After Ren Xiyang examined the fields, he returned to the Rosewood manor to attend numerous meetings.
There were many projects to catch up on.
He met with the council of workers across the estate and planned out the distribution of the gold Anthony Fulvous gave him. He met with the waste-improvement task-force and gave them directions for improvements to health and safety for the waste collectors. He met with the people in charge of the tofu factory and provided input on production quantity and new soybean based products they could produce.
He even met with Rian in the evening before bed and advised him on agricultural science.
And there were meetings on the next day and the next and the next.
He met with the teaching staff to plan the extended curriculum. He met with the farming staff to plan the temporary hires needed for the upcoming harvest and understand the current food storage options. He met with the soap-making staff and provided ideas on different scents and additives and branding. He met with carpenters and blacksmiths to plan the next technologies to create. He met with the kitchen staff involved in the charity lunches to analyse the trajectory of growth and required funds over time.…
Rian was also busy. His study room door was almost always open for all the different tutors that would come throughout the day to teach him.
(It was as if his Imperial parents and Count Aegean wanted him to be so busy that he forgot about Ren Xiyang.)
(His late-night chats with Ren Xiyang using their special communication mirrors every few days became his time to unwind between going to sleep.)
Not long after Ren Xiyang left, Rian held a conference on agricultural advancements with Viscountess Sage at the Imperial Palace. They showed the plough and the four-crop system, and the fertilisation process.
However, not all the nobles attended, and many that attended didn’t seemed interested beyond standard politeness.
Technically, Rian had minimally fulfilled his Imperial Father’s task. However, he wasn’t satisfied. Many nobles didn’t care about the minutiae of farming—they merely reaped the benefits. To truly improve agriculture across Sedaveria, Rian would need to talk to the people who cared—the farmers in the fields. This meant he needed to travel around the kingdom to visit at least some of the fiefs.
It was more work on the surface: he had to pick which fiefs to visit, he had to plan the route, and he had to notify each relevant noble family. However, it was also a good excuse for him to leave the Capital and his Imperial parents’ intensely watchful eyes.
Before he could go travelling though, he had to continue organising the catering for the next social event in two weeks. Since the menu included new food from the Rosewood fief, it gave him yet more reason to speak with Earl Rosewood.
With everything on his plate, Rian was perplexed to receive an anonymous letter one morning.
The Royal Office of Postage handled the delivery of low-to-moderate security letters. If high-security information needed to be sent, a noble would typically send their own messengers.
His Imperial Parents received frequent anonymous letters through the Royal Office of Postage. However, Rian didn’t receive many letters, and even if he did, much of it was sorted before he could see it.
Before breakfast, as Rian was getting ready, one of his servants would present him with any new letters from other nobles or noble children. However, this time, a Royal Guard also came in, holding a letter.
“Your Highness, you were sent an anonymous letter. We have checked this letter multiple times, but there are no malicious spells, despite the content. Normally, we would not waste your time with a baseless anonymous letter. However, due to its topic, we believe you might be interested in it, your Highness.”
Rian took the letter. It was a half-sheet of paper, roughly torn. The handwriting was oddly neat, with the same letters being identical across the page. He narrowed his eyes.
ARE YOU BLIND? AYDEN ROSEWOOD IS CLEARLY NOT SAD AT ALL ABOUT HIS “FAMILY” BECAUSE THEY’RE NOT HIS FAMILY! AYDEN ROSEWOOD IS A FAKE! HE IS AN ENEMY SPY! DON’T BE BLINDED STUPID BY HIS ACT! THERE IS CLEARLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH HIS ORIGIN!!!!
Rian’s eyes darkened.
There had been many rumours about ‘Ayden Rosewood’ since his sudden appearance; the contents of this letter weren’t particularly out-of-the-ordinary. Earl Rosewood had enemies; Rian had enemies. That wasn’t surprising.
