When it was a matter unrelated to me, I didn’t bother to pay attention. I didn’t want to get involved unnecessarily, as I could end up dead.

However, a variable appeared.

Rose is going to the princess’s birth celebration. Moreover, with Grand Duke Artem, who is now suspected to be the culprit of this incident.

Jane couldn’t stay still anymore. It could be a matter where, if handled wrongly, even Rose could lose her life.

She licked her dry lips, swallowing dry saliva.

“I have something to tell you.”

In a low voice, Rose chuckled as she looked at Jane.

“Hmm? What is it?”

Jane looked around and whispered to Rose in a low voice.

“Do not attend that celebration.”

“Huh?”

Why is Jane suddenly saying this? Rose looked at Jane with widened eyes.

“…Don’t go.”

In Jane’s eyes telling her not to go, there was a desperate expression. The hand that held Rose trembled weakly, like a cedar tree swaying in the wind.

“Jane, calm down first. What’s going on?”

Rose spoke calmly, comforting Jane.

“Do not get involved with Grand Duke Artem. Otherwise… you could be in danger too.”

Rose felt that Jane’s words were not ordinary.

“Jane… What do you know?”

Jane repeated the same words, advising Rose not to go, but with an urgent expression. The hand holding Rose shook as if the cedar tree was shaking.

“Jane, just calm down. Why are you doing this?”

Rose spoke soothingly to Jane.

“Do not go to the princess’s birth celebration. Grand Duke Artem might be trying to turn the tables…?”

With Rose’s careful words, Jane was surprised and answered.

“H-how could he…!”

The ominous feeling was right. Rose spoke firmly to Jane.

“Tell me, Jane.”

“…I don’t want to. Just don’t go to the celebration.”

“Then what about Grand Duke Artem? Are you just going to watch quietly when he might face consequences for a false accusation?”

“…He said he’s not close to his Grace.”

Jane dropped her head and mumbled.

“I don’t want Miss to be in danger.”

She spoke hesitantly, and then, unable to contain her excitement, grabbed Rose’s shoulders.

“…And the Duke is a noble with a high position! Even if something happens, he can somehow get out of it. But, Miss Rose is not like that. If she gets wrongly involved, what will you do if she ends up dead for no reason!”

Thinking about the possibility of Grand Duke Artem dying, Jane felt uncomfortable, but Rose was more important to her than the Duke.

She couldn’t let Rose get involved in a dangerous situation unnecessarily. Rose was just a powerless fallen noble, after all.

Though Jane knew about such a significant matter and stayed silent, she felt frustrated. However, on the other hand, she understood Jane’s position.
She, too, had tried not to get involved in the affairs of the Grand Duke before. Even though she clearly knew what he might face…

“…I promised to protect him.”

Rose gently held Jane’s hand on her shoulder. Then, in a firm voice, she said,

“Jane, I don’t know how you found out about the plan, but know this. Whether you tell me or not, I will go to the celebration with the Grand Duke.”

Of course, this was a lie.

She wouldn’t enter the enemy’s lair knowing it’s a trap.

It was just another calculated lie to provoke Jane.

If she handled this situation well, it could be an opportunity to counterattack them. She couldn’t let go of such a good opportunity.

Jane, shocked by Rose’s words, exclaimed, “No!”

“If you don’t tell me, there’s nothing I can do.”

“Wait a moment!”

As Rose turned away without looking back, Jane grabbed Rose’s arm.

“I… I’ll tell you, so please don’t go to the celebration.”

Jane spoke with a tortured expression, and she quietly shared the story she had heard that day about Cedric and his subordinates.

Rose, upon hearing the story, remained calm and nodded calmly.

“So… they plan to poison the princess.”

“Yes… The princess only drinks the wine brought by Grand Duke Artem every year, and they plan to use that time.”

“…”

“…Are you really going?”

Rose looked at Jane, who was worried, and nodded her head.

“Don’t worry too much. Thanks to you, Jane, I can find a way to escape.”

If it weren’t for Jane, she might have fallen into the trap without knowing anything.

“Did no one else hear about this?”

“That… Jane mumbled, remembering Cedric. She had to tell about the fact that she betrayed Rose.

She reluctantly opened her mouth.

“Cedric…”

Knock, knock [Dash].

“Excuse me, but we’re closed now.”

Just as Jane was about to speak, a waiter knocked and entered, politely greeting Rose and Jane.

“Oh, it’s really time to go now.”

Rose and Jane got up from their seats. Jane glanced at the waiter, hoping for a chance to talk about Cedric, but ultimately, she couldn’t share the story.

“Is everything finished?”

“Oh? Your Grace?”

In front of the cafe, Grand Duke Artem was waiting with a splendid black carriage.

“Weren’t you supposed to return to the Artem Estate?”

“I had some business, so it took longer. I came to check just in case, and you haven’t left yet.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Get in. I’ll give you a ride to the mansion.”