Chapter 65
The New Employee, Cat
“What an amusing young lady. She made such a fuss about having to dance with Madam that I followed along—and ended up with an experience I never expected.”
Tablo, mask in hand, watched the direction Zelda had disappeared toward, then hurried away himself.
Pop! Pop!
As the dance party ended, the grand finale of the summer festival began—the fireworks.
Dozens of brilliant bursts, conjured by the hands of mages, lit up the night sky in dazzling color.
“So this is what you call fireworks? They’re beautiful!”
Marican shouted, eyes wide as she gazed up at the radiant blossoms overhead.
Ruan, standing beside her, looked at her with a fond smile, his gaze brimming with tenderness.
“Well, judging by that reaction, I’d say you’ve succeeded.”
Zelda, returning after parting with her partner, tilted her head toward Marican.
She looked almost childlike, entranced by the glowing sky.
Then she added knowingly to Ruan,
“Really? You went this far?”
“?”
“Well, you spent quite a fortune on this, didn’t you? It makes sense that Rosaline should at least react that way.”
Ruan’s eyes widened in shock.
“How did you know? This was supposed to be a secret between the elder and me.”
When Marican had said she’d never seen fireworks before, Ruan had gone all the way to the capital to hire three of the Empire’s most skilled mages.
Joseph himself had agreed to Ruan’s request, and together they orchestrated this dazzling display.
“The elder and I go way back. Normally he’s stingy—always cutting back on powder for fireworks at festivals. Then suddenly he’s spending lavishly on mages, not just firecrackers? At first I thought he’d gotten his death notice and decided to splurge. But when I saw him darting around like a fish in water from the very first day of the festival, I realized it wasn’t that. Then I thought about it: if anyone would go this far, even preparing masks, wigs, and dresses for me and Rosaline, it would be you, Duke.”
Ruan gave a sheepish laugh at Zelda’s sharp intuition.
“Ah… but please, don’t tell Rosaline. Since it’s her first festival, I wanted her to carry away happy memories.”
“You’ll make a fine husband.”
“…What?”
“I mean, don’t let that heart of yours change. It hasn’t even been a year since I met her, but Rosaline is already like a dear sister to me. I won’t forgive anyone who makes her cry again.”
“Don’t worry. That will never happen.”
“Zelda! Ruan, look at that one—it’s like—”
“Like Rosaline’s sandwiches.”
Zelda smirked as Marican stared up in wonder at a firework shaped exactly like a sandwich.
Then, lowering her voice, she muttered to Ruan,
“You really are something, Duke. Don’t tell me you had them make every single thing Rosaline likes?”
“…”
The sky answered in his place: flowers, dishes, and even a shimmering outline of Ruan himself burst across the heavens.
“You’re incorrigible. No matter how much you love Rosaline, weaving her favorite foods, flowers—and even yourself—into the fireworks? Honestly, only someone as perceptive as me could figure it out. Rosaline, on the other hand, is too dazzled to notice. But still, slipping your private feelings into a village festival? That’s going a bit far, don’t you think?”
“Well… as you said, I spent a small fortune on this. A little indulgence should be allowed, don’t you agree? Besides, it’s not only her favorites appearing.”
“Wow! Zelda, look at that! It’s like flower petals raining down from the sky!”
The festival’s fireworks, so thoroughly steeped in Ruan’s affection, went on for more than an hour—half an hour longer than planned.
Yet not a single villager stirred from their place; all gazed up, spellbound.
Finally, with a shimmering portrait of Phenomenon Village and the broad sweep of Lake Arnando, the fireworks came to a close, signaling the end of the week-long summer festival.
“I never knew festivals could be this much fun. This one will be a memory I’ll cherish forever. Archery, sailing, the dance party, the fireworks—everything was wonderful.”
“Pfft. Rosaline, every single thing you just mentioned was with the Duke. What, are you saying you had no fun with me?”
“What? No, that’s not true, Zelda. Catching carp with you and watching the swordsmanship tournament were just as fun.”
“Hah, I’m joking. Honestly, I had a great time this year too. Normally I join out of obligation, but thanks to you, Rosaline, this one was pure joy. Next year, let’s enjoy it together again.”
Though, from the way things look… you may not still be here next year.
Zelda smiled, masking her regret.
She was glad Rosaline had reconciled with Ruan—but the thought of her eventually leaving the village tugged at her heart.
“Of course! Don’t worry, Zelda. I’ll be here.”
“Well then, I’d better help with cleanup. See you tomorrow at the shop. And Duke, safe travels back to the capital.”
“Until we meet again.”
After saying their farewells, Rosaline and Ruan walked home.
“You have to return to the capital now, don’t you?”
“I’ll be back soon, Rosaline.”
“I heard it takes three days by carriage. You should leave quickly.”
“No need to worry. I brought a travel artifact—it shortens the distance. With it, the capital is only a day away.”