But what kind of enemy would send an anonymous letter like this? Most of the rumours about Earl Rosewood’s lineage had died after the bloodline testing—believing otherwise was directly insulting Imperial Councillor Blewitt.
And sending such a letter like this to him, someone who was publicly Earl Rosewood’s friend, did this person want to offend him too?
Rian looked back at up the Royal Guard. “Has it been traced?”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
“Not yet, your Highness.”
“Vff lo jcsbcf firf tjr gfmflnfv rlwlijg jcbcswber ifaafgr.”
“Tfr, sbeg Llutcfrr, P’ii olcv bea gluta jkjs!”
Coafg atf Ebsji Xejgv ifoa, Eljc qea atf ifaafg jkjs.
Ktja cluta, joafg jii atf rfgnjcar kfgf ubcf, Eljc qeiifv bea tlr mbwweclmjalbc wlggbg jcv mbccfmafv klat Efc Wlsjcu’r.
“Ll,” mjwf Efc Wlsjcu’r nblmf.
Rian pouted. “Why is the mirror dark? Is that your ceiling?”
“I’m lying in bed.”
Rian: “…” He was properly sitting on the sofa in his bedroom with the lights on.
“Well, I see that you are quite relaxed.”
“You could try it too.”
“I have some decorum, Earl Rosewood,” Rian retorted.
“You can waste your energy and be tired if you wish.”
“Ren Xiyang, your body is ten, not seventy.”
“Exactly. Young bodies need a lot of sleep. And sleeping is required to grow. Does His Highness want to hinder my growth?”
Rian huffed. “I gave you my blood. Now, I received a letter today. You have an enemy.”
“Oh.” There was no surprise in Ren Xiyang’s voice.
Rian read the anonymous letter out fully, before adding, “My people are tracking down the original letter-writer.”
“I wondered who I offended this time,” Ren Xiyang said mildly. To think that someone sent a letter about him to other people in this world. Didn’t people have better things to do than send anonymous hate mail? He certainly did.
“The Cordovans?” Rian joked. “If you hadn’t become Earl, they could have taken the Rosewood fief.”
“Or maybe Baron Carmine…”
“In fact, many nobles despise being compared to you, especially given all the changes you’ve made to the Rosewood fief,” Rian contributed. “For example, you now do more charity than the Schauss Dukedom. You have many enemies among the nobility, and even some factions within the Church of the Saintess don’t like you.”
“Oh, I’m so scared.”
Rian gave an amused snort. “Careful, there are many mages who can defeat you.”
“I’ll increase my security.”
“By the way, some nobles have shown genuine interest in your improved agricultural methods. May I bother you to send out a few of those improved ploughs? I can make copies of the blueprints you gave me.”
“Sure. The next step would be to make a version that can be drawn by horses, or even better, a version that can propel itself. I’ve also been thinking about making a harvesting machine or mechanised reaper. It won’t be ready for the autumn harvest though.”
Rian chuckled. “It’s fine to take time, Xiyang. Instead, you should focus on the current autumn harvest and what new dishes you should make for me when I come and visit the Rosewood fief…”
Rian’s Royal Guards dutifully checked matters over the next few days. They found out that multiple nobles—including Prince Alexius—had received similar anonymous letters (some of whom had thrown them out without reading). All of these letters had been sent to the Postal Office in the Capital by various miscellaneous people; the guards hadn’t been able to track down who paid them yet.
The topic made it into the aristocratic gossip for a few days, reviving all the conjectures about Earl Ayden Rosewood’s past.
(There wasn’t much questioning about whether the blood lineage spells had been done properly—one had to be careful lest they incurred the quick temper of Imperial Councillor Blewitt.)
The late Earl Roland Rosewood had sent Ayden Rosewood away and had him raised like a commoner, so it was logical for Ayden Rosewood to dislike or even hate his family.
