Rose sat amidst the lush garden, surrounded by her trusted advisors. To her left sat Demi Fullbuster, the Knight Commander, mastermind of battlefield strategies for the estate''s protection. Beside him was Zaki Belbosa, the Keeper of Secrets, who served as the estate''s unseen guardian, gathering intelligence through surveilling rival noble houses, uncovering hidden agendas, and protecting the estate''s interests.
On her right sat Anna Fritz, the Mistress of the Palace, who oversaw the palace''s operations in Rose''s absence, ensuring seamless order and organization. Next to Anna was Dante Colle, Captain of the Guard, who defended the estate and commanded its guards. Beside Dante sat Mulan Davis, the Keeper of the Coin, responsible for managing the estate''s finances, balancing expenses and taxation.
Rose sought a summary of the estate''s performance. "Anna, how''s everything under your command?"
"Minor issues arose, but they were easily resolved. Palace maintenance is up-to-date, and all expenses are accounted for. You can review the details with Lady Mulan." Anna replied,
Rose nodded, then asked, "What about the maids? Have you noticed anything suspicious?"
Anna''s expression turned serious. "Unfortunately, some maids were caught engaging in unacceptable behavior: using drugs, soliciting guards for extra money, theft, and intimidation. They''ve been dismissed, Lady Rose."
Rose''s brow furrowed. "Soliciting guards? Don''t our maids receive sufficient compensation? Our pay supports up to five family members."
Anna''s voice was sympathetic. "In this case, Lady Rose, the maid in question has 12 younger siblings. While I hated to dismiss her, our rules must be upheld."
Rose nodded thoughtfully. "Our maids receive three days off each week. Encourage them to explore part-time jobs within the estate, Anna, to supplement their income if needed. Also, educate them on family planning and the responsibilities that come with having children. Emphasize that children require care and attention beyond just birth."
Anna nodded her head. "Yes, Lady Rose."
Rose turned to Captain Dante. "Do you have any reports, Captain?"
"We''ve apprehended individuals involved in minor criminal activities." Dante replied.
Rose''s gaze narrowed. "Will we have sufficient guards and workers for the 4th wall construction project in the spring?"
"We''re still in the process of hiring, Lady Rose," Dante said.
Rose''s expression turned thoughtful. "Let''s consider hiring the criminals you''ve imprisoned, Captain. It might be a chance for them to redeem themselves."
Captain Dante''s eyes widened in surprise. "W-What, Lady Rose? Did I hear that correctly?"
Rose nodded. "Yes, let''s offer them a chance to redeem themselves. However, their salary will be lower than what we pay our regular workers."
Rose turned to Lady Mulan. "Does the newly discovered diamond mine require additional labor?"
"Yes, Lady Rose," Mulan replied.
Rose''s gaze swept across her advisors. "Now, the prisoners have two options: work in the diamond mine, work in the construction of the 4th wall or join the estate''s guard. Once they''ve completed their prison sentence, they can choose to continue working with the same salary as our free workers or decline the offer and gain their freedom."
Captain Dante nodded thoughtfully. "That''s not a bad idea, Lady Rose."
Rose sought Commander Demi''s opinion. "Commander, how''s the army faring this season?"
Demi shook his head. "Our troops are diligent, and there are no threats on the horizon, Lady Rose."
"And what about Matthias?" Rose asked.
Commander Demi smiled. "He''s determined to serve you, Lady Rose. I''ve had him spar with his troops, and Daimon is supervising them while I''m here."
Rose is pleased from what Commander Demi declared. "Our Lord of Justice isn''t present today," Rose noted.
Anna spoke up, "Our Lord of Justice, Sir Sandro, is currently presiding over a trial, Lady Rose. He provided me with a letter to share with you." Anna handed Rose the letter.
Rose turned to Zaki. "Is there anything you''d like to report, Sir Zaki?"
Zaki''s expression turned serious. "There''s a rumor circulating that the Magrave estate is on the brink of collapse."
