Chapter 153: Basic Accomplishments
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 153: Basic Accomplishments
“Director, you do realize I’m an investor, right? I have absolutely no intention of putting on a performance using some failed, outdated script.”
“I certainly didn’t bring just any old script.”
Perhaps sensing my irritation, Lucion leaned forward slightly in his seat.
“Believe it or not, this is a work by Berlini.”
At those words, Cecilia, who was sitting beside me, let out a sharp gasp of surprise.
Judging by her reaction, he must be a fairly famous playwright.
“But didn’t Berlini pass away two years ago?”
Cecilia, who had been clearly wary of Lucion, couldn't contain her curiosity and slipped into the conversation.
“It’s a work I purchased before he died.”
Lucion explained that when the extravagant Berlini was struggling financially, he had bought up all of his relatively unknown scripts at once.
“It would have been troublesome if another troupe put on an opera with one of them and it actually did well, after all.”
In short, he did it to prevent anyone else from succeeding.
“Even so, isn't it still a failed work?”
“There is a reason this piece received a poor response during its premiere,” Lucion said with a bitter smile.
“It’s about a noblewoman who takes revenge on her unfaithful husband. However, just a few days before the premiere, it was revealed that the lead actress herself was having an affair, and the production collapsed completely.”
Insisting that the play itself was quite entertaining, he slid the script toward me so the title was clearly visible.
“In any case, it would take at least a year to put on a completely new play.”
“A year?”
“Even if the script is written quickly, it takes that long for composing, arranging, and rehearsals. Even if we used existing music, we’d need at least six months.”
Only then did I realize I had been far too naive.
Come to think of it, there was no way a new opera could be whipped up just like that… I had overlooked how much time it would take.
‘But even so, a year is too far into the future for me.’
Thinking that, the script suddenly began to look very attractive.
“Since it’s set ten years ago, the script will need some revisions.”
I looked down at the cover.
Lady in the Flames.
Well, for starters, the title definitely has to change.
“Didn’t Your Highness give me a sharp critique back then?” Lucion said, arching a handsome eyebrow.
—“The male lead falls in love alone, gets his heart broken, jumps off a cliff, and even gets shot—but does the female lead do even one thing of her own volition?”
He seemed to be quoting the criticism I had leveled at the female lead back then.
“I wouldn't call it a sharp critique,” I said, feeling a bit embarrassed.
“Anyway, hearing those words suddenly made me think of this work.”
Well, if he was going that far.
After a moment’s thought, I picked up the script.
“Fine, I’ll give it a read.”
“I will leave the script entirely in Your Highness’s hands,” Lucion said with a bright smile.
“You surely know the tastes of noblewomen far better than I do.”
Lucion readily stepped back, even suggesting that I could find a new writer to adapt it.
Seeing me nod, Lucion naturally shifted the topic.
“By any chance, do you enjoy horseback riding?”
“Riding?”
He asked with a look of pure curiosity.
“I’d like to go for a run for the first time in a while to look around the castle grounds. It would be an honor if Your Highness would accompany me.”
I knew that the Grand Duke’s Castle was famous for having many fine horses.
Since there were over a hundred knights, the stables were enormous, and I’d heard the fields for riding were exceptionally well-maintained.
I had never been there, though, as they were quite a distance from the main castle.
“Are you busy this afternoon?” Lucion asked with a radiant smile.
It was clear the Prince used his face as a weapon. That clear, bright smile suggested he didn't doubt for a second that I would agree.
However, before I could even offer an answer, Cecilia cut in with a cold expression.
“Your Highness, your schedule for this afternoon is completely full.”
Wait, didn't I intentionally leave the entire afternoon open?
But when I turned my head, I realized Cecilia was creating an excuse for me to reject Lucion.
“Ah, that’s right.”
I played along and turned back to Lucion.
“It seems it will be difficult for me to accompany you.”
“Then how about tomorrow?” Lucion asked nonchalantly.
“I believe Her Highness also has many duties to attend to starting from tomorrow morning. Isn't that right, Aide?”
Once again, Cecilia answered for me and looked toward Perel.
“That… she has several meetings scheduled with the administrators.”
To think even Perel would go along with this.
“So… it seems.”
“What about the day after?” Lucion’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“What shall we do? Her Highness is so busy with public and private affairs that she rarely has a free moment.”
“That’s fine. I have plenty of time while I’m staying here,” Lucion said, curling one corner of his mouth upward.
“I will match whatever time is convenient for Your Highness. Surely you won't reject this as well?”
At those words, Cecilia’s lips trembled.