But where did Ayden Rosewood go? Who raised him? Had he been raised in a foreign country and become an enemy spy, like the anonymous letter purported? Was the Rosewood fief turning into an enemy base in the middle of Sedaveria? Was Earl Rosewood’s plan to disrupt the fabric of society by stirring up discontent among commoners against the nobles?
King Edric, Queen Mira, and the Capital Investigators took the allegations seriously.
The Cordovans had links to the Angio Kingdom. What if Earl Ayden Rosewood also had links?
A small team of Capital Investigators were sent to watch Earl Rosewood and try to uncover his past. However, they were unsuccessful. Earl Rosewood’s current dealings seemed clean.
But how could a twelve-year-old child appear out of thin air? How could there be no traces? Ayden Rosewood couldn’t have been living confined inside a secret room in the Rosewood summer manor for his entire life, could he?
Eventually, King Edric summoned his eldest son to the throne room for questioning.
When Rian entered, his Imperial Father and Imperial Mother sat at the front on their thrones. A team of Capital Investigators stood to one side, while Royal Guards stood to the other side.
Rian bowed. “Good afternoon, Your Majesty, Your Majesty.”
“You received one of those anonymous letters about Earl Rosewood,” King Edric said.
Rian nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Then you know the serious allegation that Ayden Rosewood is a spy. His background is completely unknown aside from his blood lineage.” Their best agents hadn’t been able to find anything about Ayden Rosewood’s childhood. It was as though Ayden simply appeared out of nowhere on that morning of the Rosewood murders.
Rian straightened as his tone became grave. “I trust Earl Rosewood. He trusts me. I am wholly certain that he is not a spy from the Angio Kingdom. If anything, he is one of the more conscientious nobles of Sedaveria, someone who is directly helping our Kingdom become stronger. He introduced the new agricultural techniques that will make a big difference.”
Queen Mira felt a twitch in her heart at her son’s earnest endorsement. He had mentioned Earl Rosewood’s agricultural contributions again.
King Edric looked down on his son. He suspected that Ayden had told Rian something. But Rian wasn’t telling them. For all that Rian was acting more mature lately, he was still a child and prone to bias.
King Edric’s tone was humourless: “Then, if it turns out he is a spy, are you ready to bear all the consequences, Prince Rian?”
“I am, Your Majesty.”
“Was he not the one who persuaded you to send a diplomatic party to the Angio Kingdom?”
“No, Your Majesty.” Rian’s clear and innocent eyes looked at his Imperial Father. “I have read through the history between our kingdoms. We are more prosperous when we are allies than when we are enemies. Rather than being the one who persuaded me, he was the one who agreed with me. Your Majesty, this kind of baseless rumour is being spread on purpose.”
“It is a serious allegation, if true. Rian, you must learn to put aside your biases in front of the interests of the kingdom.”
Despite the subtle oppression and the less subtle chiding, Rian wasn’t afraid of his Imperial Father.
“I understand, Your Majesty. I simply believe that it would a waste of your resources to monitor Earl Rosewood as opposed to the direct matters relating to the Cordovans’ hidden sponsor.”
“That’s not something for you to worry about yet,” King Edric said coolly.
“You previously assigned me matters relating to Earl Rosewood,” Rian said in the same cool tone.
King Edric bristled slightly. “We will consider your words. You can leave now, Rian.”
Rian bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Rian left that throne room with shadowed eyes.
He didn’t know if standing by Earl Rosewood’s side so clearly was the right thing to do at this moment in time. He wasn’t strong enough yet, wasn’t independent enough yet.
He disliked how he now had a thread of doubt about Ren Xiyang.
Why had he believed all the things that Ren Xiyang said?
Because Ren Xiyang felt trustworthy.
Because it was believable given Rian’s own experience of returning to the past. Because many of the things he said and did worked, like the improved farming methods. Because he cared about his people, much more than the majority of nobles. Because he told Rian many things about his past world, about his past, that he could have chosen to never reveal. Because he had trusted Rian with his secrets.
