I’ll Become the Heroine’s Capable Divorce Partner - Chapter 25

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 25

* * *

A bright afternoon with the sky shining blue.

Sitting inside the carriage, I gave my outfit one final inspection.

I wore a mask on my face and had completely hidden my distinctive pink hair with a wig.

Even my dress was completely different from my usual style.

A heavy dress that gave off a dignified feeling.

Overall, I looked more like a young noblewoman than an unmarried young lady.

‘I tried my best to look as different from ‘Elodie’ as possible, but I wonder how it turned out.’

I let out a soft sigh inwardly and glanced outside through the carriage window.

There was a very ordinary-looking two-story house.

It was even located on the outskirts of the capital.

While there were fewer people than in the center of the capital, it didn’t mean there was no foot traffic at all.

Since the method of participating in the auction was quite secretive, I had the preconception that the auction house would also be located in a secluded place…

‘Who would have thought they’d catch me off guard like this.’

Who could have imagined there would be a secret auction house in such a place?

As I was clicking my tongue inwardly.

Knock knock knock.

A light sound of knocking on the carriage door rang out.

Through the window, a neatly dressed young man stood with a smiling face.

However, befitting an auction house where everyone dealt anonymously, he wore a mask on his face.

“Do you need assistance, Lady?”

Instead of answering, I slightly showed him the invitation.

The young man nodded and politely opened the door for me.

“I’ll escort you.”

I took the young man’s hand and stepped down from the carriage.

Following his guidance into the mansion, the neatly arranged interior came into view.

It wasn’t particularly lavish.

Instead, each piece of furniture and fixture exuded the owner’s refinement.

“This way, please.”

The young man led me to the central hall of the mansion.

‘Wow.’

I was inwardly impressed.

The atmosphere had completely changed.

In the distance, I could see red velvet chairs neatly arranged around a stage at the center.

Light refreshments and placards were placed on the tables.

It seemed like the format was to write amounts on the placards and show them to the auctioneer.

“You may sit here.”

The young man politely pulled out a chair for me.

Then he handed me an envelope containing documents.

“This is the appraisal certificate for the painting you entrusted to us.”

One month before participating in the auction.

An auction house employee disguised as a flower shop delivery person had come to collect the painting.

It was to appraise the painting.

“We issued two copies in total, and one copy will be given to the customer who purchases the work.”

“Thank you.”

I nodded and examined the documents.

At the same time, my eyes widened slightly.

<The appraisal was conducted by appraisers from the Loden Appraisal Committee.

We guarantee that this work is by Arthur.>

The Loden Appraisal Committee was famous enough that even I had heard of it.

They were also renowned for exclusively appraising the Imperial Family’s treasures.

‘It’s certainly convenient that they handle the appraisal all at once.’

As I was feeling satisfied inwardly.

The young man asked a friendly question.

“Is there anything else you might need?”

“Ah, yes.”

I lifted my gaze from the documents.

Then I met the young man’s eyes and gave him a bright smile.

“After the auction ends. Would it be possible to meet the organizer of the auction?”

The young man also responded with a smooth smile.

“I’m sorry, but I’m just an employee. I would need to check on that matter and get back to you…”

“That’s a lie.”

I stated firmly while keeping my eyes narrowed.

The expression of the man who had been wearing a picture-perfect smile wavered for the first time.

“You could make it happen, couldn’t you?”

“Well, I’m not sure what you’re talking about…”

The young man was still being evasive, but his gaze beyond the mask was different.

I could feel his coldly cooled gaze watching me.

“Hmm, it doesn’t seem like the right situation for a long conversation.”

I gestured toward the front of the auction hall with my eyes.

The auction hall was now packed with masked customers.

An auctioneer was stepping up onto the stage.

“The auction is just starting, after all.”

I concluded gently.

“So, shall we continue the rest of our conversation after the auction ends?”

* * *

The young man who had been walking briskly suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Then he glanced back.

‘What did she mean by those words just now?’

At the end of his gaze sat a woman.

Her back view, sitting upright and looking straight at the stage, was very elegant.

She had the bearing of someone well-educated in many ways.

He also naturally knew very well who that woman was.

Princess Laventess, Elodie.

The queen who reigned over High Society and the villainess notorious for being arrogant and immature.

He had been wondering what whim had brought such a woman here.

‘Could she really have figured out my identity…?’

But that couldn’t be possible.

He kept his identity thoroughly secret.

When active in auction house-related matters, he thoroughly concealed his appearance with masks and wigs, of course.

He even went so far as to take drugs that temporarily altered his voice.

Even his family knew absolutely nothing about the auction house.

Thus, only his lord knew his true identity…….

‘Surely not, it can’t be.’

The man’s eyes narrowed with suspicion.

Perhaps she had just made a lucky guess.

……But still.

‘Even so, I should meet her once more.’

The young man’s eyes gleamed sharply.

* * *

Inside the dark auction house.

A spotlight shone clearly above the auctioneer’s head.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for gracing us with your presence at our auction today.”

The auctioneer on stage placed his hand on his chest and bowed politely.

“We have done our utmost to select these items, and we hope this will be an occasion that satisfies your discerning tastes…….”

With that courteous greeting, the first auction item was brought onto the stage.

The auctioneer introduced the item with an energetic voice.

“From the distant East, we have a porcelain tea set! It consists of two teacups and a teapot!”

“A tea set from the East?”

“Oh my, that’s quite nice.”

The distinguished guests showed generally favorable reactions.

Encouraged by this, the auctioneer called out loudly.

“Look at this elegant white color! Isn’t it quite refined? The bidding will start at 10 gold!”

The guests began raising their paddles one by one.

The atmosphere in the auction house gradually began to heat up.

“11 gold! We have 11 gold! Ah, the gentleman over there bids 12 gold!”

However, I wasn’t swept up in that excited atmosphere.

I couldn’t help it.

My mind was completely filled with thoughts of the young man I had met earlier.

‘He seemed quite flustered, didn’t he?’

Well, the young man usually kept his identity thoroughly hidden.

But I had read the original story, hadn’t I.

Of course I would recognize him.

And for good reason, because that person was…….

‘The sub male protagonist of this world.’

Richard Disraeli.

He was the head of the Disraeli Count family, one of the most prestigious noble families in the Empire.

Society generally regarded Richard as a wastrel.

He had almost no interest in politics and barely showed his face at noble council meetings.

He usually spent his leisurely days relying on his family’s power.

‘Well, in reality he’s actually quite busy behind the scenes.’

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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