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Chapter 13
Even though I’d promised myself to go on strike as the “main character,” my conscience refused to cooperate.
In the original story, Rozelita’s first meeting with Cassian was when she saved his life.
I’d told myself I would just ignore him this time — but every time I tried, the thought of him dying because I didn’t help made my stomach twist.
So I prepared everything carefully before that event from the original story could happen.
Luckily, it wasn’t hard to match the timing — since in the novel, Rozelita met Cassian while traveling with her parents on summer vacation.
‘Though I didn’t want to get too involved, so unlike the original Rozelita, I didn’t take him to the cottage where my parents were staying.’
Instead, I rented a shabby little cabin deep in the forest with the allowance I’d saved and took the injured Cassian there.
I even wore a light purple wig to match Lady Wilhelmina’s hair color and introduced myself as Wilma, her nickname.
To be extra safe, I even wore a mask and pretended to have a cold — there was no way he could’ve recognized me, right?
***
“Why are you making that face, Rose? Is the meat not good?”
It’s your fault! You and that suspicious tone of yours!
“…Maybe I should change the chef.”
“Why would you take away the poor chef’s job?”
“It’s my duty to make my beloved fiancée’s meals perfect, isn’t it?”
Ugh. Yeah. Sure. Whatever.
He just wanted to tease me.
Determined to save the poor chef’s job, I focused on eating my meal like it was a battle.
Cassian watched me quietly, and his lips curved in a gentle smile.
Seriously.
So annoying!
After that, the Empress practically went on a hunger strike for several days, begging the Emperor not to send the Third Prince away.
But the Emperor had no intention of letting Cassian go, and the youngest prince was only twelve — too young to marry.
‘That’s what happens when you ignore the Emperor’s warnings.’
She claimed it was all for the sake of the Empire’s diplomatic ties, of course.
Now she was reaping what she sowed — tearfully preparing the Third Prince’s royal marriage herself.
The problem was that the Third Prince was raised even more delicately than the First Prince, Charlie.
“Father said the princess from the Kingdom is really beautiful! And they have so many fascinating things there! When I get married before my brothers do, they’ll all be so jealous, won’t they?”
He was so oblivious that the Empress was constantly on edge because of him.
To cope with her stress, she began throwing royal funds around like water for his wedding preparations.
Naturally, some of those expense reports landed on our desks.
Cassian grinned like a cat who’d found cream.
“How generous of Her Majesty to hand us evidence like this.”
My boss was thrilled, neatly organizing every incriminating detail.
The Empress had no idea she was digging her own grave.
I couldn’t help but feel a tiny bit sorry for her — just a tiny bit — as I focused on my work.
And then, during the busiest time of all those wedding preparations—
I ran right into her.
Lady Wilhelmina Lopez, back from abroad earlier than expected after hearing about the royal wedding.
***
That day, I was completely exhausted.
The Emperor — the crazy old man (not that I’d ever say that out loud; I value my life) — had decided to take revenge on Cassian by dumping more work on him.
And because I was Cassian’s aide, that meant I suffered too.
My legs, hands, and brain were all ready to collapse from running between the Winter Palace and the Sun Palace all day.
I was barely staying upright when I suddenly heard a voice — clear, melodic, like a songbird.
“Would you stop for a moment, please?”
After hearing nothing but grumpy male voices lately, that refreshing high tone hit my ears like sunlight.
I turned — and saw a beautiful woman with soft lavender hair cascading down her back, grayish eyes, and a little beauty mark on her cheek.
Slightly tilted eyes, a catlike grace — she was stunning.
No doubt about it. That was Lady Wilhelmina Lopez.
I bowed politely and asked,
“May I help you, Lady Wilhelmina? Are you lost?”
“…Lost? As if I’d ever get lost!”
She suddenly raised her voice — not very loudly, but definitely offended.
“I—I came properly escorted by my maid, unlike some people! Are you implying that a noble lady like me brought an incompetent maid who doesn’t even know her way around the palace?”
I just smiled kindly at her.
Her face turned even redder with embarrassment.
“A-And! I’ve been visiting the palace since I was a child! I couldn’t possibly get lost!”
“Of course, my lady.”
I took a small step closer.
“I simply thought that since you’ve just returned from abroad, you might find it difficult to adjust at first. Please forgive me for the misunderstanding. You’ve always been so gracious — I hope you’ll be kind enough to overlook my mistake.”
Her face went from pink to bright red.
How adorable.
“S-So the rumors were true! You really are quite bold! To recognize me even though we’ve never met before — you’ve been watching me, haven’t you?!”
So straightforward, too.
Still smiling, I shook my head.
“Watching you? Of course not. But how could I not recognize the beloved daughter of the prestigious Duke of Lopez?”
I placed a hand over my chest and added,
“I’d hardly deserve the title of aide to the Second Prince if I couldn’t even recognize someone as distinguished as you. And besides…”
“Besides?”
“I was just thinking — who else could be so lovely and have such beautiful lavender hair but you, Lady Wilhelmina?”
The compliment landed perfectly.
Her face flared crimson.
“Y-You! Just because you’re pretty
