In the Place where the Golden Rose Was Broken - Chapter 4
“Isn’t the Duke not interested in such performances? You’ve never even glanced at the arts before, have you?”
Sierra asked Arcturus with a lovely eye smile while linking arms with her fiancé, Caetro.
Arcturus looked at Sierra’s smiling face out of courtesy and answered with a fake smile.
“I happened to receive tickets as a gift. I wanted to give Grandfather some fresh air.”
This answer was half truth and half lie.
“Our ballet company has the greatest treasure.”
Even Baron Theron, who had been trembling like he’d seen a ghost the whole time, showed clear confidence for a moment about this greatest treasure, which piqued his curiosity.
Normally, he would have dismissed it as nothing significant. He wouldn’t have left even a speck of interest…
But this time, he did something quite unlike his usual self.
He became strangely curious about who this greatest treasure that Baron Theron was so confident about was, and how this treasure would shine.
Eventually, that curiosity led to action.
But if he had known it would turn into such a tiresome outing, he would have just worked in his office…
While persistently ignoring Sierra’s subtle glances, the lights suddenly went out.
Soon after, a single spotlight lit up on the stage.
The high-intensity light, bright enough to dazzle, illuminated only one woman.
Then, the music began to play.
As the music started, the fingertips of the woman sitting weakly began to twitch. Soon, the movement of her fingertips connected to her arms, and then to her entire body.
Finally, the performance had begun.
Watching the stage, Arcturus didn’t want to admit it, but he had to.
Baron Theron’s confidence was well-founded.
The Swan Ballet Company indeed had the greatest treasure.
As in other works, the role of the lead ballerina was crucial in this piece. Fortunately, Karen, the protagonist, led the stage brilliantly.
Befitting the role of a spy with a dancing background who had enchanted numerous men, every man in the theater was captivated by her and desired to possess her.
Throughout the performance, the content made sense thanks to the lead ballerina. Setting aside her appearance, her movements were beautiful.
Light footsteps, fluid movements…
She made it impossible for viewers to take their eyes off her soft body lines. She was indeed worthy of being called a treasure by Baron Theron.
“Duke, how did you find the performance?”
After the entire performance had ended, just as Arcturus was about to leave the theater with his family,
The nobles invited to the performance approached them to make small talk. But Baron Theron wasn’t one to let others steal his opportunity.
After all, it was a performance by the ballet company, which was part of Baron Theron’s business. Having been personally invited by him, they couldn’t leave without exchanging greetings.
“It was an excellent performance. The Baron had reason to be confident.”
“Then, about the business talk…”
“But that’s as far as it goes.”
Baron Theron’s expectant face visibly stiffened.
“I’m more accustomed to holding guns than discussing art.”
“……”
“I apologize, Baron.”
Saying such words with an expression and tone that didn’t seem sorry at all only felt like mockery to the other party.
“Well then, goodbye.”
Arcturus excused himself from the people and left the place. Caetro followed, supporting their grandfather.
Regardless of whether Baron Theron’s expression hardened with disappointment and humiliation, Arcturus was about to leave the theater when he briefly turned towards the empty stage just before reaching the door.
Indeed, the dancer who led the stage was special, but…
It was a separate issue from business.
He couldn’t invest based on just one dancer, and Arcturus no longer found beauty in art. Today was just a special case.
“Since the whole family has gathered after a long time, let’s go to the Ripolla Hotel.”
Jude Cullen, who had boarded the carriage, suggested to his grandsons that they go to the Ripolla Hotel. Of course, this invitation extended to Sierra, Caetro’s fiancée.
The Ripolla Hotel was a place frequently visited by nobles, with rooms equipped with swimming pools, where busy businessmen often spent their summers for a brief respite.
Jude Cullen, who had become too old to travel far, often headed to the Ripolla Hotel whenever he had the chance these days.
“Let’s have a meal together and talk all night.”
“I have to work.”
“You’d better say you have a woman. Then I might let you go, but not for work.”
“Grandfather, please…”
Jude Cullen, who in his youth had been such a workaholic that he neglected his family, was now busy preaching about the importance of family bonds and love to Arcturus, who was following a similar path.
Arcturus rubbed his face, trying hard to swallow a sigh. It seemed his grandfather wasn’t satisfied with just watching the performance together with his grandson today.
