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Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: A Pact of Support

The morning sun filtered through the windows, bathing the mansion in a warm glow. Duke Karl Reinhard Heydrich Rontenia stirred from his sleep, feeling surprisingly refreshed after a night of peaceful slumber. It was a rarity for him to experience such tranquility, and as he rose from his bed, he was greeted with the absence of the person he had expected to find beside him.

Karl's gaze swept the room, his brows furrowing slightly as he realized that Rose was not in her bed. With a sense of curiosity, he got up and proceeded to make his way down to the dining area for breakfast.

To his surprise, he found Rose already there, busying herself in the preparation of his meal. Her presence was both unexpected and intriguing, and he couldn't help but feel a mixture of curiosity and bemusement.

Rose turned to him with a gentle smile, her expression warm and sincere. "Good morning, Duke Karl. I woke up early to prepare breakfast for you."

Karl's reaction was a mixture of surprise and guarded curiosity. He was not accustomed to such gestures, especially from someone he had only recently become connected to through marriage. He nodded in acknowledgment, his expression remaining composed.

"I see," he replied, his voice as measured as ever.

As Rose plated the breakfast, her gaze held a hint of determination. "I noticed that you were quite exhausted last night, and I wanted to ensure that you have a good start to the day."

Karl's brow quirked slightly, a hint of surprise showing through his exterior. It was rare for someone to perceive his exhaustion, let alone take measures to address it. He observed Rose as she placed the plate before him, her kindness and consideration leaving an impression on him.

"Thank you," he murmured, his tone a touch softer than usual.

As Karl began to eat, Rose watched him with a mixture of satisfaction and concern. She knew that their relationship had its complexities, but she was determined to bridge the gap between them, to offer him the support and care he had lacked for so long.

As breakfast concluded, Rose's gaze met Karl's, a question lingering in the air. "What are you planning to do after breakfast, Duke Karl?"

Karl's response was straightforward, his tone as measured as ever. "I will be heading to my work room. There is a considerable amount of work to be done, especially given the time I've been away."

Rose's heart went out to him, a sense of empathy washing over her. She knew the weight of his responsibilities, the demands that came with being the duke and protecting the estate. She couldn't help but feel sorry for the exhaustion he faced.

With a determined expression, Rose spoke up. "Duke Karl, I understand that you have a lot of work to catch up on. How about this—I'll help you with the paperwork, and once we finish, you'll take some time off to spend with me. How does that sound?"

Karl's gaze met hers, his usual guarded exterior giving way to a flicker of surprise. Her offer was unexpected, a gesture that reached beyond the boundaries of their arrangement. He considered her proposal, the notion of someone sharing his burdens and offering assistance a novel concept.

After a moment's contemplation, he finally replied, "Very well. You may assist me with the paperwork. Once we're finished, I'll allocate time to spend together."

Rose's eyes lit up with gratitude and determination. She was eager to support him in any way she could, to bridge the gap between them through shared experiences. "Thank you, Duke Karl. I'll do my best to help."

With an almost imperceptible nod, Karl stood, his expression showing a hint of approval. "You may make your way to my work room. I'll gather the necessary documents."

As Rose left the dining area, a sense of purpose filled her. She knew that their arrangement was more than just a marriage on paper—it was an opportunity to grow closer, to understand each other's worlds, and to offer the support they both needed.

With the promise of helping Duke Karl Reinhard Heydrich Rontenia with his paperwork, Rose made her way to his work room. Her determination was unwavering, and as she began sorting through the piles of documents, her focus was unwavering. The room was filled with the rustling of papers and the soft scratching of her pen as she diligently worked her way through the tasks.

To her surprise, the hours seemed to pass swiftly. Within half a day, Rose had managed to complete the extensive workload that had accumulated on Karl's desk. The satisfaction of accomplishment warmed her heart, and as she stood, she knew it was time to fulfill the other half of their arrangement.

Leaving the work room, Rose ventured out, searching for Karl. Her steps led her to a scene that piqued her interest—Karl was engaged in a sword fight with Calos. Rose's eyes widened with surprise at the unexpected sight, her lips curving into a soft smile.

Calos was equally surprised to see Lady Rose in their midst, and his attention momentarily faltered, allowing Karl to score a point. Karl's cold and heartless exterior was temporarily overshadowed by his display of skill and precision.

As the match concluded, Rose approached them, her voice gentle as she spoke to Karl. "Duke Karl, I've finished with all the work. As per your promise, will you spend some time with me now?"

Karl turned his gaze toward her, his usual impassive expression still firmly in place. "Very well," he replied with a nod, acknowledging their agreement.

Rose's smile brightened, her heart warming at the prospect of spending time together. "I thought we could go to the market," she suggested, her eyes hopeful.

Karl's response was measured, his voice holding a hint of curiosity. "The market?"

Rose nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, the market. I've heard so much about it, and I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity for us to go out and experience something together."

Karl considered her proposal, his gaze studying her for a moment before he finally acquiesced. "Very well. We will go to the market."