The Archduke’s Gorgeous Wedding Was a Fraud

My building will be right next to it, so if this teahouse becomes Peridot’s, the picture will turn bizarre.

Aside from feeding Peridot crap, I needed to own this tea house to comfortably prepare for my old age.

If I don’t, could you imagine what Peridot would do?

She could open her own shop next to my clothing store and start a fierce competition.

“It’s a place that makes delicious Earl Gray; it’d be a shame if it went away.”

Lacius nodded at what I said jokingly. I can’t help but smile as I see him nod and completely agree with me, despite the fact that he hasn’t yet tried the Earl Gray.

“Instead, we should do some remodeling. Can you introduce me to some workers?”

“Of course.”

Maintain the original shape, but refine it slightly. As a result, it will be checked by more people than it is now. Then, of course, why not visit my boutique right next door?

I popped a sugar cube into my mouth and squealed with delight. When we’re together, I’m always the one who speaks and Lacius always listens. And I liked it because men who are good listeners are rare.

“Ah, right, I’d like to buy the building next door. Please accompany me to the auction house.”

“The building next door?”

“Yeah, the building next door is up for auction. I’d like to purchase it.  Can you accompany me?”

I need his assistance because I don’t know where the auction house is. I also wanted him to make time for me despite his busy schedule.

But Lacius went a step further.

“If you need it, I could buy it for you.”

“No, I want to buy it with my money.”

You should know that I have a conscience as well.

I don’t know, but I think even if I were his real wife, it would be difficult for me to ask him to buy it for me simply because he’s the ‘Man’. I smiled as I saw the tea house Grandma hugging and patting the crying Theobalt.

Perhaps Lacius and I will be able to become something similar in the distant future.

* * *

The auction house, where mostly land and buildings were sold, was a legal establishment, so there were a lot of people there hoping to get a good deal. I had some time before the auction started, so I stood outside at the finger food table for a while, selecting a drink.

Lacius went off to see if there were any other good deals. I turned my head to the gaze I felt while drinking a cherry juice.

“Ugh.”

Then a man standing nearby gasped in surprise. It was funny rather than offensive because he had a pretty innocent face.

“M-My Lady. You’re exactly my type. Which family do you come from?”

But that didn’t mean he could talk to me. The young man approached me and attempted to introduce himself, as if he had suddenly gained courage from my gaze.

“If you don’t mind, I’ve got a good seat…”

Oh, he was trying to flirt with me.

“H-How about you watch from over there with me?”

It was amusing to watch him stutter, possibly due to embarrassment, while I just stared at him without saying anything. However, apart from that, I was not at all comfortable.

He wouldn’t have made such a fuss in such a public place if he truly believed I was a precious lady from a prestigious family. Perhaps he is concerned that his words will not work for me in just one attempt?

As if to prove my doubt, the young lord handed me an entrance ticket.

Diamond seat. It’s definitely the most expensive seat.

But it only looked ridiculous to me now.

“You.”

“… Yes?”

“Look here.”

I held out the cherry wine I had been drinking to him. My face is reflected in the beautiful colour of the drink.

I shot a word at the young lord, who didn’t seem to understand what I was saying.

“Do you believe people like you deserve to sit next to me?”

“……!”

“First and foremost, your words imply that you believe I am a lady who would follow someone just to have a diamond seat that you believe I cannot afford?”

“That, that, that. No, what exactly do you mean? I never said you were a whore…”

Look at him failing to complete a sentence after being turned down. 

It was then. A shadow fell over the man, who couldn’t hold back his rage and was now exhaling heavily. Lacius, who is significantly taller than the average man, has returned.

“What’s your deal?”

“H-Hiek! Were you a member of the Archduke’s family? Please excuse my impoliteness!”

The man turned around and gasped in surprise. Lacius raised his brows, unsure what was going on. He said nothing but his first question, but the man ran away on his own. What a shame I couldn’t tease him any further.

“What was it, Shay?”

“Nothing. He’s a jerk who boasts about his diamond seat.”

“I see.”

Lacius simply nodded and reached out his arm to me. I placed my hand on his arm and bowed my head. The red line at the auction house’s entrance eventually disappeared, and it was time to enter.

The diamond seat was in front of the stage, but it wasn’t where Lacius and I would sit.

“Oh my goodness, please come in. It is a privilege to have Your Highness here.”

“It’s been a long time, Hessner.”

“Yes, I would like to express my gratitude to the distinguished guests in front of me. I heard you’re interested in a particular building.”

We didn’t even have to wait in line; the auctioneer came out and bowed repeatedly to us while rubbing his palms together. There are only two VIP seats available in the auction house. A location with a good view of the auction stage, much better than diamond seats.

I deliberately turned my gaze to the young lord as I passed the diamond seats.

Sorry, but you’re not my type.

“Is this how you feel when you look at the auction house from a position like this?”

A spotlight eventually fell on the stage. I crossed my legs and stared at it silently. The memory of being placed on the podium like a mackerel before being salted was still unpleasant. Of course, that scene occurred because the author setted such a setting, but it was terrifying to be locked up in a chest.

“Are you still having a hard time?”

Lacius looked closely at me and asked kindly. The question would be to inquire whether I have any trauma.

“No, that’s not it. All the slave traders from that time were punished anyway.”

“Right. I also have a list of everyone who visited the auction house at the time. I’m just waiting for the right moment to reveal it.”

“I want everyone to be punished properly.”

I muttered before crossing my slender legs in the opposite direction. A person who appeared to be the host stood in the center of the stage at that time, making a gesture to calm the buzzing hall.

“Now, now, now. Let the bidding begin!”

I just need to buy my building, and I’m hoping it comes out as soon as possible. I waited quietly for my turn after looking through the catalogue and checking the list.