The Duty Of An Academy Student Should Be To Study - Side Story 2

Side Story 2

On the first day of their vacation, Rose and Jasper headed to the suburban residence where Rose’s family lived.

Richard, the second-born, was currently working in the Republic of Baskirk, so there were only four people at home: her Mother Anna, Grandma Dora, the third-born Denver, and the youngest sister Ellie.

A few years ago, the family had been living comfortably in a way that seemed unimaginable. Rose thought everything had improved even more after her parent’s divorce. Her father, George, had been a shadowy and ominous presence for the family.

Rose hadn’t heard any news about George for quite some time. The last time she saw him was two years ago when she participated in a graduation speech at Berkley Academy.

For some reason, George appeared unexpectedly in front of Rose at the main gate of the academy.

“Hey. I can’t live like this, can I? Help me out, okay? Even if I’ve parted ways with your mother, aren’t we still tied by blood?”

It was after the downfall of the Redmark Summit, a group that George had been associated with as a creditor. Involved in the Retro Wave incident, the gang lost its power, and eventually, even the factory closed down.

George seemed to have come out of the factory where he had been staying and wandered around like a homeless person. It seemed like he was determined to get some money from the now-famous Rose, but she completely ignored him and passed by as if she didn’t know him at all.

As Rose was accompanied by the academy’s security personnel and moving around, George couldn’t get too close.

“Rose… Rose, please!”

Ignoring the desperate voice, Rose walked away. 

Despite any blood ties, she no longer wanted to be involved with George in any way. She looked into the eyes of George, who had lost all hope and was in despair, but she felt no sympathy.

Later, news came that the city police had taken a large number of homeless people to rehabilitation centers to help with their rehabilitation. It was part of a policy to assist in their rehabilitation. 

It seemed that George had left the city around that time.

‘He’ll figure out how to live on his own.’

In truth, Rose didn’t believe that George would genuinely transform. George was a person who had no will to change on his own. Rose had let go of him through her hands on several occasions.

Rose had no desire to hear any news about George except for his passing. That way, the peace within the family could be maintained.

* * *

A comfortable living room with traces of the passage of time. 

Jasper stood tall, facing Rose’s family as he sat. Ellie, the youngest, watched Jasper with sparkling eyes and exclaimed softly.

“Wow… Your face always shines whenever I see you.”

“Thank you, Ellie.” 

Jasper replied with a faint smile. Rose felt a momentary pang at the sight of Jasper, who could present such a gentle smile to others, even to people other than herself.

‘…He’s becoming more refined.’

It wasn’t the first time Jasper had met Rose’s family. They had encountered each other several times. Each time, Jasper had put on a sincere and polite face to appear well-mannered and considerate to Rose’s family. 

He even seemed to have become quite adept at it over time.

In truth, Anna always found Jasper a bit challenging. Even though Jasper and Rose had already exchanged engagement vows, Anna still felt uneasy.

Jasper had met Rose’s family multiple times, each time carefully presenting a sincere and polite face. Despite not having a separate engagement ceremony due to Rose’s busy schedule, they had promised their love in front of three witnesses. Their relationship was strong and the marriage was certain.

Still, Anna couldn’t fully embrace the idea of the Duke’s son, even though Jasper had become quite amiable over time.

Anna looked at Jasper with a subtle expression and asked.

“Are you going to start preparing in earnest for the wedding with Rose now?”

“Yes.”

“It’s happening. Please take good care of Rose, Jasper.”

“If there’s anything that concerns the lady, feel free to let me know.”

Jasper, as neat as his appearance, had a face as squared away as his formal attire.

Anna, while stroking her teacup, replied.

“It’s a day where you decide to get married because you love each other. What can I say… I’m just worried about whether my daughter will adapt well to life in the Duke’s household.”

Rose understood Anna’s complicated feelings. Anna had mentioned it several times before as if making up her mind.

“Yeah, it shouldn’t be too difficult until Her Majesty supports both of you even for marriage. But, Rose, it’s uncertain whether the others in the Conway Duchy will accept you from the heart. I’m worried that you might suffer emotionally. You’re not the type to show that.”

Anna’s concern was natural. She had even strongly opposed this marriage in the past.

But Rose wasn’t worried. In the past, she had thought of herself as infinitely inferior to the Conway Duchy in comparison, but not anymore. With the title of Chief Researcher at the Imperial Research Institute and a growing reputation, she had gained confidence. Even Ethan’s attitude was gradually changing.

She wasn’t part of the nobility or a rich family, unable to bring a massive dowry, but Rose had achieved her fame. Still looking at the worried Anna, Rose spoke quietly.

“Mother, from now on, if things are tough, I’ll definitely say it’s tough. Don’t worry. But… it’ll be okay. I think I know now how to be happy.”

