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Chapter 14
The auction began.
Since the attendees were nobles and wealthy elites, rare and valuable items appeared one after another.
Whenever a famous person’s cherished item or an expensive object was presented, the bidding became intense.
Edward, who had quite a lot of money, watched with curious eyes—
and even won several items.
At completely overwhelming prices.
“100. 120, 140, 160, 180, 200. From now on, we’ll raise by 50.”
The price of an unpublished script by a famous playwright soared rapidly.
One by one, people lowered their bidding paddles until only two remained.
“300 kereas.”
“700.”
“700 kereas! Sold!”
Edward doubled the price and won.
Diana looked at him, not understanding.
Edward spoke gently,
“I decided to sponsor the Rudio Theater Company performing at the National Theater.”
“…Will the actors agree?”
“They said they want to create a play that doesn’t exist in the world. Even if they don’t use this script, it will still help them learn.”
Spending 700 kereas as a “gift”…
Was it wasteful? Or sincere?
Edward only smiled.
Like that, Edward bought unpredictable items one after another.
Marquis Yuno, the host, looked very satisfied.
Without a doubt, Edward had donated the most today.
As the auction continued, the value and reputation of items increased.
The third-to-last item was Edward’s.
“This item, donated by Baron Edward de Mare, is his personal fountain pen. He has used it since the beginning of his business career. It was also used to sign the exclusive contract with the Kingdom of Tenebre.”
The crowd murmured.
This was the very event that made Edward famous across the continent.
“Starting at 100 kereas.”
The price quickly rose.
It had great symbolic value, and Edward’s name alone attracted bidders—
businessmen and ambitious nobles alike.
“250, 300. Now increasing by 100.”
“500!”
“500! 600, 700, 800…”
At that moment—
Diana raised her paddle.
“2,000 kereas.”
“…2,000 kereas.”
The crowd stirred.
Edward’s heart did too.
“…Diana?”
She didn’t answer.
She hadn’t bid before simply because nothing interested her.
And she had no intention of buying anything belonging to Castus.
Then—
“2,500 kereas.”
Castus spoke.
Their eyes met.
His golden eyes curved slightly.
Edward closed his mouth.
This feels bad…
“3,000.”
“3,500.”
The numbers soared.
Other nobles stopped bidding and watched.
This was now a battle between the Crown Prince and the Grand Ducal Princess.
“4,000.”
“Hmm…”
Castus thought for a moment.
Then—
“5,000.”
Edward glanced at his pen.
A 100 kereas pen had become worth 50 times more.
Was it because of his name… or their pride?
Edward quickly calculated.
Then he wrote on Diana’s palm:
“Bet as much as you want.”
Even in this ridiculous situation—
buying back his own pen for thousands—
he smiled gently.
Diana made her decision.
Between lowering her pride before Castus…
or before Edward—
She chose the latter.
Because Edward was acceptable.
“7,000.”
“7,000 kereas!”
Gasps filled the room.
All eyes turned to Castus.
“…Well.”
He smiled and raised his hands.
“I surrender.”
“7,000! Sold!”
This became a story that proved their “love.”
Edward looked pleased that his item ended up in Diana’s hands.
“Are you happy?”
“Quite.”
Edward smiled brightly.
That was enough.
As the crowd calmed, Castus spoke casually.
“7,000 kereas… impressive. Even I can’t use that amount immediately.”
“The imperial family has many restrictions.”
“And the Grand Ducal House doesn’t?”
Diana looked at him calmly.
“My free-spirited merchant husband taught me a trick.”
“…A trick.”
Castus glanced around and said honestly,
“I’m jealous.”
Diana said nothing.
Edward suddenly spoke,
“Do you want another canelé?”
“Cut it.”
He carefully cut the top and fed it to Diana,
then ate the rest himself.
Watching them, Castus thought again—
I’m jealous.
“Next item: Lady Diana of Kailum’s possession—yellow sapphire earrings gifted by the Grand Duke.”
Edward raised his paddle and smiled.
“5,000.”
“…5,000 kereas! Sold!”
Diana looked at Edward.
He avoided her gaze.
Because—
he was afraid she would notice his possessiveness.
The couple buying each other’s items for huge sums left a strong impression.
Their desire to own each other’s belongings,
their wealth,
and their fulfillment of charity—
Everything fascinated the guests.
“Finally, the Crown Prince’s item… though it is not exactly an item.”
The crowd murmured.
“What does that mean?”
The auctioneer continued,
“A private dinner with His Highness at the famous restaurant ‘Inito’ in the capital!”
Diana thought:
How cunning.
It was an incredibly attractive offer.
A meal with the future Emperor—
For noble ladies, it meant romance.
For noble sons, opportunity.
For businessmen, influence.
And Castus would lose nothing.
“Diana, shall we leave?”
“That would be too obvious. After it ends.”
“Understood.”
Diana glanced at Edward briefly, then looked forward again.
“Starting at 100!”
Paddles shot up constantly.
Especially from noble ladies.
Edward clicked his tongue.
His Highness creates enemies without realizing it.
Several noblemen looked upset as their partners eagerly bid.
Edward didn’t want to think deeply about Castus—
But for Diana’s sake, he did.
What was his intention?
How dangerous was he?
Castus moved quietly beside Edward.
Then suddenly—
“Hoo…”
“Ah!”
Edward flinched in shock, raising his arm.
The auctioneer spotted him.
“2,000 kereas! Baron Mare, your bid?”
Silence fell.
Diana looked at them, stunned.
Edward felt wronged—
But he couldn’t back out.
He was Edward de Mare.
And Diana’s husband.
He couldn’t damage her reputation.
He closed his eyes tightly.
“2,500.”
“2,500 kereas!”
Castus laughed softly.
“Am I only worth that? Mare… that’s disappointing. Only half of Diana?”
Is he joking?
Edward’s face twisted.
But—
“2,500! Sold!”
“Baron Edward de Mare has won the dinner with the Crown Prince!”