Rose raised an eyebrow. "I see, and who''s spreading these rumors?"
Zaki replied, "Lady Catherine is the primary source, and other houses have joined in, discouraging people from living on the Magrave estate."
Rose''s eyes narrowed. "I''d expect nothing less from Lady Catherine. Her venomous tongue is as sharp as ever. What''s her reasoning this time?"
Zaki ''s voice remained neutral. "Lady Catherine asserts that women are incapable of managing estates, insisting that men are inherently more suited for such responsibilities. She believes a woman''s duties are limited to loving her husband, bearing his children, and serving as a gracious hostess at social gatherings."
"That venomous woman is still clinging to the past, her bitterness festering because my father rejected her in favor of my mother." Rose said.
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"It''s absurd, Lady Rose. Your leadership has brought prosperity to our estate." Commander Demi commented.
"Thank you, Commander. But it seems some people still cling to outdated notions. I''ll not let their petty comments undermine our progress."
"We stand behind you, Lady Rose. Your vision and wisdom have been a blessing to our estate." Anna said.
Zaki continued, "There''s more, Lady Rose. A war is brewing between the east and west sides over a mountain rich in gold. Each side claims to have discovered it first. Given the Emperor''s friendship with the East Side Emperor, it''s likely he''ll request your army''s presence soon."
Rose nodded thoughtfully. "And how are our people faring? Any concerns or requests I should be aware of?"
"As for the estate''s residents, they''re generally content. However, they''ve requested one additional establishment."
Rose''s curiosity was piqued. "What kind of establishment?"
Zaki''s expression was neutral. "A brothel."
"A brothel? That''s not a good idea, Lady Rose." Commander Demi said.
Rose''s smile faded, replaced by a frown. "I agree, Commander. We already have taverns for men to unwind. I''m afraid I must decline this request. A brothel would lead to unnecessary population growth, orphans, infidelity, and hunger. If men want a brothel to relieve their sexual urges, they can travel to another estate to indulge in their filth, keeping it far from our doorstep."
Rose turned to Lady Mulan. "If anyone applies to build a brothel at the 4th wall, reject their application."
Lady Mulan nodded. "Yes, Lady Rose—"
Until a maid came sprinting at them. "L-Lady Rose." The maid said panting. "Sorry for disturbing you, Sirs and Ladies but the Crown Prince is at the estate, right now and he brought a large army."
Rose stood up. "This meeting is done." Rose looked at Mulan. "Just gave me a letter about your report Mulan. You can continue all your work, we did all a good job this whole season." Rose complimented them. "Let''s go." She said to the maid and they are both started to walk outside the garden.
Rose was beside of a maid and they are accompanied by Commander Demi and Captain Dante. They met the Crown Prince at the guest hall.
"Greetings, Crown Prince." Rose greeted the Crown Prince. "What brought you here? I bet you won''t like to start a rumor that the Crown Prince what''s to reclaimed Lady Magrave."
"Where is it?" He asked.
"What it?" Rose asked him back. Rose knew what he was talking about and she was already expecting this.
Crown Prince Nicolas was hesitant to go on the point. "Let''s go somewhere private." Rose said and they are both go inside the guest room, leaving Commander Demi and Captain Dante at the other side of the door.
Rose locked the door. "Where''s the creature? You are the last one made a contact with it. Father is really furious."
"Oohh... that creature. While I was on my journey. He found me, maybe because of my scent. He help me killed those 3 knights who attacked me. Do you want me to report to the Emperor that you send me those knights?" The Crown Prince Nicolas frowned. "I knew it was you."
"You don''t have any evidence." Rose just smirked at him.
"Anyway, we parted ways after he saved me. I don''t know where he is." Rose denied.
Crown Prince Nicolas fists clenched. He turned around and opened the door. "Search the whole palace." He ordered his guards that was with him.
"You don''t have the right!" Rose exclamined. "How dare you disturb a person who just lost his father that made a huge contribution on your own war!"
