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Chapter 9
Rosetta headed into the inner room’s living area and instructed Lady Kirilos to bring all account books and documents related to Valerie’s duties.
“Here are the documents you requested.”
Lady Kirilos spoke in a polite tone.
After being warned by Rike, forced to personally dismiss her own niece, and having her salary and authority partially reduced, her once-dominant demeanor had clearly weakened.
This wasn’t just Kirilos.
“Lady Valerie, I’ve brought you chamomile tea.”
Even the maids who had once secretly snickered alongside Yuri Loren were now carefully observing Rosetta with polite expressions.
For them, Yuri Loren—who had long wielded authority among the maids—being expelled so abruptly had been quite shocking.
When Rosetta didn’t touch the teacup and simply stayed silent, a maid cautiously asked:
“Would you prefer a cold drink if it’s too hot?”
“No, it’s fine. You may all leave. I’d like to be alone.”
Contrary to their intentions, Rosetta found their constant attempts to cater to her preferences more exhausting.
With a sigh, she dismissed all the servants and began reviewing the documents in the quiet room.
Reading the materials wasn’t difficult. In Pavinu, she had once helped manage the family business to earn her father’s recognition.
As she examined account records and monthly event lists, something caught her attention.
‘The imperial family has been sending gifts since last year.’
Although visits were rare, they always brought expensive gifts, and storage costs were being recorded as expenses.
‘What kind of gifts require this much maintenance cost?’
Rosetta checked the detailed records—and was startled.
“They brought incense trees? And as bonsai?”
In the Kingdom of Kailus, exchanging bonsai between noble houses usually occurred during formal marriage negotiations.
This was because incense wood was one of the highest-quality materials used for making coffins.
Such bonsai gifts traditionally carried two meanings:
First, a wish that the tree would grow strong and live long together with its owner.
Second, that when fully grown, it would one day become a coffin made from fine incense wood—ensuring a peaceful resting place after death.
In other words, it symbolized both a wish for long life together and a proper burial in the afterlife.
At that moment, Rosetta realized why Sol needed a woman who could become Valerie “as quickly as possible.”
‘The Emperor wanted a marriage alliance with Iglesia… Among the royal family, the only woman of marriageable age is Princess Bellatrice.’
Princess Bellatrice was famous for her beauty, said to resemble Emperor Cesare in his prime.
‘But if the Emperor had already chosen Sol as her husband despite all the political proposals, then it couldn’t have been kept secret.’
The only explanation was that Sol Rike had personally blocked it.
‘Why did he refuse? It was a chance to connect with the Imperial Family.’
The Iglesia family was already treated almost like royalty. A marriage alliance with the Empire would have elevated their influence even further.
‘Wait… sending bonsai itself might already have been a diplomatic signal. The Empire has always tried to balance Iglesia and Ingelos.’
Iglesia, Ingelos, and the Imperial Family formed a long-standing triangular power structure.
The Empire sought to strengthen imperial authority by balancing gold and military power, while Iglesia dominated wealth and Ingelos controlled military strength.
If Iglesia formed an alliance with the Empire, the balance would naturally tilt.
‘And yet they attempted it… which means there must have been a greater benefit. And instead, Sol ended up marrying Pavinu… Father probably wouldn’t be happy about this.’
Did her father know any of this?
‘Probably not.’
If he did, he would have hesitated. One wrong step could risk hostility with the Empire.
As she thought this, Rosetta couldn’t take her eyes off the documents.
Knock knock.
A knock sounded.
Didn’t I say not to disturb me?
“Come in.”
A servant entered and bowed.
“Lady Valerie, Lord Rike requests your presence in the study.”
“The study?”
They had just parted moments ago. Tilting her head, Rosetta stood up.
But when she arrived, the study was empty.
Confused, she looked at the servant.
“Please believe me, Lady Valerie. Lord Rike definitely said this… Hey, Jack. Where did Lord Rike go?”
“Oh, good afternoon, Lady Valerie. Lord Rike said he was going to the office.”
A footman organizing books bowed politely when he saw her.
Following this lead, Rosetta headed to the office.
Along the corridor, assistants recognized her and bowed.
“Greetings, Lady Valerie.”
“You’ve worked hard.”
After returning their greetings, she entered the office.
A long mahogany desk stood in a U-shape at the center, surrounded by stacks of documents piled high on L-shaped side tables.
Passing through the towering stacks, Rosetta frowned.
He said he was here—but he isn’t.
‘Why call me here and then disappear?’
She had intended to talk things through as well.
“I’ll wait here for now, so you may go.”
“Understood.”
Sighing, Rosetta waved off the uneasy servant and looked around.
Since she was already here, she might as well take a look.
Then she turned—and froze.
“…Oh my.”
A man was slumped over a secondary desk, buried behind stacks of papers.
She hadn’t noticed him at all.
‘Is he asleep?’
As she approached, she heard faint groaning sounds.
Having a nightmare? Rosetta tapped the desk lightly.
“Hey. Are you alright?”
“…Huh?!”
Startled awake, Juan Machi wiped drool from his mouth and jolted up—knocking over an entire stack of documents.
“Ahh!”
Panicking, he quickly began picking them up. Rosetta joined him and helped gather the papers.
“Here.”
“Ah… thank you.”
Did he just grumble a second ago?
Narrowing her eyes, Rosetta watched him. Juan cleared his throat awkwardly and asked:
“So… what brings you here?”
“Sol called for me. He said he was in the office, but he isn’t. Do you know where he is?”
“Lord Rike is not someone with free time. Please ask me instead.”
“….”
So it wasn’t just her imagination. This man was deliberately keeping a wall between them.
Crossing her arms, Rosetta asked:
“What’s your name?”
“Juan Machi.”
“And your position?”
“…I am Lord Rike’s chief assistant.”
Juan averted his gaze under her steady stare.
There’s not even a single resemblance…
Yet something about her golden eyes reminded him of Rike.
Why?
Before he could dwell on it, Rosetta let out a faint laugh.
“Interesting. A subordinate refusing his superior’s will.”
“….”
“One more time, Juan Machi.”
She continued calmly.
“Where is my husband?”
“Remember this. There won’t be a second time.”
Juan Machi swallowed hard.
If I follow Rike’s orders, I should reveal his location…
But he couldn’t. Because the place Rike was in…
Steeling himself, Juan finally spoke.
“You cannot meet Lord Rike right now.”
“Why not?”
“…He is in a place only he can enter. A room accessible only to the direct bloodline.”
Then you should have said that from the beginning.
Rosetta brushed her hair back.
“How long will he be there?”
“Usually one to two hours.”
Juan checked the clock nervously.
“It’s been… about twenty minutes since he went in.”
That meant she would have to wait at least an hour and a half.
Rosetta considered it.
Wait, or leave.
Maybe I should just wait here.
Since it was the office, he would likely return soon anyway.
Just as she was thinking this—
The office door opened, and someone walked in.
“Is Rike inside?”
“Ugh.”
At the unfamiliar voice, Juan frowned openly.
What’s with him?
Rosetta looked through the stacks of documents—and her eyes widened.
