tried to calm him down. However, just like any other beginner, she was clumsy.


    ¡°Who made this rubbish?¡± He threw the report onto the table. The papers scattered.


    ¡°Your Majesty, what are you doing?¡± It was Duke Pasita, the only one who treated him like a human being.


    ¡°Duke Pasita? Did youpile the aristocrats¡¯ budget for the second half ofst year? The numbers are all wrong. I don¡¯t know how you people have been working all this time. Do I have to supervise in person? Do you think I¡¯m free enough to do that?¡±


    Contrary to how he kicked the door earlier, his voice was very low and calm, which was even scarier.


    ¡°Get Derek and Rosaline to work on the budget. Let¡¯s cancel today¡¯s meeting.¡±


    And then at the next meeting, the aristocrats¡¯ budget was halved. Their agendas were repeatedly rejected. No, they weren¡¯t even allowed on the table. Cahir didn¡¯t even bother looking at the materials the nobles prepared.


    In time, he said, ¡°We don¡¯t need a meaningless parliament that doesn¡¯t work and doesn¡¯t function properly.¡±


    The nobles lost their face. This was a deration of war.


    Cahir was a war hero, and his credibility was increasing little by little as he handled the empire skillfully six months after he ascended the throne. He drove out the opposition with a frightening spirit and filled the pce with his people.


    His insane drive and cunning resulted in aplete victory against the aristocrats.


    And so, unwilling to fight anymore, they changed.


    They worked, shunned thezy nobles, and Parliament finally began to function as it should have been.


    ¡®I thought you would get mad at me too¡­¡¯


    ***


    ¡°The site of the Temple of Berlios has been determined to be Pretzel Street.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do that,¡± Cahir concluded, but no one stood up.


    He was about to be the first when Duke Pasita stood, seemingly bearing all the nobles¡¯ determination.


    ¡°What is it?¡± He sat back down.


    ¡°Your Majesty, your grace and virtue bring peace to the empire, but that only extends to our borders. It¡¯s important to strengthen the status of the imperial family and¡­¡±


    ¡°Cut to the chase, Duke Pasita.¡±


    The duke shut his mouth. Numerous eyes boring into the back of his head urged him to speak.


    ¡°The empress¡¯ seat has been vacant for too long. The people of the empire wish for a warm and benevolent empress. The stability of the imperial family is the stability of the empire.¡±


    Cahir didn¡¯t respond at all.


    A heavy silence weighed on the conference room.


    He slowly scanned the aristocrats one by one. They avoided his gaze, but it was obvious what they wanted of him.


    ¡°Everyone wants me to get married?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    Cahir looked up at Rosaline next to him. ¡°Rosaline, do you want me to get married too? Do you think an empress is necessary?¡±


    She couldn¡¯t answer easily. Ever since the mors for his marriage started, she¡¯d been¡­ torn.


    The empress¡¯ seat really had been vacant for a long time. The aristocrats were worried about Cahir. They wanted a solid and stable imperial family that suited their needs.


    So far, Cahir was the only one in his bloodline. The empress dowager was not his biological mother and he had a half-brother. His position had always been precarious. Having an empress meant having a resolute supporter.


    It seemed that he couldn¡¯t put it off any longer. Many things could go wrong if he refused to marry soon.


    She wanted stability too, but why couldn¡¯t she answer right away?


    Jealousy, of course.


    Rosaline¡¯s eyes shook. It was obvious that E would be selected, as far as the original story went. It was disgusting¡­


    ¡®Oh no, I have to stop now. I¡¯m afraid my affection for Cahir will ruin everything.¡¯


    Everyone was looking at her expectantly.


    ¡°I also think it¡¯s time for the empress¡¯ seat to be upied,¡± she said. As she bowed, the pink diamond ne sparkled in the light.


    Cahir stared at it. ¡°I see. You think my marriage is necessary too. It¡¯s all about power anyway. They¡¯re asking for an alliance.¡± Heughed bitterly. ¡°If that¡¯s your opinion, then so be it. Prepare the selection.¡±


    Hostility surrounded his body as he stood. Only after Rosaline and Derek followed him out did the nobles finally breathe.


    ¡°Finally, permission has been granted! Do you have anyone in mind? I must immediately determine which of the noble daughters are worthy of the imperial family¡¯s status,¡± said Count Sugugy, thinking of his own pretty child.


    ¡°Count Sugugy, His Majesty wants this to be a fair selection,¡± condemned Duke Pasita. He knew of the other man¡¯s shallow, frivolous ideas.


    Many nobles wanted to be the emperor¡¯s family-inw, to be near all that power.


    Duke Pasita was the one who told Cahir to get married, but he wanted to take it back due to how the situation escted.


    ¡®Please, for the empire. For the well-being of the imperial family. I beg of you, Eteusis.¡¯


    ***


    It waste at night. Rosaline removed the crown from Cahir¡¯s head, excited to go back to her quarters and draw a hot bath. She wanted to soak in the bathtub after this horrendously busy day.


    ¡°Rosaline, I have a question.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty, go ahead.¡± She carefully ced the crown on its shelf.


    After the meeting, he had been curt and perfunctory in his speech.


    ¡°Will my marriage be a normal one?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Rosaline didn¡¯t grasp his intentions.


    Cahir looked at her. It was pleasant to see her wide eyes move around as she tried to figure him out.


    ¡°Literally what I sad. Will my marriage be normal?¡±


    ¡°Well, it likely won¡¯t be. You¡¯re the sun of the empire, and your marriage will be grand, as befitting the weing of the empire¡¯s moon. It can¡¯t be normal.¡±


    His eyes seemed dark, a little bit lonely. ¡°I see. But the marriage of nobles isn¡¯t normal either, right?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯tpare, Your Majesty. You are the sun of the empire, the master of light and swords. The ruler and guide of the continent¡­¡±


    Cahir looked unhappy, so Rosaline rambled on some more. He listened to her quietly. He normally would have interrupted her, saying that she was saying obvious things.


    ¡°¡­Your Majesty?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s stop talking about my marriage. How about your desired ¡®normal¡¯ life? What do you want to do?¡±


    ¡®He hasn¡¯t forgotten.;


    Rosaline scratched her nose. ¡°Well, nothing much. Like otherdies, I want to have tea parties and attend banquets, learn embroidery and give handkerchiefs to the one we¡¯re dating. Get married, have children¡­¡±


    Cahir raised one hand to interrupt. ¡°Wait, Rosaline. What? What are you going to do with someone?¡± One of his eyebrows raised sharply.

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


    ¡°Say it again. What are you going to do?¡± Cahir¡¯s reaction was intense, as upset as someone who had been sshed with water while sleeping.


    Rosaline¡¯s round eyes stared at him as he carded fingers through his golden hair.


    ¡°What are you going to do?


    ¡°Have tea parties with the other youngdies and attend banquets¡­¡±


    ¡°No, not that,¡± he cut her off.


    ¡®What else? What did I say?¡¯


    Cahir obviously seemed upset, but she wasn¡¯t sure what mistake she made. Did he think tea parties were a luxury unbefitting of aristocrats? Was he angry about the banquet?


    She nodded absently.


    Was it about her marrying?


    ¡°Your Majesty, are you upset that I¡¯m nning to get married?¡±


    Upset? He wasn¡¯t upset, he was angry!


    There was a spark in his eyes. ¡°Rosaline, how can you think of dating and marriage? I¡¯m the one who¡¯s being told to get married for politics!¡±


    Rosaline flinched. Cahir stepped closer, seemingly¡­ more imposing than usual.


    She had been cornered without her realizing it.


    ¡°No, no, no, no. Don¡¯t even dream of quitting before I get married.¡±


    ¡®So I can quit after you get married?¡¯


    Her mouth almost opened, but she thought better of it.


    ***


    A half-asleep Derek was called to Cahir¡¯s room. James hade to pick him up from Hui¡¯s.


    ¡°Do you know what time it is? Even Eteusis would be asleep at this hour. It¡¯s past midnight. Midnight.¡±


    ¡°I know that.¡± James seemed a little annoyed too.


    As Derek kept grumbling, the knight warned him to be quiet. He had been ordered to be discreet. James exined the situation, and the aide shut his mouth discontentedly.


    ***


    James was guarding the door when Cahir rang the bell, making him jump. His adrenaline spiked as he kicked the door open and pulled out his dagger. The emperor was always the target of assassinations. For him to call in the middle of the night¡­ James¡¯ heart froze.


    ¡°What are you doing to His Majesty?¡± His loud voice echoed in the bedroom.


    Cahir was alive and well. ¡°Put the dagger down.¡±


    The knight inhaled sharply. ¡°Your Majesty? Am I toote? Have you already sorted it out? Where is the body?¡± He had run in there as soon as he heard the bell.


    It looked like the body had already been thrown away. It wasn¡¯t surprising, given the emperor¡¯s notoriety and skill. James lowered his weapon, eyes scanning the bedroom. It was neat, almost too neat after an assassination attempt.


    Cahir stood by the open window and the curtains fluttering in the wind.


    ¡°Your Majesty, did you throw the body out the window?¡±


    The emperor frowned. James kept saying strange things.


    ¡°James, why do you think I called you?¡±


    ¡°Because of the assassin¡­¡±


    ¡°What? I called you because of the assassin? Because I¡¯m afraid of assassins?¡±


    That couldn¡¯t be true. No one was skilled enough to kill Cahir. James had seen his swordsmanship for a long time in close proximity, and he was certain of that.


    ¡°Then¡­ Did you call for the disposal of the body?¡±


    Cahir clicked his tongue.


    ¡°Your Majesty, why did you¡­?¡±


    ¡°Bring Derek in. Secretly.¡±


    He called him for something that required secrecy. James understood immediately. If it wasn¡¯t a secret, he wouldn¡¯t have used the bell.


    ***


    When James returned to Cahir¡¯s room with Derek in tow, the emperor was staring out the window in his nightgown.


    ¡°Derek, prepare a tea party for this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°This afternoon, as in,ter today?¡± The aide¡¯s voice trembled. It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t understand, as he knew that midnight had passed and it was a new day. However, he was curious about Cahir¡¯s motives.


    ¡°Yes, today. It must be splendidly grand, with all of the aristocratic youngdies in attendance. How old is Rosaline? How much time is needed to prepare?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ No, wait, Your Majesty. Why do you want to host a tea party all of a sudden?¡±


    If a banquet was the venue for men and women of all ages to expand their power, establish connections, and exchange information, a tea party was the venue for pure socialization between the nobility. It was not at allpatible with Cahir, the most powerful man in the empire.


    ¡°Ah, I had an epiphany. I think we need to exert a little effort to keep talented people next to me.¡±


    ¡°Who the hell would put themselves next to you? Secretary Rosaline?¡±


    Cahir red at Derek, who was asking obvious questions. ¡°If you understand, prepare thoroughly. The party must have the best cookies and cakes in the pce, and the same goes for the tea. I hope you don¡¯t neglect the tablecloths and the setting. And again, the attendees must be near Rosaline¡¯s age.¡±


    Derek agreed dazedly, wondering if he was in a dream.


    The emperor moved closer, grabbing his shoulder.


    His power was no joke, wow¡­ This was definitely not a dream.


    Derek despaired, realizing that he wasn¡¯t in bed and hugging Hui. ¡°I¡¯ll work hard to prepare,¡± he replied reluctantly.


    ¡°Good. And one more thing.¡±


    ¡®What else is this going to be?¡¯


    A gloomy Derek looked at Cahir, silently pleading with him not to make him work more.


    Cahir grinned, unconcerned. ¡°Who¡¯s the most famous in the empire for their embroidery?¡±


    ¡°Do you need that information right now, Your Majesty? Do you want me to get up now?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need it right now, but try to have the answer by dawn. Invite them to dinner as soon as you find out. Let¡¯s have that meal together tomorrow. Go.¡±


    Tomorrow was the day when the building of the new temple wouldmence. An inspector from Berlos was scheduled to arrive at night because the trip by the mana stone train would take a whole day.


    That was why dinner was already scheduled.


    ¡°Well, Rosaline will be in charge of this.¡±


    When Derek was in trouble, Cahir opened his mouth first. If Rosaline was going to work, he had nothing to worry about except the tea party.


    Cahir waved him out of the room.


    ¡°You¡¯re telling me to get to work, right?¡± he said on his way out.


    The door closed quietly.


    Derek, stressed out, nearly ripped out his own hair. Standing next to him, James wore a pitying expression.


    ***


    Rosaline was ordered to take charge of the construction of the temple. First, she set up a team to work on it together,posed of enforcement officers Naju, Zelio, LeBona, and Paulo. They were talents selected by Cahir himself. Except for LeBona, they were all men and about the same aage. Rosaline believed that it would be a pleasant task.


    ¡°Today, we will have a new officer from Berlos who will be working with us. We¡¯ll be meeting them for dinner. How¡¯s everyone doing?¡±


    ¡°Is it okay for us to go?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re an esteemed guest,¡± LeBona began cautiously. ¡°Isn¡¯t it rude for an administrator to be there on the first meeting?¡±


    ¡°Berlos is not very strict on manners, and their doctrine states that everyone is equal. To them, all mortals are the same. Besides, they¡¯ll like it even more that work can be started promptly.¡±


    They nodded at Rosaline¡¯s exnation. With that, the meeting ended, though she stayed behind to pack things up.


    ¡°What kind of person will they be? The people of Berlos are known for their good looks,¡± LeBona said idly.


    Naju and Zelio shook their heads, but she didn¡¯t falter, praying to the goddess to purify her eyes.


    Rosaline smirked as she listened to their conversation. They seemed so much younger than her.


    ¡®Of course. I was over thirty years old in Korea, and I¡¯ve spent five years living as Rosaline. My mental age is much higher than theirs.¡¯


    She felt eyes on her. She swept her hair back and raised her head. ¡°Your Majesty?¡±


    Cahir was leaning against the door, staring at her.


    How long had he been there?


    Rosaline slowly went on her feet as he stayed silent. ¡°Your Majesty, do you have anything to say to me?¡± She sped her hands together.


    Instead of answering, he shook his head and held out his hand. ¡°There¡¯s a ce I want to go with you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s already tea time, Your Majesty!¡± Rosaine checked her watchte, realizing that she had taken too long to clean up. It was almost 2 o¡¯clock.


    She scrambled to tidy her desk, her hair getting in the way. She had no choice but to twist it into a bun and stick her quill in it to hold it in ce.


    Cahir clicked his tongue. He could see Rosaline¡¯s neck that way, entuated by thece on the cor of her dress. The sea-colored fabric went very well with hervender hair. The dress had no special decorations. It was neat, but not shabby. Just¡­ modest.


    He didn¡¯t like it very much.


    ¡°Rosaline, change your dress.¡±


    ¡°What? Why?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t see it!¡± he growled. He looked ufortable.


    She tilted her head. Why did she have a bad feeling about this?

 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


    Cahir had always hoped that Rosaline would wear the ne he gave her. It was only natural for him to feel possessive of such apetent secretary.


    ¡®I want to have her by my side as an emperor who wants to utilize someone¡¯s talents to the fullest.¡¯


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Rosaline¡¯s eyes sparkled like diamonds.


    He subconsciously raised his hand, entranced.


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±


    Her cry brought him to his senses and he lowered it slowly.


    ¡°Your Majesty, what were you doing just now?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I was going to fix your hair.¡± He deftly swept the short hairs from her neck. Cahir grazed her skin identally, his fingers stiffening at the ticklish feeling that erupted from within.


    Rosaline¡¯s face turned red. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± She carefully pushed his hand away.


    ¡°You¡¯re always doing things for me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because I¡¯m Your Majesty¡¯s secretary.¡±


    ¡°At least once, I should be the one to show kindness. Isn¡¯t it nice? If you¡¯re apprehensive because it¡¯s too sudden, don¡¯t fret. You¡¯ll get used to it eventually.¡± Cahir turned away.


    ¡®Get used to what? What does he mean?¡¯


    She really couldn¡¯t fathom his reasoning, sometimes.


    ¡°Rosaline, what are you doing? Aren¡¯t we going now?¡± He held out his crown to the pouting Rosaline, who epted it anyway.


    Cahir smiled. Combined with his gleaming golden hair, the effect was blinding. Her eyes closed without her realizing.


    His fingertips touched her neck again, sending a numbing sensation to her arms and legs. It was all so confusing.


    Her face burned even hotter.


    ¡®I can¡¯t open my eyes when he¡¯s like that! I know better than to look directly at the sun.¡¯


    Meanwhile, Cahir was still staring at her. Specifically, staring at her graceful neck. ¡°Rosaline, I hope you wear a wide-necked dress next time.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    He could feel her breaths against his hand. ¡°I can¡¯t see the ne.¡± Cahir turned his heel and left.


    Rosaline was left alone in the hallway, stiff and speechless. The part that he had touched was exceptionally hot.


    ***


    Derek was busy preparing for the tea party. The bags under his eyes were as dark as the evening sky.


    Under orders from the emperor, he couldn¡¯t sleep. Well, it wasn¡¯t that he was prohibited to do so, it was just that he had to wake up the desert chefs at the pce, the administrators who were in charge of the matters of the nobility, and the staff who would serve at tea time. Among them was Hui.


    And so the tea party was ready a few hours past noon.


    There was one thing he was worried about, though.


    Everything from the food down to the tables was in the pce. But as for the attendees¡­ How many young nobles would ept the invitation to a sudden tea party at the pce. Honestly, Derek was skeptical.


    But contrary to his expectations, there was a rush of visitors. They flocked inside to the point that the maids who were assisting them werepletely frazzled.


    Of course, E was one of the attendees.


    ¡°Hello. How are you? I¡¯ve met you before at the banquet hall. It¡¯s an honor to see you again,¡± she greeted Derek perfectly.


    ***


    ¡°Oh my goodness!¡± Rosaline gaped, seeing the party from afar. ¡°Your Majesty, what is happening?¡±


    ¡®Please don¡¯t say you prepared a tea party for me.¡¯


    It must have been a meeting for the nobility, but¡­ to hold it so suddenly¡­ She was certain Cahir just wanted the aristocrats to suffer.


    But the closer she got, the more unbelievable it became.


    First of all, the participants were different. Rosaline¡¯s peers were conversing with each other, wearing fancy dresses.


    Second, there was a sweet smell of dessert.


    ¡°It¡¯s a tea party, Rosaline. You said you wanted to do it.¡±


    ¡®Ohe on! I wanted a normal tea party. Something simple.¡¯


    She looked tearfully at Cahir, whose face was glowing with a sense of pride.


    ***


    ¡°His Majesty is here!¡±


    Murmurs burst out in the hall. As the trumpets announced his presence, Rosaline wondered how Cahir ever got used to all the pomp and circumstance.


    But even before, he had never backed down, saying that this was his calling.


    Thanks to his confidence, his appearance had always attracted attention.


    The hall fell silent. Knights in blue uniforms lined up in a row, saluting her and Cahir as they passed.


    Rosaline flushed. ¡°This is too much!¡±


    Tea parties were supposed to be casual. She was aiming for a simple meeting where it was fine to wear clothes that were not too loud.


    Even if the noise could be attributed to the arrival of the emperor¡­ Then why were the bestce tablecloths on disy? Why were there so many desserts?


    Additionally¡­


    Why did thedies all dress up so much?


    Aetheus had dress exhibitions quarterly to determine the season¡¯s trend and share information. Banquet-style exhibitions were a form of promotion where designers gifted clothing to aristocratic children who were well known for their influence and beauty. Those people would then appear wearing their gifts.


    As the trend was decided at the exhibition, there was a high demand for invitations, and so it was difficult for lower-ranked or less-popr nobles to get in.


    Exhibitions were often colorful affairs. Not only dresses, but also matching shoes and essories were prepared by the designers. Everything was fancy because everyone wanted to stand out in some way.


    This tea party was just as morous, if not even more so. The mboyance of coiffed hair, fist-sized earrings, and revealing gowns was dizzying.


    Such excess made the neat and modest Rosaline stand out more.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯m honored to be invited to this party.¡± An older woman approached and bowed, likely a chaperone for the event.


    Usually, one or two olderdies with good reputations were invited to tea parties. They mediated conversations and prevented problems from arising out of petty jealousy. Often, thesedies also taught the younger generation etiquette and decorum.


    Thedy invited for today was Baroness Becky, well-versed in manners. Noble families who had daughters were lined up with bundles of money to hire her.


    ¡°Thank you for responding to the sudden call.¡±


    ¡°I will always be ready to go to the pce when you do.¡± The baroness held a hand to her chest and bowed again. ¡°Your Majesty, who is the host of the tea party today?¡±


    A host had an important role, as she had to lead the party from the spotlight. Rosaline looked around. It was normal for tea parties to be held at your home, but was Cahir really going to host this party?


    This was more than simply preferential treatment for her.


    Cahir¡¯s eyes met hers.


    ¡°Me?¡±


    Mrs. Becky looked at her sharply. It was impolite to speak like that, especially to the emperor. If she was the host¡­


    ¡°Rosaline Verite is the host of this tea party.¡± Cahir gently pushed Rosaline¡¯s shoulder forward.


    The eyes directed at them widened.


    ¡°Thank you for hosting such a big party, Rosaline.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ Yes, yes,¡± she replied awkwardly.


    ¡®Does this even qualify as a tea party? There¡¯s tea, but¡­ This isn¡¯t what I wanted!¡¯


    ***


    E had been in a bad mood since Rosaline and Cahir appeared.


    ¡°Don¡¯t those two look really great together?¡±


    ¡°I heard from my father that there would be an empress selection soon. I wonder what that would entail.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°He already has Rosaline. Didn¡¯t you see them at the banquetst time? They were so close to each other! And she¡¯s so skilled, too.¡±


    E cut in between the two youngdies, nearly mming her ss onto the table and startling them. ¡°Oh, did I interrupt your conversation?¡±


    They both smiled at her despite the offense, convinced by her doe-like eyes.


    ¡°No, we¡¯ve been talking too much. Lady E,e and join us.¡±


    E smiled shyly, leading the conversation skillfully. ¡°The empress will be selected soon?¡± she asked softly.


    It was unsurprising that youngdies were drawn to her gentle personality.


    ***


    ¡°The host of the tea party should greet everyone who came.¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s face paled. She could see more than thirty people, how was she supposed to greet them all?


    It was even more difficult because it wasn¡¯t just a matter of saying a simple greeting. Small talk was a show of courtesy.


    She would probably be greeting people until the end of the party.


    ¡°Since the tea party is big, we¡¯d better keep our greetings simple. They will understand,¡± Mrs. Becky advised.


    Rosaline nodded bravely.


    ¡°Do a good job ande back. I¡¯ll be waiting here.¡± Cahir settled on a table with a pinkish tablecloth and a pile of desserts, staying a good distance away from the mayhem.


    ¡°Your Majesty, you¡¯re staying here? I don¡¯t know when this tea party will be over. Your afternoon schedule¡­¡±

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


    She didn¡¯t have the time to adjust his schedule because the party was a surprise for her.


    ¡°Rosaline, don¡¯t worry. I got Derek to adjust it. Besides, I¡¯m going to work while I stay here.¡±


    ¡®Why?¡¯


    She furrowed her eyebrows.


    Why would he work under the scorching sun instead of in a nice office? Though, of course, thedies would grab the opportunity to fan him so that he could work in a pleasant environment.


    ¡°I¡¯m just curious. I want to see what your ¡®normal¡¯ tea party looks like.¡±


    ¡®This was never normal to begin with.¡¯


    Rosaline refused to let those words escape. She looked at Cahir, then at the party. The host hadn¡¯t shown up yet, so even with the desserts in front of them, the youngdies¡­ They only drank tea.


    She had to be diligent to finish this ufortable tea party quickly. It was more efficient to get on with it rather than argue pointlessly with the emperor.


    Mrs. Becky apanied her as she walked in between the tables.


    A smirk bubbled from her lips. The attendees were all quite young, both in body and mind. It was different for Rosaline, who had faced adult men and aristocrats who controlled the affairs of the country. Pampered children were no match for her.


    But still, she was nervous.


    There was something wrong about¡­ how their eyes followed her. With some kind of respect, or awe, or even love¡­


    ¡®What the hell?¡¯


    Her palms felt slightly damp.


    ***


    ¡°Hello, Lady Rose. I am Rosaline Verite. Thank you for attending the tea party,¡± she greeted the only child of the Duke of Floria.


    She was as beautiful as her name. Her family was famous, but unfortunately, she herself had little presence and hadn¡¯t been mentioned in the original novel. In fact, Rosaline didn¡¯t know her name at first, and had only been guided by Mrs. Becky.


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor, Secretary Rosaline. Or should I say Lady Rosaline? Which one do you prefer?¡± Rose put a hand to her chest and curtsied elegantly.


    ¡°As long as it¡¯s the beautiful Lady Rose calling me, either way would be preferable.¡±


    Rose blushed, and Rosaline¡¯s smile gradually became awkward.


    The redness on Rose¡¯s cheeks could be from excitement, but also anger.


    But Rose didn¡¯t have any reason to be excited¡­ so she was probably angry¡­


    ¡®Did I make a mistake?¡¯


    She had learned to speak while praising the other person from her experience working under Cahir, who craved and loved hearing herpliments. She had gotten her job because she had won him over.


    But she did remember that he had confronted her before, saying that her delivery was unnatural.


    ¡°It sounds like a lie even though it¡¯s true.¡±


    His love for being praised was surprising, as he was already a very confident man, self-assured in all aspects.


    Rosaline was apetent secretary, and the greatest virtue of one was the ability to make their boss feelfortable. Thanks to this, she had mastered the art of naturally praising anyone she met.


    ¡°Your hat really suits today¡¯s weather. Who¡¯s the designer? Can you perhaps introduce them to meter?¡±


    ¡®I guess it only works on Cahir. All these women¡¯s faces are turning red. Should I not praise them like that?¡¯


    Rosaline was troubled.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing a great job,¡± reassured Mrs. Becky.


    ***


    Cahir and Derek stayed near the hall, working.


    Derek looked very tired, and it was all because of the party.


    ¡®I thought you¡¯d let me rest.¡¯


    Far from resting, he was now working ufortably. Granted, the breeze, warm sunshine, and fragrant refreshments created an environment much better than the four corners of an office. Cahir was less strict too.


    However, the women who kept ncing at the emperor negated all those good things. He was perfectly aware that their gazes were not for him, but he still couldn¡¯t sip his teafortably.


    Since they were far away from the party, thedies couldn¡¯t juste and talk to him, so they contented themselves with staring so as to avoid being rejected. The message in their eyes was far too obvious, though.


    Something along the lines of ¡°Look at me, I¡¯m a better woman than you think.¡±


    ¡°Has the rumor of your empress selection already spread?¡± Derek scratched his nose.


    ¡°Derek, focus on your work,¡± Cahir said, keeping his eyes on the papers.


    ¡®Don¡¯t you feel all their eyes on you? Are you used to it because it¡¯s been this way all your life?¡¯


    He childishly stuck his tongue out at the emperor. He didn¡¯t know if it was insensitivity or a thick skin that enabled the man to focus on work despite the burning stares. Derek decided not to add to the attention that was already being given to him, so he turned back to the papers.


    Cahir raised his head.


    His eyes unconsciously kept searching for Rosaline, who was currently walking around and greeting thedies one by one.


    ¡®It¡¯s nice that I could give you the tea party you wanted, but this feels wrong, somehow.¡¯


    He stared at Rosaline, chin propped up by a hand. He frowned as another youngdy exchanged soft smiles with his secretary and blushed.


    Those who had been watching him at first now only had eyes for Rosaline after the greetings. Eyes full of affection, even.


    But why?


    Was she prettier, richer, or more powerful?


    Cahir nodded. Rosaline was indeed a mysterious woman. Even he couldn¡¯t keep his eyes off her, so there must be something. What was it?


    He felt proud and yet uneasy at the same time as the aristocrats all fawned over Rosaline, and he didn¡¯t know why.


    Annoyed, Cahir tightened his grip on his 500-year-old pen.


    Clink-


    And so it broke.


    ¡°Your Majesty, are you alright?¡± Surprised, Derek pried his fist open.


    Cahir nodded indifferently. ¡°It¡¯s okay, but it¡¯s not okay.¡±


    Derek slumped.


    ***


    Rosaline felt a burning sensation on her nape.


    ¡°Your Majesty?¡±


    She looked at his table. Cahir was working very hard with Derek.


    ¡®Did I feel wrong?¡¯


    ¡°There are only a few left to greet. Shall we continue, Lady Rosaline?¡± Mrs. Becky snatched her by the arm.


    ¡°Yes, of course.¡±


    The next table seated E, who had stepped away, arousing protests from her tablemates.


    E had the uncanny ability to make people care for her.


    ¡°Lady E, did you hear us?¡± asked one youngdy.


    She smiled awkwardly and nodded, and the other girls talked to her amicably. From a distance, it didn¡¯t seem like she was the one leading the conversation, but Rosaline knew better.


