~Chapter 78~
“Ricardo?”
All my tension suddenly disappeared. I let out a deep breath of relief and slumped into my seat.
“You can’t just come in like that! You scared me!”
“Sorry. I didn’t think I’d get another chance to talk to you.”
“I didn’t mean to blame you.”
I was just… relieved.
Knowing that Ricardo had been sitting next to me all along—it was such a relief.
I took off my mask with my hand, and Ricardo came closer.
“Do you need help?”
“…”
I had no idea where to begin.
There’s someone after Arkan, and I can’t let them take it?
Someone threatened me…?
“No, it’s nothing like that.”
This was something I had to deal with myself.
After all, I wasn’t trying to protect Arkan for anyone else.
When I gave a firm answer, he gently tucked my fallen hair behind my ear.
“I’m the one who needs help.”
“…What?”
Ricardo smiled awkwardly.
“The person sitting next to me might’ve realized I’m a duke.”
Ricardo was found out?
That didn’t make sense.
“Must be a very sharp person.”
“Yes. That’s why I need your help.”
He took off his number tag and handed it to me.
“I’d like you to act as Guest 22 until the auction ends.”
“…So you’ll be number 23 instead?”
“Well, I guess that’s how it would work.”
Ricardo nudged the tag toward me again, urging me to take it.
“I don’t think it’s really necessary.”
This could all be solved if Ricardo just kept a low profile.
“I’m bad at dealing with women. If rumors spread, it could get messy.”
…Right, the rumors between him and me hadn’t been cleared up yet.
If more rumors spread because a woman held a grudge, it would definitely cause problems.
But our sizes were so different—people would notice.
As if reading my thoughts, he added,
“This robe is from Lady Lily. No one will notice.”
In the end, I agreed.
“Only until the next break.”
“Thank you.”
“…And try not to talk to the person next to you. The store will take care of him.”
There was a short pause before he answered.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
***
Amy, youngest daughter of Count Rowane.
She hadn’t been able to sleep for days.
‘I became the princess’s maid… and now I’ve been invited to the Moon Auction!’
The lovely Princess Hestia.
After finishing her service at the convent, the first thing she did was reorganize her staff—many maids were dismissed, and new ones were hired.
Amy Rowane was one of the new ones!
Beautiful flowers attract bugs—that was true.
Too many people were jealous of Princess Hestia.
Especially Bianca Roygin.
She fell into a lake by herself and blamed the princess. She probably lied to her hero grandfather, too.
But the princess didn’t even try to explain herself.
Amy worried how someone so kind would survive in this cruel world.
〈There’s something I want.〉
And now, the princess wanted something.
〈Amy, can you attend the auction and hold a seat for me?〉
It was a cursed necklace said to be made by the Tower Master.
A magical item that returned you to your most beautiful days—and even made ugly people look attractive.
She wanted it badly.
Maybe the princess noticed her desire, because she promised to let Amy borrow the necklace afterward.
‘Now I have no choice but to serve her forever.’
It was a lucky day. Even the person sitting next to her was perfect.
He was wearing a mask, but his graceful posture made it clear—he was a very attractive man.
Since this was the princess’s seat, everyone here must be someone important from the Empire.
Amy wanted to be friendly, so she spoke to him—and he answered kindly.
His tone was a bit sharp, but that arrogance felt noble.
Her guess turned out to be partly right.
‘…!’
He dropped a button by mistake. It rolled to her feet.
Amy’s heart nearly stopped when she saw it.
‘The House of Duke Hessen!’
Yes, the crest was from the duke’s family.
He was Ricardo Hessen—the most desired man in the Empire—and he had been sitting right next to her.
〈Could you return that to me?〉
His voice was disguised, but Amy thought it sounded sweet.
Once she had the necklace…
Maybe he would like her.
She tried talking to him several more times, but the duke stopped replying.
It was annoying, but even thinking about the face behind that mask made her heart race.
Even during the break, Amy nervously waited for the duke to return.
When he finally did, she greeted him excitedly.
“Did you enjoy your break?”
He paused a moment, then nodded.
He answered!
So he liked cute girls.
With a new sense of confidence, Amy leaned closer.
“What kind of item are you here to buy?”
“I… haven’t decided yet.”
He was using formal speech now.
And he sounded a little shy.
Amy’s heart nearly burst.
Shy guys were her type.
Not arrogant noblemen!
***
‘Something feels wrong.’
My original plan was to answer politely but keep my distance.
I did draw a line…
So why does she keep getting closer?
Before I knew it, I had rushed all the way to the edge of my seat.
“You and I have such similar taste! Is this fate? Hehe~ It’s hard to find someone you connect with at events like this.”
Her tongue was totally loose—she must’ve had a few drinks.
But… there was no alcohol smell!
“P-please keep a bit of distance.”
At my request, Guest 21 moved just a tiny bit away.
Ugh, I’m going insane.
Ricardo, what kind of battle were you fighting?!
This was also torture, but for a completely different reason.
“You can move even farther away, if you’d like.”
I spoke calmly, and she did shift more—
But her face was still way too close.
“…Your face too, please.”
“You’re so shy~”
I want to cry.
I wanted to look toward Ricardo, but I couldn’t because of this person next to me.
〈Where are you looking? The auction’s happening up front!〉
Where did it all go wrong?
Should I have been more casual like Ricardo?
But then I might expose his identity.
And I had no idea how he’d acted before I arrived.
“It’s already time for the final item!”
The auctioneer wiped an imaginary tear and announced.
Hearing it was the last item, everyone sat up straight.
“This next item is a scarf from Pierre, the most famous designer in Carpea!”
But complaints rose from all directions.
“That’s not what I heard would be sold!”
“Are they really lying to customers now?”
I wasn’t surprised.
But these people aren’t regular guests…
“Huh? It’s already the final item?”
“Now, now, everyone stay calm! This scarf is amazing too! Perfect for someone bedridden—”
Whack!
The auctioneer’s words were cut off.
Someone had lost their temper and thrown a water bottle at his head.
