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CHAPTER 87…
“See you later, Idris.”
After leaving the room, I entered the hall where the auction would take place.
“Lady Leticia.”
Inside were the auctioneer, Mikael, Amon—who came to prepare the clothes for today—and the Empire’s top prima donna, who would be wearing them.
“Alright, we don’t have much time, so let’s get straight to the point.”
The moment I opened my mouth, everyone’s attention snapped to me.
They were clearly nervous—I could even hear them swallowing.
“As I mentioned before, the order of the bazaar will be: first, we’ll introduce our project, then proceed with the auction, and finally, unveil the new product at the very end.”
You have to save the most anticipated part for last, so people stay interested through the rest.
“So, Amon, please stay alert and don’t let your guard down until the end.”
“Yes.”
“And Lord Hildes, you…”
After giving everyone their instructions, the rehearsal hell began.
As we repeated the endless rehearsals, I could suddenly feel the tension rise among the people.
I noticed everyone’s eyes glancing toward one direction and turned my head.
‘Idris?’
At the entrance of the hall, Idris was leaning casually against the wall, watching the rehearsal.
But…
‘Why does he seem to be radiating cold energy?’
The rehearsal wasn’t that bad.
Following his line of sight, I found Mikael at the end of it.
“…Anyway. He’s not what he seems, so don’t let your guard down.”
That’s right, Idris had expressed dislike for Mikael before.
‘But why exactly?’
Curious if something had happened between them, I subtly asked Mikael, but he had only met Idris briefly at a banquet.
Just as I was pondering the strange tension between the two, Idris seemed to notice my gaze and turned toward me.
The moment our eyes met, he smiled warmly and gave a slight wave—like he hadn’t been glaring icily just seconds ago.
Seeing him, I felt my tension ease without even realizing it.
‘He really does seem like a real lover.’
Though, of course, this was all just part of our act.
Still, having his silent support behind me had become so natural, so familiar… that I feared I’d feel an emptiness once this act was over.
But that was a worry for the future. For now…
‘Focus on the present.’
I gave Idris a small wave back, then turned to address the group who were clearly overly conscious of his presence.
“Don’t tell me you’re going to be this tense even with the guests in front of you?”
At that, those who had been watching Idris flinched.
This wasn’t just rehearsal anymore. Soon, not just Idris, but the Empire’s high-ranking nobles—and even the Emperor and Empress—would be watching.
Letting one man shake them like this was unacceptable.
“Every moment is the real thing for us. Got it?”
Only then did people start shifting their focus back to the rehearsal instead of Idris.
We continued the run-through several more times, fixing things as needed.
DONG— DONG—
From beyond the open doors, the faint chime of the hour rang out.
It was time for the guests to arrive.
I called an end to the rehearsal and gathered everyone.
“Thank you all for deciding to dedicate your talents to such a meaningful cause.”
The tension in their eyes had faded slightly, replaced now with anticipation.
Seeing that, I felt a deep confidence that this charity bazaar would be a success.
“With such geniuses gathered from each field, let’s give our best to make this bazaar one of our proudest accomplishments.”
“Yes!”
And just like that, the curtain rose on the charity bazaar.
Soon, the hall was filled with nobles.
The host stood at the podium and greeted them politely.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m honored to welcome you all to this meaningful event. I am Robinson, the storyteller of the Achellerando Troupe, and I’ll be your host for today.”
When he bowed, polite and refined applause followed.
“Oh, I hope no one’s stuck outside—maybe because they forgot their invitation?”
“…”
“Just in case, please check if your husbands and wives are all here. You wouldn’t want to miss today—we’ve got some truly rare treasures coming up.”
The host’s lighthearted jokes drew a few chuckles from the audience.
With a playful hand shielding his eyes, he scanned the hall and continued.
“Judging by your reactions, looks like everyone’s made it in safely.”
“…”
“Then let’s begin the auction in earnest!”
With his announcement, the bazaar officially began.
The first item—a rare medicinal herb—was sold at a high price.
As the second and third items were introduced, the host really began to shine, and the crowd’s interest noticeably picked up.
‘Everything’s going smoothly.’
Watching from backstage, I was quite pleased… until I spotted an unwelcome face among the crowd.
I frowned.
‘Phaedon… So he came after all.’
Of course, I had sent him an invitation expecting him to attend, but seeing his face still irritated me.
‘Well… it can’t be helped.’
Until I grow my business enough to completely swallow his, I’ll have to put up with seeing his face—even if I don’t want to.
Shaking off the unpleasantness, I turned my gaze elsewhere.
Just then, a servant approached from behind.
“Lady Leticia, it’s time for the final auction item.”
“Ah, great work, everyone. The last item is the painting His Majesty donated, correct?”
Turning around, I saw a frame covered in black cloth.
The highlight of today’s auction—the final item—was a painting donated by the Emperor himself, painted by one of the most renowned artists in the Empire today.
‘I didn’t expect someone who dislikes me to donate such a valuable painting.’
Though, it was probably for the Empress’s sake.
Either way, it worked in my favor.
‘Alright, time to inspect this and then prepare for the product showcase.’
I gently lifted the black cloth over the frame—
—and froze.
‘The painting… turned black?’
The image of the loving couple that had once filled the canvas was now completely darkened.
The once warm tones were drowned in black, giving off an eerie and chilling atmosphere.
‘This… could it be…?’
I turned to the attendants who had brought the painting and gave a command.
“Open the frame.”
“Pardon…?”
“Why all of a sudden, my lady?”
Even the servants—and Mikael—looked baffled at my sudden order.
It made sense.
They couldn’t see what I was seeing.
But I didn’t have time to explain.
“Hurry!”
At my urgent tone, the attendants, still confused, began opening the back of the frame.
‘If it’s the real painting, the artist’s signature should be on the back.’
But once I checked the back…
I bit my lip.
‘It’s gone.’
The place where the artist’s signature should have been—was completely blank.