Who did Rian trust more? Ren Xiyang, or some anonymous letter writer who wanted to offend him?
The answer was obvious.
And unless this letter writer appeared out of thin air like ‘Ayden Rosewood’, their identity would soon be uncovered.
Rian: I trust Earl Rosewood. (You wouldn’t understand.)
King Edric: .…..
Queen Mira: .…..…
Count Aegean: Why do you two seem so surprised?
Who wants to bet it’s that fl? What’s her name healer who thinks it’s all aydens fault even tho he did nothing to her?
You can call her Cotton Candy! Starts with a C, is bright pink and melts in the rain 🙂
HAHAHA!!! XDDDD
Is it Cassiopeia? 🤣🤣🤣 We’ll have to see~
… Stupid self-absorbed fake female lead? …. She should just stop doing useless things and get to work like our favourite side characters that have more important things to do 😒
So you also think it’s Cassiopeia 🤣 We’ll have to see~
And Cotton Candy, seriously? Anonymous hate mail? That’s so childish. And if you want to convince someone, you absolutely should NOT insult them! Like, how old was Cotton Candy when she transmigrated, sixteen? Must’ve had horrible reading comprehension and a bad writing style. Or just bad grades over the entire board.
Now a thing about height… There was a girl in my class who, even with 16, didn’t reach the 150cm mark. Meanwhile, I was 150cm at 9, 175cm at ten and maxed out at 185 with 15 years of age. So, in short, height depends mostly on genetics, and then on how much you eat and sleep. But mainly genetics. Oh, and girls tend to be taller than boys of the same age.
Thank you for the chapter!
But Queen Mira does monitor Rian though, albeit both directly and from reports.
Why does everyone think it’s Cassiopeia? 🤣🤣🤣 We will get more about Cassiopeia though, I keep forgetting to write scenes for her 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
As for height, I’ll make Ren Xiyang as tall as I feel like in the end ;P
So, whoever wrote the letters must have a lot of money, also must’ve had contact (or at least seen) Ayden, and dislike him for some reason. Granted, the Cordovans could’ve also done that, but… Cotton Candy didn’t shine in the intelligence department up to now, so…
Now, there is paper as paper-ish as we know it, because fantasy 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 But yes, paper is certainly a luxury~
The reveal will come in less than ten chapters, probably 🤣🤣🤣
Thank you for the update ❤️💯
Thank you for reading!
Cassiopeia…. Really?? 😭
Of course Ayden appeared suddenly because before he was hidden… In a closet…
Thank you for the chapter!!! <3
Now, is it Cassiopeia….
Also…Ayden appearing from a closet…….coming out? Coming Out? 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣
Thank you for reading!
I love how everyone is already like “It’s 100% Cassiopeia who sent it”
I’m mean…I’m not saying they’re wrong 😂
Yeah, everyone thinks it’s her! Rian hasn’t even finished his investigation yet!
Good Rian listen to your gut
His gut is saying that Ren Xiyang is the best friend~
I’m sure it’s the damn female lead…! She needs to be taught a lesson! LEAVE OUR YANGYANG ALONE
You’re so sure 🤣 Ren Xiyang isn’t actually bothered lol
I’m not sure this is Cassie’s style: it’s taking quite a lot of effort and time, it doesn’t fit her “l’m the good person / hero of this story”, and the storyline is going to reset any moment to fit her worldview… hahahaha! So that kind of leaves openings for sneaky new villains. Thanks for the latest 🤣❤️
It indeed takes a lot of time and effort (and money!) to send this kind of anonymous letter.
We’ll see which new villains will arise~
Seriously her my gahd the moment I read the letter literally cringed bro my man wat do you think you doin there gurly
Man do wonder who’s the one that sent it tho
No reveal yet of the letter writing ;P you’ll have to wait and see~~~
Why had he believed all the things that Ren Xiyang said?
Because he cooks delicious food that’s out of this world!!
