Rosie's Games

Meanwhile, Rosalind found herself increasingly perplexed by Lucas's actions. Was she being too suspicious, or did his motives truly go beyond mere coincidences? Unfortunately, she couldn't bring herself to believe in coincidences.

"What are you thinking? Shouldn't you spend your time sleeping instead of staring at nothing?" Lucas remarked. It was already high noon, and Rosalind was having her lunch alone. Lucas had urgent matters to attend to, so he would have to leave when they returned to Wugari.

"I was starving," she replied, gazing at her untouched food, and then at her husband with an awkward pause. "I mean… now. I am starving now."

Lucas took a seat opposite her. "The Duke and Duchess of Sloryn are quite well-known characters. The Duke neglects his daughter, instead choosing to train a young man who later became a General. The Duchess spoils her daughter, allowing her to believe she can do whatever she wants. Such characters are truly problematic."

"I know," Rosalind nodded.

"It is essential to teach these people how to act in the future."

"I know," Rosalind nodded again. Without even asking for an explanation, Lucas divulged everything to her.

"Then in the future, be more direct. Teach these people a lesson they won't forget," Lucas advised. Rosalind was at a loss for words. Should she resort to extreme measures to teach them a lesson? She wasn't sure what to say.

"I heard the Queen really wanted that birthday celebration," Rosalind swiftly changed the subject. Although she pondered Lucas's real motives, she decided not to pry. Ultimately, his decisions wouldn't significantly affect her, so she considered it best not to worry about it.

Lucas motioned for Denys to instruct the servants to serve his food before nodding. "The King asked me just this morning to bring Dorothy to the gates. I suggested he send her outside instead, as he truly wanted to help," he sneered.

Rosalind remained silent, and the two began discussing some projects she had planned. In the following days, Rosalind slowly pushed the incident to the back of her mind and focused on her projects. The estate's improvements were on the right track.

The teleportation device was now functional, attracting numerous merchants to Wugari. As a result, the quality of life and food supply for the people improved significantly.

"I think we need to focus on new products," Rosalind said. She wanted to further enhance the estate's living conditions and had been brainstorming business ideas they could implement in the coming winter.

"In the past, the North didn't really care about matters like this. We could survive without help from the Southerners. We ate the beasts, wore their skins, and slept at night. We didn't require much," mused Magda. In the past, the Duchy never considered such matters, as everything in the estate was considered basic. Taxes were minimal, and people were content.

However, Rosalind introduced a few changes, such as Skill Development Programs. These programs focused on winter-appropriate activities like knitting, crafting, winter sports, and other indoor pursuits that could bring enjoyment and economic opportunities.

Most importantly, these programs focused on women and children. Rosalind even created activities for the wives of soldiers serving at the gates, teaching them crafts they could eventually sell to merchants.

Capitalizing on the abundance of black ordinary relics in the region, Rosalind crafted beautiful jewelry with black pendants and other pieces suitable for commoners to wear. This initiative was met with great enthusiasm.

Furthermore, she decided to add basic subjects to the small school for the soldiers' children in the estate. In addition to combat training, they would learn languages from the South and basic math to prepare them for the future.

Rosalind had been tirelessly busy with these initiatives in the past few days. "Shouldn't you focus on the Revelry first?" Magda calmly reminded her of the upcoming celebration in the north.

"I almost forgot about it," Rosalind spoke, her expression turning serious. The upcoming Frostbloom Revelry was a grand festival to welcome spring after the long and harsh winter. The Palace had planned various activities to celebrate the occasion.

However, when Rosalind received another invitation from the Queen for a certain Hunt during the Frostbloom Revelry, her excitement turned into a headache. She found herself torn between participating in the festival's merriment and dealing with the forthcoming Hunt.

Yes, the Hunt was to happen during the Frostbloom Revelry. Rosalind was now faced with a complex and dramatic decision that could have far-reaching consequences.

Rosalind's disinterest in the matter was evident, but she knew she had no choice but to address Lady Dorothy's unexpected visit.

