It Turned Out She Wasn't a Favored Concubine - Episode 8

It was an overwhelming temptation, but I held myself back. If a woman wandered around alone and got robbed of the jewels, it would be over.

More than anything, Erich or my family would surely search for them, and I doubted I could avoid that investigation.

“517,500 drangs. That’s the current highest bid. If there are no further bids, I’ll call it three times and close.”

The auctioneer’s clear voice snapped me out of my deep thoughts.

Or rather, the staggering amount of 517,500 drangs did. No one raised a hand during the three calls, and my diamond necklace found a new owner.

Leaving behind gold coins worth 517,500 drangs. Thinking of Arne’s countless jewels, the price of a house something you’d have to save for a lifetime in the real world suddenly felt trivial.

“Louis, that diamond necklace was the best item I put up, right?”

“Of course not. The auction’s just begun. Usually, the most precious items come toward the end. Your other items will appear later.”

My jaw dropped. That necklace wasn’t the best? Then how much was I going to earn?

As the auction progressed, more of my items appeared and each broke the previous record, ending up in someone’s hands.

I calmed my initial excitement and enjoyed refreshments while watching the stage.

Eventually, the auctioneer brought out a very special item, covered in black velvet, to the center of the stage.

Everything so far had been special, but nothing had been covered in black velvet.

In the hushed hall, the auctioneer quietly lifted the velvet cloth.

A crystal-carved hand holding a gleaming gold ring was revealed. It was striking, but I was slightly disappointed it was just a plain gold ring with no gemstones.

That item had also come from Arne’s jewelry box. Among the dazzling jewels, it had seemed modest.

“I’m honored to present this gold ring. It features a miniature painting by Frantino Zran, the master of fine detail from the Kingdom of Lugzan. It’s one of ten works he created at the peak of his career.”

The auctioneer’s excited tone drew gasps from the audience. Judging by the twitching hands holding bidding paddles, it was clear how famous Frantino Zran was and how revered his golden era had been.

“Inside the ring is a miniature of two lovers making a vow of love. If you have a beloved, this would be the perfect gift! We’ll start at five million drangs!”

I squinted at the ring on stage.

That plain-looking ring had such an expensive miniature inside? I should’ve examined it more closely before submitting it!

No matter how hard I stared, I couldn’t see the painting inside from this distance. I sighed in regret when a familiar voice spoke.

“So you put that ring up for auction too.”

Erich had come up behind me and whispered in my ear. His soft breath tickled, and I quickly turned away.

“Your Majesty? Are you done with your work?”

“Yes. Melton brought more documents than expected, so it took time, but I’m finished. And to see that ring now it’s a pleasant surprise.”

“Th-that ring?”

If Erich recognized the ring, could it be the one he gave to Arne?

A cold sweat ran down my back. Well, they were married, so they must’ve exchanged rings. But could that be… a wedding ring?

I cursed my stupidity. I should’ve at least checked if it was a wedding or engagement ring. But blinded by greed, I’d carelessly pulled out all the jewels and put them up for auction. Even if Erich hadn’t truly loved the woman he gave it to, it could still be used against me. A perfect excuse to put a knife to my throat later.

Erich stared at the ring on stage behind me for a long time. I was so distracted by his proximity that I didn’t even hear the rising bids.

I wanted to say something to make him back off, but I had no information about the ring, so I couldn’t speak first.

“That was the first ring I gave you. I wanted to make a vow of love, like the lovers inside the ring…”

He didn’t need to finish the sentence. His downcast lashes and wistful gaze at the ring said it all.

‘How could you auction off such a meaningful ring that symbolized our love?’—that was probably the sentiment.

And it wasn’t just me who could guess that. The maids and knights in the box seats surely thought the same. I’d instantly become the villain who sold a precious ring for money.

His acting always gave me chills. How could he pretend to love me so convincingly?

This was the usual pattern. Arne was the spoiled woman who relied on the emperor’s favor, and I was the one who treated him poorly.

If I stayed silent, I’d become the thoughtless woman who sold the emperor’s precious ring.

Sure, the initial mistake was mine, but Erich’s sorrowful eyes would amplify the rumors.

Just days into my image-rehabilitation plan, I was already facing a crisis.

“S-so I wanted to make a vow of love to Your Majesty too!”

What did I just say?

I wanted to slap myself, but doing so would only add “crazy woman” to my bad reputation. I mumbled with my head down.

“A vow of love… it’s something mutual, right? You gave me the ring, so I wanted to give something back. That’s why I put my jewels up for auction to buy a token of love for you…”

I had no idea what I was saying. Talking about love vows while selling the ring he gave me? Ha. Even the logic didn’t add up.

“Really? Then why that ring…?”

His tone was full of doubt. Of course. No one would believe such nonsense. But I had no choice.

“I wanted to make a new vow. That ring is precious, but I felt like I only received something. I thought exchanging new tokens would be more meaningful. Ha ha ha.”

Whether it made sense or not I had to stick to it.

Even I found my laugh awkward, but I decided to be shameless.

Erich couldn’t harm me yet. The war wasn’t over. You don’t discard the dog until it brings back the prey.

I lifted my head and met Erich’s flushed face.

How could someone’s face turn so red? But on a handsome man like Erich, it looked charming—like a blushing apple.

“…You want to give me a token of love?”

His voice trembled. His flushed face and shaking voice definitely anger. He even turned his head to avoid my gaze.

I understood. A woman he disliked was babbling about love vows it was annoying.

But the damage was done. I anxiously waited for Erich to calm down and resume his usual performance.

Finally, his lips moved.

“Really…”

Really what? That I’m ridiculous? That he’ll punish me later? Please, not something negative.

I waited with a pounding heart.

“Everyone! We’ll pause the auction for a moment!”

If not for the auctioneer’s loud voice, I might’ve heard the rest.

The dim hall suddenly brightened. The auctioneer, flustered, stepped to the center.

“We sincerely apologize. We’ll now begin the Motus auction. Thank you for your understanding.”

The audience, caught up in bidding, voiced their complaints. Despite the auctioneer’s repeated explanations, they weren’t satisfied.

“There are high nobles here! Whoever your Motus artisan is, tell them waiting is better for their reputation. No matter how skilled they are, they need buyers to survive.”

A young man in the back shouted, and others cheered in agreement.

The auctioneer stepped back under pressure.

Then, a tall man with red hair appeared from backstage, scratching his head.

The auctioneer waved his hands in surprise, but the red-haired man ignored him and stepped forward.

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