Ignoring Klaus’s displeased tone, Roselia nonchalantly spoke, trying to dismiss her pounding heart.

“I simply vacated the seat because you seemed busy.”

“Roselia, whether I’m busy or not is for me to decide.”

As Klaus spoke like that, his gaze intensified.

“At the moment, you are my top priority.”

At Klaus’s honest words, Roselia’s face heated up with a tinge of irritation.

“Just because of that, there’s no need to postpone the pre-arranged engagement…”

“If I try to handle all my work and then try to see your face, I might not see you for days.”

Having said that, Klaus, with a forlorn expression like a deflated puppy, asked, “Didn’t we decide to be in a relationship?”

Though it was a typically gruff tone, his eyes conveyed a sense of affection, making Roselia flustered as she averted her gaze.

“Yes…”

“Don’t most couples spend the whole day together?”

“Well, it may vary depending on the situation.”

“I want that.”

With Klaus’s firm voice, Roselia’s gaze unintentionally turned towards him.

“What?”

“I want to be with you all day.”

Under his honest gaze, Roselia’s eyes were captivated as if caught in a trap.

Already, her heart was beating wildly, and the unmistakable scent of pheromones permeated the air.

Unable to lie, Klaus’s hand on her cheek gently brushed aside a strand of hair as he tenderly kissed her lips.

“You smell wonderful, Roselia.”

At the sweet fragrance she tasted that night, Klaus’s gaze deepened.

As Klaus’s lips approached slowly, Roselia, without realizing it, closed her eyes.

Ah, indeed, when entangled with him, I can’t think straight.

At that moment, an abrupt voice echoed from the entrance of the study.

“My lord, the carriage is waiting for Viscount Blend Backlimond’s visit in the afternoon.”

It was the butler Jeffrey’s voice.

Although due to the overcrowded bookshelves, their figures were not visible, Roselia’s face flushed with irritation.

Contrary to her reaction, Klaus, who seemed disappointed at the interruption, let out a deep sigh.

“This is why I wanted a little more time together.”

Having said that, Klaus, who returned to his usual calm demeanor, looked at her with a regretful smile.

“I guess I’ll have to continue after finishing the external work next time.”

At his words, Roselia’s face, already at its reddest, flushed even more.

Soon, Klaus unbuttoned his jacket, swept through the bookshelves slowly, and left the study. As he gazed at Roselia, who couldn’t recover her composure, he smiled faintly.

“I’ll make sure we have more time next time.”
Carrying two books and emerging from between the bookshelves, Roselia noticed the butler still standing at the entrance of the study and turned her head in puzzlement. He seemed to be looking at her with a stern gaze, as if he knew exactly what had happened between her and Klaus among the bookshelves.

Feeling uncomfortable, Roselia gave a slight nod to Jeffrey and quickly left the study, as the sound of servants gathered in the hallway reached her ears.

“Did you see how the Duke only fights with Antonio these days?”

“Considering how he chased out Denver the other day. It seems that’s the case, right?”

“Unbelievable that the only duke in the empire is in a blue mood…”

Roselia’s expression stiffened upon hearing their conversation.

The servants were oblivious to Klaus’s recent bold displays of affection, making Roselia even more uncomfortable. It felt as if her existence was sullying Klaus’s position and status.

With a firm expression, Roselia had no choice but to quickly leave the spot.

????????????

In the closet and garden, Roselia, who had covered unnoticed books and was now drawing, observed Closet closely. Would Closet be displeased to know about her growing closeness with Klaus?

Without considering Klaus’s status and the gazes around him, it was somewhat regrettable to have chosen him.

“Um… Lady.”

“Hmm?”

“Uh… What if… What if I get along well with the Duke?”

“What do you mean by ‘get along well’? ”

At Closet’s innocent inquiry, Roselia awkwardly smiled and replied.

“Well… Like, having a good impression and spending time together…”

In an instant, Closet’s expression crumpled.

“You and Klaus?”

Even though Closet liked her, perhaps as an older brother, he didn’t approve of her being Klaus’s lover? However, completely opposite words came from Closet.

“Why would you go for such a cold-hearted guy?”

“Huh? No… Well, the Duke is somewhat kind…”

“Well, I knew Klaus liked you from way back, but if you ask me, I wouldn’t give myself to someone like Klaus.”

“What?”

“A hundred, a thousand times better than now, maybe I’ll think about it if it’s someone like Klaus.”

Roselia was taken aback by Closet’s unexpected words. His tone, like that of a sharp-tongued younger sister saying she won’t allow her elder sister to be taken away, made Roselia chuckle awkwardly.

Looking at her with a strange gaze, Closet straightforwardly continued.

“Rather than that, you seem a bit hungry, don’t you?”

“I’ll get something for you to snack on.”