Chapter 19
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: Contract (1)
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"It depends on who it is."
"Exactly."
I nodded and dipped the quill in ink.
"Then add this: If that situation arises, we share the fact with each other and discuss countermeasures."
"That sounds good."
"But it's true that killing them would be the easiest way. Oh, excluding royalty."
Rose broke out in a cold sweat at my half-serious remark.
"Um... I'll do my best to make sure that doesn't happen."
"Understood."
I scribbled the addition with the quill.
"Anything else?"
"About the contract period here. It says it can be extended by mutual agreement between Party A and Party B. If I stay in the territory longer after a year, does that count as extending the contract?"
I looked at Rose in slight surprise, staring intently as I tried to read the intent behind her question.
This has ulterior motives.
I hadn't expected Rose to bring up the contract period first. Given how she'd wanted to leave the moment it ended, I figured she wouldn't mention it at all.
"Do you want to stay longer? I thought if you were married, you'd want to head back to the Academy as soon as possible."
"You knew I was on leave of absence."
"You enrolled later than me and haven't graduated yet, but you're still here. It was obvious."
I'd deliberately left the contract period vague, something like "can be extended."
I'd prefer if Rose stayed longer, of course.
But following the novel's flow, she'd coldly brush me off and leave anyway.
The more you cling, the more someone wants to pull away—that's human psychology. Better to let her think she has the choice, regardless of my hopes.
"When the time comes, it's up to you, Madam. You can extend the contract or end it and stay anyway."
It took me a moment to say the next part.
"Whatever you choose, I'll respect your decision."
But I managed to get it out. Maintaining that cool, detached demeanor as we discussed the contract cleanly, without any clinging.
Yes, this is right. That's how it'll be.
"..."
Rose bit her lip briefly and averted her gaze.
"You won't even try to hold me back once..."
A faint murmur escaped her like a sigh. Her green eyes sank deep, then resurfaced like rising to the water's surface.
"...Moving on. Party B must attend tea parties requested by Party A or host them to gauge trends... What does this mean?"
"Ah, yes. Tea parties."
I leaned back comfortably and continued.
"I've never attended tea parties hosted by collateral kin or other nobles before."
"Yes."
"Because of the Schmichael family's unique situation. Why would I go when I don't know what might happen? I couldn't even touch the food."
Rose listened intently, lips pressed tight.
"But now, with my birthday and inauguration approaching, I need to clearly distinguish allies from non-allies."
"Ah, so that's my job."
Rose let out a light gasp.
"Infiltrate high society, observe the ladies' trends, and report which families support you?"
"Precisely."
"Even family heads don't know every intimate detail of their houses. I could uncover scandals or weaknesses to recruit them."
She caught on quick, as expected. No need for extra explanations when she grasped the whole from a part.
"But..."
Rose fidgeted uncertainly with her fingers.
"Can I really do it well? It might be too much for me."
"..."
"As Your Excellency knows, my reputation in high society is rock bottom. No one will invite me..."
Rose's head drooped toward the floor, her red hair cascading like seaweed.
That wilted rose look from when she first stepped out of the carriage was returning.
I have to stop this!
"Madam."
"Yes."
"What's your family name?"
"Uh, Vicander... Oh, ah."
A flash of realization lit up Rose's gloomy face.
"So now... I'm a Schmichael."
"Correct. And the Schmichaels do not bow their heads before others."
Each word carried weight, lifting Rose's slumped shoulders.
"Forgot why your reputation is like that? You couldn't act freely tied to your family, and with those two pressuring you, it was hard to fight back. But now?"
I fixed her with an unwavering gaze. Rose froze, captivated by my eyes.
"You are Rose Schmichael now. Insulting you is the same as insulting me."
"Ah..."
"Will you keep taking it lying down? Or will you fight back?"
It wasn't aggressive, but Rose panted lightly as if short of breath.
"-No."
A rough voice finally emerged from her lips.
"No."
It was a tone that would draw scorn from high society ladies, but I didn't blame or mock it. That hoarseness signaled rising will and courage.
"I want to fight back."
Startled by her own words, Rose flinched,
"I want to win. I don't want to take it anymore."
then poured out stronger words.
"I've investigated without giving up, so I'll find evidence soon— so."
Rose steadied her breath and met my eyes.
"I can do it. I'll definitely succeed."
Like a rose soaked in water, strong determination shone from her moistened green eyes.
"...Splendid."
I whispered admiration unwittingly.
Hm, is the praise too much? But that spirit from such a small frame...
"You could receive a knighting."
I couldn't hold back and said it again.
She wasn't wielding a weapon, but heading to the battlefield of high society—doesn't that make her a fine knight?
-Or so I thought.
"...Th-that's not quite... You're too kind..."
"I don't say things I don't mean."
"Yes..."
Rose squirmed, then quickly changed the subject.
"Then my last question. All costs necessary to fulfill this contract are borne by Party A... this clause."
"Exactly as it says. Need more explanation?"
"'All costs'—how much does that cover?"
Tension etched Rose's face. The clause only mentioned me paying, nothing about her, which seemed to worry her.
"No limits."
"Pardon?"
"I'll say it once more. No limits."
Rose stared at my mouth to confirm, but my expression didn't change. Realizing it was true, she let out a silent scream.
"Buy whatever clothing, jewelry, or other necessities you need."
"..."
"You're a knight heading to the battlefield of high society. I spare no investment in my knights."
Rose's mouth opened and closed, but no words formed.
"Selma's managed the storage keys until now. But they're yours from here on."
"..."
"Learn the inner castle affairs as soon as possible. With Selma's help."
Rose pressed a hand to her chest—whether to calm her racing heart or feel its pounding, I couldn't tell.
After a silent moment, she slowly parted her lips.
"...I'll do my best. I won't disappoint you, Your Excellency."
Yes, that's my knight... no, my wife.
I nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. Any more questions?"
"No. That was the last one."
"Then sign. Read it over once more first."
I handed her one copy and added the new clause to the other. Meanwhile, Rose meticulously reviewed hers one last time.
"Here we go."
I signed the final page first, then passed it to her.
Scratch, scratch.
Rose wrote "Rose," hesitated briefly, then added "Schmichael."
Repeating for both copies completed them. I handed one to her.
"Keep it safe."
"Yes, Your Excellency. Looking forward to working with you."
"I saw you greeting the staff earlier—you did well. Just keep it up."
"...Yes, Your Excellency."
Rose folded the contract carefully and held it like fragile glass.
After gazing at it a moment, she looked up at me.
"One more thing I want to ask. Not about the contract."
"What?"
"You know I majored in Magic Studies at the Academy."
I nodded, and she continued.
"I rushed back to the family and left my magic tools behind. Could you arrange for me to get them?"
"Those things."
Rose suspected foul play in her mother's death and pointed to the current Lady Vicander as the culprit.
That sparked her magic studies. It was also why she hid her abilities from her family.
Her Academy tools likely bore traces of experiments probing Lady Vicander's suspicions.
"I'll send someone to fetch them. Most Academy items are rentals, right?"
"...Yes, they are."
Rose flushed slightly with embarrassment.