Episode 130

Caleb continued to observe the Redmark people with interest. 

Their surprisingly formal attire, far from the typical gangster appearance, added to the intrigue of the situation. Whatever was going on, it was anything but ordinary.

Caleb pushed his hat a little lower. Honestly, even if they were to look directly at his face, he doubted they would recognize him. 

He hadn’t shaved for quite a while, and his clothing was far from what one would expect of a noble. He looked like a wandering artist, which was how he had been living lately.

Caleb concentrated on his hearing, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation between the Redmark individuals. Luckily, their rough voices were clear enough to hear.

“It seems like they’re pushing us to act all noble and proper.”

“But it’s a chance to fix our situation, so let’s butter up those nobles.”

“I don’t know. They tell us to do it, but are these guys trustworthy?”

“Shh, the higher-ups know more.”

“These mercenaries are getting on my nerves.”

From their conversation, Caleb deduced that the Redmarks were tasked with providing security for someone from the upper echelons, but their trust in this mission seemed shaky. 

It appeared that there were other mercenary groups involved, and the situation was more complex than it initially seemed.

‘…This is getting interesting.’

Everyone knew the Redmarks had ties to the underworld, and nobles wouldn’t typically entrust them with a security mission. Something unusual was happening.

The journey to the capital would take a few more days, and Caleb was starting to get tired of just lying around.

‘Maybe I should follow those guys.’

Caleb’s eyes sparkled as if he had found a new toy to play with.

* * *

As the sun began to set, Rose deliberately ignored the gazes of the people as she headed toward the rear of the annex.

Jasper followed a reasonable distance behind her.

Rose walked in silence, occasionally pressing her burning cheek with her palm. They continued until they reached a secluded path behind the annex, and then, when they were alone, she turned to face Jasper.

When Jasper observed Rose’s back of her head, he paused. As soon as Rose noticed Jasper’s expression, she looked at him in disbelief.

“Why are you smiling?”

“I… I wasn’t smiling.”

Jasper quickly cleared his throat. Rose let out a small sigh and spoke.

“I’m dead serious, Jasper.”

“I know. It’s just that the back of your head is so cute.” 

“…….”

“Head tied in a bun, wagging like a tail….” 

“What?”

“Sorry.”

Rose gazed at Jasper with a slightly raised eyebrow. His expression didn’t seem remotely apologetic. Not even a hint of remorse in his smile.

“Are you apologizing?”

“I’m sincerely apologizing.”

“It doesn’t look like it at all.”

Yesterday, a gossip column published an article, revealing their romantic relationship earlier than they had expected. It happened much faster than they had anticipated, and the process leading up to the article’s publication was fraught with issues.

Rose let out another long sigh and then looked down at the gossip column she had been holding in her hand. A familiar name was written on the front page, and the densely packed text seemed to swirl before her eyes.

[Lately, there has been a noticeable trend of free love spreading among the youth. Not long ago, there was a case where a previously arranged marriage between two prominent families was broken off. Many of you are probably aware of it. Furthermore, lovers from different social backgrounds are appearing quite frequently, causing a stir in high society.

How should we interpret this phenomenon? Is it influenced by the prevalence of romantic novels among the common people? Our magazine has already expressed concerns about the indiscriminate proliferation of third-rate novels. It has been suggested that these stories may plant unrealistic expectations in innocent young ladies and provide an outlet for aristocratic young men’s desire for escapism. For more details, refer to the April issue.

According to information obtained by our magazine a few days ago, a new couple, straight out of a romance novel, has been born. The protagonist of the hot gossip is none other than Jasper Conway, the son of Duke Conway! (The name is included at the request of the parties involved.)

Jasper Conway’s partner is a commoner female student, known for her exceptional talent, currently enrolled in B Academy. She consistently ranks first in her class, and…]

Rose stopped her gaze at the point where her story was mentioned and muttered with an uncomfortable tone.

“There’s no way they would portray it so positively.”

