Episode 126

Rose continued to mull over what Jasper had said.

‘I’m your first love.’

A few months ago, she might have dismissed it as an unbelievable story, but now, that wasn’t the case. She knew Jasper’s words were sincere.

Until now, Rose’s world revolved around her family and magic engineering. Especially in matters of love, she had been completely clueless. However, even Rose, who was so oblivious, couldn’t ignore Jasper’s honest feelings.

Suppressing her fluttering heart, Rose spoke.

“But in a way, I’ve been lying to you all along.”

“What lie?”

“I hid my past, pretended not to know you… Didn’t you feel betrayed?”

Jasper responded without a hint of hesitation.

“Not at all.”

“…”

“I was planning to keep being fooled until you told me.”

Rose felt Jasper’s unwavering gaze fixed on her. Now, she could look into Jasper’s heart without a shred of doubt.

‘Jasper likes me. Loves me. And I…’

Rose’s gaze inadvertently landed on Jasper’s lips. 

At that moment, she felt a very unfamiliar desire, a longing to touch lips with Jasper. If they weren’t in an outdoor setting but inside a clock tower, she might have buried herself in Jasper’s embrace.

“Thank you.”

Instead, Rose whispered.

Loving someone was more beautiful and joyful than she had ever imagined. Of course, there would be challenges along the way, but at least for now, Rose was happy.

* * *

As the middle of the fall semester passed and the graduation ball drew near, Berkley Academy was abuzz with various stories.

For the first time this year, an academy student had won the invention contest. What made it even more surprising was that the victor was one of the commoner scholarship students, who were typically one per year.

Rose Bell was already famous, but now her name was known across different years. 

No one had expected Rose’s genius to be this exceptional. Newspaper articles about the contest were being published one after the other, and public interest was growing.

However, shining success often came with jealousy and resentment. Those who wanted to diminish Rose’s achievements were naturally present.

“Why isn’t there a single mention of Rose in the article? This is unbelievable!”

Briley, who was flipping through the newspaper after lunch in the walking club room, furiously threw the newspaper on the table. 

Rebecca, who had discovered the newspaper first and brought it, also had a disgruntled expression.

Adela picked up the newspaper and muttered seriously.

“Really?”

Adela quickly scanned the article, then spoke in a louder voice than usual.

“This article makes it seem like Professor Theo made the invention on his own! How could this happen? It was a collaborative research.”

Rebecca and Briley nodded in agreement, their faces showing irritation. 

Meanwhile, Rose, the person in question, was calmly preparing for the next class with an indifferent expression.

Rose looked at her friends with an embarrassed expression and scratched her cheek.

“Um…”

From some point onwards, articles started describing the star of the contest as if it were solely Theo’s achievement. As a result, there were rumors within the academy suggesting that Rose had only played a minor role in Theo’s research.

In truth, Rose had expected this kind of reaction to some extent. People would naturally assume that Theo led the research rather than a student like her. She had no intention of correcting it.

If not for Theo, she might not have even considered entering the contest. And without Theo pointing out the practical viability of her work, winning the contest would have been much more challenging.

Moreover, Rose was too busy to pay attention to every newspaper article or rumor. She was fully focused on her studies to excel in the graduation exams. 

The valedictorian would have the opportunity to speak at the graduation ceremony, and the title of Berkley’s Valedictorian would be a source of pride throughout her life.

At the graduation ceremony, she wanted to make herself known once more. She thought of the Emperor’s words from time to time and steeled her resolve.

“Make your name known with your abilities and gain recognition.”

That way, it might not only ease the scrutiny of her relationship with Jasper but also provide people with a new perspective. 

Although she had less time to spend with Jasper due to her studies, she was working even harder because of him.

Rose glanced at the newspaper and spoke to her friends.

“You don’t have to worry.”

Briley exclaimed with frustration.

“You’re a genius of the century! What will people think if they believe Theo is the genius?”

“Senior Theo is certainly a genius too.”

