Episode 19

Kyle walked from his dormitory to the back gate of Ingdberry Cathedral, where a carriage awaited him, just as the letter had instructed.

“Hello.”

Kyle greeted with his usual gentle demeanor.

The coachman, a somber-looking man, simply nodded without replying. Despite his gloomy appearance, the air around him felt different—almost heavy. When he glanced at Kyle, there was a fleeting look of pity in his eyes.

No, it can’t be. Kyle shook his head, dismissing the thought. It was just his own unease being projected onto others.

“Ah…”

Kyle sighed as he climbed into the carriage and leaned back, closing his eyes. Ever since receiving the letter, he hadn’t slept well. His doubts about meeting Rosanna again had been weighing heavily on him.

Deep down, part of him had been looking forward to another meeting. But if it weren’t for Matteo revealing the truth, Kyle might still be holding on to that hope. He felt a small pang of resentment toward his friend. No, I can’t blame him.

This was an issue he had to face eventually, but Kyle wasn’t ready to meet Rosanna just yet. He had no idea what kind of expression he should wear when he saw her. Why had she pretended not to know him? Was her approach intentional? And if so, for what reason? He feared that the moment they locked eyes, all these questions would spill out uncontrollably.

If only the carriage ride could last forever.

But, of course, his wish went unanswered. The journey from Ingdberry Cathedral to the townhouse wasn’t long. By the time he collected his thoughts, Kyle found himself standing at the door. He grasped the brass lion knocker and rapped lightly. The door opened almost immediately.

“Welcome, Mr. Kyle Mason.”

Said an older man, likely the butler.

“Thank you.”

The man seemed a bit too old for a footman, confirming Kyle’s assumption that he was indeed the butler. Every maid they passed bowed deeply as they walked through the halls.

Kyle followed the butler to the drawing room, where the scent of fresh flowers filled the air. It was like stepping into a small garden. He recalled hearing that townhouses without gardens often decorated their interiors this way.

“If you’ll wait just a moment, the lady of the house will be with you shortly.”

After the butler’s brief and professional announcement, he left. Kyle wandered over to the sunny window, where a shelf was arranged like a greenhouse, lined with potted plants. Each one had a strange, almost predatory appearance.

These must reflect the tastes of the owner, Kyle thought. So, this is Rosanna’s taste….

“Here you are.”

Her voice cut through his thoughts, and Kyle took a deep breath before turning around.

Rosanna was dressed in a pale blue gown. Unlike her usual attire, the design was simple, and the material looked as thin as a summer dress. Yet she still appeared elegant. Her striking appearance carried the gown, making it look more extravagant than it was.

Kyle, momentarily lost in thought, cleared his throat awkwardly. Meeting her gaze was difficult, so he looked down, but that only brought his attention to her neckline. The square-cut dress revealed a noticeable amount of her chest.

“Are you going somewhere?”

He asked, trying to shift his focus.

“Hm? No.”

“Then… did you just get back from somewhere?”

“No, I just woke up a little while ago.”

As if to prove her point, Rosanna stifled a yawn behind her hand. Kyle’s eyes widened in shock.

“Wait… don’t tell me that’s—sleepwear?”

Rosanna burst into laughter.

“No, no. I wouldn’t invite a guest over and greet them in my pajamas. I just like to dress comfortably in my own home. The drawing room is kept warm for the plants, so this thin dress is actually perfect.”

Her gaze drifted past Kyle to the shelf behind him.

“You were admiring the plants?”

Kyle stepped aside to give her room as she walked over. They stood side by side, bathed in the sunlight streaming through the windows.

In the gentle spring light, Rosanna looked different to Kyle. Perhaps this is how she was in her own space—relaxed and at ease. He had expected their meeting to be intense, with him bombarding her with questions or even feeling angry. But instead, his heart was calm. All he could do was watch her, quietly observing as she inspected the plants and absentmindedly tucked her hair behind her ear.

“These are fascinating. I’ve never seen plants like these before,” Kyle said, breaking the silence.

“I’ll show you.”

Rosanna replied, leaning down to point at one of the plants on the lower shelf.

“That one is a Saracenia, and that one is a Venus flytrap. The butler does a good job keeping the humidity just right.”

Her slender fingers moved to the upper shelf.

“Capensis and Nepenthes. I give them extra care because they readily accept food.”

“Food?”

“Yes, they’re all carnivorous plants.”

Rosanna gently cupped the Nepenthes’ pitcher.

“If you use tweezers to drop in ants, they love it. Aren’t my babies adorable?”

Rosanna’s gaze was fixed. Like a child proudly showing off something precious, her expression made Kyle smile unintentionally. This was another new side of her—innocence.

“Would you like to feed them?”

“No, no, thank you.” Kyle waved his hands and changed the topic.