    ¡®E¡¯s collecting pawns.¡¯


    Rosaline knew E was a smart woman, but she didn¡¯t understand why she was so repulsed by her. Maybe it was because she knew the greed behind the innocent expression, even though at first, she had cheered her on as the heroine. She had even tried to get her and Cahir to meet.


    In a sense, it did feel like a betrayal.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Lady Rosaline and Mrs. Becky.¡± Lady Tauri smiled weingly.


    The attention shifted from E to Rosaline.


    A sharp gaze passed between the two women. Eughed at Rosaline, a nearly imperceptible smirk pulling up the corner of her mouth.


    ¡®Oh, I really don¡¯t like that pretentiousness of hers.¡¯


    Rosaline tried to keep a smile on her face.


    ¡°Lady Rosaline,¡± called Mrs. Becky, breaking her out of her thoughts.


    She brightened, and her smile made the other youngdies¡¯ jaws drop.


    E¡¯s presence faded,pletely overshadowed by Rosaline¡¯s mysterious beauty and unparalleled grace.


    ¡°Hello, everyone.¡± Rosaline began, greeting eachdy by name. It was E¡¯s turn at the end.


    ¡°Hello, Lady E. You look beautiful today, as you always do.¡±


    Compared to the praise she showered on the other nobles, it was very perfunctory.


    E lowered her head shyly and covered her mouth. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s quite thepliment. I just did the usual¡­ I think you have too good an impression.¡±


    ¡®¡°The usual¡± she says?¡¯


    Rosaline almostughed. Calling a hairdresser to make one¡¯s hair voluminous and refraining from eating to tighten one¡¯s corset was the usual? It was definitely an act.


    She didn¡¯t want to humor her, but she didn¡¯t want to let the other youngdies praise E with words like ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful even without makeup!¡± or anything else.


    ¡°I see. Perhaps it would have been better to put in a bit more effort, as it¡¯s a party held at the pce¡­ His Majesty would be a bit disappointed if he knew.¡± Rosalineughed.


    E¡¯s face crumpled. Her n had backfired, and now she seemed ungrateful and rude. ¡°That¡¯s not it¡­¡±


    ¡°Have you tried the desserts? They¡¯re His Majesty¡¯s favorite,¡± Rosaline started, blocking the path for her opponent to make excuses. She picked up the orange-vored dessert, its vivid color and fresh, citrusy scent mouthwatering.


    Love was a difficult concept to attach to Cahir, the man at the top of the empire, but he had always been the center of attention regardless. Bringing him up in the conversation was a swift way to change the subject and alienate E further.


    ¡°Does Lady Rosaline like this dessert too? Is it sour?¡±


    Contrary to her expectations, though, the youngdies showed more interest in her, not Cahir.


    ¡°Pardon? You mean¡­ me?¡± Rosaline asked, forgetting her manners in her embarrassment.

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


    She thought the discussion about Cahir would continue a little more. She had already thought about what appropriate details she could share withdies their age.


    ¡°Ah, was that the wrong thing to say?¡± Lady Tauri asked carefully.


    Rosaline shook her head and scooped up a small spoonful of the dessert, putting it in her mouth. She swallowed. ¡°Of course, I like it too.¡±


    The youngdies all reached out to get desserts of their own. The sweet and tangy tastepletely captivated them.


    ¡°It¡¯s really good.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot of those, so feel free to tell me if you¡¯re finished or want more.¡±


    Mrs. Becky¡¯s worries that the hardworking Rosaline wouldn¡¯t be able to mingle with pampered aristocrats were all blown away. She was a natural at hosting, skillfully holding conversations as if she attended parties weekly.


    The older woman smiled inwardly.


    Rosaline¡¯s attitude toward people was truly great. She did not discriminate ording to rank and respected each attendee equally. Her poise had be more and more obvious as they had walked around, and she had the wonderful ability to ensure that no one was alienated in conversations.


    Eventually, she didn¡¯t even need Mrs. Becky¡¯s guidance.


    ***


    There was only one person who wasn¡¯t having fun.


    E bit her lips while watching Rosaline. She was obviously the protagonist, but somehow she was always ignored when thevender-haired woman was around.


    It made her unbearably furious.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯m the heroine anyway. She¡¯s only getting attention because she¡¯s next to His Majesty, not because she¡¯s any good. Things would be different if I was the one next to him.¡±


    Her eyes filled with jealousy. That was right. She needed to approach Cahir to be the center of the story again.


    ¡®ording to the original, I should have already spent a night of passion with him. However, he doesn¡¯t even greet me now.¡¯


    E had to make him fall for her. While his gaze was always on Rosaline, she concluded that it was only because he had never met her properly.


    ¡®If you meet me, you¡¯ll be different.¡¯


    She looked around. Rosaline was immersed in the tea party, conversing with Lady Shokora, who was weird and implicitly bullied among the nobles. Judging from the atmosphere between the two, it seemed that their conversation would be prolonged.


    ¡°Now is the time to spend time alone with His Majesty.¡± E hurriedly left the tea party, where the otherdies gathered to exchange stories.


    ***


    Cahir was on a break, walking through the garden, barely escaping the watchful eyes of Derek, James, and the guards and maids. The tea party would likelyst longer than expected, and he had already been looking at documents for too long. It was not ideal to stop working in the middle, but his eyes needed rest.


    ¡°More than anything, I¡¯m bored.¡±


    He probed the inside of his cheek with his tongue. Usually, Rosaline would talk to Cahir as they worked, handling their refreshments tirelessly, but Derek was indifferent. He was good at doing things, but he was just too passive.


    And Cahir had never been the type to initiate anything.


    ¡°Rosaline is¡­¡±


    As he pondered over all the things she did for him, only then did he understand why she wanted to quit.


    ¡®I think I made her work a little too muchpared to her pay.¡¯


    So what did she want? Cahir could raise her sry as much as she wanted. He was willing to give up everything except for the emperor¡¯s seat.


    However, no matter how much he thought about it, he couldn¡¯t think of anything Rosaline wanted. She didn¡¯t seem to be interested in dresses and essories.


    ¡°Should I give hernd?¡±


    It seemed like a good idea. She liked stability, so giving her a suitably sized, profitable plot was perfect.


    ¡°Your Majesty? I give my greetings to the Sun of the Empire.¡±


    Deeply in thought, Cahir heard a strange, ringing voice. He turned. A woman in a yellow dress was curtsying.


    ¡°Who¡­?¡± One eyebrow raised. He thought she seemed faintly familiar, but he couldn¡¯t ce her.


    ¡°Ah, I am Lady E, Secretary Rosaline¡¯s friend fromst tea time¡­¡±


    He stared at her. It wasn¡¯t surprising that he couldn¡¯t remember everyone whom he passed by, but why did she look so disappointed?


    ¡°Rosaline is still at the hall.¡±


    Why was she here alone?


    Cahir grew suspicious of E. With Az¡¯s introduction, she appeared at the banquet. She imed to be Rosaline¡¯s friend, yet his secretary didn¡¯t seem to acknowledge her as such.


    ¡®What is Derek doing?¡¯


    It had been a while since he had had E investigated. The investigation on Rosaline was finished quickly, but why was this one dyed?


    ¡®Is she hiding something big? Maybe she has a strong backer? Is it Az?¡¯


    ¡°I came out of the hall for a while and lost my way¡­¡± Her words faded near the end, expression desperate. E knew that the men in this world were weak for the women who evoked protective instincts.


    No matter how violent Cahir was, she knew that he would not be so cruel to women. He had learned chivalry as a swordsman, and while he struggled to internalize it, such manners had definitely been ingrained in him.


    If she yed the role of a lost and embarrassed woman, he would still help her, albeit unkindly.


    ¡°I see. Then, excuse me.¡±


    Her expectations shattered. He didn¡¯t help, nor did he simply tell her to follow him.


    Hurt, E vowed that she wouldn¡¯t let him go like this. She clenched her fists.


    Cahir wasn¡¯t this kind of person. He fell in love with her at their first meeting. They were meant to be, a perfect fit in every way. She knew that, but love would not be achieved if she was the only one constantly putting in an effort.


    He had to love her.


    ¡®We¡¯re destined for each other!¡¯


    It was hard to ept that he had changed, enough to push all her ns back.


    ¡®Rosaline¡­¡¯


    She had stolen what was rightfully E¡¯s.


    Her anger soared to uncontroble heights.


    The ever-alert Cahir couldn¡¯t have missed it. He turned around and put his sword to her neck.


    ¡°Kyaa!¡±


    Knights rushed in, assessing the situation. Their emperor was aiming his sword at a shaking woman. They all followed suit.


    ¡°Y-y-your Majesty!¡± E trembled, shame and anger mixing in with the fear.


    ¡°What was that just now?¡± Cahir asked coldly.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask again. What was that murderous aura you were giving off?¡±


    ¡°No! I have never had anything terrible like that against Your Majesty!¡± Her big eyes were filled with tears.


    Cahir¡¯s eyebrow went up sharply. He couldn¡¯t have imagined that. He had been on the battlefield for many years and lived with the threat of assassination all his life. Detecting malice was a matter of life and death for him.


    ¡®I definitely felt it. That woman actually exuded such an evil aura.¡¯


    He frowned, thinking.


    ¡®Should I kill her?¡¯


    It was his decision. While it bothered him that she was an unarmed woman, it could be considered a generosity that she would be given a quick private death instead of one where she would hang from a wall.


    But Rosaline would disagree.


    She had hesitated when he first asked that question, and even said not to.


    ¡®I have to ask Rosaline.¡¯


    Deep inside, that¡¯s the rule he followed. At some point, he had decided that he would ask her opinion on anything.


    She had been particrly opposed to his penchant for personally executing those who displeased him. Rosaline always prevented him from drawing his sword, even when he was dangerously angry. Thanks to her, his image improved vastly from a merciless tyrant to a reasonable one.


    To be honest, Cahir still wasn¡¯t sure if he should be happy about it. But whenever he felt the urge to kill someone, Rosaline came to mind first.


    It was the same today.


    ¡°Bring Rosaline,¡± he said, his sword still pointed at E, who was getting paler by the minute.


    ***


    Laughter filled the hall.


    Mrs. Becky no longer apanied Rosaline as she went around.


    ¡°Secretary Rosaline, do you have ns for a banquet in the second half of the year?¡±


    ¡°Lady Rosaline, we have luxury goods that came from abroad. Can I send you an invitation for a tea party at my house?¡±


    Everyone was anxious to talk to her. She flusteredly responded to calls from all over the ce, which was why she realizedte that Cahir had disappeared.


    Actually, she only knew when a guard came running in.


    ¡°His Majesty was urgently calling for Miss Secretary.¡± His expression was very serious,pletely out of ce in the warm hall.


    Rosaline had an ominous feeling. Trembling, she carefully set down the teacup in her hand, pretending to be calm. ¡°Excuse me for a moment.¡± She bowed lightly and led the guard to a quiet ce beneath the shade of a tree. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°His Majesty drew his sword in the garden and said¡­¡±


    She didn¡¯t listen to the rest. She picked up her hem and ran.


    ¡°Secretary Rosaline!¡±


    ¡®He drew his sword? Isn¡¯t he supposed to have guards?¡¯


    In the middle of the day, a sword was drawn in the pce. Why? Was Cahir in danger?


    Rosaline felt like her blood was being drained.


    ¡°Mrs. Becky! Please host the tea party for now!¡± she said as she passed the older woman, too much in a rush to exin what was going on.


    ¡®Your Majesty, please stay safe¡­ I¡¯ll do anything for you, just stay safe.¡¯


    Tears leaked out of her eyes.

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


    Rosaline wasn¡¯t the crying type.


    She hadn¡¯t cried when she realized she had transmigrated into a novel, nor when it had sunk in that she had no way out of it. Was it because it felt too unrealistic? Everything that had happened thus far sometimes felt like a dream to her, which might have been why she wasn¡¯t very greedy.


    She was confident that she wouldn¡¯t grieve too much if she lost anything in this world because it wasn¡¯t her reality anyway.


    It didn¡¯t matter what she lost; it wasn¡¯t hers to begin with.


    But the moment Rosaline thought of Cahir being in danger, she felt dizzy and faint.


    Tears welled up and her mind nked.


    Although¡­ Thinking about it, the probability of him being in danger in the middle of the day in the imperial pce was lower than that of Rosaline returning to her original world. He was an excellent swordsman, and while he didn¡¯t have guards surrounding him, there were certainly those on duty to maintain the strict security of the pce.


    ¡®Oh, I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t know!¡¯


    She couldn¡¯t think of anything but the guard¡¯s solemn expression when he said the emperor had drawn his sword. Confirming Cahir¡¯s safety was the only way for her heart to stop beating like a runaway lotive.


    Rosaline sprinted like thest runner of a ry race.


    Before she realized it, she could already see the back of the guard¡¯s head. And by the time she saw Cahir, her face and neck were already damp with sweat and tears.


    She slowed down.


    That golden hair and broad back were just as she had always seen.


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± she blurted out.


    Cahir looked back at her, still holding up his sword. Rosaline didn¡¯t stop moving.


    ¡®His Majesty is safe!¡¯


    Her panic turned to relief. Seeing her approach, he dropped the weapon.


    He spread his arms and Rosaline ran into them. Cahir seamlessly lifted her and spun around to prevent themselves from falling over. She felt as light as a butterfly as his arms wrapped tightly around her.


    ¡°Rosaline¡­?¡± He was a little embarrassed at the unfamiliar physical contact, although neither of them let go.


    ¡°Your Majesty, are you safe?¡± She could clearly see that he was, but she wanted to hear it from his own mouth.


    Cahir¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°I¡¯m always safe, Rosaline¡­ Did you cry?¡±


    Her eyes widened, his mood souring further.


    ¡®She seemed alright at the tea party earlier. What happened? Did the other noblewomen belittle her family? Was she scolded by Mrs. Becky?¡¯


    The fact remained that Rosaline had cried.


    He let go of her waist, furious. Her feet were now firmly back on the ground.


    Cahir picked up his sword. ¡°Rosaline, who made you cry? You didn¡¯t cry when you went three nights without sleep because of work. You didn¡¯t cry when you had a high fever and a swollen throat. You didn¡¯t cry when you worked while you were hungry. Who made you cry?¡±


    All of those scenarios were strange andpletely inappropriate to discuss now. She wanted to correct him, but she didn¡¯t even know where to start. And as for the person who made her cry¡­ No! Why was this man pulling out his sword in the middle of the day!?


    ¡°Rosaline, you can tell me. Who made you cry?¡± he growled.


    ¡®What if he finds out why I cried? How would he react?¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m going to kill them.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Rosaline¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°You¡¯d kill someone because they made me cry?¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, you never cry. Their crime is unforgivable.¡± Cahir gripped the hilt of his sword. He didn¡¯t have a good reason to kill anyone yet.


    She had no choice but to lie. ¡°I didn¡¯t cry.¡±


    His eyebrow raised. ¡°You¡¯re lying again.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s really not¡­¡±


    ¡°You bit your lips too.¡± His thumb brushed over the teeth marks on her lower lip, making her feel ticklish. ¡°Who was it? Tell me.¡±


    How could she say that it was the thought of him that made her cry?


    She gulped.


    Cahir closed the distance between them, enough to feel each other¡¯s breath. ¡°Rosaline¡­¡± he sighed.


    Her hair stood on end.


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± A shaky voice called out from behind them.


    Rosaline looked over Cahir¡¯s shoulder. Only then did she notice E, who had weapons pointed at her neck.


    ¡°Your Majesty, what just happened?¡± Rosaline¡¯s voice hardened, her face turning hostile. ¡°Did she do something terrible?¡±


    She was angry. Cahir could feel the heat rising from her body. She was getting angry for him.


    Strangely, he felt better, though he still wanted to know who made her cry.


    It happened often, actually. He rarely got angry nowadays when it came to work, but she did. Whether he was called a bloody tyrant or praised by the nobles for his concern for the people, it was Rosaline who criticized them or got excited. At those times, his heart always felt¡­ funny, just like now.


    ¡°Yes. She tried to kill me,¡± he exaggerated, wanting to take advantage of this moment.


    ¡°No, Your Majesty! I would never dare to do that!¡± E¡¯s words morphed into sobbing.


    ¡°Lady E, did you try to kill His Majesty?¡±


    Cahir nodded shamelessly. Although he hadn¡¯t killed her, he did feel that murderous aura.


    Rosaline looked back at him. He nodded again.


    She couldn¡¯t believe E had tried to kill him, not when she had always talked about fate and marriage. Did this happen because she was always rejected?


    Cahir wouldn¡¯t have drawn his weapon against an unarmed, delicate woman for no reason.


    Rosaline couldn¡¯t forgive that. As she had expected, E became too greedy. Hands clenched into fists as she approached her.


    The emperor became curious about what his secretary would do.


    He¡¯d often seen her angry, but never like this. He waved his hand and the guards stepped aside to open the way for Rosaline.


    ¡°Lady E, I thought you at least respected and valued His Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline! I have never wanted to harm His Majesty¡ª¡±


    p~


    E¡¯s head turned sharply.


    ¡°Ow¡­¡± She held her red cheek and red at Rosaline, whose eyes were cold as she came even closer.


    Rosaline grabbed E¡¯s shoulder and gently lowered her lips to the other woman¡¯s ear. ¡°Whether you were the original heroine or not doesn¡¯t matter anymore. If you harm His Majesty, I will not forgive you even if you were the author. I¡¯ll save you today because I don¡¯t want to tarnish the garden with your blood. Don¡¯t even look at His Majesty from now on.¡±


    Her voice was only for one person to hear. Rosaline pushed her away, and E, whose legs had been trembling, fell onto the grass.


    Cahir grinned. He¡¯d repeat the experience a hundred thousand times if he could. He went closer and put a hand on Rosaline¡¯s shoulder.


    E¡¯s eyes trembled violently. ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡± She crawled. Rosaline had humiliated her, but she couldn¡¯t give up on Cahir. She had to resolve the misunderstanding¡­


    ¡®I wanted to kill Rosaline, that vixen, not you!¡¯


    ¡°Stop. I only did this much because you¡¯re Rosaline¡¯s friend. Be thankful that you can go back alive today.¡±


    His cold words were a knife to E¡¯s heart, but still, it only stoked her obsession further.


    Cahir and Rosaline walked away, leaving her alone and staring at their backs unblinkingly.


    ¡®I will never give up on you! Eventually, I¡¯ll be the one next to you. Not Rosaline, but E!¡¯


    ***


    ¡°Oh my, Secretary Rosaline. Where have you been?¡±


    ¡°Nobody has left yet because they¡¯re waiting for you.¡±


    A colorful whirlwind of flower-likedies rushed toward Rosaline as she and Cahir returned to the hall.


    The tea party was almost over. Mrs. Becky, who intuitively sensed that something had happened, was in charge of hosting.


    ¡®E had made me feel so unpleasant earlier, but I feel confident now.¡¯


    ¡°I apologize. I should have kept my seat.¡±


    ¡°No, Secretary Rosaline! I¡¯m sure you did something to help the empire, right?¡±


    Well, it was more to help Cahir¡­ Wasn¡¯t it?


    She smiled and apologized profusely, the youngdies reassured her, and she thanked them for their time.


    ¡®Are the young nobles of Aetheus all so angelic?¡¯


    Rosaline smiled at their bright-eyed expressions.


    ¡°But it¡¯s true that it was a shame,¡± said one of thedies. She was small and still had baby fat on her cheeks and an almost puppy-like face.


    ¡®Did she say she was three years younger than me?¡¯


    ¡°I wanted to talk a lot with you since you are my idol!¡± she eximed loudly.


    Rosaline¡¯s eyes got bigger and Cahir¡¯s eyebrows went up.


    ¡®What does this mean?¡¯ / ¡®What does this mean?¡¯


    It had been a while since the two had thought the same thing at the same time.

 Chapter 33

    <h2>Chapter 33</h2>


    The tea party went on for an unexpectedly long time, mostly because it took a long time to bid the youngdies farewell. Even as they said their good-byes, no one took the initiative to leave. Everyone wanted to stay with Rosaline for a little more.


    There were several who agreed with that particr noble about idolizing her, and it somehow evolved into apetition of who knew about and liked her more.


    Rosaline, openly admired by a crowd for the first time, felt a headacheing on.


    ¡°You should host another tea party,¡± Mrs. Becky advised her as she happily watched the scene.


    They were usually busily gossiping about others in gatherings. It wasn¡¯t that their young hearts were malicious, but¡­ it did seem immature, especially to those who had grown older.


    However, today¡¯s tea party didn¡¯t have any of that. It was all praise toward Rosaline. asionally, when those who knew more told stories about her, the conversation would even touch upon the politics relevant to the story.


    ¡®This is how scary a person¡¯s good influence can be.¡¯


    Mrs. Becky considered the positive change if this atmosphere, this interest in governance, would spread to the other noble children.


    Rosaline covered her mouth. ¡°Another tea party?¡±


    The older woman nodded, maintaining a gentle smile.


    ¡®Oh my goodness! I didn¡¯t n this. His Majesty¡­¡¯


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re worried about. May I dare offer a piece of advice, Secretary Rosaline?¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s cheeks grew hot from the humble words. The woman had attended as a chaperone, but that didn¡¯t mean she had to lower herself like such.


    The youngdies quieted down, curious about the conversation between Rosaline and Mrs. Becky.


    ¡°His Majesty will do whatever you want, so you can just ask him.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Rosaline asked, the polite mask of etiquette slipping.


    ¡®Ask for whatever I want? From Cahir? I don¡¯t have a death wish!¡¯


    ¡°Trust me, Secretary Rosaline. Those of us who have lived for a long time can see these things. So, should we prepare the next tea party together?¡±


    The eavesdroppingdies reacted, and before she knew it, it had been promised.


    ***


    ¡°Your Majesty, thank you,¡± she said as they walked together.


    The youngdies had practically organized the next one themselves.


    ¡°Did you like it?¡±


    Well, not at first, but it didn¡¯t turn out to be that bad. Besides, Rosaline had to ask for another one.


    She hesitated, wondering if Cahir, who hated noise, would think she was asking to do somethingplicated again. But she decided to trust in Mrs. Becky and draw courage from the happiness of the noble children.


    ¡®Also, that orange-vored dessert was perfect. I¡¯ll have to remember to take some home with me the next time, which means¡­ there has to be a next time.¡¯


    ¡°Your Majesty, I have something to tell you.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Cahir took off his crown, golden hair fluttering.


    ¡°I think we should hold another tea party.¡± Rosaline¡¯s eyes darted to his face.


    His eyes were narrowed, and his jaw seemed tight.


    ¡®Oh.¡¯


    Mrs. Becky was wrong. It was to be expected, but she was somehow disappointed.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°What? Your Majesty? You¡¯re fine with it?¡±


    He didn¡¯t look like it, though? Cahir¡¯s mouth was still set in a firm line. But he gave permission¡­


    ¡°Do whatever you want, Rosaline.¡±


    His words caused ripples in her heart, spreading further and further.


    ¡°But¡­¡± He stopped and looked back at her.


    ¡°Your Majesty, please speak.¡±


    ¡°Earlier. I asked you something and you haven¡¯t answered yet.¡±


    ¡°What? When was that?¡±


    Cahir put a finger to the corner of his eye and let it trail down.


    Her tears! Rosaline wanted to hide her face in shame.


    ¡°I asked who made you cry,¡± he reminded her.


    She bit her lower lip.


    ¡®I can¡¯t tell you even if I die. I can¡¯t just say that I cried because I was worried about you!¡¯


    It was¡­ excessive maternal love. What if rumors of overprotectiveness came out?


    She shook her head.


    ¡°Are you really not going to tell me?¡± Cahir scratched his forehead.


    ¡°Ah, there was just dust in my eyes!¡±


    He smirked. ¡°Rosaline, what are you even saying? And you¡¯re biting your lips again.¡±


    Ugh, his timing was always so¡­!


    Rosaline met his eyes guiltily.


    His re cooled. ¡°You don¡¯t even want to lie to me. Do you hate thinking of that person so much that you¡¯re annoyed just thinking about it? To the point where you don¡¯t want to say it?¡±


    That wasn¡¯t it¡­


    ¡°Never mind. I¡¯ll figure it out. Anyway, I¡¯m going to kill them once I do, so don¡¯t stop me.¡±


    ¡®That means you¡¯ll have to kill yourself!¡¯


    ¡°You¡¯ll never be able to find them.¡± She smiled bitterly at his back.


    ***


    Time passed. After Cahir had announced that the empress selection could begin, meetings were held every day without break. The nobles seriously discussed what they would do. It was obviously a bid for power, so it was important to determine who the choices would be.


    The empress¡¯ power was smallpared to the emperor¡¯s but it had a symbolic meaning. At the very least, Cahir could not openly ignore her opinions in public. This in itself was an advantage.


    Rosaline didn¡¯t like the behavior of these nobles. She hoped the empress would be independent, not backed by an agenda. She hoped the empress could get her position through her own merits.


    ¡®That way, the foundations won¡¯t shake.¡¯


    She recalled the original story. Az¡¯s ns continued until after E became empress. In the end, the empress dowager had possibly conspired with other nations.


    The E of that time was just a good and tender person who hoped Cahir and Az would get along. Perhaps, the E of now had chosen Az because she was acquainted with the character before.


    ¡®His Majesty must have had a hard time.¡¯


    Cahir had been so cold to E at the tea party thest time that Rosaline had wondered if winter had returned.


    ¡®I¡¯m just a side character, but there have already been so many changes. How many more will happen?¡¯


    There was a shadow on her face.


    ¡°The first criteria for empress is that she should have a strong enough family to support her.¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s scattered focus went back to the discussion at hand. Family.


    ¡°No.¡± She raised her hand, calling their attention.


    She had met most of the eligible youngdies at the tea party. Looking at family status alone, it was highly likely that they would choose Lady Rose of the Dukedom of Floria.


    ¡°Hmmm¡­¡± Rosaline chuckled.


    Lady Rose had a beautiful appearance and an elegant character that would be desirable in an empress. However, she was easily swept away by others. She was indecisive while choosing refreshments, picking one when rmended and setting it down when rmended something else.


    What if she treated politics the same way?


    Rosaline shook her head firmly.


    ¡°Secretary Rosaline, did you get any advice from His Majesty?¡± asked the Duke of Pasita.


    She had tried to broach the subject, but he had always responded that he was in a hurry.


    ¡°Not quite.¡±


    The duke sighed. As expected, the emperor was uninterested.


    ¡°Then what does Secretary Rosaline think? You have to give your opinion too, not just disagree,¡± said Hamburg. He wasn¡¯t really a good participant in these meetings, but the Duke of Pasita invited him anyway since it was unlikely that he would have any ulterior motives.


    ¡°I have yet to think about what the criteria should be, but the judges in charge of choosing the future empress should be fair. That¡¯s why I want the neutral state of Berlos to participate.¡±


    The hall buzzed. The family heads who wanted to produce the next empress were particrly heated.


    ¡°Stop.¡± Duke Pasita shushed the room. ¡°Has the priest from Berlos agreed?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t asked yet. Besides, while intentions are important, the most important thing is the will of those who will lead the Aetheus Empire, right?¡±


    ¡°What do you all think?¡± Taking advantage of the silence, Duke Pasita directed the question to the aristocrats.


    They bit their tongues and looked away in avoidance, knowing that what Rosaline said was correct. However, as she said, Berlos wouldn¡¯t be the deciding factor in appointing the new empress, they would be more of a deterrent against bribing the judges in the first ce.


    Some who were already nning to do just that couldn¡¯t keep the disapproval off their faces.


    ¡°¡­Sounds good,¡± said Hamburg, and very small noises of grumbled agreement followed.


    The atmosphere was now vastly improved.


    ¡°Secretary Rosaline, will you handle the new building?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯d be happy to do that. His Majesty¡­ will surely be pleased with the fair decision-making of the people here.¡± She smiled.


    Among the nobles, Count Shimura, who secretly sponsored E, had the darkest expression.

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    ¡°Where¡¯s Rosaline?¡± Cahir asked as soon as Derek entered the office, groaning with the weight of the documents.


    ¡°Whoa. Secretary Rosaline was attending a meeting, remember?¡±


    Yes, it was a question he had asked over and over again.


    ¡°Really? But why is she taking so long?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only been about an hour.¡±


    ¡°Only? Do these old people have so much to say to her? Is anything strange happening?¡±


    These days, Cahir had been very sensitive to the people surrounding Rosaline. He¡¯d always been a vignt person, but that was mostly because of the threat of idents and assassinations. Basically, it was only for suspicious situations.


    This was profoundly different. Everyone around Rosaline was on edge.


    It had been like that since the tea party. The air of envy, admiration, and respect that had swirled around the youngdies and Rosaline annoyed Cahir.


    Was it a case of disliking him?


    No. They probably didn¡¯t dislike him just because they liked Rosaline.


