Chapter 30……………………………………….
Staring blankly at the attendant, I wondered why Riana had suddenly sent for me. Nothing in particular came to mind, so I nodded and told him to lead the way. He turned around and walked ahead.
When I followed him to a carriage parked nearby, Riana greeted me with a bright smile. Even seeing her after a long time, she still looked young. Was she really lying about her age?
“Ludia! Sit down first. I called you because I had something to say—do you have time?”
“I have plenty. Please, go ahead.”
Riana smiled faintly, closed the carriage door, and after looking at me for a moment, went straight to the point.
“Did you see the posters?”
The posters… Was she talking about Ban? I slowly nodded.
“What do you think?”
“I think it’s a bold decision. Everyone’s saying it’ll produce a completely different outcome than before. Some people even predict it’ll break all previous charity event records.”
“Right? I think so too.”
“…But isn’t it a bit much? Selling that kind of painting won’t be easy.”
“That’s why we’re planning a secret auction. The painting will be kept covered, and only the buyer will have the privilege of seeing it. So you don’t need to worry too much.”
I see. Still, it felt excessive, and as I hesitated, Riana smiled again.
“For now, just enjoy today. The real auction is tomorrow, so tonight you can enjoy yourself without thinking too hard. We’ve prepared a light party too, so the atmosphere should be nice.”
I lifted my eyes slightly to look at the ceiling, then lowered my gaze again. Riana’s bright smile came into view. After a short breath, I spoke.
“What do you want?”
As if she’d been waiting, she narrowed her eyes slightly, subtly changing the mood. She was skilled at controlling the atmosphere—should I call it frightening, or impressive?
“It’s simple. This auction could be a little dangerous.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ban.”
I flinched at his name, and Riana let out a low laugh.
“You saw the reward attached to the auction, right? Honestly, that’s the main objective rather than the painting itself. People will participate in the auction just for that.”
“Even I find it appealing. For those trying to solidify their position, there’s nothing more attractive. I’m sure everyone, regardless of age or gender, will try desperately to win that item.”
“What about you, Ludia? Aren’t you interested?”
Of course I was. Wanting that painting was only natural. But the real thing was far better—did I really need a painting of his face? I wasn’t desperate enough to spend that kind of money.
“Not really.”
“I like your honesty.”
“You said that was my charm.”
“Hoho, it is. A very sweet charm. So I’ll be blunt.”
She wiped the smile from her face and spoke with a dry, expressionless look.
“This auction may offer a sweet reward, but there’s a much heavier purpose beneath the surface.”
“For example?”
“That reward is bait.”
Bait?
“Recently, a large amount of poison was found in items Ban uses inside the Crown Prince’s palace. It was an assassination threat.”
“Isn’t that dangerous? You should find out who—”
“We tried. But the people who brought those items in had already been dealt with. The dead don’t talk. In the end, it was quietly buried. But if we leave it like this, they’ll definitely attempt something bigger next time. It’s bad for Ban, and we also need to prevent innocent people from dying. So we threw Ban out as bait. This was his idea, by the way, so don’t misunderstand.”
It was heavy stuff—almost the kind of thing I shouldn’t even be hearing. I tilted my head, wondering if I should keep listening, but Riana continued.
“Ban’s portrait will be auctioned in an unofficial bidding held with everyone wearing masks. It’s to flush out those who want his life. Some people will spend a fortune for their own advancement, but there will definitely be those who spend even more. Do you know who those are?”
“…The noble faction? Or his other brothers?”
“Exactly. If Ban disappears, the people who could take his place would spend far more money. And with masks hiding their identities, they’ll act even more boldly.”
Using the Crown Prince as bait was shocking enough, but Riana, who planned it, was even more unsettling. Just who was she? She seemed far too sharp and decisive to be merely a cousin.
“…But there’s something I’m curious about.”
“What is it?”
“If the main goal is to flush out enemies, was it really necessary for Ban to paint such a shocking piece? He is the Crown Prince, after all…”
“Are you saying it’s too much?”
“A little.”
Riana smiled faintly and tilted her head. When I looked at her for an explanation, she slowly opened her mouth.
“It’s simple. To hide one objective, you put something even more controversial in front. The painting will actually be sold, but it’s scheduled to be ‘lost’ during transport. So even if it’s painted, you don’t need to worry about anyone seeing it. We’re not going to damage the Crown Prince’s dignity.”
A diversion—setting up an even bigger smokescreen to hide what’s behind it.
