The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 114: No One Is Immune

Chapter 114: No One Is Immune

Damien carefully opened the white envelope, which was adorned with a delicate pink silk ribbon. He retrieved a neatly folded sheet of paper, the faint yet distinctly familiar scent still lingering on it. Tenderly, he traced his index finger over the feathers of the messenger hawk, offering it an affectionate pat before delving into the contents of the letter.

"Dear Damien,

I trust this letter finds you in good health. Please accept my sincerest apologies for the delay in my response; the weight of numerous duties and responsibilities has recently pressed heavily upon me. I take solace in the brief dispatches from the frontlines, which have conveyed the reassuring news of stability in the North and, most importantly, your unscathed well-being.

I have successfully received my family’s title, and I am grateful that Felix extended his generous assistance in addressing the accompanying financial matters. Please, rest assured, everything has been resolved satisfactorily.

While I have encountered a minor roadblock in my endeavor to launch our charitable foundation, it seems that a solution is within reach. Have you ever heard of Lord Theodore Xarden? He enjoys a well-established reputation as an investor, and he has graciously agreed to lend both financial support and his esteemed name to Princess Angelica and me.

The preparations for the forthcoming Imperial banquet have also reached completion. Now, all that remains is for me to patiently await further developments.

My fervent hope is that the situation in the North resolves swiftly and with minimal bloodshed. I eagerly anticipate your return.

Warm regards,

Rosalie."

An unexpectedly broad and contented smile gently graced Damien’s sensuous lips as he found himself repeatedly immersed in his wife’s letter. With each word inscribed upon the parchment, his heart experienced a heartwarming surge of emotion.

"I had harbored concerns that her newfound responsibilities might prove overwhelming, yet I find solace in knowing she is faring well. It does weigh on me that my own reputation cannot readily aid her in garnering support for her selfless endeavors. Nevertheless, Rosalie, you fill me with immense pride. I take comfort in witnessing your newfound independence, unhindered by any constraints."

The Crown Prince’s observant eye caught the duke’s beaming countenance, prompting him to approach with quiet curiosity. Leaning in over Damien’s shoulder, he sought to discern the source of such an abrupt and positive transformation in the man’s expression. Startled momentarily by the prince’s unanticipated presence, Damien involuntarily flinched, swiftly concealing the letter as if he had been caught red-handed in some wrongdoing.

Loyd could not help but chuckle, thoroughly entertained by the duke’s reaction, and offered the man a pat on his shoulder.

"Who would have thought, my friend, that I would witness you donning such a radiant smile while perusing a letter? I dare say Lady Dio has bestowed upon you some good news, has she not?"

Damien casually shrugged off the prince’s hand from his shoulder and emitted a somewhat weary sigh, responding with a somber air,

"It appears that Lady Rosalie’s and Princess Angelica’s philanthropic venture is poised for a smooth launch, given their successful enlistment of Lord Theodore Xarden’s support."

Loyd settled into a chair beside the Grand Duke, his chin receiving a thoughtful scratch as his gaze fixated somewhat vacantly upon the neatly folded sheet of paper in Damien’s grasp. Submerging himself in contemplation, he maintained a momentary silence. Then, he redirected his azure eyes back to his companion and resumed the conversation,

"Ah, yes, the renowned recluse, Theodore Xarden... It is hardly a surprise that he acquiesced to assist Lady Rosalie, considering his own renown as an avid collector."

Damien raised an inquisitive eyebrow, casting a somewhat perplexed expression in Loyd’s direction.

"A collector? What, precisely, does he collect?"

The Crown Prince responded with a faintly ominous grin,

"All things beautiful."

***

"What do you mean she cannot go? Why?!"

Rosalie’s hands hovered dangerously close to slamming onto the wooden desk, her eyes aflame with unexpected anger. In contrast, Lord Howyer gently shook his head, a somewhat reprimanding expression on his face, as he explained,

"She holds a position that necessitates her perpetual anonymity. To disclose her identity would pose a grave risk to many, including His Grace."

A loud groan escaped Rosalie’s lips, echoing frustration as she pressed both hands wearily against her eyes.

"Ugh, Felix, you are incredibly exasperating!"

The Imperial banquet, orchestrated by The Emperor in support of his daughter’s and Grand Duchess Dio’s charitable undertaking, loomed dangerously close on the horizon. Given that the event was primarily a tribute to Rosalie, she voiced her wish for Laith to accompany her to the Palace. Not in the capacity of the duke’s informant, but as herself – a woman with her face unveiled. Her intent was for the young woman to savor a taste of life beyond her usual confines and, most significantly, to spend more quality time with Felix.

"Come now, Felix! Nobody has glimpsed her countenance before! She can attend as my personal assistant! I can make up an entirely fictitious identity for her, ensuring her anonymity remains intact. Surely, no one would be overly concerned about her identity, correct? No one is interested in yours!"

"Well, I do appreciate your astute observation, My Lady. How kind of you to take note!"

Rosalie’s hand met her forehead with an audible smack, followed by another heartfelt groan. She shut her eyes, the frustration within her surging once more.

"I did not mean it that way... Ugh! Laith truly desires this opportunity, you know. She is just like any other young woman; she can’t remain concealed forever. Let her taste something new, even if it’s just this once. Please? Don’t you care about her happiness?"

Her unexpected inquiry caused him to wince, his cheeks tinted with a blush. He averted his gaze, fidgeting to adjust his glasses. It would have been dishonest to deny his concern for Laith. In truth, seeing her unmasked face after years, radiating its natural beauty, only intensified the fluttering of his heart. He would have sacrificed much to grant her freedom in perceiving the world and, most significantly, herself.

With a heavy sigh, the man finally yielded, letting his heart lead the way this time.

"Very well, just this once... But we must keep this a secret from His Grace."

Felix’s positive response sent a surge of excitement coursing through Rosalie. Her face instantly lit up with joy, her hands clapping together, and she could not resist a little celebratory bounce in her seat, reminiscent of a delighted child.

"Thank you, Felix! It’s a promise!"

Lord Howyer rubbed his throbbing forehead and sighed once more, observing as Lady Ashter returned to her duties, her face adorned with a radiant, joyous smile.

’She is truly remarkable... No wonder His Grace was powerless against her charms. The purity of her heart exudes infectious happiness, and evidently, no one is immune to its allure.’