23. Auction Banquet (5)
“Are you okay?”
People approached Sylvia, who was sitting down, but hesitated.
Ice and snow crystals rose around her.
Even though it was a small decision, I felt a chill.
“What is this… .”
“Isn’t it Sylvia? Is this magic too?”
“It’s not dangerous… ?”
Sylvia hurriedly rose from her seat.
It wasn’t the time to cry.
If he did something wrong, he might cause irreparable harm to Ian.
“Sorry Sorry… .”
Sylvia looked around and bowed as she bowed.
“I’m really sorry… .”
The sight became funny all over again.
this apple.
How nice it would have been if it had been done to Ian a long time ago.
If so, would it be any better?
Since Sylvia came to her senses, no decision has been made.
Small crystals quickly melted and dispersed into the air.
while Sylvia apologizes.
Returning to his seat with Vivian, Ian glanced in the direction of Sylvia.
Sylvia in the middle could not be seen because of the crowd.
‘… Why is it so cold over there?’
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Judging by the atmosphere, the problem seemed to be resolved.
“Ian?”
Vivian pulled her crossed arms slightly.
“What’s wrong?”
“no.”
***
The music was over and the auction was about to begin.
Lucia, who was waiting with her arms crossed when she came out of the stage, smiled.
“It’s your first time dancing, so are you enjoying everything you enjoy?”
“… Please be quiet.”
“You are crossing your arms very affectionately.”
“Huh!”
Startled, Vivian walked away with crab steps.
“Sorry, sorry… .”
“What are you sorry for?”
All invited guests were assigned seats.
I was seat number two.
It is one of the best places closest to the stage where the auction items will appear.
“Ian. Did you enjoy the prom?”
The first seat, right next to Grace, the organizer.
Grace was already sitting in front of her table.
“Well, in my own way… .”
Grace looked curiously at Vivian and Lucia by my side, then smiled at me.
“Today is such a place, hmm.”
He gets up from his seat after muttering something he doesn’t understand.
“I have to prepare a congratulatory speech. See you later.”
It seems that he was waiting to say hello to me.
Grace leaves and sits down with Lucia and Vivian.
“Right. You came to our auction, right?”
Lucia said skillfully.
“I didn’t come to dance.”
“I think I liked it better.”
“That… .”
“If you knew the artifacts you’re bringing today, you wouldn’t say that.”
“What is it?”
I pointed to a spot on the auction list that was lying around.
[Engraved ring of automatic detachment]
A brief explanation is also provided below.
– The ring and engraved armor can be automatically equipped/unmounted.
-There is a limit to the number, but you can use it freely by engraving the desired armor.
“Oh oh… .”
After reading the explanation, Vivian and Lucia both admired at the same time.
“Then, I just stretched out my arm, but the armor flew in and put me on it?”
“you’re right. Conversely, it is possible to take it off like that.”
“Wow… .”
Vivian’s eyes shone in amazement.
I’m sorry to see you.
I’m here to give you Lucia.
… Let’s not talk for now.
“You can also apply it by using the masking function to fire the glove at the opponent.”
After hearing the simple application method, Lucia moved her eyes a few times and nodded.
“Is it good?”
I seem to remember something.
Knowing this, he intended to give it to Lucia.
It seemed to be able to use it well with its unique technique.
“Somehow, I think it would suit Lucia well.”
Fortunately, Vivian seemed to think so too.
“But it’s something we all need to discuss later.”
With Lucia insisting on fairness.
“I… .”
Someone came over to our table.
When I turned my head all at once, I was there… .
“hi… ?”
It was Sylvia.
‘Why is he here… ?’
Did you even get an invitation?
If it was Sylvia, she might be able to get through the entrance somehow without an invitation.
“… See, no, um. well… How have you been?”
As if this situation was unbearably awkward, he kept stroking the nape of my neck.
Her eyes are shaking and even her hard smile is awkward.
Anyway, where did you come from and why are your eyes so red?
did you even cry
The first party’s situation has changed a lot from before, so it must be difficult.
“What are you doing?”
“uh? Oh, just… . I’m not sure what’s going on… . I was passing by and stopped by because you were there… .”
“Ah yes… .”
Lucia narrowed her eyes and glared at Sylvia disapprovingly.
