"My lady, the dinner is served, and your family awaits."

I shifted in my bed to face the maid who had just entered.

"Why is this family so fixated on eating together?" I asked casually, propping my chin on my palms as I lay flat on my stomach.

"Well, it's a tradition that you all used to follow, my lady."

"Meh. What a boring answer."

I laid flat on my back again, now gazing at the ceiling.

"I suggest you at least make an appearance, my lady. You've been skipping family dinner for weeks now."

I stared at the ceiling for a few seconds.

"You probably think I'm acting immaturely, huh?" I said, casting cold glances at her while still lying on my bed.

I rose from my bed, donned a shawl over my nightgown, and strode towards the door.

"Let's go."

"My lady, you are in your nightgown!"

I checked my clothes, and my expression turned serious.

I lifted the skirt of the gown, revealing that I was wearing shorts underneath and long socks.

"This nightgown is for kids anyway." I glanced at her again and was taken aback by her horrified look.

"What the-?" I looked at her weirdly and continued on my way.

It's not like I'm wearing a two-piece suit. Besides, I am almost completely covered with the shawl draped over my shoulders.

I descended the staircase and headed to the dining room.

I grabbed the two handles and pushed open both doors of the dining room.

SILENCE

I observed them, and it seemed like they were struggling to comprehend the situation.

"What kind of betrayal is this? Why are you all in the middle of eating when I haven't even arrived yet?!" I yelled, sulking.

I couldn't control myself; it was as if my instincts took over.

*Pout*

"Hmmphh"

SILENCE

I glanced at them again and realized that I was pouting and essentially sulking.

Gahh. What are you, a child, Kim Aera?! You are a grown woman. Let's not forget that.

I immediately uncrossed my arms and put on my resting-bitch-face again.

Ahh.

Something's on my face.

I touched my face and felt something.

I forgot that I have a K-Beauty facial mask on me. I think it has been on my face for about 15 minutes already, so it is now good to remove it.

I took it off and handed it to a maid on standby, then proceeded to the chair intended for me. The maid immediately brought my food.

“Ahem,” the baron interrupted the prevailing silence, and then everyone resumed their meal.

"It's delightful to have you back at the dinner table, my dear," Roselle's mother, seated beside me, gently squeezed my hand.

“Yeah,” I responded with a warm smile.

"As I was saying, we need to explore alternative options to-"

While they continued their usual business discussion, I was caught off guard when Ethan took charge of my plate, skillfully slicing the meat and placing it back in front of me.

I gazed at him with a curious expression, akin to a stray cat observing a new development, but eventually, I succumbed to enjoying the meal.

Savoring each bite, I couldn't help but think this would pair well with a glass of wine.

“-what do you think, Roselle?”

"It would be nice to gulp down some wine," I blurted out my thoughts.

The pink-haired guy chuckled, bringing his presence back to my attention.

I smiled in response; his laughter was undeniably charming.

(I'm a sucker for everything cute and beautiful.)

I had completely forgotten about him, engrossed in the culinary experience.

My bad.

What have I been doing this whole time—skipping meals instead of relishing the opportunity to dine with this eye-candy?

"Can you please repeat your concern, my lord?"

"What's your opinion on investing in this K-beauty industry? I've been contemplating putting my funds there, but I'm also considering continuing business with the Veridian mine."

"Oh, you mean the one owned by that son of a b*tch Sebastian."

"Goodness gracious," Roselle’s mom exclaimed with a horrified look.

"Ehem. Pardon my language," I said sheepishly.

"Is this your way of asking if I'll continue seeing Sebastian?"

"Father, let’s not discuss this here," Ethan interjected.

"I actually prefer that both you and Sebastian exclude my ill-fated relationship with him from your business discussions. But I guess it can’t be helped. I can also see where you're coming from since I am your only daughter." I said, laying down my utensils and sitting comfortably, facing the Baron.

"I still stand by my decision to break things off with him. The losses that this household will face when permanently severed the relationship with Sebastian is unavoidable.”

"You know we'll suffer a great loss, yet you stubbornly do things your way. Roselle, you just have to let the adults handle the situation!" Ethan exclaimed in a slightly loud voice.

