n

n

n

n***

n‘Oh, it’s delicious.’

nA smile graced Rosaline’s face.

n“How can you express such pleasure right after you take a bite? You’re still quite immature,” Baroness Vellus said sternly.

nRosaline 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.

n“I apologize, for I suppose that my poor manners are a result of my working in the palace since before I debuted in society. Forgive the unpleasantness, please,” she apologized good-naturedly.

nOne of the baroness’ eyebrows arched.

n“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.”

nThe older lady 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.

n‘What should I do? Should I change the method?’

nStill thinking, she tasted the soup.

nAnd it was really good! It was even better than the food at a restaurant run by famous chefs.

n“Isn’t it delicious?”

nOh!

nBaroness Vellus blushed when she realized that she had expressed her admiration openly.

n“The palace 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, the lady is an excellent host who knows how to properly treat her subordinates.” Rosaline heaped on the praise.

n“That’s right. Sometimes it’s good to be honest when it comes to praising delicious food.” The baroness held up a stiff fan to cover her mouth, still pursed in embarrassment.

nRosaline busied herself with eating, regardless of the looks she received.

n‘Didn’t you say yourself that you don’t know much about etiquette because you didn’t officially debut?’

nPerhaps Azela as well had given her inaccurate information.

nThat 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.

n“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.

n“Hand soap shops are in fashion; there’s nothing more important than keeping your hands beautiful and smooth.”

n“Ah, yes. When I see such fine hands, I often think that they are as beautiful as Michelazeus’ statue. It turns out, Lady Vellus, that you have such beautiful hands as well! Your palms and fingers are perfect. Will my ugly hands become pretty if I go to a shop you would recommend?” She put her hand on the table.

nHonestly, Rosaline’s hands weren’t really conventionally beautiful. She wrote and worked tirelessly, so much that she had calluses that most noble ladies wouldn’t have. It made her sad too, sometimes. If smooth hands were considered beautiful, she also wanted them.

n“Perhaps, this hand may be praised for all the hard work that it does.”

nHer expression looked so much like an abandoned kitten’s that Baroness Vellus made a sound that she didn’t mean to let out.

nSimilar conversations followed.

nWhen the baroness asked about trends in society, Rosaline would apologize and say that she didn’t know.

n‘The empress dowager clearly said that she was arrogant and needed to be put in her place. She said she was “cheeky, foxy, and conceited”.’

nBaroness Vellus hated it when young ladies 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 of land in the province, and she had to overcome 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, the ladies 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.

n‘I have to grab what I want with my own hands.’

nThat had always been her rule.

nSo when Azela had ordered her to teach Rosaline what high society was like, Baroness Vellus accepted it, thinking that her target would be confident in the emperor’s favor and act arrogantly.

nHowever, Rosaline Verite was far too humble. Flustered, the baroness began to make mistakes.

nShe had even dropped her fork in surprise!

n“May I bring you a new fork?”

n“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.

nNo one had ever covered for the baroness’ mistakes before.

nBut Rosaline, having been raised in her past life in a Korean-American household, was used to even stricter rules.

n“Oh, was that offensive, by any chance?” Rosaline asked carefully as the attendant left to get a new fork.

n‘Not at all! Rather, I am very grateful.’

n“…Thank you, Lady Rosaline.”

nBaroness Vellus had to admit it now. She had been charmed the moment Rosaline first bowed to her.

n***

nThe dinner ended safely. The baroness, who had lost her glare, had kindly explained the recent trends and controversies in society over the main course.

n‘That was strange.’

nWhile Hui helped her remove the headpiece, Rosaline reflected on the experience. No matter how much she thought about it, Baroness Vellus was definitely on Azela’s side. However, her attitude became unexpected.

n“Never be discouraged. Your hands are beautiful.” The baroness held Rosaline’s hands tightly, her affectionate words similar to something her own mother would have said.

n‘What happened with the empress dowager?’

n“What are you thinking so deeply about?” Hui asked, placing the headpiece into a velvet-lined box.

n“It’s nothing.”

n“Should I prepare the bathtub?”

n“I’m only going to wash briefly. I can’t be the only one indulging in luxury.”

n“What do you mean, Secretary… no, Lady Rosaline?”

n“Just do what you’re used to, Hui.”

nAlthough it was still mildly unfamiliar to hear the different address from her colleague’s mouth, it at least didn’t make goosebumps rise anymore.

n“It’s very difficult, you know? I think it’s just better to call you ‘Empress’.”

nRosaline covered her friend’s mouth even though her room was indeed the empress’ room, soundproofed and very much secure. “Hui! Don’t say that.”

n“Fine, I’ll just call you how I used to. Or just ‘Secretary’. I’ll change it eventually.”

nRosaline nodded.

n“Also, His Majesty personally reviewed the room assignments. Didn’t you know that this room wasn’t supposed to be used in the first plan? Derek told me about it”

n“Then who…”

n“You really don’t know?” Hui stared in shock, then sighed.

nMore than anything, it was exhausting to be constantly surprised by how dense Rosaline was.

nShe moved to the bathroom to prepare, and it was Rosaline’s turn to sigh.

nIndeed, even if Hui didn’t say it explicitly, there was only one person who had the power to grant her this luxurious room.

n“His Majesty is the only one.”

n“Yes, I’m the only one for you.”

n“Oh, I’m even hallucinating him now? I must be more tired than I thought.”

n“Rosaline, are you tired? Must I change the attendants and maids? I can’t believe they’re letting this happen…”

n‘Hallucinations aren’t supposed to be this detailed.’

nShe glanced at the window wonderingly and stiffened. Cahir was visible through the fluttering curtains.

n“Your Majesty! This is the fifth floor, that is dangerous!” Rosaline ran and grabbed him.

nThere was a rope hanging down from her window. He actually scaled the palace with a rope.

n“It wasn’t dangerous and I am perfectly safe.”

nThis 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?

nHer eyes grew fierce.

n“Rosaline, are you touched? Your eyes are very passionate, but don’t be tempted. We’re supposed to date first.”

n“Your Majesty! Please get out of the room.”

n“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.

nShe clenched her fists.

n“Oh, I’m sorry, I forgot that you might not like such rumors, as a lady. A relationship 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.”

n“…!”

nSpeechless. She was utterly speechless.

n“When I think about it, it actually is scary, yes.”

n