"Your grace," a servant's voice echoed from the other side of the door.

"Come in," Rosalind spoke, beckoning the servant to enter.

"Lady Dorothy is here to see you," the servant informed.

Rosalind let out a sigh. Who would simply show up at someone's estate without prior announcements? Lady Dorothy was known for her peculiar behavior, but the least she could do was inform Rosalind about her visit in advance.

"Let her in," Rosalind reluctantly agreed. Magda frowned but said nothing as she opened the door, allowing Lady Dorothy to enter the study. Dorothy was dressed entirely in white as she walked inside, accompanied by a knight who stood behind her like a statue.

Upon seeing the knight, Rosalind's lips twitched with amusement, but she quickly refocused her attention on the woman before her.

"I apologize for intruding," Lady Dorothy spoke, her voice tinged with an air of formality.

"It is alright," Rosalind replied, maintaining her composure. "May I know the reason for the Lady's visit?"

Lady Dorothy smiled, seemingly unfazed by the formality of the situation. "It is about the Hunt. My father, His blessedness Martin, has decided to send a few people to represent the empire. I shall be leading them to the north, and I would like to request someone to guide us."

Rosalind blinked in surprise at the audacity of the request. "Lady Dorothy, the success of the Hunt depends on each participant's own capabilities and skills."

"I am aware," Dorothy replied with a serene smile. "However, I believe an additional layer of protection would be prudent for my delegation."

Rosalind's patience waned as she interrupted, "Then I fail to see why the Lady should lead the delegation if she requires extra security. It is a hunting game, not a parade."

Magda stifled a chuckle, trying her best to hide her amusement. Rosalind's bluntness was known to all, but in this situation, it seemed entirely appropriate.

Lady Dorothy's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly composed herself. "I understand your concern, Duchess. However, it would be beneficial for both our houses if I were to lead the delegation."

Rosalind's expression remained unyielding. "Beneficial in what way, Lady Dorothy?"

Dorothy hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Well, you see, my father values our relationship with your house, and having me at the forefront of this delegation would serve to solidify our alliance further."

Rosalind arched an eyebrow. "Your father values the alliance, you say? Yet, he sends you, someone who cannot defend herself adequately, to lead a hunting expedition."

Lady Dorothy's cheeks flushed slightly, but she held her ground. "I assure you, Duchess, I will not be a burden. I merely wish to have some guidance and protection."

"…." Once again, Rosalind found herself truly speechless. Lady Dorothy's request was both audacious and perplexing. The Aster Empire was currently facing a crisis, and Martin Lux dared to send a representative to join the hunt during such troubled times. What was he thinking?

"Lady Dorothy, the Queen has already requested some soldiers to assist the Aster Empire. I fear we cannot spare any more soldiers at the moment," Rosalind stated, a hint of exasperation evident in her voice.

"This is precisely why I am here, your grace," Dorothy replied calmly, undeterred by Rosalind's response. "I intended to ask the Queen to let the Duke accompany me on this expedition. My purpose in coming here today is to inform you in advance, so there are no misunderstandings between us." Dorothy wore an innocent smile that seemed to suggest that declining her request would be a grave sin.

"I hope that the Duchess will give me her blessing. Only the Duke is capable enough to guard me in the North," Dorothy continued earnestly.

"So, you wanted the Duke to help you in the hunting games?" Rosalind sought clarification. Did she want to use the Duke to win the competition?

"No, please do not misunderstand," Dorothy quickly replied. "I do not require the Duke's assistance during the hunting. I simply wished for him to stay by my side to ensure my safety. You see, these troubled times in Aster have left my father worried that someone might attempt to harm me, perhaps even through an assassin's plot. He didn't want to jeopardize the newfound friendship between Aster Empire and Wugari Kingdom, so he sent a letter to both the King and Queen of Wugari, explaining this matter. My father is just a concerned father, hoping to ensure his daughter's safety. I hope the Duchess does not take any offense."