“Why do you raise carnivorous plants? There are so many other kinds.”

“Because they calmly accept whatever I give them, whether it’s food or affection. Plus, they remind me of myself.”

Rosanna’s words carried a cryptic meaning, and she gazed quietly at Kyle. The silence didn’t last long.

“Shall we sit now?”

Kyle followed her gesture and sat on the sofa in the drawing room. He assumed they would sit facing each other, but Rosanna defied expectations, as always. Every time they met, she did something unconventional, shaking the foundations of Kyle’s life, now standing at a crucial crossroads.

Sitting beside him, Rosanna rang the bell to summon the maid.

“Bring the black tea. The one I was gifted last time.”

“What about tea food?”

As Rosanna looked beside her, the maid’s gaze followed.

“What do you like?”

“I…”

Kyle didn’t have any particular preferences. During his time at the orphanage, they would share the occasional donated treats, and he often gave up his share. As an adult, he immediately entered seminary, limiting his experiences. Unlike some of his engaged classmates who frequented bakeries on the weekends, Kyle had never done so.

To him, desserts symbolized wealth, something distant.

“Anything is fine. I’m in the mood to eat whatever.”

“Have you been starving? How did that happen?”

Because I’ve been thinking about you all day, losing track of time.

That was the truth, but Kyle mumbled something else instead.

“I just missed the time.”

Rosanna’s eyes grew sharp, like a commander aware of an enemy infiltration.

“Bring everything you’re making.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

The maid responded as if she had been assigned a crucial mission, leaving the drawing room with an air of determination.

Kyle felt uncomfortable as he watched.

“You really didn’t have to…”

“Humans die if they don’t eat, don’t they?”

Her reaction to him skipping a meal was a bit extreme. He wondered if she was joking, but Rosanna was serious. That gave him an odd sense of unease. What she said was true, but the way she expressed it felt overly dramatic for the situation. And her gaze, as if she were looking at some insignificant creature…

It didn’t feel like she was belittling or dismissing him. It wasn’t a matter of the distance created by social status—it was something more fundamental… He couldn’t quite grasp it, but it made him uneasy.

“Do I look frail? I’m actually quite healthy.”

“Your complexion looks bad.”

That’s because of the woman occupying my thoughts. Rosanna, it’s you.

Kyle swallowed his true feelings once again.

“It’s probably because I haven’t been sleeping well.”

“Why?”

“This is a time for a lot of thinking. With the ordination interview coming up, I’m struggling with whether I’m truly qualified for this path.”

“Like pre-wedding depression?”

Kyle burst out laughing.

“That’s the first time I’ve heard that analogy.”

“Qualification… Is it pressure you’re feeling?”

“If I said no, I’d be lying. There are things I’m ashamed of about myself, so I’m reflecting on them, even though it’s not going well.”

“What are you reflecting on?”

Her tone implied disbelief that someone like him would have anything to reflect on, and that question pierced deep into Kyle’s chest.

He didn’t want to answer, so he remained silent as the maid pushed a trolley into the room. Just as she was about to approach the table, she stopped at the sight of Rosanna’s finger raised firmly in the air.

“Not here. We’ll move seats.”

“I’ll have it ready for you!”

The maid quickly turned and headed in the direction Rosanna had indicated. She moved with remarkable swiftness. In fact, all the staff Kyle had encountered here so far were just as efficient. Either they had hired only the most dedicated workers, or the head butler had trained them exceptionally well.

“Why are you staring so intently?”

“…Pardon?”

It was only then that Kyle realized he had been looking at Rosanna. Her expression was unreadable.

“Do you have a thing for red hair?”

“No, they just seem really focused. All the staff give off that vibe.”

I see. No need to hire any new ones then.

Rosanna muttered under her breath, leaning back against the seat.

“They work hard because they’re well-paid.”

Her casual tone exuded ease. Kyle, having witnessed Rosanna’s spending habits firsthand, understood immediately. Considering her donations to the orphanage and her purchase lists from annual exhibitions, it was clear that this townhouse was a desirable place to work.

Realizing he was sharing a space with someone so wealthy, doubts began to creep in. Why had Rosanna hidden her identity? What was her motive? There was nothing to gain from approaching a theology student, so why put on an act? Were the pleasant moments they spent together all a lie? Had she been meeting him just to watch a naïve young man get flustered by her words?

Lost in thought, Kyle heard a voice call out to him.

“Kyle, I said let’s go. We need to drink tea.”

Rosanna was already standing. Reflexively, Kyle rose and followed her.

“The table in the drawing room is too low, so I thought we’d move for a more comfortable setup.”

“I’m fine, but where are we going?”

“My room. I just had a new table brought out to the terrace.”

As they walked down the hallway, Kyle abruptly stopped. My room? Could she mean… the bedroom?