I Don’t Know The Original Work

It was certain that this character wasn’t someone to pay much attention to.

Soon, the auction began.

“1,000 Loran!”

“2,000 Loran!”

The bidding was fierce. However, the item Cornelia was after wouldn’t be up for auction until much later, so she stared boredly at the rising paddles.

“10,000 Loran.”

Suddenly, the bid jumped several times higher.

’10,000 Loran? That’s enough to buy a small mansion on the outskirts of the capital. Who would bid such an amount?’

Everyone turned to look at the seat next to Cornelia. A gray-haired man was holding up his paddle.

“10,000 Loran! Any higher bids?”

The auction hall fell silent. The item up for bid was an ancient book whose contents were undecipherable. No matter how intriguing it was, no one would invest over 10,000 Loran in something of unproven value.

“Sold for 10,000 Loran!”

This scenario repeated itself. Whenever ancient books or artifacts came up, the man would bid ten times the starting price.

People clicked their tongues in disbelief.

“Is he insane? Did he come here just to flaunt his money?”

“Disgusting merchant. He’s ruining the flow.”

Cornelia smirked.

’This is a trading hall where money rules. If you don’t like it, outbid him.’

But no one seemed to have the wealth or courage to do so.

In a way, it was fortunate. This man was only interested in ancient books and relics… completely different from what Cornelia intended to buy.

’At least he won’t bid ten times on the things I want.’

“We’ll now take a short break! The next item is the last remaining product from ‘Pissarro,’ once the capital’s finest toy store… a music box! Starting at 100 Loran!”

The starting price was far lower than previous items.

This was more of a casual intermission, meant for young ladies and gentlemen who had stepped out for a break to participate for fun.

But even they showed no interest in the music box. Its condition was terrible, and the music sounded distorted.

“Maybe 10 Loran, but who’d pay 100 Loran for that?”

As expected, no one raised their paddle.

Cornelia waited quietly.

The auctioneer awkwardly adjusted the price.

“Lowering the bid to 80 Loran!”

“…?”

“50 Loran!”

“This is the final reduction! If there are no buyers, we’ll withdraw—”

Now was the time.

“30 Loran.”

A single paddle rose into the air.

It was Cornelia.

“Ah, I forgot. There is a fool here after all.”

“What could she possibly want with that?”

“Does the Evans Duchess have an interest in Pissarro’s toys?”

Snickers rose from behind Cornelia.

’As if I’d give it to that brat.’

Just then—

“Why are you buying this?”

A whisper came from beside her.

The gray-haired man. Cornelia didn’t answer, but he persisted.

“That item isn’t even worth 5 Loran. While ‘Pissarro’ was once the capital’s finest toy store, their last remaining products number in the hundreds.”

His advice was oddly considerate for a stranger.

He seemed bothered by the thought of a naive young lady wasting her money.

’He’s the only one here who’s worried about Cornelia.’

No… he was the only person she’d met so far who had shown her any concern.

A bitter realization. But Cornelia didn’t lower her paddle. The man let out a soft chuckle.

“You’re not listening.”

Better to be mocked. Thanks to the others’ ignorance, she could secure the item without competition.

“Though we usually don’t accept bids below 50 Loran, we’ll make an exception… sold for 30 Loran!”

“Truly, only an eccentric young lady would take such an item seriously.”

The man beside her clapped sarcastically.

’Is he mocking me?’

Cornelia shot him a glare. The man only smirked in return.

“Finally, you’re looking at me.”

“…”

“Why did you buy that?”

“Do I have to answer?”

“If your reason intrigues me, I’ll buy it for 1,000 Loran.”

Offering 1,000 Loran for something bought at 30? Most would be tempted. But Cornelia scoffed.

*’Does he even know what this is? It’ll sell for 50,000 Loran in the future.’*

Instead of explaining, she replied:

“It has personal significance. I won’t sell it.”

✿

As soon as the auction ended, Cornelia exchanged her certificate for the music box. It was small, unremarkable, and even slightly rusted.

’And yet, this is my lifeline.’

Clutching the music box protectively, she headed alone to the carriage station. Most attendees had private coaches, leaving Cornelia the only one taking public transport.

“You’ve bought quite a few items today. Hand them over quietly, and I’ll pay you well.”

Wait… someone else was here.

Cornelia flinched, but the rough voice wasn’t directed at her.

In the dimly lit street, under flickering lanterns, three thugs surrounded a man.

Cornelia quickly hid behind a corner.

’I should take another route…’

“Here’s 30 Loran. Go buy yourself a rotten music box from Cornelia Iris. It suits trash like you.”

As she turned away, the thugs’ sneering laughter echoed in her ears.

’What’s their problem with an innocent bystander?’

Annoyed, Cornelia peeked around the corner to get a look at the troublemakers.

But what caught her eye wasn’t the thugs… it was their victim.

Tall enough to stand out even from a distance, he didn’t seem worried despite being outnumbered three to one.

’Wait, isn’t that…?’

The man from the auction house?

“Gentlemen, you lack conscience. None of my items sold for less than 10,000 Loran.”

“Arrogant bastard! You should be grateful we’re even offering to buy your trash!”

“Do you know who I am? Do you want to be blacklisted in the capital?”

The thugs spat cheap villain lines at the gray-haired man’s polite remarks.

“Enough. Some people only understand fists. Consider it an honor to be punched by a formally knighted man.”

The largest thug stepped forward and swung without warning.

CRACK!—

“Agh!”

The next moment, it was the thug who hit the ground. The gray-haired man had dodged, grabbed his arm, and slammed him down.

The man’s hat fell off in the scuffle, revealing his silver-gray hair gleaming under the moonlight.

The remaining two thugs were knocked out just as quickly. They crumpled like paper, unable to make a sound. His speed, strength, and movements were monstrous.

And for a moment—

His eyes seemed to glow a vivid crimson.

“That music box isn’t worth 30 Loran… it’s worth far more than 1,000.”

The man spoke without even panting.

’Holy hell!’

Cornelia covered her mouth. Her mind replayed every snarky remark she’d made to him at the auction.

Had she been too rude? She should’ve been nicer!

Had she left such an impression that he was still talking about the music box behind her back?

She could never let him see her again!

But then… their eyes met.

“…!”

Cornelia ducked back behind the wall.

’I have to run…!’

“Why are you alone in such a dangerous place?”

But the man was faster. In an instant, he stood before her, blocking her path.

Cornelia instinctively sensed a threat to her survival.

“I didn’t see anything—!”

“You just witnessed it… it’s dangerous to walk alone in secluded areas. I almost got into trouble.”

The man smiled politely. His eyes, which had burned crimson moments ago, were now a calm brown.

‘Did I imagine it?’

As Cornelia stood confused, movement caught her eye… the largest thug was back up, a rock in hand, aiming for the man’s head.

“Look out!”

Without thinking, Cornelia grabbed the nearest object and hurled it at the thug.