Chapter 34
At that moment, the crowd became noticeably noisy.
“Oh my!”
“Eek!”
There was a thud. The crowd parted, and the servants rushed toward the source of the sound. It came from a chair at the front, one specially arranged for elderly or distinguished guests. A reddish-haired and bearded old man was struggling to rise with the help of the servants. The moment I recognized him, a smile automatically formed on my lips. It was Burtington.
“Th-this…! How could this happen…!”
He was furious, trembling with one arm supported by a servant and the other gripping his cane. He scanned the crowd as if looking for someone—probably my aunt.
“How dare you deceive me…!”
Burtington shouted in anger the moment he spotted my aunt. He seemed barely able to breathe; one might think he could collapse from rage at any moment. People murmured, wondering what on earth had happened.
“No, that’s not….”
My aunt tried to explain with a flustered expression, but Burtington ignored her. At Katia’s gesture, the servants quickly escorted him out.
“There was a bit of commotion just now. Our apologies. We deeply appreciate Sir Burtington attending the founding ceremony despite not feeling well.”
Katia stood on the podium and spoke loudly. My aunt and Amy, looking embarrassed, glanced around and eventually left. I tried to see Leuké’s expression from above, but it was hard to make out.
Meanwhile, Katia continued addressing the audience from the front of the stage.
“First of all, thank you all for gathering at the founding ceremony of the Schacht Troupe.”
Next to her stood a tall, handsome blonde man in a white uniform. His honey-blonde hair sparkled like Alex’s, but his presence was entirely different. If Alex had a delicate, somewhat sad charm that made you want to comfort him, this crown prince exuded confidence—a strong, strikingly handsome type.
“His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince.”
“Wow, he’s unbelievably handsome every time you see him.”
People whispered among themselves. Indeed, he was strikingly good-looking. His light smile and relaxed posture beside Katia exuded calm, occasionally glancing at the audience below, making hearts flutter. Born with it, clearly. But I wasn’t fond of arrogant types—those who think they’re superstars from birth always cause trouble.
“Do you feel like he noticed you?”
“I don’t know… he’s just… handsome. Really…”
Katia proudly observed the murmuring audience before introducing the Crown Prince.
“I also deeply appreciate His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince, for gracing this occasion with his presence.”
Pointing to him with both hands, Katia invited the Crown Prince forward.
“I’ve heard that theater has become very popular recently. Given the multiple troupes, there’s a concern that indiscriminate competition, sensationalism, and provocative content could negatively influence the public. I believe Katia’s troupe will serve as a good example. I hope everyone will support and take an interest in their productions.”
Predictable words, as expected—so much so that it made me smile wryly. A typical social ranking.
I searched for the Duke. He should have been seated in the front row. Whether Katia liked him or not, he was a distinguished guest. Yet, he was nowhere in sight. Had he not come?
“Looking for me?”
It was Leon’s voice—always appearing from behind or at the most unexpected moments.
“Ah.”
“You stood out so much that I noticed you first.”
I was about to ask how he found me so quickly, but he answered before I could. Leon, too, was dressed in a formal uniform. I had always thought he was handsome, but seeing him fully dressed from head to toe was striking.
“Don’t stare too hard.”
“Others are staring way more. They keep glancing at you.”
I could feel the gazes around me. Everyone seemed to notice us; even just standing here, we stood out. Was it really okay to speak so casually with him in this setting?
“That’s only natural.”
I knew he would say that.
“But today, you also…”
“Your Highness! If you keep disappearing without a word, what am I supposed to do?”
Leon tried to speak, but his aide hurriedly blocked him.
“You’ve already greeted everyone. You don’t have to sit there if you don’t want to.”
“But it’s better to sit, isn’t it? Better than leaving the seat with Your Highness’s name empty!”
The aide dragged the Duke away, and I never even got to ask what he intended to say, watching his retreating back.
Meanwhile, Katia began introducing the troupe members one by one.
