The Duty Of An Academy Student Should Be To Study - Side Story 1

Side Story 1

[The century’s status gap couple, Jasper and Rose, face controversy as rumors of discord surface.

Signals of trouble have emerged between Lieutenant Jasper Conway (22, Imperial Guard) and Rose Bell (22, Senior Researcher at the Royal Institute). Three years ago, after officially acknowledging their romantic relationship, the two have been embroiled in various controversies. However, the current speculation of discord is a first and has persisted for an unusually long time.

Until now, the couple has always appeared together at official events, showcasing their affection. The social circle has occasionally expressed concerns about their displays of affection, but in the past three weeks, no one has witnessed them together.

A few weeks ago, Jasper Conway received a rapid promotion from Captain to Lieutenant Colonel for his role in eliminating a gang that threatened the capital’s security. A grand ceremony for his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel was held at the palace, but Rose Bell was notably absent.

An acquaintance who was also a former academy colleague of the couple mentioned, “They seemed extremely busy with their work even in ordinary times,” speculating, “Perhaps that’s why they’ve drifted apart.”

As of now, the couple has not issued any official statements regarding the rumors of discord.

On another note, there’s news that the first-stage engine experiment, in which Senior Researcher Rose Bell participated, concluded successfully yesterday. The results of this experiment have caused excitement in various industries, including the transportation sector…]

With a casual expression, Rose read through the newspaper and then set it down on the table. 

The Emperor, sitting across from Rose, took a sip of her tea and spoke.

“The article didn’t intentionally hold back, it seems.”

“How…”

After a brief sigh, Rose continued.

“Is every detail in the article the opposite of the truth?”

“It just means there are many who envy you. There’s no need to refute it now. If the two who were thought to have broken up suddenly announce their marriage, it will become an even more sensational topic.”

“Nevertheless…”

“By the way, isn’t your long vacation starting tomorrow?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Prepare for the wedding well. Take care of your health. You seem even thinner. I’m sure Jasper will have something to say again.”

“Thank you for your concern.”

Bowing her head, Rose thought of Jasper. It had been ten days since she last saw his face. During this time, she had been immersed in the first-stage experiment, locked in the research building.

Even when she saw him ten days ago, Jasper only came to the front of the research building to greet her. Since graduating from the academy, this was the first time they had been separated like this.

When Rose started living in the researchers’ residence within the palace, she could see Jasper whenever she wanted, as he was part of the Imperial Guard and frequently moved between the palace and other locations.

However, lately, due to pouring all her energy into the experiment, she had rarely stepped outside the research building. She hadn’t told Jasper, but the truth was she was so busy that even meal times seemed precious. 

If Jasper knew, he would have scolded her.

‘…I want to see him soon.’

As Rose left the Emperor’s office, her steps became increasingly hurried. The reason she was so engrossed in the experiment to the point of suppressing her fatigue was that she wanted to succeed in the experiment quickly and take a break.

It was the first long vacation she had applied for since working as a royal researcher. For the next month, she was planning to prepare for her wedding.

The reality of getting married had yet to fully sink in. Would it feel real once she shared the news with friends she hadn’t seen in a while?

‘The day is coming.’

Since their time at the academy, Jasper had brought up the idea of marriage as naturally as breathing. He was eager to get things moving, but it took three years for the wedding preparations to begin.

The reason was simple: Rose Bell was too busy. She couldn’t afford to take a break for more than two days.

To get married, she had to visit the Conway estate, and there were many other things to take care of. Jasper had said he would wait until Rose had the time. And so, three years had passed.

The Emperor was a workaholic. She was known for squeezing talent under her command cleverly. As soon as Rose entered the research institute, she received a clear order to develop an airship. Since then, Rose had been living tethered to her research.

However, Rose felt more joy and excitement than hardship. Having all the resources at her disposal and the unwavering support of the Emperor, it was like a paradise for a researcher.

‘But now, I want to take a break.…’

Most importantly, she had kept Jasper waiting for too long.

Excited at the thought of sharing the news of her long vacation with Jasper, Rose quickened her pace. As she crossed through the palace, she was headed towards the headquarters of the 1st Division, where Jasper’s office was located.

From the side, a familiar voice reached her ears.

“Rose!”

