It Turned Out She Wasn't a Favored Concubine - Episode 9

“What the—who are you?”

Amid the crowd’s cheers, a young man in the back row pointed at the stage as if he were some kind of representative of the auction attendees.

His rude gesture seemed to irritate the red-haired man on stage, who pointed back at him and said,

“Me? The brilliant Motus artisan you just mentioned. You’ve heard of Perlo Shanaiyer, haven’t you?”

His arrogant self-introduction stirred a buzz in the audience—not out of offense, but excitement.

The name Perlo Shanaiyer spread rapidly through the crowd, and the young man who tried to play spokesperson was quickly forgotten.

“The genius Motus artisan?”

“He’s the Empire’s best!”

“Not just the Empire the whole continent! He’s our Martania Empire’s pride.”

I leaned over the balcony railing, trying to get a better look at the red-haired man Perlo Shanaiyer.

Even though I’d only been in this world for a few months, I knew that name.

The greatest Motus artisan of our time perhaps of all time.

When I was searching for a way to return to my original world through Motus, his name appeared endlessly in the books I read.

Any groundbreaking Motus technique in recent publications was inevitably credited to Perlo Shanaiyer.

He was so renowned that even the Empire summoned him to reinforce the spatial barrier around the palace a task reserved only for the best.

While reading about Motus, I’d even fantasized that if anyone could craft a Motus capable of interdimensional travel, it would be him.

And now, he was right in front of me. Was this what it felt like to see a celebrity you admired?

I leaned out further, only to be pulled back by Louie.

“Your Highness, that’s dangerous!”

“Oops, sorry.”

Even as I apologized, my eyes stayed fixed on Perlo. He responded to the crowd’s recognition with a casual nod, looking slightly annoyed.

Despite knowing he was young, I’d imagined a bearded middle-aged man based on all the discoveries and innovations attributed to him. But he looked more like a boy than a young man—his scrunched-up face resembled a child forced to eat bitter bell peppers. He was… kind of cute.

“That must be the famous Perlo Shanaiyer.”

“Yes, I think so. You can see him just fine from here, so please step back.”

“He looks so young. To be called the best in the Empire no, the continent he must be incredible.”

“Yes, probably a genius. Now please, just one step back.”

Louie pleaded, and I finally let go of the railing. Just then, a hand reached from behind, grabbed my waist, and lifted me three steps back.

I was startled was Louie really that strong? But the firm chest behind me told me it was Erich.

I’d been making ridiculous excuses to Erich because of the love ring incident, and now I’d completely ignored him in my excitement over Perlo Shanaiyer.

I swallowed nervously and looked up. Erich’s lips were tightly shut, his usual gentle smile nowhere to be seen his face pale and expressionless.

“Arne, that was dangerous.”

It was the most chilling voice I’d ever heard. It sounded kind, but it sent shivers down my spine. I instinctively stepped away from his embrace.

“Ah, I…”

“Sorry for startling you. I pulled you too suddenly.”

Erich smiled warmly again, as if that cold expression had never existed.

“Too bad the auction was interrupted before your ring was sold.”

“Yes…”

“But since you’re interested in Motus, maybe it’s for the best?”

“Yeah, maybe…”

“Should I just order them to resume the main auction? After all, the Emperor’s command takes precedence over any artisan’s request.”

“Wait… what?”

That snapped me out of it. The Emperor’s command? Was he planning to reveal his identity here?

Sure, the presence of fully armed knights and my jewels would eventually hint at royalty, but there’s a huge difference between subtle clues and a public declaration.

“No, I’m really interested in Motus. I want to see the Motus auction.”

“Alright then. Let’s see what that artisan has to offer.”

Erich looked down at Perlo on stage and lifted his chin. At that moment, Perlo glanced around the now-calm audience and briefly looked up at our box seat. It was just a moment, but I got a clear view of his face his slightly upturned eyes and red irises left a strong impression.

“Alright, everyone’s busy, and so am I. Let’s get this auction moving quickly. I know I was invited in advance, but to you all, I’m basically crashing the party. I won’t take up too much time. Just four items one Motus for each stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th.”

Despite his casual tone and informal speech, none of the nobles in the audience dared to criticize Perlo.

Everyone’s eyes widened at the mention of a 4th-stage Motus. Before the crowd could erupt, Perlo disappeared backstage with the host.

As the host struggled to calm the audience again, I recalled what I’d learned about Motus.

Motus is a rare mineral surrounded by a thin, special spatial membrane. It can transfer things through this space.

Ordinary people can’t perceive or manipulate this space, so a Motus artisan is essential for locating and crafting it.

Artisans split a Motus into two pieces called Dimotus and stabilize the membrane between them.

Even when split, the spatial membrane remains intact, allowing transfer between the two Dimotus.

Motus can transfer sound, images, inanimate objects, or living beings depending on its properties. These are classified into four stages:

• • Stage 1: Transfers sound

• • Stage 2: Transfers images

• • Stage 3: Transfers inanimate objects

• • Stage 4: Transfers living beings

The higher the stage, the rarer the Motus.

Even within the same stage, transfer distance and usage count vary based on the artisan’s skill.

Some Motus can only move a few steps, while others can span nations. Some allow thousands of uses, others only a handful.

Thus, Motus prices vary widely based on stage, distance, and usage count. But 4th-stage Motus is so rare that those details are often irrelevant.

Only the state or ancient noble families possess them. Even nobles consider seeing one a great honor.

This made it clear how much Jiskal cherished Arne he used a 4th-stage Motus twice just to visit her while she was sick. The Edelheit family wasn’t a high-ranking noble house, so how did they even acquire one?

Now, one of those rare 4th-stage Motus was up for auction. No wonder the crowd was in a frenzy.

And it wasn’t just any Motus it was crafted by Perlo Shanaiyer. That alone made it extraordinary.

So when the auction began with a 1st-stage Motus, every paddle shot up even with a starting price of ten million drangs.

I realized why Perlo could dictate the auction schedule however he pleased. His Motus would sell for a fortune no matter what.

I stared at the stage, slightly detached from reality.

Honestly, I wasn’t that excited about the 1st or 2nd-stage Motus. They were basically phone calls and video transmissions things I was already familiar with in my original world.

But the 3rd and 4th stages? Spatial transfer? That was impossible even in my world.

Sure, we had same-day and overnight delivery, but that’s not teleportation. That’s the result of hardworking couriers and capitalism.

I watched in awe as the two red Dimotus pieces sold for triple the starting price.

They looked like simple red stones, yet they were connected by a special space. Even if I wasn’t thrilled by phone calls, the concept was fascinating.

The 2nd-stage Motus looked similar but sold for twice the price of the 1st-stage. Two noblewomen fiercely competed for it, glaring daggers at each other—it was like watching a drama unfold.

Then came the 3rd-stage Motus. Also red.

“It’s the same color as his,” I murmured.

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