Chapter 48: Unexpected Facts (2)

However, for the trading company to prosper in the royal capital, it is essential to have nobles backing them.

It’s possible that the noble used the trading company to make a request to Marpin.

“Hey, there’s no connection between ‘Rosa’ and the Oliver Trading Company. Do you know who the trading company was working for?”

“Oh, yeah, something like that was mentioned. It was a request from some important person. Probably a noble, right? I didn’t ask any further, so I don’t know. Ignorance is probably for the best, don’t you think?”

Jillian, speaking nonchalantly, didn’t seem to be lying.

It seems that now there is a need to investigate the Oliver Trading Company.

Rosa sighed.

“Hey, sweetheart. I know you’re disappointed, but I won’t be returning this money.”

Jillian grabbed a small bag and stared at Rosa.

“Of course, please keep it. In return, you should be a little more cautious in your actions. Somehow, your behavior seems too reckless. Just because you have some money, don’t start living extravagantly. You’ll attract the attention of thieves.”

“You’re really high and mighty, aren’t you? But I don’t dislike you because you’re a good payer.”

Saying that, Jillian grabbed the bag and gave Rosa a sly smile.

“It’s a coincidence. I like people who are good payers too. Because I’m in business.”

“Haha, you really aren’t a noble’s daughter, huh? I started feeling that you strangely have good manners halfway through.”

“Ohoho, I hear that a lot. A beautiful woman with good manners.”

Jillian nodded in agreement.

“Yeah, well, around here, I think you’re quite beautiful. But can’t you attract anyone?”

It may be meddlesome, but at that moment, Rosa’s eyes widened in astonishment rather than getting angry.

“How do you know?”

“You see, men are not attracted to women who act like they can live alone, like you.”

“Really?”

“If you want, I can teach you. Of course, there’s a tuition fee.”

Jillian wasn’t necessarily beautiful, but she exuded charm and allure.

“Yes, please!”

Rosa took Jillian’s hand.

“Wait a minute.”

Ethan, who had been silent until now, interjected. Rosa looked at Ethan with a visibly annoyed expression.

“Rosa, should we head back soon?”

However, Ethan, without flinching, smiled at Rosa with an imposing presence.

Rosa was firmly pulled away from Jillian, who held her arms.

“Uh, I still have something to talk to Jillian about.”

“Isn’t your business done already?”

“No, but…”

Despite Rosa’s hesitation, Ethan forcibly stood her up with unexpectedly strong force.

“Well then, Jillian, goodbye.”

After settling the payment, Ethan took Rosa’s arm and led her out of the shop.

“Wait a moment. John-sama!”

Once outside, Rosa tried to escape from Ethan’s grip, but he held onto her firmly.

At first glance, it seemed like he was escorting her, but it felt more like she was being taken away.

“Enough with the act. Why did you come for information and end up being duped by her? You should have more important things to consider.”

Ethan spoke with a half-amused tone.

“That’s not true! Isn’t Jillian kind of sexy and charming?”

Rosa expressed her honest impression.

“Did she appear that way in your eyes…”

Ethan cast a pitying look at Rosa.

(Sometimes, stop making the same expression as Helena and my brother!)

Rosa screamed in her mind.

“Miss, it seems your business is done. Let’s go home.”

Suddenly, Helena appeared by Rosa’s side, looking at her with eyes filled with affection.

“It’s okay. Miss is also very charming. You shouldn’t be deceived by such people.”

“Huh? Really? If Helena says so…”

Rosa had immense trust in Helena.

“Yes, it’s true. Miss is a wonderful person. There’s no need to seek advice from anyone.”

Even the sincere Hugh said so.

“Everyone is so kind; it makes me happy.”

Rosa decided to sincerely board the carriage back home.

◇

Upon arriving at the Croitzer family, the whole family welcomed her, as Ethan had sent her home.

Her father invited him for a meal, but Ethan politely declined, citing that he still had work to do, and left.

“Rosa, amazing, isn’t it? When did you start dating him?”

While Ethan was there,her mother had been gazing at him with admiration the whole time.

“We’re not dating.”

Rosa, with a serious expression, declared this, not wanting to raise any further expectations from her parents.

“Why hide it, Rosa?”

Her father looked lonely.

“I’m not hiding it.”

“Well, well, isn’t it fine? If she says so herself, let’s just quietly watch over her.”

After saying this, her mother comforted her father.

Though the misunderstanding wasn’t cleared, Rosa felt relieved to be freed from her parents’ inquiries.

As she tried to return to her room, she was caught by Philbert this time.

“Rosa, what are you up to?”

“What’s the matter, beating around the bush?”

Rosa broke into a cold sweat, facing Philbert’s sharp questions. If Philbert found out what Rosa was doing, it could lead to serious trouble.

“It seems suspicious, getting along with His Excellency. Is there something behind it? His Excellency usually doesn’t get along well with women.”

Philbert annoyingly pried.

(Darn it!)

“It really is nothing. Just a customer and a shopkeeper. Huh? Not getting along with women, is there some other hobby…”

Come to think of it, in manga, Ethan had the setup of being popular, but there wasn’t any depiction of him dating women.

(Could it be that a hidden setting is revealed now? Is a new door opening?)

Rosa trembled at the possibility, and for some reason, her heart started pounding.

“Hey, Rosa, I can guess what misunderstanding you have, but don’t ever ask His Excellency such a question, okay?”

Ignoring Philbert, who spoke in a hushed voice, Rosa hurriedly returned to her room.

(Unrevealed facts in the manga…)

Rosa’s thoughts, as usual, expanded in an unfortunate direction.