“A travel artifact? How fascinating.”
Rosaline leaned closer as he showed her the device, her eyes alight with wonder.
“And before I go, there’s someone I’d like you to meet. Cat?”
At his call, a girl about Rosaline’s age stepped shyly from behind a tree.
“Hello, Madam. It’s an honor to meet you. My name is Cat.”
She had dark hair sprinkled with freckles, and her bright smile softened her timid bow.
M-Madam?
Rosaline blinked, flustered, until Ruan explained.
“This is Cat. From tomorrow, she’ll be helping at the shop in my stead. She’s nineteen—just a year younger than you. She’s already familiar with shop work, so you won’t need to train her much. I didn’t want you to be left alone while I was away.”
“I managed fine before, and Zelda still helps me… I don’t really need—”
But then she looked at Cat—brought all this way because of Ruan’s thoughtfulness—and she nodded.
“If you’re someone Ruan trusts, then I’ll welcome you gladly. Call me Rosaline. I’ll be counting on you, Cat.”
Cat’s face lit up in relief.
“Ah, Rosaline—you’re my employer, you shouldn’t speak so politely!”
“Should I? Then you can just call me Rosaline.”
“Oh no, you’re the Duke’s wife! Calling you by name feels wrong. I’ll call you ‘Boss’ instead.”
“Boss?” Rosaline chuckled. “If that makes you comfortable, then go ahead.”
“Then… Boss, I’ll do my best from here on!”
Rosaline found herself liking Cat’s bright, cheerful spirit immediately.
“By the way, do you have a place to stay? If not, you’re welcome to live with me. I’ve got a spare room.”
Cat looked to Ruan, then back at Rosaline, nodding eagerly.
“Really? I was worried about where I’d live. If you don’t mind, I’d love to. I’ll do all the cleaning and laundry in return—but I can’t cook, hehe.”
“That’s fine. I’ll cook. We’ll share the other chores.”
“Thank you, Boss! Oh, and please deduct rent from my wages.”
Rosaline waved her hand. “Nonsense. Since I’m the one inviting you, you can stay free of charge.”
“Free rent? Wow, Boss, you’re the best!”
“Cat!” Ruan scolded, clearly unimpressed with her giddy chatter.
“Sorry! I tend to talk too much. I’ll be careful around Boss.”
“I don’t mind,” Rosaline said warmly. “I like your energy. Shall we head home now?”
Cat cast Ruan a mischievous glance before asking,
“Boss, can I go watch the last bit of the festival first? They’re handing out food, and I’m good at finding my way. The Duke already showed me your house, so I’ll head there afterward.”
“Then go ahead.”
Cat bowed and dashed off toward the crowd.
Watching her run, Rosaline murmured to Ruan,
“She’s lively. I think it’ll be fun having her around.”
Ruan, on the other hand, still looked dissatisfied.
“She’ll help you plenty. Of course, not nearly as much as I do.”
Rosaline laughed softly.
“Of course not. There isn’t a person in the world who could ever replace you.”
“Rosaline… nor could anyone replace you for me. Even if the Empire collapsed tomorrow, I would not leave your side.”
He pulled her into his arms, whispering against her hair.
“Ahem! Perhaps that’s enough farewells for now? At this rate, you’ll end up staying.”
Rosaline startled at Tablo’s voice behind them, struggling to pull free—but Ruan’s arms only tightened around her.
“Tablo, you’re still unmarried because you have no sense. As much as I hate to admit it, you’re right—before I lose all reason, I should go. I’ll return as soon as I can.”
Ruan… how embarrassing…
“Alright. Come back safely.”
She whispered back, and he stole a brief kiss before Tablo practically dragged him onto his horse.
Together they rode off toward the capital.
Rosaline stood gazing after him until long after he vanished, then hurried home.
The festival ended with the last of the food shared among all the villagers.
***
It was strange.
Her days began as usual.
Customers filled the shop as always.
And Cat—bright, energetic Cat—worked so well that she nearly erased the emptiness Ruan left behind.
In fact, with her help, business grew even busier.
Nothing was wrong.
On the contrary, everything was thriving.
And yet…
Why did it feel so hollow?
The only thing missing was Ruan.
Just him.
But his absence weighed heavier now than it ever had before.
“Zelda, is the Boss always this thoughtful?”
Cat, pointing to Rosaline who sat staring blankly into space, asked curiously.
Zelda chuckled.
“Of course not.”
“But she spends all day like that now. Even at home, she just hugs Ruan’s things.”
“That’s because she’s waiting for her husband.”
“Her husband? Ah—you mean the Duke?”
Zelda patted Cat’s head with a wry smile.
“You’re still a child. Leave Rosaline be, and focus on your sweeping.”
“Child? I’m nearly an adult! I know plenty, you know.”
Grumbling, Cat grabbed her broom and began sweeping the shop floor, while Zelda looked on with quiet amusement.
