How to Tame That Gentle Male Lead - Chapter 3.4
“What? Is there something on my face?”
“No, I just think you’ve suddenly changed.”
“Huh?”
Renard wore a gentle smile.
“The old you wouldn’t have cared what happened to people… It’s really nice to see you’ve changed.”
“Ah…”
“I think there must have been some change in your mindset. Whatever it is, I’m glad it seems to have had a good influence on you.”
“Renard…”
The current her wasn’t the original Resena. While she felt happy at Renard’s praise, an inexplicable sense of guilt pricked at her.
‘But since I’ve possessed this Resena, I have to live on like this. Renard. I’m sorry. And thank you…’
“By the way, sis.”
“Yes?”
“You’re not planning to go around telling each person hit by black mana individually, are you?”
“Of course not. I plan to get hit by black mana myself and ask the priest on standby at the ball for healing. Then those hit by black mana will rush to the temple out of anxiety, right?”
“Hmm…”
Renard thought for a moment and then suggested a different plan.
“How about I confront the black magician, while you focus on evacuating as many people as possible? That way, fewer people will be hit by black mana, and you won’t need to get hit first.”
Resena shook her head.
“Even if you confront the black magician, you won’t be able to stop all the black mana they scatter. Because the letter only mentions that a black magician will appear and scatter black mana, it doesn’t specify the exact time.”
‘I’m sorry, Renard…’
In truth, she knew exactly when he would appear.
Resena knew that no matter how much her brother tried to confront him, he couldn’t completely stop Zergard’s actions of scattering black mana as he appeared.
Zergard was practically the leader of black magicians, and aside from Eldis, few could fully stand against him.
‘Although they say Sword Masters don’t get seriously injured by black magicians’ attacks, Renard has only recently become a Sword Master. He lacks experience, so I shouldn’t let him take on too much risk.’
“Hmm… Alright. Let’s do it your way then. But sis, make sure to get treated immediately after being hit by black mana. If you hesitate even for a moment, black mana can have a fatal effect on people. Even the nobles should know that, not just you.”
“That’s right. What I’m doing is setting an example, so if people see my case and realize they need treatment after being hit by black mana, that’s all that matters. Thanks for worrying. I’ll get treated right away.”
Renard nodded with a gentle smile.
“Well, I’m just adding a spoon to the table you’ve set. Anyway, don’t get hit by too much black mana. Got it?”
“Got it.”
Soon, the carriage came to a stop. The auction house building, with huge paintings hanging inside its glass windows, had a ceiling height unseen in this area. Moreover, its surface sparkled elegantly, as if covered in silver powder with murals painted on it.
Resena looked up in admiration.
“Every time I see it, I’m amazed at how big it is. And so shiny too.”
“Haha. Sis, you’ve been here many times before.”
“Yes, but it’s impressive every time I see it.”
“Ahaha. The imperial palace buildings are even taller and wider than this. And shinier. Next time, I should watch you marvel at it from beside you. I love seeing your changed reactions so much.”
At this, Resena’s face turned red. She put her hands on her cheeks and took a deep breath.
‘I shouldn’t show too much surprise when Renard is around… I shouldn’t make him feel too much of a disconnect from the previous Resena.’
Resena entered the building entrance, escorted by Renard. A marble walkway split down the center, with glass on both sides revealing the dazzling colors of gemstones laid underneath.
‘Wow… How much money did they pour into this?’
It was jaw-dropping, but Resena tried hard to maintain a calm expression.
However, seeing Renard looking around with interest beside her made it difficult to control her expression.
‘This is my first time here, even in my past life. That’s why I’m even more amazed.’
“Sis, did you know?”
“Hm?”
“Our Arnasus family also invested in building this. Father mentioned it in passing the other day.”
“Really?!”
Resena covered her mouth at her high-pitched voice, but seeing Renard chuckling made her feel embarrassed.
“You were so indifferent when we came before, were you thinking about something else then? I thought I shouldn’t have suggested coming because you showed no interest in buying landscape paintings. Seeing your reaction today makes me want to come with you every time from now on.”
“Back then, I was distracted by other things… Probably filled with thoughts of His Highness Crown Prince Eldis.”
“Hmm. You did miss His Highness terribly.”
Resena used Eldis as an excuse, fearing she wouldn’t have a proper answer if Renard asked further. As expected, Renard quickly lost interest. After all, Resena’s pursuit of Eldis had been going on for quite some time and was far from interesting.
“The landscape painting auction is on the 5th floor. And as we heard, Vernas’s sculptures are being exhibited on the 7th floor?”
“Ooh… Let’s buy the landscape painting and then go see them!”
“Okay.”
But then, a loud shout was heard in front of the elevator.
“How on earth are you handling this! The owner of Vernas’s sculpture is a child, and you put it on display after taking it away from them?!”
“I-I’m sorry.”
“What will people think of our auction house! If you had any sense, you wouldn’t work like this! Return it to the original owner immediately and get back the advance payment from the father!”
“B-but, that…”
“No excuses! If you don’t handle this properly, you’ll be fired, so figure it out!”
“Ah…!”
People murmured as they watched the employee who stood there helplessly, unable to even grab the coat tails of the man disappearing into the elevator. Resena felt this scene was somehow familiar.
Moreover, although it seemed unlikely… it seemed to be related to the train sculpture that the child she had passed in her carriage was holding.
“Renard.”
“Yes, sis.”
“Can you go buy the landscape painting by yourself? I just remembered I have something to discuss with someone.”
“Hmm… Alright. Then, sis, I’ll see you on the 7th floor after the auction.”
“Okay. See you there.”
After confirming that Renard had gone, Resena approached the employee. He was hanging his head, looking dazed.
“Excuse me.”
“Ah…”
“Here, wipe your tears with this. Are you okay?”
The man, who looked to be in his early 20s at most, hesitantly wiped his tears with the handkerchief. As sniffling sounds were heard, Resena looked at him with a sympathetic expression.
“Thank you…”
“It’s nothing. By the way, I heard something about a child’s sculpture. Did the father take the child’s sculpture and lend it here for exhibition?”
The employee suddenly looked up. Surprised eyes turned towards Resena.
“H-how did you know?”
“Ah… I briefly met that father before.”
“Oh…”
The employee clutched the handkerchief tightly. But soon he lost his energy and hung his head.
“It’s my fault, I guess… I didn’t expect the child to come to the auction house asking for their sculpture.”
‘This employee is no different from that father. To bring and display the sculpture knowing that…’
But Resena didn’t show such thoughts and asked kindly.
