Chapter 136
Chapter 136
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: Using the Cards in My Hand Here and There (6)
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The rest of the schedule went smoothly.
It was because Princess Violet no longer acted out of line and followed my instructions.
"How much longer do you have to stay in there?"
"Well, about two more hours?"
"I see."
I calculated the remaining time and moved carefully.
"Where to this time?"
"There's a quick stop I need to make."
Jack, who had been waiting at the appointed spot, spotted me.
"Ah, mas—"
Jack's lips stopped. It was because I pressed a finger to my lips, signaling him to be quiet.
"..."
Jack's eyes darted back and forth between me and Princess Violet behind me. Soon, he grinned.
"Hello, sir. I've been waiting here as ordered."
His instincts were sharp, as expected.
Just from my gesture, he dropped the "master" title and acted like it was our first meeting.
How long had it been since he started working at the guild? Jack seemed to have adapted to the ecosystem here astonishingly fast.
"Yeah, I called you because I have a job for you."
I approached Jack, leaving Princess Violet behind me.
"There are people looking for this woman. Tell them her location."
I whispered to him and handed him a paper with the coordinates of a specific spot scribbled on it.
Jack lowered his voice in response.
"How do I distinguish that group?"
"You smell her perfume, right? They'll have the same scent."
Jack glanced subtly at Princess Violet and nodded.
"It's an incredibly strong fragrance. But it smells really nice."
"Yeah. Much better than the damp smell coming from me, right?"
"...No, that's, um."
Jack's face fell immediately, his eyes rolling in panic.
He was always fun to tease.
"About an hour from now. That should line up the timing nicely."
"Understood."
Jack bowed and straightened up. I tapped his head once and said,
"Things can go wrong on days like this, so go with Dexter."
"Wow."
Jack's eyes sparkled.
"You're worried about me?"
"No. Just preparing in case something messes up the job."
"..."
Jack grumbled as he headed toward the square. I glanced at him briefly before turning away.
"Ah, my feet hurt."
Princess Violet stood there awkwardly.
"Are they hurting badly? Should we head back?"
When I feigned concern,
"No?!"
Princess Violet's posture straightened up immediately.
"It's just a bit tiring. I can still walk."
Her voice was remarkably resolute.
It had been a casual remark on my part anyway. We still had places to go.
"I apologize for not considering you properly, Princess. I'll walk more slowly."
Princess Violet turned to look at me as if newly surprised.
"You can say things like that too?"
"...Just what do you think I am?"
"A heartless bastard without blood or tears."
...Well, not wrong.
We bickered like that as we walked. The place we arrived at was the largest auction house in the capital.
"An auction house."
Princess Violet checked the building and tilted her head.
"I know they auction off expensive artworks, jewels, and such here. But why are we here?"
"During festival season, they put up special items that are hard to see normally. You seemed to really like jewelry earlier."
"That's true."
Though that was what I said, my real goal was something else.
An important figure who would later become Cain's ally was set to appear here. Someone incredibly powerful, but also extremely difficult to handle.
"Please wait a moment."
The entrance guard stopped us. His gaze swept over our modestly dressed appearances.
"Circumstances."
"Ah, understood."
The staff member deftly accepted the pouch of money I offered.
From his attitude, it seemed plenty of nobles disguising their identities like us had already frequented the place. It meant this wasn't just any auction house.
"This way, please."
Another staff member appeared smoothly and began guiding us. We climbed the stairs after him, revealing a circular hallway stretching out.
Luxurious carpet muffled sounds on the floor, and dark wallpaper created an upscale atmosphere.
"Hoo."
Princess Violet murmured in quiet admiration. The interior was impressive enough to catch her eye.
"This way."
The staff opened a door to one room and let us in.
One wall of the old-fashioned room was completely open. Beyond it lay the auction stage, still unlit.
'No wonder the whole building was circular.'
It was designed so every room had a view of the central stage. Plush sofas and tables were set up for leisurely enjoyment.
"How about drinks?"
"Cocktail for me. And a non-alcoholic one for the lady with me."
"Yes."
The staff closed the door quietly and left.
Princess Violet didn't complain about my order for her, seeming satisfied. Instead, she lounged on the sofa and looked outside.
"It's pretty big."
A list of today's auction items lay on the table.
"Hmm..."
Princess Violet scanned the list with interest.
"Anything catch your eye?"
"Well, I'd need to see the items in person."
