Chapter 11 Auction House (1)
The Auction House (1)
The Emperor's Eyes.
One of the core settings in The Villainess Turns Back Time Today.
Artificial humans created by the Emperor to monitor the nobility are referred to as the Emperor's Eyes.
Typically, they infiltrate noble households as butlers or maids, reporting the movements of their assigned nobles to the Emperor.
For nobles deemed particularly high-risk for rebellion, the Emperor's Eyes kill the noble's family and take their place.
Once these imposters, masquerading as family members, uncover signs of treasonous plotting, they relay the information back to the Imperial House.
That is the role of the Emperor's Eyes.
Though ostensibly a measure to prevent rebellion, it's an exceptionally cruel method. Yet it also speaks volumes about how deeply the Imperial House fears betrayal.
"Allen. How is your condition?"
"There are no major issues."
Naturally, even I—the most influential noble in the Arieh Empire—am not exempt from their surveillance.
The butler who has served the Hardenberg family for decades, Allen, is one of the Emperor's Eyes.
Or rather, was.
"Stay seated. I need to make adjustments."
"Understood."
Allen complied, settling into a chair in the office. As I observed him, I stirred the mana within my body.
A refreshing energy surged through me, and in that moment, a peculiar emblem became visible on the back of his neck.
A Brand, etched like an inverted Imperial Crest.
In the original work, Abel never noticed this mark, leading to his betrayal by Allen.
The only reason I can see it now is because my mastery of magic has slightly surpassed that of the original Abel.
'...The erosion has worsened.'
This Brand, carved into Allen's neck and gnawing at his mind, is the reason the Emperor's Eyes cannot defy the Imperial House's commands.
Magic is engraved directly onto their bodies, compelling absolute obedience.
As a result, most Emperor's Eyes live as puppets, devoid of free will, following only the Imperial House's orders.
But I've turned the tables—using Allen's Brand to repurpose him as a double agent.
The Brand's control can be suppressed with sufficient magical intervention.
Moreover, through it, I can extract information from the Imperial House itself, making Allen an invaluable asset to me.
His Brand became one of my primary sources for gathering intelligence on the Imperial House.
Allen, too, was overjoyed at the prospect of escaping decades of servitude as a puppet and pledged his unwavering loyalty to me.
Truly, a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Hmm...
While suppressing the Brand's effects with mana, I focused on the information flowing from it.
Fragmented words merged into coherent phrases, rising to the forefront of my mind.
Imperial House. Movement. Truth.
Crack!
A blue electric current sparked from the Brand, and I immediately withdrew my magic.
Any further suppression risked alerting the Imperial House to my interference.
"The adjustments are complete. It seems this is the limit of what we can extract for now."
"Thank you."
"You may go."
"Understood. Ah, regarding the Imperial Auction House—what are your plans?"
"I intend to visit this afternoon. Inform Adel in advance."
"Very well."
With that, Allen rose and exited the office.
'...The Imperial House is beginning to move.'
The intelligence from the Princess was correct. The Imperial House, which had remained utterly still unless absolutely necessary, was now stirring into action.
For now, they lack concrete evidence, so they won't dare touch me—but that doesn't mean I can let my guard down.
The Imperial House is nothing if not tenacious and relentless.
And if the Imperial House is moving, they will be too.
The Emperor's Sword.
In the original work, they were the antagonists.
The Emperor's limbs, bearing Brands even more potent than those of the Emperor's Eyes. Executioners who eliminate those who dare plot treason.
That is the Emperor's Sword.
'From here on out, it's the real test.'
So far, events haven't strayed far from the original plot—save for that fool of a Crown Prince ordering an attack on Adel.
I can only hope this matter unfolds according to my plans.
***
"Lady Adel! Lady Adel!"
Lily stood before me, her eyes brimming with innocent curiosity.
"Why was your face so red when you left with the Duke this morning?"
"Ugh..."
At her guileless question, I buried my face in the blanket.
I could never tell Lily. Not in a million years.
That I'd tried to tease Abel—only to have the tables turned on me.
I'd thought I'd built up immunity to cringe-worthy lines after enduring the Crown Prince's dialogue, but I was dead wrong.
