Chapter 50: Huh? Why are you here?

Once Rosa and Philbert finished their greetings as hosts of the evening gathering, they were free to do as they pleased.

“Well then, Rosa. Have a good night. I’ll take over father’s role in the gentleman’s exchange, so you can wrap things up and head home as you like. Thanks for today.”

Philbert’s mention of the gentlemen’s exchange referred to business negotiations.

“Yes, I’m feeling a bit tired. I’ll be leaving tonight without participating in the ladies’ exchange.”

“Surprised, aren’t you? Aren’t you going to push your bath bombs today?”

“Dear brother, please choose your words carefully! I’m certainly not forcing anyone to buy. Everyone purchases them willingly!”

As Rosa glared angrily, Philbert quickly left.

It was a conversation unique to the Croitzer family.

Knowing that no royalty was attending this evening gathering, Rosa felt no tension.

She planned to casually snack on something and take a stroll in the garden before heading home.

In reality, Rosa enjoyed seeing other families’ gardens during evening gatherings or tea parties.

Perhaps due to memories from a past life, she could immerse herself in a truly elegant feeling.

While choosing pastries at the snack corner, she was approached.

“Lady Rosa, it’s been a while.”

Turning around, she saw Ellen, elegantly dressed in a high-quality gown.

“Well, Ellen. Good day.”

With no ill will, Rosa responded with a smile.

(Oh, how tiring. Why is she approaching me? Can’t I just ignore her?)

“Lady Rosa, your dress is lovely today as well.”

“Thank you. You look lovely too.”

At that moment, Rosa felt a sense of discomfort.

Ellen, who usually seemed a bit reserved, was confident today.

Above all, her dress and jewelry caught Rosa’s eye.

Unlike usual, everything Ellen was wearing was clearly custom-made and of the highest quality.

The ruby hair ornament had intricate craftsmanship, and it suited Ellen’s strawberry blonde hair well.

Her father had mentioned before that the Moreau family owed a debt to the Croitzer family.

(Is this a gift from His Highness? It must have cost quite a bit. Looks like Ellen is seriously infatuated with me after all.)

Although curious, Rosa decided to refrain from asking and just gave her compliments.

She didn’t want to get involved with Ellen in any way.

“Lady Rosa, I’m actually interested in your bath bomb shop.”

“Oh, really?”

Even though it was business, Rosa didn’t want Ellen to come to her store.

“Yes, if you get tired of it, would you sell it to me?”

“Huh?”

Rosa didn’t understand what Ellen was saying for a moment.

“The shop. You run a store as a hobby, right? I envy you. So, if you ever get tired of it, I’d like to buy it.”

Rosa couldn’t believe the smiling Ellen.

“What? I have no idea what Lady Ellen is talking about. ”

Then Ellen looked frightened by Rosa’s stern expression.

“I’m sorry. I’m not used to the noble life.”

“It’s not about being accustomed to the noble life; it’s not something you should say lightly.”

From Rosa’s perspective, the store was something she had built from scratch, and its sales might be the lifeline for the declining Croitzer family in the future.

Certainly, Rosa enjoys her business, but does she think it’s effortless? Above all, she tries to be considerate of her employees.

Ellen takes a step back with a face that seems on the verge of tears.

This makes it appear as if Rosa is bullying her.

“What’s wrong, Miss Moreau?”

The one who arrived was Alex. Rosa opens her eyes wide in surprise.

Today, she had heard that no royalty was invited, so it was strange that he was here.

(Huh? Is he sneaking in to have a secret meeting with Ellen?)

“Lord Alex.”

As if salvation had come, Ellen clung to Alex.

However, Alex gently removes her hand. Rosa watches this in astonishment.

Ellen, with a darkened expression, says, “I’m sorry, Lord Alex.”

Rosa’s anger quickly cools.

(Is a ridiculous farce going to start now? I won’t be provoked, that’s for sure.)

As Rosa enters a defensive stance, a soft male voice enters the scene.

“Lord Alex, are you in the middle of something?”

“Uncle, you’re here.”

Alex looks surprised as he sees Ethan. Despite calling him “uncle,” Ethan is only two years older than Alex.

“Oh, is Lord Alex here incognito?”

Ethan smiles at Alex.

“Well, something like that.”

“Can I borrow Miss Croitzer for a moment?”

“No, it seems Miss Croitzer and Miss Moreau were having a disagreement.”

Alex explains this to Ethan.

At that moment, Ellen immediately appeals with a trembling voice.

“No, that’s not true. I said something disrespectful to Lady Rosa, and I’ve upset her mood.”

“It’s started, the usual routine. I’ve seen this in the previous life, right? The girl playing the victim move.”

Rosa sarcastically commented in her mind.

Looking at the delicate and charming Ellen, the outcome was clear.

(Could it be that the heroine has a bad personality?)

Within Rosa, the theory that Ellen had a negative personality began to emerge.

Or perhaps she was still holding a grudge against Rosa for her past actions…

(Yes, the theory of holding a grudge seems likely.)

It seems like she’s reaping what she sowed.