RYL Chapter 52

Posted by Freya, Released on October 13, 2025

Chapter 52

Mathieu sat at his regular seat in a fancy pub, quietly staring at his glass of wine.
The entire social scene was buzzing with stories about the Clina Salon.
Most of the chatter was about the recent event held there — a live stage performance.

Many praised the powerful and exciting music, which was unlike anything they’d heard before.
But the biggest topic was about the three masked women in dresses who performed on stage.

They were the only female performers, and even with masks, their charm and unique presence drew everyone’s attention.
And among them was someone Mathieu knew very well —
His former fiancée, Claire von Devonshire.

The problem was, Claire now had no interest in him at all…
But strangely, he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

He pressed a fist to his chest without realizing.
The moment he saw Claire playing the guitar on stage, shining so brightly,
he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

Ever since then, his heart would race just thinking of her face or her voice.
He had tried to deny those feelings, but they kept growing stronger.
Was he… really falling for Claire again?
Why now, after they had already broken off their engagement?

Maybe… it started even before the breakup?
Back when her dry, doll-like eyes slowly began to show emotions —
Not love, but disgust and contempt toward him.
That’s probably when she started to catch his attention more and more.

Now, his feelings had become a mess, and he let out a deep sigh.
“How am I supposed to deal with this now, after a broken engagement?”
Of course, there was no answer.

Then a thought suddenly crossed his mind.
“Wait… why was Claire even performing at Clina Salon in the first place?”

***

“Is the fashion show coming along well?” I asked.
Lilianne looked up from the costume design sheet and smiled.
“Absolutely! Actually, I got inspired by the band performance a few days ago.”

Sabrina, who had been quiet, rested her chin on her hand and showed interest.
“Ooh! Mixing live band music with a fashion show could be really fun!”

Lilianne lit up in agreement.
“Exactly! Since I got inspired by music while designing, it makes sense to have live music at the show.”

I stroked my chin, clearly tempted.
“That sounds fun. Not a boring fashion show, but an exciting one with a live band!”

Then Lilianne asked, “By the way, have you found any models?”
I scratched my forehead awkwardly.
“Well, this place doesn’t really do fashion shows, so finding models has been hard.”

Sabrina casually suggested,
“Do we even need real models? We don’t have professionals anyway — just use whoever.”

Lilianne clapped her hands and her eyes sparkled.
“Let’s just do it ourselves! The dresses were inspired by you and Sabrina anyway.”

Sabrina got excited too.
“Ooh! If the models also play music or sing during the show, it’ll get even more attention!”

I started thinking seriously.
“Models who sing and play instruments, huh…”
Playing music was one thing,
“But do we know anyone who can sing well?”

At my question, both Sabrina and Lilianne closed their mouths.
Come to think of it, we didn’t have a vocalist yet — and the lead singer is the heart of any band.
Might as well find someone who can sing and model.

***

Now, songs from Clina Salon could be heard everywhere on the streets.

A young woman carrying a heavy suitcase walked into the city.
Her golden hair shone like sunlight, and her pink eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Her clothes weren’t fancy like a noble’s, but her posture and manners were far too refined to be a commoner.

She stopped in front of a street violinist, captivated by the energetic, passionate music.

Once the performance ended, she dropped a coin into the musician’s basket and asked,
“Who made that song?”

The violinist shrugged.
“Not sure who wrote it, but I heard it was performed at Clina Salon.”

“Clina Salon…” she murmured, her eyes wide with wonder.
Then she smiled like the sun and gave a cheerful “Thank you!” before skipping off.

But her steps suddenly froze as she spotted a large poster on a wall.

***

Clina Salon
Main Vocalist Wanted!!!
You could be a star!
Make your dreams come true at Clina Salon!
(Applicants must pass an audition to become the official vocalist.)

The blonde girl stared at the poster, completely entranced —
And then smiled brightly.

***

“Next,” I sighed, rubbing my aching forehead.

Another singer had just finished her over-the-top performance and left with a scowl.

Lilianne whispered, “We should’ve written ‘no opera singers’ on the poster…”
I shook my head with a groan.

I really didn’t expect that only classical singers would show up.
These days, everyone — nobles and commoners alike — knows the Clina Salon, so even singers from other salons applied.

But the problem was that most of the singers here were trained for opera, which nobles enjoy.
Their voices didn’t match what we were looking for in a band vocalist.

We had already seen 13 people, and it was always the same.

I was starting to lose hope when the next contestant walked in.

“Hello! Contestant number 14! My name is Edith!”

Suddenly, her voice caught my attention — fresh and full of energy!
Lilianne and Sabrina seemed to feel the same way; their eyes lit up as they looked forward.

She was a lovely young woman with golden hair like honey and pink eyes like strawberries.

“Oh wow, she’s already a yes for the model role,”
Lilianne whispered, clasping her hands together.

Wait a minute… Edith? That name sounds familiar…

As I was thinking hard, trying to remember, Sabrina spoke up.

“Please go ahead and start.”

Edith cleared her throat nervously and began to sing.

…

But to our disappointment, her voice sounded just like the other classical singers.
It was overly dramatic and forced.

Honestly, her speaking voice earlier had been much nicer.

Her singing wasn’t bad, but nothing special either — no different from the others.

I couldn’t take it anymore and raised my hand to stop her.

“Not that voice. Can you try singing in the same tone you used when you said hello earlier? Something lighter?”