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Chapter 8
Vivienne glared at the Emperor seated in the VIP section behind a thin veil.
Any spoils that failed to be sold at the imperial auction were to be discarded. That was Leiden’s rule—and the routine of the original story.
But had a war captive ever been put up as an auction item?
No. Which meant Vivienne could not predict what would happen next in this auction’s future. Originally, she should have been executed without hesitation, but she had barely escaped that death flag and ended up here instead.
Prove your worth.
Chelsea’s words—at least she had treated her like a human being—echoed in her mind again and again.
I have to prove it.
Stay calm. I know these people.
The best method was to enter a high-ranking noble house as a maid, then carefully maneuver her words and escape to another country. Survive. Gain freedom. That was the only way.
She could no longer place hope in Leiden Valder.
Vivienne Leete—the “Unfading Star of Leete”—needed a believable, sacred mask.
“Oh my! That woman is the Star of Leete!”
“She’s even more beautiful than the rumors! Like a goddess…”
“How does she even have skin like that? It doesn’t look human.”
“Of course she’s called a star!”
The thin veil opened, and Vivienne stepped slowly onto the stage.
For a moment, the entire hall fell silent.
Even Vanessa Blanchett, who had been biting her lip, stared blankly.
Dazzling!
She looked like a flower in full bloom.
A pink silk dress swayed like rose petals whenever she moved. Delicate lace and multicolored bead embroidery sparkled across it. The dress perfectly complemented her soft pink eyes, drawing gasps from the crowd.
Unlike the noblewomen covering their arms with long sleeves, she revealed her slender white arms and delicate shoulders. Her skin shimmered like rippling light.
Around her neck hung a platinum necklace, and at her chest—where the neckline dipped deeply—pink tourmalines and topazes were embedded, catching the light from every angle in a dangerously alluring way.
Her abundant silver hair flowed freely without unnecessary ornaments or veils. That choice was perfect; her hair moved like clouds, leaving a deep impression.
“You’ve all been waiting! The Unfading Star of Leete! Princess Vivienne Leete, the last noble bloodline of Leete!”
Even the auctioneer introduced her with a dazzled expression.
…A star.
Leiden’s gaze drifted briefly to the constellations painted on the banquet ceiling—the language of the gods—before returning to the woman before him.
Fear was there, but so was a rigid determination. Her pink eyes refused to drop to the ground. A stubborn expression, as if she had made up her mind about something.
Only Leiden noticed her slight wavering—and almost stood up without realizing it, barely restraining himself.
Was it her unexpected defiance that still intrigued him?
Or that dangerously captivating beauty that almost felt intoxicating?
That moment his heart had burned—perhaps by coincidence—had he not decided to keep her alive because of it?
“Now then, the starting bid is 500 million gold.”
“500 million gold! An ultra-high price!”
At those words, the hall erupted into a wave of shock and murmuring.
Those who had already secured their gains, and those who had intended only to observe, all felt their curiosity and tension rise to the ceiling.
The “Unfading Star of Leete” looked more noble and valuable than expected. But each person’s thoughts twisted differently.
That radiant woman… could she be taken as a concubine?
Such beauty unseen in Valder… I want her.
A princess as a maid? Impossible. My useless husband would surely cheat…
Yet no one dared raise their paddle immediately.
Vanessa Blanchett clenched her dress beneath the table, maintaining a trained smile. Her fingertips had gone pale, though her face remained composed.
If no one bids… she’ll disappear like dust. Or…
She glanced at Count Yanin’s flushed face.
Hmph. Men are all the same.
Disgusting as it was, she might have to rely on him as a savior.
What truly bothered her was that Leiden kept staring at that “star” woman.
She needed to remove her quickly—and, if possible, hand her to the most humiliating bidder—so she could attend the tea party the Empress Dowager had promised, after carefully preparing her appearance again.
Tea flavored with acacia honey. She would leave an unforgettable impression on the Emperor.
“Does no one bid?”
Time dragged on. Vivienne’s throat grew dry.
I have to prove my value.
Suddenly, she noticed the constellation on the ceiling.
Her heart dropped.
That’s it!
The language of the gods.
She remembered it.
In the original work, the author often explained background lore in “author’s notes.” She had enjoyed reading them in her previous life and remembered parts of them.
The people of Valder feared curses and divine punishment. They believed in the gods’ protection, blindly following divine language and praising mythic heroes.
“May I speak for a moment?”
As she spoke, the hall fell silent.
Her voice was low but firm. Her posture—more than her jewelry or dress—captivated attention. She forced herself not to tremble.
Her heart felt like it would leap out of her chest.
“Emperor of the Great Valder Empire. Please grant a final mercy to a princess of a fallen kingdom.”
“Y-Your Majesty, should we remove her?”
“…She may speak.”
At the Emperor’s permission, tension flooded the hall once more. It was rare for him to allow such audacity.
Vivienne stepped forward.
“The ‘Unfading Star of Leete’ is not a title given by the people of Leete. Nor is it praise from painters or fame created by strangers. It is a name bestowed by the guardian god of Leete’s creation myth—Nasira—along with a prophecy.”
At the mention of the guardian god, a faint smile appeared on Leiden’s lips.
“Beautiful Leete shall fall, consumed by indulgence.”
“That was Nasira’s prophecy. And another prophecy followed—a final blessing born of pity for the kingdom’s fate…”
Her voice grew more intense. The crowd swallowed dryly.
“The prophecy says this: only the last bloodline with silver hair and soft pink eyes shall remain. Wherever she goes, she will bring wealth, prosperity, and fortune. She will become a symbol of transcendent happiness—the ‘Unfading Star of Leete.’”
The audience now listened in reverent silence.
“So she is a vessel of divine blessing?”
“If true, she is a symbol of incredible fortune!”
Vivienne continued, her voice gaining authority.
“Among Leete’s royal bloodline, only I possess silver hair and pink eyes. This title was bestowed upon me by the King of Leete as the messenger of Nasira’s prophecy. Though the kingdom has fallen as foretold, and I remain in sorrow…”
She paused briefly, meeting Leiden’s gaze.
“Since the Emperor of Valder spared Leete’s people and honored the will of the guardian god, all fortune and blessings contained within Leete shall now belong to Valder.”
The crowd’s perception shifted. Their gazes grew more favorable.
In truth, the title “Unfading Star” had originally been spread among men who desired her in high society—but a fallen kingdom’s mythology could easily be adjusted.
Suddenly—
A loud laugh echoed through the hall.
“Ahahaha!”
Leiden laughed so hard he bent forward.
He slapped the table repeatedly, gasping for breath, utterly amused. The crowd froze, unsure whether to laugh or bow.
“So that is to say—you exist here, and therefore Valder prospers even more, is that it?”
“…It is an honor, Your Majesty.”
“An honor! Hahaha! Yes, let us call it Valder’s blessing as well! Then we cannot discard this token of fortune, can we?”
Sensing his amusement, the nobles relaxed and laughed along. Champagne and wine flowed again, paddles rising once more.
The Emperor had declared it could not be discarded.
Meaning the auction remained valid—and must be won.
And now it was said to be a living blessing of divine protection!
“550 million gold.”
“Damn it! 600 million!”
“No way—then 650 million!”
The auctioneer struck the floor with his gavel repeatedly as prices soared.
Leiden’s face was filled with amusement.
Perhaps the woman had more hidden talents.
Such value should belong only to an Emperor.
His fingers tapped the table again.
How much was she worth? Could she even be priced?
“700 million gold!”
A sharp, almost pig-like scream rang out from somewhere.
How dare—
Leiden’s previously smiling face instantly twisted.
