The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 108: Let’s Proceed

Chapter 108: Let’s Proceed

Rosalie carefully signed yet another document, a familiar routine that had become a significant part of her life since Damien’s departure. The paper found its way back into Felix’s hands, stained with the telltale ink of countless transactions. Her desk was a sea of papers, each representing a thread in the intricate tapestry of her new responsibilities.

In the absence of Damien, who had been the guiding force of the household, Rosalie had assumed the role of the Duchess. Initially overwhelmed by the complicated intricacies of his work, she had found herself adrift in a sea of tasks. However, with Felix’s unwavering support and guidance, she had begun to navigate this uncharted territory with a growing sense of competence.

The duties and responsibilities had demanded her attention, offering a refuge from the encroaching melancholy of solitude. As she adapted to her new role, the daily tasks not only became manageable but also served as a welcome distraction, pulling her away from the ever-present phantom of loneliness.

In addition to her daily responsibilities, Rosalie found herself confronted with the impending launch of her charity organization, a collaborative effort with Princess Angelica. While the princess meticulously handled the logistical preparations, Lady Ashter could not help but acknowledge the considerable disadvantage she faced. Unlike other nobles who had received formal training and knowledge, she was navigating this intricate terrain with limited expertise, a challenge that added an element of risk to her budding enterprise.

As she mused on these thoughts, Rosalie could not help but be struck by a profound realization. Today marked the day when she would officially assume her title. It had been a long-awaited moment, and now it was finally here.

She released a fleeting sigh and turned away from her desk, her gaze drawn to the window. Her large gray eyes fixed on the picturesque scene outside. At first, she wondered if exhaustion was playing tricks on her mind, but then it became unmistakably clear – the world outside was blanketed in the first snowfall of the year.

The lady rose from her seat with a brisk movement, her steps carrying her to the large, towering window. There, she pressed her pale hand against the chilly glass, her eyes following the graceful descent of the tiny snowflakes. Each delicate flake vanished the instant it made contact with the cold, unforgiving December ground.

’He went to the land of never-ending winter, and now winter has found its way to us as well.’

The tranquil ambiance of Damien’s study was interrupted by a gentle yet distinct knock on the door, and without missing a beat, Felix welcomed the unexpected visitor with a nonchalant "Come in." The room opened its arms to Richard, who bore a radiant, almost joyful expression on his weathered face.

"I beg your pardon for my intrusion, My Lady, but it has arrived! Just this very moment."

Rosalie shifted her gaze to the butler’s hands, and her eyes widened in surprise when she spotted a crumpled, yellow envelope clutched between his fingers. Her entire body seemed to react instinctively as she almost leaped from her spot, rushing towards the man. In one swift motion, she snatched the envelope from his hand, her eyes fixated on it with a mix of hope and relief, her rosy lips curling into a heartwarming smile.

’It’s from him. It’s truly here. He made it. He safely crossed the Northern border.’

More than a month had passed since Damien’s departure for the Northern border. December had crept in gradually, unmarked by any significant events. Were it not for the steadily dropping temperatures outside, perhaps no one would have noticed the change of the season at all.

The duke had promised to dispatch the messenger hawk as soon as he established camp behind the border, so Rosalie had patiently awaited this moment, and now, it finally had arrived.

With her eyes still fixed on the yellow envelope, she gradually returned to her seat. She began to delicately unseal the envelope while Richard, with his innate knack for sensing pivotal moments, gently patted Felix on the shoulder and motioned for him to exit the room, granting their lady the precious solitude she needed.

As the door to the study clicked shut, Lady Ashter drew a deep breath, hoping to steady her racing heart. Finally, she unfolded the envelope and eagerly scanned the contents of Damien’s letter.

"Dear Rosalie,

I write to fulfill my promise, informing you that the Shadow Army has successfully crossed the border and is currently in the process of establishing camp. While the weather poses its challenges, the absence of magical beasts in the vicinity is a welcomed advantage.

I find myself in good health, and I trust the same can be said for you. With the dropping temperatures, please procure additional warm clothing if required.

Should any challenges arise in managing the estate, do not hesitate to seek assistance from Felix.

Warm regards,

Damien.

P.S. Should you wish to send a response, kindly do so promptly, as the concealing spell on the messenger hawk will dissipate in a few days."

Rosalie perused the letter not once, not twice, but three times before eventually setting it aside with a faint chuckle.

"It’s quite apparent he tried to infuse a touch of warmth, but his words still come off a tad dry. Nonetheless, I’m relieved to hear he’s well... I genuinely hope this campaign doesn’t involve fierce combat."

While Damien continued his preparations for the impending military expedition, Rosalie had managed to gather some information as well. She had learned that the troublesome barbarian magician responsible for the Harvest Festival chaos belonged to a nameless wandering northern tribe. As Logan had informed her, these nomadic tribes roamed the vast northern expanse adjacent to Rische’s northern border. Their mobility allowed them to stake claim to this territory, making it challenging for other kingdoms and empires to target them directly, given their constant movement.

Furthermore, Rische had discovered the practicality of allowing the barbarian tribes to inhabit these lands. They served as a protective buffer for the North, shielding it from the relentless assaults of magical beasts. Given that the "Land of Endless Winter" held little practical value for anyone, as long as the tribes remained peaceful and did not disrupt the status quo, Rische saw no reason to lay claim to the territory, except as a potential battleground.

That all changed, however, when they finally crossed a critical line.

Now, Damien’s Shadow Knights had been dispatched to the North with a clear mission: to reprimand these tribes for their reckless actions and to serve as a stark reminder that their existence hinged solely upon the Emperor’s benevolence.

"Half of Damien’s army will be stationed along the border to bolster its security, while the remaining half embarks on scouting missions to locate the tribe members. Although he has the Crown Prince accompanying him this time, my instincts tell me that the prince’s assistance may not prove as valuable as one might hope."

Rosalie shifted in her seat once more, her attention drawn to the snowy landscape outside the window. The snowfall had intensified, casting a serene ambiance over the quiet room. A gentle knock resonated through the space, followed by the soft creak of the door as Sir Logan made his entrance.

"My Lady, the Imperial carriage has arrived. It’s time for our visit to the Palace."

Rosalie stole another glance at the letter, releasing a brief sigh, before nodding and rising from her seat.

"Very well, let’s proceed."