“Are you not upset? Some articles describe you like you’re just Theo’s secretary. This is unacceptable. I think I should file a complaint…”

Feeling overshadowed by the name Theo Lixton was far from pleasant. Rose fell silent for a moment before speaking.

“It’s a natural reaction. I expected it. I haven’t shown enough yet.”

Briley paused at Rose’s calm tone.

“I have to show more results and earn recognition. Shouting now for people to recognize me won’t change anything.”

“Rose…”

“I have no choice but to work harder.”

Graduating as the valedictorian from Berkley and consistently producing new inventions would gradually change people’s perceptions. 

Being a young woman, a student who hadn’t even graduated yet, and a commoner, Rose needed to work harder than others to quell the suspicious glances cast her way. 

To earn recognition, she had to put in more effort than anyone else. Even if it felt frustrating, it was unavoidable. Looking at another mathematical formula would be more productive than getting upset.

Rebecca, who had been quietly listening, approached Rose and hugged her shoulders, a rare display of affection for her. 

Startled by this gesture, Rose turned to look at her.

“I believe in you, but I’m going to keep telling everyone that my friend is an incredible genius.”

Briley clapped her hands enthusiastically.

“Yeah! I should spread the word too.”

Adela, who had been lost in thought, spoke quietly.

“But why hasn’t Theo Lixton, who’s listed as a co-researcher, refuted these articles? He must know that the articles aren’t true.”

Rose’s shoulder twitched slightly. 

She didn’t care about the commotion around her, but if there was one thing that bothered her, it was Adela mentioning Theo’s behavior. 

Nevertheless, Rose managed a faint smile.

“Well, maybe the journalists didn’t believe Senior Theo’s words…”

“Is that so?”

Adela still seemed uneasy.

“…He wouldn’t purposely take credit for someone else’s work.”

At least, the Theo Lixton that Rose had known so far was not that kind of person.

“Regardless of what the newspapers say, I’ll be receiving the prize money and trophy, so that’s all that matters.”

Rose intended to focus on the prize money, which would be paid out within a month. She had already made detailed plans on how to use it. 

For now, that was enough to make her happy.

* * *

Theo had donned his most expensive suit from his wardrobe. 

He clenched and unclenched his fists to thaw his frozen fingertips, the nervousness getting to him. Standing in front of the coffee house, he took a deep breath before moving inside. 

He promised himself that in today’s meeting, he would get what he wanted.

The person he was meeting here was an executive from Dom Industries. 

The company had taken an interest in Theo after the announcement of the invention contest results and the subsequent media attention. 

‘It might not be as prestigious as Weir Company, but…’

Still, Dom Industries was satisfying. Above all, being able to work overseas and get away from the tiresome imperial land was the most appealing part.

Inside the coffee house, the man who had been waiting for Theo was in his mid-forties. He checked his wristwatch every few seconds.

‘Is he busy?’

Approaching the man, Theo recognized him and extended his hand for a handshake as the man removed his sunglasses.

“Ah, Mr. Lixton, please have a seat.”

“Have you been waiting long?”

“No, not at all.”

After a few moments of small talk, as they sat down, the man quickly shifted to the main topic.

“I found your invention quite intriguing. It seems that the imperial palace is interested in manufacturing your invention in collaboration with Weir Company.”

“I’ve heard that.”

“It’s a pity. If it wasn’t only the contest sponsored by the royal family, I might have bought the technology from you.”

“I appreciate your positive view.”

“It’s not the conventional mana source, but the idea of utilizing a different mana source to develop new materials was very interesting.”

“Haha, yes…”

Theo awkwardly laughed to himself. 

‘Damn.’

Inside, he was seething. The compliments from Dom Industries were all about the ideas Rose had come up with. It should have been Rose sitting here, not him.

Recent newspaper articles were also problematic. 

The gentrification-class capital-backed media was eager to create a commoner star. Before he knew it, Theo had become the genius of the century.

Born into poverty but persevering through adversity to pursue knowledge, the genius of the era, the beacon of a new age.

Theo had always yearned for such a life, but he also knew he could never truly become that person. 

However, after a few articles, the world seemed to think he was that person.