"IT WAS THE EMPEROR''S ORDER! YOU DON''T HAVE ANY SAY FOR THIS WOMAN!" Crown Prince Nicolas shouted at her. "Father can easily stripped you down and take your estate." Rose looked at him with anger. "Don''t think of yourself so high and mighty, Lady Rose. This place was offered for your father, not to you." Crown Prince Nicolas smirked. "In any moment, this place will crumpled under your reign." Crown Prince Nicolas turned around and leaved her at the guest room
Crown Prince Nicolas'' words struck a nerve, but Rose knew that her father''s legacy and reputation provided a sturdy foundation for her power. Although the Emperor could theoretically strip her of her authority, her father had cultivated strong relationships with other noble houses and, more importantly, with the common people.
The people''s admiration and trust in her family were rooted in her father''s wise and just leadership. He had been a fair and compassionate ruler, beloved by his subjects. As a result, Rose''s position was more secure than Crown Prince Nicolas might have suggested.
Rose''s thoughts were reflected in her calm and composed demeanor, but inwardly, she was determined to protect her family''s legacy and maintain the trust of her people.
Commander Demi and Captain Dante go inside the room. "Let him search the palace but make sure that every room, every hall is guarded with our guards."
"Yes, Lady Rose." They both agreed.
"Commander Demi, don''t let Matthias participate on guarding our palace right now. Give him some errand to go outside."
"Can I asked why?"
"I will explain later. Just do it." They are both nodded and get outside the room and closed the door.
Rose sat at the near couch and closed her eyes. She putted her palm at her forehead.
"Those people, can''t believe they will flipped my palace from top to bottom." Rose leaned her body at the couch and raised her head while her eyes is still close.
"I am sorry for the trouble that I made." Rose heard a voice and as she opened her eyes, her gaze locking onto the piercing stare of Matthias beside her. Their eyes met, and Rose''s cheeks flushed as memories of the previous night came flooding back. She recalled the way Matthias'' hands had explored her body, the sensation of his lips on her skin, and the lewd feelings that had coursed through her veins, leaving her breathless and wanting more.
Matthias'' intense gaze seemed to hold a hint of knowing, as if he too remembered the passion they had shared. Rose''s heart skipped a beat as she felt a flutter in her chest, her body responding to the proximity of the man who had awakened her desires.
Rose looked away, attempting to compose herself, and stood up, facing Matthias. But her eyes widened in surprise as she took in his changed appearance. The last time she remembered, they were at the same height.
"Y-You''ve grown," she stuttered.
Matthias'' deep voice sent shivers down her spine. "Really? I don''t seem to have noticed."
Rose''s thoughts swirled as she processed the transformation. ''His voice has become deeper. He''s become an adult.'' She couldn''t believe how fast Matthias had grown.
''Is it my blood?'' she wondered, her mind racing with the implications.
"I think you''re growing because of my blood," Rose said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Every time you take a bite, you''re growing. Maybe if you continue on taking my blood you''ll get old fast." Rose said jokingly. Matthias moved closer, his eyes burning with intensity. "A-aahh, you''re close," Rose said, her heart racing.
Suddenly, Matthias hugged Rose, his arms wrapping tightly around her. "I can''t stop thinking about you," he murmured, his lips tracing small kisses on her neck.
Rose tried to push Matthias away, but his grip was too strong. "Commander Demi is looking for you, Matthias," she said, attempting to distract him.
"I heard." Matthias replied, his hands roaming over her body. He started grabbing her breast, and Rose''s moan escaped her lips.
"They won''t notice me here," Matthias whispered, shoving Rose''s clothes aside to expose her chest. "I did good today. I made them all exhausted while fighting with me."
Matthias'' face dipped down, his tongue lavishing attention on her nipples. Rose''s thoughts fragmented as her body responded to Matthias'' touch.
''This guy and my lustful body,'' Rose thought, her mind clouded by desire.