    ¡®There¡¯s no one who hates me.¡¯


    He didn¡¯t know where this¡­ problem came from, nor its exact nature.


    Cahir¡¯s frown seemed permanent.


    Derek spoke again, ¡°Your Majesty, do you know the agenda of today¡¯s meeting?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Derek sighed, making the emperor¡¯s eyebrows raise. ¡°Your Majesty, today¡¯s agenda is the empress selection.¡±


    No matter how uninterested he was, he should know that he wouldn¡¯t be able to avoid this discussion even though the process was primarily in the nobles¡¯ hands.


    ¡°Are all these meetings really necessary? Is Rosaline not my secretary, but the aristocrats¡¯?¡±


    Vexed, Derek was very close to blurting out that Rosaline was therebecauseshe was the emperor¡¯s most loyal and knowledgeable secretary.


    Of course, he kept his mouth shut.


    ¡°Screw this! Let¡¯s finish this within a week.¡±


    Well. That didn¡¯t make sense, but once Cahir said something, it would inevitably be reality.


    ¡®Hui is going to kill me.¡¯


    He¡¯d promised her a hot night. Derek sighed again.


    ***


    ¡°What?¡±


    It was a leisurely afternoon when Derek delivered Cahir¡¯s orders to Rosaline after excusing himself using to go to the bathroom. The emperor had been left in the office, wrestling with documents, while the aide ran into the secretary in the corridor.


    Rosaline blinked absently.


    ¡°Actually, does His Majesty have a secret lover?¡±


    ¡°No way.¡±


    ¡°Was there a particr person from the tea party who¡­?¡± Derek shook his head, his eyes gleaming curiously.


    She didn¡¯t seem to have realized it yet, but there were times when Cahir stared at her with a honeyed gaze. Derek had always thought it was merely affection for apetent employee because that was how Rosaline looked at Cahir when he achieved something great.


    ¡®But she doesn¡¯t look at me that way, does she? Come to think of it¡­¡¯


    Five years ago, there was a spark between those two that burned brightly and disappeared just as suddenly.


    ¡°Do you know? Who is it? Tell me!¡± Rosaline noticed the subtle change in Derek¡¯s expression.


    ¡°That is¡­¡± he mumbled as she sped her hands together and looked pleadingly at him. ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡±


    Sigh~


    As mercurial as Cahir was, nobody could really say what he was thinking. Derek didn¡¯t dare try to guess at his thoughts, lest he was suddenly sent to the border. Although he was outstanding enough toe back alive, that wasn¡¯t the point.


    Besides, even if the emperor¡¯s heart was true, it was kind of unfair, right?


    How many times did he have to be nagged by Hui because of Cahir? Each time he waste because of sudden orders, she got angry because he wasn¡¯t able to work more efficiently to finish sooner. Hui didn¡¯t know the extent of what he had to do.


    In any case, Derek shut his mouth.


    Rosaline¡¯s head started spinning.


    ¡®He doesn¡¯t even have anyone specific in mind but he wants the empress selection to be done within a week? We haven¡¯t even established a clear standard for how to choose. Cahir can¡¯t just marry randomly!¡¯


    She hated this. She didn¡¯t know why, but she did.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that,¡± she said firmly.


    ***


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± Rosaline stomped to the office.


    Cahir was looking seriously at the report on the construction of the temple. It stated that it was difficult to tell if someone was benefiting from the purchase of thend. This revealed a need to reform thews on real estate.


    However, the administrator in charge waszy andughed it off. It seemed that they needed a harsh reprimand soon.


    ¡°Rosaline, it¡¯s good that you¡¯re here. Did you see this?¡± He pushed the report toward her.


    She sneaked a look and shook her head. ¡°Your Majesty, the construction is important, but I have something to discuss with you before that.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I heard that you want an empress chosen within the week.¡±


    ¡°Derek must have told you.¡± Cahir looked at the report again.


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, don¡¯t be noisy. Hasn¡¯t it already been decided? No, even if it¡¯s not yet decided, it¡¯ll be narrowed down to a few families¡¯ daughters anyway. Are you really thinking of handpicking the empress?¡± He folded the report and put it down, staring at her. ¡°I guess you really don¡¯t know, staying in the pce all the time. They would¡¯ve quarreled with each other endlessly the moment it was rumored that you would choose the empress. There are three finalists, right? It might as well be over.¡±


    ¡°No, Your Majesty. I will ask Berlos to preside over the selection¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so important that they need to get involved?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Cahir¡¯s expression hardened. It seemed that he really was not interested in his future empress. He was basically treating this process like a cumbersome assignment.


    ¡°Haa, Rosaline,¡± he sighed, standing up.


    Rosaline looked up at him.


    ¡°My opinion doesn¡¯t matter anyway. I¡¯m not going to fall in love with the empress, so it¡¯s fine to just pick whoever. The empress¡¯ seat holds no power.¡±


    Only then did she realize that they¡¯d never asked him for his opinion in the first ce.


    His marriage would be loveless, but so were most noble marriages, right? Divorce would also be an unlikely option.


    ¡°So, Rosaline, do whatever the nobles want. I¡¯ll y with them this time.¡±


    Cahir¡¯s face looked¡­ lonely.


    An invisible hand squeezed her heart. ¡°Your Majesty, why are you giving up? You¡¯re going to live without love? You¡¯re resigned to marrying an empress who might as well be an ornament to you?¡±


    The emperor¡¯spanion should upy arger role than that. Her role was to assist him dutifully, taking the lead when the emperor was hurt and tired.


    ¡®He never meant for the empress to do anything.¡¯


    Her heart tingled again. Then who wouldfort him, if there was no one on his side?


    Tears welled up in Rosaline¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Rosaline!¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, I swear I¡¯ll think of a way to pick an empress who¡¯s really worthy of the position.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, are you crying?¡± Cahir¡¯s expression crumpled. He sighed, wiping his face.


    She quickly brushed away her tears. Somehow, it was hrious to see him sympathize with her tears.


    ¡°What kind of person is he?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°People change when they love.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been crying a lot recently. Tell me what kind of jerk he is to make you act like that.¡± He frowned, eyes turning frosty.


    He couldn¡¯t have possibly imagined that Rosaline would shed tears because of worry for him. Cahir had always been an object of fear or longing for people.


    ¡°Rosaline, tell me. Who¡¯s giving you a hard time? What, you don¡¯t want to tell me? I¡¯ll support you no matter what, so don¡¯t worry and just speak. Why are you so frustrated?¡±


    Cahir was now spinning stories. She wanted to see how far he¡¯d gone with assuming what had happened.


    ording to him, Rosaline was crying because she had an unrequited crush. Indeed, there was a fool who didn¡¯t like her back. An appropriate punishment would be the amputation of a limb¡­


    ¡°Stop it.¡±


    She trembled as the genre of his novel changed from romance to suspense.


    ¡°Why, Rosaline? If you¡¯re not amenable to cutting limbs, then the leash¡­¡±


    ¡°Leash¡ª Your Majesty! I¡¯m crying because of you!¡± she screamed.


    Cahir froze, mouth hanging open. He didn¡¯t even blink, his stare fixed on her.


    ¡°Last time and this time, it¡¯s all because of Your Majesty,¡± Rosaline whispered, bowing her head.


    He wiped his face again, dumbfounded.


    ¡°Because of me? Why?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m worried¡­¡±


    His eyebrows furrowed. Rosaline was worried about him? That hurt his pride a little.Shewas the one who worried him. Did he seem so unreliable that his secretary shed tears?


    ¡°Rosaline, don¡¯t you know what kind of person I am?¡±


    Her eyes grew round.


    ¡°I¡¯m not weak enough to warrant being worried about. Do you think you have to take care of me? My pride is a little damaged.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, that¡¯s not it¡­¡±


    Of course, she wanted to take care of him, but that didn¡¯t mean she thought he was weak. This was a huge misunderstanding.


    ¡°Then, is it because of this¡­ Rosaline, is it because of the empress selection?¡±Readtest Chapters at W u xiaWorld.Site Only


    ¡°First of all, that¡¯s technically why, but¡­¡±


    Cahir¡¯s eyes looked a little different.

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    Cahir was now willing to concern himself over his own marriage, entirely because he saw how it worried Rosaline to tears.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to worry you, so I¡¯ll have to be personally involved in the empress selection. I need to show you again how capable I am.¡±


    ¡°What? Oh, yes, Your Majesty! The empire is truly blessed to have an emperor like you, who works diligently for the future¡ª¡±


    He pinched her lips, making them pop out like a duck¡¯s beak. ¡°Stop talking. Yourpliments are unnecessarily excessive.¡±


    Rosaline nodded.


    ¡®He¡¯s interested now, but only because of me. I guess it¡¯s a good thing, but the reason is wrong, the process is wrong!¡¯


    The thoughts in her head rendered her speechless.


    ¡°Call a meeting right now, Rosaline.¡±


    Well, at least he was no longer resigned to a loveless marriage.


    ***


    It went without saying that Rosaline was very busy after that encounter. She telegraphed the nobles, saying there was an emergency meeting and the conference hall needed organizing.


    ¡°Rosaline.¡±


    She raised her head, delivering thest telegram.


    Cahir was looking at reports.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty?¡±


    ¡°Why are you working so hard for my marriage?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Her blue eyes widened. She didn¡¯t know what he wanted to hear.


    It was only natural for a loyal secretary to be involved in their employer¡¯s marriage. However, that didn¡¯t seem to be what he meant. There must be something he wanted to hear, but she had no idea what it was.


    ¡°Your Majesty, can you be more clear?¡±


    ¡°If I get married, you¡¯ll probably have more work, so why are you so insistent on it? Didn¡¯t you want to live afortable life?¡±


    She nodded. ¡°But having less work doesn¡¯t mean being morefortable.¡±


    ¡°You said you wanted to quit because you had too much work as a secretary.¡±


    Rosaline hesitated. It wasn¡¯t precisely that, but¡­


    Cahir sighed. ¡°Never mind. I was just wondering why everyone is so enthusiastic about my marriage.¡±


    It did seem kind of unfair to him.


    ¡°¡­Do you want to try dating, Your Majesty?¡±


    His right eyebrow rose. ¡°Me?¡± He snorted.


    Cahir was just upset at how Rosaline was working so hard even though she said she wanted to quit. If she really wanted to resign, then she should act reluctant and not send mixed messages.


    ¡°Rosaline, are you going to retract your resignation if I marry?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Are you going to retract it?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s¡­¡± she trailed off.


    If she said she wouldn¡¯t, Cahir might not agree to marry at all. But she didn¡¯t want to lie either.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll ept that answer for now. I¡¯m thinking, so don¡¯t disturb me.¡±


    What was the point of all this? And he didn¡¯t even let her finish!


    Rosaline grumbled and started on the pile of documents next to her.


    ¡®By the way, it seems weird, but it¡¯s probably not that bad to suddenly get married.¡¯


    She fiddled with a fountain pen.


    ***


    The atmosphere was suffocatingly serious. Some aristocrats were looking away, others were covering their mouths, the rest were taking deep breaths.


    Cahir¡¯s cool presence made everyone nervous.


    The only ones who remained calm were Rosaline, Hamburg, and Duke Pasita.


    ¡°You¡¯re having a lot of difficulties because you don¡¯t know how to proceed with the selection?¡±


    Rosaline had said that she knew what to do to make the process better, but the rest of the nobles just looked ipetent.


    Cahir scoffed. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m trying to help.¡±


    ¡°There is no precedent for the emperor to be directly involved in appointing the empress,¡± Duke Pasita said quietly.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not trying to support a particr family, nor do I need what they want to offer.¡±


    Rosaline was proud of his non-violent reaction.


    ¡°I¡¯m supposed to have the final say anyway.¡±


    The conference hall became noisy.


    Usually, the empress selection started with the nobility choosing three final candidates. Then, the empress dowager picks from those three, and so does the emperor. If they choose the same person, the empress is appointed, and if they choose different candidates, one bes the empress while the other bes a concubine.


    ¡°Are you saying that you¡¯ll automatically agree with the empress dowager¡¯s choice, Your Majesty?¡± Hamburg asked. He didn¡¯t exactly like Cahir¡¯s stepmother, who was fierce and arrogant.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then will you leave the choice to the nobility?¡± prodded Duke Pasita.


    Cahir shook his head, stoking their curiosity.


    ¡°Only one person has the right to choose.¡± His gaze swept over the room. ¡°The empress deserves trust, recognition, and respect.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really understand what you¡¯re saying, Your Majesty.¡±


    Cahir frowned.


    These nobles were all ipetent sycophants. Parasites that took advantage of the people. Perhaps he needed to raise Rosaline¡¯s sry again¡­


    He nced at her, his expression softening considerably. ¡°Rosaline, exin to them what it means.¡±


    It could have been mildly embarrassing for her, but she stood up determinedly. As expected, she could understand himpletely. Cahir was saddened by the fact that there was only one suchpetent person in the vast empire.


    ¡°Your Majesty, the process will be fair to the candidates as well, right?¡±


    He nodded happily.


    Rosaline smiled and turned to the nobles. She agreed with Cahir¡¯s decision. At least this way, the nobles couldn¡¯t y their usual tricks.


    ¡°His Majesty¡¯s opinion is like this. What do you think?¡±


    There was no reason to nitpick. Although it went against tradition, it was still not the emperor who had the most sway. Besides, who wouldin against the emperor¡¯s decision? And the fact that the nobles could not choose meant that the emperor could not influence them. It was the most transparent way to select an empress.


    ¡°It will be a unique process.¡±


    Duke Pasita fixed his slipping sses.


    Cahir¡¯s eyes shone. ¡°So I hope many young nobles will also participate.¡±


    What did that even mean? This would ultimately repress the nobility and tie them to the public.


    ¡°All families with women of marriageable age must join. Although even if I don¡¯t say this, some of you are probably eyeing that marriage.¡±


    There. That would hopefully prevent them from forming alliances.


    The nobles groaned inwardly, exchanging nces.


    Cahir grinned. ¡°Do you have any other suggestions? I¡¯m a fair emperor, so I want to give everyone an equal opportunity.¡±


    It was silent. To each noble their own.


    ¡°Anyone?¡± asked Duke Pasita.


    Hamburg raised his hand. ¡°What about families that no longer have unmarried daughters?¡±


    He was loyal, but he didn¡¯t exactly want any of his loved ones to get exposed to the emperor¡¯s intense moods.


    ¡°Of course, they won¡¯t be included. Take care of the rest, and I hope it doesn¡¯t drag on too much.¡±


    Cahir stood up and left, Rosaline following him.


    ¡°Well, Rosaline.¡± He looked back at her.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. Please speak.¡± She bowed her head.


    ¡°The Verite family is not exempted.¡±


    ¡°Hm? My family? But there¡¯s nody of marriageable age.¡±


    He stared at her.


    ¡°Ah¡­ Oh, do you mean me?¡±


    Cahir nodded slowly.


    Yes. You. Rosaline, it¡¯s you.


    ¡®Oh my god. Is he telling me to participate in that bloodbath?¡¯


    ¡°No, I¡¯m¡­ I mean¡­¡±


    She couldn¡¯t join! She had to assist in the process, so she couldn¡¯t be a candidate.


    Rosaline sped her hands, pleading with her eyes. ¡°Please take that back.¡±


    ¡°As the both of us have established, exceptions can be construed as preferential treatment,¡± he refused lightly. He smiled.


    Right. Cahir dreamt of a world that was fair, just, and free of discrimination. Such a man would never consent to preferential treatment.


    The nobles¡¯ eyes widened. Apparently, they were still within range of hearing.


    ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s too close¡­¡±Readtest Chapters at W u xiaWorld.Site Only


    ¡°Shh, Rosaline. Just participate and do your best. I don¡¯t know who the empress will be, but it would be best if they could learn from you.¡±


    Cahir walked away, leaving her gaping at his back.


    ¡®What are you thinking, Your Majesty?¡¯

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    ****


    There was great confusion among the aristocratic families who had daughters of marriageable age. Due to the emperor¡¯s whims, it became impossible to predict who would be the empress. The alliances that had existed for a long time broke one after the other. Some of those who were familiar with Cahir¡¯s temperament were wary, unwilling to send their children as candidates.


    Businesses flourished as the families rushed to prepare, the entire nation falling into an excited frenzy.


    Well, except for Rosaline.


    ¡°Rosaline, are you also a candidate?¡± Roy asked with a serious look.


    She was currently at home on vacation because Cahir didn¡¯t exempt her from the selection. Instead of working, she became busy with choosing dresses, essories, and the like.


    ¡°Yes, Brother. His Majesty said that he could not give preferential treatment.¡±


    ¡°Oh my¡­¡± He sighed. It was something that he always regretted, that his only sister was caught by a crazy tyrant.


    He¡¯d married and was blessed with an adorable child, but it was sad to see Rosaline bloom into a finedy yet remain unmarried. Roy also secretly prayed to the heavens that she could get away from the emperor as soon as possible.


    However, rather than his wish, she ended up being an empress candidate. It would have been nice if there was no chance of her being selected, but¡­?


    It was terrible just thinking about it.


    Roy would not allow Cahir to be his brother-inw.


    ¡°Rosaline, I heard that the youngdies who are already engaged are exempted from being candidates. Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, as His Majesty values faith and loyalty.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it! Rosaline, I have a nice friend who isn¡¯t married yet. Why don¡¯t you meet him?¡±


    ¡°Ah, what?¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, you always say that you want more time to rest whenever youe home. You can rest when you¡¯re married. I mean, do you even want to be the empress?¡±


    She didn¡¯t respond to her brother¡¯s leading statements. It was true that she wanted to rest, but she didn¡¯t want to run away from her duties by using the marriage system.


    And as for wanting to be the empress¡­


    Besides, why did Roy hate Cahir so much? In the first ce, he had avoided a huge death g thanks to her recing him as the emperor¡¯s secretary. The Verites weren¡¯t harmed at all, so she couldn¡¯t understand the hostility.


    It was kind of unpleasant, to be honest. Did people just hate for no reason?


    ¡°I¡¯ll make an appointment right away. Don¡¯t feel pressured, it¡¯s just meeting each other. Just think of it as a simple meeting over good tea. What do you think about tomorrow afternoon?¡±


    ¡°¡­Hm?¡± She was still thinking of the unwarranted hatred towards Cahir.


    ¡°It¡¯s a promise. Don¡¯t forget.¡±


    Rosaline was run over by Roy¡¯s aggressive attitude. He patted her on the shoulder, pleased with himself, then hurriedly ran off.


    ¡®This feels wrong, somehow, but should I just go with it? Who knows, maybe we¡¯d be a good match¡­ right? As long as there¡¯s no pressure, I guess it¡¯s fine.¡¯


    Maybe she¡¯d end up getting engaged, married, and free from her job before His Majesty could fully realize it.


    ¡®Hmmm¡­¡¯


    ***


    Rosaline picked up the spoon, stirring her tea. It had been five days since she left the pce, and now she was staring out a window wearing a light pink dress.


    ¡®I¡¯ve already deducted his points for beingte.¡¯


    She was in a terrible mood. She¡¯d been woken up at dawn by the maids¡ªeven her own family¡ªto prepare for the day. A mixture of milk and some other things were put on her face as if she was a cake. All the fragrant oils they used hurt her nose, and that bath was, in a word, suffocating.


    When she was finally allowed out of the tub, she almost copsed from dizziness.


    Rosaline wasn¡¯t even allowed to eat breakfast. The cup of milk on the table was snatched away and used for a massage.


    Her corset was tightened enough to squeeze her ribs, and she was given a petticoat in a style that she never wore. The maids didn¡¯t even let her do her own makeup and hair.


    She was extremely dressed up.


    Only one thing reflected her preference.


    Rosaline touched the ne she received from Cahir.


    Her maids had balked, telling her that it was too in and that she needed something fancier. The nagging went on up until she stepped into the carriage, but she remained resolute.


    She hated this.


    ¡®Should I just go home?¡¯


    The unpleasantness of the morning was worsened by the fact that her brother¡¯s friend waste.


    Would such an irresponsible man change after getting married?


    ¡®They said that grown men don¡¯t change their ways¡­ But His Majesty did. As expected our emperor is smart.¡¯


    She didn¡¯t know why she kept thinking about him.


    ¡®So I guess those people weren¡¯t totally right.¡¯


    A sound interrupted her thoughts, a long shadow falling over the table. Rosaline looked up. Her ¡®date¡¯ had arrived.


    ¡°Sorry for beingte. The carriage wheels were broken.¡±


    Points were deducted again because he made an excuse as soon as he arrived.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Rosaline smiled civilly.


    Based on what she knew, the man in front of her was a banker who was five years older and his father¡¯s sessor. He was tall and had a good appearance, though she wouldn¡¯t say that out loud.


    ¡®His face is likable enough, but it pales inparison to¡­ His Majesty¡¯s face.¡¯


    She smiled absentmindedly. Sometimes she nodded.


    ¡°¡­Hahaha. Ah, did you hear what I said?¡±


    Rosaline was fiddling with her ne.


    ¡°Lady Rosaline?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, could you repeat what you said?¡± Her picturesque smile faltered, the small shift in expression unmissed by the man.


    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ve been talking too much about myself, haven¡¯t I? So uh, you¡¯ve been serving His Majesty for a long time?¡±


    He was obviously frustrated, perhaps even offended, by herck of focus, but he smiled leisurely and made her the subject of the conversation.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been serving His Majesty for five years. It¡¯s my family¡¯s honor, as well as mine.¡±


    ¡°Oh dear,¡± he murmured, sounding a little strange. His tone was pitying¡­


    Rosaline looked around.


    ¡°It must have been difficult for such a delicatedy. Are you alright, Lady Rosaline? Were you ever harmed?¡±


    One of her eyebrows shot up, but he continued to talk, not knowing that she was ufortable.


    ¡°I heard that mistakes were punished very severely in the pce. How did you work in such an environment? It must feel like walking on thin ice every day, especially if heshes out for no reason other than being a tyrant.¡±


    Her expression cooled, turning icy in a way that makeup would never be able to conceal.


    ¡°I heard that he wakes up at dawn and monitors who are making errors, choosing his next victim.¡± He paused. ¡°Ah¡­ Lady Rosaline? Oh, I must have brought up the horrible memories of being bullied by His Majesty.¡±


    What was he saying? Badmouthing the emperor while using honorifics? Were her ears the problem? How dare he insult His Majesty in front of me with baseless rumors?


    Only now did she understand why some peopleughed at absurdity.


    Rosaline smiled, and the man was relieved at her rxed expression. When he opened his mouth again, she opened a small purse, took out several gold coins, and put them on the table.


    ¡°What¡¯s this for?¡±


    ¡°The price of the tea I drank and theundry fee that your lying self will spend.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    She poured the rest of her tea on the liar, who was still gaping at her confusedly. She poured slowly, the cold liquid running from the top of his head and dripping down his jawline and onto the table.


    Drip, drip, drip.


    ***


    Cahir patted Derek¡¯s shoulder, jolting him from his work. He hadn¡¯t even realized that someone approached.


    ¡°Why are you so surprised? Didn¡¯t I tell you to work?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? Can¡¯t you see how bloodshot my eyes are from staring at these reports?¡±


    It was really unfair. Cahir had no idea how burdensome his tasks were in between presentations. Derek looked up, tears filling the corners of his eyes.


    ¡°You seem to be having a hard time, so let¡¯s take a break and go out?¡±


    ¡°So suddenly?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m saying that I want to go out and drink tea today.¡±


    Derek folded the documents he had been looking at, ncing at the clock. ¡°Are you going?¡±


    ¡°Going where?¡±


    ¡°To see Secretary Rosaline?¡±


    ¡°Why would I?¡±


    Derek looked at Cahir with suspicious eyes, who then met his gaze unblinkingly. ¡°¡­Okay. I know a ce.¡±


    ¡°But I want to go to ¡®Afternoon Sunlight¡¯. That¡¯s the best ce to eat desserts.¡±


    ¡®See! I knew this would happen!¡¯


    He shook his head. That ce was where Rosaline was supposed to meet someone. After she¡¯d left the pce, Cahir sent James to guard her. Everything was reported, from her food, to the people she met or would meet.


    Cahir always listened to the reports while he ate, and there had been no problems until James told him of her ¡®date¡¯.


    ¡°Where?¡± he asked, the fork in his hand bending.


    ¡°They are supposed to meet at two in the afternoon in a teahouse called ¡®Afternoon Sunlight¡¯.¡±


    ¡°With whom? No, that¡¯s not important. Alright.¡± Cahir remained calm, not even ordering Derek to investigate.Readtest Chapters at W u xiaWorld.Site Only


    Derek assumed that he had moved on.


    ¡®You were going to go in person¡­¡¯


    He scratched the back of his head as Cahir walked away.

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


    ***


    Cahir had stripped off his kingly garb and changed into a simple suit. Even then, he drew attention with only well-ironed ck pants, a white shirt, and a vest.


    ¡°Who is it? Which family is he from? He looks so cool!¡±


    ¡°Heavens, I just made eye contact. Oh, I¡¯m never going to bathe ever again!¡±


    ¡°Hey! It¡¯s only your eyes that met, though?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid my eyes will get wet and wash off the memory.¡±


    Nobody hid their admiration of his appearance, thinking that he was too far away to notice. However, Cahir had trained his ears to be very keen, along with his natural talent for it. Enjoying their reactions, he opened the door to ¡®Afternoon Sunlight¡¯ before the time of Rosaline¡¯s appointment.


    He tried to get a corner seat, unlike his usual habit of sitting in the area where he would be most visible.


    ¡°Should I order the desserts you really wanted?¡±


    ¡°Order whatever.¡±


    While the desserts sold outside had their own charm, the best patissiers on the continent already worked for them in the pce. The ones here would only be imitations of what they ate normally.


    Derek decided to just go along with the pretense even if he knew what Cahir was thinking.


    Rattle~


    Cahir flinched. His back was to the door, but he could tell that it was Rosaline just from the sound of her steps. Fortunately, he had arrived before she did, and she didn¡¯t seem to notice him either.


    ¡°It¡¯s Secretary Rosaline! Should I act like¡ª?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be noisy. We¡¯re here for tea.¡± Cahir grumbled at Derek even though he knew he was teasing him.


    The fact that he came all this way even though he was busy, even hiding from Rosaline, was all because of his hurt pride.


    ¡®The most powerful man in the empire is disguising himself and drinking tea in a regr tea house. I must be going crazy.¡¯


    ¡°Oh? He¡¯s here already? Hm, not too bad.¡± Derek pointed at the door and made a fuss, unaware of his darkening mood.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s here! Secretary Rosaline¡¯s blind date! Wow, he¡¯s actually quite tall and handsome,¡± he whispered in Cahir¡¯s ear, whose eyebrows furrowed.


    Suppressing his frustration, Cahir forced himself to focus quietly and see what the two would talk about.


    As soon as the man arrived, he started talking, Rosaline answering every now and then.


    Cahir smirked.


    She was bored, totally uninterested in the man in front of her. Her manner now waspletely different from when she exined the day¡¯s schedule to or discussed state affairs with him.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been serving His Majesty for five years,¡± she said, her pretty voice full of pride. ¡°It¡¯s my family¡¯s honor, as well as mine.¡±


    The corners of Cahir¡¯s mouth tugged up.


    And then¡­ the man¡­


    James, who had apanied them, gripped the hilt of his sword and sprang up.


    Cahir grabbed his wrist.


    ¡°Your Majesty, that man is¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shhh. James, no one knows I¡¯m out here. Let¡¯s not make a scene.¡±


    He was usually a good judge of situations, knowing when it was the right time to execute someone.


    It wasn¡¯t that Cahir wasn¡¯t angry. There was a perverse sort of hrity in seeing someone talk so carelessly without knowing the truth about the topic. He could have gotten up right away and did away with the man formitting l¨¨se-majest¨¦, but he endured it.


    ¡®I wonder how Rosaline will react to someone who speaks ill of me. Perhaps¡­ she considers me a tyrant too¡­¡¯


    ¡°¡ªprice of the tea I drank and theundry fee that your lying self will spend.¡± Her clear voice broke through the haze of impatience.


    ¡°Laundry fee?¡± Derek brought his face closer to the scene. Then his eyes turned into saucers.


    Cahir turned his head and saw Rosaline pour cold tea over the man¡¯s head, shaking it several times so that not a drop was left.


    His negative emotions disappeared, lips curving into an undeniable grin.


    He stood. ¡°Let¡¯s take a look.¡± Walking slowly, he caught the eyes of everyone in the tea house.


    Rosaline was no exception.


    Her jaw dropped.


    ¡®Your Majesty? Did I see it wrong? Is this a dream?¡¯


    She stiffened, and Cahir took the opportunity to look at her from head to toe.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± he said, somewhat displeased.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± The tea-drenched man trembled in rage but went unnoticed.


    Rosaline¡¯s eyes were fixed on Cahir. She didn¡¯t even blink.


