Chapter 4
"Who says that? It's not true at all, so don't say that. If you change your style a bit, you'll be truly captivating."
"My style...?"
Her silver eyes, which had been gloomy and bitter, now sparkled. It became my mission to instill confidence and vitality into those pretty eyes so they would shine like stars.
"Yes. You're already very beautiful, but to be honest, I think you appear a bit too reserved. I believe you'll look much better if you embrace a style that reveals more of your true self."
Alfonsina pondered my words for a while, her head still lowered, before speaking cautiously.
"For example...? It's the first time I've heard such advice, so I'm not sure. I can't be as good as Sasha..."
"I'm not an expert either, but if you're willing, I'd be delighted to assist."
"Really? But Sasha must be busy too..."
"Don't worry about that. I'd be honored to help you, the soon-to-be Madame of this place, look your best."
I added playfully, and a blush bloomed on her pale face, accompanied by a faint smile. To me, that smile was worth a million ducats.
* * *
The late emperor, who had a successful early reign, was also responsible for ruining state affairs and significantly increasing the royal family's debt in later years, had left a will.
"Be wary of the serpents; they will strip your children's vests and your people's shirts!"
It's unclear whether he actually left a will, but the famous will has been proven to be false.
Well, who else could have overseen the construction of so much infrastructure throughout the empire over the past fifty years?
The reason behind the empire's rapid growth in such a short period was that talented individuals from all walks of life were able to contribute to various industries, regardless of their social status.
The Great Plague, wars, and the adoption of new farming methods led to the death of many nobles, acting as catalysts for this development.
However, it cannot be ignored that the Python Bank played a significant role, providing substantial investments and support from skilled individuals.
The new hotel, built to replace an old museum, was a symbol of this progress.
It attracted aristocrats, businessmen from all over the country, as well as foreign dignitaries and students, giving it an international fair-like atmosphere at the entrance.
"I'm feeling nervous."
"Yes, you are nervous."
"Do you think all those high-ranking people will maintain their admiring expressions once they step inside?"
"Absolutely. The Duke and the Prince inspected it and were very pleased, right? They have discerning eyes, so there's no need to worry."
I spoke confidently, trying to encourage the assistant designers who still appeared tense.
Their expressions seemed more like they wanted to say something but lacked the courage to do so, rather than being suspicious of my words.
Valentina, who had been quietly observing the scenery outside the window, smiled and chimed in.
“We all know that even if Sasha decorated this place like a church prayer room, those two would still say it's perfect."
"Oh, come on, that's too much. They must realize that showing such favoritism would be an insult to all our hard work."
"It's not just our effort; it's Sasha's effort. She painstakingly checked and repaired every single detail. In any case, it looks fantastic even to my humble eyes."
Laughter erupted, and I pretended to be upset while playfully glancing at Valentina. It had been a challenging journey, and I even took lessons from Valentina at night to keep up.
"It's quite an accomplishment to be part of such a momentous event. It'll be a proud story to tell in my life."
"It's a bit sad. Without all of you, I wouldn't have been able to finish it so perfectly and on time."
"That's true, and if Miss Sasha hadn't been so meticulous..."
"Enough teasing, please."
As the laughter-filled atmosphere continued, someone's entrance brought a sense of solemnity, instantly silencing the room.
"Prince."
The tall and imposing figure of the Snake-eyed Prince appeared. He was dressed in a dark blue frock coat suit with a black bow tie, exuding a calm and elegant presence.
He possesses a magnetic charm that's both alluring and confident... What am I thinking?
"Prince, you look elegant today."
"Thank you for the compliment. I heard Yann is looking for his older sister."
"He's naturally averse to the upper class. Nothing has changed since he was seven years old..."
"All men are like that. Sasha, come with me for a moment."
I wasn't entirely sure what "aversion to the upper-class" meant, but I followed Benya as he led me through the hallway adorned with golden leaves hanging from the ceiling.
"Benya, what's the matter?"
"...Hmm? Nothing."
I see. You're still the same playful guy. With just a few minutes left before an unprecedented event starts, do you have any other questions?
"Tell me honestly, do you really like it?"
"Why do you suspect that I wasn't being honest?"
"Rather than doubting you... Let's just say I felt like it was lacking in some way."
"Why would you feel that way when everyone else is already admiring the showroom..."
He teased me, making me wonder if everyone else had been deceived today.
"It's not just about other people's reactions. Isn't it also important that you like it? After all, it's your birthday."
Benya stopped walking without responding and pushed open the door adorned with ornate vine patterns on the left side.
It led to an exhibition room filled with paintings—the part of the hotel I paid the most attention to.
I had struggled to come up with a theme that would suit this hotel, but luckily, Serpente had a great relationship with artists, and they managed to exhibit masterpieces that perfectly fit the theme of the Christmas Festival.
"Would it be strange for me to see it now? I feel like it's Christmas all year round here..."
"At Christmas, it's easy to fall into the sentiment that everything is a gift from God. If you use it so generously without guilt, I would appreciate it."
That made sense. I admired the paintings with a false sense of pride, then stopped and posed next to one depicting a happily smiling child hugging a pile of presents. Benya stood with his arms crossed, watching me with a faint smile.
"It’s perfect."
"Are you sure it's perfect? It's your birthday, and I really want you to feel that way."
"Would you believe me if I said it's absolutely perfect? On another note, I'm curious about what you and Valen have been up to every evening lately."
"Why? Are you getting jealous?"
"A little."
He replied so meekly that I was taken aback. Did he call me just to ask about that? Then it dawned on me that he probably already knew and was just confirming it.
I tried to act a bit grumpy about it.
"If you want to know, just ask Valen."
"What I'm wondering about is what you're doing, not someone else. You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I'm not asking for every detail."
That's because you didn't ask.
To be precise, we were both so busy that we hardly had time to see each other, let alone ask about each other's activities.
If I asked about anything, Benya would surely give me a straightforward answer, even if it meant inquiring about the truth I heard from Jerome.
"Well, I pestered Valen."
"What?"
"I want her to teach me how to handle a gun. And after what happened when I first got back here... I feel the need to know how to protect myself at all times."
"So... you two have been practicing every day. Is that it? Where?"
"In the basement of Valen's shop. It's a place that's empty until late at night."
There was a moment of silence. The tension between us rose, which was quite unusual for me, facing Benya's narrowed eyes.
Is he angry?
I thought he would be supportive even if it wasn't something he encouraged.
Or is he just annoyed that I kept it from him? Valentina was Benya's close friend before she became my friend, so I wasn't sure if it bothered him.
"Valen did it reluctantly because I was so anxious. I suggested we keep it a secret. You know, I like surprising others at important moments."
I added that as a joke, but Benya still didn't say anything. It wasn't until I began to think I'd prefer him to explode like a nagging bomb that he finally moved. He came closer to me.
"Benya...?"
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