Episode 102

Jasper considered the possibility of Edwin’s connection to Dom Industries, as he had mentioned working with them on the day he had pursued him for assassination. 

“All right, I understand. You should return home as planned.”

The Emperor mentioned that most of the individuals who had assisted Edwin’s escape within the secret Royal Shadows had been apprehended. They were now selecting those not involved with Edwin for tracking his activities abroad. 

Jasper was instructed to return to the country and take care of the tasks the Emperor had assigned to him.

“I apologize for not being able to resolve it all at once.”

“The man who fled the Empire’s watch across the border is no easy target. Even if he seems careless, it would have been quite surprising if we had eliminated him right away. By the way, did Edwin have anything noteworthy to say?”

“No, he only talked about gambling and women.”

Jasper didn’t mention that he had learned about Edwin’s true origins. Anyone who knew the secret of the royal family could become a danger.

“By the way, Lord Ethan has been very disturbed.”

“Word of my injury must have gotten to him.”

“He may think something is amiss and interfere with you. If he realizes that you’ve gotten yourself into all this trouble over a girl… I can only imagine how furious he will be.”

The Emperor seemed less worried and more intrigued. She heard the woman’s soft laughter over the communication link.

“I’ll take good care of your lady, and you don’t need to worry about that part.”

The Emperor seemed to suggest that she knew who the object of Jasper’s affections was. Jasper knew that he couldn’t keep Rose Bell’s existence hidden from the Emperor for long.

“She’s a lovely girl. I can understand why you’re so concerned.”

“I won’t ask how you found out.”

“My eyes are not just in the empire.”

It seemed that she’d put a tail on him. This, too, was not surprising.

“If you can convince the moderate faction in the Senate, the noble law could be revised soon. Then that child will become a bit freer.”

“You… knew all of that.”

“I don’t think Jim considers it a big sin. It’s a crime created by the exaggerated claims of those who have been exploiting nobility for a long time.”

The Emperor had a tone that didn’t seem to care much, even though she knew that Baron Verden had made a mess. The rumor that the Emperor was supporting the revision of the noble law was indeed true.

It was fortunate for Jasper. The Emperor, even though she knew Rose’s true identity, was willing to help.

“But until the noble law is revised, I can’t openly protect that child on behalf of the imperial family. You understand, right? They still have the status of an outlaw.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Your marriage will probably take place after the law is revised. Politics is our domain, so wait for it. Well, if you can convince Ethan, it will be easier.”

“… I’ll try my best. I didn’t know you’d look out for me like this when I haven’t even succeeded in my mission yet.”

He had gone to the Emperor to free himself from Ethan Conway’s influence. Jasper hadn’t expected the Emperor to actively help him.

The Emperor didn’t need to worry, as it was a very personal matter. But the Emperor’s response was unexpected.

“Love stories are the most interesting, you know.”

“Yes?”

“Especially your relationship is very intriguing. I have high expectations. It’s truly impressive compared to the romance novels I’ve read recently.”

Jasper couldn’t quite understand the Emperor’s feelings, but it was a good thing, no matter the reason she was helping. 

As time went on, various noises would interfere, and there would be more people trying to hinder him.

Already, the Empire’s media was making a fuss. Earlier, Briley brought a cheap newspaper and, upon reading it, Jasper found an article about himself.

[The second son of the C family’s rebellion?

According to information obtained by the magazine, J, the younger son of the C family, got involved in a low-level fight with hoodlums in the Republic and was shot. It may be hard to believe for everyone, but since it was obtained from a reliable source, do not doubt it!

And don’t be surprised. The alley where J’s incident happened was even near the brothel. Has the boy who was indifferent to the onslaught of the ladies finally become a man? Or did he fall in love with a woman from the brothel like in cheap romance novels?

The magazine will diligently investigate J from now on and will continuously update information about him. If you’re curious about J, who was called the top fiancé in high society, then please subscribe and recommend…]

It was a badly written, speculative piece that only picked up the story of the shooting, but didn’t even use his real name because they were afraid Conway would press them.

Right now, such absurd articles are circulating, but later, someone might drag Rose Bell into this mess.

Jasper didn’t mind being treated as a lowlife. When such rumors spread, it would likely lower his evaluation in the marriage market, but it also meant less hassle, so he considered it a blessing.