    ¡°Lady Rosaline, where are you looking at right now?¡± he raised his voice.


    Where? She was looking at the tyrant he had been cursing at since earlier.


    Cahir stopped near their table. ¡°Rosaline.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your¡­ Um.¡±


    Derek was shaking his arms furiously behind Cahir. She bit her lip. It seemed like he went out without saying anything.


    ¡°Who are you? Lady Rosaline is talking to me.¡±


    ¡°Hush.¡± Cahir pointed at the liar, making him sit back with his mouth shut. ¡°Rosaline.¡±


    She nodded, unsure of how to address him.


    ¡°You worked for a tyrant for five years?¡±


    Rosaline froze. Yes, it had been five years, but using the word ¡®tyrant¡¯ is a little¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m curious about something, Rosaline. You¡¯ll answer me, right?¡±


    She nodded silently again. Cahir smiled brightly, as if he liked her actions very much.


    ¡®Who would even think he was a tyrant with that sunny smile?¡¯


    ¡°Yes, please go ahead,¡± she said after a long moment, confused as to why he was only beaming at her.


    ¡°Question? Oh, yes, right. Rosaline, you¡¯re so pretty that I forgot what I was supposed to ask.¡±


    Her face flushed. The tant praise was definitely apliment, but why did she feel like she was being scolded?


    ¡°Be honest. I won¡¯t ask you twice so listen carefully. Rosaline, you like working for that tyrant, right?¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s mouth slowly opened. Usually, people assumed that she didn¡¯t like it, but of course, Cahir was confident enough to think the opposite.


    She blinked and met his eyes.


    He looked like a child waiting for a birthday present. She wouldn¡¯t be able to refuse him if his eyes were like that. She couldn¡¯t let His Majesty down!


    But Rosaline remained silent, if only because she had no idea what his intentions were. What if she said the wrong thing and suddenly hit a death g?


    She gulped.


    ¡°Of course, there¡¯s no way she¡¯d like it!¡± someone who shouldn¡¯t have interrupted said.


    Rosaline massaged her forehead. That damned liar was digging his own grave becauseapparently,it wasn¡¯t enough to be baptized with tea.


    Cahir looked down coldly at the interloper, who flinched but didn¡¯t back down.


    ¡°La¡ªLady Rosaline was talking to me! Talk to herter on, hic.¡±


    The emperor leaned closer, almost daring the other man to speak more confidently.


    She almost felt sorry for her ¡®date¡¯ after all the humiliation that he¡¯d experienced this day.


    ¡°Did you say you were a banker?¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Which bank is it?¡±


    ¡°The Margove Bank at the intersection¡­¡±


    ¡°Did you hear that, Derek?¡± Cahir said without taking his eyes off the liar¡¯s face.


    Derek sighed. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s look into the Margove Bank, shall we?¡±


    Well, that settled it. Cahir was going to go after banks now? Significant bacsh and confusion were to be expected. It was getting quite noticeable that bank presidents were being targeted one after the other.


    In the Aetheus Empire, lending gold coins at high interest rates was prohibited, but banks openly flouted thatw by taking advantage of loopholes. They did not lend gold and silver with interest, rather, they lent in-kind property.


    If this was publicized, banks would go bankrupt and the nobles who had invested in them would protest. The merchants who had a stake in the business would be affected as well. That was why Rosaline didn¡¯t report it yet.


    She bit her lower lip and looked at Derek, who shrugged helplessly.


    ¡°Yes, I see.¡±


    Really, this was like throwing the house upside-down to catch a mouse. But who exactly was the mouse in this situation?


    ¡°Who are you in the first ce?¡±


    ¡°Are you curious?¡±


    Rosaline frantically shook her head from behind Cahir, eyes filled with warning. A chill passed through the banker¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Not really. Anyway, Lady Rosaline, it was fun. I¡¯ll contact you through Roy.¡± Perhaps sensing death approaching, he snuck away and hurriedly said his farewells. He quickly escaped from the tea house.


    He looked like he was being chased, and in a way, he was right.


    ¡°Now, Rosaline.¡± Cahir turned back to face Rosaline, the two of them and Derek being the only ones left in the establishment.


    She tried to make eye contact with Derek to ask where all the patrons of ¡®Afternoon Sunlight¡± went, but he studiously avoided her gaze.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer me earlier, Rosaline.¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that just something to intimidate that liar earlier?¡±


    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t. I¡¯m genuinely curious.¡±


    ¡®It didn¡¯t work on him.¡¯


    Rosaline closed her mouth, still reeling from the wide range of emotions she had felt in such a short span of time.Readtest Chapters at W u xiaWorld.Site Only


    Meanwhile, Cahir grew more and more uncertain as the silence stretched on. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that he needed to retract the question, lest her answer was a negative one.


    For the first time in his life, as ridiculous and impossible as it was, he didn¡¯t feel confident. Truthfully, he didn¡¯t know what he would do if Rosaline said that she didn¡¯t really like working for him. It was terrible just thinking about it.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡­¡±

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


    ***


    ¡°Fine, fine. Don¡¯t say anything. I tire of this. Derek, let¡¯s go back. Rosaline, the selection will officially begin next week. Stay at home and study how to be a good example for everyone.¡±


    ¡°My natural personality is enough, I think,¡± she replied cheekily.


    Her definition of ¡®enough¡¯ and Cahir¡¯s were probably different. She had no intention of bing the empress, so she didn¡¯t have to try too hard. On the other hand, he was confident in her abilities and work ethic.


    ¡®I admit that Rosaline already has enough good qualities¡­ Wait, my trains of thought have been strange all day.¡¯


    ¡°By the way, Your Majesty, how are you going to go back? Did you use a carriage? You came without telling the others at the pce, right? What about your guards?¡± Rosaline chased after him, nagging as usual, but it seemed particrly annoying now.


    Cahir stopped, and she had to screech to a halt, her center of gravity tilting precariously. As soon as she was about to fall, he grabbed her wrist and wrapped an arm around her waist to pull her close.


    His chest and thighs were solid even against her dress.


    ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, I¡¯m not a kid. The carriage is a bit further away and I didn¡¯t inform anyone else, but everything was nned perfectly. Guards? I¡¯ve proven myself in the war. I can go around alone because I can protect myself.¡±


    Well, that was true¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Your Majesty,¡± she said numbly.


    Cahir sighed against the top of her head. ¡°If you¡¯re so worried, don¡¯t leave my side then.¡±


    In an instant, he ran into the alley across the street, Derek following after a brief nce.


    Rosaline, left alone in front of ¡®Afternoon Sunlight¡¯, grabbed the hem of her dress only after the two disappearedpletely. ¡°Hmm, there really are no customers today.¡± She looked at the sign on the door.


    [We are closed this afternoon due to a rental.]


    Her lips opened slightly. Who else had the power to rent out a popr tea shop on a whim?


    ¡°His Majesty spends money on the most useless things, really. This is why you can¡¯t live without me,¡± she murmured.


    Indeed, as he had said, she couldn¡¯t leave his side for a moment.


    ***


    Az was stuck inside her bedroom, her mood worsening by the moment.


    She swept a vase off a table.


    ¡°Empress Dowager! What¡¯s wrong?!¡± Surprised maids rushed in, bowing deeply.


    Az¡¯s harsh breaths filled the air, chest heaving. ¡°Are you still working on contacting Magnis?¡±


    ¡°I just received a message from the mansion that he¡¯s just left.¡±


    ¡°What did you say? Huh? Hah, did you ask just now?¡±


    The maids shook their heads in unison.


    Az sighed, standing and pushing her hair back. They trembled and scurried back.


    ¡°You don¡¯t do anything properly,¡± the empress dowager said coldly. Tall and imposing, she grabbed a young maid¡¯s chin. ¡°You think this is funny?¡±


    ¡®What did I do wrong?¡¯


    Obviously, Az just had her own standards. Her palms struck both cheeks in quick session. The cruel sounds echoed, making the other maids close their eyes tightly. No one stood up and stopped their master despite feeling sorry for their colleague. The relief at being spared was much stronger than any sympathy.


    ¡°Your Highness! The Duke of Magnis has arrived,¡± called out a shaky voice.


    Her hands lowered. ¡°Oh, really? Hurry up and bring him to the drawing-room. I¡¯ll be right out,¡± she said with a refreshing smile, as if she hadn¡¯t been hitting someone a few seconds ago. She looked at the poor maid and her swollen face. ¡°My palms hurt,¡± she said in a sickly-sweet voice. ¡°Will you bring ice water to the drawing-room?¡±


    The maid bowed so that her forehead touched the floor. ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡±


    Az looked down in satisfaction, then briskly walked away. The young girl couldn¡¯t stand up for a long time even after her master had gone.


    ***


    The Magnises were a family with deep roots, staunchly dedicated to the imperial family. They produced secretaries who supported the emperor from generation to generation. Duke Magnis had also been the secretary of the previous emperor, the youthful head of the aging aristocratic council.


    When the emperor had died and Cahir ascended the throne, he supposedly went back to his territory for health reasons, but everyone knew his closeness with Az somewhat made him the current emperor¡¯s target.


    Not long ago, he returned to the capital, and the empress dowager had reached out to him with a deal concerning his son, Harrison, and his entry into politics.


    Harrison recently graduated with excellent grades, but he was still wandering in the capital without finding a suitable ce.


    ¡°Harrison is doing well, Duke Magnis.¡±


    As expected, Az was smart, wholly different from the previous emperor. Additionally, she looked quite young for her age.


    ¡°Duke Magnis, please, you need to help me.¡±


    ¡°How may a humble servant be of help to the empress dowager? If you give me an order, I¡¯ll do everything in my power to see it fulfilled.¡±


    ¡°The empress selection.¡±


    His gaze changed.


    ***


    ¡°What? The Duke of Magnis?¡±


    After his encounter with Rosaline, Cahir had gone back into the office as if he had never left, looking at the documents. He treated the maids very naturally and encouraged the administrators. When the guards asked where he had been, he brazenly told them that he had been inside all that time.


    ¡°Yes, he and the empress dowager have met. Seeing that they¡¯re not bothering to hide it, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s worth paying attention to.¡±


    Cahir put down his pen. ¡°Derek, he¡¯s a respected loyalist. It hasn¡¯t been long since the empress selection was announced. The empress dowager hasn¡¯t said anything about it yet, has she?¡±


    ¡°You are correct, Your Majesty.¡± Derek scratched his head.


    Everything had already been approved by the aristocratic council. While it was unfavorable for the empress dowager, she had no reason to openly object to such a fair process.


    ¡°They seem to have a candidate in mind for me. Do you have any idea who it is?¡±


    ¡®Oh, this is definitely a trick question.¡¯


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he whispered.


    Unsurprisingly, Cahirughed, then sobered after a moment. ¡°I told you to investigate that woman called E. Is it finished?¡±


    Derek nodded.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you report it then?¡±


    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t interested in the findings anymore. These days, my hands are full just from reporting everything about Secretary Rosaline.¡±


    Cahir nodded after hearing her name, absentmindedly thinking what had¡­


    ¡°Oh, right! Color!¡±


    He realized what it was that was bothering him. After Rosaline had left, the color disappeared from the pce. It was just calm all the time, the emotions dulled. Also, putting his crown in her hands was as natural as flinching after sipping on a too-hot cup of tea, so not having her near made him feel off-kilter.


    ¡®Why is it so boring? I¡¯m so bored. I wonder how Rosaline¡¯s doing.¡¯


    ¡°Okay, you can report it to me now.¡± Cahir crossed his arms expectantly.


    Derek found the right folder on his desk and began reading, and the atmosphere in the room gradually darkened.


    ***


    A few dayster, Rosaline received a letter from Cahir asking for her immediate return.


    ¡°There are still four days left before the selection period. Rosaline, do you have to return now?¡± Mrs. Verite held her daughter¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Mother, the emperor himself asked me to return. I have to go.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, I still don¡¯t like this. I don¡¯t want you participating in the selection,¡± she said tearfully as she packed another dress into the suitcase.


    Rosaline put down her luggage and held her mother¡¯s hands with both of hers. ¡°I¡¯m just participating because it¡¯s required. You don¡¯t need to worry, His Majesty has very high standards.¡±


    However, those words weren¡¯t reassuring at all to a mother who thought her child was the best. No matter what her daughter said, Mrs. Verite¡¯s anxiety only grew.


    ¡°Be careful.¡±


    ¡°There are many youngdies out there who are much prettier than I am.¡± Rosaline smiled and kissed her mother on the cheek.


    ¡°Rosaline, there¡¯s no one as beautiful as you in the world. You are the paragon of loveliness. Don¡¯t let your guard down. I want you to live a normal life.¡±


    Readtest Chapters at W u xiaWorld.Site Only


    The atmosphere truly was different from other households, where they were worried about their youngdies not being chosen.


    Rosaline smiled bitterly.


    ¡°Never. Never be the empress. Rosaline, don¡¯t work hard!¡±

 Chapter 39

    <h2>Chapter 39</h2>


    ***


    ¡°Wee, Secretary Rosaline!¡± Hui greeted her happily, hugging her as if she was an angel of salvation.


    Rosaline limped into her room, which was in the middle of being organized. Hui approached her.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    Hui smiled awkwardly.


    ¡°Which family did His Majesty order to oust?¡±


    She shook her head.


    ¡°Who was sent to the border?¡±


    Once again, that wasn¡¯t the case.


    ¡°Then, is it about the Margove Bank¡­!?¡±


    Truthfully, Rosaline had mixed feelings about them getting investigated, but that shouldn¡¯t have been serious enough to¡­


    ¡°While it¡¯s true that the president of the bank is currently locked in the dungeons, there¡¯s something even more important!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°The empress dowager has made her move regarding the empress selection, so a lot ofst-minute changes are being made! Because of that, His Majesty¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it from here,¡± interrupted Cahir, who came in suddenly. ¡°Hui, can you give me a seat?¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s heart pounded as his eyes remained on her.


    Hui quickly picked up the mop, excused herself, then escaped from the room.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I apologize for myte greetings.¡± She curtseyed.


    ¡°No more greetings, Rosaline.¡± Cahirughed, prompting her own to bubble forth.


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. Do you have any orders for me?¡±


    ¡°Be my empress.¡±


    Everything stopped. Rosaline, Cahir, even the air.


    She blinked.


    <i>¡®What in the world? Just what has the empress dowager done?¡¯</i>


    ***


    Four days ago, Duke Magnis had gone to the pce.


    After that, Az had sauntered into Cahir¡¯s office, and despite his hatred of her, he couldn¡¯t very well chase her out.


    Obviously, this was a development that Rosaline didn¡¯t like.


    <b>***</b>


    <b>¡°Dear Empress Dowager, what brings you here?¡±</b>


    <b>Az unblinkinglyughed, revealing a practiced smile meant to be apuded by others.</b>


    <b>¡°Your Majesty is struggling with the issue of choosing the empress, so how can a mother rest in peace?¡±</b>


    <b>She meant that she didn¡¯t like the n for the selection.</b>


    <b>¡°This is all quite different from tradition.¡±</b>


    <b>She really, really didn¡¯t like it.</b>


    <b>Cahir slowly walked from his desk, gesturing to a couch on one side of the office. ¡°Let¡¯s sit down and talk. Derek, please.¡±</b>


    <b>Derek bowed and went outside.</b>


    <b>¡°Ah, you guys should take a break too,¡± he told his guards. ¡°I have a long conversation to share with the empress dowager. Please, go ahead and sit.¡±</b>


    <b>The guards followed Derek out of the room.</b>


    <b>Cahir wasn¡¯t doing this out of politeness or respect, but rather an unwillingness to be troubled by Az¡¯s nitpicky attitude.</b>


    <b><i>¡®There¡¯s no one listening here, so please put away that pretentious smile and say what you want.¡¯</i></b>


    <b>His own smile dropped.</b>


    <b>The silence was almost deafening, and Az never did stop smiling. The atmosphere made him even more impatient, but he knew that nothing that witch would ever say would be beneficial to him, so he didn¡¯t rush her.</b>


    <b>¡°Of course, I¡¯m here about the empress selection.¡±</b>


    <b>Cahir frowned. The noble council had already agreed, so any vetoes from him would necessitate another meeting. On the other hand, the empress dowager generally didn¡¯t attend such meetings, so she wasn¡¯t in a good position to make demands.</b>


    <b>¡°The empress will be the mother of the empire. We can¡¯t let young and inexperienced nobles decide who she will be.¡±</b>


    <b>Basically, she was indignant that she was being excluded from the process.</b>


    <b>¡°It¡¯s already been decided,¡± Cahir said, annoyed.</b>


    <b>¡°But the authority of the empress¡¯ appointment rests with me, not the emperor. These are thews of Aetheus.¡±</b>


    <b>¡°I know that.¡±</b>


    <b><i>¡®Damn it. I should have gotten rid of that first, but I let myself get pushed into this by Pasita and those damned aristocrats who only ever care about their own safety. Stability, my foot¡­¡¯</i></b>


    <b>In any case, Az was telling the truth.</b>


    <b>But again, the council had already approved of the revised empress selection. Was it too much to hope that the empress dowager would move on?</b>


    <b>¡°Oh my, oh my¡­ Your Majesty, I am not trying to interfere with your work. Please proceed ording to the n.¡±</b>


    <b>What was it this time? Didn¡¯t she just say that it couldn¡¯t be left to young and inexperienced nobles?</b>


    <b><i>¡®This sly woman¡­ Maybe I should have watched her more closely.¡¯</i></b>


    <b>¡°What do you want, then?¡±</b>


    <b>¡°Please pick three.¡±</b>


    <b>¡°Three?¡±</b>


    <b>¡°Yes, Your Majesty. I would like you to choose three from those presented at the nobles¡¯ meeting, and leave the final selection to the hands of the elders.¡±</b>


    <b><i>¡®This is ridiculous. You¡¯re just going to rmend Duke Magnis as an elder.¡¯</i></b>


    <b>What are you going to do if I say no?¡±</b>


    <b>¡°Then we¡¯ll have to get back on track. Aren¡¯t you a nobleman who values tradition?¡± Az looked rxed, as if she had already built a force that could shape public opinion.</b>


    <b>¡°Very well. However, I have a condition.¡±</b>


    <b>¡°¡­?¡± One of her eyebrows rose significantly. ¡°What is it?¡±</b>


    <b>¡°I hope we can have one more person to help make the final decision. How about the priest of the new temple so that we can ensure fairness?¡±</b>


    <b>Az considered it. The priest from Berlos? Fine. She only needed to know who he was and she¡¯d be able to buy him off.</b>


    <b>¡°Alright, Your Majesty. Then, I¡¯ll be leaving.¡± She beamed, then stood and ran into a maid.</b>


    <b>¡°Empress Dowager¡­ The¡­¡±</b>


    <b>¡°No need. I¡¯ll have tea in my pce. I¡¯ve heard some suspicious stories about strange drugs in their drink.¡±</b>


    <b>¡°Ah¡­ This servant wouldn¡¯t dare¡­¡± The maid¡¯s hand trembled.</b>


    <b>¡°I¡¯m just kidding. His Majesty¡¯s maid would never do such a thing to me, his mother.¡± Az turned to look at Cahir, as if to say that he would never be free of her.</b>


    <b>He grinned as he saw through her childish intentions.</b>


    <b>***</b>


    <b>¡°Why did shee here?¡± Derek approached Cahir, who wasying on the sofa and staring sullenly at the ceiling. His own expression was dark, likely because the maids exined what had happened, and it grew even darker after a brief exnation. ¡°Will it be faster to just convince the elders and nobles?¡±</b>


    <b>¡°No. I need a candidate who will definitely be on our side.¡± Cahir sat up, eyes glimmering.</b>


    <b>***</b>


    <b>That night, Cahir stood on the balcony under a moonless night. He cringed whenever he heard the patrolling guards¡¯ armor nk, an ufortable side effect of his heightened alertness that had always served him well.</b>


    <b>¡°Someone on my side¡­ Definitely on my side¡­¡±</b>


    <b>He reflected on his conversation with Az. Three candidates. That meant she was confident that her pick would be one of the finalists.</b>


    <b>His head hurt.</b>


    <b><i>¡®I have a hunch on who it is. Az wouldn¡¯t leave this matter to chance.¡¯</i></b>


    <b>On his end, that meant that he needed at least one candidate who was fully one of his own.</b>


    <b>¡°Delia?¡±</b>


    <b>But Hamburg¡¯s daughter was already married. Besides, she wasn¡¯t exactly the best person to win over the nobility. She once ran around with a knife and refused to even touch an embroidery hoop.</b>


    <b>Cahir didn¡¯t want to marry her either.</b>


    <b>And so he was back to his original problem, as no other familypletely loyal to him came to mind.</b>


    <b>¡°Intelligent, unconditionally on my side, like¡­ Ah?¡±</b>


    <b>It was as if a bright star shone on his head. Like a sh.</b>


    <b>¡°Rosaline!¡±</b>


    <b><i>¡®Why did I think of her just now!?¡¯</i></b>


    <b>She was the perfect empress candidate, so much that he felt a bit pathetic for only realizing it thatte. She was the perfect partner for him.</b>


    <b>If it was Rosaline, it was possible. She looked as good as him, was even wiser than him on some asions. She was one of the best people he had ever brought to his side.</b>


    <b>¡°If it¡¯s Rosaline, no one has a problem.¡±</b>


    <b>He suddenly felt so much better. Cahir grinned as he walked to his bed. He hadn¡¯t been able to sleep well for the past few days, but now he felt like he could contentedly fall asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.</b>


    <b>***</b>


    Three dayster, Rosaline was brought back into the pce.


    Cahir had made a long speech to Derek that she was the answer to everything.


    ¡°She¡¯s just the perfect woman.¡±


    As soon as she arrived, Cahir went to her bedroom to talk about the n in person.


    ***


    Rosaline looked even prettier than usual after their long time apart. Cahir wondered if it was the food at the Verite estate. Perhaps he should ask what it was so that he could have her eat it every day.


    Her greeting was so elegant as well.


    <i>¡®If anyone in the world could be better than me, it would have to be her.¡¯</i>


    Cahir was confident that she would y the role of the empress excellently. She would be the type to be praised for future generations toe.


    ¡°Be my empress.¡±

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


    ****


    ¡®Oh, I should have said she should be one of the final candidates.¡¯


    Well, semantics. Cahir had already said it, and Rosaline would be the empress anyway. No need to retract his statement.


    He looked at her. She blinked. He wiggled his brows slightly.


    Rosaline¡¯s reaction was¡­ inscrutable.


    Wasn¡¯t the position of empress something highly coveted?


    ¡°Do I need to say it again? Be the empress, Rosaline. The pinnacle of womenfolk, the center of power and society¡­ Rosaline?¡±


    She remained unmoved.


    Was something wrong? Derek¡¯s words about proposing to Hui came to mind, but how could thatpare with the gravity of being the empress? Still, it wasn¡¯t too unlikely that most women had fantasies of how they would be proposed to.


    ¡®If that¡¯s the case, then I¡¯m confident I can make this grand.¡¯


    Cahir swept his golden hair back with a smile. ¡°Rosaline, don¡¯t worry. The actual proposal will be great enough to make its mark on history.¡±


    ¡°What? A proposal?¡±


    ¡®That¡¯s not it, Your Majesty!¡¯


    ***


    Late at night, two dark figures entered Az¡¯s bedroom. In the hallway remained only the most loyal of servants.


    It was a quiet night.


    ¡°I¡¯m here, Mother-inw, may the light of the goddess Eteusis shine on you for a long time. It¡¯s been a while¡­ How have you been?¡± E lowered her hood, revealing the small face and long neck that stimted a desire to conquer.


    ¡°The Duke of Magnis greets the empress dowager,¡± said the other figure.


    ¡°Wee, I¡¯m very sorry for making you walk all the way to this shabby ce.¡± Az smiled brightly at the two.


    Though, of course, her quarters were far from being shabby. It practically shone during the daytime, adorned with gold and stained ss. Splendor and luxury were herpanions.


    ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful ce. Mother-inw¡¯s eyes are truly discerning.¡±


    ¡°You have a special talent for recognizing value, E.¡± Az covered her mouth and smiled pretentiously.


    The three sat down at a round table. There was not much time left before the empress selection, and the empress dowager had rejected all of Duke Magnis¡¯s suggestions. She wanted E.


    ¡°Do you still have Cahir in your heart, E?¡±


    E blushed, lowering her head and looking positively cute and naive.


    It was truly a sight to see an innocent person fall in love.


    ¡®Besides, she doesn¡¯t look like an airhead.¡¯


    Az remembered how she had looked at Rosaline and Cahir at the banquet. She hadn¡¯t even seemed offended, rather, E had tried to relieve Az¡¯s mood.


    ¡®You¡¯re a smart one. If you want to be by his side for a long time, that¡¯s a given.¡¯


    Even if her son, Karon, got married and had a child quickly, it would still take a long time for the emperor¡¯s seat to be within grasp. What she really needed was someone who could fool Cahir while listening to her orders.


    She needed an empress, and she had found her.


    Az smiled meaningfully. ¡°E, I really like you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Your Highness.¡±


    ¡°The pce is such a lonely ce. Furthermore, Cahir is¡­¡± She pulled out ace handkerchief to wipe her tears. ¡°Can you be that child¡¯s strength?¡± Az asked, smiling kindly and stroking E¡¯s hand on the table.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be happy to do it if I can.¡±


    ¡°Sir Magnis, I rmend Lady E to be Cahir¡¯s empress. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I am at your service, Your Highness.¡±


    Az smiled, satisfied. E looked down and turned away, the figure of a pure girl who was embarrassed talking about her beloved.


    However, despite her appearance, her thoughts were much less innocent.


    ¡®I¡¯ll be the empress anyway. What was Rosaline even thinking? Even if she¡¯s also a transmigrator, we naturally have different roles. She dares to show off in front of me? The day I be empress, she¡¯ll be thrown out immediately.¡¯


    Her smile was soft.


    Duke Magnis just looked at the two women.


    ¡®Since I¡¯ve chosen the empress dowager, I¡¯ll have to be willing to do anything even if it¡¯s beyond my capabilities. I just hope this helps my son.¡¯


    ***


    Rosaline may have been in the pce, but she wasn¡¯t working as a secretary. To be precise, Cahir had forbidden her from working.


    ¡®Then why on earth did you have to bring me back early?¡¯


    ¡°Secretary Rosaline, today I¡¯m going to massage you with a cream mixed with honey, lemon, and pearl powder.¡± Uena, a maid of the pce,id an obedient Rosaline on a fluffy nket.


    She stared nkly at the ceiling.


    ¡®Why am I here?¡¯


    Cold cream was applied to her face.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know His Majesty was such a romantic! I mean, he always had you in his heart all along, Secre¡ªno, Rosaline. Was it all because of this that either of you refused to get married before? Kya~!¡±


    Her voice felt like a distant dream, and so were the matching squeals of the other maids.


    ¡°Oh my, oh my, and now you will be Empress Rosa¡ªno¡­ We apologize, Sec¡ªno, that¡¯s not it either¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, just speak as you are used to. That¡¯s morefortable for me too¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s words opened the floodgates of Uena¡¯s excited chatter about romance and envy.


    She had be the main character of a dramatic y, so all the women in the imperial pce let their imaginations run wild. Whenever she passed by, maids blushed and held hands to their chests.


    ¡®This is all because of His Majesty¡­¡¯


    ¡°Rx, Secretary Rosaline. When you¡¯re tense, the muscles in your neck and shoulders turn stiff. We all want you to be the most beautiful bride at the big wedding.¡±


    Thinking of Cahir worsened her condition.


    Rosaline smiled awkwardly and sighed. ¡°Uena, I¡¯m not the empress yet.¡±


    A hand pressed down firmly on her muscles. ¡°You mustn¡¯t say that! You mustn¡¯t trample on His Majesty¡¯s pure feelings!¡±


    ¡°Uena¡­ aren¡¯t you kneading too hard?¡±


    ¡°Of course, not.¡±


    On the day she returned to the pce, Cahir had asked her to be his empress. It wasn¡¯t a true proposal, it was no different from when he hired her as secretary.


    ¡®And now I need to be the empress?¡¯


    She still choked in disbelief whenever she remembered it. How could he just pick her so haphazardly? There was so much at stake!


    Maybe this was the effect of her teaching him the value of having talented people by his side.


    ¡®Should I have taught him the importance of love first? But in the original, His Majesty found love on his own¡­¡¯


    ¡°Secretary Rosaline? Are you ufortable?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine.¡±


    Uena paused and looked at her. When Rosaline smiled and raised her hand, the maid moved again, this time targeting the muscles in her neck until her jaw ached.


    ¡®This pain is all because of His Majesty!¡¯


    The day after he had proposed out of nowhere, Cahir finally informed Derek of thetest development.


    By that time, the rumors had already snowballed into an avnche in the imperial pce.


    From a simple order, the gossip had evolved from him falling in love with Rosaline at first sight, then to him pining after her all these years, then to him being willing to throw away everything he had for her.