By then, drinks arrived, and other rooms began filling with guests.
"I'm a bit curious what kind of people are here."
Princess Violet smirked as she observed the figures on the balconies.
"Too far to see clearly. But probably some I know."
"Most likely."
Of course, I could see exactly who was there. My eyesight let me identify every mole on their jaws.
How much time passed? With a click, the stage lit up brightly.
"Thank you for waiting!"
An booming voice announced the auctioneer's appearance at center stage.
"We sincerely thank all our distinguished guests for gracing us with your presence today."
He looked around slowly as he explained.
"For any first-time visitors, a quick rundown: Inside the drawer of your table is a rod for signaling bids."
Opening the drawer revealed a yellow rod, just as he said. Princess Violet picked it up and nodded.
"If you wish to bid, raise the rod and call out. All transactions happen after the auction ends."
The auctioneer spoke in a businesslike yet energetic tone.
"If payment can't be made, the item passes to the next auction."
A slick smile played on his lips.
"Of course, that's never happened. We aim for 100% sell-through on every item."
He thrust his hand high.
"Now, let the November auction begin!"
❖ ❖ ❖
"Yes, room 13 takes Senware's 'Luncheon'!"
The auctioneer beamed as he called it. He checked his watch and continued.
"All first-half items have sold. We'll take a 10-minute break before part two!"
His steps as he exited stage left looked thrilled. Then, with a click, the stage lights went out, plunging everything into darkness.
"Hmm."
Princess Violet looked away from the stage.
"How was it?"
"Not bad. That necklace with the Cardasan pigeon ruby right in the center caught my eye especially."
"You didn't buy a single one, though."
"Worthwhile items usually come at the end in auctions."
Princess Violet sipped her drink leisurely.
Spot on. I was waiting for "that" item at the very end myself.
"I'll watch till the finish. Nothing worthwhile yet."
A fitting remark from Princess Violet, who dominated high society. She had exceptional taste in art, jewels, and luxury.
"What about this?"
I pulled a small box from my pocket.
Now was the perfect time to give it to her. In about an hour, this auction house would be chaos.
"What's that?"
As expected, Princess Violet reacted immediately. It was a high-end velvet box typically used for jewels.
"Something I prepared for you, Princess... though I'm not sure if it'll meet your standards."
"Let me see."
I held the box out to her. As I lifted the lid with a click, a brilliant glow spilled out.
"Hoo."
Princess Violet leaned in, intrigued.
Inside lay a necklace and earring set crafted from blue sapphires with a red tint.
She picked up an earring and examined it closely, her gaze sharp and meticulous as she appraised its value.
"This... is pretty good."
Finally, a satisfied sound escaped her lips.
'Phase one success.'
For her to call it "pretty good" meant it would cause a huge stir if released on the market.
"I've never seen this cut before. It's different from any I've known."
Her eyes sparkled with interest as they turned to me.
"Where'd you get it?"
"The Victoria Merchant Group commissioned it. They were eager to present it to you, Princess."
"Victoria? First I've heard of them."
"They were in other businesses until recently, then pivoted here."
The lies flowed smoothly without a hitch.
"One of their jewelers is a big fan of yours, Princess. The moment he saw this sapphire matching your eye color, inspiration struck, and he made it."
"Hoo, really?"
Princess Violet picked up the necklace, a pleased smile forming.
"Impressive. A piece like this could stir up the stagnant jewelry industry."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. It's been dominated by blue pearls and red coral—big beads with smooth, round surfaces fetching top prices."
A faint displeasure crossed her eyes as she murmured softly.
"I hated how those opaque stones were hyped as the best. Jewels should,"
She held the necklace under the light. The light refracted through the sapphire, shattering into dazzling sparkles.
"sparkle like this to be beautiful."
Princess Violet returned the necklace and earrings to the box.
"So, I just wear this around for a while?"
She saw right through my intent. I replied casually, without showing I'd been caught.
"Only if you like it, Princess."
"If I don't, won't you be in trouble?"
"No way. I'll find another path somehow."
I flashed a wistful smile as I said it.
"That said, I'd love to see you wearing it."
"Oh? Why?"
"Because every time, you'd remember it was from me."
"..."
Princess Violet fell silent for a moment. Then she quietly closed the box lid and tucked it away.
"I'll think about it."
Even as she said that, I was certain she'd soon flaunt it in high society.
Her slightly reddened ears told me so.