Having tea time with the Crown Princess as Rozelia… There were many issues, including the mysterious presence targeting Rozelia and the possibility of encountering Klaus. In any case, it seemed best to avoid crossdressing for a while.

“I’m sorry, but it seems like I should avoid crossdressing for a while.”

Originally a woman, saying she’s crossdressing is somewhat strange… Anyway, Clemang seemed to understand without much reaction, probably aware of the unfavorable situation.

“Well… I didn’t explicitly tell you to come, just wanted to check your intention.”

Having said that, Clemang put down the teacup, sighing regretfully.

“Still, it’s a pity. There are so many dresses to try on.”

Rozelia had to awkwardly smile at Clemang’s disappointed look.

Whether it was at the masked ball or the welcoming reception of the envoy, Clemang liked to dress up Rozelia. Probably because Rozelia’s usual appearance was masculine, seeing Rozelia transform so distinctly when dressed up was fascinating to Clemang.

Surely she doesn’t see me as a living doll…?

While Rozelia worried about that, a deep voice suddenly interjected.

“There are many dresses to try on?”

Startled, Rozelia and Clemang turned their heads to see Klaus, who had just entered the drawing-room, staring intently at Rozelia.

Feeling uncomfortable, Clemang replied, grimacing, on behalf of the frozen Rozelia, “Can’t you give off a more royal aura?”

“I knocked on the drawing-room door, but it seemed you didn’t hear,” Klaus calmly said. Clemang, who had coughed at Klaus’s calm words, nonchalantly responded, “We were talking about dresses because Rozelia hasn’t been visible lately. I bought many dresses for Rozelia.”

Rozelia marveled inwardly at Clemang’s smooth improvisation. While Rozelia looked admiringly at Clemang, Klaus, who had been staring at Rozelia, spoke.

“Antonio. I’ll see you in my study later this afternoon.”

Was he deliberately here to say that?

Rozelia looked at Klaus with a puzzled expression but responded calmly, “Yes, understood.”

Rozelia decided not to dwell on it, expecting Klaus might give her some scolding or errands.

Reviewing overdue documents in his study, Klaus raised his head at the knock.

Has Antonio already arrived?

“Sir, a guest has come.”

It wasn’t the awaited voice, but the butler Geoffrey’s voice that Klaus heard. He relaxed his shoulders and asked with curiosity, “Who is the guest?”

“She says she’s Countess Clemang.”

Countess Clemang… Klaus didn’t have much familiarity with her. He had only glimpsed her in public settings.
However, Klaus, who was well-versed in information, knew the basic details about Countess Clemang. Originally, she was a woman who took the place of her deceased husband, Count Clemang, in a rather unique situation. Typically, noble titles are inherited through offspring or blood relations, but Countess Clemang had no close relatives. Whether she became the old count’s wife with knowledge of this fact is uncertain, but one thing was clear: upon his death, the position naturally transferred to Countess Clemang, and a lucrative iron mine owned by the Clemang family also passed to her.

“Come in.”

As Klaus spoke, the study door opened, and the butler gestured to guide someone inside. Soon, a leisurely-paced woman entered the study. Unlike Rugvelte women who wore dresses with voluminous skirts like umbrellas, she wore a formal suit with a tight-fitting long skirt.

However, despite the formal style, the upper part was reminiscent of a tight-fitting suit jacket with nothing underneath, revealing a bold display of ample bosom.

Aware of Clemang’s complicated relationships as she became the Countess, Klaus, who knew this, frowned slightly.

The term “mistress” suits someone like her, not Rozelia.

“Long time no see, Duke Valtazar.”

Her voice was as sticky and greasy as her appearance. Klaus, ignoring the discomfort, spoke coldly.

“Why have you come?”

“Oh my, you’re quite frosty to your guest.”

Klaus glared at her as if to say, “Don’t waste time and get to the point.”

Ignoring Klaus’s reaction, the woman smiled and said, “I’ve developed an interest in businesses outside the mine lately.”

Having said that, she leisurely walked towards Klaus’s desk and took a seat.

“For example, investments in school construction…”

Klaus, who had spread out numerous documents on the desk, scowled at her as she casually perched on the edge.

“Construction of schools is well within the capital of the Valtazar family.”

“Hmm… I wasn’t talking about investing with money…”

Having said that, she lightly stroked Klaus’s sturdy arm, which was on the desk. Uncomfortable with her actions, Klaus grabbed her wrist and stood up, his expression turning stern.

What are you doing now? Klaus’s gaze became fierce.

However, even in the face of his ominous atmosphere, the woman raised her thick lips with a sly smile and continued speaking.

“I meant using Countess Clemang’s-owned mine as collateral for investment.”

In an instant, Klaus’s gaze returned to a rational one.