    People¡¯s imaginations often went too far. Perhaps the only difference between humans and animals was the ability to spin stories.


    Cahir¡¯s n was evident, really. He wouldn¡¯t have said it near a hallway with many maids otherwise. This was all part of his scheme to prevent Rosaline from escaping.


    She frowned. Uena noticed and began rubbing her forehead.


    ¡°Secretary Rosaline, I heard that His Majesty sends flowers every morning. Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Haaaah¡­¡±


    Uena hurriedly apologized and focused only on her work.


    ***


    Rosaline freaked out as soon as she opened her bedroom door. There was no space left for her to step on; the floor was teeming with flower baskets.


    She picked one up and handed it to the guard assigned to her room. ¡°Take it with you on your way home.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that, Secretary Rosaline! These are flowers that His Majesty gave¡­ My head will surely fly if I take them!¡±


    ¡°¡­Look over there.¡± She pointed towards the wide-open bedroom door.


    ***

 Chapter 41

    <h2>Chapter 41</h2>


    ¡°I can¡¯t go inside like this, right?¡±


    The knight frowned, then nodded. Rosaline pushed the flower basket into his arms, and he put it down next to him.


    One step. One flower basket out.


    He called out to a maid who was passing by, ¡°Here, take this.¡±


    ¡°Oh my! How beautiful! Thank you, Miss Secretary! His Majesty must have fallen in love with your kind heart.¡±


    Rosaline smiled bitterly, continuing to hand out baskets. Only after getting rid of ten of them could she finally sit down. Her entire room was full, it seemed, to the point where she almost wondered if she had stumbled into a garden instead of her room.


    ¡°How much is all this¡­?¡± she murmured.


    She quit counting when the overbearing fragrance muddled her head.


    And it had only just begun¡­


    Cahir¡¯s gift offensive, which began the day after his order, made her want to scream. There was no end to them¡ªperhaps this was what he wanted her to look forward to?


    Flowers and gift boxes were piled up in her room, in her closets. She didn¡¯t even bother opening all of them because it would take so much time.


    ¡°This is¡­¡±


    Rosaline, the recipient of the proposal, was not very impressed. She sighed, slumping over the table and closing her eyes.


    She knew why Cahir had asked her to be the empress. He didn¡¯t want a candidate that Az chose, and he needed someone smart beside him who wouldn¡¯t be swayed by her either.


    ¡°And that¡¯s me.¡±


    <i>¡®I just wanted a normal life, quietly marrying someone and managing a small estate.¡¯</i>


    It was clear that being the empress would satisfy none of those dreams, aplete turnaround. Nevertheless, it was unlikely that she would be able to avoid it.


    <i>¡®I can¡¯t just sit here! Life is about taking fate into your own hands! But what can I do?¡¯</i>


    Rosaline jumped to her feet when she heard a knock.


    ¡°Secretary Rosaline, where shall I put this?¡±


    ¡°Just throw it in!¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡± The servant faltered, taking a small step back.


    ¡°No, no, it¡¯s alright. Give it to me.¡± She hurriedly approached to receive the gift. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    As soon as she was alone, she threw it on the bed and set out to find Cahir.


    ***


    ¡°Move the flowers to this side. Here¡¯s a list of species¡­ And then the golden carriage¡­ Oh, Rosaline.¡±


    He had been so focused on work that he didn¡¯t even hear her approach. Then again, he had already ordered the attendant to let her in even without permission.


    Cahir smiled slightly, handing over the documents to Derek. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the restter,¡± he said, before promptly kicking the grumbling man out of his office as he moved to the couch.


    He blinked expectantly, removing his cumbersome crown and leaning back. ¡°Rosaline, do you have something to say?¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, you already know what I¡¯m going to say.¡±


    ¡°Hm? What do you mean? I don¡¯t know.¡± He smiled cheekily.


    Rosaline tilted her head wordlessly.


    Cahir sighed when he realized he couldn¡¯t squeeze out of this one.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious about weing you as my empress. I can¡¯t back down now, and the rumors are already what they are. It¡¯s a good thing, I think. I¡¯m even more popr than usual.¡± He made an exaggerated face. ¡°Come here and sit down. My throat hurts.¡±


    She scrunched her nose. She couldn¡¯t help herself in front of him, even if she knew better.


    <i>¡®It¡¯s all maternal love. Maternal.¡¯</i>


    Rosaline sat across from him. ¡°The selection hasn¡¯t even officially started yet. What¡¯s wrong with you, Your Majesty?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m paying more attention precisely because it hasn¡¯t started yet. My heart is already yours, so you don¡¯t need to be so conscious of filial piety¡ª¡±


    ¡°Please stop lying, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Was it that obvious?¡±


    ¡°Very much so.¡± She crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks.


    Cahir poked her cheek. ¡°You look like a cuddly stuffed toy right now.¡± He pointed to her desk. ¡°Like that bear doll.¡±


    Well, that brought back memories.


    It was three years ago on her birthday when she asked for a stuffed bear doll because she¡¯d seen one at a charity event. Except Cahir, being¡­ Cahir, gave her one the size of a bed. It took four knights just to carry it around.


    <b>¡°I meant one that¡¯s palm-sized, Your Majesty.¡±</b>


    He had acquiesced, although the next bear had diamond eyes and a golden nose. That was the one sitting on her desk right now.


    The scale of his gifts had always been different.


    <i>¡®I should have taught him to make sure his gifts don¡¯t make the recipient feel burdened¡­ Looking back, I missed teaching him too many things.¡¯</i>


    Her face darkened with her thoughts.


    ¡°Rosaline? What are you thinking about? Are you thinking about what to do after you be the empress? You¡¯ll do very well, so you don¡¯t have to worry. What do you think of just restingfortably for now?¡±


    ¡°Me? Rest?¡±


    Although it was true that she was technically on a break from being a secretary.


    ¡°Why? Don¡¯t you feel like you¡¯re resting?¡± An eyebrow shot up. ¡°Is the number of maids insufficient? Or are they not doing their jobs properly? Or is the massage not good? Come to think of it, recently¡­¡±


    Her eyes widened. ¡°Not at all! The maids are allpetent, and the massage makes me fall asleep easily.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really? I¡¯m d you¡¯re satisfied.¡±


    <i>¡®Whew, I almost made trouble for people who are good at their jobs.¡¯</i>


    The reason Rosaline couldn¡¯t rest was that her schedule was now filled with a different type of rest. Baths, walks for fresh air, massages, hot spring baths¡­ She only ever finished doing all of those when it was sundown.


    Her mind was also busy, constantly thinking what all those gifts meant, as well as whether there was a way to reject the position of empress without going against Cahir¡¯s will.


    ¡°I¡¯m very, very satisfied with this life.¡±


    ¡°Really? You can tell me if there¡¯s something¡­¡±


    ¡°Uena is perfect, really. She rubs my shoulders and I fall asleep almost instantly.¡±


    And she wasn¡¯t even overstating it. Uena truly was one of the best masseuses in the pce. Just thinking about it made her rx.


    ¡°It¡¯s like¡­ a giant cat pressing down on me.¡±


    ¡°A¡­ giant cat?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Rosaline beamed.


    Cahir scratched his forehead. He couldn¡¯t imagine what it felt like to be pressed down by a cat.


    ¡°Well, if you¡¯re so satisfied, I¡¯ll give her a reward, then.¡±


    ¡°For Uena? Hmmm, if so, please give her pearl earrings,¡± she suggested, pleased that Cahir had acknowledged Uena¡¯s ability.


    ¡°I¡¯ll order them right away.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty. She¡¯ll love them.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, I think you¡¯re feeling better too.¡±


    <i>¡®Oh.¡¯</i>


    Her mouth opened slowly. Had she ever talked this long with Cahir before? About something unrted to state administration?


    Never.


    He never had any personal interest in other people. He didn¡¯t even have the names of all his aides memorized unless they were close associates. Did this mean he was showing interest in Uena?


    ¡­Probably not.


    Then, was it because of her? Because he listened to her?


    Rosaline stiffened.


    <i>¡®Is he being considerate of me?¡¯</i>


    She wanted to deny it, but his satisfied smile seemed like an ¡®I¡¯m-proud-to-have-made-Rosaline-happy¡¯ expression.


    Fists clenched on knees. A heart started beating faster.


    Cahir¡¯s sudden change in attitude made it difficult for Rosaline to adapt. He had even orchestrated and executed a love story with her all on his own.


    Was it another of his schemes?


    Rosaline took a deep breath to calm herself.


    ¡°So, why did youe?¡± Cahir smilingly asked.


    They stared at each other for a moment.


    ¡°¡­love¡­¡±


    She couldn¡¯t stop thinking about it.


    ¡°Hm? You love me? Well, I knew it¡¯d happen at some point, but weren¡¯t you the one who said you didn¡¯t want to be empress? The confession is a little sudden, but I¡¯ll admit it feels good. It would be nice if the emperor was loved by the empress, right? But if you ask me, Rosaline, I promise I will try to fall in love with you too in the future.¡±


    Hey¡ª! Why was he blinking like that!? And running his fingers through his hair like he was preening from the attention of a lovesick woman¡­!?

 Chapter 42

    <h2>Chapter 42</h2>


    Even if it was just a misunderstanding, this was a bit too much.


    Rosaline rubbed her aching forehead.


    <i>¡®He¡¯ll try to fall in love with me? Even passersby wouldugh. Is he getting too immersed into the role of a romantic?¡¯</i>


    Actually¡­ that didn¡¯t seem to be too imusible. Cahir was used to controlling his emotions. Now that he needed a passionate love story to convince the people, it was easy for him to turn up the charm and affection. Just look at the deluge of gifts!


    She straightened, scolding her heart for wavering. ¡°Your Majesty, Ick the qualities of an empress. Please reconsider your orders.¡±


    Contrary to expectations, though, he didn¡¯t react angrily, didn¡¯t even blink.


    ¡°Your¡­ Majesty?¡± Rosaline bit her lower lip.


    ¡°You mentioned love first.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°Misunderstanding? Are you saying you don¡¯t love me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t! That doesn¡¯t even make sense!¡±


    Cahir frowned at her confident answer, the atmosphere quickly turning ufortable. ¡°Why do you¡­ hate me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t hate you, Your Majesty,¡± she said honestly.


    ¡°Really? That¡¯s good, we can proceed ordingly.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t want to do that.¡± Rosaline was determined to speak her mind.


    Cahir¡¯s eyebrows twitched. His gaze felt warm, engulfing and overwhelming her even if it was not meant to subdue.


    Daylight streamed through the office windows, but why did it feel so suffocating?


    She found that she couldn¡¯t say a word when faced with such pressure.


    ¡°Rosaline.¡±


    The woman in question was avoiding eye contact by staring at a painting on the wall.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t hate me, be my empress. I¡¯ll make sure you won¡¯te to hate me and your position.¡±


    She grimaced.


    ¡°The rumors have already spread uncontrobly. They call me a hopeless romantic, a possessive, overprotective lover.¡±


    Rosaline knew this already. She knew that even if she refused now, the person next to him on the day of the big wedding would still be her. The rumors circting within the imperial pce would soon travel to the capital. She¡¯d bet all her meager assets that there would only be a slight dy before they spread all the way to the borders.


    No matter how much she would deny it or im it was only a strategy, nobody would believe her.


    If she didn¡¯t get married to Cahir, the rumors would have to follow her for the rest of her life. She¡¯d have to endure pitying looks, and she would probably never get married either. While it was difficult to remain an unmarrieddy in Aetheus, she would endure it if she had to. However, she hated being pitied.


    And her parents would have to deal with the scandal too.


    ¡°So I have to be the empress no matter what, is that what you mean?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He was smiling, but his eyes seemed full of bitterness.


    Rosaline was caught in a trap, one so obvious that she should have seen it¡­No. She<i>had</i>seen it, but she foolishly fell into it anyway.


    <i>¡®Is it really inevitable?¡¯</i>


    ¡°I mean it. I¡¯ll make sure you don¡¯t hate being the empress.¡±


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Are you going to give me everything I want?¡±


    Cahir fell silent. He was a rational man, despite the asional bouts of spontaneity, if he did say so himself. He didn¡¯t know what conditions Rosaline would suggest, but he couldn¡¯t blindly agree to them.


    ¡°At least listen to me.¡±


    Rosaline looked at him closely as if to check his sincerity. He endured her evaluating gaze, crossing his arms and leaning back into the couch. Unlike his rxed posture, his fingers tapped a beat into his forearms anxiously.


    She wondered what she would ask of him.


    ¡°I need time.¡±


    Cahir stood. ¡°The empress selection officially begins tomorrow. Is that enough time to think?¡±


    ¡°There are multiple rumors that I have already been favored by Your Majesty, which would seem no different from winning the selection. Who will try to oppose me?¡±


    Obviously, the people nted by the empress dowager.


    And he had yet to tell Rosaline that E would be participating.


    He liked Rosaline¡¯s confidence.


    Despite her reluctance, she didn¡¯tin or run away. She was thinking of ways to create a favorable situation, just like what he was nning.


    Cahir grinned.


    <i>¡®She¡¯s so pretty that it¡¯s amazing. I don¡¯t think anyone else could suit me better.¡¯</i>


    When he saw her roll her eyes, his impulses spiked.


    He jumped to his feet, striding to her in five steps. This all felt quite new and confusing to him, but he strangely¡­ knew exactly what he wanted to do.


    <i>¡®Have I ever wanted someone like this in my entire life? Anything? I don¡¯t think so¡­¡¯</i>


    He wanted Rosaline not because she was a woman, or because she was insanelypetent, but just because she was herself. His desire felt like a spark in a bone-dry field. Cahir wasn¡¯t even thinking at this point, standing in front of her while rummaging through his pockets, unable to tear himself away from her sky-blue eyes.


    Perhaps if he knew what Cahir was doing right now, Derek would faint.


    Cahir smirked.


    <i>¡®It seems that there are still so many things that I don¡¯t understand.¡¯</i>


    He was enjoying the sight of her eyes rolling. The way his shadow covered her, shrinking as he went closer.


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±


    His left knee sank to the ground, something he had never done before due to his pride and status.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it, Rosaline. Marry me and I¡¯ll be your husband.¡±


    Cahir pulled out a small box, and the entire time, Rosaline was wondering if her ears were defective.


    Her gaze alternated between the ring and Cahir, whose scarlet eyes stared straight at her.


    She froze, his gentle demeanor easing some of her negative thoughts.


    <i>¡®This is more like a request than an order¡­ But are marriage and me being empress two different things to him? Because why is he doing this now?¡¯</i>


    ¡°Are you really asking to marry me, Your Majesty?¡± she asked cautiously.


    Heughed, and she didn¡¯t know if he¡¯d ever seen him more handsome than in this moment.


    ¡°Yes, I am. Also, Rosaline¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty?¡± She felt unusually calm despite the initial shock. Her body felt light, as if it would float away from all her heavy thoughts.


    ¡°Can I get up now?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Cahir stood. ¡°So, will you marry me?¡±


    Rosaline fell silent again.


    <i>¡®Why does he want to marry me in particr? Surely there are other candidates who will be loyal to him and y their part in society.¡¯</i>


    ¡°Your Majesty, my family is so very humblepared to you. Still¡­ you are fine with me?¡±


    ¡°Is that a problem?¡±


    ¡°Pardon me for saying this, but Your Majesty does not entirely have the support of the nobility. If the empress¡¯s family is one that is respected among their peers, it will be a great help.¡±


    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s possible. But Rosaline, I don¡¯t need the power of the nobility.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ Yes?¡±


    Cahir stroked his chin. ¡°I don¡¯t need the family of my empress to be strong. I¡¯m supposed to be the most powerful man in the empire, so what would it matter if I had or did not have the support of one ducal family? Anyway, I like that your family isn¡¯t hungry for power.¡±


    Rosaline almost nodded, convinced by his reasoning.


    <i>¡®No! You can¡¯t just be swept away like this!¡¯</i>


    ¡°Your Majesty, it makes me ashamed to bring this up, but in the past, you certainly said that you didn¡¯t like me.¡±


    ¡°When did I say that?¡±


    ¡°On the first day of me being a secretary, Derek said that you hated me for being¡­ prettier than Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right, I remember now. I couldn¡¯t believe that there was actually someone who looked so gorgeous. I felt betrayed by the goddess Etheusis.¡±


    Rosaline smiled awkwardly.


    <i>¡®I admit that she gave you everything, but that personality¡­!¡¯</i>

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


    Rosaline¡¯s stare was about to bore a hole into his face. ¡°Your Majesty! We work together really well, but that¡¯s all! Don¡¯t forget that the negative first impression you had about me almost made you doubt the love of the goddess Eteusis!¡± She sped her hands together.


    Cahir¡¯s eyes were somewhat zed in reminiscence. ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s better. You¡¯ll shine even on your own. Perhaps when the two of us stand side by side, the brilliance will double. No, I¡¯m certain of it. Even the imperial painters will not be able to capture such magnificence.¡±


    He imagined standing next to Rosaline, not the one who always wore simple dresses to work, but the one who wore gowns adorned withce and jewels. It was a blinding vision, indeed.


    She¡¯d failed. Spectacrly so. The conversation started with her wanting to probe what he wanted in an empress, but evolved into her needing to exin why she wasn¡¯t a good fit for it.


    ¡°Your Majesty, the empress traditionally isn¡¯t involved in politics and administration¡­¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, you know better than anyone that I hate stupidity the most. You¡¯re smart, and also one of the prettiest people I¡¯ve ever seen. One might even say that you¡¯re impossibly perfect.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a bit older than marriageable age¡­¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m even older than you, so it doesn¡¯t matter. I even heard that it was disgusting if an older bachelor wanted to marry someone who just debuted in society.¡±


    ¡®Oh¡­ Was I the one who said that?¡¯


    Rosaline wanted to go back in time and pinch her mouth shut.


    ¡°Are my reasons for marrying you sufficiently clear?¡± Cahir stepped closer.


    ¡°There is still¡­!¡±


    ¡°Are you going to write a hundred reports on why you shouldn¡¯t be empress? Or will I write them on why you should? Why do you hate it so much?¡±


    ¡°I already told you before. I want to date first before getting married, act all lovey-dovey and have children.¡±


    ¡°You want to have a rtionship?¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course! Love¡­¡±


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll date you.¡±


    ¡®What nonsense is this? Dating isn¡¯t a game! Do we just start now? There should be a grace period for this¡­! And more importantly, the empress selection begins tomorrow.¡¯


    ¡°We can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°The selection starts tomorrow, so I won¡¯t have time to meet with Your Majesty. Do you even know what dating is? Do you think we can start right now and be done with it?¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, what do you take me for? Why did I ask that the selection take ce in the First Star Pce, which is closest to the main pce? Of course, it¡¯s to see you often and take you on dates.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, don¡¯t say you chose it with that in mind. I know that¡¯s not it.¡±


    Cahir groaned.


    ¡°Are you teasing me?¡± Rosaline crossed her arms and closed the distance between them, so much that it would be hard for a person to pass through.


    He bowed, her breaths tickling his chin all the way to his heart, making it jolt. It was annoying how he could hear the pounding in his ears, distracting him.


    His eyes turned fierce. ¡°Me? Making fun of the empress-to-be?¡±


    ¡°Definitely teasing me,¡± she muttered, pouting and blushing.


    ¡®Oh, she is adorable.¡¯


    Cahir smirked. ¡°I don¡¯t like jokes, though? I¡¯m always so serious.¡± His hand hovered over her waist. ¡°And Rosaline, if I were to teach you another thing you don¡¯t know¡­ It¡¯s that I¡¯m a devoted gentleman when ites to mydy.¡±


    She knew that. She had read the novel, her heart had fluttered then.


    ¡®But that¡¯s only for the woman you love, right?¡¯


    ¡°Rosaline, shall we kiss to seal the eptance of our marriage?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say yes!¡± She moved away abruptly, almost stumbling.


    Cahirughed, looking at his hands. ¡°Then, how about dating?¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty! Please don¡¯t joke around!¡±


    ¡°Ah, I¡¯ll remember that my prospective empress hates jokes.¡±


    It was quite fun, doing this. Rosaline had always been rational and unperturbed, and yet she was showing him such a flustered face now. She was undeniably fun to be around. He wanted to be with her, just like this.


    ¡°I¡¯m honestly thinking about dating. Rosaline, can you teach me how to do it?¡±


    ¡®Those lips¡­ that little furrow in her forehead, whether in anger or irritation, those trembling eyes¡­¡¯


    His smile was calm even as she puffed her cheeks.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ve never been in a rtionship either. Since I can¡¯t teach you, why don¡¯t you try meeting a woman who has more experience?¡±


    It was a bit of a stretch to say all that, but it was true. Even before her possession, Rosaline had never been in a rtionship. She got along well with people regardless of their age or gender, and she had many male friends among the staff, but she had never developed romantic feelings for any of them.


    ¡°Then, let¡¯s learn together.¡±


    Her tactics didn¡¯t work on Cahir. Rather, he even seemed pleased.


    His mouth twitched. ¡°Should we shake hands first? Shall we cooperate?¡±


    Rosaline was irritated. She knew of his past from the novel. He didn¡¯t date, but he was acquainted with a lot of women. However, the Cahir she knew after her possession wasn¡¯t like that at all¡­


    ¡®But it¡¯s still unfair!¡¯


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± He let his hand rest on her waist despite her frown. ¡°I don¡¯t think this was too overwhelming or surprising.¡±


    A sigh burst out of her lips. Did he not even notice that she was angry? She wanted to be with someone who understood her and supported her even if she didn¡¯t explicitly say anything!


    ¡®This is why I can¡¯t be with him!¡¯


    Rosaline resolved to reject him properly for that reason. It was the only valid one she could think of at the moment, and she was proud of herself for thinking of it.


    ¡°Hmm? Rosaline, are you mad? Was I being too selfish again?¡±


    Her knees weakened in shock. Cahir caught her smoothly, his familiar scent enveloping her and softening her heart.


    This man, who had only ever cared for himself, noticed her anger and the reason for it. Despite his arrogance¡­!


    ¡°If so, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    And he even apologized!


    Rosaline¡¯s legs had lost all strength at this point. Cahir, on the other hand, maintained a firm grip as he supported her weight, tucking stray strands of hair behind her ear.


    ¡°Too much fun, hm? My empress said she doesn¡¯t want to work, so I¡¯ll have to work even harder in her ce.¡± He smiled, making sure she was stable before going to her desk and picking up the documents there.


    ¡®He¡¯s not Cahir¡­ someone reced him with this¡­ charming, considerate¡­¡¯


    She couldn¡¯t take her eyes off the picturesque figure arranging reports.


    ***


    Derek ran into the office, his forehead sweaty.


    ¡°Your Majesty! The wizards aren¡¯t prepared to shoot the fireworks yet! I¡¯m really sorry, but¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I already proposed.¡±


    ¡°Yes? Wait, when? Where?¡±


    So far, Derek had been struggling to prepare the best proposal that Aetheus¡ªno, the world¡ªwould ever see. Imperial wizards had been summoned on short notice, maids filled the pce with flowers, a three-tiered cake was ordered¡­


    He had been running around like a fire was under his butt! The only thing left was for the fireworks disy and the proposal that would lead Rosaline into the golden carriage.


    ¡°Please pack up the things outside.¡±


    Derek¡¯s body was sapped of its strength, mourning the proposal that would have been inscribed into history books.


    ¡®I can¡¯t even do this for Hui either.¡¯


    ¡°Since we¡¯ve prepared all this, the fireworks at least¡­¡±


    ¡°I already told you not to. Do I need to repeat myself?¡±


    Derek swallowed his dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Also, please lend me a book about love studies from the library.¡±


    ¡°Love studies?¡±


    What kind of absurd request was this?


    ¡°I¡¯ve decided to date Rosaline in earnest, so I need to know what to do.¡±


    Annoyed, Derek only stared at Cahir, who had gone back to reading whatever document he had in his hands. Granted, it was probably resentment due to the unfulfilled proposal.


    ¡°Are you waiting for anything?¡±


    Derek sighed. Love was something one had to experience firsthand, not read in books. It was frustrating, but¡­ he would only do as he was told.


    ¡®Even His Majesty needs to learn that not everything in the world can go his way.¡¯


    Yes, this was absolutely not because he was holding a grudge. This was only because Cahir needed to have a glimpse of reality.


    He smiled with great determination.

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


    ¡°I¡¯m honestly thinking about dating. Rosaline, can you teach me how to do it?¡±


    Rosaline was in bed, clenching her fists as she recalled his words.


    ¡®He wants to date? Well, who said that I want to be his teacher?¡¯


    The more she thought about it, the more ridiculous it was. She had her own romantic fantasies, and they weren¡¯t on the level of ¡®fated love¡¯ or anything like that, she at least wanted to be sincerely loved. She didn¡¯t want to cry, and she didn¡¯t want the pressures of overwhelming affection either.


    She just wanted an ordinary rtionship!


    ¡®Teach him about dating? I should have refused properly.¡¯


    Rosaline had been too shocked by his out-of-character apology, and she was regretting it now.


    It felt surreal that her life would be so affected by political necessity.


    Another sigh among multiple escaped her.


    ¡°Secretary Rosaline, it¡¯s Hui. May Ie in?¡±


    Her friend came just in time before she started screaming into her pillow. Rosaline jumped out of bed. Hui was practically a sister to her, a small shelter against the stress of her work.


    ¡°Come on in! Have you been very busy? This is my first time seeing you today.¡±


    When Rosaline herself opened the door, Hui¡¯s eyes shed in surprise for a moment before she remembered that her friend was not the empress yet. As Cahir paid more and more attention to Rosaline, it was easy to forget that.


    ¡°Why do you look like that?¡±


    Hui had been too lost in thought to even think of entering. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s been a while since I saw you. Did something happen? You look tired.¡±


    The door closed behind them. Rosaline rubbed the back of her head and smiled awkwardly. She wanted toin that Cahir was acting strangely, but she hesitated, lowering her gaze.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    There was a strange object in Hui¡¯s hand. It looked like a ball.


    ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s the official start of the empress selection, right? I thought you¡¯d have some trouble sleeping, so I brought some herbs to help you. The smell is supposed to put you at ease.¡±


    The palm-sized ball was made from bamboo strips woven together into a shell that was filled with herbs. A sweet, grassy aroma filled Rosaline¡¯s lungs, and while it wasn¡¯t enough to calm her down, it really did smell good. She looked at Hui admiringly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me with those eyes. Erica was the one who made it.¡±


    Erica?


    ¡°I wonder why¡­ She must be busy, being His Majesty¡¯s maid.¡±


    Cahir had very few people who served him directly, not because of ack of manpower, but because he only trusted those very few to do their work properly. That resulted in the workload being doubled, even tripled. Really, it was a demanding job, so it was surprising that Erica had taken the time to make even something so small.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s His Majesty¡¯s request¡­?¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s smile faded in her incredulity.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t realize it until now?¡± Hui sighed.


    ¡°What¡­? Tell me what I don¡¯t know, Hui.¡± She put her hands together in front of her chest.


    ¡®She¡¯s so cute! This is what His Majesty fell for, right? Derek told me not to tell her, but how can I resist when she¡¯s looking at me like that?¡¯


    Hui sent a silent apology to Derek before opening her mouth. ¡°Listen carefully, Secretary Rosaline. I¡¯ve pretended not to know until now, but¡­¡± Her fists clenched as she took a deep breath. ¡°His Majesty is serious!¡±


    The sparkle in Rosaline¡¯s eyes disappeared, to Hui¡¯s embarrassment. Why was she acting like that after hearing that His Majesty truly liked her?


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s really true,¡± she whispered.


    ¡°Yes, I know,¡± Rosaline said. ¡°I know that he is sincere.¡±


    ¡®Sincere in his desire to make me the empress, that is. He¡¯s probably desperate at this point.¡¯


    There had already been some rumors that the dowager¡¯s pick would definitely be the final candidate. Cahir must have been busy, and so he had probably realized after much contemtion that Rosaline, his loyal secretary, would be the best choice for an empress.


    It was purely rational.


    ¡°Oh, you know?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± She looked out the window with mixed feelings, at the dark sky that would soon usher the empress selection.


    ¡°Really? Do you really know everything?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely. His Majesty hadn¡¯t been interested in marriage at all, but now he¡¯s trying to make me his empress through this selection because he needs to counter the empress dowager¡¯s attack. He doesn¡¯t want to get married, but he doesn¡¯t want to get married to someone Her Highness picked even more. I know that much as his secretary.¡±


    Hui frowned at the unexpected interpretation, feeling inexplicably sorry for the emperor.


    ¡®I¡¯m so sorry, Your Majesty. She¡¯s so smart, but she¡¯s so oblivious. I can¡¯t tell her too much because love is best realized by oneself, but¡­!¡¯


    She swallowed her frustrations. ¡°That¡¯s not it¡­¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, I still don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to sleep tonight.¡± Rosaline hugged the bamboo ball to her chest as she went under the nket.


