RYL Chapter 31

Chapter 31

The Hidden Place

The underground space was the salon’s hidden place.

Only a selected few received VIP cards under the name of Madame Clina could enter there.

For now, the cards were given based on social status and reputation, but in the future, they would be available to loyal customers.

***

“Where did they find such bodyguards? Most knights are usually slim and agile, but these guards look as big as bears.”

“I heard the Madame used to be a big name in the underworld.”

“Oh my…”

Wait, how did I become some underworld boss?

Well, if people were curious about me, that would only make the salon more popular. So I didn’t mind.

Just then, a male staff member approached me and whispered in my ear.

“Lady Simona has arrived.”

I had told the guards at the entrance to notify me when Simona came in.

Her invitation had her name and a shiny gold mark to make sure even the dumbest guards recognized it.

Soon, I spotted a group of noble ladies looking around.

Simona and her companions, no doubt.

I casually walked over and pretended to bump into her.

“Oh my, I’m so sorry.”

A woman next to Simona, acting like her maid, gasped dramatically.

“Do you even know who this is?! Watch where you’re going!”

Then, in a softer voice meant only for Simona, she asked, “Are you alright, my lady?”

I didn’t miss that and widened my eyes in surprise.

“Lady Simona?”

“Who?” Simona asked coldly.

I lifted my mask just slightly.

“Claire! I was worried when I heard you left first!”

Simona immediately recognized me and smiled. The noble ladies around us looked shocked.

I confidently stood beside her.

“I was wondering how I’d recognize you, but even with a mask, your aura is unmistakable, my lady.”

“Oh, Claire, stop it. You look absolutely stunning yourself. You seem so different here!”

“Oh my, thank you for the compliment!”

The other ladies glanced at us enviously.

Ignoring their stares, Simona hooked her arm around mine.

“It looks like the underground space is the real main attraction here.”

“Underground?” I asked innocently.

Simona pulled out a small golden card from her pocket—the VIP card I had sent to her family.

“Actually, I received this VIP card from Madame Clina. It allows access to the underground space. Clearly, Madame Clina knows who truly holds power in society.”

“Oh my! The VIP card was only sent to a very select few in high society!”

I deliberately spoke loudly so others could hear.

People around us began sneaking glances.

“Wow, that’s amazing!“

Their eyes were filled with curiosity and jealousy.

Heh. If you’re jealous, you’ll just have to keep visiting until you become a VIP.

Simona, looking pleased, smiled confidently.

“Each VIP card allows one guest, so let’s go to the underground together.”

Of course, I was the one who created the underground space and issued the VIP cards… but I played along.

“Really? That sounds amazing!”

Leaving her companions behind, Simona took me to the entrance of the underground space.

Two massive guards blocked our way.

“Are you a VIP member?” one asked.

Simona proudly handed over her golden card.

The guards examined it, then stepped aside without a word.

“Enjoy your time.”

***

The Underground Space

Unlike the luxurious first floor, the underground was dark and mysterious.

Dim, specially designed lighting cast a subtle glow over the center, creating a secretive atmosphere.

To avoid making the place too unfamiliar at first, soft music, similar to what played upstairs, filled the air.

But later, I planned to use the central stage for various events—grand balls, auctions for rare items, exclusive performances, and more.

“The atmosphere is so different here,” Simona remarked.

I nodded as if I were seeing it for the first time.

Just then, a waiter wearing a cat mask approached us.

“My ladies, allow me to escort you to your seats.”

Thanks to Lilianne’s idea, all underground staff wore animal masks, adding to the air of secrecy.

Following the waiter, we were led to a private area with a clear view of the central stage.

Hmm… I should probably lower the stage lighting a bit.

Since there were no events yet, the bright lights shining on the empty stage felt unnecessary.

I couldn’t give orders with Simona sitting next to me, so I stood up.

“I’ll just step out to the restroom.”

“Oh, alright,” Simona replied without suspicion.

I casually made my way toward the bar.

The bar manager was in charge of the underground, so I planned to give instructions there.

But as I walked—

Thud!

The dim lighting made it hard to see, and I tripped over something.

Before I could even react, my body tilted forward.

Then—

A firm grip caught my wrist.

I barely avoided face-planting into the floor.

Sweating a little, I looked up and quickly bowed.

“Oh… Thank you.”

I turned to leave, but—

The person still held my wrist.

What the…?

Was someone already trying to flirt with me?

Feeling awkward, I glanced up.

A pair of blue eyes behind a black mask stared intently at me.

Those eyes… look familiar…

Before I could figure it out, the man’s lips moved slowly.

“Claire…?”

Who…?!

Wait… how did he recognize me when I’m wearing a mask?

I instinctively reached up to check, but my mask was still securely in place.

Frowning in confusion, I looked up at the man.

Tall and broad-shouldered, with golden hair that shimmered under the dim light.

Deep blue eyes, a sharp jawline, and a black mask covering part of his face.

He had the kind of strong, commanding presence that made people take notice.

Who… is he?

Some might think it’s easy to recognize someone even with a mask on, but trust me, it’s harder than you’d expect.

The dim lighting didn’t help, and besides, there are plenty of blondes in this world.

But if I couldn’t recognize him, then… how did he recognize me?

“Who… are you?” I asked hesitantly.

The man flinched slightly, then frowned, as if he was displeased.

“Hm… why don’t you take a guess?”