Chapter 20: I won’t be manipulated anymore.

However, Rosa’s decision was swift.

“Understood. I don’t think I can share much information either. Miss Moreau doesn’t seem to be well received by the younger ladies. There are those among the older ladies and gentlemen who dote on her, but… Well, my information is biased in that way. Shall I leave the names of the gentlemen and ladies who support Miss Moreau?”

“No, it’s fine. I’ve gathered enough from the current conversation.”

Rosa looked surprised.

“Where’s the harvest in the current information?” Rosa sipped the fragrant tea she had been enjoying earlier.

“I heard that Miss Moreau is like an angel, loved by everyone,” Ethan said. Rosa almost sprayed the tea she had in her mouth at Ethan’s words.

Here is the English translation of the provided text:

“That’s an enviable rumor, isn’t it? I should mention, though, that the rumors I’ve heard might be biased, you know?

I seem to be perceived as someone who is attracted to young and charming women, so maybe everyone is being considerate of that.”

Ethan shook his head. “Angels don’t gossip in the shadows of the garden. And you don’t defend yourself against the bad things she said about you.”

It was simply because Rosa had no intention of trying to improve Ethan’s favor.

Trying to be liked by someone who dislikes you is futile, Rosa thought. In the end, only looking at the other person’s expression and being manipulated is the result. She had experienced it in a previous life.

“I see… By the way, Your Excellency, if your business is done, may I take my leave soon? Is that acceptable?”

It would be a nuisance if she stayed too long and rumors started circulating about her changing sides with Ethan this time. Ethan smiled wryly but nodded at Rosa’s words.

◇

“Miss, what kind of conversation did you have with His Excellency?” Helena asked, leaning forward in the carriage on the way back.

“Oh, about the Duke.”

“Did he say something again?”

Helena, who knew about the discord between Ethan and Rosa, furrowed her brows.

“Today wasn’t too bad. I even managed to secure a ‘favor’ from His Excellency.”

“A ‘favor’? Is it some kind of dangerous deal?”

“Of course not. I just shared some rumors from social circles. Anyway, I’m heading to the market now,” Rosa said with enthusiasm.

“Eh? Right now?”

“The bath bombs are getting better reviews than I expected. I’m thinking of mass-producing them.”

Rosa said with a satisfied expression, “That’s great news. But how do you plan to mass-produce them? It seems impossible for me to help.”

“Of course, I’ll hire people.”

“Hire people? Why such a large-scale operation?”

Helena looked at Rosa with a puzzled expression, wondering what she was getting at.

“I want to start a business,” Rosa declared.

“Eh? That’s news to me. Are you planning to sell bath bombs?”

“Yes, exactly. but not immediately. First, I want to distribute as many as possible for free and let people understand the goodness of bath bombs. I’ll start from there,” Rosa explained. She believed that spreading the word was essential.

“Give them away for free.” Helena seemed surprised.

“To those who show interest: Then they can spread the word through word of mouth.”

Rosa recalled a phrase from her past life: “You have to spend money to make money.” She thought of offering free samples first. If they prove to be sellable, she could open a store.

If she could establish a store, she might also consider dealing with herbs and essential oils, expanding her dream.

“I always wanted to have my own shop,” Rosa shared, expanding her dream.

“Rather than that, shouldn’t the young lady decide on a fiancé first?” Helena asked directly.

“Hehehe, Helena, you’re too sweet. My bad reputation has spread, you know. Proof of that is that, at the recent palace ball, I didn’t dance with anyone other than my brother. And after I got kicked by a horse, the only gentleman who visited me besides His Excellency was Prince Alex, right?”

With a mischievous smile, Rosa made her point.

“Indeed. That’s a serious situation. Miss, it’s not something to boast about.”

“That may be true. But you know, for me, the family home is quite comfortable,” Rosa said nostalgically.

“That’s not the problem!”

Rosa lightly parried Helena, who was breathing heavily.

“Well, well, let’s put aside talk of engagements for now and head to the market. I want to stock up on materials for the bath bombs. I can’t keep relying on the kitchen forever, right? So, Helena, let’s continue working together!”

Rosa had no intention of being manipulated by a predictable storyline. She didn’t plan to be used by others, manipulated by money, or have her life shortened like in her previous life.

After all, in this life, Rosa was wealthy. She didn’t want to die from overworking, but at the same time, she didn’t want to be poisoned.

“Miss, Helena is worried.”

As Helena literally held her head in her hands, Rosa reassured her, “It’s okay. I’ll take care of you too. Let’s support each other!”

Rosa declared with a bright voice.

The carriage headed straight to the market.