MPMM CH 05

Posted by bed0zx_, Released on October 18, 2025

Chapter 05

“Please stay inside, Lady Assistant,” the royal knight assigned by Cassian said firmly from outside the carriage.

Of course, I hadn’t planned on stepping out anyway.
They were Cassian’s knights — there was no way a few petty thugs could win against royal guards.

“What I should be thinking about is how to make that Ceremonial Hall director pay for this.”

He’d underestimated me and done something this stupid? Fine. I’d make sure to thank him properly for it later — with an audit report that would ruin his career.

“Truly, age does not equal wisdom,” I muttered.

“Please take them alive if possible,” I ordered through the carriage door.

Then, with a tap, I pulled out my usual stack of paperwork.

“Might as well work while I wait.”

If I got something done during this mess, I could ask Cassian for extra pay later — guilt-free.

Outside, I heard the brief chaos of the fight.

“Guh—! Agh!”

The sound of cheap criminals being beaten into the ground by elite knights.

Inside, the only sound was the clean, rhythmic scratch of my pen.

***

Thanks to that failed kidnapping attempt, the Ceremonial Hall director lost his position within a day.

All his past misconduct got exposed along with it.

Of course, he screamed bloody murder about it:

“This is outrageous! How could such a respectable post be taken from me so easily?!”

But Cassian didn’t even blink.

And once the confiscated records revealed how corrupt the entire Hall was, a bunch of other members lost their positions too.

For a week, the office was filled with angry letters and protests.

But it wasn’t the first time we’d faced that kind of backlash, so Cassian and I just ignored most of it and kept working.

And soon enough, the final day of the year arrived.

I was still buried in paperwork until six o’clock.

But—

“I’m happy!”

If I could just survive today, I’d have three whole days off — including the weekend!

I planned to leave work exactly on time, go home, and do absolutely nothing.

On Saturday, I’d visit the bookstore, buy a pile of novels, and spend all weekend reading while eating pie for every meal.

No alarms, heavy curtains, and endless sleep.

Just thinking about it made me smile.

I rushed to finish the last few files, excitement bubbling in my chest.

That was when—

“Rose.”

That dreaded voice called out.

***

“Haaaaa…”

How did I end up like this?

I looked down at myself and almost laughed.

The full-length evening gown I was wearing was gorgeous — but it felt so wrong.

I wasn’t used to such fancy clothes. I always chose simple, practical outfits for work.

After all, what was the point of dressing up for an office job?

So, standing here in this stunning lavender gown made me feel strangely sad.

It had delicate lace around the neckline and shoulders — elegant, not excessive.
It was the kind of dress people would dream of wearing to a grand ball.

And yet, here I was, working overtime in it.

It was 7:28 p.m.

Just a few hours ago, I’d been daydreaming about going home early.
Now, I was once again Cassian Artez’s overtime slave.

Why?

Because he’d suddenly said:

“You’ll attend the royal year-end ball with me.”

Out of nowhere!

And then he added, ever so casually—

“Of course, you’ll be paid triple.”

Triple.

I couldn’t refuse that.

I really wanted to say “No” just to see his confident face fall apart — but then he’d added another line:

“I’ll handle your attire. Everything you wear tonight will be yours to keep.”

This man was evil. A genius at manipulation.

And sure, okay — it wasn’t just about the money.

When he said that, I realized this would be my chance to finally move past the humiliation of missing my debutante ball.

Usually, only high-ranking noble heirs who hadn’t debuted that year could use the year-end royal ball as their official social debut.

And sure, technically, I didn’t qualify.

But if I could show up with a prince, maybe I could finally silence all the nobles who whispered behind my back about “that baron’s daughter who never debuted.”

So yes — I agreed.

At least I could cross one source of trauma off the list.

I straightened my skirt and glanced at the clock.

7:30. The time Cassian said he’d come for me.

I couldn’t let him wait.

I opened the door — and nearly jumped.

He was already standing there.

“Rose,” he said, laughing quietly, “you’re always punctual. Most people would make me wait.”

Why was he already here? And why didn’t he knock?

***

“You look good,” he said casually as we walked toward the ballroom.

“You too, Your Highness,” I replied politely.

For some reason, he chuckled again.

He’d been in an awfully good mood lately — probably stress-induced.

“I’m serious, Rose. You really do look good.”

Well, great. Now I felt awkward.

It’s not like I’d been lying either — Cassian did look incredible tonight.

He was wearing the full ceremonial uniform he’d always mocked for being “impractical.”

But when he wore it, it looked flawless — highlighting his tall frame and almost unfairly perfect looks.

He really was the type of man whose appearance could silence an entire room.

As I stared, half in disbelief, he raised his arm.

“Come on. It’s still work, remember?”

“Yes, sir. But… we’re really just attending, right? I don’t have to do anything else?”

I’d asked him that question twice already.

Cassian usually avoided social events altogether, and when he did attend, he’d stay just long enough to be polite before vanishing.

There was no way he’d waste his time here without a reason.

But he simply replied, just as he had earlier:

“Yes. That’s all.”

Moments later, the herald’s voice rang through the ballroom:

“His Highness, Prince Cassian Artez, and Lady Rozelita Salice have arrived!”

…So much for blending in quietly.

Trying not to look flustered, I followed Cassian into the hall.

***

The ballroom was dazzling — golden chandeliers, crystal glasses, and silk gowns everywhere.

And the stares.

So many stares.

“Oh my, isn’t that Miss Salice?”

“Salice? Does she even have the rank to attend this event? I thought barons spent the winter at home.”

“She must have begged the prince to bring her.”

“Imagine trying to debut at the year-end royal ball… with him of all people.”

I clenched my jaw to keep from laughing bitterly.

Instead, I leaned toward Cassian and whispered,

“Your Highness, could you look over there for a moment?”

“…Why?”

“Those ladies adore you. If you acknowledge them, it’ll soften your image a bit.”

Cassian snorted but did as I asked.

The moment his gaze landed on them, the group fell completely silent.

“Efficient as always, Rose.”

“I learned from the best, Your Highness.”

He smiled faintly at that, then led me gracefully toward the front of the hall — where the Emperor and Empress Consort awaited.

This was why the year-end ball doubled as a “replacement debut” event: both the Emperor and Empress (or Consort) personally greeted attendees.

For young nobles, that greeting marked their official entry into society.

If I could bow to the Empress Consort tonight, I’d finally silence the “why didn’t she debut?” rumors once and for all.

“It’s been a while, Cassian,” the Emperor said when we approached. “I don’t recall seeing you at such events often.”

“I’ve been busy with the tasks Your Majesty assigned me,” Cassian replied smoothly.

“Are you saying I overwork you?” the Emperor asked, brow twitching.

Cassian smiled faintly. “Of course not. Unlike my brother, I simply lack the luxury of free time.”

The Empress Consort’s elegant face tightened ever so slightly.

Everyone knew what he meant: “I’m drowning in work while the First Prince lounges around flirting.”

And sure enough, the First Prince was at that very moment surrounded by giggling noble ladies.

The Empress Consort hurried to change the subject before the Emperor’s temper could flare.

“My, Your Majesty, you’re keeping the lady standing for far too long. And you, Prince Cassian — it’s rude to leave your partner waiting while you chat.”

Her tone was graceful, but her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.

I was just beginning to feel grateful that Cassian might let it end there when—