Chapter 2
There’s a very famous romance novel that everyone in the Caelon Empire knows. If you don’t, you’re probably a spy.
Its name? The Rose Does Not Wither in Frost.
Based on the real love story of the current Emperor and Empress, the novel was a massive hit. The stage play adaptation? An even bigger hit. It was so popular that fans of the novel unanimously agreed—you absolutely had to see the play.
As a fan who loved the original book, watching the play had always been a dream of mine.
But the Wheel of Flowers troupe, the only group that performed The Rose Does Not Wither in Frost, never visited my hometown of Pennington. So, for a long time, it remained just a dream.
Until finally—at long last!
The Wheel of Flowers troupe came to Pennington. And just like that, my long-held dream was about to come true.
‘I’ve got my ticket, and I’ve bought snacks to eat during the show…’
I even took a day off for this event.
To be honest, I didn’t officially have leave, but thanks to my consistent hard work, the uncles and aunties at the flower shop, ranch, and restaurant all gladly gave me the day off.
‘I’ve worked hard enough. I deserve a break today.’
Clutching my ticket tightly, I weaved through the temporary seats set up in the plaza, searching for my spot.
“Excuse me, coming through—whoa!”
While trying to get to my seat, my foot caught on the leg of a chair.
I stumbled badly, and as I lost my balance, the basket I’d been holding flew from my arms.
I managed to catch myself by grabbing the back of a chair, avoiding a fall, but—my snack basket, full of goodies…!
Thankfully, the person sitting to my left caught it for me.
“Oh, thank you so much!”
“That could’ve been bad.”
The person had their hood pulled up, concealing their face, but from the voice that emerged—a young man’s voice, rich and clear—it was easy to tell.
His tone struck a perfect balance between sweet and deep. I couldn’t help but admire it inwardly, though I kept my thoughts hidden and smiled brightly as I accepted the basket he handed back.
“Seriously, thank you. I spent two hours walking around to buy these snacks. I would’ve been heartbroken if I couldn’t eat any of them.”
After settling into my seat, I lifted the basket slightly and offered it to the man beside me.
“Would you like to share? I bought only from the most famous vendors—everything in here is delicious.”
“I’m fine, thank you. But… I actually want to ask you something.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“Can you see me?”
Huh. What a strange question.
I naturally turned my head to face forward.
‘I’ve seen weird things since I was young… and it’s not the first time I’ve seen a ghost…’
But this was the first time I’d seen one in such a crowded place!
With a bit of panic in my voice, I muttered quietly.
“Ghost, be gone… go away…”
The play would start soon, so I couldn’t run.
‘It’s fine. I’ll be fine. It’s not like it’s my first time seeing a ghost. Besides, if he helped me just now, he can’t be a bad ghost… Wait a minute?’
Hold on. That’s right—
‘He caught my basket earlier.’
That wouldn’t be possible if he were a ghost.
“Um, excuse me…”
As I turned my head to ask if he was really a ghost, I saw the man bent over, covering his mouth, struggling to contain his laughter.
“Pfft… heh…”
“W-What? Were you messing with me?!”
“Well… shall we say I was?”
Chuckling softly as if clearing his throat, he straightened and slowly pulled back his hood. My eyes went wide at the sight of his face.
Golden honey-blonde hair glistened like melted sunshine. His slightly upturned eyes sparkled with mischief in a rich golden hue.
But more dazzling than even that was his radiant beauty—too stunning to be called just “handsome,” it was the kind of elegance that belonged in a masterpiece painting.
I sat there, blinking in awe, utterly entranced.
He chuckled softly, apparently amused by my reaction.
The sound brought me back to my senses.
“Uh, um… I mean…”
‘Should I pretend not to know who he is?’
It was as if he read my mind.
“You know who I am, right?”
His voice was barely a whisper, yet full of certainty.
I missed the perfect moment to deny it, so I awkwardly nodded.
“Of course…”
The man smiled slightly, lifting the corners of his mouth in amusement.
“Right? Anyone from Pennington would know who I am.”
I forced a stiff smile in return.
He was right. Anyone from Pennington would recognize this man.
For the past two years, ever since he officially inherited his title, his face had appeared at every major event held in Pennington, always seated in the highest place.
“It’s an honor to meet you in person, Your Grace…”
Yes. The man I’d momentarily mistaken for a ghost was none other than Duke Ludian Karkheit, who owned over half of the Western Empire, including Pennington.
“An honor, sure. But you don’t seem too happy to see me? You look kind of stiff.”
“Huh? N-No way! I’m so happy. I can’t even believe I’m actually speaking with you right now! Every morning, I pray for your good health when I wake up.”
My sudden outburst made the Duke burst out laughing.
It was such a warm, glowing laugh that it felt like the air around him shimmered gold.
“Maybe that’s why I’ve been so healthy every day. Thank you.”
“Oh, don’t mention it. Um… but, please, feel free to speak casually.”
“I’m more comfortable this way. Don’t worry about it.”
…How can I not worry about it?
‘I never imagined I’d hear formal speech from him!’
But the Duke even waved a hand to reassure me, so I couldn’t protest further. I darted my eyes around nervously before cautiously asking,
“Then, Your Grace, may I ask why you’re here?”
“Obviously, to see the play. I heard this one’s very famous?”
His response made my eyes light up.
So he came to see The Rose Does Not Wither in Frost by Wheel of Flowers, too!
“It’s not just famous—it’s the most famous play in the entire Empire! I’ve only heard about it in stories until now…”
Just then, the bell signaling the start of the performance rang out.
“Oh, I think it’s starting.”
As the Duke whispered softly, the surroundings darkened as if someone had drawn heavy curtains over the sky.
It was probably the work of some magical performance device owned by Wheel of Flowers.
‘Okay, focus on the play!’
Who knew when I’d get another chance to see it?
I deliberately fixed my eyes on the stage and gave my full attention to the actor’s monologue.
* * *
The three-hour-long performance ended with a heartfelt kiss between the leads and a grand curtain call.
“Thank you, everyone!”
“Please come see tomorrow’s performance too!”
The actors, drenched in sweat from their passionate performance, received my enthusiastic applause.
“Wow… That was amazing…”
As I slumped back in my seat, half-exhausted, the Duke chuckled and asked,
“Did you enjoy it that much?”
“Yes!”
“What part left the biggest impression on you?”
People were starting to leave, but the Duke didn’t show any signs of standing up. He just kept chatting.
I figured I’d wait until the crowd cleared before getting up, so I replied to his question.
“Hmm, the actors’ action scenes were intense—my palms were sweating just watching them, but…”
“But?”
The scene that really stuck with me was—
“When the heroine received the envelope of money from the Empress.”
The Duke laughed at my unexpected answer.
“That was your favorite part?”
“Yes! I’ve always wondered about that, even when reading the book. Does that actually happen in real life? Giving someone an envelope of money and saying, ‘Break up with my son!’?”
“It does. You know my second eldest brother, the one everyone thinks disappeared? He actually eloped with a maid he was secretly seeing—because she accepted an envelope of money from our mother.”
…Wait, what?
I think I just heard something really shocking.
