BVIB 29

Chapter 29

After a long, thoughtful silence, the boy finally spoke. “How old are you?”

“Seventeen,” Roselyn replied. “And you?”

“I’m twelve. My name’s Baatar. I have an older brother—just one—and a twin sister. My brother is seventeen too; his name is Bayan.”

Roselyn smiled. “Baatar, that’s a good nam—”

But Baatar cut her off, launching into an unexpectedly detailed monologue. “I prefer meat to vegetables, but I’m not picky. I’m better with my fists than with a sword—much more manly and direct. I can be a little hot-tempered, but I’m smart, and my battle sense is second to none. Obviously, I’ve got a great face and body, though that’s just for now—I’ll only get stronger. I’d like to have at least three children, but I’ll respect my partner’s wishes. My ideal woman is pretty and wise, someone who’ll stay by my side.”

Roselyn blinked, momentarily lost for words at the sudden flood of information.

Wait… did he just say “my brother thinks” and “he says”…?

It sounded less like a self-introduction and more like he was advertising someone else.

“My brother really is an amazing guy, even I have to admit it,” Baatar added with a proud, contented look.

Ah. So now he’s introducing his brother, Roselyn thought wryly. Is this what you’d call being a brother’s biggest fan?

She glanced down at Baatar, who looked supremely satisfied, glowing with pride as he talked about Bayan.

“Well… since that’s what you want, I’ll make an exception just for you. …Ma’am.”
He tacked on the honorific awkwardly, his words stumbling over unfamiliar politeness.

Roselyn just shrugged lightly. “So, are you really going to let me take you home, then? …Ma’am?” she teased, echoing his odd formality.

“I mean it. I don’t lie,” Roselyn replied simply.

Baatar hesitated, then muttered under his breath, “I always thought the Empire was full of cowards and traitors, but I guess there are decent people like you after all.”

He suddenly stiffened, glancing up quickly. “Just so you know, I didn’t use polite speech just now because I was talking to myself! Ma’am.”

Not that what he’s saying now is exactly polite either, Roselyn thought, stifling a laugh as she shrugged.

“But… thank you for saving me. Ma’am.”
Baatar offered his thanks, surprisingly sincere.

The unexpected gratitude made Roselyn’s eyes widen a little. “…You’re welcome,” she said, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

A flush crept over Baatar’s tanned cheeks.

If my brother and I have the same taste, he’s going to like her, too, Baatar thought, beaming to himself.

Roselyn took out the key she’d received earlier and held it up. “If I unlock these cuffs, you’re not going to try to kill me, right?”

“Of course not! …Ma’am! You’re my benefactor. And I was always taught to repay my debts—especially to someone who saved me. Ma’am!” Baatar declared, his words precise and earnest.

Roselyn nodded, her gaze lingering on the boy who, in another life, wouldn’t have survived this long. “Alright.”

She freed the cuffs from his wrists and ankles. The moment the restraints fell away, Baatar’s eyes flew wide in astonishment.

Freed from his restraints, Baatar’s lips curled into a fierce, predatory grin.

Kalutans.

They were a rare and dangerous people, each one possessing strength that far surpassed ordinary humans—one Kalutan was said to be worth a hundred soldiers in battle. Even their children had the power to kill a grown man with ease.

There was a well-known story about a small kingdom that, ignorant of what they were dealing with, kidnapped the Kalutan king’s daughter and tried to use her as leverage. The king himself, accompanied by just a handful of his warriors, descended upon them—and wiped the kingdom off the map.

Roselyn extended her hand. “Let’s work well together, Baatar.”

She intended to strike a personal deal with the Kalutans—something separate from whatever arrangements the emperor might make.

Baatar seized her hand with his own, much smaller one. “Yes, let’s! Ma’am!”

Their handshake was firm, sealing an alliance that, for Roselyn, was also an answer—a belated response to the request once made by Aegis Bellion, whom she had so coldly turned away in the past.

POV: Marquis Gueran Wilbred

“Marquis, a package has arrived from Lady Roselyn Bellion,” the servant announced respectfully.

“…A package?” Gueran Wilbred narrowed his eyes.

He couldn’t think of a single thing Roselyn might send him.

“Leave it and go,” he said curtly.

The servant bowed and withdrew, leaving Gueran alone with a box tied neatly with a ribbon and a small letter resting on top.

He picked up the note and read:

Sorry for spending so much. Consider half of what I spent as a gift for the Marchioness—since you’re always so oblivious, I thought I’d take care of it for you.

I don’t like you, but I know what you did wasn’t insignificant.

Honestly, I wouldn’t care if you tripped on the road and fell into a pile of cow dung, but I do hope the Marchioness is happy.

Thanks to you, I’ve had a lot to think about lately. For that, I suppose I should thank you—just this once.

After reading the brief letter, Gueran let out a low, wry chuckle.

Slowly, he lowered his gaze and opened the box. Inside was a matching set of jewelry—a necklace, earrings, and a ring—all crafted from rose diamonds that shimmered with a reddish-pink hue.

His expression grew complicated as he studied the contents. It was certainly the sort of gift any woman would love.

“She still hasn’t learned how to look after herself,” he muttered, examining the certificate of authenticity tucked in with the letter. He could easily picture Roselyn—her usual blunt demeanor, focused only on her errands and nothing else.

She said she was going to rescue a slave, didn’t she?

Roselyn must have gone and saved a Kalutan royal who was supposed to die.

If Gueran himself had needed to secure a deal with Kaluta, he would have done the same. It was the most efficient way, after all.

But he’d never have spent fifteen billion on a single child.

That meant, along the way, she must have run into the Kalutan king’s half-brother—the one who planned to buy and kill that slave. Most likely, the auction staff had apprehended them during the commotion, and Roselyn had paid to officially deliver them to Kaluta under the guise of a diplomatic handover.

‘Wasn’t the opening bid for the Rose Diamond five billion?’

She probably bought it for around that price.

Most likely, she included the jewelry as a way to smooth things over, since she’d spent so much of his money. It was a subtle attempt to justify her actions and keep things balanced.

And at this auction…

After all, the Rose Diamond was destined to become the most talked-about item at this auction.

It wasn’t difficult for Gueran to piece together Roselyn’s actions.

She and Gueran thought alike in many ways—that was why they clashed so often, and why he found her so interesting. Unlike the fools he so often dealt with, Roselyn learned quickly and grew from each lesson. Teach her one thing, and she’d grasp ten more on her own.

“She’ll definitely like it,” Gueran mused, recalling how his wife had lingered over her jewelry box just days ago, unable to decide what to wear.

Roselyn had never shown much interest in herself—nor, for that matter, in anyone else. Even during desperate chases, she’d risk injuries or make reckless bets if it meant escaping. Yet, whenever she happened to have something in hand, she’d pass it along to someone else without a second thought.

Not that she was especially kind—it was simply her way. If there were three people and someone handed her a gift, she’d immediately give it to whoever was next to her, as if it never belonged to her in the first place.

“I suppose I could’ve let her buy more,” Gueran muttered under his breath as he picked up the box and left his office.