n

n

n

n“I can’t go inside like this, right?”

nThe knight frowned, then nodded. Rosaline pushed the flower basket into his arms, and he put it down next to him.

nOne step. One flower basket out.

nHe called out to a maid who was passing by, “Here, take this.”

n“Oh my! How beautiful! Thank you, Miss Secretary! His Majesty must have fallen in love with your kind heart.”

n

n

nRosaline 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.

n“How much is all this…?” she murmured.

nShe quit counting when the overbearing fragrance muddled her head.

nAnd it had only just begun…

nCahir’s gift offensive, which began the day after his order, made her want to scream. There was no end to them—perhaps this was what he wanted her to look forward to?

nFlowers 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.

n“This is…”

nRosaline, the recipient of the proposal, was not very impressed. She sighed, slumping over the table and closing her eyes.

nShe knew why Cahir had asked her to be the empress. He didn’t want a candidate that Azela chose, and he needed someone smart beside him who wouldn’t be swayed by her either.

n“And that’s me.”

n‘I just wanted a normal life, quietly marrying someone and managing a small estate.’

nIt was clear that being the empress would satisfy none of those dreams, a complete turnaround. Nevertheless, it was unlikely that she would be able to avoid it.

n‘I can’t just sit here! Life is about taking fate into your own hands! But what can I do?’

nRosaline jumped to her feet when she heard a knock.

n“Secretary Rosaline, where shall I put this?”

n“Just throw it in!”

n“Pardon?” The servant faltered, taking a small step back.

n“No, no, it’s alright. Give it to me.” She hurriedly approached to receive the gift. “Thank you.”

nAs soon as she was alone, she threw it on the bed and set out to find Cahir.

n***

n“Move the flowers to this side. Here’s a list of species… And then the golden carriage… Oh, Rosaline.”

nHe 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.

nCahir smiled slightly, handing over the documents to Derek. “Let’s talk about the rest later,” he said, before promptly kicking the grumbling man out of his office as he moved to the couch.

nHe blinked expectantly, removing his cumbersome crown and leaning back. “Rosaline, do you have something to say?”

n“Your Majesty, you already know what I’m going to say.”

n“Hm? What do you mean? I don’t know.” He smiled cheekily.

nRosaline tilted her head wordlessly.

nCahir sighed when he realized he couldn’t squeeze out of this one.

n“I’m serious about welcoming 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 popular than usual.” He made an exaggerated face. “Come here and sit down. My throat hurts.”

nShe scrunched her nose. She couldn’t help herself in front of him, even if she knew better.

n‘It’s all maternal love. Maternal.’

nRosaline sat across from him. “The selection hasn’t even officially started yet. What’s wrong with you, Your Majesty?”

n“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—”

n“Please stop lying, Your Majesty.”

n“Was it that obvious?”

n“Very much so.” She crossed her arms, puffing her cheeks.

nCahir poked her cheek. “You look like a cuddly stuffed toy right now.” He pointed to her desk. “Like that bear doll.”

nWell, that brought back memories.

nIt 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.

n“I meant one that’s palm-sized, Your Majesty.”

nHe had acquiesced, although the next bear had diamond eyes and a golden nose. That was the one sitting on her desk right now.

nThe scale of his gifts had always been different.

n‘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.’

nHer face darkened with her thoughts.

n“Rosaline? What are you thinking about? Are you thinking about what to do after you become the empress? You’ll do very well, so you don’t have to worry. What do you think of just resting comfortably for now?”

n“Me? Rest?”

nAlthough it was true that she was technically on a break from being a secretary.

n“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…”

nHer eyes widened. “Not at all! The maids are all competent, and the massage makes me fall asleep easily.”

n“Oh, really? I’m glad you’re satisfied.”

n‘Whew, I almost made trouble for people who are good at their jobs.’

nThe 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.

nHer 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.

n“I’m very, very satisfied with this life.”

n“Really? You can tell me if there’s something…”

n“Uena is perfect, really. She rubs my shoulders and I fall asleep almost instantly.”

nAnd she wasn’t even overstating it. Uena truly was one of the best masseuses in the palace. Just thinking about it made her relax.

n“It’s like… a giant cat pressing down on me.”

n“A… giant cat?”

n“Yes!” Rosaline beamed.

nCahir scratched his forehead. He couldn’t imagine what it felt like to be pressed down by a cat.

n“Well, if you’re so satisfied, I’ll give her a reward, then.”

n“For Uena? Hmmm, if so, please give her pearl earrings,” she suggested, pleased that Cahir had acknowledged Uena’s ability.

n“I’ll order them right away.”

n“Thank you, Your Majesty. She’ll love them.”

n“Rosaline, I think you’re feeling better too.”

n‘Oh.’

nHer mouth opened slowly. Had she ever talked this long with Cahir before? About something unrelated to state administration?

nNever.

nHe 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?

n…Probably not.

nThen, was it because of her? Because he listened to her?

nRosaline stiffened.

n‘Is he being considerate of me?’

nShe wanted to deny it, but his satisfied smile seemed like an ‘I’m-proud-to-have-made-Rosaline-happy’ expression.

nFists clenched on knees. A heart started beating faster.

nCahir’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.

nWas it another of his schemes?

nRosaline took a deep breath to calm herself.

n“So, why did you come?” Cahir smilingly asked.

n

n

nThey stared at each other for a moment.

n“…love…”

nShe couldn’t stop thinking about it.

n“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.”

nHey—! Why was he blinking like that!? And running his fingers through his hair like he was preening from the attention of a lovesick woman…!?

n