    ¡°You have to sleep even if you can¡¯t. Tonight, Eteusis will stop by your bed.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Hui.¡±


    Hui tucked her in along with a blessing before she smothered the fire. She sighed as she left the room.


    Rosaline tossed and turned, thinking of Cahir¡¯s words.


    ¡°I mean it. I¡¯ll make sure you don¡¯t hate being the empress.¡±


    ¡®What should I ask for?¡¯


    While she still longed for a normal life, that ship had long since drifted away and disappeared over the horizon. However, there might be a way to bring it back.


    ¡®Divorce! Consensual divorce is allowed in the empire! Why did I only think of this now? I can just marry and then separateter. Rosaline, just think of it as a temporary job change from being a secretary to an empress. Then, when the timees, I can resign! I¡¯ll just hold this position until His Majesty¡¯s power stabilizes!¡¯


    It felt like she had solved a particrly tricky math question. tion spread throughout her body, her heart bing light. Rosaline smiled and pulled the nket over her head, celebrating silently in case the guards outside heard her.


    She fell asleep to the scent of the bamboo ball.


    ***


    Finally, the first day of the empress selection.


    Rosaline looked out her window, drinking the tea Hui had given her. Dozens of carriages were lined up by the gates.


    It was a little sad to think about how early those youngdies had risen just to prepare themselves for entering the imperial pce. She remembered her own failed meeting at the ¡®Afternoon Sunlight¡¯.


    ¡®Do I have to do all of that today too?¡¯


    The taste of the tea turned bitter at the thought of wearing the corset and petticoat again. Rosaline set the cup on the table. Although she was still in her nightclothes, she had plenty of time to prepare because she was already in the pce. Besides, the carriages were moving so slowly.


    ¡®Will there really be no woman out of all of them who can shake his heart?¡¯


    For a moment, she briefly considered if it would have been better if she let E have her way, if only so she could avoid being in this position.


    Rosaline shook off those thoughts. She wanted afortable life, but she didn¡¯t want it to be at the expense of Cahir¡¯s.

 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    Chapter 45


    ¡®I¡¯ve grown attached to him.¡¯


    Five years wasn¡¯t a short amount of time.


    And now, she had to start preparing.


    Rosaline looked back at Hui. ¡°I want to see His Majesty first before all of this. Would it be possible?¡±


    Hui checked the time. ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    Rosaline smiled. When the door opened, maids were lined up outside with red velvet boxes in their hands.


    ¡°What¡¯s all this?¡±


    ¡°His Majesty sent these.¡±


    An older woman, the head maid, instructed them to open the boxes. She bowed. ¡°Please pick which jewel you like best, Secretary Rosaline.¡±


    One, two, three, four, five, six¡­


    Rosaline¡¯s jaw dropped.


    ***


    She was pacing in front of Cahir¡¯s bedroom. Normally this was the time when he gathered administrators into the office to reprimand them.


    ¡®Is he okay? Is he still concerned about the selection?¡¯


    The carriages going into the pce were visible from here.


    Maybe another youngdy would wee this position, but¡­


    ¡°Come on in.¡±


    The knights standing next to the bedroom door opened it wide.


    Cahir was looking out the window. Perhaps what he saw was no different from what she saw too. She stepped in carefully, standing behind him.


    ¡°I greet the sun of our empire¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shhh.¡± Cahir looked back at her, his gaze fixed on her ears and neck.


    ***


    Last night, while Rosaline was sleeping, dead to the world. Cahir had sneaked out of the imperial pce with Derek.


    He had knocked on the door of thergest jewelry store in the capital. And the man who opened the door had a club in his hands.


    ¡°Hurry up and open the door, Edward.¡±


    The designer of Rosaline¡¯s pink diamond ne threw the club into one corner.


    ¡°Your Majesty, if youe, you, you¡­¡± He could feel Derek¡¯s re from behind Cahir and promptly shut up.


    ¡°The jewelry set from there to here. Wrap all of them up.¡±


    That meant as many as fifty sets. Edward didn¡¯t even bother thinking about all the costs. Ten mansions? Anyway, this was the emperor in question. What he needed to worry about was¡­


    That he would have nothing to sell the next day.


    ¡°To whom will you gift it to..?¡± Cahir looked like he was in a good mood, so Edward mustered the courage to ask, forgetting that he had almost died earlier.


    ¡°Who else? My empress, of course.¡±


    ¡°But the empress hasn¡¯t been¡­¡±


    The good mood quickly turned icy.


    Derek stepped forward between the two other men. ¡°Haha, she has been picked, ording to the rumors. It¡¯s Secretary Rosaline. Secretary Rosaline,¡± he whispered.


    Edward caught on quickly. ¡°Ah, yes! Secretary Rosaline¡¯s skin is especially luminous, so if you pick this¡­¡±


    Each jewelry set was packed into its own box with the sound of praises as the background music. Cahir¡¯s stiff expression gradually loosened.


    ¡®I saved a person today.¡¯


    Derek felt rather proud of himself.


    ***


    It was the story of all those boxes delivered to her room.


    ¡°It¡¯s the pearl set.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t stop staring at Rosaline¡¯s ears and neck. As expected, she was stunning.


    The pink pearls were the size of his smallest nail, fine and unblemished.


    ¡°It looks good on you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Perhaps because of what was about to ur, Rosaline was dressed up a bit more than usual, a bit more beautiful than usual. Flowers seemed to bloom around her, sunlight seemed to shine despite the cloudy weather.


    It was really nice.


    Especially because she hadn¡¯t removed the pink diamond ne. Instead, pearlsplemented it.


    Cahir was touched that she valued his first gift so much.


    However, Rosaline didn¡¯t actually spend that much time thinking about her essories. She just wore a new one without taking off the other, and the maids had even apuded the unique effect.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know what you¡¯d like, so I prepared a variety. I see that you have a penchant for colorful pearls.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, no. I chose them because they were the simplest.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline likes simple things. Derek, write that down.¡±


    Derek really opened his notebook and wrote something down.


    ¡°You must be busy, but you came quite early. You¡¯re active for someone who doesn¡¯t want to date.¡±


    She wanted to pinch his mouth shut but settled for looking sideways at Derek.


    Cahir noticed her difort. ¡°Derek, go out.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±


    He desperately wanted to rest now. Fantasizing that this meant he could leave the imperial pce at well, he walked out of the room.


    Rosaline straightened. ¡°Your Majesty, you promised that you would do anything for me if I became the empress, right?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t forget.¡± Cahir pulled out the chair from under the table, a gesture for her to sit.


    She epted gratefully, and he sat across her.


    After the war, he was often on the negotiation table. He set his hands down on the table as if this was one of those times.


    They were silent for a moment, her blue eyes against his scarlet. Her mouth was pursed, and he was nervous for no reason.


    ¡°What do you want? Jewelry boxes? Land in the countryside? Tea ceremonies and balls held every day? Roy in a minister¡¯s seat?¡±


    Logically, Cahir knew that she didn¡¯t want any of that. He was just babbling, to be honest. When Rosaline remained silent, he had no choice but to shut up. He was the most anxious he had ever been.


    She sighed. ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ll be your empress. You want this, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°And it absolutely must be me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. No one else but you, Rosaline.¡±


    Her heart almost jumped. How nice it would have been if he said that not for political reasons, but because he really wanted her¡­


    She came to her senses.


    ¡®What? What was I thinking just now? My affection for him is only maternal! Get a grip!¡¯


    The only thing he wanted was a partner he could trust with the position. This whole thing would be over if she leaned a little to the empress dowager¡¯s side, rebelled against him, or disgraced him somehow.


    Her life would end too.


    Affection? More like respect.


    ¡®Love¡­¡¯


    Rosaline reined in her heart.


    ¡°Tell me, Rosaline. What do you want?¡±


    She gulped. Hadn¡¯t he prohibited her from quitting as a secretary? It wasn¡¯t a direct threat, but it was almost the same thing. Would it be the same today? It piqued her curiosity.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be the empress.¡±


    Cahir was pleasantly surprised that she seemed to be warming up to the idea. He put his chin in his hand, eyes twinkling. Rosaline¡¯s words were enchanting. Like melting cream¡ªwell, he didn¡¯t like sweet things, so maybe not cream exactly, but¡­ if it was from her, he¡¯d soak in it all day.


    He held back his exmation of joy.


    ¡®Is there anything more satisfying than this?¡¯


    Although he initially chose her out of pragmatism, he genuinely wanted her to be the empress.


    And now she had epted. He felt like a general who captured an impregnable fortress.


    ¡°However, there are conditions, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Anything. I intend to be a generous husband.¡±


    ¡°We must divorce amicably after the political situation stabilizes.¡±


    Cahir wanted to take his words back.

 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    ***


    Cahir decorated the garden path into the First Star Pce with various flowers. In addition, the imperial magicians stood side by side, shooting fireworks into the sky in broad daylight.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful. Even though it¡¯s still bright out, the wizards worked hard to make it visible.¡± Hui, who participated as Rosaline¡¯s maid, pped her hands in delight.


    As she said, the colorful fireworks were indeed beautiful.


    ¡°His Majesty put all his heart and soul into weing the youngdies.¡±


    ¡°Is it really because of the youngdies?¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡± Rosaline tilted her head in confusion, which elicited a dismissive wave from Hui.


    But strangely, whenever she walked, the fireworks burned even brighter.


    ¡°The timing is incredible.¡±


    Hui was saying something more, but Rosaline¡¯s attention was no longer there. It was probably just a coincidence that the explosions broke out when she passed by, like flowers blooming behind her.


    ***


    ¡°It¡¯s working well, right? This is what His Majesty wanted to see, right?¡±


    ¡°I think so. I don¡¯t think pale purple hair ismon. Besides, everyone else rode the carriage to the entrance.¡±


    Huddling behind a juniper tree was a group of people, well-known wizards, sitting and gossiping.


    ¡°That¡¯s her. I¡¯ve seen her before.¡±


    ¡°Whew, what a relief. Sir Derek asked me to make sure the timing was right. Azn, you¡¯ve worked hard today,¡± said the one in a white robe, tapping the magician in question on the shoulder.


    Azn¡¯s face, which had been tense, finally rxed. Making the fireworks stand out against the noonday sky required lots of attention to detail. Adding timing and location into the mix required the highest level of concentration and skill. Those explosions that were only embellishments to the untrained eye were their main cause of nervousness.


    However, he found strength when he imagined the cold look in Cahir¡¯s eyes if he failed.


    ***


    The empress selection was truly a grand affair. Traditionally, only five candidates were ever taken into consideration. Now, there were nearly a hundred.


    This was surely something that would go down in history.


    Due to the huge number of guests, there were many things to prepare, including a ce for all of them to stay. Cahir was willing to dedicate the First Star Pce for the entire process. Considering the scale of the event, it was nowhere near excessive.


    A hundred youngdies meant a hundred noble families because there was an additional use in the agreement that only one youngdy from each family could participate.


    Still, many of them entered the pce with one or two maids, which meant that around three hundred new people in total had arrived. While the pce wasrge, it was not possible to give a room for eachdy. There were only forty or so avable rooms.


    They had to share. Of course, some of them refused.


    It was a headache for the senior nobles who were handling the selection.


    ¡°Why are you so worried? We can just send them away if they don¡¯t want toply.¡± Cahir looked at them pityingly.


    So now, on the first day, an informal gathering had to be held to amodate the drastic changes the ns had undergone.


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor to be here. I didn¡¯t know there were so many beautiful youngdies in Aetheus. I¡¯m certain His Majesty was deeply moved by your family¡¯s interest and support. In fact, so that we save time, he has ordered that we proceed directly with the first test as soon as tea time is over. Thank you for your consideration¡­¡± Paulo, the administrator who was currently in charge of hosting, was the only one grateful for this development.


    The faces of the participants darkened. It was the first test, and they knew too little about it. It would have been easier to glean information if the nobles who had nned this were there, but they were, as of present, holed up in the main pce.


    The assumption was that they¡¯d have a few days to get used to the environment and prepare themselves. What did this mean? What did it mean to ¡®save time¡¯? Did failure mean going home immediately?


    Noise buzzed through the hall.


    ¡°The test consists of two subjects: Aetheusian history and general culture, also known as liberal arts. Does anyone have any questions?¡±


    Sighs of dissatisfaction erupted. Youngdies were usually educated by tutors. Even though Rosaline had revised thew to allow entrance into the academy regardless of gender, most families preferred tutors for their daughters.


    They were likely unfamiliar with the concept of one-on-one testing, so it was difficult to even know what to ask.


    ¡®What are you nning, Your Majesty?¡¯


    Eventually, Rosaline raised her hand.


    ¡°Secreta¡ªno, Lady Rosaline, please speak.¡± Paulo had experienced working with her, and he thought she was an excellent colleague, but it was awkward to meet like this. He even made a mistake with her title.


    ¡°I need more information about the exam. How many questions are there? Are they answerable by multiple-choice or by personal perspective? By saying ¡®culture¡¯, what is it really about? Some schrs viewed rhetoric as part of the liberal arts, while others think it is more along the lines of recognizing the exact order of meals. How are the test results be used in the overall grading? Will we be sent back immediately?¡±


    ¡®Please, let it not be too much to handle.¡¯


    Paulo wrote the questions down, cold sweat beading on his brow. He didn¡¯t actually know anything about the test questions. His eyes darted back and forth,menting all the gazes on him. In the first ce, he had entered the academy and be an administrator despite his rather noble background because women made him anxious. Politics and socializing in banquets just didn¡¯t suit him.


    ¡°Haha¡­ Well, His Majesty was adamant that the test questions are not leaked. Instead, he said that the answers would be revealed and the youngdies themselves would grade them. After the test, only about fifty would remain, and the other fifty will return and¡­¡± His voice got smaller and smaller.


    If there weren¡¯t enough rooms, then only the ones who were serious about being the empress would have to remain. In the end, those who couldn¡¯t handle the questions would have to go back on the first day?


    ¡®I need to speak with His Majesty right away¡­ Oh, right, I can¡¯t meet him.¡¯


    Rosaline swallowed a groan. Throughout the empress selection, ess to the First Star Pce¡¯s gates was prohibited except for those who received special permission. Not to mention the candidates themselves, their parents could not go in and out either.


    ¡®Even if I don¡¯t like it and it seems unfair, I¡¯ll do what I¡¯m told first.¡¯


    She puffed her cheeks.


    Should she just submit a nk paper? If someone didn¡¯t want to be the empress, they could just deliberately fail the first test.


    Rosaline discarded the idea immediately when she saw E ring at her.


    Derek had told her in advance that E Paulos would be the empress dowager¡¯s candidate. It confounded her that the woman wanted to win Cahir¡¯s heart and still sided with the dowager, but it was probably thest resort. If she went back with a nk sheet, then those two would be the ones to benefit the most.


    ¡®I can¡¯t let that happen.¡¯


    At least, she had to stop the dowager from gathering power.


    ***


    ¡°Has it started?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    Cahir and Derek were taking a walk, leaving behind the mountain of reports along with the books borrowed from the library¡­


    This wasn¡¯t really something to clear the mind. It was more like¡­ a surveince mission pretending to be a rxing walk.


    Derek knew very well how his employer worked. Cahir had called him in with a contemtive face this morning, saying that something seemed wrong and that he needed to make a strong impression. The expression on his face and his words were a double-whammy shock, and the third time was from his words again.


    ¡°I should impress Rosaline.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying¡­¡±


    ¡°The book you borrowed said to impress a lover when something goes wrong by making something big, expensive, and unique. We should call the imperial magicians again.¡±


    Fortunately, the fireworks were all perfectly timed ording to Rosaline¡¯s entrance. Cahir¡¯s gloom finally lifted.


    ¡°She must have been touched. Ah, what if she wants us to meet secretlyter tonight?¡± The corners of his mouth twitched.


    Derek bit his tongue, trying not to speak. He ended up having to pinch his thigh.


    ¡°Oh, right, Derek.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Did you confirm that whatever question the nobles prepared was discarded and reced with mine?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I confirmed it. Also, why did I have to be the one to tell them to change it?¡±


    ¡°If I say that I want to change it, I¡¯ll be suspicious.¡±


    ¡°Thanks to you, I was criticized a lot by the elders, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why you¡¯re being so grumpy today.¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s just how I am.¡±


    When the nobles concluded that it was difficult to amodate all the empress candidates, it was a struggle to proceed with the ns. That was when Cahir appeared and shone a ray of light on them.


    The empress would need to be skilled and learned, but she also needed to be well-versed in the liberal arts. Testing that would be the best way to eliminate the unqualified youngdies.


    A new problem soon arose, though, because Cahir rejected all their proposed questions.


    ¡°Do you mean that the woman who will be my empress only needs this level of knowledge? Derek had looked at this problem andughed at it.¡± Anger zed in his voice. ¡°Change the exam question to this one.¡±


    ***


    ¡°If you had to build the Temple of Berlios in the capital of Aetheus, where would it be built?¡±


    Groans and sighs erupted from the candidates. Rosaline also gripped her paper tightly, crinkling it.


    ¡®I heard it was a liberal arts problem¡¯


    She unknowingly red at Paulo, who handed out the sheets.


    He smiled awkwardly and quickly moved away.

 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    This wasn¡¯t ¡®liberal arts¡¯! How did they expect sheltered youngdies to solve the problem? Talented, skilled people who graduated from the academy had also analyzed and agonized over that question for days without sleep.


    It was far too specific to not be for Rosaline.


    ¡®Did His Majesty personally choose the problem?¡¯


    Well, who else could it have been? The elder nobles knew the level of education young women received at home. They wouldn¡¯t have asked this question.


    ¡®This is too obvious.¡¯


    Cahir had said that each candidate would have an equal opportunity in the transparent selection process. This time, somehow it seemed like he was smiling at her. Was he already thinking of making her the empress from the beginning?


    Rosaline shook her head in denial, and also to clear her head. She couldn¡¯t afford to waste any time during the test.


    ***


    ¡°Secretary Rosaline¡ªno, Lady Rosaline¡ªyou¡¯re amazing.¡±


    It was Rose, who was currently looking through her answer. She sped her hands together and, with a gaze filled with respect, asked Rosaline how she was able to think of her answer.


    Rosaline smiled awkwardly. Lots of the papers were either nk or almost nk, unsurprising for such a difficult question. Among those who answered, there was an answer of offering up their family¡¯s estate for the sake of diplomatic rtions, and one had an outstandingly detailed description of the religion of Berlos.


    In the end, there were only two correct answers. Rosaline¡¯s and E¡¯s.


    ¡®As expected¡­¡¯


    E had written down the site of the Temple of Berlos in the original novel, which was different from the current one but wasn¡¯t a bad choice.


    This would be a problem.


    ¡°Lady E¡¯s answer is not wrong either,¡± said Lady Egu, who alternated between the two answers.


    They realized that the winner of this round would certainly be either E or Rosaline.


    Strangely, no one was disappointed. Perhaps it was because they¡¯ve been admiring stories of strong women since their youth.


    ¡°Still, I like the warmth in Lady Rosaline¡¯s answer. Lady E¡¯s is full of numbers, which makes it difficult to understand. I prefer that the details are exined in a way that I canprehend quickly.¡± Rose wrote her name on Rosaline¡¯s paper.


    Many others followed suit, and there was an overwhelming number of signatures, but there were also those who supported the other answer.


    ¡°If you¡¯re done choosing, I¡¯ll collect your papers. As for the results¡­¡± Paulo¡¯s voice weakened.


    Even without saying anything, it was obvious that those who couldn¡¯t put down an answer would be eliminated. However, they could not officially leave unless Cahir announced it. The only thing left to do was drink their tea gracefully.


    Lady Tauri, who had described the religion of Berlos and written as best as she could, was quite proud of her answer. She¡¯d read it all from the informational materials directly from the imperial pce. Her pride came crashing down when she read Rosaline¡¯s answer, though. While one youngdy signed her paper, Tauri¡¯s answer was shallowpared to Rosaline¡¯s.


    ¡°I feel so ugly and pathetic.¡±


    It broke Rosaline¡¯s heart to see her tablemate so depressed.


    ¡°No, please don¡¯t think like that.¡±


    ¡°My father was so happy for me. While we may not be a rich or influential family in the capital, he bought a lot of dresses for me for the selection. I don¡¯t know how he did it, but I¡¯m sure he must have taken a loan or¡­¡± Tauri confessed, despondent that she might be going home right away. ¡°I really am a useless human being.¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s eyes were full of regret. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t say that.¡±


    ¡°But Lady Rosaline is good at everything. I saw your answer, and I realized that even if I didn¡¯t know anything, I would definitely agree to build a temple wherever you told me. If I were His Majesty, I would start the construction right away.¡± Her eyes sparkled with admiration despite the self-deprecating words.


    The thing was, Rosaline did know how that felt. Living as an ordinary person in Korea, the frustrating of wanting to do well but not being able to, constantly living within the borders of ¡®good enough¡¯.


    She grabbed Tauri¡¯s hand, who stared in surprise. ¡°Lady Tauri, I don¡¯t know how to drink tea elegantly. I mean, I know how to do it in my head, but I always make mistakes. Although I always drink tea, I never really know what kind it is. Just like now, I have no idea.¡±


    ¡°This is Angelis. The first vor is flowery, but thest is sour, right? But after drinking, the sweetness lingers in your mouth. It¡¯s named like that because it tastes heavenly.


    Rosaline¡¯s eyes curved into half-moons at the exnation. ¡°You know a lot.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­ Yes?¡± Tauri choked at thepliment and was quickly given a handkerchief. She forced herself to swallow her cough because that would be unsightly, though she could do nothing about her teary eyes.


    ¡°Lady Tauri is so cute. The freckles on your cheeks look like stars.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t difficult to see Rosaline¡¯s sincerity, and Tauri wasn¡¯t a malicious person to twist her words. Besides, this was also the first time that anyone had called her freckles cute. Like stars? Her slumped shoulders gradually returned to their usual poise.


    ¡°Additionally, don¡¯t worry about the costs. The empress selection was ordered by the imperial pce, so I¡¯ll ensure that the participants will receivepensationter.¡±


    ¡°Is that possible?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Rosaline nodded eagerly.


    ¡®If I be the empress, wouldn¡¯t that be within my power?¡¯


    ***


    Before dinnertime arrived, many carriages already left the pce. Unlike the original n to eliminate all but those who were chosen, it was decided that all thedies who had written something down would remain. This was because there would be too few left if that rule was applied.


    Rosaline visited the other tables and offered words of constion. There was no need to let resentment against the imperial family fester.


    ¡®In the end, it¡¯s my job to take care of this.¡¯


    She made eye contact with the otherdies as she greeted them.


    ¡°You must be feeling good,¡± E¡¯s tinkling voice came from behind.


    She curtsied, her skirts ring like a butterfly¡¯s wings, hair neatly coiffed. An emphasized neckline, earrings made ofyered gold threads that entuated her small face. In a word, she was beautiful.


    ¡°Long time no see, Lady E.¡±


    ¡°Did you miss me, Lady Rosaline?¡± E responded, her tone and bodynguage obviously displeased. ¡°I thought you did, since you greeted me first.¡±


    ¡®She should just leave instead of picking a fight.¡¯


    Rosaline stepped out of the way, drawing a pretty line with her lips. E didn¡¯t seem to have any intention of leaving. Rather, she approached and smiled as if they were friends. The otherdies believed as much, whispering that it was true that pretty people stuck together.


    ¡°Don¡¯t we have something to talk about?¡±


    What in the world was she doing? Rosaline had nothing to say to her. She¡¯d only feel irritated that she wasn¡¯t sadistic enough to do something unpleasant on purpose. So, she decided to ignore her.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lady E, but I don¡¯t have any specific stories to share. If you want to talk to me, you cane to my table at dinner, though I don¡¯t know if I have time to talk to you.¡±


    It was a clear rejection no matter who heard it. Rosaline bowed lightly and excused herself to change into a different dress for the asion.


    E¡¯s gaze stayed on her back like an arrow, but she didn¡¯t look back once. This E wasn¡¯t worthy of consideration, being so far from the heroine she had once cheered for. Now, E was relegated to a supporting role.


    ¡®Then who will be the main character?¡¯


    Her absentminded musings had to be discarded in favor of more urgent things. Like checking which room was assigned to her¡­


    ¡°This is the Empress¡¯ bedroom!¡±


    ***


    Dinner had begun, and the hall was so much more strained than it had been earlier. Youngdies dressed in finery settled at their designated tables.


    Imperial servants smoothly served mushroom soup and bread as appetizers. Musicians started ying as well.


    Just when Rosaline was about to lift her spoon, someone came and filled an empty spot. In front of her sat the elderly Baroness Vellus.


    She got up from her seat and curtsied. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet Lady Vellus.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t your greetingte? Perhaps you¡¯re not used to etiquette yet¡ª¡± the baroness hurriedly closed her mouth.


    Rosaline sat down with a rxed smile as if she hadn¡¯t heard anything.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Lady Rosaline Verite.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t surprised by the appearance of this woman who didn¡¯t fit in with the environment at all. Fine, maybe she was a little surprised, but she pretended not to be.


    As Baroness Vellus lifted her spoon, Rosaline nced around. Elderlydies upied tables one at a time.


    ¡®They¡¯ll be watching the entire time we eat, won¡¯t they?¡¯


    Table manners were very important for aristocrats, to the point that children would cry from the strict teaching. Eating was not just the act of putting food in one¡¯s mouth. It involved skillful participation in conversation. Leading it without being too obvious and letting other people speak was a quality highly regarded in society.


    ¡®Cahir probably didn¡¯t order this.¡¯


    He hated troublesome dining etiquette, and he didn¡¯t like the intricacies of socializing, which included pretending to be considerate, yielding to others, and calcting when to initiate. That meant that this was likely a test from Az.


    ¡®And Baroness Vellus is my partner, too.¡¯


    The Vellus family supported Charon, the empress dowager¡¯s biological son. Wasn¡¯t one of the baron¡¯s cousins hispanion?


    ¡®I probably won¡¯t get a good score anyway. I should just befortable.¡¯


    Rosaline rxed and lifted her spoon once more, feeling a tant gaze but choosing to disregard it. She opened her mouth delicately and tasted the soup.

 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    ***


    ¡®Oh, it¡¯s delicious.¡¯


    A smile graced Rosaline¡¯s face.


    ¡°How can you express such pleasure right after you take a bite? You¡¯re still quite immature,¡± Baroness Vellus said sternly.


    Rosaline dabbed her mouth with a handkerchief for appearance¡¯s sake even though there was nothing there. It would be really annoying to have to do that every single time she talked during the meal, though.


    ¡°I apologize, for I suppose that my poor manners are a result of my working in the pce since before I debuted in society. Forgive the unpleasantness, please,¡± she apologized good-naturedly.


    One of the baroness¡¯ eyebrows arched.


    ¡°You¡¯re a well-known etiquette teacher, right? It¡¯s a short dinner, but if you¡¯re going to teach me, I am willing to learn. It would be an honor for the Verites.¡±


    The olderdy was greatly shocked. She had purposely been offensive, but the response was humble. Rather than making a mistake, Rosaline had circled her way out of the trap and was able to steer the conversation.


    ¡®What should I do? Should I change the method?¡¯


    Still thinking, she tasted the soup.


    And it was really good! It was even better than the food at a restaurant run by famous chefs.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it delicious?¡±


    Oh!


    Baroness Vellus blushed when she realized that she had expressed her admiration openly.


    ¡°The pce chef would jump for joy if he knew that you enjoyed it, Lady Vellus. In fact, it¡¯s likely that the attendants have already reported it to him, and he will thus be motivated to do even better next time. As expected, thedy is an excellent host who knows how to properly treat her subordinates.¡± Rosaline heaped on the praise.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Sometimes it¡¯s good to be honest when ites to praising delicious food.¡± The baroness held up a stiff fan to cover her mouth, still pursed in embarrassment.


    Rosaline busied herself with eating, regardless of the looks she received.


    ¡®Didn¡¯t you say yourself that you don¡¯t know much about etiquette because you didn¡¯t officially debut?¡¯


    Perhaps Az as well had given her inurate information.


    That level of wit and adaptability could have only been honed by experience. Baroness Vellus herself had only learned it after nearly two decades of practice.


    ¡°What are the trends in society these days?¡± As soon as she finished the appetizer, Rosaline opened the conversation on behalf of the baroness, who was still busy trying to figure her out.


    ¡°Hand soap shops are in fashion; there¡¯s nothing more important than keeping your hands beautiful and smooth.¡±


    ¡°Ah, yes. When I see such fine hands, I often think that they are as beautiful as Michzeus¡¯ statue. It turns out, Lady Vellus, that you have such beautiful hands as well! Your palms and fingers are perfect. Will my ugly hands be pretty if I go to a shop you would rmend?¡± She put her hand on the table.


