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Chapter 23…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
The House of Conwill is one of only two ducal houses in the Orbes Empire.
Not only does it hold greater prestige in politics and high society than the House of Renotor, but the duchess is also the pinnacle of the social world.
Of course, there is the Empress Dowager, but since Mesed ascended to the throne, she no longer participates in social affairs. At present, the Duchess of Conwill holds the greatest influence in high society.
“Your Highness, I had no idea you were a fan of Gluck.”
The duchess wore an elegant smile, but her eyes were constantly studying Melina.
She valued etiquette and refinement above all, but she judged people by who they were rather than their status.
Fortunately, Melina was confident in etiquette and grace—this was a battle she could win.
“I first came to know Gluck’s works thanks to my husband, and I became an instant fan. So when I heard his new work was premiering, I begged to come see it.”
“Oh my, so you’ve discovered the charm of Gluck’s works. Once you watch one of his operas, you simply cannot help but be captivated.”
The duchess, who had been observing Melina from a careful distance, suddenly lit up at the mention of Gluck. She was an ardent admirer of the composer.
“It was the most beautiful performance I’ve ever seen. If I hadn’t met my husband, I might have lived my whole life without ever knowing such beauty.”
Melina looked at Cheroyan with affection. Now, she didn’t even need to act—her feelings naturally surfaced when she looked at him.
Watching this, the duchess’s expression softened.
The ducal couple had not married for political reasons but out of love.
Because of that, the duchess was generous toward couples bound by love. However, she held strong aversion toward infidelity and mistresses.
Ding, ding, ding.
A deep bell rang out, signaling the start of the performance.
“What a pity. I wanted to talk more about Gluck’s works.”
“I feel the same. I was glad to meet a fellow admirer, but there isn’t enough time to speak.”
As Melina let her eyes droop slightly in disappointment, the duchess pondered for a moment.
“Then how about this? I will invite Your Highness to my salon. The theme of the next gathering is Gluck’s new work.”
They had achieved their initial goal, but it was not enough.
To make the duchess a strong supporter, they needed to go one step further.
“Really? But… would it be alright for me to attend?”
Melina’s eyes sparkled with joy, then she hesitated as if suddenly worried. The duchess smiled kindly.
She likely thought Melina was concerned about her commoner background.
“Of course. It would be an honor for my salon if Your Highness attended.”
Still, as Melina continued to hesitate, the duchess’s smile deepened.
“Everyone gathered there loves Gluck’s works, so they will all welcome you warmly.”
Though spoken gently, there was a firm resolve beneath her words—as if she intended to make sure of it.
This was enough.
No one in the salon would dare disregard her now. She would be personally invited and protected by the hostess herself.
“I won’t forget your kindness. I already look forward to speaking at the salon.”
As Melina suppressed her true intentions and smiled brightly, the duchess looked pleased.
“Gluck’s works have a magical power to captivate people. Now, please enjoy the performance.”
After the duchess and Edmund exchanged formal greetings, Cheroyan and Melina also returned them.
Watching them enter the audience area, the two of them moved into the box seats next door.
“You earned the duchess’s favor in one stroke. Your prediction was correct.”
“It was simply making good use of an opportunity given by heaven.”
For this day, she had learned the duchess’s opera reservation schedule and seat location, and reserved the seat right next to hers.
She had also sent someone to tail the duchess and deliberately matched her arrival time at the opera house—ensuring a “coincidental” meeting.
“Even without the shared admiration for Gluck, you would have won her favor.”
“In what way?”
“Your etiquette, elegance, and dignified presence are captivating. Who would ever think you were a commoner?”
At his sharp observation, Melina inwardly flinched.
“And you are also intelligent and humble. The duchess could hardly help but like you.”
Cheroyan gently placed an arm around Melina’s shoulders.
“Ah, though your humility is probably just an act.”
He winked at her.
“So you’re saying I’m arrogant normally?”
She pouted, pretending to be offended.
“No. Normally, you are confident and proud. That’s your charm, isn’t it?”
He kissed her forehead and smiled.
“What should I do? For a while, only you’ll get to see that charm. I’ll have to keep acting modest until I’ve firmly established myself in high society.”
“I quite like the idea of having your charming side all to myself.”