Strangely enough, Abel's lines to me felt far more cringe-inducing than any other man's words.
I still don't quite understand why that is.
"W-wait, could it be that you two already—?!"
"No!"
At Lily's shocked reaction, I reflexively denied it loudly. It was just a contractual marriage—I couldn't possibly tell her that.
Out of everything, the one thing I couldn't risk was Lily finding out about this contract. She was incapable of lying, and I had no idea what kind of chaos would unfold if she knew.
"Then what was it?"
"It was just... sleeping together. Literally."
"Isn't that the same thing?"
"It's different, Lily. I mean it in the most literal sense."
"Ehh... The Duke is being too much! How could he not lay a finger on someone as beautiful as you, my lady?"
Just as my face was starting to cool down, her words made it burn up all over again.
Lily couldn't lie. That meant she always spoke her genuine thoughts.
That was why I had saved her when she was being ostracized by the other maids—and why she adored me so much now.
But still, hearing such earnest words was honestly embarrassing.
"Stop it..."
"But I truly meant it."
"That's exactly why it's hard to hear..."
"Hmm... Alright, then. Oh, are you hungry? I brought some snacks from Laura. Would you like some?"
As she spoke, Lily pulled out a tray of sweets from the drawer beside the bed.
She held out a bowl filled with colorful macarons before carefully placing it on the tea table. Then, setting down a cup of hot chocolate as well, she beamed at me.
"Let's eat together!"
"Thanks."
Her expression reminded me of an overeager golden retriever, and I couldn't help but chuckle as I took a seat by the tea table and popped a macaron into my mouth.
"...It's delicious."
"Hehe. Right? Actually, I made these with Laura's help."
"That's amazing. These are the best I've ever had."
"Thank you for the praise..."
As Lily smiled happily, I absentmindedly reached out and ruffled her hair. She closed her eyes, looking pleased.
She really was one of the few places I could find peace in this world.
Being with Lily always put me at ease. If I'd managed to endure this world at all, it was largely thanks to her.
Of course, lately, Abel had also been...
"Though, of course, it was all to see my lovely fiancée."
...No, never mind. How could a fiancé who constantly teased me be considered a place of comfort?
While I was lost in thought, Lily finished her hot chocolate and sat there drowsily. A faint trace of the brown liquid lingered at the corner of her lips.
"Honestly, you're such a mess."
I wiped her mouth with a handkerchief, and she blinked at me in surprise before speaking.
"Thank you... Oh, let me take the handkerchief. I'll wash it today!"
"You'll do that for me?"
"Of course!"
Handing it over, I watched as she carefully folded the handkerchief and tucked it into her pocket.
Knock knock.
A sudden rapping at the door made me turn my head.
...Allen?
"Come in."
"Pardon the intrusion."
As expected, Allen entered. He glanced at me briefly before bowing his head and continuing.
"The Duke has requested that you keep your afternoon schedule clear."
...Afternoon?
That was supposed to be my history lesson time. What could he possibly want?
"He mentioned plans to visit the Imperial Auction House."
...The Imperial Auction House?
"Understood. I'll keep my schedule open."
"Very well. I shall inform His Grace. Then, I'll take my leave."
With that, Allen exited the room.
The Imperial Auction House, huh...
If my memory served me right, it was an auction house only accessible to nobles of Count rank and above.
It wasn't something my friend had mentioned, but it was common knowledge due to its fame.
A peculiar auction house where nobles of Count rank or higher were required to bring either their wives or fiancées to enter.
Unlike underground auctions, this one was directly managed by the Imperial House, making it highly reputable.
Is he planning to go because he has me, his fiancée?
That would make sense. As far as I knew, Duke Hardenberg had never brought another woman into the family before.
"What's the Imperial Auction House?"
"It's an auction house run by the Imperial House."
"Auction house?"
"It's a place where items are sold to the highest bidder."
"I see... Can I go too?"
"Of course. You're allowed to bring a maid, so there's no problem."
"That's a relief!"
Lily grinned before grabbing the doorknob.
"Then I'll be going now!"
"Alright. Take care."
"Will do!"
With one last cheerful reply, she left the room.