    Honestly, Rosaline¡¯s hands weren¡¯t really conventionally beautiful. She wrote and worked tirelessly, so much that she had calluses that most nobledies wouldn¡¯t have. It made her sad too, sometimes. If smooth hands were considered beautiful, she also wanted them.


    ¡°Perhaps, this hand may be praised for all the hard work that it does.¡±


    Her expression looked so much like an abandoned kitten¡¯s that Baroness Vellus made a sound that she didn¡¯t mean to let out.


    Simr conversations followed.


    When the baroness asked about trends in society, Rosaline would apologize and say that she didn¡¯t know.


    ¡®The empress dowager clearly said that she was arrogant and needed to be put in her ce. She said she was ¡°cheeky, foxy, and conceited¡±.¡¯


    Baroness Vellus hated it when youngdies relied on the prestige of their families and acted all high-and-mighty. She herself was the daughter of a family who owned only a small piece ofnd in the province, and she had to ovee the prejudices of society mostly on her own. Baron Vellus was able to set foot in politics and pretend to be a rich nobleman from the capital thanks to her excellent social skills. Subsequently, thedies who raised their noses while banking on their families and husbands would suffer from her subtle attacks, which lead to some even avoiding society altogether.


    ¡®I have to grab what I want with my own hands.¡¯


    That had always been her rule.


    So when Az had ordered her to teach Rosaline what high society was like, Baroness Vellus epted it, thinking that her target would be confident in the emperor¡¯s favor and act arrogantly.


    However, Rosaline Verite was far too humble. Flustered, the baroness began to make mistakes.


    She had even dropped her fork in surprise!


    ¡°May I bring you a new fork?¡±


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s not Lady Vellus¡¯ fork, it¡¯s mine. Pardon, I was so focused on the conversation.¡± Rosaline held the gaze of the table attendant.


    No one had ever covered for the baroness¡¯ mistakes before.


    But Rosaline, having been raised in her past life in a Korean-American household, was used to even stricter rules.


    ¡°Oh, was that offensive, by any chance?¡± Rosaline asked carefully as the attendant left to get a new fork.


    ¡®Not at all! Rather, I am very grateful.¡¯


    ¡°¡­Thank you, Lady Rosaline.¡±


    Baroness Vellus had to admit it now. She had been charmed the moment Rosaline first bowed to her.


    ***


    The dinner ended safely. The baroness, who had lost her re, had kindly exined the recent trends and controversies in society over the main course.


    ¡®That was strange.¡¯


    While Hui helped her remove the headpiece, Rosaline reflected on the experience. No matter how much she thought about it, Baroness Vellus was definitely on Az¡¯s side. However, her attitude became unexpected.


    ¡°Never be discouraged. Your hands are beautiful.¡± The baroness held Rosaline¡¯s hands tightly, her affectionate words simr to something her own mother would have said.


    ¡®What happened with the empress dowager?¡¯


    ¡°What are you thinking so deeply about?¡± Hui asked, cing the headpiece into a velvet-lined box.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°Should I prepare the bathtub?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m only going to wash briefly. I can¡¯t be the only one indulging in luxury.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, Secretary¡­ no, Lady Rosaline?¡±


    ¡°Just do what you¡¯re used to, Hui.¡±


    Although it was still mildly unfamiliar to hear the different address from her colleague¡¯s mouth, it at least didn¡¯t make goosebumps rise anymore.


    ¡°It¡¯s very difficult, you know? I think it¡¯s just better to call you ¡®Empress¡¯.¡±


    Rosaline covered her friend¡¯s mouth even though her room was indeed the empress¡¯ room, soundproofed and very much secure. ¡°Hui! Don¡¯t say that.¡±


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll just call you how I used to. Or just ¡®Secretary¡¯. I¡¯ll change it eventually.¡±


    Rosaline nodded.


    ¡°Also, His Majesty personally reviewed the room assignments. Didn¡¯t you know that this room wasn¡¯t supposed to be used in the first n? Derek told me about it¡±


    ¡°Then who¡­¡±


    ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡± Hui stared in shock, then sighed.


    More than anything, it was exhausting to be constantly surprised by how dense Rosaline was.


    She moved to the bathroom to prepare, and it was Rosaline¡¯s turn to sigh.


    Indeed, even if Hui didn¡¯t say it explicitly, there was only one person who had the power to grant her this luxurious room.


    ¡°His Majesty is the only one.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m the only one for you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m even hallucinating him now? I must be more tired than I thought.¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, are you tired? Must I change the attendants and maids? I can¡¯t believe they¡¯re letting this happen¡­¡±


    ¡®Hallucinations aren¡¯t supposed to be this detailed.¡¯


    She nced at the window wonderingly and stiffened. Cahir was visible through the fluttering curtains.


    ¡°Your Majesty! This is the fifth floor, that is dangerous!¡± Rosaline ran and grabbed him.


    There was a rope hanging down from her window. He actually scaled the pce with a rope.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t dangerous and I am perfectly safe.¡±


    This was exactly why adults said that children should not be left alone. There was no end to the trouble they caused! Was he six years old? How was doing something dangerous fine just because he didn¡¯t get hurt? Did he think he was invincible?


    Her eyes grew fierce.


    ¡°Rosaline, are you touched? Your eyes are very passionate, but don¡¯t be tempted. We¡¯re supposed to date first.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty! Please get out of the room.¡±


    ¡°Through there?¡± He pointed at the door. ¡°Then there will be rumors. Do you want to skip the selection and just have a big wedding right away? As expected, you¡¯re very passionate, Rosaline,¡± he teased.


    She clenched her fists.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry, I forgot that you might not like such rumors, as ady. A rtionship before marriage isn¡¯t a sin, but it won¡¯t be good for the public eye. Then, should I go out the window again? But you said it was dangerous.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Speechless. She was utterly speechless.


    ¡°When I think about it, it actually is scary, yes.¡±

 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    ***


    ¡°Going down that way is terrifying.¡± Cahir even shook his head as if he were really scared.


    Rosaline, though, was not fooled. His exaggerated movements and scrunched eyebrows definitely meant he was faking it.


    What was wrong with him?


    ¡°Then, how are you going to leave?¡± Rosaline huffed, practically giving up already.


    Cahir approached and sat in one of the chairs. ¡°I think I can go as soon as I calm my heart. Come, sit down with me.¡±


    Rosaline sat in front of him. She didn¡¯t have the authority to force him out, so he¡¯d inevitably stay for as long as he wanted to.


    ¡°What must I do to be a person who only receives Your Majesty¡¯s visits when they want to?¡±


    His eyes trembled for a moment, then he smiled leisurely, leaning against the back of the chair and interlocking his fingers. ¡°Rosaline, do you want to disobey?¡± His gaze lingered on her neck.


    She subconsciously raised her hand to her cor, thinking about what happened to all those who rejected Cahir to his face. Before she became his secretary, most disappeared quietly. With her guidance, the number of those urrences had decreased sharply because such orders had also decreased sharply. At this moment, unfortunately, there was no one Rosaline-like to side with her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a sword with me now.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, I am fully aware that you just scanned me to see if there was a sword next to me.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty! Why would I do that? I didn¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°You just brushed a hand against your neck.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a little chilly¡­¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t hurt you with my hands, Rosaline.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ Yes, it¡¯s an honor?¡±


    Cahir¡¯s words were so unexpected that she slipped. Cahir squinted, trying to observe her.


    He honestly had no idea how to make herugh. Right now, she looked like a regal statue, capable of neither smiling nor crying.


    Was she really tired? But this schedule was nothing for Rosaline, who had had worse timetables when she was working as a secretary. Then, did something happen at the testing site? The person who reported to him said everything went fine. Was that a lie? Unlikely. There was no reason to lie.


    Did she perhaps not like the dinner menu? But he told the chefs to pay special attention to the food so that it suited her tastes. Did the other youngdies bully her? It couldn¡¯t be that, because there was no way that Rosaline could be beaten by anyone¡­


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you happy to see me?¡± Cahir blurted out.


    Rosaline¡¯s eyes widened.


    In short, both of them were surprised.


    ¡®Oh¡­ How could I be so insecure? I¡¯m notcking in looks, riches, and power¡­ I guess it¡¯s not Rosaline who¡¯s tired today.¡¯


    He rubbed his face. This was all because Rosaline wasn¡¯t working by his side.


    She was the mostpetent person he knew, and he didn¡¯t like to admit it, but he got used to living with theforts courtesy of her capabilities. It turned out that as soon as she left, he became tired.


    That was why he was being ridiculous right now.


    Rosaline smiled as she watched the expressions flit through Cahir¡¯s face. She was just as flustered as him.


    What was he even asking for? It was so nice to finally see him again that her first reaction to his appearance was a bit too emotional. At first, she thought that it was just anger at his sudden arrival, but she realized the moment she heard his question that it wasn¡¯t so simple.


    ¡®I was happy to see Your Majesty.¡¯


    But she couldn¡¯t just say that out loud so certainly.


    Rosaline was used to thinking and calcting which was the best option in a situation. To her, there was a clear distinction between what should and shouldn¡¯t be done.


    She had no choice but to survive next to a tyrant. She had to refrain from being swayed by her emotions.


    All her feelings were new, too. Rosaline didn¡¯t take long vacations often, but she used to go out of the pce regrly for work, and it was natural not to see Cahir at all times. However, after her most recent vacation, if one could really call it that, she had been so happy to return to the pce and see him¡­?


    ¡°Ah, Rosaline, that was a slip of the tongue earlier. Make sure you forget it.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t anything she wanted to think about for a long time either.


    ¡°What was said before that¡­¡± The embarrassment on his face faded, reced by that rxed smile of his, almost as if the confidence had never left.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°About disobedience.¡±


    ¡°No! I think¡­ I don¡¯t want to do that¡­¡± she trailed off.


    Cahir raised an eyebrow at her wavering voice.


    ¡°So, Your Majesty, please forget about it.¡±


    She thought Cahir would get angry, and thusmented that she couldn¡¯t take back her words. Her cheeks puffed, making him smile.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll just talk to myself, so it¡¯s your choice if you want to listen.¡±


    Still embarrassed, Rosaline nodded absently like a marite.


    Cahir stood, walking around the small round table and stopping next to her. He set his hand on her shoulder, bending until his golden hair tickled her cheeks. ¡°Be my empress, a strong one who doesn¡¯t rely on the emperor. A real empress. What do you say?¡±


    Her mind felt far away. The hand on her shoulders felt unnaturally hot.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Your Majesty?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Are you not feeling well?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t realize it until I came here, but I think I might be tired.¡±


    ¡°No, I mean, do you have a fever?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡±


    Then why was his hand so hot?


    Rosaline didn¡¯t press him, and he carefully removed the hand from its position.


    ¡°So, Rosaline, what do you say?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to pretend that I didn¡¯t hear that.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, I only told you this morning that I would be the empress. But that¡¯s not a guarantee. I¡¯m participating in the selection, which means nothing is set in stone yet.¡±


    ¡°Why would you say that? I heard that the atmosphere was very good today, that the otherdies saw your answer and felt immense respect¡­¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty! Are you observing me?¡±


    Cahir quickly shut up. He did not deny it, but as the emperor, he had the right to inspect if his empress candidates were being treated fairly. Frankly, he was worried that the other women would condemn Rosaline. Her family didn¡¯t have the highest status, and Viscount Verite himself was uninterested in politics, which meant that he didn¡¯t have much power.


    There was no choice left but to observe if Az picked on Rosaline by manipting the other young nobles.


    Seeing her eyes turn heavy-lidded, he quickly fixed his distracted expression and stood. ¡°Rosaline, my heart has calmed down now, so I should get going. Sleep tight, alright? Unlike my naturally wless skin, which glows even if I don¡¯t sleep, you be pale if you don¡¯t sleep properly for a day.¡±


    She pouted, bringing a smile to his face, one that held no mischief. It was dazzling, and Rosaline stiffened at the sight of such a likable expression. Her heart reacted instantly as well.


    ¡°It¡¯s dangerous!¡±


    Only when he had gone out the way he came did shee back to her senses.


    ¡®I was a nervous wreck all day, but somehow that extremely distracting conversation helped me unwind.¡¯


    If that was Cahir¡¯s goal, then he had seeded. It was near-impossible for that to be the case, though, with his tunnel vision.


    Rosaline stood, and something floated to the floor.


    It was a gift.


    She picked it up. But it seemed like more work, so she just grumbled and threw herself onto the bed. She didn¡¯t think she could sleep, what with the bed being too wide and fluffy.


    ¡®What will happen tomorrow? How¡­¡¯


    Rosaline fell asleep within a minute.


    ***


    It would have been nice if she was woken by birdsong on a cheerful morning, but there was only Hui¡¯s touch. Rosaline opened her eyes with great difficulty. Even though she had fallen asleep almost instantly, she couldn¡¯t wake up early because of the bed.


    ¡®Cozy¡­ warm¡­ like floating¡­!¡¯


    Hui forced her out of heaven.


    Rosaline kept looking back at the bed, thinking about how her own bed was decent, but the empress¡¯ bed was on a different level.


    ¡®I suppose being empress isn¡¯t the worst thing.¡¯


    No matter how rich and powerful the nobility was, in the end, they had to bow to the emperor and empress. Some goods were made exclusively for the imperial family. Just like this bed.


    ¡®His Majesty should have persuaded me with his bed.¡¯


    She joked a little to herself as she faced the second day of the empress selection.

 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    ***


    What way of wasting time was this?


    Rosaline shook her head. It was the second day, and yet none of the administrators were to be seen.


    The youngdies, tired of waiting for permission to leave their rooms, went ahead to the venue. They settled at tables in groups of three to five, the ones of simr age chatting excitedly as if they were already friends.


    Though to be fair, it was easy to get to know each other if one regrly socialized.


    Of course, Rosaline¡¯s situation was quite different.


    Yesterday, thedies had realized that Rosaline would be the empress, or at least a concubine. She would remain standing after the final test, and His Majesty¡ªif the rumors were to be believed¡ªwould choose her unhesitatingly. No one rejected that idea except for E.


    In any case, Rosaline had already been selected, whether she liked it much or not. She didn¡¯t know if it was because of that that nobody approached her, or if it was because of stories about her when she was a secretary.


    However, the truth was that everyone wanted to talk to her. Affection and admiration colored the gazes thatid on her. Many were even distracted from their respective conversations.


    ¡°Hui, is my dress too much?¡±


    ¡°What? What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°People keep ncing at me. I think the dress that His Majesty prepared stands out too much because it looks like a ballroom dress.¡± Rosaline looked at her outfit.


    The blue gown was designed by Cahir¡¯s personal tailor. It revealed her delicate shoulders and didn¡¯t have any particrly special embellishments, but the magic was in the way it draped over her body in an inimitably excellent manner. It wrapped tightly around her waist and red out in many shortyers, making her silhouette look like a flower.


    Above all, the dress highlighted her best features. A graceful neck, smooth skin, a slim waist, long legs¡­


    ¡®He¡¯s a skilled worker.¡¯


    Rosalineughed a little thinking about Amal¡¯s propensity to wear a tight vest over his neat suit.


    Faint exmations burst from around her. When she turned her head, quite a few people made eye contact.


    ¡®Oh, I guess they were still looking at me.¡¯


    She quickly erased her expression, lest they think she was a fool forughing by herself, but strangely enough, their faces became disappointed.


    ¡°As expected, are they ufortable because I was His Majesty¡¯s secretary?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s because of that, Lady Rosaline,¡± Hui replied smoothly, already used to the new form of address.


    Rather, it was Rosaline whose fingers and toes curled whenever she was referred to as ady.


    ¡°Then why is everyone still looking at me? Did I somehow make a mistake, Hui?¡±


    ¡°No, I just think everyone wants to talk to you.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    From her perspective, she wasn¡¯t the best person to converse with in this setting. She knew nothing about what high society had been up to in the past years, and the other youngdies were likely the same when it came to administration.


    So while she herself was willing to listen and respond appropriately, she couldn¡¯t understand why others would want to talk to her in the first ce.


    By any chance¡­


    ¡°Do they want to know about His Majesty? This is, after all, the empress selection. Knowledge about him is a big advantage.¡±


    Huiughed awkwardly and poured tea into Rosaline¡¯s empty cup.


    Rosaline, assuming from her friend¡¯s silence that she had concluded correctly, shook her head slightly.


    ¡°Is this seat the only one left unupied?¡±


    E¡¯s voice broke her tranquility. If she had asked ¡°Can I sit here?¡± politely, it would have been less annoying, but s.


    Rosaline raised her head and smiled slightly. E, who took it as a sign of agreement, nodded and let her maid pull out the chair.


    She sat gracefully and looked at Hui. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, may I have a cup of tea?¡±


    A darkvender eyebrow arched. Despite the seemingly courteous question, it was rude of E to basically ignore Rosaline when she asked for tea.


    Hui bowed towards Rosaline silently, swallowing her anger. She had also immediately noticed the other person¡¯s poor behavior, but it was up to herdy to do the admonishing.


    ¡°Hui, please serve some tea.¡±


    The words were unexpectedly kind. She froze.


    ¡°Hui?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ yes, Lady Rosaline. Shall I serve the same vor as yours?¡±


    ¡°What do you think, Lady E? I¡¯m drinking ck tea with honey.¡±


    ¡°Please.¡± E seemed irritated by Hui¡¯s disregard.


    Rosaline nodded. Hui could see that this person was unlike the other youngdies. There was a strange hostility in her gaze.


    That was why she didn¡¯t want to leave her friend alone. E had even appeared with three maids, so Rosaline would have to deal with four such gazes alone while she left to prepare the tea.


    ¡°Will I be able to drink tea before this day ends?¡± the hateful woman asked sarcastically when Hui remained motionless.


    Pain red in Rosaline¡¯s temples.


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor.¡± She raised her chin slightly, stroking the smooth handle of her teacup, blue eyes shing sharply under long eyshes. ¡°I was asked for tea outside my own residence.¡± Rosaline brought the cup to her lips as if to showcase it.


    One of E¡¯s eyes twitched.


    Each nobledy entered the imperial pce with their own tea and tea sets. Of course, the tea itself could be provided, but it was impossible to ask for a cup at just any given time.


    Also, it was usually the responsibility of the owner of a residence to prepare tea for the guests. Since this was a pce that technically did not have an owner yet, it was only natural for the candidates to bring tea with them.


    By asking Rosaline to serve tea, E had unintentionally implied that she was the owner of the pce, which was obviously not her intention.


    E took a deep breath. ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t have to prepare my own tea set,¡± she said arrogantly, which actually meant ¡°Everything here will be mine anyway, so there was no need.¡±


    ¡°Oh, Goddess, I see. How unfortunate! Please do not be ashamed, Lady E.¡±


    Once again, the response was unexpected. E had been banking on a sharp reaction that could be the source of rumors to ruin Rosaline¡¯s reputation.


    ¡°I read your answer yesterday, and it was very good. This time, though, it would have been better to prepare a little more.¡± Rosaline nced at E¡¯s servants. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you won¡¯t be sent home because of this. I actually think you will stay in the pce for at least two or three more days.¡±


    The twitch in E¡¯s eye worsened.


    Rosaline smirked and swept the hair off her neck. ¡°I would be delighted to share a cup of tea with you.¡± She raised her hand just in time as Hui appeared, gesturing towards E.


    Hui set down a teacup and poured into it.


    ***


    Baroness Vellus was watching their exchange from a distance. Last night, Az had called for her after dinner.


    ¡°How was she?¡±


    ¡°Indeed, she has an impable and wonderful personality.¡±


    When she remembered the conversation she had with the empress dowager, her hands tensed.


    ¡°A vixen born with a talent for attracting others. That¡¯s how she cheated our Cahir.¡±


    The scene of Rosaline putting down a teacup ovepped with that of Az doing the same.


    Baroness Vellus¡¯ breathing hitched.


    ¡°What business is your husband doing these days? Did you mention it was one for the soles of shoes? As far as I know, there hasn¡¯t been a lot of investment involved, but wouldn¡¯t it be hard if it failed?¡±


    The baroness bit her lips. Although she was not actively involved in Baron Vellus¡¯ business, she understandably did not want him to fail. Now, they were wealthy enough to be treated like rich nobles from the capital. But¡­


    Without their money, they would have to return to their small territory in the province and live with the smells of soil and cow dung.


    ¡®I can¡¯t let that happen.¡¯


    Az had insisted that Rosaline was good at deceiving people. Perhaps the affection Baroness Vellus felt was also due to that.


    She crossed the hall and stood in front of Rosaline and E¡¯s table, vowing not to be swayed.


    ***


    ¡°Baroness Vellus!¡± E jumped out of her seat. ¡°It¡¯s lovely to see you here. I very much enjoyed the refreshments you sent mest time,¡± she said in a friendly tone.


    Did she want to show off her connections? Did she want Rosaline to cower after watching all that?


    Rosaline¡¯s mind was calm. She stood, the reappearance of her gown in its full glory painting a blush on many youngdies¡¯ cheeks.


    She ignored it. ¡°It¡¯s an honor to see you again.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s nice to see you too,¡± came the cold response.


    ¡®Did I do something wrong again? I don¡¯t remember anything about that, and she was fine up until we parted ways yesterday. What¡¯s wrong?¡¯


    What had happened to Baroness Vellus? Was she merely capricious by nature?


    Whatever the case, Rosaline didn¡¯t mind. She wasn¡¯t the type of person to be hurt by someone¡¯s unprovoked malice, and she was of the mindset that it was easier to just deal with it immediately rather than exchanging barbs back and forth. After recognizing someone as an enemy, she was surprisingly relentless.


    It was also one of Cahir¡¯s favorite things about her.


    ¡®Since there¡¯s a conflict¡­¡¯


    Rosaline smiled and told Hui to pull a chair out for the baroness, who wasn¡¯t apanied by anyone.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    The formal greetings were over.


    ¡°Hui, could I ask you to go again? I¡¯d like to serve tea to the baroness as well¡ªoh!¡± She turned to Baroness Vellus. ¡°That is, if you would allow it.¡±


    The older woman nodded lightly and looked around.


    She could see that the other nobledies had taken their ces at their assigned tables. Some of the empress candidates dropped their teaspoons in embarrassment or even gasped openly.


    ¡°¡­There are still many inexperienced youngdies,¡± Baroness Vellus said frankly.


    It was a warning to Rosaline as well, a reminder that any mistake would result in a harsh scolding.


    A deration of war, so to speak.

 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    Thanks to Cyra for the donation! And to everyone else for being so patient~


    ***


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m a little doubtful that this will lead to harsh evaluations. As we all know, a sudden visit from a very important person can easily make one nervous.¡±


    In short, it was rude to arrive without an appointment.


    Baroness Vellus¡¯ mouth opened and closed.


    It was ignorant to immediately criticize the immaturity and inexperience of the youngdies present while also being a person who recklessly participated in other people¡¯s tea parties without sending word beforehand, especially if they were not particrly important figures in the empire.


    ¡°Still, dropping one¡¯s teaspoon is unrefined for educated nobility. Isn¡¯t that so, Lady Rosaline? After all, neither of us dropped ours, right?¡±


    Rosalineughed inwardly. At some point, E had started talking confidently, which was different from the clumsy, insecure act she put on to arouse a protective instinct.


    ¡°But, Lady Rosaline, you mentioned that a sudden visit from an important guest was a reasonable cause for worry, but you didn¡¯t seem surprised at all. Don¡¯t you think that¡­ Baroness Vellus is distinguished?¡± E alternated her gaze between the two other women, eyebrows lowered as if in reproach.


    ¡®Is she really picking another fight right now?¡¯


    Rosaline wasn¡¯t scared of fights, but she didn¡¯t want to be roped in like that.


    ¡°Of course she¡¯s distinguished. However, I wasn¡¯t surprised because the baroness said, ¡®See you again,¡¯st night. How about you, Lady E¡­? Oh! You also weren¡¯t surprised. Then, does that mean you don¡¯t think¡­!¡± she paused dramatically, covering her mouth with both hands as if she had received enlightenment.


    Baroness Vellus, who was quietly listening, frowned briefly. Due to the course of the conversation, E had been ignoring her as well. Still, she couldn¡¯t afford to be angry, so she bit the inside of her cheek. With Az¡¯s support, E had the highest probability of winning the selection. Although she hated that type of person the most, it was difficult to take a stand against the empress dowager.


    ¡°Lady E must have realized that I would be present. When I entered alone, we made eye contact, and thus I sat at this table because of her warm gaze,¡± Baroness Vellus said.


    Rosaline held her tongue. The baroness was surely smart enough to know that she was being insulted, which meant that this was her choice. She meant to keep quiet even if she was wronged.


    ¡®Fine, I¡¯m a pacifist anyway.¡¯


    The sounds ofughter and conversation from the other tables permeated their space.


    Rosaline struggled to focus on the people in front of her despite knowing that not doing so was rude.


    Thedies next to them were talking about themon topic of a cheating fianc¨¦.


    She usually wasn¡¯t interested in such things, but in the subsequent silence at her table, it had been a ray of light.


    Above all, the woman leading the conversation was a skilled storyteller.


    The story reached its climax¡ªwhen the cheating was caught.


    ¡°Have you seen His Majesty, Lady E?¡± the baroness asked.


    She sighed and pulled her attention back to where it was expected to be. Baroness Vellus was drinking tea and pretending to choose what to say as the two beautiful empress candidates looked at her.


    ¡°His Majesty is so busy! Instead, I met the empress dowager.¡± E bowed and blushed, but her voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.


    Especially when mentioning Az.


    Looks of defeat spread across the hall, but Rosaline couldn¡¯t decide whether it was enviable to be favored by the dowager. She doubted anyone under Az¡¯s protection would be happy as Cahir¡¯spanion.


    ¡®No matter how desperate the situation, I would never hold Az¡¯s hand.¡¯


    E knew of the strained rtions between the two royals, so why would she choose to side with Az? Was it because of Rosaline? Because their fated meetings were prevented?


    ¡®If so, then I feel a little sorry.¡¯


    ¡°Really? I¡¯ve heard that Her Highness has high standards, and it seems that she likes you, Lady E. Don¡¯t you think so, Lady Rosaline?¡±


    Rosaline wasn¡¯t sure where the conversation was going, but she nodded for now. ¡°I suppose. I heard that Her Highness was strict, so I¡¯m thankful now that she has Lady E. Please continue what you have been doing.¡±


    In short, ¡®Don¡¯t mess around and get along with Az for the rest of your life.¡¯


    All things considered, the sarcasm in the statement wasn¡¯t malicious at all. However, E seemed to think differently. The corners of her mouth trembled.


    ¡®If you¡¯re putting on an act, do it right and at leastugh properly.¡¯


    It was terrifying to see augh that didn¡¯t reach the eyes.


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll be a good friend for both Her Highness and His Majesty.¡±


    Again, E knew that Cahir and Az had a bad rtionship. Now, she had no choice but to side with the empress dowager, but once she had the emperor¡¯s heart, she would let go of Az¡¯s hand.


    In herst life, she hadn¡¯t been able to do that. She had fought with Cahir many times because of Az, so she intended to draw a line when the time came.


    ¡°I¡¯m very happy to think that His Majesty will gain a good friend. I can¡¯t even imagine it.¡±


    She could never be his friend.


    ¡°Why is that?¡± entered Baroness Vellus.


    ¡°His Majesty doesn¡¯t have time to make friends. Managing an empire takes an overflowing amount of work.¡±


    ¡°Oh my¡­ That¡¯s too bad.¡±


    Indeed, the baroness¡¯ look of sympathy was almost believable. Rosaline almost believed that there was someone who truly recognized Cahir¡¯s hardships.


    However, she had to quickly shake off such emotions. The facade of sympathy was only to lull her into a false sense of security.


    ¡°But there¡¯s something I don¡¯t really understand, Lady Rosaline. If not having enough time is a barrier against making friends, then what about you, who had been with His Majesty for a long time as his secretary¡­¡± E supplied, picking up where the baroness left off.


    Rosaline was thus at a crossroads. If she talked about Cahir¡¯s disposition, it would be like gossiping about him, and if she ced the burden on herself, the two would be able to twist it somehow and cut her off.


    Were there other ways to handle the situation?


    With her spoon, she cut a corner of the dessert Hui had brought earlier and brought it to her mouth. As soon as she tasted it, she bought time by savoring the melting sweetness. As delicious as the pudding was, it was not unnatural for her to spend some time on it.


    Fortunately, an idea came to her before she had to pick up another piece, although she really wouldn¡¯t have minded otherwise.


    Of course, it would cause all sorts of rumors among thedies, and while normally it would have scared her to think what Cahir would say to that, considering how he was now, it didn¡¯t seem like a big deal.


    ¡°I¡¯m ashamed to say this, but¡­¡± Rosaline tilted her head, recalling the times when he angered her.


    He had almostmitted murder when an administrator was caught embezzling, he used to throw reports on their desks and ask them to solve things right away, and he used to make her face the nobles when he didn¡¯t want to do it himself.