He smiled lazily, like a satisfied beast. Melina laughed softly at him.
“Before the Harvest Festival, we must fully bring the duchess to our side.”
Melina leaned her head on Cheroyan’s shoulder, and he adjusted his posture so she could rest comfortably.
“She’s the only one who can influence the Duke of Conwill and Edmund. She’s important.”
“Of course. Their influence in the judicial world is enormous. We need them.”
The Duke of Conwill was a former Chief Justice and now served as Minister of Justice, while Edmund was the Chief Judge of the Imperial Capital Court.
The Conwill family stood at the head of the judiciary.
“I will also try to create opportunities to get closer to the Duke of Conwill.”
Since Cheroyan had kept his distance from other nobles until now, Melina looked at him slightly surprised.
“I can’t just stand by while you’re working so hard. This is our affair. We should work together.”
At the words “our affair,” Melina felt a warmth in her chest.
It felt as though they were truly walking forward together, looking in the same direction.
“Yes. It’s our affair. Let’s do it together.”
As Melina leaned gently into his embrace, his arms tightened around her.
With the orchestra’s grand music signaling the start of the opera, their attention turned to the stage.
At a late hour when even shadows had hidden themselves in darkness, two figures wearing robes and masks walked through a narrow alley.
They arrived in front of an unremarkable three-story building, then bypassed the front entrance and moved through a side passage to the back.
There, a reinforced iron door stood firmly shut.
One of them knocked. A small window above the door opened, revealing the eyes of a rough-looking man.
After showing a red pass, the man silently opened the door.
Guided inside, they entered a large underground hall.
The lowest floor was filled with rows of chairs, while the upper level was designed like opera box seats.
The lower floor was already packed with people.
The two entered a box seat on the upper level and sat facing the stage.
“I didn’t know there was a place like this in the capital.”
A familiar voice came from one of them—Cheroyan.
“It’s a private auction only for VVIPs. Admission is strictly controlled based on social status and wealth, so not just anyone can enter.”
The one answering beside him was Ran.
“If I had applied officially, would I have been qualified?”
“You would have. Of course, in the lower seats.”
“The lower seats?”
Cheroyan raised his eyebrows in displeasure.
“Your Highness wouldn’t be someone to spend large sums at auctions, would you? The best seats go to those who spend the most.”
Ran spoke matter-of-factly, unaffected by his reaction.
Cheroyan did not refute it. Without Melina, he would never have set foot in a place like this.
“Then why bring me here today?”
“You came under the name Temno to conceal your identity. And since you’re here for our master, you deserve a good seat.”
At Ran’s unwavering loyalty to Melina, Cheroyan let out a small laugh.
“I see. Thank you.”
“I merely followed orders for my master.”
This was a gemstone auction house operated by Temno. Unlike ordinary auctions, it was membership-based, and even members did not know each other’s identities.
The items auctioned were also extraordinary—extremely valuable treasures, many of them unknown to the public.
Collectors frequented it, but some also attended simply to display their wealth.
When Cheroyan had asked Ran for advice on giving Melina a special gift, this was the place she had recommended.
Otherwise, he would never have even known it existed.
“I don’t know much about jewelry, so I’ll need your help. I want Mel to stand out at the Harvest Festival. So much that no one can ignore her.”
Ran nodded, agreeing as if it were only natural.
“This is the item you were looking for. The item next to it is also a recommendation—it matches well. Both would suit our master.”
Ran showed him a catalog with images and descriptions.
“Hm. The auction price must be quite high.”
“You should have been prepared for that when you came here.”
Cheroyan let out a dry laugh at the lightly reprimanding tone.
“If you had been my subordinate, I wouldn’t have let that slide.”
“I am my master’s subordinate.”
He was momentarily at a loss for words at the fearless reply.
He had briefly forgotten that Ran belonged to Temno.
The people of Temno know no fear. They obey only their leader’s orders. It reminded him once again of what kind of woman his wife was.
“May your loyalty never waver.”
Ran looked at him quietly.
Her usual expressionless face now seemed to hold many thoughts.
Then she nodded.
“Now, we begin the auction.”
At the auctioneer’s voice, both of them turned their eyes toward the stage.