"Don't I have a say in this matter, Ethan?! Were you the one who got cheated on? Were you the one being mocked face-to-face by a lover with his ‘friend’? Yes, it may seem that my decision is based on a whim but believe it or not I already take precautions. Stop excluding me from this matter ‘big brother’."

"Oh my gosh. I have to deal with absorbing all this at such a young age as Roselle. Back in my world, I should be stressing about what career path to take. Ugh," I grumbled in low voice.

Ethan became unpaintable. It shows a mixture of both guilt and anger.

"I've lost my appetite again. Tsk," I grumbled, a mixture of frustration and annoyance evident in my tone.

He really does have an extreme sister complex!

"Anyway, my lord," I continued, my voice steady as I addressed the baron directly, "I'm only mentioning this to save myself some money. After all, I'll be the one covering all the financial losses this household will inevitably face due to my actions." With a graceful movement, I rose from my seat and adjusted my shawl, my gaze unwavering as I met his eyes.

"Perhaps you should consider redirecting your investment funds away from that mining business," I suggested, a hint of concern lacing my words.

With a final thud, the sound of the door echoed behind me as I exited the room, leaving him to ponder my advice in silence. 

***

Making sure the maid paying attention saw me going to bed, I pretended to retire for the night before quietly getting up again. I picked a set of ordinary clothes from the dresser and put them on. I added a cloak and a mask to hide who I am.

And made my way out of the manor again to where I have been to every now and then.

“Good evening, boss,” greeted my right-hand man as I entered.

“So, how did the guild react to the information?” I asked as I sat down, eager for details.

“They confirmed that the information we provided was reliable,” he replied, his tone indicating satisfaction. “They're now collaborating with the authorities to take action.”

I nodded approvingly. It was crucial that our efforts were being taken seriously by those with the power to enact change.

“And what about the documents exposing Sebas—I mean, the son of a B's embezzled money?” I inquired, unable to conceal a smirk at the clever nickname.

“They'll be ready in a few days,” he answered confidently. “We'll wait for your signal before sending them to his business partners. It'll be a satisfying blow to his deceitful schemes.”

I couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction at the prospect of justice being served.

“And did the guild promise to ensure Gareth's safety?” I interjected, tapping my fingers rhythmically on the table.

“Yes,” he affirmed, his expression serious. “Their operatives are poised to infiltrate the event and will ensure Gareth's safe extraction to our specified location.”

A sense of relief washed over me knowing that Gareth would be protected from any potential retaliation. With everything falling into place, it was only a matter of time before our plan came to fruition.

This operation must succeed under all circumstances.

"Good work, Alex," I commended him.

He smiled and bowed before exiting the room, leaving the documents strewn across the table for me to tackle tonight.

You might be curious about who Alex is. Well, he falls into the category of the norm in terms of appearance. His face, height, and physical features conform to the standards. He's just someone who caught my attention, and amusingly enough, we hit it off the first time we met, almost like how every extra seems to assist the protagonist effortlessly.

**

(This is how I met Alex)

I savored the cold evening breeze in the plaza when I stumbled upon a pop-up bar selling beer. The realization of how long I've deprived myself of alcoholic beverages since entering this world was a struggle, especially for someone who doesn't go a week without enjoying a glass of wine or a bottle of beer.

Before I knew it, I was standing in front of the entrance, lost in thought, when someone bumped into my shoulder from behind.

"Ouch. Are you blind?" I snapped at the person.

He glanced at me for a moment. I couldn't quite decipher his intent. Did he recognize me, or did he find me attractive?

"What?" I asked, furrowing my brows.

"Why are you just standing there?" he inquired, his expression softening.

"Well, because I'm still 17, and I want to drink, but I can't," I retorted.

"Why?" he persisted.

"What do you mean, why? Obviously, there's a liquor ban for minors, duh," I replied, feeling a bit foolish under his gaze.

"Wait, there's no liquor ban for minors here?!"

He sighed.

"Come in. I'll treat you," he offered as he walked inside.

"As if I'm going to follow a stranger inside just because I crave a drink. I'm not that weak to succumb to my bodily desires," I protested.

"...," he remained silent.

"I guess I'm only human after all. Just this once," I conceded, giving in and following him inside.

From that moment on, he effortlessly assumed the role of a supporting character, as if it were second nature, aligning perfectly with the narrative of supporting the protagonist.