Chapter 22

The narrow bed might have been the problem, or perhaps it was the tickling sensation of his hand playing with her hair. Despite Erhen’s consideration, Charlotte woke up not long after.  

It seemed she had fallen asleep after pretending to sleep through the discomfort that had plagued her all night. Even a short nap was still sleep, and she could feel her mind clearing.  

Blinking her half-open eyes, Charlotte scanned her surroundings, trying to make sense of the situation. She felt an overwhelming urge to scream, like the mistaken female protagonist of a typical romance drama, “Why am I here? Why am I here?!”

“Damn it. I remember everything.”

From start to finish, Charlotte remembered every single detail of what had happened. She couldn’t even blame it on alcohol. After all, her tolerance far exceeded the amount she had drunk the night before. Of course, mixing drinks had left her with a splitting hangover, but that was another matter entirely.  

While it was true that Erhen had leaned in first with those beautiful lips of his, it was she who had grabbed his collar. 

And then… well, it wasn’t all bad, was it?  

“I’m insane. I’ve completely lost it…”

Groaning, Charlotte pulled the blanket over her head.  

It wasn’t that she felt regret or embarrassment now that it was over. Her memories from her past life, where she had been much freer in such matters, unconsciously influenced her current life.  

The problem wasn’t with her emotions but with something else entirely.  

Three years ago, the marriage contract Charlotte had presented to Erhen contained no clauses about sharing a bed. It had been unnecessary at the time. As the heir to the Rosenheim family, Erhen already had a niece, Danielle, and their individual goals had been crystal clear.  

Moreover, they had been divorced for a year now.  

“Sigh…”

That was the real issue. Charlotte sighed deeply.  

The only title left between them after the contract ended was “divorced couple.” People often talked about rekindling relationships, but those were between people who had once exchanged words of love.  

At least those people had been in love at some point. But wasn’t hers a one-sided love? Though she had already let go of those feelings, it still felt a little unfair.  

And no matter how long she had pretended to be asleep, it was hard not to feel a bit down when she thought of Erhen, who hadn’t stayed by her side until she woke up.  

“Kopenbach. Kopenbach.”

Charlotte tried to clear her mind by muttering the name of the organization.  

Last night, they had captured a member of the group targeting Erhen’s life, someone who could lead them to Kopenbach.

Was it right to indulge in emotions when I hoped for survival? This was no time to be lounging in bed.  

And with that thought, she couldn’t hold it against Erhen for leaving her behind.  

After all, it had been she who insisted on drinking with him, stopping him from heading straight to the Duke’s estate in his carriage after dropping her off at home.  

“So childish, so immature.”

Then again, I can’t just stay lying down like this.  

With that thought, Charlotte began to lift her aching body. The blanket that had been wrapped around her slid off. Feeling the unfamiliar chill against her bare skin, she hurriedly wrapped the blanket back around herself.  

Was it the exhaustion from the night’s activities? Though her room and Erhen’s were separated by only a small hallway, moving felt unusually taxing.  

And then she suddenly remembered the way Erhen had tucked the blanket around her, as if she were a precious jewel that might break.  

“I’ll be back soon.”

I need to have a serious talk with Erhen.  

He had whispered those words before leaving, so even if he were late, it would only be by a day or two. There was no point in dwelling on the confusion now; nothing would be resolved immediately.  

Until Erhen returned, she decided to focus on her work and not think about it anymore. With that resolve, Charlotte quietly gathered her dress (and other items) draped over the bed and slipped back into her room like a thief, though no one was watching.  

***

Three days later.  

The one who came to see Charlotte was Ras. Ras had returned from investigating Dostern while the Duke’s household continued their inquiry into the matter.  

“As expected, the individual had no connection to the Rosenheim Ducal Family. Not even a remote link, going back to the grandfather—or even the great-grandfather’s generation.”  

“Then we’ll have to consider ties to the Republican Faction in Singred.”  

“It’s not certain, but that seems more plausible.”  

“They call such people ‘Revolutionaries’ on the continent, don’t they?”  

“Revolutionaries, yes. The term does sound impressive.”  

Revolution.  

Though this world was different, the flow of the times seemed eerily similar. Charlotte let out a sigh.  

Even her own family, the Rothschilds, though a wealthy business dynasty, had been commoners. And commoners like them weren’t people nobles could easily dismiss. Moreover, the Rothschilds weren’t the only entrepreneurial commoner family in Rohadin.  

The rise of the bourgeoisie was akin to the birth of new nobility. Broadly speaking, what was to come had already been studied in her past life, during middle school world history classes.  

Ha. Whoever reincarnated me into this world, I’d like to see your face someday.  

Charlotte frowned, rubbing her temples. She decided she would discuss this topic with Erhen once he arrived.  

As she was deep in thought, Ras, who had been following her gaze, hesitantly asked, 

“Are you waiting for someone?”  

The question came out of nowhere. Startled by the unexpected inquiry, Charlotte responded in a slightly agitated tone.  

“Why?”  

“You keep glancing at the door.”  

“Me? When did I do that?”  

“Since I came in, you’ve looked at it at least once every ten minutes. You just did it again a moment ago.”  

“I didn’t! You must be mistaken.”  

Ras still looked suspicious. They say strong denial is a form of affirmation.  

However, he had no intention of pressing his master further, so he dropped the subject. Charlotte, maintaining a completely nonchalant expression, left the room to head to Blumen.  

Still, she couldn’t shake the thought that Erhen’s delay was unusual.  

***

The second-floor meeting room at Blumen.  

Cafe employee Karin was wrapping up her business trip report, flipping through the presentation materials she had prepared.  

The well-organized summary, complemented by charts and visuals, made the purpose of the presentation crystal clear. Karin seemed like someone born to give presentations, her skills surpassing even those of Charlotte, who had delivered weekly research reports in her past life.  

She concluded her presentation with a final round of questions and answers.  

“I’ll compile today’s presentation into a report and submit it. That concludes my business trip report.”  

“……”  

Charlotte didn’t respond. Karin’s uncertain gaze turned toward her.  

Normally, her boss would start by offering praise, even if she pointed out every single issue in a report. But Charlotte was currently staring intently at the documents in front of her.  

Worry flickered in Karin’s eyes, wondering if her report had been inadequate.  

“…Madame?”  

“Huh?”  

“Was there something I missed…?”  

Karin’s hesitant words startled Charlotte. Looking around, she noticed the staff staring at her. Some looked puzzled, as if wondering, “What’s wrong with the boss?” Others seemed convinced that Karin’s report had displeased her.  

In truth, Charlotte had been listening to Karin’s presentation. The problem was that her thoughts weren’t processing as quickly as they used to.  

Adjusting her expression as if nothing had happened, Charlotte addressed Karin’s report.  

“Oh, no. You did well. Submit the report to me later.”  

“Yes, thank you!”  

“This meeting is running long. Who’s next to present?”  

“That would be me!”  

A young man, visibly nervous, raised his hand energetically from across the room.  

He was the new barista who had replaced Emmet, and his unease was apparent.  

“It’s your first report today? Let’s take a short break before proceeding.”  

Charlotte smiled at him.  

As the staff cheerfully filed into the break room, Charlotte’s face gradually lost its smile. Her indifferent gaze drifted toward the window.  

The biting cold of late winter seemed to throw a tantrum, lashing out with fierce winds. Charlotte stared blankly at the barren branches outside.  

A hollow feeling made her sigh repeatedly. She had thought focusing on her work would be enough, but apparently, it wasn’t.  

Erhen, who had left saying he’d be back soon, hadn’t returned to her after nearly a month.