chapter 07
Had something gone wrong from the start? How had they survived the madness for ten years?
“If it’s a curse… how have you managed until now?”
“I always wear a magical tool that suppresses the madness,” Chayton said.
Lucy noticed Chayton’s earring sparkling. It had the power to suppress the Dragon’s curse.
Roshane quietly pulled her hand back. Chayton looked disappointed, but she ignored him.
If I keep Chayton close, I can get the information I need.
She needed information about the Hero’s seal and why the hunting party from ten years ago was wiped out except for one person. To learn this, she needed Chayton. He was the only one who had fought alongside the Hero.
Just then, there was a loud bang! Someone outside roughly pulled at the reception room door.
“…! The door, why… Miss! What’s happening?”
Through a small opening, the butler shouted.
“Open the door, Miss! What is this?”
The broom stuck in the door made it shake violently. Soon, it would be forced open.
“Duke,” Roshane said, standing from the sofa. She held out her hand to Chayton.
“You understand I need you right now, don’t you?”
Her gesture clearly demanded he take her hand. She spoke more confidently now.
“You’re sharper than I expected,” Chayton said, carefully holding her hand as if it were precious.
“What will you give me if I give you what you want?” he asked.
“I’ll make sure no one ever underestimates you again. No one will treat you like the minor noble did last time,” she said.
Chayton thought he could not refuse, but Roshane’s next words surprised him.
“No, that’s not necessary.”
Roshane pulled his hand firmly. Chayton had to rise from the sofa.
“Promise me one thing,” she said. “You must do whatever I want later.”
Bang! The door shook again. Soon it would open, ending their private deal.
“Even if it’s a request for the Emperor’s life,” she added.
“You know how dangerous that is, right?” Chayton said.
“Better answer quickly. Once that door opens, I have to leave,” she said urgently.
Chayton had no choice. He needed Roshane to survive.
“…I promise, Miss,” he said.
Roshane whispered to him about the crowd outside. Many people were trying to open the door, and if they saw them, rumors would spread.
“Now, kiss me, Duke,” Roshane whispered, pulling him close.
Chayton panicked but couldn’t let go.
“Just think of it as artificial respiration,” she murmured, pressing closer.
They kissed, and it was unexpectedly warm and real.
“Miss!” the butler shouted as people rushed in.
From that day, rumors spread that Roshane had kissed Chayton. The Duke tried to stop it, but it was impossible. Nobles and even royalty began talking about the possibility of the Barpheus Duke and Roshane being together.
Later, Roshane argued with her father, the Duke, about the rumors.
“Why do you keep causing trouble? Just stay quiet!”
“You told me to do as I wish. ‘Do as you like,’ you said!”
“That’s not what I meant!”
“Then don’t tell me to do as I like, Father.”
“Don’t call me Father!”
“Yes, Duke,” Roshane said, secretly smirking.
The Duke sighed, realizing he couldn’t stop her. Roshane had acted boldly during the reception room incident.
Roshane thought: I still have a lot to learn.
Even the Duke admitted that despite all the planning and rules, Roshane had unexpectedly taken the best opportunity. She thought of Chayton and touched her lips, remembering the kiss she had hurriedly done.
Next time, I should apologize, she thought, realizing she had acted impulsively.