“Arctur.”
Jude Cullen called his grandson’s nickname with a still gentle smile on his face.
While the world admired or feared Arcturus, in Jude Cullen’s eyes, he was still the young boy he remembered. He knew that despite showing his dislike, his grandson would eventually follow his wishes.
“If you’re frustrated, hurry and find a pretty lady. If you say you’re dating, how could this old man hold you back? It would be even better if you gave me a great-grandchild.”
Arcturus had completely given up on his grandfather who now kept talking about dating and great-grandchildren.
“Do you know that sometimes when you’re like this, Grandfather, I think I should really date just anyone?”
“You can’t date just anyone. You should date someone you love, you rascal.”
Sierra, Caetro’s fiancée, interrupted the ongoing small argument between the two.
“Don’t worry, Grandfather. The day will come when the Duke meets a good woman.”
“Like our flower-like Sierra?”
Sierra smiled softly at the affectionate expression, as if she were truly his granddaughter. On the surface, she seemed like a shy, lovely lady. But Arcturus knew Sierra Miller well.
He had no choice but to know her well, even if he didn’t want to.
Sierra’s eyes, pretending to cool her cheeks with the back of her hand as if embarrassed, briefly met Arcturus’s.
For just a moment, a seductive light flashed in Sierra’s eyes, which had shown a shy and sunny smile.
It was always like this.
His half-brother’s fiancée always desired Arcturus in this way. This was one of the reasons why he found these family gatherings suffocating.
Feeling stifled, Arcturus loosened his tie and leaned back deeply into the plush chair, turning his gaze out the window.
‘It might be better to create a fake lover instead.’
If possible, it would be even better if it were with a famous person, enough for everyone to know and talk about.
For example…
Yes, like that dancer who told stories through her movements.
In the passing scenery, Arcturus recalled the lingering image of those movements, fluttering like feathers under the brilliant lights.
Was it because she was under the dazzling lights? The dancing woman seemed so pale that she might vanish at any moment.
But soon, Arcturus cut off the fading afterimage by closing his eyes.
That dancer was beautiful. But that was all.
Creating a fake lover just to avoid his brother’s fiancée’s subtle advances and his grandfather’s pressure to marry would only bring about more trouble.
Arcturus had no intention of expending effort to increase his troubles.
***
After all the performances ended, Director Mark headed to the practice room.
Although the curtain had fallen to great acclaim, this wasn’t the end. As they would continue performing the same piece for several months, they needed to practice almost daily from now on. However, due to the physical exertion required for each performance, dancers usually chose to go home after a show. Of course, there were dancers who stayed to practice, and Karen was always on that list without fail.
“…What? Karen’s not here?”
But today was an exception.
“Why? Did she get hurt or something?”
“Well, I’m not sure.”
Director Mark felt a surge of anger at Alice’s indifferent voice. How could she be so uncaring when a fellow company member might be injured?
Thinking of Karen, who was usually a loner, made his heart ache.
“This won’t do. I should go to Karen’s house.”
“Why should you do that, Director?”
Alice asked with a bewildered tone.
“For that practice bug to go home on the day the performance season starts doesn’t make sense unless she’s injured somewhere.”
“Who knows? Maybe she went to meet a man.”
“…Karen?”
Mark’s steps, which were hurriedly heading to the office where the dancers’ personal information was kept to check Karen’s address, came to an abrupt halt.
Then he shook his head.
“Alice, isn’t it a bit much to spread baseless rumors about a fellow company member?”
“It’s not wrong to meet a man… Why are you getting so angry?”
“I’m not angry… Anyway, Karen’s not that kind of person, so stop talking nonsense.”
Alice’s eyes narrowed at Director Mark’s seemingly desperate expression.
“I saw her.”
“Saw what?”
“Karen, I mean.”
Alice was quite perceptive. She already knew that Director Mark was particularly fond of Karen. Until now, she thought it was because Karen was a genius and knew nothing but practice, making her the principal dancer…
But maybe that wasn’t it.
“She was removing her stage makeup and applying new makeup. Like she was going to meet someone.”
Alice wasn’t lying.
“She looked quite excited.”
Though she did add a bit of exaggeration.
Translator
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ianthe
will be virtually on break. no novels are dropped. i will be working on them one by one ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