Chapter 2.8

When Ariana returned to the entrance of the bank, Rowen was conversing with two unfamiliar women. Though calling it a conversation might have been a stretch—the women were laughing and eagerly talking, while Rowen responded with a single indifferent remark every so often.  

‘That must be his true self.’  

Ariana frowned slightly as she observed Rowen’s expression. Ever since Rowen had started posing as a noble from the Principality, he had always been polite and courteous in front of Ariana. But surely, that wasn’t the real Rowen.  

‘The demeanor I saw at the detective agency was much closer to this cold side…’  

Rowen sighed deeply, as though annoyed by the women’s chatter, and turned his head—only to meet Ariana’s gaze. The cold, indifferent attitude he had displayed toward the women disappeared instantly as he approached Ariana with a softened expression.  

“Did everything go smoothly?”  

His complete disregard for the two women made Ariana feel slightly awkward, prompting her to glance at them and gesture toward them with her eyes.  

“Weren’t you in the middle of a conversation?”  

“Oh.”  

Rowen looked at the women with an irritated frown.  

“They were asking for directions to Blonde Street while holding bags made by Undomiel.”  

Undomiel was a renowned workshop specializing in bags, located on Blonde Street since its inception. Today, Blonde Street was known as the “luxury district,” thanks entirely to Undomiel’s influence.  

‘How can someone own a bag from Undomiel and not know where Blonde Street is?’  

The women had likely asked the nonsensical question in a desperate attempt to strike up a conversation with Rowen.  

“So, they’re people you don’t need to pay any attention to.”  

“I see.”  

Ariana nodded. She had a clear understanding of how Rowen treated people he deemed “not worth paying attention to.” When she had first met him at the detective agency, his attitude toward her had been similar to how he treated the two women.  

Rowen’s criteria for judging whether someone was worth paying attention to seemed to revolve around authority. The lower a person’s status, the more he had to be mindful of them, regardless of his own standards. In this sense, Rowen was somewhat unusual. To Ariana, Rowen exuded the ease and confidence characteristic of someone accustomed to holding authority.  

“…That’s surprising.”  

Ariana tilted her head curiously.  

“You know Undomiel? It’s a famous workshop, but not many people can instantly recognize its bags.”  

“…My profession involves gathering a lot of miscellaneous information.”  

Rowen lightly tapped his temple with his fingers before extending his hand to Ariana.  

“Let’s head to Sotherin. The auction is about to begin.”  

Though Rowen’s attempt to change the subject was obvious, Ariana decided to let it go for now, as the auction was indeed approaching. She took his hand. Whatever Rowen’s true face might be, it didn’t matter as long as he helped her achieve her goals.  

***

When they arrived at Sotherin, an employee checked their invitations and guided them into the auction hall. Being the day of a regular auction, Sotherin was bustling with collectors, businessmen, brokers, and spectators eager to acquire valuable items or simply admire the artwork. As a result, all the tables were fully occupied—except for the one closest to the stage, which was reserved for Ariana and Rowen.  

Each of them was given a numbered paddle, 1 and 2 respectively.  

“The representative wanted you to enjoy the auction comfortably, so he reserved an entire table for you.”  

“That wasn’t necessary, but please convey my thanks.”  

“Yes, Lady Astaroth.”  

After the employee bowed politely and left, Ariana began reviewing the catalog of items up for auction. As planned, her sculpture was listed under the name “Birth of the Goddess of Beauty.”  

Typically, the final item in an auction was the most valuable, drawing the greatest attention. However, the catalog only mentioned the name “Birth of the Goddess of Beauty” and a brief description of the sculpture, leaving attendees increasingly curious.  

“How beautiful must the sculpture be to deserve such a name?”  

“They didn’t even include a photo in the catalog—how much are they planning to surprise us?”  

Listening to the excited murmurs of the crowd, Rowen recalled the sculpture he had personally delivered to Sotherin. No matter how he looked at it, the name “Birth of the Goddess of Beauty” didn’t suit the sculpture.  

‘Is it meant to be ironic?’  

He couldn’t help but imagine the reactions of the eager attendees once they saw the sculpture in person.  

“Aren’t you worried?”  

Rowen turned to Ariana, who was calmly reading the catalog.  