On the other hand, one corner of Vivian’s mouth stiffened awkwardly, perhaps in a fit of absurdity.
… I’m crazy too
Didn’t you say you came here for nothing?
Aren’t you busy these days?
Sylvia looked at Vivian and Lucia alternately, then gulped.
I even moistened my lips with my tongue to see if my lips were dry.
“That, you know… . Because it’s still before the auction starts… .”
Sylvia put her two hands holding the bag together and wiggled.
“Just dance with me, at least for a short time… . Won’t you dance… ?”
In fact, there was a short margin left before the auction began.
There are few aristocrats dancing on the stage, but they remain.
Aside from that, why am I… .
“No.”
Before I could answer, Vivian said.
“Because Ian will be participating in an important auction soon. You have to be here with us.”
After saying that, he snuggled up next to me and crossed his arms.
Something touched my arm, but I pretended not to know it.
This time, Lucia gently put her hand on my shoulder.
“Rather than that, I have two such charming and beautiful partners. Where else would you like your eyes to go?”
“… … .”
Sylvia pursed her lips, perhaps in resentment.
The clenched fists trembled slightly.
Then, he looked straight at me with teary eyes.
It seems as if my answer as the person involved is important… I’m so embarrassed.
Why are you here?
“ah-. ah.”
I didn’t even have time to answer.
“The auction is about to start soon. All participants, please be seated.”
The moderator came out and announced loudly.
The dancing time is now over.
I turned my eyes from the moderator to Sylvia and shrugged.
“It is over.”
“… oh uh uh uh… . That’s right.”
Laughing embarrassedly, she hesitated and withdrew.
“Then I will go. Ah, hi… . Take care, uh, make sure to buy the things you want… , and, again, see you again… .”
I didn’t answer at all.
If something happened to me, I might really see it, so there was no reason to say I wouldn’t see it.
Sylvia walked out of the banquet hall with brisk steps, as if running away.
I think it’s true that I entered without an invitation.
“Sylvia? Right?”
Lucia asked, glancing at the door Sylvia had left.
“you’re right.”
“Why are you like that?”
“I do not know… .”
It’s not that there’s no reason to come to mind.
Whether the current 1st party needs my help.
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Just like when I visited with Arya when I was at Magdalen Abbey.
However, if that’s really the purpose, there’s no reason not to say it, so I don’t think that’s the case.
… I’m not sure either.
“I honestly don’t know.”
“okay… . You are a strange person.”
“More than that. Both of you can let go now.”
Vivian still had her arms crossed, and Lucia had her hand on my shoulder.
“ah. Yes.”
Lucia lowered her hand, but Vivian still hadn’t loosened it.
“Vivian?”
As I was singing, my eyes were sunken as if I was in deep trouble.
“… ah.”
A beat late, she responded.
“yes?”
“Cross your arms, that… .”
“ah! I’m sorry… . Thinking about something else for a second… .”
“No, nothing to apologize for.”
The stage was emptied before I knew it, and the music of the musicians ended.
Only the lights illuminating the stage were left.
“Welcome to all the ladies and gentlemen who participated. Prior to the start of the auction, the organizer, Lady Grace Sophia Humil, would like to deliver a congratulatory message.”
With a haughty gait, Grace appeared on the stage.
Lucia smiled when she saw it.
“Princess, you’re cute like an arrogant chick.”
It definitely doesn’t look like a chick.
Anyway, the auction started.
***
After Princess Grace’s congratulatory speech, the auction proceeded, but Vivian could not concentrate.
She was thinking of Sylvia, who had just visited Ian.
I didn’t see Ian, but Sylvia was pressing her lips with her fist as she left.
Like holding back from crying.
The back of her hurriedly running away remained in my senses like the strong scent of a flower.
The scent is so strong that it’s rather uncomfortable.
It wasn’t just because Sylvia’s appearance was so surprising.
-There was.
When asked if he had a crush on dancing with Ian, he answered in the past tense.
It was calm, but there was a bitterness and sorrow that could not be washed away from the corners of his eyes.
And, while looking at Ian who was indifferent earlier, Sylvia’s eyes resembled that sorrow a little bit, but were much deeper and richer.
I felt an affection that was hard to fathom.
‘No way, Sylvia and Ian… .’
Vivian turned her head to look at Ian.
