Episode 2
Cough, cough.
As Minji got close to the dusty bookshelf, Hurson started coughing automatically.
“Are you hiding in here again?”
He quickly opened the large window in the room and started nagging without stopping.
“Aren’t you tired of this? There are so many empty rooms in this mansion!”
“Yong Jin-man…”
Minji turned around and saw the same man as always, focused on his books and not moving at all.
His name was Sanbell Wanmore Austin.
His hair was darker than the night outside and warmer than the black coffee beside him. He was the owner of this mansion.
“Ugh, I’m still amazed at how handsome he is every time I see him.”
Many people believed rumors that he was so ugly that no woman ever touched his hand.
They said he wore a deep hat to hide his face and appeared only in theaters—calling him “The Phantom of the Theater.”
They even made up stories that he had a secret base under the theater.
“All lies, of course. People who’ve never met him in person made those up.”
Actually, he was young, tall, and very handsome.
He was almost perfect, and on top of that, he had a special mysterious power.
“Hmm… no, maybe not that perfect.”
Hurson, who had worked with him for over ten years, corrected himself.
“Well, except for his closed personality and poor communication.”
Suddenly, Randel gave him a sharp look—he had noticed Hurson’s judging gaze.
Before Hurson could begin his report, Randel asked an unexpected question.
Tsk tsk. He’s sharp as ever.
Hurson flinched a little.
“Anyway, the contract has been signed. Ah! And about Mrs. Beches—”
“That title.”
“Pardon?”
“Oh no, here we go again. Why does he always hate everything?”
Randel continued walking between the tall bookshelves, not even looking at Hurson.
“I told you not to call her Mrs. Beches.”
“Ah! That’s what it was!”
It was hard to believe that the little girl with lifeless eyes from years ago had grown up so well.
“Well, technically she is still Mrs. Beches. Her husband passed away less than a year ago. You know that, right?”
Randel didn’t answer. He just searched through his desk drawers quietly.
Hurson continued, a little annoyed.
“Why go back to her original name all of a sudden? Is she really looking for a second husband like the rumors say? Not that it would be shocking…”
Hurson handed him a clean sheet of new letter paper.
But instead of thanking him, Randel dipped his pen in ink and started writing a reply.
“I told you… don’t act so pathetic.”
“Huh?”
Randel pressed the pen hard, causing the ink to smudge on the paper.
“Are you saying you feel pathetic now?”
“What? The great Randel Austin?”
A vein popped up on Randel’s forehead in annoyance.
“Hmph… something’s off with you today. Are you happy just because you got a reply from Mrs. Beches?”
“Miss Kiss.”
“Why can’t we call her Mrs. Beches?!”
Randel gave his annoying secretary a cold glare.
Then he silently motioned with his finger for Hurson to come closer.
“No violence, please.”
Hurson nervously closed his eyes and stepped closer.
Randel leaned in and whispered something in his ear.
It was softer and sweeter than expected.
But then he growled in a serious tone:
“I know already, damn it. That woman is still a marchioness. I know.”
His voice was lower than usual, and Hurson opened his eyes wide in surprise.
“But in the theater, everyone just uses names anyway.”
Randel’s mood calmed faster than expected, and Hurson looked surprised.
“Wow, he really must be in a good mood after getting that letter.”
But as always, Hurson shook his head, unable to understand his unpredictable boss.
Randel handed over the newly finished reply letter without saying much.
Hurson saw it was already done and said:
“Well, I guess calling her by name is easier.”
“Get out.”
“Already? But I wanted to spend more time with you, sir…”
Randel gave a sharp glance toward the door.
“Alright, alright, I’m going.”
“Oh! And remember, Miss Caitlyn will be visiting the theater this afternoon, so you should probably—”
Before Hurson could finish, Randel stood up from his seat.
“Ugh, fine! I’ll go!”
Randel closed his book and made a deep growling noise from his chest.
He looked around the room. His eyes landed on an old book on the top shelf.
He pulled it out, dust flying everywhere.
Inside the book, a red maple leaf—now faded with time—was pressed gently between the pages.
Later, a woman was speaking.
“You’ll understand once you read it. The Austin Theater’s director asked me to play a role.”
“What kind of role?”
“The main female lead… but only for one night, at the play’s premiere next year.”
The letter was more exciting than expected, and Autumn gulped nervously.
“They even wrote the script using me as the model.”
Autumn’s eyes widened in amazement.
“The character’s name is Rosalyn Kiss.”
Rosalyn Kiss was a muse loved by all.
Having her star in the opening night would definitely help the play become a hit.
But what was even more surprising was that the mysterious writer of the Austin Theater was inspired by Autumn’s sister!
Autumn, who was a big fan of that writer, couldn’t believe it.
“What will you get out of this?”
“Fame and money,” her sister smiled.
She added that they could earn about 2,000 Brout in just one night.
Autumn started doing the math in her head.
“With that much money, you could buy a few houses in the capital!”
The play would be a massive hit.
Then, her sister, Diane Rosalyn Rosswood, finally spoke more seriously.
“You know I’ve lived as Marchioness Beches for about 2 years now, right? But I want to take back my real name.”
She smiled beautifully, even though it was clear she was still in pain.
“You still dream of becoming an actress, don’t you?”
“How did she know?”
Autumn’s heart beat faster under her sister’s knowing gaze.
“I’ve achieved almost everything I wanted.”
Rosalyn’s eyes sparkled.
“This time, I’ll help you.”
Just then, there was a polite knock on the door, and a strict-looking woman entered.
Rosalyn smiled and added:
“But it won’t be easy. You’ll have to start by controlling your diet, if you want to become the perfect Rosalyn Kiss.”
As Miss Hertel rolled up her sleeves to explain the hard training ahead, Autumn’s face turned pale.
Outside the mansion, Autumn waited nervously.
“Ugh, these heels never feel comfortable no matter how many times I wear them.”
She fixed her shoes as she waited at the entrance.
Suddenly, the staff became busy after hearing she had arrived.
“Welcome, Miss Kiss! I am Hurson, Sir Randel’s secretary.”
Autumn stood tall and removed her black veil.
Her stunningly beautiful face was revealed, and everyone nearby gasped.
Feeling all the eyes on her, Autumn held out her hand politely.
“As you know…”
Today was the first day she would appear in public as Rosalyn Kiss.
“I am Rosalyn Kiss. Nice to meet you.”