“And, Ludia.”
I looked up.
“Do you know how many Crown Princes have thrown away their lives just to protect a bit of dignity and pride? Historically, Crown Princes have one of the lowest survival rates among royals. It’s a position constantly changing due to countless assassination attempts.”
Her gaze was razor-sharp.
“Do you know what I and Ban have done over the past ten years to hold onto that position? Wounds to pride and honor last only a moment, but death is forever. Even if you sharpen the blade of revenge for ten years, drawing it slowly afterward is never too late.”
Riana was viewing the situation with complete rationality—clearly distinguishing their weapons, strengths, and weaknesses, and maximizing what could help them. And Ban trusted her plan.
As I silently stared at her, Riana smiled softly and looked back at me.
“I just explained this because I thought you might be a little curious. Don’t worry too much about it.”
As if I wouldn’t worry. I was worrying a lot.
“Enjoy the charity event, and see you again later. I hope we get a chance to have a meal together sometime.”
“…Take care.”
With an uneasy expression, I stood up. The carriage door opened, and as I moved outside, her voice pierced my back once more.
“By the way.”
I turned my head slightly, and Riana spoke in a slow, almost languid voice.
“If you want some help at tonight’s party…”
She lightly brushed her lips with her fingertips, lowered her eyes, then raised them again.
“Come to the western lake.”
“…”
“I hope it helps.”
Sighing, I stepped down from the carriage. The sky was clear and bright, but my heart felt oddly heavy. What on earth is all this?
“I’ll escort you.”
“It’s fine.”
I waved the attendant off and turned away. …By the way, did he really paint an upper-body nude? Couldn’t I ask to see it just once? I don’t need to own it—just a peek…
Damn it, my inner pervert is acting up again. Calm down. Still, Ban’s nude portrait kept floating through my head.
Night fell, but the lights of the charity venue continued to shine, filling people with delight. Elegantly dressed guests moved brilliantly beneath the lights. Countless nobles mingled, holding drinks or fans, trying to cozy up to one another. Watching them blankly, a smile unconsciously formed.
“Are you having fun too, Ludia?”
Elian, dressed more splendidly than anyone else, was like a butterfly. She stuck close to my side, grinning brightly. You look like you’re having more fun than I am.
“It’s more interesting than fun.”
“What is?”
I tilted my chin toward the crowd. Beneath the floating lights, everyone sparkled in their own way. Following my gaze, Elian turned her head and smiled.
“Everyone looks excited. Like elegant butterflies—”
“Don’t they look more like fireflies?”
“Huh?”
“Or maybe moths?”
“……”
I brushed my fallen side hair behind my ear and rolled my eyes, looking at Elian, who had frozen.
“They’re all sparkling.”
In the morning, I hadn’t cared about people, and most of them looked dull and blurry. But in the evening light, each showed their own individuality, looking glamorous and beautiful. Well, everyone has their own agenda, but these kinds of parties are surprisingly fun—though still tiring.
“Ludia, want a drink?”
“Alcohol?”
Given past incidents, people complained that I wasn’t human when I drank, but I still liked sweet fruit wine. As I licked my lips, Elian hurried off and came back with a glass. The wine glowed beautifully in red.
“Is this strong?”
“It’s made from distilled pomegranate. Not strong.”
I examined the wine for a moment, then slowly brought it to my lips. Pressing my lips against the firm edge of the cold glass, I took a sip. A sharp aroma hit first, followed by sweetness filling my mouth.
“…It’s good.”
“Right? It’s one of my favorites. Do you like it?”
“Yeah. I like—”
I stopped mid-sentence. Why was I chatting so casually with Elian? Normally I’d ignore her out of annoyance. But lately, talking with her didn’t feel that uncomfortable. Maybe because her old, condescending tone was gone?
Lately, she’d been especially affectionate. Sometimes it was annoying, but seeing her personally go get me a drink like this made me wonder what was going on. In the past, she would’ve ordered me around like a maid…
Watching Elian tilt her head with a smile, I shook my head.
Don’t fall for it. It’s a scheme—a scheme.
I decided not to think too deeply. I didn’t expect some novel-like twist where Elian had reformed, changed her ways, and felt guilty toward me. If people could change overnight, everyone would be great.
In that sense, I believed Elian’s nature hadn’t really changed. She might still treat others the way she used to. Knowing that, I stiffened my expression instead of smiling back and changed the subject.
“Are you going to bid tomorrow?”
