Episode 5
Now that I think about it…
I had always thought he emphasized certain words or stood behind Dr. Ban during conversations to try and intimidate me in some way. But now that I reconsider, he was actually speaking very slowly, emphasizing each and every word carefully.
> “When I have something complex to say, I prefer to finish thinking completely before speaking.”
This time, he spoke faster.
> “It’s also because I try to speak slowly and clearly… with complete sentences.”
His voice became slow again as he continued, brushing Autumn’s ears gently like a snake’s whisper.
> “That’s why… most of my contracts are done in writing.”
He was clearly still observing her reactions, but surprisingly, he moved on quickly.
Finally, he seemed to relax and leaned against the window behind his desk.
So he just needs a bit more time to speak? And I misunderstood him all this time…
A faint smoke-like mist drifted behind Randel’s back, and Autumn, realizing she had misjudged him, started to feel sorry for being harsh.
> “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I just thought you were making fun of me…”
> “Does it bother you?”
He asked her directly.
Autumn was caught off guard by the unexpected question. His gaze softened slightly.
> “…No, not really.”
Then, the sunlight hit his mysterious blue-gray eyes, and Autumn found herself mesmerized.
Whatever the case, the contract with Rosalyn’s Kiss had to continue.
> “…Anyway, sorry for being rude.”
What a weirdo… A charming weirdo.
Autumn found herself lingering near him.
> “You’re beautiful.”
Almost as if enchanted, Autumn reached out and gently brushed her long, thin fingers along the edge of his eyes.
Randel’s chin trembled slightly at her touch.
> “Stop.”
Almost instinctively, he grabbed her slender wrist tightly.
A red mark formed on her wrist where he had gripped her.
His intense gaze seemed to say that if she went any further, he wouldn’t be able to hold back.
‘I heard he’s young and very handsome… maybe close to my age. Maybe I could try something…’
> “Hey, your eyes… they’re really pretty.”
Rosalyn had said the rumors about him weren’t exaggerated at all. Autumn’s fingers playfully traced from his eyes to his nose, then lips, then over his broad shoulders and firm chest.
She noticed how his Adam’s apple slightly moved under her touch. Despite his serious expression, his face somehow looked… cute. She imagined poking him and hearing that deep, attractive voice slip out.
‘Cute? What am I thinking?!’
Startled by her own thoughts, Autumn quickly pulled her hand away from his face.
Still, such bold thoughts made her want to tease him just once.
Oh, Autumn. You came here for a serious “deal” that will change both your and Rosalyn’s lives. Please save those thoughts for later!
> “Anyway, it’s fine. We’ve talked enough. It’s not like we’re best friends or anything.”
Playfully, Autumn poked his chest and then stepped back. Randel’s eyes opened wide.
> “Don’t you agree?”
For a moment, a flicker of something like disappointment appeared in his calm eyes. Did Autumn notice?
> “What did you think of the script?”
Randel, walking slightly ahead to see her off, asked.
> “It wasn’t bad. The story was interesting. I kind of liked it.”
> “Ah…”
What’s with that face?
He looked slightly disappointed by her brief response.
> “Should I explain a bit more?”
Autumn rolled her eyes and glanced at him again.
Then, as if revealing a well-known secret, she added:
> “Oh, this play must be written by that famous reclusive playwright who supposedly lives in the basement of the Austin Theater.”
> “So you’ve heard the rumors too.”
At that, Randel’s lips curled slightly, just for a moment.
Oops.
Autumn regretted blurting that out. Truth was, she was a big fan of him, and she had high hopes for this play too.
But expressing that much excitement wasn’t something Rosalyn Kiss, the role she was playing, would do.
‘It’s just a rumor. I know a lot more than that anyway.’
Still, Randel’s shoulders seemed to rise a bit at her compliment. It seemed he wasn’t as unreadable as she thought. Smiling to herself, Autumn spoke smoothly:
> “Of course! I always hoped I’d get the chance to meet him someday.”
> “You came… to see the play…”
Randel muttered again. Autumn flinched.
Don’t panic. I never said I actually saw it… It’s not a lie!
Autumn decided to keep playing it cool.
She had always admired the mysterious playwright behind so many successful scripts. Even just flipping through his scripts, she could tell how talented he was.
Adding a great actor to a script like that would make for something truly amazing.
Every time a new play came out, Autumn bought the script and practiced it, dreaming of one day performing his work herself.
She never imagined the opportunity would come so soon. She held this chance tightly to her heart like a precious treasure.
Unless someone looked very closely, no one would notice, but every move she made was full of excited anticipation.
Standing at the stairs to the first floor, Autumn looked through the window and saw the grand Austin Theater — and Randel walking ahead of her.
> “Le Coursé de Soleil, Austin Theater”
A few years ago, when news spread that a young man had bought a major theater in the capital, people weren’t that surprised.
This large theater, known as Soleil Theater or simply Austin Theater, wasn’t always famous.
But once people learned the new owner was actually the only grandson of Duke Philip Hazlant, the capital went wild.
The House of Hazlant was the most powerful noble family in the empire, holding the last true dukedom.
People rushed to the theater hoping to catch a glimpse of the mysterious heir of Hazlant.
And he cleverly used that attention to promote the theater.
> “Smart move…”
He also brought in a genius playwright from nowhere, and every script he produced became a hit. Tickets sold out like magic.
But Autumn didn’t want to meet him just for that.
> “I have a question.”
> “Go ahead.”
Autumn looked him straight in the eyes.
> “Why do you want to use female actors?”
Randel Minmore Austin was the first in the empire to cast women on stage.
> “Why, you ask?”
Instead of answering, he asked her back.
His hazel eyes looked at her quietly — like a still lake, deep and unshaken — as if she already had the answer.
