On the first day of their lessons, the venue Killian chose was an opera theater. The decision was based on the fact that, to participate in conversations at noble banquets, one had to share their interests—and the arts were certainly one of them.
But oddly enough, it seemed like it was Emily, not Killian, who needed behavioral correction.
Barely a few minutes into the opera, Emily was already too restless to sit still. In contrast, Killian was clearly familiar with this kind of event.
In fact, he owned one of only two opera houses in the capital city of Potua that held more than 3,000 seats. He had seen countless performances and even had close ties with many actors.
‘What a disaster,’ Emily thought in embarrassment.
During their earlier conversation about the performance, she had been startled by his breadth of knowledge and ended up falling silent. Her interest in the opera evaporated completely, and she began pointing her opera glasses away from the stage, watching the audience instead.
Noticing this, Killian leaned slightly toward her and spoke.
“Is the opera boring?”
“Ah! You scared me!”
Emily let out a small yelp and dropped what she had been holding. Fortunately, the solo aria of the leading lady masked the sound.
“Here you go,” Killian said, picking up her opera glasses and handing them back.
“Thank you.”
Trying to maintain a composed expression, Emily accepted them and replied to his earlier question.
“It would’ve been nice if you’d told me in advance that you owned this place and were an expert in this field.”
“It’s well-known, so I didn’t think it needed mentioning.”
“Well, it was humiliating for me.”
Killian gave a soft chuckle at her words, prompting Emily to glare at him.
“How long are you going to keep laughing?”
Am I smiling? Killian touched his lips and realized that, indeed, the corners of his mouth were curved upward.
“As an apology, I’ll introduce you to Roger Goldwyn.”
“What? You know Roger Goldwyn?”
Just as Killian predicted, the moment he mentioned the name, Emily’s eyes lit up. Roger was the most sought-after male actor in Vincent—a handsome face paired with incredible acting talent.
“Do you have paper and a pen?”
“You’re not seriously thinking of getting an autograph, are you?”
Killian looked displeased, but seeing her excitement, he changed his mind and gestured to Giovanni nearby to bring the items.
“Thanks.”
Clearly thrilled at the idea of meeting the actor, Emily pulled out a compact mirror and checked her hair and makeup. Watching her, Killian leaned his cheek on his fist, watching the performance with a sulky expression.
He started to regret bringing it up at all.
Finally, the endless performance ended, and the two of them headed toward the actors’ waiting room to meet Roger Goldwyn, as promised.
“I’ll bring him out right away.”
At the sight of Killian, the theater director hurried off to fetch Roger. Emily patted down the creases in her dress while they waited.
“Do I look okay?”
Killian finally took a proper look at her.
Her thick hair was swept up, exposing the elegant line of her neck, and soft tendrils framed her angular jaw with grace. Her green silk dress was elegant, with delicate layers of lace on the skirt and sheer sleeves made of the same gossamer material.
Many words of praise came to his mind, but all he managed to say was:
“Nothing to criticize.”
“Thanks.”
Just then, the director returned with Roger Goldwyn, faster than expected.
“I heard you were looking for me?”
Roger had thick, defined brows and intelligent blue eyes that sparkled. His determined lips and slightly prominent chin added to his masculine charm.
Seeing him up close brought a flush of red to Emily’s cheeks.
“Been a while, Roger.”
Killian greeted him like an old friend.
“It’s good to see you again,” Roger replied with a warm smile.
“And the lady beside you, if I’m not mistaken, must be Lady Starr?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Emily, unable to meet Roger’s eyes, simply nodded. Her uncharacteristically shy demeanor irked Killian for no reason.
A promise was a promise… Killian sighed and spoke.
“My wife would like your autogra—”
“My maid does!”
Emily quickly cut him off.
“My maid is a big fan of yours. I wanted to get your autograph on her behalf.”