YOU ARE TOO RIGHT!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
The tone of the letter gives off Cassiopeia vibes, but the actual accusation of being an enemy spy is a hmmmm from me. I’m guessing it’s another jealous noble with too much money and time on their hands.
Cassiopeia is (rightfully) suspicious about Ren Xiyang, but I don’t think she can or would organize a smear campaign… maybe I’m just being optimistic though. It’d be pretty sad if she got cannon fodder’d because she (understandably) acted and thought she had a protag halo 💔
👀 There are definitely a lot of jealous nobles out there…
We’ll see the reveal (many chapters) later~
-10 year old found in midst of family’s corpses after ruthlessly asphyxiating assassins
-dyed black hair and red eyes
-may or may not have been kept in some storage closet or had an otherwise tragic backstory
is either your classic tragic villain or antihero!!! Even the very protag-esque duels could be rewritten as like, “This spooky child was already manipulating and oppressing the nobles within the first year of his introduction! His power was dark and unfathomable from a young age!!”
Basically. I am assuming that Ayden Rosewood looks like The Most Obvious Evil Murder Child from Cassiopeia’s perspective. Like seeing an old cracked porcelain doll in an abandoned manor. The reforms are because he’s building power to perform an Evil Coup and form a massive Evil Empire.
Now that you wrote it out like this……..🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 Like OMG. 100000% villain material!!!
There are DEFINITELY nobles who think Earl Rosewood is evil, INCLUDING because of those human rights reforms!
Logically speaking, she believes that Ren Xiyang isn’t from this world, so why would she say he’s a spy, even if he is ruining her favorite book? Cassiopeia has also proven that she’s immature and doesn’t think too far ahead; and she’s a 10 year old now, how could she get those letters out so secretively? She’s not nearly as cunning as Xiyang, and she has parents that probably watch her every move! My bets are on her dad, OR a plot twist and it’s one of Ayden’s new “allies” that think he’s gotten too much power. Or, double plot twist, it’s one/both of Rian’s parents testing his resolve about Ayden!
(of course, it could actually be some mean noble, but I like my theories more)
Interesting 👀👀👀👀👀 It’s true that it would definitely take some ability to get those letters sent out secretively~ Though Cassiopeia is mentally 18, and 18 year olds can be smart. That said, Ren Xiyang has many, many enemies~~~ We’ll see eventually~~~
Truthfully, the only reason I think it could be the royal family is that, as a child, when my mom and dad still did the whole “Santa Claus” thing, they’d write in neat, all caps, letters to disguise their handwriting!
So, I guess you could say I speak from firsthand experience haha!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 hehe we’ll see eventually~
😂 😂 😂 I agree with count aegean, why do you teow seem so surprise? 😅
sigh.. this stupid girl doing stupid things to make the plots come back to original rout? just don’t make our yangyang retaliate.. 🙄😤
I like to make Count Aegean suffer a bit 😂
Whoever wrote that letter is super messed up. That’s a kid. Baselessly accusing him of being an enemy spy when he’s all alone in the world is basically asking for his head. He hasn’t don’t anyone wrong enough where they should be making the crown think he’s a traitor and potentially killing him.
There are a lot of people who write that kind of hate mail in our world 😅
Is it Cassiopeia or the Queen ?
Wondering 🤔
Thanks for the chapter 💯☺
;P
I can’t help but feel a bit bad for Cassiopeia…unlike our protagonists, she’s actually 15 and doesn’t have the benefit of real career/leadership/military experience, and it’s totally reasonable of her to think that Ayden is suspicious even if the emotions driving her are primarily selfish ones 😅
Oops, missed that she was 18 but otherwise the point (mostly) stands. Though I guess we’ll see if it’s really her that sent the letters!
Helllo. Yep, she was 18, and yes, she indeed doesn’t have the same experience as Ren Xiyang and Rian. Those two shine too brightly 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