TGDHC Chapter 128

Chapter 128 – The Conditions for Great Success

“Prince Lucion Tarkal of Rondoris is here to see the Grand Duchess of Blenheim.”

For a brief moment, I couldn’t speak.

Even when he was dressed as a staff member, it was hard to hide his stunning looks, but now, dressed as royalty, Prince Lucion was dazzling.

‘He looks incredibly magnificent.’

With his bright golden hair and jewel-like green eyes, a straight nose, and even lips that were red for a man, his ornate clothes, shining from the cuffs to the collar, complemented his already magnificent appearance perfectly.

“I am Annette Blenheim. It’s a pleasure to meet Prince Lucion of Rondoris.”

I recalled the Rondorian greeting I shared with Count Paccio and extended my hand for a handshake.

However, as Lucion stepped closer, he gently twisted my hand, lifting it up to kiss the back of my hand, making a soft ‘smooch’ sound.

He raised his eyes slightly, and the corners of his eyes curled up like a cat’s, transforming his dignified face into an irresistibly charming one as he smiled.

“I must apologize for my earlier behavior.”

I remembered how I had unintentionally spoken to him informally earlier in the royal room and said,

“Apologize? I don’t think so.”

Lucion’s gaze softened as he smiled gently.

“I don’t mind being treated casually, just like before.”

Hearing that, I realized he was a completely different type of man compared to the blunt and innocent knights I had met in Blenheim.

I had seen handsome models before, and I knew well that such men were skilled at using their looks.

‘Sorry, but I’m no ordinary lady either.’

In front of his soft smile, I straightened my posture.

“Come to think of it, Prince, you were also rude to me.”

“Me?” His face showed clear surprise.

He seemed puzzled as to how someone could call his own face rude.

“If I didn’t know your noble status, how could I have treated you so disrespectfully? You tricked me into an embarrassing situation, didn’t you?” I responded coolly.

He paused for a moment, then shrugged casually.

“I didn’t think about that.”

“Well, I didn’t mean to deceive you,” he added, his tone somewhat nonchalant.

“Does that mean you never intended to be caught?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He smiled briefly as we sat down and he continued, “I just wanted to check whether His Grace was enjoying the performance.”

I nodded, confirming my seat, while Lucion gracefully settled down beside me.

“You looked so indifferent during the show, it was actually painful to watch,” he teased, placing his hand on his chest as if he were mourning.

‘Did I look that obvious?’ I silently thought, feeling a little embarrassed.

“And you even said the play was ‘a mess’…”

Lucion put extra emphasis on the word ‘mess,’ his face showing a playful grin.

“You said it yourself, so I thought I should come clean about my identity,” he continued, his tone becoming serious.

‘Seems like it really hurt his pride,’ I thought.

“Well, it wasn’t that bad,” I said, clearing my throat.

“I was just a little too harsh out of caution. I hope you don’t mind.”

“No, not at all.” Lucion smiled politely but still looked entertained by our exchange.

“You seemed to have many thoughts about the performance,” he said, tilting his head as he casually brushed his golden hair back.

“I hate to say it, but in Rondoris, just the name ‘Cariso’ can sell out performances,” Lucion added, his eyes never leaving mine, filled with persistent curiosity.

“Did something not sit right with you, Your Grace?” he asked, clearly wanting to know my opinion.

It seemed like I had really struck a nerve.

‘Well, if he really wants to know, I’ll tell him.’

I sighed and said, “Do you think noblewomen watch performances like that?”

“Of course, they do,” he replied confidently.

“Do they really want to see a play like that?” I challenged.

Lucion raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Women love such stories.”

“I don’t think so,” I countered.

“This is the story of a perfect man who sacrifices his life for his love—how could any woman dislike that?”

I recalled Coachviel’s dramatic, exaggerated performance and said, “Does the female lead ever do anything on her own while the man is falling in love, heartbroken, jumping off cliffs, and getting shot?”

“Well, the man’s…” Lucion trailed off, unsure of how to respond.

“Exactly. She’s just loved.” I added, feeling more confident.

I put on a slightly disdainful expression. “And we never even see if the female lead truly loves him.”

Lucion was momentarily speechless.

“Do you want to argue that women are supposed to fall in love because a great man loves them?” I asked pointedly.

His expression faltered for a moment, then he fell silent.

“In my opinion, this play lacks understanding of women,” I concluded.

“…” Lucion had no reply.

“They’ve inserted scenes here and there, thinking women will like them, but it’s clear they’ve made no effort to understand the audience,” I said.

“For the record, this play has always sold out,” he responded, still trying to defend it.

“That’s because there’s no other choice,” I retorted.

“The fact that it’s selling well isn’t important to me,” I said, trying to challenge his complacency. “People are spending their time and money to watch the performance. They deserve at least a little emotional impact in return.”

“Well, you don’t know how deeply noblewomen are touched by seeing Coachviel’s chest,” he said, deflecting with humor.

His arrogance was starting to annoy me, and I snapped back, locking eyes with him.

“I know, it’s easy to sell to women who have no other options.”

Lucion’s face hardened slightly.

“But when the truly great performance comes along, all these plays will be forgotten,” I said firmly.

As someone who invested in large-scale performances, I knew that to succeed, one needed to win people’s hearts first.

If the goal was just to make money, shortcuts would be taken, and there would be many places to compromise.

‘If the aim is compromise, they’ll make enough money, but they’ll never achieve true success.’

“If you truly want success, you need to make an effort to move people’s hearts,” I said, emphasizing my point.

“When people’s hearts are moved, the money will follow.”

He looked at me for a moment, his gaze slightly softened.

“More importantly, you are a member of the royal family of Rondoris, not just a businessman,” I added sincerely.

“It would mean more to you to create performances that bring joy and inspiration to the people of Rondoris, rather than just making money, wouldn’t it?”

Lucion stared at me, looking a bit stunned.

‘Maybe I overstepped,’ I thought nervously.

“I guess when hearts are opened, wallets open as well,” I added with a forced smile.

Lucion’s expression shifted slightly as he slowly smiled.

“I’ve certainly received valuable advice,” he said.

“It wasn’t advice, really…” I trailed off.

But Lucion’s smile was genuine this time, not just charming.

“I’m glad I met you, Your Grace,” he said, this time with sincerity.

After our conversation, I stepped outside, where the theater had already emptied.

I saw the Blenheim carriage in the distance.

‘Did I come in that earlier?’ I wondered, feeling like the carriage had changed in some way.

As I walked towards it, the door opened, and a large silhouette stepped out.

“Ah?”

A sharp, familiar face looked up and smiled warmly.

‘Loic!’ I thought, rushing down the stairs in excitement.

“Your Grace!” I heard urgently called from behind.

I turned and saw Lucion walking towards me with long strides, his elegant gown fluttering in the light.

“Prince?” I asked, surprised.

He came right up to me and spoke, catching his breath.

“I’ll do it.”

I raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

“I heard from Samuel that you’re looking for a troupe to perform in Blenheim.”

I nodded, confirming the fact.

“I know, but I’ve already rejected the Cariso troupe…” I began.

“Cariso will do it,” Lucion interrupted smoothly, with a charming smile.

“Let me handle it.”

“Really?” I asked, feeling both surprised and intrigued. “You’re sure?”

Lucion laughed heartily, clearly enjoying the moment.

“Don’t worry, Your Grace. You won’t regret it.”

He took my hand gently, bringing it closer to his lips as he made a playful remark.

“I can be quite persistent when I want to.”