Episode 17
Tap tap, tadak.
Before she realized it, Autumn had been nervously shaking her leg. Becoming aware of it, she paused all her movements and tried to remain composed.
Her absence swayed seductively in the air.
> “I wonder what it feels like to disappoint people’s expectations? I’ve never done that before.”
Focusing solely on him, she sharpened her senses.
> “I thought you’d respond like that.”
Fannel seemed rather pleased with her answer and smiled faintly.
From the shelf beside him, he pulled out a massive stack of newspapers, neatly piled up.
> “Back in the day, you were something else.”
‘Wait… is this guy my sister’s stalker or something?’
Most of the newspapers had headlines about Rosaline Kiss.
He placed a selection of them on the table with a soft thud and continued.
> “When I first heard it… I thought the name didn’t suit you at all.”
Tap tap. He lightly tapped the table with his fingers.
[Rosaline Kiss]
He pointed at an article with her name printed boldly.
Faced with the sheer volume of collected articles, Autumn could only gape at the spread of his scrapbook collection.
Just moments ago, this man was warning her sternly, but now he spoke with calmness and gentleness.
He was skillfully leading the conversation like a seasoned negotiator.
> “But as expected, you proved me wrong.”
It finally dawned on Autumn—he was indeed an experienced businessman.
> What on earth is written in those…
[Rosaline Kiss rises as a tragic rose, reborn as the Empire’s shining star.]
It was from the time her story first began to circulate—when she had just debuted in high society.
As Autumn bent over to look closer at the article, Fannel leaned in and whispered by her ear in a slightly rebellious tone.
> “You shine brightest when you’re in front of people.”
Thump.
Her heart sank to her feet.
> He’s mistaken me for someone else.
Even in her quiet countryside life, Autumn had heard whispers about how extraordinary Rosaline Kiss was.
But she wasn’t that Rosaline Kiss.
> “I want to give you the opportunity to stand again, not as a widow, but as Rosaline Rosewood.”
His voice sounded as if he was sure she’d accept.
He stepped closer to her, one step at a time.
> “So while you’re staying at my villa, don’t worry about what others think. Just focus on your practice.”
Gently, Randel lifted her chin.
Thump. Thump. Thump.
Their eyes met.
In the silence, his next words echoed in her ears, as she nervously swallowed her saliva three times.
> “Perhaps… this is something I’m offering only because you are you.”
It was a moment she had always dreamed of.
But this praise was meant for Rosaline.
And so was this opportunity.
> “…It’s an honor.”
Autumn felt her face flush under Randel’s intense gaze.
At the same time, deep inside, a mix of joy, guilt, and anxiety stirred heavily in her heart.
> “Still not satisfied with the terms?”
Randel’s voice snapped her back to reality.
After a moment of silence, Autumn spoke calmly.
> “Yes. I’d like to add a few more conditions.”
Raise your value.
How?
Make demands with confidence, as if it’s only natural. Be demanding, not pitiful. Rosaline Kiss survived the capital that way.
Autumn recalled Rosaline’s advice.
> “My outfit on stage should, of course, be the biggest fashion topic of next year. I want a dress by Madame Serenity.”
Madame Serenity—the capital’s most sought-after designer. Her boutique had long since closed bookings, booked out for years.
> “I’ll prepare the latest Madame Serenity dress for you.”
Surprisingly, Randel nodded without hesitation.
> “Do you even understand how hard it is to get that dress right now?”
Autumn looked at him incredulously.
> “You are referring to the royal court’s top designer, Madame Serenity, correct?”
> “Yes, that’s her.”
He dodged the question slightly.
Randel Wintry Austin. Just because you’re a successful businessman doesn’t mean you can do everything.
Autumn suddenly felt competitive.
> “The accessories for the play should also be custom-made. You understand that, right?”
Scratch scratch
Without a word, Randel took out another piece of paper and began adding her requests to the contract.
> “Oh, and I need an entire floor for my maid and myself. No one should enter without my permission.”
> “Understood.”
> “Also, while staying at the villa, I expect the best meals, just like in the capital. It’d be nice to have a glass of premium wine with every dinner.”
> “Hudson?”
> “Yes! That should be no problem. Our estate’s farm and wine cellar can supply it easily. I’ll inform the butler right away!”
His hand moved confidently, adding each term to the contract without pause.
This wasn’t supposed to happen…
Autumn had crafted these demands to assert dominance in the negotiation.
She expected him to struggle and reveal his limits, so she could gain the upper hand.
But now, it was turning into something entirely different. If she wasn’t careful, she’d end up looking like a demanding diva who didn’t live up to expectations.
Tap tap.
All Autumn could do was fan herself in frustration.
She didn’t even know if she should laugh or cry.
> “Are you finished?”
Randel looked at her without any sign of disturbance. His eyes simply asked if she had anything else to add.
> “Then the contract is finalized. I look forward to working with you.”
Wow, it melts right off his tongue…
After half a day of back-and-forth, the signed contract now sat on the table, next to a grand lunch that looked more like a banquet.
> “Seems you’re enjoying the food.”
Randel rested his chin on his hand, observing Autumn as she ate with focus.
> “Not bad.”
Though her tone was aloof, her actions were clearly driven by hunger.
She hadn’t touched the wine.
Seeing this, Randel quietly signaled to his aide.
> “Hudson.”
> “Ah! I forgot to prepare the premium wines you requested. If you give me a moment, I’ll have them brought immediately!”
> “Hmm.”
Autumn fumbled for her water.
She gulped it down, trying to recover.
> “Ahem… I was just testing you when I asked about the wine earlier.”
She realized how ridiculous she sounded but chose to be honest for the sake of the staff who were caught in the middle of her unreasonable demands.
> “I need to manage my diet if I’m going to stand before people.”
Randel handed her a napkin in silence.
She felt his hospitality at the villa was already too much—any more would just make her uncomfortable.
> “I’m not picky. Just make sure I get three meals a day.”
Clink.
She said this while stabbing at her salad.
> “I already know that.”
Why is he always so confident when it comes to me?
Did he pay a fortune to get private info on Rosaline?
Sometimes, it gave her chills how well he seemed to know her.
She glanced at him through narrowed eyes.
> “Hmph. Since we’ll be living together, I’ll tell you now—don’t waste food. That’s all.”
His always-knowing attitude kept her constantly on edge.
> That’s why I need to be careful…
> The information he has isn’t about me—it’s about Rosaline.
> “…Would you like some more?”
> “No, I’m done.”
Autumn replied coldly, and Randel gave a faint, unreadable smile.
Huh? Something feels… off. Why do I feel strangely out of place?
Even during the luxurious meal, an odd uneasiness nagged at her.
Then, she noticed something—the ornate yet oddly small chair she had been sitting in.