To save my lady-in-waiting from further trouble, I finally spoke up.
“I’m sorry, Prince, but that will be difficult.”
Lucion’s face stiffened slightly at my words.
“May I ask the reason?”
I lightly scratched the bridge of my nose and said, “I don’t know how to ride a horse.”
At that admission, not only Cecilia and Perel but even the knights standing in the distance wore looks of bewilderment.
It seemed the fact that the Grand Duchess, a daughter of a prestigious family, didn't know how to ride was more shocking than I thought.
‘Even if she was illegitimate, did the Marquis’s house really not provide such basic education?’
No one spoke, but I felt as if everyone was thinking the exact same thing.
Only Lucion maintained a steady smile.
“Oh dear, I was too hasty. I should have asked if you rode first.”
Lucion tried to smooth it over, but still.
He had asked so casually because riding was considered a basic accomplishment.
‘Is not knowing how to ride really that shameful?’
But I couldn't very well tell a lie that would be found out immediately.
“If you need a guide, I’ll assign a knight to you.”
I caught the eye of Norton, who was standing by the door, and he bowed his head slightly.
“I’m not very familiar with the geography behind the castle myself, so it will be much more helpful for you to go with a knight.”
Lucion’s eyebrows twitched as if he didn't like that answer, then he suddenly asked softly, “Alternatively, shall I teach Your Highness how to ride?”
“You, Prince?”
“As I said, I have plenty of time while I’m here. Even if you don’t enjoy riding, it will be useful to learn.”
And it would be even better if you come to like it.
He tilted his head playfully.
“I don’t mean to brag, but believe it or not, I’ve won the trophy at the equestrian competition three years in a row.”
Lucion smirked, suggesting he wouldn't be a bad teacher.
“I appreciate the offer, but I can’t show such an unseemly side of myself to a prince of another country.”
I replied with a hint of a smile in my eyes.
“I have my social reputation as the Grand Duchess to consider, after all.”
A faint look of regret flickered across Lucion’s face as he understood my rejection.
“That is truly a shame.”
“I believe I must head to my next appointment now. I’ll read the script carefully and let you know.”
I stood up without lingering.
Lucion rose slowly after me and said, “Please come find me whenever you wish.”
Because for the Consort, any reason is welcome.
The Prince’s handsome eyes curved softly.
*
I returned to my room, but I didn't actually have a next appointment.
I leaned back comfortably on the sofa in the parlor.
The one relief was that Cecilia no longer seemed sulky. Instead, she was glancing at me as if she were someone who had accidentally discovered a shameful secret.
Anyway, now that I had some free time, I decided I should start reading the script. Just as I picked up Lady in the Flames, Cecilia, sitting across from me, hesitated before asking.
“Your Highness, you aren't offended, are you?”
“No? Was there something for me to be offended about?”
“No, I just…” Cecilia said hesitantly. “Maybe I should have said Your Highness has a weak constitution.”
She seemed worried that my reputation had been damaged in front of the Prince.
I shrugged nonchalantly.
“I just never really had the chance to learn riding.”
To be honest, I didn't have clear memories of what the original Annette was like before the possession, but I doubted the Marquis had given her a proper education.
“Why? Is it that shocking that I can’t ride a horse?”
“No!” Cecilia said, waving her arms. “It’s just more of a cultural difference.”
She added a hurried excuse that Northern noblewomen were simply more accustomed to horses because the terrain was so rugged.
“I don’t really know what the noblewomen in the Capital are like, either.”
I replied and was about to turn the first page of the script.
Cecilia, hesitating once more, spoke up again.
“Do you have any intention of learning how to ride?”
Hmm.
I pondered for a moment.
I hadn't really thought about it, but seeing everyone’s reaction, it seemed like something I should learn.
“Well, if the opportunity arises?”
It wouldn't be bad to have at least one hobby.
Cecilia nodded as if she understood and fell silent.
Only then did I begin to flip through the script.
“I’m going to read this. You should take a break too, Cecilia.”
“Yes, yes.”
Cecilia answered distractedly, her mind clearly elsewhere.
I was focusing on the script when she spoke again.
“Your Highness, I’m going to step out for a moment to take care of something.”
The script was just starting to get interesting, so I simply nodded.
Cecilia left the room and returned by the time I was about halfway through the script.
Even after sitting back down on the sofa, the maid kept fidgeting restlessly.
Since it was more unusual for Cecilia to sit still, I didn't think much of it.
Then, when Whitley knocked and entered the room, Cecilia suddenly sprang up from her seat.