Rose stopped and immediately turned her head toward the direction of the voice. In front of her eyes was Jasper Conway, dressed in a military uniform adorned with golden threads.

Without saying a word, Rose rushed towards Jasper. With arms slightly open, Jasper waited, then effortlessly lifted Rose as she reached him.

As soon as her feet left the ground, Rose wrapped her arms around Jasper’s shoulders. She held onto him tightly, feeling the familiar warmth and scent.

At that moment, Rose realized she missed Jasper much more than she had thought. The exhaustion and tension that had built up in her body released, and a rush of warm emotions overwhelmed her.

“Jasper…”

“How have you been?”

Rose gazed at Jasper, shaking her head slightly. In the time they hadn’t seen each other, Jasper seemed to have become even more robust. 

Since becoming an adult, he has grown more masculine.

Although she had gotten used to it by now, there were times when the neatly dressed Jasper in uniform felt unfamiliar. The image of the academy student who used to wear his school uniform haphazardly was now a thing of the past.

Jasper as an officer was a completely different person from his usual self. He was known for having a stern and strict demeanor with his subordinates, a stark contrast to his previous self.

However, it was widely known that the seemingly cold Lieutenant Colonel Conway softened in the presence of his lover, Rose Bell.

Jasper gently touched his forehead with Rose’s and then carefully lowered her to the floor. Rose looked up at Jasper and asked.

“Why are you here? I was heading toward where you are…”

“I heard Her Majesty summoned you. I wanted to see you a little earlier, so I waited here.”

Rose’s teary eyes flickered, and her gaze dropped slightly. 

“Jasper… I missed you.”

Jasper chuckled and tilted his head. 

“What’s going on? You don’t usually hug me in the middle of the palace without saying anything. Seems like you really missed me.”

“Yeah, I really missed you.”

If it were any other day, Rose wouldn’t have just rushed into Jasper’s arms out of the blue. While Rose had become accustomed to being in the public eye, her shy nature hadn’t completely disappeared.

There had been several occasions when she felt awkward at the Emperor’s encouragement to openly display affection with Jasper in public. Jasper, of course, welcomed the Emperor’s words.

But today, without a hint of shyness, all she could think about was running into Jasper’s arms after not seeing him for a short while. 

Rose giggled playfully.

“As expected, marriage… it seems we should hurry.”

“What?”

“If we live in the same house, no matter how busy we are, we’ll at least see each other’s faces.”

Even if her body was weary from work, she could still enjoy watching Jasper sleeping in their shared bed.

Hearing Rose’s words, Jasper’s lips twitched slightly before he spoke.

“Let’s… take a carriage.”

“Now? Isn’t it still your working hours?”

“I took a day off too.”

“Is that allowed…”

“What’s not allowed? I just want to be alone with you quickly.”

Jasper grabbed Rose’s hand and began to walk briskly. Rose followed him, feeling the glances directed at them.

People looked at Rose and Jasper with some surprise. It was a moment that made the recent gossip about their supposed discord in the social circles seem insignificant.

Jasper led Rose to a waiting Conway family carriage. While Rose exchanged greetings with the familiar coachman, she was quickly pulled into the carriage by the eager Jasper.

Thud! As the carriage door closed, large hands enveloped Rose’s face.

“Jasper… hmm.”

Jasper firmly pressed Rose against him, and their lips collided in a passionate kiss. Caught off guard by the heat engulfing her in an instant, Rose’s hands hung momentarily in the air.

But soon, Rose relaxed and placed her hands on Jasper’s back. Three years ago, when she first started dating Jasper, she thought she would never get used to the act of kissing forever.

The trembling and excitement were still there, but it wasn’t as rigid as it used to be. Firmly, Rose grasped the lapels of Jasper’s uniform top and gently nibbled on his lips.

Jasper paused briefly and then pressed Rose even harder. Thud, just before Rose’s back hit the wall, Jasper supported her with his palm.

A thick, dark curtain hung on the carriage window, preventing sunlight from entering and casting a dim atmosphere inside.

Feeling a rush of heat in her head, Rose tightened her grip on Jasper’s hand, ensuring she didn’t collapse. 

Soon after, the carriage, carrying the ‘couple of the century,’ rumbled forward.