Having good people around was the answer. Reject harmful people and avoid being isolated. 

Looking back on her academy days, all the memorable moments were from the graduating year. Everything changed from the time she started making friends and experiencing her first love.

No matter how hard she tried alone, she couldn’t achieve happiness. Sometimes, she needed someone to trust and lead her, whether it was behind her or right beside her.

Rose lightly placed her hand on Jasper’s back, who was sitting beside her. As she did, Jasper instinctively gently held Rose’s hand.

With a clear smile, Rose spoke as if making a promise.

“We… will live well. No, we’ll definitely make it happen.”

* * *

After enjoying the dinner prepared with care by Anna, Jasper went upstairs with Rose. 

It was Jasper’s first night staying over in this house.

They hadn’t gotten married yet, so they had separate rooms. The two of them paused in front of the guest room where Jasper would stay.

“Rose…”

Jasper murmured as he lightly touched the back of Rose’s hand. Startled by the warm heat on her skin, Rose looked up at Jasper.

“Why is your hand so warm? Did you drink too much with Denver earlier?”

“My second brother-in-law insisted. It’s necessary. I’m not drunk.”

Indeed, Jasper seemed fine outwardly. His face wasn’t red, and his tongue wasn’t twisted.

“Well, that’s fortunate…”

Jasper said, staring at Rose with a contemplative look.

“The dinner table was lively.”

“I thought it would be awkward with Grandma asking so many things.”

“No, I enjoyed it. Everyone seems to cherish you a lot.”

Jasper, in a low voice, continued to lightly nibble at the tips of Rose’s fingers on the back of her hand.

“The atmosphere in the house wasn’t this good until recently. With some financial stability, we’ve become more relaxed, without getting on each other’s nerves or causing emotional harm…”

Two years ago, Anna and Denver had restarted dairy farming at this place. 

With the money Rose sent for living expenses, they gathered and built a ranch, hiring a few people. Now, even without Rose supplementing their living expenses, the family lived quite prosperously. The household situation improved to the point where they could afford to send Ellie to the academy for education.

‘If Jasper hadn’t helped, and if I had dropped out of Berkley due to financial difficulties… Would we still be struggling to make ends meet?’

The thought of taking on George’s debt and becoming even more miserable crossed her mind. It sent shivers down her spine, and she felt gratitude towards Jasper, who was right in front of her.

Since Rose started earning money, she had offered to pay the tuition, but Jasper stubbornly refused to accept.

“After we get married, my money is your money anyway.”

With such a clever reason.

A natural smile spread across Rose’s face as various thoughts crossed her mind. A gentle blush adorned her soft, relaxed features, and her round eyes curved beautifully.

Jasper, holding his breath for a moment, gazed blankly at Rose before speaking in a subdued voice.

“Rose.”

“Yeah?”

“Are you going to your room?”

Rose looked at Jasper with puzzlement. 

“Of course. Why?”

As soon as Jasper heard Rose’s clear answer, he lowered his head deeply. Jasper’s lips parted, and a long sigh escaped slowly.

“Jasper, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing, really. Just sleep well, see you tomorrow.”

Jasper smiled faintly at Rose. It was a facial expression he made only when he felt awkward or had something on his mind.

Rose, with a playful smile, grabbed Jasper, who was about to enter the guest room. Jasper hesitated for a moment, then released the tension in the hand that held the doorknob.

“Jasper, is something bothering you?”

“More surprising than a concern, I was amazed at my patience.”

“Huh?”

“It’s rising…”

Jasper muttered lowly and, without warning, leaned down, briefly brushing his lips against Rose’s. Startled, Rose blinked rapidly at the sudden kiss.

As Jasper gently stroked Rose’s hair, tied halfway, he whispered.

“I’ll endure until our wedding day. It’s not much longer now.”

“What…”

“I want to share the same bed with you soon.”

“Oh.”

Only then did Rose realize what Jasper was talking about, and her face flushed. 

It was a conversation about sharing a bed. Naturally, after becoming a couple, they would sleep together, and then…

‘…And then what?’

Rose swallowed nervously. In reality, she hadn’t imagined anything beyond a kiss. Her feelings were a mix of vague fear and tension. 

Naturally, she thought Jasper might feel the same.

“W-were you holding back?”

As Rose looked at Jasper with a bewildered expression, he burst into a slightly awkward laugh.

“I thought I was going to die trying to hold back.”

Rose blushed, only managing to mumble her lips.

“Rose, you tend to see me too gently.”

“Huh…?”

“Although that’s a good thing.”

Jasper kissed Rose’s blushing cheek and bid her goodnight again.

“Sleep well.”

Even after Jasper entered the guest room, Rose lingered in the hallway for quite some time, needing to cool down the warmth in her body.