He watched the auction with boredom, as the item he wanted hadn’t arrived yet.
The neatly raised hair showed off his thick impression and went well with him.
The scar on the edge of the eyebrow was not gentlemanly, but it was also a characteristic of Ian.
I stared at his face and Sylvia.
Totally different, but oddly similar.
Habits such as the movement of the eyebrows when making facial expressions.
Even the habit of brushing his bangs up in a frustrating situation.
‘I guess that’s right… .’
Recognizing his gaze, Ian met his eyes.
Even so, Vivian did not avert her eyes.
Ian raised his eyebrows once and smiled.
A person who seems fierce and indifferent, but knows how to play jokes slyly from time to time and takes responsibility until the end when it comes to what he is entrusted with.
Sylvia was saved by this person.
It was the same for himself.
‘Did Ian also like Sylvia… ?’
It may be a guess.
However, it was already hardened by his own conviction.
‘Two… What kind of relationship was it?’
You don’t need to know that yourself.
It won’t even be an important truth.
However, Vivian kept bothering about that.
*
“Ahh-!”
Sylvia ran out of the banquet hall and ran into a deserted alleyway.
She sat down on the floor, clutched at her chest, and groaned.
“Ouch… .”
It hurt as if a corner of my chest was being torn to the left and right.
My head was pounding.
“Huh-!”
I don’t want to cry, but I cry against my will.
The more I tried to hold it in, the more violently the suppressed crying burst out as if in rebellion.
“Shut up! ugh… !”
Why does my heart hurt so much?
It didn’t hit anyone, and it was the side that was hurt.
But my side didn’t hurt anymore.
It just felt like my breastbone was about to collapse.
“Ahhh… . Ugh… !”
I didn’t know that seeing you doing so well without me was such a painful thing.
I was hoping for that
It’s painful because one person is enough.
Because it’s only right for me to suffer alone because I made a mistake.
I hoped you didn’t.
Seriously.
By the way, my selfish original mind hurt as soon as I saw you doing well.
complained of regret.
I just want to get in your place.
That kind of me is unbearably disgusting.
“Black… ! ugh… ! ugh… .”
Sylvia couldn’t stand it and sat down and burst into tears.
In the middle of the stage, it reminds me of Vivian and Ian, who were holding each other affectionately in a world of their own, far from others.
Even if I tried to erase it, even if I tried to wash it away, it wouldn’t.
It clings tenaciously like rotten oil seeping through the folds of the brain.
“Ahh-! ugh… ! Uhhhh… !”
I missed you.
to the point of being unbearable.
However, this is not what I wanted to see.
‘then… ! Then what did you want to see… . I just want to see you’re doing well!’
Are you serious?
someone speaks
It was his own voice.
can you be satisfied with that?
‘satisfied… have to be satisfied I have to be satisfied.’
That’s the same as saying you’re not satisfied.
‘… You have to be patient though. this is a bee I’m being punished.’
Why should I put up with it?
I’m different.
Even Kylie, whose dominant right arm was cut off.
Even with Beatrice, whose limbs were cut off one by one.
Even Arya, who has developed an obsessive fear of harming others.
Even if his skills are low, he still has enough strength to kill the two girls next to him and subdue Ian.
I’m well aware of that.
‘Shut up… Please shut up!’
I am your true heart
No matter how much you turn away, your unconscious will eventually come out.
you know what you want
take him
Create a paradise where only the two of you can live and imprison him.
Whisper love every night
‘I don’t want to hurt Ian again… .’
wound?
People grow dull and give up on repetition.
so will he
‘I want Ian to be happy alone without me… .’
Then why did you come?
You didn’t have to come.
Don’t you know your heart too?
‘No, I’m not…’ . I, I just, want to see Ian… .’
You weren’t meant to meet in the first place.
You just wanted to see it from afar.
it could have been
But you couldn’t stand it and even suggested dancing.
Maybe I couldn’t stand it.
You even invited him to dance in hopes that he would notice your wounds.
‘Shut up… .’
When you dance, his big hands will grab your waist.
You wanted me to know your wounds like that.
Even if he doesn’t know, I expected him to care if he showed up.
am i wrong?
‘Shut up! Shut up! Please be quiet and go away!’
Sylvia hugged her head and stirred wildly.