“Everyone seems to have high expectations, yet they don’t know what the sculpture looks like.”  

“Are you worried?”  

“Knowing the sculpture’s true form, of course I’m worried. I don’t understand why Sotherin agreed to be part of your plan—it might tarnish their reputation.”  

While Rowen asked seriously, Ariana responded lightly, without taking her eyes off the catalog.  

“Watt Sotherin, the representative of Sotherin, was close to my late father. As you know, my father built friendships with many figures in the art and history communities, regardless of their status.”  

“…”  

“At the time, Watt wasn’t the representative of Sotherin. But after several direct heirs passed away, the role eventually fell to him—a distant relative. It’s been about two years now, and he’s earned an excellent reputation as the representative.”  

“…”  

Despite Ariana’s explanation, Rowen remained unconvinced, leaning back in his chair with a skeptical expression.  

“So, the representative of Sotherin allowed this absurd auction entry simply because of his connection to your father?”  

It might have been somewhat understandable if the sculpture had merely been included in the auction catalog. But to make it the highlight of the event—the final item—was incomprehensible.  

“You seem to know Watt Sotherin quite well to ask such a question.”  

Ariana smirked as she asked, prompting Rowen to narrow his eyes, as if questioning the timing of her remark. Ariana shrugged and placed the catalog on the table.  

“The connection earned me the opportunity to show Watt the sculpture—that’s all.”  

“So, you’re saying…”  

Watt Sotherin had seen the sculpture and deemed it worthy of being the final item in the auction.

‘That ugly sculpture?’ 

Rowen couldn’t comprehend it. However, regardless of the unease clouding his mind, the auction began. With a soft “pop,” the lights dimmed, and the brightly lit auction hall was suddenly plunged into darkness. The murmuring crowd, sensing the start of the event, fell silent, and the room quickly became still.

Amid the anticipation, the auctioneer stepped onto the podium.  

“Thank you for attending Sotherin’s regular auction. We will now begin. The first item is…”  

The items listed in the catalog were brought up to the podium one by one, following the auctioneer’s lead. The auctioneer passionately described the allure of each piece, encouraging the audience to actively participate. Each time, the crowd’s eyes sparkled as they eagerly raised their paddles to indicate their bids. The final prices varied, ranging from a few hundred thousand to tens of millions.  

The auction progressed swiftly, reaching its highlight—the final item, the sculpture titled 〈Birth of the Goddess of Beauty〉. With everyone’s attention focused on it, the sculpture, covered by a white cloth, was brought to the stage.  

“Our final item today is 〈Birth of the Goddess of Beauty〉. This sculpture, from the era of the Thousand-Year War, survived the turmoil of that period without any damage—a true masterpiece!”  

As the auctioneer spoke, the white cloth covering the sculpture was removed, revealing the so-called “masterpiece.”  

It was a hideously ugly woman, striking a dynamic pose as though trying to emerge from within a flower bud. Under the dazzling lights, the sculpture radiated an overwhelming aura—an aura that provoked intense discomfort in everyone present. In some sense, it was indeed a masterpiece. The auction hall fell utterly silent, as though cold water had been splashed over the crowd.  

‘That’s… a masterpiece?’  

‘That’s… the Goddess of Beauty?’  

Everyone blinked in disbelief, their expressions uniformly dumbfounded. Some even rubbed their eyes, unable to trust what they were seeing. The auctioneer, unfazed by the crowd’s reaction, proceeded with the formalities.  

“The bidding for 〈Birth of the Goddess of Beauty〉 will start at one million won. If you wish to bid, please raise your paddle!”  

No one raised their paddle immediately. However, this was Sotherin, and this sculpture had been confidently presented as the final item.  

Surely, despite its appearance, there must be some unknown, inexplicable value to the piece. With that thought, someone hesitantly raised their paddle, and then another followed. Gradually, more people began to participate, though their expressions remained uncertain. Unlike the fervent enthusiasm seen earlier in the auction, the atmosphere here was subdued.  

At that moment, Ariana, who had been quietly observing, raised her paddle high.  

“Three million won.”  

Gasps echoed throughout the room as the bidding, which had barely reached five hundred thousand, suddenly skyrocketed to three million.  

“I’ll buy it for three million won.”