I Became The Male Leads’ Target

76.

 

“……”

“The story gathered from mere information is different from hearing it directly from the person, isn’t it?”

Normally, I would have brushed it off with a joke, but Benedict seemed strangely serious this time.

‘Hmm.’

Maybe because it was the first time someone was willing to listen to my story.

It felt oddly unfamiliar.

But since that unfamiliarity wasn’t unpleasant.

Or more precisely.

The fact that someone was asking about my perspective was somewhat pleasing…

“Have you ever heard of this story?”

After pondering for a moment, I began to speak.

“Ducklings, as soon as they are born, recognize the first creature they see as their parent.”

“Yes, I’ve heard such a story.”

“To me, the Marquis was such a person.”

For a moment, Benedict paused.

I continued softly.

“Although the reason the Marquis saved me was likely due to his own whims…”

“……”

“Still, thanks to him, I was saved and couldn’t even think of anyone else but him.”

Back then, I firmly believed that holding Dante’s hand had freed me from my horrible family.

At that moment, I think even the original Elze felt a bit happy.

‘Well, even if it meant arriving at a new hell.’

With that cynical thought, I gave a bitter smile.

“Well, it’s also true that I didn’t have any other choice.”

Then, Benedict, who had been quietly watching me, suddenly asked.

“If, in that situation, it wasn’t the Marquis but me instead…”

“Yes?”

“Would you have taken my hand?”

Silence fell.

“……”

“……”

I stared blankly at Benedict.

I couldn’t comprehend the meaning behind his question.

But Benedict shook his head and withdrew his words.

“I’m sorry. That was a pointless question. Please forget it.”

Watching the deep regret on his normally composed face, I quickly understood.

It was the natural reaction.

The head of the Schmaikel Trading Company and a central noble of the empire, like Count Luneburg,

would not want to be entangled with the worst villainess in the empire, like me.

‘But still.’

I couldn’t help but feel a bitter taste in my mouth.

I masked my bitterness with a slight smile.

“I don’t know what you mean. Did you say something to me just now, Count?”

“Is that so.”

Benedict forced an awkward smile, following my lead.

Just then, the carriage stopped.

In the middle of a deserted forest, a splendid building appeared.

It was the auction house.

Benedict, looking out the window, spoke.

“We should get ready to disembark.”

“Yes.”

Benedict and I, almost in unison, put on our masks.

And then.

I let out a small sigh of relief.

It was a great relief to hide my expressions behind the mask.

 

* * *

 

After a rigorous identity verification process.

We were able to enter the auction house.

“Wow, it’s luxurious.”

As I stepped into the waiting room, I admired it.

Light poured down like a waterfall from the large chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

Even the wallpaper and furniture were all of the highest quality.

It felt more like a banquet hall than an auction house.

“Well, it’s a place frequented by the leading nobles of the empire. They must have paid a lot of attention to the decor.”

Benedict, who was escorting me, shrugged lightly.

“Also, the Marquis is known for his refined taste.”

Indeed.

I nodded.

Even the Rosenkreutz boarding school perfectly matched the tastes of the high-ranking individuals.

Of course, they also considered the status of the students.

But fundamentally, it must have been greatly influenced by Dante’s taste.

At the same time, Benedict added in a sharp voice.

“Though I don’t understand why someone like him treated me so cheaply.”

Oh, there’s a sting in his words.

But Benedict quickly composed himself and gently suggested to me.

“Shall we enter the auction hall?”

“Sure.”

And so, we entered the auction hall.

The auction hall resembled a grand opera house.

Guests wearing masks were densely seated on red velvet chairs.

Benedict and I were guided to a prime seat with a good view of the auction items.

In the midst of this,

I glanced at the topmost isolated area.

Probably, the owner of the auction house, Dante, was seated there.

‘I need to be careful.’

I resolved myself firmly.

Moments later.

The lights dimmed, and a spotlight illuminated the stage.

The host standing beneath it greeted everyone with a lively voice.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for attending our auction! In this auction, we have items from Baron Albertton’s precious collection…”

With that greeting, various precious items began to appear.

Paintings by famous artists, ancient books, rare carpets imported from overseas, and obviously antique-looking porcelain…

People participated in the auction with fervent enthusiasm.

The first item up for bid was ‘Dawn’ by the artist Jose.

‘Oh.’

I looked on with curiosity.

Jose was a renowned artist whose name I had heard several times.

To think that a work by such an artist would be the first item up for auction.

‘This auction is certainly of high caliber.’

Considering that cheaper items are usually auctioned first and more expensive ones later.

I couldn’t even predict what items would come out later.

“Number 12! The gentleman at number 12 bids 10,000 Derk!”

“Oh, the gentleman at number 5 bids 12,000 Derk!”

“The lady at number 8 bids 14,000!”

“The gentleman at number 12 again with 16,000!”

Paddles shot up like bamboo after the rain.

The host was excited.

“‘Dawn’ by Jose! Sold to the lady at number 8 for 20,000 Derk!”

As the first successful bidder appeared, the atmosphere heated up palpably.

After that.

Auction items started selling out quickly.

“20,000 Derk!”

“25,000 Derk!”

“30,000 Derk!”

People competitively called out their bids.

‘So, there are this many wealthy people in the empire.’

I watched the auction with a slightly indifferent face.

The surprising part was that Benedict occasionally participated in the auction and bought items.

Although he didn’t buy in bulk.

When he decided to have something, he would call out an overwhelming amount to ensure it became his.

“The gentleman at number 32 bids 50,000 Derk!”

The host shouted until his voice was hoarse.

At the same time, the gentleman at number 32, Benedict, casually put down his paddle.

“The item is sold to the gentleman at number 32!”

I glanced at Benedict.

“Didn’t you say you weren’t very interested in luxury goods?”

“But if the item has sufficient investment value, it’s an exception.”

Benedict replied nonchalantly.

“Had I not attended the auction at all, it would be different. But since I’ve spent my expensive time attending, I must recoup the value of my invested time, don’t you think?”

…Well, that makes sense.

After all, it’s not my money, but Benedict’s.

I decided not to concern myself with it.

As the auction continued and the participants fought over the items,

finally, the host raised his voice.

“The highlight of today’s auction!”

A blue sapphire ring gleamed sharply under the spotlight.

“You all know it well, don’t you? A treasure that shares its history with the Duke of Kalleid!”

The host shouted loudly.

“A gem that only the head of the Kalleid family could possess, the Heart of Winter!”

Suddenly, the audience’s eyes filled with curiosity.

“A gem from Kalleid?”

“That Kalleid would willingly let their gem out? No way…”

People murmured skeptically.

To address their doubts, the host nodded as if understanding.

“Ah, we fully understand your concerns.”

The host continued with a confident tone.

“But I promise you, there’s no need to worry. We have already spoken with the current acting Duke of Kalleid.”

Aha, so everything has been discussed with Baron Craig.

‘Though, it was probably more of a threat than a conversation…’
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