    ¡®But that¡¯s all in the past now.¡¯


    She had nned to make herself turn red by thinking about how frustrating he was, but the only thing she was feeling was a sense of pride and fondness.


    ¡°Lady Rosaline? Your face is red, are you not feeling well?¡± Hui asked, resisting the urge to check if she was feverish.


    The two women had a close rtionship, but because of the difference in their social status, they had to be careful in front of Baroness Vellus and E.


    ¡®My face still turned red? But I¡¯m not angry at all¡­¡¯


    Rosaline steeled herself, relieved that she got the results she wanted. ¡°His Majesty and I are¡­ a little bit like friends,¡± she whispered with lowered eyes.


    E¡¯s eye twitched.


    The phrasing was ambiguous, but the surroundingdies picked up on it at once. There was meaning in vagueness, and Rosaline¡¯s cheeks were so very red. Additionally, the rumors spreading through the imperial pce were very convincing.


    ¡°Oh dear, I guess it¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°Why is she talking as if she is uncertain of her position? I myself was sure that I would be a bridesmaid.¡±


    Eyes quickly flitted across the table.


    E stepped in coldly. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    Rosaline only smiled subtly, which turned ¡®a little bit like friends¡¯ into ¡®a little bit like friends¡¯.


    ¡°Well, there¡¯s no problem with meetings between young men and women before getting married. However, I would like to say that when ites to a married rtionship¡­ Hmmm? I¡¯m sure you know. I don¡¯t want to speak frivolously¡±


    Was Baroness Vellus¡­ implying something about illicit affairs? Why was there no possibility in her heart that Rosaline could be empress?


    ¡®It¡¯s making me feelpetitive, even as someone who isn¡¯t so invested. Perhaps the baroness should pay attention to how her words will affect E, who looks like she¡¯s having difficulty maintaining herposure.¡¯


    Rosaline wondered how E would react to talks of marriage and affairs.

 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    Thank you, Sanji!! And everyone else¡ªI promise I¡¯ll be getting more out within the next couple of days (1/3)


    ¡°Thank you for your advice. I will listen carefully to Baroness Vellus¡¯ words. Please don¡¯t worry, as that eventuality will probably never happen.¡±


    Cahir had told her that he would make her empress, and she no longer had any intention of avoiding it anymore.


    Rosaline looked at E, who had a strangely stiff expression. She wondered what thoughts were lurking beneath the surface.


    ¡°Yes. Also, how is the empress dowager, Lady E?¡± the baroness asked.


    Once again, the topic shifted to the dowager. Was it to praise E, or to threaten Rosaline with the reminder that a marriage without the approval of a mother-inw was not a happy one.


    She flinched a little inwardly. Being empress really would entail having Az for a mother-inw, a woman who was far away from Cahir both personality-wise and biologically. It was anxiety-inducing to imagine the harassment she would receive in the future, given that Az was relentless against the people she disliked, and Rosaline was certainly one such person.


    ¡°She¡¯s quite worried,¡± E replied coldly, rejoicing at being the center of the story. ¡°Especially for who will be His Majesty¡¯spanion.¡±


    ¡°Oh my, what are you worried about?¡±


    ¡®Wow, what a beautifully executed y.¡¯


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to state the obvious, but she has a deep affection for His Majesty¡­ She has a lot of worries about it.¡±


    Rosaline coughed out her tea. Both herpanions looked at her with strange expressions.


    ¡°Ah, I apologize, I choked on my tea. I was so focused on your conversation that I drank too fast.¡±


    Although there were obvious differences between choking andughter, it wasn¡¯t the appropriate location to bring that up.


    Rosaline shook her head as if to talk again, trying to stifle her amusement.


    E looked at her with a frown and then turned back to Baroness Vellus, practically prompting her to say the next line.


    ¡°There must be a lot to consider. You have to look at her family background, and then the candidate¡¯s own qualities. If a person from a very small family bes the empress, they might rush for the power, and if thedy herself iscking, she will not be able toplement His Majesty well. There must be a way to satisfy both¡­¡±


    ¡®Why are you looking at me and trailing off like that?¡¯


    Rosaline, displeased at the most recent turn of events, briefly raised an eyebrow. Personal attacks were easy to brush off, but going after her family was too much. Even more so because the Verites were not at all power-hungry. It could even be said that they valued the supposed honor of the nobility far too muchpared to their peers.


    ¡°I understand, Lady Vellus. However, I can¡¯t believe that such words havee from an esteemed teacher of etiquette and manners, so if I may ask¡ªdo I recall correctly that you mentioned being from a small family?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Lady Rosaline. That¡¯s exactly why I know how people around His Majesty are always currying for favor in order to see even the slightest benefits.¡±


    Baroness Vellus saw that she had struck a nerve, and was subsequently filled with the intoxicating sense of victory. She didn¡¯t notice Hui¡¯s subtle smile.


    ¡°Oh dear, I knew you were honest, but I didn¡¯t think that it woulde to this. It¡¯s all because of your concern for and loyalty to His Majesty, right?¡± Rosaline smiled slowly as she dragged a finger over the rim of her teacup.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Honestly, she liked the flustered reaction. She had to bite back her smile. ¡°I don¡¯t consider your natal family to be small. However, I can¡¯t help but think of the time when the Kedletons required arge dowry, right?¡±


    The baroness was born into a noble family that struggled to maintain its reputation due to ack ofnd and money. Their pride prevented them from workingmon jobs, and so they had to keep borrowing money. The viscounty only had one smart daughter.


    Baroness Vellus n¨¦e Kedleton was wise. She chose a husband who didn¡¯t have many prospects and whose family¡¯s economic situation was considerably generous. The wedding took ce at once. Her husband¡¯s father¡ªthe baron at the time¡ªwas happy to have a smart woman enter his family, and the Kedletons weed the money they would receive in return. An equivalent exchange, in a way.


    Nevertheless, problems still broke out.


    Her natal family was greedy. There was a rumor that the wedding was almost canceled right before the event because they were unsatisfied even with therge sum they received.


    ¡®Although I didn¡¯t know that before.¡¯


    This newfound knowledge had been Cahir¡¯s gift to her, the person who was in no social circles and had no interest in all the backstories of the nobility. In the envelope he had left in her room was the report about the baroness¡¯ life.


    ¡®I was right.¡¯


    Cahir was clearly watching her every step of the way. But she supposed that she should be grateful for that, now that she had been directly helped by the surveince.


    Rosaline smiled bitterly. ¡°Please don¡¯t me yourself too much, Lady Vellus. How could it have been your fault? It was all because of those who are blinded by power and prejudiced.¡±


    ¡®Aren¡¯t you from a small, ignoble family yourself? How can you even think of criticizing other people without considering your own history?¡¯


    The older woman couldn¡¯t even get angry because of the consoling tone.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying too much, Lady Rosaline!¡± E chastised.


    Baroness Vellus was not happy at all with the intervention. It would have been better if the topic was just changed immediately.


    Rosaline was already finished, but E stoked the fire again. ¡°Yes? Which part¡­?¡±


    ¡°The dowry demanded by Viscount Kedleton was certainly unreasonable,¡± E said, unable to quell her desire to see her opponent destroyed, ¡°but I think Baroness Vellus is well worth that amount.¡±


    ¡°Oh my¡­ That¡­¡± Rosaline covered her mouth with her hands.


    ¡®I can¡¯t believe she actually said that. To actually imply that the baroness was sold. Such marriages aremon, but it¡¯s rude to bring it up, even more so if it¡¯s at a social event.¡¯


    ¡°And don¡¯t you know what Lady Vellus did as a baroness? If you knew how much effort she¡¯s dedicated to helping the baron, Lady Rosaline wouldn¡¯t be able to speak so carelessly.¡±


    ¡°I have not spoken carelessly, but if that¡¯s how it feels, I¡¯d like to apologize. Also, I¡¯m curious about the ¡®effort¡¯ you mentioned.¡±


    (t/n: that nonpology lmao, love that for her)


    A crowd of gazes started gathering, eachdy seated in their chairs at their tables, absolutely riveted.


    ¡°Thedy constantly tried to establish ties with those who could help Baron Vellus, including Duchess Magnis. She spent special products from their small estate every year¡­¡±


    Tak.


    Baroness Vellus dropped her fan as if by mistake. E made eye contact. The hand picking up the fan was shaking.


    ¡®What did I do wrong? I was just trying to help her.¡¯


    ¡°Well¡­ Lady Vellus has a great reputation in the social world, but Lady E has said too much. It¡¯s not that she was establishing connections, but rather that she simply likes to share. Next time, I want to receive such specialties from the barony. Is there any chance of that, perhaps?¡±


    ¡°¡­Of course, Lady Rosaline.¡±


    The baroness¡¯ pride was somehow restored, but she still trembled in the wake of an irreparable wound. Meanwhile, E was still confused.


    ***


    Rosaline didn¡¯t even want to reflect on how the conversation went after that. Especially since her room was sofortable. It seemed wrong to think of ufortable things in such a ce.


    E had said she would make up for it, but the baroness had cut her off coldly.


    It had all been very strange.


    ¡®She¡¯s Az¡¯s pick, so no matter what Baroness Vellus¡¯ evaluation will be, she¡¯ll still be one of the final candidates.¡¯


    She was rude, but also smart and beautiful, and she was even supported by the empress dowager. When she dealt with people she didn¡¯t hate, she had a kind and protective aura.


    Rosaline honestly acknowledged her strengths.


    In the novel, Cahir had always said that she was deserving of standing by him.


    Her thoughts drifted over to how the evaluations were done. Honestly, she was frustrated at the disorderly system, to the point that she even began to doubt that this was truly the selection of an empress.


    Knock knock.


    With Rosaline¡¯s permission, Paulo opened the door.


    ¡°There will be a ball tonight.¡±

 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    ***


    ¡°What¡¯s the schedule for tonight?¡± Cahir asked Derek as he buried his nose into a report.


    ¡°Tonight you must make the final review of the construction n of the temple.¡±


    Handling the construction of the Temple of Berlios was originally Rosaline¡¯s job. However, due to the unexpected empress selection, the project was passed onto Derek, whose suggestion to proceed after Rosaline returned was rejected.


    ¡°Are you going to make the empress do work? You¡¯ve grown bold.¡±


    For Cahir, it was obvious that Rosaline would win, and Derek had no intention of refuting that.


    ¡®I¡¯m the one who¡¯s getting tired here.¡¯


    He took over the job andpleted a report on the construction with the help of administrators. Afterpleting the purchase ofnd, the architect was also selected. The construction proposal was finalized and the schedule was adjusted. Construction was supposed to begin as soon as the emperor¡¯s seal was stamped, but he hadn¡¯t gotten around to doing that yet.


    It wasn¡¯t on purpose, though, he was just busy. Recently, in addition to the reports Cahir usually received, reports about Rosaline also started piling up on his desk.


    Dating, apparently, involved time and doing various new things.


    Still, Derek had to get the seal now. Fortunately, there was nothing else to review that night¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s a masquerade ball, right?¡±


    He¡¯d spoken too soon.


    ¡°Are you nning on going?¡± Derek sighed.


    ¡°Rosaline is going to dance, too.¡±


    ¡°Of course. It¡¯s a ball to check their dancing prowess.¡±


    ¡°I heard other young noblemen were invited too.¡±


    ¡°Because thedies need dancing partners,¡± Derek said, gritting his teeth in annoyance.


    ¡°I¡¯ll attend the ballter, then.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty, there¡¯ll be chaos¡­¡± He waved the papers he was holding into Cahir¡¯s face.


    ¡°Derek, do you want me to just sit here and look at reports?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re great even if you¡¯re just sitting down.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate thepliment, but I know ttery when I see it. Shouldn¡¯t a good secretary wish for his employer¡¯s happiness?¡±


    ¡°You make it sound like you¡¯ll be unhappy if you don¡¯t dance with Secretary Rosaline.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s¡­ What?¡±


    Cahir had gone crazy. He would never have said that so bluntly without having gone crazy first. That Cahir, who didn¡¯t even shed a tear when the previous emperor died, was iming that he would be unhappy without dancing with Rosaline.


    ¡°Ah, as expected, Your Majesty is tired from work. You used to say that attending balls was a waste of time, so of course, exhaustion is the only reason why you would personally say that you would go. You¡¯ve been working a lottely,¡± Derek babbled.


    Cahir¡¯s eyebrows rose. ¡°Derek,¡± he said firmly. ¡°I don¡¯t hate it anymore. I guess I¡¯ve been more tolerant since I realized I was in love.¡±


    ¡°What? Lo¡­ What did you say?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in love.¡±


    ¡°Who? With whom?¡±


    ¡°I thought you knew; it¡¯s not like there¡¯s ever been anyone else next to me. There¡¯s no one in this empire other than Rosaline who can capture me.¡±


    Derek¡¯s legs buckled. Cahir¡¯s stare, on the other hand, didn¡¯t falter at all.


    ¡°But you were still confused not too long ago, right?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a man who likes learning. I learned from those romance books that all these feelings are actually just love.¡±


    ¡®I wouldn¡¯t have given those to you if I¡¯d known this would happen.¡¯


    Derek felt regret course through him. But there was still a chance! Having unfamiliar feelings was confusing for everybody.


    ¡°Your Majesty, pardon my impertinence, but you have never felt romantic love before, so please think on it a little more. How can you confidently say that it¡¯s love?¡±


    He couldn¡¯t stomach the idea of his boss getting a happy ending before him. He and Hui had been having such a hard time!


    ¡°Oh my, Derek, what do you see me as? Do I look like a fool who doesn¡¯t even know how he feels?¡±


    ¡®You didn¡¯t even know until recently, Your Majesty.¡¯


    Cahir continued, ¡°I¡¯m sure. When I see Rosaline, I want to touch her, do anything for her. I¡¯m worried that she¡¯ll have a hard time, and I want to keep her by my side at all costs, even if it means breaking her wings.¡±


    The first three were love, but thest one was definitely a sign of obsession.


    Derek gaped.


    ¡°But I know it¡¯s wrong. It¡¯s wrong to want her to be by my side so desperately. I swear I¡¯ll never do that to her. Just the thought of her being sad or sick makes my heart pound.¡±


    ¡®What¡­ did I just hear? Those sharine words? Out of His Majesty¡¯s mouth?¡¯


    Derek¡¯s ears felt like they had cavities. He wanted to rinse his ears in running water right then. If possible, his head too, just to erase his memory as well.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make that face.¡±


    ¡°What face?¡±


    ¡°A jealous face.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not.¡±


    Well, it was a relief that Cahir hadn¡¯t changed that much, at least. While he now had awareness of his own feelings, he still couldn¡¯t properly gauge that of others.


    Derek sighed.


    ¡°Yes, it is.¡±


    ¡°No. Your Majesty, I am not jealous of Secretary Rosaline.¡±


    ¡°Then what¡¯s wrong with your face?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m frowning but also awkwardly smiling?¡±


    ¡°Are you sick? Can¡¯t you feel what expression you¡¯re making?¡±


    Derek wanted to smile. Genuinely. But his face really did make it seem like he was jealous. Cahir looked a bit worried, which sent a chill down his spine.


    ¡°Your Majesty, there¡¯s something I want to make sure of.¡±


    ¡°Say it.¡±


    ¡°Love and dating are done by oneself. You know that, right?¡±


    ¡®So you can¡¯t ask me to help you. With, for example, proposal ideas, magical fireworks shows, bouquets, or something like that.¡¯


    ¡°Okay. Speaking of which, Derek, have you ever thought about what life is like at the border?¡±


    Wow.


    He hadn¡¯t even said anything outrageous yet, but there was an immediate attack.


    ¡°Your Majesty, that was just a general statement. Of course, your and Secretary Rosaline¡¯s rtionship is the romance of the century, and it must be the best in all of Aetheus¡¯ history, so should be willing to receive help from others. How can I help you?¡±


    Derek was willing to kneel to stay with Hui.


    ¡°Well, I won¡¯t refuse your offer. Is there a report I need to review tonight?¡±


    ¡°No, you can do it tomorrow morning. Should I tell everyone to get ready?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate that.¡±


    The teasing threats and words of gratitude were a vast improvement to how Cahir used to order people around. Derek, still shocked at his employer¡¯s frank confession and attitude change, stumbled out of the office.


    He heard a pleasantughe from behind him.

 Chapter 53.2

    Chapter 53.2


    ***


    Last of the sponsored chapters by Sanji! Thanking everyone for their patience during my midterm week.


    ***


    Time passed by peacefully, but Rosaline knew better than becent. She knew what a calm before a storm looked like.


    The nobledies were all holed up in their rooms, busy preparing for the evening battle. A battle where one had to wield the sword in one¡¯s mouth and subdue the opponent with beauty.


    ¡°Hui, that¡¯s a bit much¡­¡±


    Her friend was currently pinning arge rose corsage on her shoulder, which she felt was excessive.


    Rosaline¡¯s pale pink dress entuated her slender waist, its puffy skirt fluttering out from her hips. She looked ufortably close to a bell.


    ¡°I can¡¯t make any concessions. Today, Miss Rosaline¡¯s dance card must be filled with names.


    In Hui¡¯s eyes, while Rosaline was indeed the most beautiful and elegant candidate even without makeup, there was nothing wrong with dressing for the asion. It wasn¡¯t even excessive, to be honest, since her hair was still simply braided on one side and her only pieces of jewelry were her pink diamond ne and earrings.


    She was, in a word, the personification of a pink rose. The corsage was the perfect finishing touch so that even her fragrance would fill the hall.


    ¡°Hui, can¡¯t you really?¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    Rosaline sighed and lowered her hand.


    Hui finished pinning the rose on the left shoulder, and the in-looking dress bloomed splendidly. She stepped back and smiled contetedly. ¡°His Majesty will be amazed when he sees it.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll probably make fun of me.¡±


    ¡°Would you like to bet on that?¡±


    Rosaline¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°I¡¯m done with bets.¡±


    ¡°Are you not confident?¡±


    She shrugged. These days, Cahir was being a little strange to her. He had climbed up a rope to the fifth floor, started speaking honeyed words to her¡­


    ¡®I might lose that bet if I make it.¡¯


    ¡°¡®Your skirt ripples like the waves of the sea, and those wavese crashing in my heart like the tides, nting your beauty before leaving.¡¯ You¡¯ll hear at least that, I think.¡±


    ¡°Hui! Where did you get such strange ideas? Maybe from Sir Derek?¡¯ Rosaline scrunched her nose in horror.


    ¡°It¡¯s from a romance novel.¡±


    ¡°Stop reading things like that.¡±


    ¡°You should try it.¡±


    ¡®Back in the day, I used to read a lot of romance novels, which was why I became Rosaline in the first ce, wasn¡¯t it?¡¯


    Rosaline swallowed what she wanted to say and left herself in Hui¡¯s hands, who did onest inspection before pping.


    ¡°Perfect!¡± She opened the door to the sight of the otherdies passing by the hallway.


    Everyone seemed brighter this evening, more beautiful than usual.


    Rosaline moved slowly before stopping.


    ¡°Why, did you forget something?¡±


    ¡°Also, Hui, that bet would have been meaningless.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°His Majesty cannot attend the ball.¡± Rosaline smiled.


    Hui wagged her finger. ¡°I¡¯m betting on this, Miss Rosaline. His Majesty will surely attend today. Also, another thing¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps the first person to put their name on your card will be him.¡±


    Rosaline sucked in air through her teeth. Everyone in the pce was busy right now, so the idea of Cahir showing up at the ball? And being the first to write his name on her dance card? That didn¡¯t make any sense.


    She shook her head. Hui was acting suspicious, and there was the fact that Derek was now Cahir¡¯s right-hand man.


    ¡°Shall we bet on it, Miss Rosaline?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll decline that. But out of curiosity, why do you want to bet on this?¡±


    ¡°I want to see His Majesty¡¯s panicked expression.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but that¡¯s impossible.¡±


    Panic was a result of things not going as nned. Cahir adapted his ns to the situation and his mind was always predicting what would happen next so that he could quicklye up with alternatives rather than losing his cool.


    ¡°Agree to the bet, then. Do you think you will lose?¡±


    ¡°Not at all.¡±


    ¡°So, panic, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll teach you how to do it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll win anyway, so you won¡¯t get me in trouble.¡±


    Hui just smiled and didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°If I win¡­¡± Rosaline trailed off, pondering. She didn¡¯t want to see Hui in trouble, so she didn¡¯t want to ask for anything weird¡­


    ¡°If you can¡¯t think of anything now, you can just tell meter. I¡¯m going to win anyway.¡± Hui walked a little further ahead, her confident attitude making Rosaline pause.

 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    ***


    The dance hall next to the second annex was a small building prepared exclusively for balls. Of course, it was smaller than the other buildings in the imperial ice, but it was veryrge for a dance hall. The floor area wasrge enough that about fifty couples could dance at the same time. There were only three halls of this size in the entire capital.


    It was not umon to holdrge-scale balls. Most of the nobles held banquets, but rarely held dances exclusively for dancing. This was especially the case because the elderlydies dominated the social world, and balls were the ce for young girls and young people to meet and socialize.


    Therefore, there were times when a ball was not held until spring had passed unless a good-natureddy held one out of the goodness of her heart.


    ¡°It¡¯s a ball, it¡¯s really fun!¡±


    ¡°Are the noblemening too?¡±


    It was nice to hear the babbling of the blushing youngdies. Rosalind leaned against a wall and watched the people entering the ballroom.


    ¡°They¡¯reing in.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    Perhaps remembering Hui¡¯s words that Kahir was sure toe, Rosaline involuntarily stood up straight and turned her eyes towards the entrance.


    ¡°The young noblemen.¡±


    Those words unwittingly relieved the tension in her stomach. She turned her back to the door.


    Hui smiled and patted Rosaline¡¯s skirt as if fixing it. ¡°You are waiting, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Who am I waiting for, Hui? His Majesty? I¡¯m sorry, but he doesn¡¯t even enjoy dancing, and he thinks balls like these are only forzy nobles with nothing to do. I have no expectations,¡± she said distractedly.


    She only noticed that the chattering had ceased when Hui bowed in front of her. Only noticed that her nose was being tickled by a familiar scent, ears filled with a low-pitched, charming voice.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to disappoint you, Rosaline, but I came.¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡± She turned around and sank into a curtsy, her skirt swishing around her.


    ¡®It¡¯s real. He¡¯s real.¡¯


    Cahir had put on his best for the ball. His normally disheveled hair was slicked back with pomade, revealing his forehead. The gold embroidery on the cor of his outfit looked luxurious, not at all out of ce in the equally sumptuous material of his clothes, so smooth that one could see his muscles ripple at the slightest movement.


    And that was all.


    He didn¡¯t shade his eyebrows, nor did he put too many essories on himself. He was even wearing his normal shoes. Still, he caught everyone¡¯s eye, though his being the emperor likely yed some part in that.


    Rosaline looked down at herself, once again feeling overdressed inparison. She felt strangely defeated.


    ¡®I guess it can¡¯t be helped that I wasn¡¯t born with the author¡¯s affection like he was.¡¯


    She swallowed bitterly, deciding that as long as he didn¡¯tugh at her, she would be satisfied even withoutpliments.


    ¡°Rosaline¡­¡± Cahir trailed off, his throat bobbing.


    ¡°Um, Your Majesty, if¡­¡±


    ¡°Shush, Rosaline,¡± he interrupted, but he didn¡¯t say anything more. He simply stared, eyes deepening.


    She began to feel the weight of all the eyes on them. ¡°Your Majesty, if you¡¯re nning on just standing there, I¡¯ll have to excuse myself to go dance.¡±


    Just in time, they heard the squeaking sounds of the musicians tuning their instruments, signaling the start of the first dance. Finally, their audience scattered and became busy with other things.


    ¡°Your Majesty, please let me pass¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful.¡±


    Rosaline stiffened. Behind them, Hui smiled triumphantly.


    ¡°Where are you looking, Rosaline?¡± He stepped closer, almost possessively.


    ¡°Your Majesty, you are too close.¡±


    ¡°Not if we¡¯re dancing. Hui, can you write my name on Rosaline¡¯s card?¡± Cahir asked, his eyes unmoving.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t even asked me to dance yet.¡±


    ¡°Are you going to decline?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a different matter. Also, how could I¡­¡±


    ¡°Rosaline, I¡¯m rather troubled. Are you going to dance with someone else in front of me, looking that beautiful? I¡¯m the only one in the empire who can match you. Even if you dance with someone with good intentions, you will only crush them with your superior looks. It would be so cruel.¡±


    Was that apliment or an insult?


    She hadn¡¯t yet decided which it was when Cahir gently held her hand and pulled her to the center of the dance floor. Those who already had a partner smoothly stepped aside for them, making the ball look like a grand wedding reception.


    No one had put their name on Rosaline¡¯s card, in the same way that no one expected Cahir¡¯s name on theirs. The two were already perfectly matched, and everyone acknowledged it.


    Well, except for E.


    The first song was a light waltz.


    Rosalind didn¡¯t even have to worry. Because Kahir gently rolled her hands and made her way to the center of her hall. People who were already seated naturally moved to the side. The day of the prom turned into a grand wedding reception.


    No one put her name on Rosalind¡¯s card, and no one expected Kahir¡¯s dance request. Rosalind and Cahir were already the perfect pair. Everyone admitted it.


    Except for E.


    As the two of them sat down, a light waltz came out.


    ¡°It¡¯s our second dance.¡±


    It was the second time after Az¡¯s birthday party. Rosaline nodded.


    Arge hand cupped her waist, pulling her in. Cahir¡¯s gaze passed over her shoulders and rested briefly on her corbones. ¡°After this song is over, I¡¯ll get you a shawl right away.¡±


    ¡°Hm? I¡¯m not cold.¡±


    ¡°You look like you are.¡±


    ¡°No, I am not cold. All the eyes on us are making me feel feverish.¡±


    Cahir didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he focused on dancing, Rosaline following his lead.


    She was confident that she could manage the waltz, the most basic social dance. No, actually, no matter how difficult it was, she was confident that she would be able to do it as long as Cahir was leading. He was so good that he could elevate someone¡¯s dancing to a passable level even if they had no sense of rhythm.


    ¡°Rosaline, don¡¯t you have anything to say to me?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, Your Majesty?¡±


    ¡°I told you you were beautiful when I saw you, so aren¡¯t I supposed to receive apliment out of courtesy as well?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t like those. You told me thatpliments should always be said with the utmost sincerity.¡±


    Indeed, Cahir looked great today. Unlike his usual casual appearance, his neatness further emphasized his masculinity. Had she still been working as his secretary, Rosaline would have praised his current appearance to death.


    Had she not been dancing with him in close quarters, her heart beating violently¡­


    ¡°Even then, pleasepliment me. Don¡¯t I look cool today?¡±


    The waltz wasing to an end, the passion in Cahir¡¯s eyes confounding her, making her wonder if he wanted more than just praise.


    ¡°Rosaline, are you sure you won¡¯t?¡±


    His lips were chapped. She couldn¡¯t stop staring at them.


    ¡°Please, Rosaline.¡± His breath disturbed the stray hairs on her forehead.


    ¡®It¡¯s just my hair. I feel this way because my hair is tickling me.¡¯


    Why did his words feel so far away?


    Noticing that she was averting her eyes, Cahir smiled slowly and tilted his head. He looked confoundingly different at that angle, like a man, not a teasing boy.


    Rosaline shifted backwards.


    ¡°Hey, the song isn¡¯t over yet.¡± He took back the small distance she had gained, his scent piercing her lungs.


    ¡®He really is cool¡­¡¯


    ¡°I can tell just by looking at your face. You have a crush on me, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡®¡­No, he just looks like it.¡±


    Rosaline came to her senses, snorting. ¡°Pfft, not at all,¡± she said, mildly relieved that her heart was slowing down to a normal pace.


    Again, he smiled beautifully. ¡°It was a wonderful dance, Lady Rosaline.¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t bad, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Ah, then I¡¯ll have to dance even better next time.¡± He reached for her hand to escort her to the table.


    At that moment, a string in her heart snapped.


    The rtionship between them had changed.


    She no longer felt anxious to please him. Although she was¡­ conscious of him, she feltfortable enough to do and say what she wanted, to refute him if she thought he was wrong.


    Rosaline no longer had the attitude of a tyrant¡¯s secretary, and neither did Cahir treat her as such, much less act like how he used to.


    Everyone knew that he was particrly generous to her, but she never realized it until then.


    ¡®I wonder if¡­ he¡¯ll only be this way towards me.¡¯


    She looked down at his hand.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to hold it?¡±


    ¡°¡­I won¡¯t.¡±


    For some reason, she felt like being a bit grumpy. Rosaline grabbed the hem of her dress and pulled away, leaving Cahir on the floor.


    A sh of embarrassment passed his face before he swiftly followed her, ignoring the gazes of all the other young women in the hall.


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