‘Maybe Count Bluewood will back down.’

However, if there were disparaging remarks about Rose Bell, he wouldn’t tolerate it. If the Emperor looked after Rose along with him, they would be spared from much disgrace.

Just then, Rose, who had been asleep all the time, made a moaning sound.

“Uh… um.”

Jasper immediately turned his head towards Rose. He saw Rose’s thin eyelids twitching. Soon, Rose slowly opened her eyes.

“Are you awake?”

Jasper said as he gently brushed the stray strands of hair stuck to Rose’s forehead with his fingertips.

Even after opening her eyes, Rose had a dazed and blank expression for a while. It seemed like she didn’t understand where she was or what the situation was.

“Wait. Would you like some water?”

Rose slowly nodded her head. Jasper got up and filled a glass with water, handing it to Rose. Rose hesitated for a moment, then sat up and brought the glass to her lips.

Jasper carefully watched every movement of Rose’s body. Even with her hair disheveled, she looked lovely.

“I like you.”

The words he’d heard from Rose a few hours ago echoed in his head. He thought he’d have to wait longer. He couldn’t believe she liked him.

He had expected to be purely happy after the confession, but instead, Jasper felt even more urgency. He wanted to hold Rose close to him as soon as possible, to make sure no one could interfere.

Rose took a sip of water and, in a drowsy voice, asked.

“Did I… faint?”

“Who faints from a single kiss on the back of the hand?”

As Rose choked on her water, her surprise echoed through the room. Startled by her jerking body, Jasper quickly patted her back.

“Sorry. I won’t tease you. Drink slowly.”

Blushing, Rose glanced briefly at Jasper. 

Jasper watched her intently, wanting to kiss the back of her hand again and caress her cheek, just like earlier. But he couldn’t risk her fainting again.

He couldn’t believe that Rose’s heart was also for him, and he wanted to confirm it over and over again. He appeared as if he could ask and hear the answer that she liked him hundreds or thousands of times without getting tired of it.

Putting down the partially empty glass on the side table, Rose asked.

“But… where is this place?”

“I got a new room.”

“Because of me?”

Jasper nodded. Rose looked around with a puzzled expression.

“Then, Jasper, why are you here?”

“Because you fainted. I needed to check your condition.”

“Oh, no. I think I just fell asleep… I’m perfectly fine. Besides, you’re the one who needs rest.”

“It’s no big deal.”

Rose’s lips parted in an astonished manner. Her expressions were always cute when she was surprised, and Jasper thought it was adorable.

“No big deal?!”

“I might need a few weeks of rehab, but there shouldn’t be any problems with holding a sword, and I’m completely fine…”

Jasper tried to reassure Rose but stopped in the middle.

‘No.’

Rose’s eyes were filled with worry and focused solely on Jasper.

‘If you’re in pain, why would you pay more attention to me?’

Jasper deliberately relaxed his posture, shifting it slightly.

“Well… it still hurts a bit.”

He immediately felt Rose’s complete focus on him. Jasper felt a pleasant shiver run through his entire body.

He wanted to capture more of Rose’s attention. Even after hearing her say that she liked him, he couldn’t be satisfied with just that and kept wanting more.

With a worried voice and raised eyebrows, Rose muttered.

“What should we do… Of course, it must hurt. A bullet in the shoulder…”

Rose closed her eyes, as if too afraid to even imagine, then opened them.

“Yeah, the bullet pierced through my shoulder.”

“Oh… oh…”

“Eating is hard. Bathing is even more of a challenge. Are you worried?”

“Shouldn’t I be worried?”

“Then, stay by my side and keep watching over me.”

Kind-hearted Rose would easily be swayed by words like this, and Jasper’s hunch was right. Taking advantage of Rose’s hesitation, Jasper got back to the main topic.

“So, date me, Rose.”

“What does dating have to do with this right now?”

“I’m going to date you, Rose.”

Rose’s cheeks started to flush. Jasper couldn’t help himself and reached out, grabbing Rose’s hand.

“If you feel burdened, we can keep it a secret from others.”

“Keep it a secret?”

“Yes.”

Rose hesitated, her face filled with confusion. She mumbled.

“How do you even date? I don’t know…”

Rose’s hand, held by Jasper, trembled awkwardly. 

Jasper’s grip on her hand tightened for a moment, and his gaze deepened.