How should he put it?
Ray was a bit nervous.
It wasn't about the upcoming mission. It was the role he was currently playing, Carlotta's boyfriend.
Ray had lived two lives and his experience was fairly rich, but when it came to romantic relationships, he was practically a blank slate, close to zero.
Now, suddenly having to take on such a role, he genuinely felt considerable pressure.
He held the girl's hand nonchalantly, doing his best to appear calm and composed.
Occasionally his gaze fell on the young woman beside him. Carlotta still maintained her elegance, her words and actions as dignified and proper as ever.
Even so, that fleeting blush didn't escape Ray's keen eyes. It seemed that even as the lofty young lady of the Montelli family, when faced with such matters she wasn't all that different from other girls. She, too, harbored that hidden shyness and reserve.
Ray straightened slightly and addressed the guards at an unhurried pace. "Please inform Mr. Giacomo that Carlotta Montelli is here to discuss the cooperation proposal he made yesterday."
The guards, who had been diligently on duty, instantly changed their expressions upon hearing the name "Montelli." They hastily nodded respectfully, then hurried off, practically jogging into the theater.
Not long after, a middle-aged man came rushing anxiously to the theater entrance.
The moment his eyes landed on Carlotta, his face lit up with compliance and deference. The originally somewhat authoritative lines of his brow softened into an obsequious expression.
He hurried forward with quick steps, slightly bowing, a warm yet ingratiating smile plastered on his face, his voice full of eagerness. "Ah, Miss Carlotta, what an honor for your esteemed presence to grace this theater! It brings such radiance to our humble establishment. Why didn't you notify me in advance?"
"Because this was also a spur-of-the-moment decision," Carlotta said, looking at Ray beside her, her tone as light and casual as if discussing the simplest of tasks. "He and I... well, we're on a date. While passing by, I remembered Mr. Giacomo's invitation."
A date?
Hearing this, disbelief flashed across Giacomo Fasciaspina's features. The lofty, traditionally reserved young lady of the Montelli family was actually immersed in a passionate romance?
In that instant, numerous thoughts raced through his mind. No wonder... no wonder she hadn't shown concern for the recent events within the family. So she was in love.
"Is that so?" Giacomo quickly snapped back to reality, his face immediately plastered with an enthusiastic, exaggerated smile. His eyes swept over Ray, full of flattery. "This young man looks truly dashing and impressive. His bearing, his appearance, clearly no ordinary person. Fitting that he's the one chosen by Miss Carlotta. He must be... an extraordinary talent among men, possessing remarkable abilities and strengths, right?"
As he spoke, Giacomo eagerly extended his hand toward Ray.
"You flatter me too much," Ray said, neither subservient nor arrogant, shaking his hand with a friendly yet humble smile. "I merely happen to have a somewhat presentable appearance, fortunate enough to have caught Miss Carlotta's eye. Gaining Miss Carlotta's favor is the greatest honor."
"My interest isn't just in your face," Carlotta's tone was meaningful. She spoke softly, rising slightly on her toes with a mix of shyness and certainty, whispering low in his ear, "There are other, more important things."
This display of unabashed affection, seemingly oblivious to onlookers, left Giacomo utterly dumbfounded. He stood frozen in place, disbelief filling his eyes. He hardly dared believe what he was seeing.
As a pivotal figure in the Fasciaspina circle, Giacomo had dealt with Carlotta on numerous occasions.
In his impression, this young woman of the Montelli family was always elegant, composed, and poised, exuding an icy aura that kept others at a distance.
Seeing her make such a bold, intimate gesture in front of an outsider was a first for him.
This was actually good. A young woman lost in love would likely have her mind mostly occupied with her sweetheart. She probably wouldn't have the spare attention to investigate that matter.
"It seems the two of you have a wonderful relationship. It reminds me of my own youth," Giacomo remarked with a nostalgic, somewhat envious smile.
Quickly, he shifted the topic, his gaze turning eager as he looked at Carlotta. "So, Miss Carlotta, regarding our cooperation..."
Carlotta slightly lifted her head, her clear, bright eyes meeting Giacomo's. "Oh, cooperation. That's certainly possible. However, it depends on what kind of sincerity you can offer, Mr. Giacomo. As for my capabilities..."
At this point a confident, charming smile curved the corner of her lips. "Mr. Giacomo, I believe you already have a good understanding of that, don't you?"
"Of course," Giacomo said. "Shall we go upstairs to discuss?"
Carlotta elegantly crossed her arms and gave a light nod.
Just as she gracefully lifted her foot to proceed, she suddenly paused, as if a flash of inspiration struck her, remembering something important.
"Oh, Mr. Giacomo."
"My boyfriend has always had a keen interest in artistic matters. I've heard your theater houses a collection of many priceless treasures. If it's convenient, could I trouble you to show him around and broaden his horizons?"
Hearing this, Giacomo was slightly taken aback, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. But he quickly regained his hearty, generous demeanor. He laughed heartily, slapped his chest forcefully, and declared confidently, "No problem at all, leave it to me! Although, the items in my theater are just some humble little things. Compared to the Montelli family vaults, they're truly insignificant, not worth mentioning. I hope our young guest won't laugh."
"Of course not," Ray said. "For a true collector, the value of art can't be measured in money, can it?"
"As expected of the person chosen by Miss Carlotta. You indeed have your own perspective on art. In that case..." Giacomo's eyes were full of admiration.
As he spoke, he lightly clapped his hands, and immediately a butler appeared before them. "You heard? Take our esteemed guest for a tour. Remember, no negligence!"
The butler hastily nodded, a perfectly humble smile on his face. Then he turned slightly, his gaze respectfully falling on Ray as he gestured with a hand. "Sir, please follow me."
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Bonus Chapter Alert!
If we cross 100 powerstones, there will be a bonus chapter.
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