It was considered improper for a married noblewoman to ask a male actor for an autograph. Emily shot Killian a warning glance as she took out the paper.
“Here you go.”
Roger took the pen and paper from her.
“What’s her name?”
Emily glanced at Killian, then lowered her voice in embarrassment.
“…Emily.”
Killian let out a breathless chuckle of disbelief.
“You have a heart as beautiful as your face, my lady.”
Unaware of the situation, Roger handed her the signed paper with a dazzling smile. Emily bowed her head, her face bright red.
“Thank you.”
She clutched the paper like a treasure and said her goodbyes. Her steps were light as she left the theater.
“Hungry? Since we’re out, want to get dinner?”
Perhaps it was because he had made it so easy for her to meet Roger, but Emily felt unexpectedly close to Killian now.
“Sure.”
Killian responded coolly, but Emily didn’t mind his tone.
She led them to the nearby Lionel Restaurant.
It was so popular among nobles and celebrities that even the famous actress Annabelle Shore was said to dine there occasionally.
“Just saying you’ve eaten here can get you an hour of conversation at a royal banquet!”
Emily, humming to herself, proudly dragged Killian inside.
“Do you have a reservation?” the staff at the door asked, checking their list.
“No, we don’t. Is there no room?”
“I’m sorry, but we can’t seat anyone without a reser— Oh! Mr. Killian! We’ll prepare your table right away!”
The manager, who had been turning away unreserved customers, bolted inside at the sight of Killian.
Emily turned to him in disbelief.
“Wait… do you own this place too?”
Actually, the 3rd district of Potua—where Killian’s opera house stood—was practically Starr family territory.
Everyone in the area knew Killian. They both feared and respected him, because it was thanks to the Starr family’s protection that merchants could run their businesses freely.
Thugs and robbers avoided the 3rd district altogether. The saying “the mafia is better than the police” originated here.
“I’ve just been here a few times.”
“A few? Judging by the manager’s reaction, you’ve been here a million.”
Killian only shrugged in response.
Feeling deflated, Emily trudged after the waiter to their table. Killian followed, stifling a laugh. He figured she’d scold him again for smiling.
“Please take your time reviewing the menu.”
The waiter handed them the menu and waited a respectful distance away.
“Any recommendations?”
Emily, surrendering to the situation, handed the choice over to Killian.
“I haven’t been here often, so I’ll let you decide.”
The truth was she had only been here once. Embarrassed to admit it, she pretended to examine the menu seriously.
‘Aha, this one!’
A moment later, she confidently pointed at a dish.
“Let’s just do the six-course lunch set?”
Simple decision for such a serious look.
“Sounds good.”
With Killian’s approval, the order was placed. Soon, the aperitif arrived. A single sip melted her fatigue and whetted her appetite.
“So… what was your childhood like?”
Emily couldn’t believe someone with such impeccable etiquette could’ve been an ordinary commoner. At the very least, she assumed he was the son of a very wealthy merchant.
If Killian had a good relationship with his son Daniel in the original story, she might have had more information about him.
“It was ordinary. My parents died young. I worked in a leather factory, lived in a small room in the slums. That’s all.”
“…I see.”
Though it didn’t sound ordinary to her, Emily knew that for commoners, it wasn’t all that unusual. She tried to respond calmly.
Just then, foie gras and a salmon dish were served as appetizers. Killian ate with flawless manners.
“I’ve been meaning to ask—where did you learn etiquette like that?”
“Is something wrong with it?”
“No, it’s flawless.”
“That’s a relief. One of my men is from a noble family. I learned from him.”
A noble-born mafia member? Emily’s eyes widened in interest.
“Would I know the family?”
“House Clive.”
“Hmm, doesn’t ring a bell.”
She chuckled awkwardly and began cutting her food.
“Lord Killian, a pleasure to see you.”
Just as Emily opened her mouth to take a bite, someone approached and greeted Killian.
Oh no—his face instantly stiffened.
