Despite her vehement protest, the man sitting across the table remained firm, indicating no room for further negotiation.

“I can’t offer more than that. Even if you are a servant from the Duke’s domain, it’s a work by an unknown artist. Why would I pay more for that? You should be thankful I’m even offering this much.”

Roselia swallowed her frustration. 20 Berangs meant she’d only recover her initial investment. The piece was sure to be a hit, deserving at least 500 Berangs.

“Re-evaluate it, please. It’s worth at least 500 Berangs!”

“Hah, 500 Berangs? Where did you get such an absurd figure?”

In the original story!

Roselia bit back the words she wanted to shout. In the original work, the Empress paid a hefty sum for the painting directly from the artist, meaning its true value was hard to recognize by anyone else.

That meant she had to somehow show this painting to the Empress. But as a mere servant, meeting the Empress was almost impossible.

Then, an idea struck Roselia.

Not impossible. There was someone at the mansion who could easily access the royal family.

Duke Claus de Baltejar.

Given his position and the fact that he was a childhood friend of the Empress, he could freely visit the palace.

Just a childhood friend? In the original story, the Duke was deeply…

Suddenly, Roselia remembered the original Roselia’s fate – manipulated by the Duke, becoming a maid for the Empress, only to be killed by the Prince.

Feeling uncomfortable, Roselia shook off the thought, grabbed the painting, and stood up.

“Forget it. I refuse to deal with those who can’t recognize the true value of art.”
As Roselia decisively walked out with the painting, the merchant made no attempt to stop her. Striding away briskly, Roselia sighed deeply, lost in thought.

She considered asking the Duke for help. It could potentially facilitate a meeting with the Crown Princess more easily than she had imagined. However, the thought of approaching the Duke for this purpose was unsettling, reminding her uncomfortably of the original Roselia from the story, who had also used the Duke to meet the Crown Princess.

Catching a glimpse of herself in a window reflection, Roselia saw a figure clad in a white shirt and tuxedo vest – the very image of a noble family’s servant.

Right, she wasn’t a mere maid at the mercy of the Duke’s words. She was different from the original Roselia. Bolstered by this realization, she gained some confidence. What mattered was selling the painting at its true value to settle her debt quickly. Resolved, Roselia headed towards the Duke’s mansion, holding the painting firmly.

Roselia paced back and forth in front of the Duke’s room, wrestling with her decision. Was asking the Duke the only way? There was no guarantee he would listen; could it be a wasted effort?

But then again, she was striving to repay her debt as soon as possible – why wouldn’t he listen?

Yet, it was late; perhaps it would be better to come back tomorrow…

At that moment, as if hearing her inner turmoil, the Duke’s door suddenly swung open. Startled, Roselia found herself looking at Klaus, standing in the doorway.

He wasn’t in his usual meticulously tailored suit but rather in more casual attire – dress pants and a shirt.

Klaus looked at Roselia with a puzzled expression, which quickly turned calm.

“Good timing. I was about to call for you.”

Having met him in disguise just a few days earlier, Roselia felt a hiccup threatening to escape. She swallowed nervously, trying to appear composed.

“For me?”

“You had business with me, didn’t you? I could hear you pacing in the hallway.”

“…….”

As Klaus leaned against the door, making way for her, Roselia entered his room, feeling slightly embarrassed.

The Duke’s room was as tidy and uncluttered as its occupant – only essential furniture placed with precision. Roselia mused on the impersonal nature of the room as the door closed with a loud click.

Startled by the noise, Roselia turned to find Klaus closing the door and walking towards her with a relaxed gait.

Roselia stepped back instinctively until her thighs hit the arm of the sofa.

“What business do you have with me?”

As Roselia struggled to respond, Klaus let out a scoff and began unbuttoning his shirt from the top.

Wait, why is he unbuttoning his shirt…?

Confused and panicking internally, Roselia watched as Klaus calmly continued to unbutton his shirt.

But wait, I’m still presenting as a man…

As Klaus finished unbuttoning and shrugged off his shirt, Roselia barely suppressed a gasp.

“What are you doing?” she wondered, eyes darting around nervously.

“You’re not going to help with my shirt?” Klaus asked coldly.

“Uh…?”

Why She Is Still Unmoved (Female-dominant)

One-line summary: He uses various methods to seek her affection, but she remains unmoved.

Synopsis:

Si Qingyu is a doctor who has saved countless lives and enjoys tranquility.

Luo Shaoxuan is ruthless, deeply scheming, and the top young master in the capital. He admires Si Qingyu.

Luo Shaoxuan: I want to be the only one in your eyes and heart.

Features a cold and calm female lead vs A noble and scheming male lead.

There will be both sweetness and torture towards the male after their marriage.