Inside the room, chilling sounds of cracking and crunching echoed. The Duchess sat in a chair, trying to calm her boiling insides. Alone, she clutched her head and gnawed at her nails with crunching bites.

“No, this isn’t right. This wasn’t the ending I knew. Why? Why did it change?”

The Duchess chewed on the soft flesh inside her mouth. Rosana rebelling against my words? 

She even pushed me into a crisis. She was a child who only danced in the palm of my hand until now. She was a good child. Her breathing grew increasingly rough.

When Rosana was in her grasp, everything flowed well according to the original story. 

The only thing that changed was Rosana going to Diovaha. And she recalled those golden eyes that had glared at her fiercely.

“That’s right, that bastard exists. A character different from the original. He didn’t love Rosana. He didn’t even have the chance to love her. That bastard must have changed Rosana.”

What should I do? 

After pondering, she reached a conclusion. If she wouldn’t seize the opportunity even when given one, then she’d accomplish it with her own hands. 

Rosana changed? What does that matter?

Once she dies, it’ll all be over anyway.

“…I brought this just in case.”

She’d brought this item because she found Rosana’s action of returning the dagger strange. In the Duchess’s hand was an ornate box.

“You’re supporting me too, aren’t you? That’s why you must have given me this item.”

With a click, the lid opened to reveal a hairpin showing off its beautiful color. It was a hair ornament with a sharp tip. The Duchess couldn’t bring herself to grasp the hair ornament and instead cradled the box.

* * *

When Rosana didn’t feel the warmth that should have been beside her, she woke up fumbling at the spot next to her with her hand. Rising with disheveled hair, Rosana opened her eyes narrowly and looked around. 

With a dazed mind, she traced through her memories of what had happened. Her eyes, which had been rolling around frantically, fixed on the small light coming through the curtains.

“Ah, it’s morning…”

She’d intended to close her eyes for just a moment, but she must have dozed off, intoxicated by the warmth. Rosana looked around once more. The presence that should have been there was nowhere to be seen.

“He must have laid me down and left.”

Rising languidly, Rosana pulled the curtains wide open. 

The sun floated high in the sky, seemingly scolding Rosana for oversleeping. She stood there for a long while like a flower enjoying sunbathing. 

Opening the window slightly, Rosana enjoyed the refreshing breeze brushing against her cheeks. Her golden hair fluttered and swayed in the wind.

“Are you awake?”

The person who entered through the door was Celine. Yuna was behind her too. She was carefully gauging Rosana’s mood.

“Lady Rosana, are you alright?”

“I made you worry. I’m fine, truly. Celine, thank you. You were the one who called Jade, weren’t you?”

“…I deemed it necessary.”

“Yes. That’s right. I needed him.”

“You won’t be going to see them anymore?”

Celine asked while taking in Rosana, who looked relieved. Before, she’d gone to meet them resolutely like someone who had a reason they absolutely had to meet. She actually did have business with them. 

But now… what about now?

“I’ve finished everything I had to say. I achieved my purpose, so there’s no need to go.”

Celine and Yuna quietly exchanged glances. Rosana was in such a good mood that she even hummed a tune.

Rosana opened the door and went out. She was about to give Baron, who was guarding the door, a light greeting when she saw his face and swallowed her words. She saw his cheek dyed deep blue. Rosana let out a small sigh and spoke apologetically.

“Because of my orders… I always put you in a difficult position, Sir Baron.”

“Not at all. The responsibility lies heavily with me for failing to protect you, Lady Rosana.”

“What do you mean, failing to protect? You took my side. I should have been the one to stop Jade…”

“It’s fine.”

“Your cheek is swollen though. I should send my apologies to Lily as well.”

Baron, who knew his own condition, remained silent, seemingly having nothing to say.

Starting her late morning, Rosana moved leisurely. Then she noticed something different from usual. Rosana suddenly raised her head and looked around.

“Sir Baron, did monsters appear? The number of knights seems different from usual, fewer.”

The number of knights visible through the window had also decreased compared to usual. When Baron subtly avoided her eyes, Rosana was certain something was up.

“Where did everyone go?”

At Rosana’s words, the people around exchanged glances with expressions wondering whether they should say this. Jade had given the order, but he hadn’t left separate instructions to hide it from her. However, if they conveyed this order, Rosana would surely go find him.

“Lady Rosana. His Majesty…”

In the end, Celine spoke on behalf of everyone. As soon as Rosana heard Celine’s words, her complexion turned deathly pale. Then she hurriedly prepared to move.

Rosana went to find Jade with furious steps.

“Jade!”

“Hmm, quite pleasing… hm?”

Rosana burst open Jade’s office door and called out to him abruptly. Upon spotting Rosana, Jade hastily hid something and put his hand in his pocket. However, Rosana didn’t question that action.

Walking up to him with large strides, Rosana slammed both hands on the desk and said.

“What kind of orders did you give! Confinement…!”

Jade, who’d been subtly gauging the situation wondering if he’d been caught, continued speaking with relief when Rosana talked about something entirely different.

“That sounds bad. I’m merely being thorough with precautions. That person even thr*st a dagger at you. Danger isn’t far away, it’s right nearby. Since they’re causing trouble again, I’m just watching from the side to prevent difficulties.”

“Withdraw the knights immediately. Monitoring guests who came from afar so they can’t go anywhere violates propriety. What will you do if they protest after Mother returns home?”

