Chapter 313: Unknown Guest
The next morning, after they woke up, the two of them headed to the same dining hall to have breakfast. Their plan for the day was to go out and get an invitation.
"We have a lot to do today. First, we need to get the invitation, and then we have to go see someone," Serys said, glancing at Daniel, who was eating his breakfast with great appetite.
"Who do we need to see?" Daniel asked with interest. As far as he remembered, there was no mention of this in the plan they had discussed with him.
Of course, the plan they had drawn up wasn't exactly complete. Most of it focused on how to get into the auction, and Daniel really didn't care much about that part.
As for reclaiming the weapon, they had agreed to improvise a plan based on their situation at the time.
"You'll find out later. For now, the invitation is more important," Serys said with a smile.
"Do you know where we can get one?" Daniel didn't push the topic further.
"I've got a few places in mind. But we'll need to check them out first."
"Hopefully, we won't run into any trouble getting it."
"There shouldn't be any. As the young lady of the Valenberg family, they should be happy we're even attending their auction."
Daniel nodded, and they stopped talking, finishing their breakfast. Just as they were about to leave, something unexpected happened—a visitor arrived.
A visitor neither of them recognized.
"Young Lady, Mr. Ravan has come to see you," the head maid said respectfully while bowing.
Serys and Daniel both froze and exchanged a brief shocked glance. Ravan? Who was that? They had never heard of anyone by that name.
Serys wanted to ask who Ravan was, but she was afraid the head maid might get suspicious, so she just had to play along.
"Really? That's great, then let's go see him," she said with a smile and stood up.
The head maid looked confused by her reaction. Since when did the Young Lady seem happy to see Ravan? Wasn't she usually angry and irritated whenever he showed up?
She came to the estate every now and then, but every time Mr. Ravan came to visit her, she would get upset and even aggressive.
So what changed today?
Daniel noticed the look in the maid's eyes and quickly realized Serys had messed up. He immediately warned her via mental link to keep her reactions more neutral.
The head maid decided not to dwell on it, thinking maybe something had happened she wasn't aware of.
She led them to the garden. In the center stood a lavish and noble-looking gazebo, though that wasn't what caught Daniel and Serys' attention.
What stood out was the relatively handsome young man standing beside it, clearly waiting for them.
"Lady Celestina, it's been a while," the young man with blue hair—presumably Ravan—said with a smile as he saw the approaching girl.
"Indeed, Mr. Ravan," Serys greeted him in an aristocratic manner. Even though she didn't know who he was, she had a talent for acting.
Besides, from his expressions and the emotion hidden in his eyes, it was obvious he had feelings for the real Celestina.
Still, she had to figure out who exactly this man was. One thing was clear—he definitely had a strong background.
"Please, have a seat," Ravan smiled wider when he saw she didn't react coldly to him, and gestured to the chair.
However, Daniel and Serys' expressions slightly changed at his tone. Wasn't this the Valenberg estate? Why was he acting like it was his place?
"So what brings you to our city, Lady Celestina? As far as I know, you were planning to attend the Ten Thousand Treasures Auction," Ravan asked calmly, ignoring their reactions.
"Well, another auction caught my attention," Serys responded with a small smile.
She wasn't sure whether to tell the truth or keep things vague. The situation was giving her a headache—what a messed-up scenario.
"Oh? Could it be the Black Auction?" a glint of surprise flickered in his eyes.
"That's right." She hadn't expected him to know about the Black Auction. This definitely proved the man had a powerful status.
"Haha, I didn't expect someone like you to be interested in something like the Black Auction. Or... was it your family's request?"
"Naturally, it was my family's request. If it were up to me, I wouldn't bother going to such a place," she replied.
Ravan didn't respond right away. Instead, he glanced at the head maid.
"Please bring us two cups of tea." He then turned his attention back to the fake Celestina.
"In that case, you probably don't have an invitation yet, do you?"
"You're right. We were planning to get one today."
"Well, if you'd like, I can get one for you," Ravan said with what he thought was a charming smile.
"Oh? If Mr. Ravan can do that, I would be thankful," Serys replied with a smile that made a spark of light appear in his eyes.
"Of course! Anything you want in this city, just ask me. You know I never say no, haha," he laughed.
Inside, though, he was thrilled. Every time in the past he tried to do something for Celestina, she refused. But now, she accepted.
What did that mean? That maybe all his efforts were finally paying off. Maybe, finally, he had a real shot at gaining her favor.
Soon, the head maid returned with two cups of tea. Ravan took a few sips, and Serys asked him some random questions to learn more about him.
The more they talked, the happier Ravan seemed. Understandable—after all, the woman he liked was finally paying attention to him.
He slowly raised his hand, aiming to place it on Serys' shoulder. In his mind, the fact that she talked to him and even asked for a favor meant their relationship had improved, right?
But before his hand could land, something gripped it—tightly.
"Please watch your behavior," Daniel said coldly.
"Huh? Who are you? How dare you touch me?" Ravan growled and yanked his hand back—but didn't look afraid in the slightest.