RYL Chapter 30

Chapter 30 

As Lady Simona sent out invitations, Clina Salon was starting to gain popularity in high society.

If Sophia was attending other salons, she would have definitely heard about it by now.

Of course, neither Ophelia nor Sophia knew that I was the owner of Clina Salon. Only the Count, Lilianne, and Sabrina were aware of this secret.

I had asked the Count to keep the ownership of the building a secret, and he had gladly agreed. I had no intention of revealing it to anyone else either.

“Yes, it’s an invitation to Clina Salon.”

Sophia’s eyes widened.

“How do you have that? I heard it’s really hard to get one!”

Of course. I had only released a limited number, except for a few invitations I gave to Simona.

“Did you forget? I’m close with Lady Sinclair. Oh, and I recently became friendly with Lady Belfour too.”

I smiled confidently.

Sophia looked at me suspiciously and hesitated before speaking.

“So… are you saying you’ll give it to me?”

“If you want it.”

Her face instantly lit up.

“Really??”

I calmly took out the invitation from my pocket.

I had no problem handing it over because this invitation was only valid for one-time entry.

Once the salon was running smoothly, I planned to issue VIP cards to select members, but invitations like this would not allow repeat visits.

That meant I wouldn’t have to worry about Sophia coming and causing trouble later.

“Sophia, wouldn’t it be better to help your father’s business instead of wasting time at a salon?”

Ophelia seemed uneasy about my offer and gave Sophia a warning look.

But Sophia was too distracted by the invitation to care.

She snatched it from my hand in an instant and quickly tucked it into her pocket, as if afraid I would take it back.

As Ophelia anxiously watched her, I smiled quietly.

If Sophia was the culprit, everything would be revealed at my salon.

And when the time came, I would catch her red-handed.

***

A Few Days Later…

On a bright, sunny day, a high-end café for nobles was unusually crowded.

“Have you heard about the new salon opening soon?”

“Clina Salon? Isn’t that outside the capital? Why go all the way there?”

“Oh, you don’t know? There’s a rumor that Lady Belfour and Lady Sinclair will be attending.”

“What? The two of them?”

“Lady Sinclair is incredibly popular in high society these days. Every dress she wears becomes a hot topic. And, rumor has it that even the Crown Prince might make an appearance.”

“The Crown Prince?!”

“Yes! That’s why everyone is desperate to get an invitation. But the salon’s owner is very selective. Only the most famous socialites have received invitations. It’s impossible to get one right now.”

“Oh my… I’d love to be invited one day.”

Sitting nearby, Claire calmly sipped her tea, a satisfied smile on her lips.

Everything was going according to plan.

***

The Grand Opening of Clina Salon

On the day of the salon’s opening, I stood in a hidden room on the third floor, anxiously tapping my fingers on the window frame.

“What are you so worried about? This is clearly a success.”

Sabrina crossed her arms and smirked.

“We have ten guards positioned near the building and another ten scattered nearby just in case. Hector’s men are surprisingly reliable.”

I nodded at her report.

“There are two guards at the entrance, and the rest are on standby here on the third floor.”

This floor had my office, a meeting room, a private lounge for VIP guests, and the security headquarters.

The only way to access it was through the dressing room on the second floor, meaning no one could enter without my permission.

“You still want no guards inside the salon, right?”

Even though security was important, having large, intimidating men inside would make the noble guests uncomfortable.

So I had kept most of the guards outside, with only a few stationed nearby for emergencies.

“Yes, that’s right. Thanks, Sabrina.”

“No need to thank me. We all worked on this together.”

“Still, be careful. You and Lilianne too.”

Sabrina grinned suddenly and lifted the skirt of her dress.

I was startled at first, but then I saw leather belts strapped to her thighs, holding several small daggers.

I stared in disbelief.

“Don’t worry. I came fully prepared.”

“Where did you even get all those weapons…?”

She replied nonchalantly.

“From his secret armory.”

I was amazed she hadn’t been caught.

Or maybe… the Duke of Valerian knew and just let it slide?

I pushed the thought away and turned to Lilianne.

Today, she wore a stunning golden dress that matched her shimmering silver hair, making her look even more elegant and radiant.

“Lilianne, I’m counting on you.”

She put on a golden mask that matched her dress and smiled confidently.

“Trust me.”

Her determined expression reassured me.

Today, Lilianne had the most important role.

Since I would remain hidden, she would be the face of the salon.

Even though her mask would cover her identity, her elegant appearance and graceful (acted) manners would captivate the guests.

Meanwhile, Sabrina would oversee security and handle any emergencies.

And me? I planned to stay hidden, blending in as just another guest while observing everything.

Just then, a knock came at the door.

Hector peeked in, his usual rough face softening with an unexpected smile.

“Boss, it’s time. Shall we open the entrance?”

I took a deep breath and gave him a firm nod.

As Hector left, I exchanged glances with Lilianne and Sabrina.

It was finally time.

“Great! Shall we head down now?”

We grinned at each other and, as if rehearsed, placed our hands together in the center.

“Clina Salon! Let’s make it a huge success!!!”

***

The Grand Opening

The first day of the salon was a huge success.

The street in front of the building was packed with noble carriages, creating a bustling scene.

It was a relief that we had set aside an open space for parking nearby.

If the salon continued to thrive, the entire area would develop naturally.

And when that happened, land prices would rise—just thinking about the fortune I’d make put me in a great mood.

Just then, I overheard a conversation between two masked women.

“The new salon looks nice, but it doesn’t seem very different from other salons.”

The other woman, who was hiding her face behind a fan, spoke in a mysterious tone.

“You don’t understand. Do you see that door guarded by those two large men?”

“Yes. I was actually wondering what it was for.”

“It seems to lead underground.”

“Underground? What’s down there?”

“No idea. But I saw some people show something to the guards and go downstairs.”

“So not just anyone can enter?”

“Looks that way. Those guards wouldn’t be there otherwise.”

Listening to their conversation, I smirked to myself.

Yes, keep wondering.

To get into that underground space, nobles would start coming to Clina Salon regularly.