Fortunately, the response was much more moderate than expected. She thought there would be more speculative or overtly hostile articles.

However, the only person whose name was mentioned was Jasper, and the content related to Rose was relatively positive.

The incident where Jasper knocked down a fellow student was portrayed with some moderation. It was presented as a mere ‘minor altercation.’

The conclusion of the article was also neutral.

[We sought the opinion of Duke Conway regarding this scandal, but an official response has not been received yet. Duke Conway has been receiving care at his estate for the past few years, and his son, Ethan Conway, left the capital recently. The situation is unlikely to be clarified until Duke Conway breaks his silence.

Will the love of the Duke’s son bear fruit, or will it end as a passing fling? Only time will tell.]

Rose’s forehead throbbed as she read the gossip article. The situation was already out of her control.

Rose spoke in a weak voice.

“Why did you reveal your name?”

“It’s not like I’ve committed a crime.”

“What if the Duke or Lord Ethan find out…?”

“Let them. Even if they fly into a rage, they can’t beat the Emperor.”

Jasper’s calm and nonchalant attitude almost made Rose nod without realizing it.

‘How can he be so composed?’

With the attention of the entire academy and this unfavorable article, it wasn’t doing any favors for Jasper’s reputation. It would have been better if they had publicly declared their relationship at the graduation ball.

Irrespective of the article’s content, the rumor about Jasper knocking down a fellow student had already spread within the academy. Everyone was just keeping hush about it, fearing it might trouble the Conways.

While Rose was in distress, Jasper had come up to her. She scolded him in a troubled voice.

“You have such a hot temper… If you keep causing trouble like this, you’ll be kicked out.”

“Is that fine with you? I never wanted to live under the shadow of the family’s power, wealth, and honor that comes with the name Conway.”

While some people relentlessly pursued power, Jasper didn’t hesitate to dismantle the fences of power he was born into.

Rose muttered softly.

“Why on earth…”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Jasper replied.

“Don’t you know? It’s to be with you.”

“…”

“I’m sorry about the accident, but that asshole called you names first.”

“Don’t hit anyone because of me.”

“That asshole talked bad about you?”

“I know. I know you did it out of respect for me… But you shouldn’t just hit people, especially in….”

“I only threw two punches.”

Jasper responded with a hint of injustice and his face became slightly sullen.

“But your punches are incredibly strong, Jasper. That guy… had a fractured nose…”

Rose’s mind was in turmoil. She had been unsure whether to thank Jasper or question him ever since she first heard the news. 

In reality, Rose hadn’t been greatly affected by the various negative rumors surrounding her. She had expected it all along.

‘I thought Jasper would be like this too…’

Jasper was quick to throw a punch in response to a rumor. Rose had underestimated Jasper’s nature.

‘No, you shouldn’t have cared about rumors and reputations.’

She gazed at Jasper with a complex heart and spoke.

“I appreciate you fighting for me, but from now on, at least talk to me before doing anything…”

“Alright, it means I need your permission?” 

“Um?”

There was a subtle shift in the focus of their conversation. However, Rose already knew that Jasper had a completely different way of thinking. It seemed better to adapt to his approach rather than try to persuade him.

“Yes, tell me first.”

“Rose, but it’s not easy to restrain my temper.”

“…”

“There should be some reward to make it bearable.”

“Reward?”

“For example, a kiss from you.”

Jasper lowered his upper body to Rose’s eye level. There was a hint of playfulness in his eyes.

Rose was surprised when Jasper got closer. Although she had seen his face many times, every time they faced each other, it felt mysterious and wondrous. 

She spoke in a soft, hesitant voice.

“A kiss… you want one?”

“Then I won’t cause any trouble without your permission.”

“Really?”

Jasper smiled faintly and nodded. 

Rose quickly looked around, confirming that there were only the two of them. She took a deep breath, then pressed her lips to Jasper’s cheek. 

The touch was soft, and every nerve in her body became acutely aware. 

Jasper’s breathing seemed incredibly loud.