“What protest? Even if something comes from that side, I’m confident I can ignore it.”

Jade merely shrugged his shoulders.

“More importantly, did you eat breakfast? I was worried when you didn’t wake up. I was surprised you fell asleep in that situation to begin with. Being defenseless in front of a man looking forward to spending the night with you…”

“…!”

At Jade’s words spoken with a seductive smile, Rosana quickly covered Jade’s mouth with both hands. However, Jade was more skilled. 

Taking advantage of the shortened distance, Jade subtly pulled Rosana’s waist. The backs of Rosana’s hands covering Jade’s mouth touched her own lips, like they were kissing.

Malek turned his eyes away with a calm expression. An administrator who’d come to deliver documents stood there dumbfounded, holding the papers in his arms. 

Realizing someone else was there, Rosana startled and removed her hands. Then she pushed against his chest, but he didn’t budge.

“They’re flustered…!”

“They’ll see it hundreds of times, so they need to get used to it. Yesterday’s incident happened too.”

“What do you…”

“Did you forget? The fact that you moved around in my arms yesterday.”

Rosana’s complexion grew pale. No wonder the maids and knights had been subtly looking her over every time she passed by…! 

With belated embarrassment, Rosana’s cheeks reddened. With a small smooch sound, Jade kissed Rosana’s cheek.

“Perfect timing. Since you’re here, let’s go look at the ceremonial robes.”

“Jade, I’m not done talking yet…”

“I hope it’s completely to your liking.”

Rosana fell for Jade, who’d skillfully changed the subject. Malek, who’d been listening silently, let out a sigh. He was busy today too. With the romance business.

* * *

“I keep saying this, but it’s not confinement. It’s nothing more than monitoring dangerous individuals.”

Jade let out a quiet sigh at the continuing conversation.

“Jade. That’s surveillance, and if they can’t go outside, it’s confinement.”

Rosana scolded him. However, Jade fixed his gaze out the window, saying he didn’t want to hear it. In one ear and out the other.

“They’re staying quiet without much to say, knowing their wrongdoing. It’s natural if you think about it. Who should be the one protesting?”

“That’s…”

“So this conversation is over. And it won’t be much longer anyway. I’ll send them away right after the wedding ends.”

Watching Jade, who kept clicking his tongue and expressing his displeasure, Rosana showed a helpless smile. Rosana knew well that the Duchess’s actions had crossed the line. It was true that she’d felt her life threatened by the dagger she’d presented. His anger was justified.

“Alright. I also… thought I’d been complacent.”

When she’d seen the cold blade of the dagger, Jade’s face had come to mind.

“Right. So let’s do as I say.”

At the finally ended battle of nerves, Jade smiled brightly. Then he went on and on about related stories, saying he hoped the wedding dress design would be to her liking. 

Hearing his words, it was clear how much Jade had bothered Venice during this time. Rosana responded with a smile.

The carriage arrived at Venice’s boutique. Rosana, who got out receiving Jade’s escort, entered the boutique.

Ding-a-ling-

The bell attached to the door rang, and Venice burst out from inside the boutique, where the only guest who would visit was one person.

“Welcome!”

Venice’s eyes were bloodshot red, seemingly from lack of sleep, and dark circles had settled deeply beneath them. But regardless, Jade pressed Venice to promptly present the ceremonial robes she’d made.

“The preparations?”

“Perfect. Come in quickly.”

Venice also paid no mind and guided them inside.

“I’ll escort Lady Rosana to the fitting room.”

Rosana followed Venice’s steps. When Jade tried to follow behind, Venice blocked his path. Jade’s eyebrows twitched with dissatisfaction.

“Your Majesty goes this way. The bride’s appearance can only be seen on the wedding day. Your Majesty must also try on your ceremonial robes.”

“What?!”

Even in the midst of chaos, Venice had someone firmly block Jade from entering. The sound of Jade protesting vigorously could be heard, but she cleanly ignored it. 

Rosana tilted her head back to look behind. She saw him wrestling with the staff. However, the door had already closed.

“Now now, ignore the men’s circumstances outside. You’re very much looking forward to the dress, aren’t you? I embroidered flower patterns all the way to the hem of the skirt. His Majesty was so insistent… The entire team rushed in to embroider it. Hehe. The further down you go, the more visible the embroidery becomes…!”

“Ve, Venice?”

Rosana spoke to calm Venice down. Venice’s eyes sparkled with excessive passion, and she was leaning forward with her whole body. Oh my, Venice came to her senses and blamed herself for getting her priorities backwards.

“You should see the wedding dress first, shouldn’t you?”

Venice clapped her hands.

The dress the staff brought in, being as careful as possible not to damage it, was incredibly beautiful.

From the widely spread hem, densely embroidered patterns harmonized with each other, and the luxurious fabric rippled like waves. At the end of the long veil, small snowflake patterns were embroidered.

Venice smiled proudly, seemingly calling it her masterpiece. Even though a mannequin wore it instead of a person, it shone light in all directions, seemingly overflowing with vitality.

Is this what it feels like to be enchanted by a dress? 

With this unfamiliar emotion, Rosana didn’t know what words to use to express it. 

This was the first time she’d felt a dress seduce her. She wanted to quickly put it on and show him her beautiful appearance.

“Venice… you’re the best…”