The Duke’s mansion was very busy.

Rose, who was at the center of it, was also going through extremely busy days.

“The issue of water and sewage has been entrusted to His Grace……. ”

Rose mumbled while looking at the densely written business plan.

“I need to start building the buildings soon, but there’s still no reply from Guwen.”

Did something urgent come up?

Without even thinking that something bad might have happened to Guwen, Rose tapped her desk with the pen.

It would be better to do something that could be done immediately rather than waiting endlessly.

Rose picked up the lists of luxury brands and mid-low-priced brands.

It was the data Neran had organized.

His expression when handing over the data was not very pleasant.

It must have been because he had no choice but to carry out the work at the Duke’s command.

“Her Highness said she would make a place for you, but there’s no news…….”

Although it was regrettable in the flow of time that passed relentlessly, it was okay.

As long as she prepared thoroughly with the time she had gained.

She was confident in her presentation.

It had made her life in the company quite tiresome.

… Even that Lee Dohyun’s affair.

There was a time when she believed that Lee Dohyun’s promotion was also ‘hers.’

Although they were not legally married, they had a wedding ceremony and lived together.

They were a legitimate couple.

She handed over good projects to him rather than herself.

Even when he left work early because he had something to do, she stayed up all night completing the project instead of him.

Perhaps while she was working herself to the bone, Lee Dohyun was meeting with his lover.

Rose glared into the air with fiery eyes but soon shook her head.

“Sigh… What’s the use of keeping it in mind? It’s all in the past anyway.”

Perhaps the saying that time is a medicine wasn’t just an empty phrase.

In the past, just hearing Lee Dohyun’s name or thinking about his face used to bring sorrow.

Sometimes she even missed him.

It was crazy and maddening, but his existence was that big.

But now, it was different.

It was heartbreaking to be betrayed, but she no longer chased after Lee Dohyun’s shadow.

Smart.

At that moment, someone knocked on Rose’s office door.

“Come in.”

Is it Neran again?

What kind of complaint is he going to make this time?

Rose didn’t even look at the door. Assuming it was Neran, she calmly responded.

“Come in without asking who it is.”

The voice that spread low and resonant was not Neran’s.

“Oh, Your Grace?”

Artem Duke had come.

She slowly got up from her seat. Then, she opened her eyes in surprise.

“I thought it was nine just by the sound of footsteps?”

He approached Rose while throwing a half-joking remark.

Rose, who wasn’t particularly prepared for this, was perplexed about how to react.
‘It seems like you’re joking… but if I take it too seriously here, you might feel embarrassed.’

Rose, who had plenty of experience in social life, activated her skills.

“Ahaha. Your Grace’s footsteps seem to have a solid sound, don’t they?”

Rose chuckled, clapped her hands, and covered her mouth modestly.

Artem Duke smiled satisfactorily at Rose, who burst into laughter at his words.

‘He seems so pleased just by seeing my face. I should visit more often.’

He regretted not being able to visit Rose more often due to the excuse of being busy.

It couldn’t be helped. Now was an even busier time than ever.

The Duke was handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

Experimenting with the Shakagor creature to catch the tail of the Emperor, preparing for water and sewage research, and managing the territory.

Even with ten bodies, it was not enough.

His visit to see Rose was divided into the brief moments he could spare.

Rose had no idea about the Duke’s feelings.

“What’s the matter? Perhaps a message from the princess?”

With eyes full of anticipation, she looked at the Duke.

Seeing him come all the way here in one step, it seemed like he had something important to convey.

However, Rose’s expectations were shattered by the Duke’s following response.

“Just.”

“Huh…?”

He came without any reason?

Rose blinked her eyes, looking at the Duke.

…Why on earth?

Even at a glance, the Duke’s complexion looked tired.

There were burst blood vessels in his eyes due to excessive work, and his skin clearly indicated that he hadn’t slept for a few days.

‘Perhaps he came for a walk to clear his mind?’

Without thinking much, he might have walked and ended up finding his way to her office.

But one thing was for sure; the Duke had come here.

Because he wanted to see Rose.

Just for this reason.

Rose, completely unaware of the Duke’s inner thoughts, moved towards the sofa.

“Lately, you seem quite tired. Please sit down. You need to take it easy; otherwise, you’ll get sick.”

She pointed to the sofa in front of her, speaking quietly.

He has an engaged fiancée, but this level of hospitality should be okay.

‘You can’t just kick out someone who is practically dying.’