After all the craziness that went down just two days ago, I'm back at the manor now.

During the four days I was away from the manor, I convinced the other maids to pretend I was suffering from bad period cramps. This way, they kept bringing me food and checking on me, even though they were just resting in my room.

Roselle's mother noticed the maids eagerly serving me and thought I was just being exceptionally kind to them, to the point where they argued over who would bring me food and assist me each day. But I knew they were just looking for some time off.

It turned out to be a win-win situation for everyone involved. The baroness and the baron were too busy with their new business partnership with the D.S Guild to check on me, so I didn't get caught. Kekeke.

As for my brother Ethan and his friend, they were also away during my secret absence from the manor. I couldn't help but wonder if Ethan was involved in what happened, but I didn't have the luxury of knowing everyone's whereabouts.

As long as everything was resolved, I was content to let the real Roselle handle any lose end, since I was essentially doing her a big favor.

Sebastian got caught by the authorities, and all his business partners turned their backs on him when they found out he'd been betraying them all along.

The slaves have been rescued, given a second chance at life. And guess who seized the mine? None other than...

*Drumroll please. *

The crowned prince himself!!

“OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!”

This is my ticket back home!

"Yessss! I miss Seoul's smog, the crazy traffic, the greasy food!" I shouted in excitement, punching the air and stomping my feet.

"He was at the party. That means I might have seen him. Wait, what if he's the hooded guy Sebastian bowed to?" I pondered as I walked back to the fort then finally settling in the sofa.

"Does that mean I was just a few meters away from him? I need to get to work so we can meet sooner.” I exclaimed, amazed at how close I am to finishing this story.

"No time to waste," I decided, jumping up from my seat and striding toward the door. Down the stairs I went, making my way to the baron's office.

"Roselle's Father!" I knocked insistently on his office door until Ethan opened it, looking surprised. Ignoring his expression, I strode in confidently, causing him to raise his hands defensively. In my jubilant mood, I showered him with high-fives, my smile stretching from ear to ear.

Taking note of the pink-haired guy seated across from the baron, I greeted them both with a friendly smile before settling next to Ethan's friend. Feeling a sudden urge for introductions, I extended my hand towards him.

"You know, we've been together for quite some time now, but we haven't even exchanged names," I remarked warmly. "I'm Roselle. And you?"

He chuckled softly, his grip firm as he shook my hand. "About time indeed. I'm Lucian."

"Lucian, Lucian, Lucian," I repeated, rolling the name off my tongue with genuine admiration. "What a charming name for a charming person like yourself."

Turning my attention back to the baron and Ethan, who had moved to sit beside him, I noticed their expressions had grown serious, almost inscrutable.

"What's up?" I asked, sensing an air of tension.

"Ahem," the baron cleared his throat, exchanging a meaningful glance with Lucian. "My dear child, perhaps it's best not to address him so casually—"

But before the baron could finish, Lucian interrupted with a smile. "No, I quite like it," he said, shooting a reassuring look my way.

Shrugging off the tension, I flashed a grin. It seemed harmless enough; after all, Lucian wasn't of royal blood or nobility.

"Oh yeah, I've been curious," I began, leaning in with genuine interest. "Why have you stayed here in this house for too long? I mean, it's been quite a while now."

He met my gaze, and I returned it sympathetically, waiting for his response.

"Don’t you have a house? Are you poor? Or do you just really enjoy sleepovers?" I asked bluntly, unable to contain my curiosity.

His expression shifted to one of disbelief. "Um, I mean, I have a friend who insists on sleepovers too—" I added.

"Pfft." I was cut off because of certain someone. I glared at Ethan, who was struggling to hold back his laughter.

"My dear, if you have a friend who wants to stay over, you're more than welcome to bring them here," the baron interjected kindly.

"Well, it's not exactly a 'friend' friend. More like we know each other kind of ‘friend’," I explained, brushing off the suggestion.

"Anyway..."

I stood up from my seat, feeling a surge of excitement, and struck a few poses to grab their attention.

"Guess what's new with me," I announced, eagerly awaiting their guesses.

They looked at me closely, trying to spot any changes.

"You've got a new hairstyle," the baron suggested.

"Ugh, no," I replied with a playful roll of my eyes. "Well, technically yes, but that's not what I'm talking about."

"You're wearing a new lip color!" chimed in Ethan, looking pleased with his guess.

"Not quite," I replied, wiping my lips and realizing they were stained blue from the berries I was eating in my room. I gave Ethan a playful glare for his incorrect guess.

Turning to Lucian, I hoped he might have a better guess.

"Hmm, I do notice a few changes, but I have a feeling that's not what you're hinting at, so I would rather not answer your question.” he said with a knowing smirk.

“Tsk, playing safe, huh.” I teased him, shaking my head.

"Alright, alright," I said, getting to the point.

“What is new is… I am now the single and happy Roselle Fritzroy!”  I rejoiced.

The baron erupted into laughter, and the others chuckled along.

"But wait, there's more, since I am ‘single." I continued, wanting to share my excitement. "It means I can now marry someone, not to that person who the name is forbidden to be said, but someone who's way, way, way better!"

I paused, expecting cheers and congratulations, but there was silence.

"Future husband? You're not even old enough to get married," the baron pointed out, sounding a bit concerned.

"But I will be in just a few months," I assured him, determined to make my point and celebrate this newfound freedom.

I looked both the worried faces of both Roselle’s father and brother.

"I always knew this day would come, but even with all the preparation, it's still hard to believe you'll soon be old enough to get married," the baron said, his voice tinged with sadness.

Yeah, it's hard for me to believe too, I admitted.

 Even though I'm 27 in real life, I don't have any plans to get married soon. And I don't even have anyone in mind to marry.

The talk of marriage made me wonder: would it be me who gets married, or the real Roselle?

I noticed their concerned looks, like they were worried about something.

"I'll find the best husband for you, my dear," the baron said, sounding determined.

"No, I already have someone!" I interrupted his suggestion of arranging a marriage for me.

"You do?" Ethan asked suspiciously, while Lucian gave me a curious look.

"Don't give me that look. What I mean is, I have someone in mind," I clarified.

"Tell me who it is, and I'll make all the arrangements," the baron offered with a knowing smile.

I gave him a sidelong glance, seeing right through his intentions.

"Hmm, I'll tell you soon, Roselle's father. But first, I need to go to the capital and stay there for a while."

"No, you can't go to the capital just yet." the baron firmly interrupted.

"I can't allow it. You've been through so much this year—being held captive and getting into trouble. Your mother and I can't relax; you've always had a frail body. If only you weren't so against having a bodyguard, we would have—" I cut him off before he could finish his worries.

"If your concern is my general safety, I know someone who can guard me! He's really strong and, uh, scary-looking," I blurted out.

Both the baron and Ethan's faces showed their thoughts.

"You have to meet him at least! If he passes as a guard, promise you'll let me go to the capital!" I insisted.

The baron sighed. "We'll see. I'll have to think about it," he said, looking at me thoughtfully.

"I have to meet him" he finally agreed, his expression serious as he considered my request.

***

To the Happily-Ever-After Roselle,

So, I kind of caused trouble with the son of the marquis, and I know the time will come when he'll swallow his pride and seek help from his father. Don't worry; I'm working on getting someone influential on your side.

PS. Girl, you better be back before the wedding night! Yeah, I might be a bit perv, but I don't plan on being a stand in wife.

Got it?!