His simple but sincere encouragement seemed to warm the depths of her heart. Listening to the calm, steady beats of her heart, Idel smiled softly.
(This is a time separator.)
Today, regular guests were invited to Duchess Katrina’s afternoon tea party.
“I heard the Grand Duchess gave the freshman address at the Imperial University entrance ceremony.”
Roselin clenched the handle of her teacup tightly upon hearing Katrina’s words. The surface of the black tea in her cup trembled as did her inner feelings.
Jealousy surged from deep within as she imagined her sister receiving attention in public.
“The Grand Duke attended in person due to his busy diplomatic duties… his affection for the Grand Duchess must truly be profound.”
To think the Grand Duke’s affection was lavished on her sister! Despite witnessing it firsthand, Roselin couldn’t accept it.
“Moreover, the newspapers were full of praise for the Grand Duchess. They’re talking about how she boldly took off her dress to enroll at Imperial University.”
Katrina pushed a newly published newspaper toward her. It featured a photo of the Grand Duchess giving a speech at the Imperial University entrance ceremony.
“Tailored suits for women are already being requested in many fashion studios…”
“Young ladies around me are also quite interested. I heard that the Grand Duchess’s outfit was made by Madame Pomme Nouveau of Charlotte’s fashion studio.”
People’s attention was drawn to the revolutionary design tailored by Madame Pomme Nouveau, who had always led the trends in the empire’s fashion.
“Those who lead trends also lead society. Considering the Grand Duchess hasn’t even properly entered society yet, her influence is already concerning.”
At Katrina’s sighladen words, Roselin unconsciously bit her lip. She glared at Idel in the newspaper article with burning eyes.
Watching the raw emotion in the young lady’s eyes, Katrina wore a strange smile. Nothing stirred people more than underlying feelings of inferiority.
Soon, Katrina shook her head with an ostensibly disappointed expression.
“Oh dear, still can’t control your emotions? I told you that revealing what’s inside can be troublesome. How do you expect to rise to the position you desire?”
“I’m sorry, ma’am. I will be more careful.”
Upon hearing the scolding, Roselin quickly exhaled and composed her face.
She absolutely had to ascend to a position more prestigious than that of the Grand Duchess. For that, the help of Duchess Katrina, the real power in the emperor’s administration and high society, was essential.
“The royal ball is tomorrow. Is everything going as planned?”
“Yes, preparations are going smoothly.”
Roselin nodded, recalling the young nobles she had previously ensnared, looking confident.
“Do you realize how crucial the position of the Emperor’s partner is for this royal ball? I’ve paid special attention to it, so keep it in mind.”
“Don’t worry. I will be the star of this ball.”
Pascal, a stillunmarried Emperor without a fiancée, always chose one young noblewoman as his partner whenever a royal ball was held.
This was a matter decided in the nobility council, intended to naturally introduce him to a woman who could potentially become the future Empress.
This time, Roselin was the partner for the royal ball, a result of Katrina’s efforts at the nobility council meeting.
“Maintaining your relationship with the Emperor will also require constant effort.”
“Yes, but he’s hard to read.”
Despite multiple encounters with the Emperor, she had not succeeded in bridging the emotional distance. Roselin irritably brushed a strand of hair from her face.
“From how differently the Emperor treats you compared to other women, there must be a reason.”
Katrina had chosen Roselin from among many noble women for that very reason. Pascal had allowed only Roselin to remain by his side, maintaining a distance that was neither close nor far.
The crafty Pascal must have had his own reasons for keeping Roselin at his side. She didn’t care. Eventually, he would grow fond of her, the woman he had let into his life.
“With the sudden appointment as Crown Prince and the subsequent enthronement, the Emperor is likely carrying emotional burdens. Concerns about whether he is less worthy than his brother to be the Emperor.”
Katrina spoke to Roselin in a confidential tone.
“Dig into that. Stay beside the Emperor, and say the words he’s wanted to hear.”
“Do you think I could capture the Emperor’s heart that way? I heard he’s particularly close to the Duke.”
“The Emperor may be young but he’s no easy opponent. His affection for the Duke is indeed deep. However…”
Katrina looked at Roselin with significant intent.
“Do you think there’s only admiration for his brother in the Emperor’s heart? Especially since they grew up being constantly compared?”
As it was, Roselin, who grew up alongside her sister, couldn’t help but feel envious. Being close could make one critical, like looking in a mirror every day.
“The Duke’s influence is still strong. Within the nobility council, there are forces that have supported him since his days as Crown Prince. I intend to divide the council’s powers into those of the Emperor’s and the Duke’s.”
Katrina unfolded her intricately laced fan.
“Once the powers are divided, whether they like it or not, tension will rise between the Emperor and the Duke.”
Katrina then began to gently fan her fan.
“Your role is to fan those embers. To make sure the embers in the Emperor’s heart continue to grow.”
Understanding Katrina’s intentions, Roselin nodded and curled up the corners of her redtinged lips.
Top Celebrity Younger Brother Bears Her Child (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: Forced to live stream romance with a top celebrity in a female-dominant world.
Yan Jin transmigrated into a brothel, with a fellow transmigrated junior beside her.
Hearing the obscene words coming from outside, the unfortunate junior covered his ears tightly, his cheeks flushed red, and whispered to comfort her, “Don’t worry, I will definitely help you escape.”
“Don’t worry, I will definitely defend your chastity.” Yan Jin looked at the flawless and delicate features of the unfortunate junior and gently comforted, “Because we have transmigrated into a female-dominant world.”
※※※
Top celebrity Yu Shu suddenly fell into a coma during a concert.
Research scientist Yan Jin fainted in the lab after working overtime.
Two people with no connection were rushed to the same hospital.
Three days later, neither of them had woken up.
Suddenly, the entire nation discovered that a live streaming app had been forcibly installed on their phones.
Upon opening it, they heard the two discussing how to escape from the brothel.
The entire internet was in an uproar.
After the two successfully escaped from the brothel, Yu Shu’s fan group rushed to make a banner and sent it to the hospital overnight.
“Big sister bravely took action to defend the chastity of our idol!”
※※※
When Yu Shu was diagnosed with pregnancy, Yan Jin stared at his belly for a long time.
Covering his stomach, he muttered gloomily, “If you don’t like it, I’ll go get an abortion.”
“It’s not that I don’t like it.” Yan Jin hugged Yu Shu and said softly, “I just feel like I’m not human.”
Yu Shu comforted Yan Jin, “I was already an adult when we got together.”
Yan Jin hesitated, “But you won’t be of legal marriageable age even after giving birth to the child.”
At the same time, a flood of bullet comments appeared in the live streaming room that the two couldn’t see.
[Although it’s inappropriate, I also want a young and handsome boyfriend to have my child.]
①Male pregnancy (highlighted)
The female lead is five years older than the male lead, and the male lead is already an adult when he appears.