“First, the person I most wanted to recruit—the face of our troupe—Leuké Warren!”
Leuké smiled brightly as she stepped forward. Before she could speak, the audience murmured.
“My goodness, what’s with that dress…?”
“It’s pretty, though.”
“No, it almost shows her legs.”
“Has anyone ever been that beautiful? Why haven’t I seen her before?”
As Leuké seemed about to speak, the crowd fell silent.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Leuké Warren. My father was the late Viscount Warren. It may seem unusual for a noblewoman to become an actress, but I intend to give it my all.”
Leuké gracefully bowed. If only Burtington had seen this too—he was so frail that he was shocked just seeing her seated earlier. People continued whispering about Leuké.
“She’s a noble?”
“She’s beautiful, but if she becomes an actress, what about marriage?”
“Maybe she won’t marry…?”
“Who would marry anyway? Being an actress is… tricky.”
“Her family is noble but small, and apparently no one is there to look after her?”
I approached the women exchanging these comments. Exactly why I came.
“So you’re saying the young lady of Schacht is exploiting a minor noble family?”
“Oh, no, that wasn’t what I meant.”
“This is an announcement that Miss Schacht, who has always gathered talented people at her salons, is officially running a theater troupe.”
“Right, that’s correct…”
Those gossiping nodded awkwardly. Some controversies disappear on their own, but negative perceptions can’t be left unchecked.
Katia continued introducing famous playwrights and popular actors, but people kept talking about Leuké.
“How did she even become an actress?”
“Well, many people like theater, but few consider doing it themselves…”
“She must have a bold personality, don’t you think? Just look at her outfit… so flashy.”
Leuké’s dazzling appearance naturally drew such attention. But once she performed on stage, it would turn admiration into genuine respect.
“She’s beautiful, elegant, captivating… even a simple silhouette looks stunning.”
“Don’t even think about wearing something like that. She’s an actress, so it’s acceptable.”
“But she’s a noble too.”
“Being a noble isn’t the problem. With her beauty, even a sack of flour would look good.”
Whispers about the novelty of a noble actress, admiration for Leuké’s dress, and her personal charm floated through the audience. While this was the intended reaction, I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. From a business perspective it was excellent, but as Leuké’s biggest fan, I wanted only kind words to be said about her.
“I think we’ve heard enough.”
Leon whispered softly to me. Had this stiff man somehow noticed my discomfort?
“Shall we go?”
“It’s better to act quickly.”
Of course, it was about business. I had already prepared some plans but wanted to watch Leuké until the end. Later, there would be a banquet, and I needed to demonstrate that we would not lose. Hence, I dressed up accordingly.
“But today we must show that we won’t lose. The power play is important.”
“Even though we’re going to win anyway.”
I widened my eyes at the Duke. Previously called cunning, he now seemed to trust me immensely.
“Is it too much to ask to go work after dressing up so nicely?”
“That doesn’t matter. Who cares what I’m wearing?”
After all introductions were finished, Katia applauded loudly, and the orchestra began playing.
“Now that we’re all here, let’s not stop at introductions. We’ve prepared food and music, so please enjoy yourselves!”
The audience, as if waiting for this moment, dispersed to eat or dance.
I approached Katia. As I neared, she met my gaze and smiled. I returned a small smile before bowing gracefully to the Crown Prince, whom I was seeing for the first time.
“Your Highness, this is Melias Warren, Leuké’s younger sister.”
Katia introduced me to the Crown Prince naturally. Judging by his demeanor, he seemed to know a little about me already.
“Thanks to Miss Katia’s invitation, Your Highness.”
“Pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard a lot. Katia said she met a very interesting person.”
As expected, calling someone “interesting” didn’t sound entirely friendly.
“If they meet a good master, their talent will flourish. What a pity.”
He meant I should have aligned with him, not Leon. To say that so openly—it irritated me.
“That matter is already settled, Your Highness.”
I had wanted to retort, but Leon, standing behind, placed a hand on my shoulder and spoke.