Her own voice haunted her consciousness as if it were someone else’s.
What awoke her consciousness like that.
-Multiple.
What was the sound of footsteps?
“Ha ha ha… .”
Raising her teary eyes, Sylvia looked around.
It was a dark and dirty alley.
Like the back alley of Supervia where I first saw Ian.
I didn’t have time to appreciate it.
‘That sound… . It was the sound of horses hooves.’
It was not the footsteps of an ordinary person.
Around this alley, there is no road big enough for horses to come and go.
-Multiple.
Small, but clearly audible.
Shaking off the dust, Sylvia stood up and walked in that direction.
Let the wind blow, erasing the smell and sound.
And beyond the corner of the alley.
A suspicious group appeared.
It didn’t look like a human.
The lower body of a certain shadow was a horse.
Some shadows had horns on their heads.
‘… Mine?’
A group of demons were secretly maneuvering.
***
Halfway through the auction, the item I wanted came out.
“Okay, the next item is a very special ring! With this object, you will be free to put on or take off your armor in the future!”
It was a small jewelry box that came out with the cheerful guidance of the moderator.
The ring was enshrined in a wooden jewelry box.
That’s the artifact I’ve been aiming for.
“Heroes, of course, from soldiers to knights! A useful item for everyone! Alright then, I’ll start with a minimum bid of 100 gold!”
100 gold.
When converted into Korean currency, it is an amount equivalent to 1 billion won.
Compared to the previous items, the unit of the minimum bid price has changed.
“Hey… .”
Vivian inhaled in surprise.
“100 gold for one artifact? Are you okay?”
Lucia asked anxiously.
“I have to try.”
I’m honestly not sure either.
100 gold is definitely fine.
The problem is, that is the minimum bid.
There is a lot of money, but that is the standard that an individual can manage.
Compared to the aristocrats who participated in this place, there is no choice but to fall short.
where the country’s royalty.
top of any top.
The unit of money that touches me is bound to be different.
“Start bidding!”
I just hope they don’t heat up on that item.
After a while.
My wish has become trash.
“I got 300 gold!”
These crazy bastards… .
Called 3 times already?
How many buildings are there in Superbia for 300 gold?
Even if the ‘gold’ unit goes up even a little, the amount jumps… .
“310 gold is out!”
I watched it for a while and tried to go in when it was sorted out, but there is no sign of it being sorted out.
“350 gold!”
When I got up to 350, the number of competitors drastically decreased.
Currently, there are about three people aiming for the item.
“360 gold!”
… I’ll have to step in slowly.
I don’t know how far it will go.
I held up the number 2 sign and said.
“400.”
“Ah, 400 gold came out!”
At the appearance of a new challenger, the three who were competing stared at me.
I shrugged.
Bids continued to rise.
It easily broke through the 500s and came to the 600s.
“650 gold is out!”
… Oh, these crazy people are real.
Seeing me hesitating while holding the sign, the lady who had just called for 650 gold grinned.
It was a triumphant smile.
It’s already more than I can afford.
I was overdoing it, but I can’t do it anymore.
“Ian… .”
Vivian called out anxiously.
“That’s a lot of dirty money. Tsk.”
“Don’t worry too much. Is there anything big about not having an artifact?”
Lucia comforted him as if it was not a big deal.
It’s not a huge mistake, but it’s true that it’s good to have it.
Too bad.
“700 gold! 700 gold!”
After competing without me, it rose to 700 before I knew it.
“Are there any more! 700 gold! 700 gold!”
The moment the moderator is about to shout for the third time to win the bid.
Someone to my left held up a sign.
There, it was Grace’s seat.
before I even turn my head.
“7,000.”
Grace spat.
“Ahhh… ! Chi, seven thousand gold is out!”
Suddenly, 10 times the expected final winning bid price exploded.
All eyes were on her, and no one intervened while the moderator shouted the amount three times.
I realize all over again.
That Grace was the beloved youngest daughter of Emperor Julian, who was enjoying the heyday of the empire.
Also, the fact that the imperial family had too much money to rot.
“The bid will be won by participant number 1!”
Grace nodded in satisfaction and leaned slightly towards me.
Her smiling face looked at me proudly.
“Did I tell you? You will get what you want.”
At the end of the dance with Grace, she did say that.
… no way?