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"Then see you later, Idris."
I left the room and entered the hall where the auction would be held.
"Lady Leticia."
There was the auctioneer, Mikael, and Ahmon, who came to touch the clothes that would be showcased today, and the empire's top prima donna who would wear them.
"Well, since we don't have much time, let's get straight to the point."
As soon as I spoke, everyone's attention turned to me.
Everyone seemed nervous; I could even hear them swallowing.
"As we discussed before, the order of the bazaar will be to first explain our business, then proceed with the auction, and finally showcase the new products."
Showing the most anticipated item last would keep people interested in the intermediate processes as well.
"So, Mr. Ahmon, please stay on standby and don't let your guard down until the end."
"Yes."
"And Lord Hildes..."
After instructing everyone on their respective tasks, it was rehearsal hell.
As we repeated the endless rehearsals, I suddenly felt people becoming very tense.
I noticed their glances were directed towards one side and turned my head.
'Idris?'
Idris was leaning against the hall entrance, watching the rehearsal.
But...
'Why does he seem to radiate such coldness?'
Our rehearsal isn't that bad, is it?
Following Idris's gaze, I saw it was fixed on Mikael.
"...Anyway. He's different on the inside, so don't let your guard down too much."
Come to think of it, Idris didn't like Mikael, did he?
'But why?'
I wondered if something had happened between them, so I subtly probed Mikael, but he said he had only greeted Idris at a banquet.
Just as I was questioning the subtle tension between them, Idris seemed to notice my gaze and turned to look at me.
Meeting my eyes, he smiled and slightly raised his hand, as if he had never exuded a cold aura at all.
Seeing him, I felt the tension that had been building up within me loosen.
'He really looks like a lover when he does that.'
Of course, this is just a play, being faithful to the role of lovers.
His presence, supporting me from behind, has become so natural and familiar that I feel like I'll be very empty when this play ends someday.
But that's a matter for the future, and for now...
'I need to focus on the present.'
I waved back at Idris and then spoke to the people who were overly conscious of him.
"Surely, you're not going to proceed while being so conscious of others, even with guests in front of you, are you?"
The people who had been watching Idris flinched.
The rehearsal is only being watched by Idris, but the upcoming auction will be attended by high-ranking nobles of the empire, as well as His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress.
They couldn't afford to be so nervous and conscious of Idris alone.
"Every moment is like the real thing for us. You know that, right?"
Only then did the people stop paying attention to Idris and start focusing on the rehearsal.
After repeating the rehearsal several times and fixing the parts that needed improvement.
Ding— Ding—
The sound of chimes announcing the hour faintly came from beyond the open entrance.
It was time for the guests to arrive.
I stopped the rehearsal at this point and gathered everyone together.
"Thank you all for deciding to use your valuable talents for such a meaningful cause."
In the eyes of the people who had gathered again, I could see anticipation rather than the tension from before.
I was confident in the success of this bazaar from those eyes and continued.
"Since geniuses from each field have gathered here, let's do our best to ensure that this bazaar remains one of our achievements."
"Yes!"
Soon, the curtain rose on the charity bazaar.
The hall was now filled with nobles.
The host, standing on the stage, bowed politely.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to see you all gathered at this meaningful event. I am Robinson, the storyteller from the Accellerando Theater Company, and I will be hosting today's bazaar."
As he bowed, a neat applause that maintained dignity without being too loud poured out.
"Ah, I hope there isn't anyone who hasn't been able to enter yet? Perhaps you forgot your invitation and were stopped at the entrance?"
"..."
"Just in case, please check if your husband or wife next to you has arrived. There will be some very valuable items at today's bazaar that you wouldn't want to miss."
Small laughter came from various places in response to the host's lighthearted joke to lighten the mood.
The experienced host shielded his eyes and looked around the hall before speaking.
"Judging by the reactions, it seems that fortunately, everyone has been able to enter."
"..."
"Then let's begin the auction in earnest!"
With the host's words, the bazaar began.
The first item, a rare medicinal herb, was auctioned off at a high price.
As the second and third items were presented, it was clear that the host was showing off his eloquence, and people's interest was gradually increasing.
'It's going smoothly.'
I was hiding behind the stage, watching the scene with satisfaction, when I frowned upon spotting an unwelcome face in the crowd.
'Paydan... he ended up attending.'
Of course, I had expected him to come and sent him an invitation, but seeing his face made me feel uneasy.
'Well, it can't be helped.'
Until I grow my business further and completely devour that bastard's business, I'll have to see him, even if I don't want to.
Putting aside my unpleasant feelings, I turned my gaze, and a servant's voice came from behind.
"Lady Leticia, it's time for the final auction item."
"Ah, thank you all for your hard work. The last auction item is the painting donated by His Majesty the Emperor, right?"
Turning around, I saw a framed picture covered in black cloth.
The final auction item, which would highlight today's auction, was a painting donated by His Majesty the Emperor, painted by a famous artist who is currently widely known in the empire.
'I didn't expect someone who doesn't like me to donate such a valuable painting.'
Of course, this was probably donated to save face for Her Majesty the Empress.
In any case, it was a good thing for me.
'Then, let's take one last look and go prepare for the upcoming new product show.'
However, when I slightly lifted the black cloth covering the frame, I was surprised and froze.
'The painting... it's turned black?'
The painting, which depicted the 모습 of two lovers in love, was completely stained black.
The warm colors were completely covered in black, creating a strange and eerie atmosphere.
'This, could it be...'
I ordered the servants who had brought the painting.
"Open this frame."
"Yes...?"
"Why are you suddenly doing this, Young Lady?"
Not only the servants, but also Mikael, looked bewildered by my sudden order, blinking in confusion.
It was understandable.
They wouldn't be able to see this black effect.
But there was no time to explain the situation to them.
"Hurry!"
As I urgently urged them, the servants opened the back of the frame, looking bewildered.
'If it's genuine, there should be the artist's signature on the back of the painting.'
However, after checking the back of the painting, I bit my lip.
'It's not there.'
There was nothing in the place where the artist's signature should have been.
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