The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 43: Butterfly Effect

Chapter 43: Butterfly Effect

Two pairs of eyes fixated on the shimmering pink diamond adorning Rosalie’s slender, elegant ring finger. Aurora gently rested her chin on the lady’s shoulder, releasing a dreamy sigh as her face transformed into a wide, enchanting smile.

"My Lady, without a doubt, this is the most exquisite ring I have ever laid eyes upon in my entire life!"

She tenderly wrapped her arms around Lady Ashter’s shoulders, planting a delicate peck on her cheek before continuing with excitement in her voice,

"Do you know, they speak of the late Empress Ayana, who was bestowed with the most resplendent engagement ring the entire Empire had ever seen? Though I’ve never set eyes on it, I dare say that even that legendary ring could hardly rival the sheer astonishment of this one!"

Drawing a deep breath, as if fortifying herself for another lengthy sentence, Aurora’s voice grew in volume once more,

"My Lady, I am simply overwhelmed with happiness for you! His Grace Duke Damien must be utterly captivated by your charm and grace!"

Rosalie couldn’t help but chuckle, appreciating Aurora’s genuine and unassuming nature that always brought comfort. Yet, even amidst such heartwarming sentiments, a sense of unease lingered within her as she gazed at her stunning engagement ring, its beauty seemingly contributing to her inner restlessness.

’It has changed once more... The narrative has taken an unexpected turn. What Damien revealed to me yesterday... it deviates significantly from the events described in the novel. Rosalie was never meant to have any direct interaction with Damien until the day of the banquet.’

Suddenly, she recalled the Crown Prince’s hostile treatment and an icy shiver ran down her spine.

’I can’t shake this weird feeling off. So many unexpected and new things keep happening every day, that I’m beginning to feel scared... I know that I myself am trying to change the course of the plot, but this should not be a butterfly effect. It cannot be.’

Her contemplation was interrupted by a faint knocking sound emanating from the closed bedroom door, followed by Logan’s authoritative voice,

"Lady Rosalie, Revered Altair has arrived for your treatment. May he enter?"

Aurora finally released her embrace, offering a courtly bow.

"I shall take my leave, My Lady. Do not hesitate to call upon me if you require anything."

With that, the maid departed, making way for the arrival of the tall and imposing figure of Altair Nestor, who entered the room, carrying an enigmatic aura of majesty. As his eyes beheld Rosalie’s exquisite countenance, he offered her a radiant smile and graciously bowed his head.

"Good afternoon, My Lady. You remain as resplendent as ever. How have you been faring these days?"

Altair greeted her with a genuine smile, causing Rosalie to respond with a radiant glimmer on her pink lips. She graciously gestured for Altair to take a seat beside her chair and replied in a composed tone,

"I must confess, I have been in good health. And how about yourself, Altair?"

Continuing to beam with contentment, Altair gently took Rosalie’s hand in his, finally noticing the new addition adorning her ring finger—a white gold band of bondage. A fleeting displeasure crossed his features, momentarily marring his previous serenity, but he swiftly composed himself, running his left thumb over the ring as if seeking to erase its existence.

He then lifted his gaze to meet Rosalie’s once more and replied with an air of nonchalance,

"A man devoted to his faith knows neither grief nor regret, My Lady. My life is one of unwavering devotion."

Rosalie found his response admirable, despite a hint of uncertainty in his demeanor.

’He is an enigmatic individual. Though I am inclined to trust him, there’s a lingering feeling that I should still be cautious of his words. There’s something intriguing, yet unsettling about him...’

Once the treatment session commenced, the girl found herself entranced by the radiant white light flowing into her skin from Altair’s large hands. A familiar sense of relief washed over her, as if all her inner turmoil had been replaced with an overwhelming feeling of lightness and tranquility. Though immensely grateful for the exceptional treatment she received, one persistent thought troubled Rosalie each time they met – could a man of the Temple truly not detect her Acme even during their direct exchange of powers?

Her curiosity became insatiable.

"Uhm, Altair? I am curious. What is it exactly that you perceive in me that requires healing?"

Altair hesitated for a moment, carefully considering his response. Then, a subtle smirk graced his features, as if he remembered something amusing, and he spoke with a surprising air of condescension,

"Your soul appears to bear emotional imbalances, wounds, and turmoil. It might have been caused by neglect, abuse, or other sources of emotional trauma that led your soul to lose its equilibrium. And I believe that my Holy Power can help guide it towards inner peace once more."

"Oh... I see."

Lady Ashter nodded her head, signifying her understanding and acceptance of his explanation. Meanwhile, Altair fixed his penetrating, cold gaze on her face, attempting to discern the thoughts veiled behind her distant expression.

’Her Acme is still fresh, it will take time before her soul would be absorbed completely, especially since she started utilizing it so quickly... I cannot afford any mistake.’

As their session drew to a close, their customary farewell was interrupted by the unexpected arrival of Aurora, gracefully carrying a silver tray adorned with freshly-brewed tea and an assortment of enticing snacks.

"I apologize, My Lady, I presumed your treatment had concluded. Shall I return at a more opportune time?"

Rosalie shook her head and turned back to Altair.

"Altair, would you care to join me for some tea? I assure you, Aurora prepares the most exquisite blend that will delight your senses!"

Despite the alluring invitation, Altair had to decline Lady Ashter’s generous offer, citing unattended tasks on his schedule. Rosalie accepted his explanation graciously, though she couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disappointment, longing to know Altair better, hoping it might dispel any lingering suspicions she harbored deep within her heart.

Once Altair departed from the duke’s mansion, he approached his coach, where his personal assistant materialized beside him, seeming almost like a specter.

"My Lord, I have received the report confirming the successful completion of all preparations."

The man shifted his gaze to the side, slowly rubbing the back of his neck beneath his long, silver hair, and a contented grin spread across his pale face.

"Perfect."

***

"I wonder if he would appreciate it. Richard mentioned that lemon tea was his favorite..."

Since Altair declined her invitation for afternoon tea, Rosalie realized she was the only one with idle time on her hands. She decided to be of assistance in some way and resolved to bring delightful refreshments to Damien’s study, especially since she learned that the duke often skipped meals when engrossed in work.

Ascending the stairs to the second floor, she suddenly halted, drawn in by the hushed exchange of two voices, one of which belonged to Felix.

"Do you still suspect Raphael Ashter has a connection to the border crossing case?"

"Yes. I overheard intriguing gossip among the courtesans in the Tulip Room. Despite investigating his records, I couldn’t find any apparent link to the cult."

"Very well, continue your investigation, Laith."

Rosalie raised her eyebrows, uttering a familiar name in a quiet whisper,

"Laith..?"