Concluding the agreement (2)

''Hmm…''

Rose awoke to the gentle rustling of pages turning, a sound that seemed to float through the air with an almost hypnotic rhythm. For a moment, she was disoriented, her mind slowly piecing together the unfamiliar surroundings. The last thing she remembered was the overwhelming fatigue that had washed over her as she waited in the Emperor's office.

But…hadn't she been resting on the desk?

Rose realized with a start that she was not slumped over the imposing desk, but instead reclined on a comfortable relaxing sofa. The soft cushions embraced her, providing a sense of warmth. She adjusted her position slightly, her muscles protesting as she did so, and sat up to have a proper took in her surroundings.

''....?'' Rose was momentarily confused as she surveyed her current location. Her gaze drifted to the side, beyond the opposite sofa, and there, seated at the desk, was the Emperor himself.