Chapter 23
Claude was seated in the box seats at the Klasse Theater, said to be the most expensive. The curtains were drawn just enough to shield the occupant from outside view, ensuring no one could see who was inside.
Across from him, on the spacious dress circle seats on the second floor, nobles leaned against the balcony, eyeing one another.
“Shall I prepare the usual wine?”
“…No.”
Claude, having dismissed the steward, rested his chin on his hand.
Inside the theater, shielded from the spring sunlight, it was dim. The recent end of the act left the seats sparsely filled. People greeted each other as they moved about, the theater buzzing with chatter.
Claude carefully scanned the crowd, searching for Lady Elise, daughter of Lord Robert.
“…There she is.”
It didn’t take long to spot her — the constant flow of people approaching, exchanging greetings, and leaving made her presence clear.
Though it wasn’t a masquerade ball, Claude, using the alias “Racliffe” fitting for the theater, rose from the box. The name of a wealthy man would surely catch Elise’s attention.
“Long time no see, Lady Elise.”
Claude descended to the second floor and greeted her from the center seat. They had met only twice before, neither in private nor formal settings.
Since Elise was Prime Minister Robert’s daughter, Claude had consciously avoided her.
Elise knew they had barely exchanged greetings twice, yet she welcomed Claude warmly.
“Oh! Lord Racliffe! I thought you weren’t interested in opera. This is the first time I see you here. The Klasse Theater is surely the leader among theaters this year.”
“That’s quite the praise, my feet don’t even touch the ground. Thank you.”
Claude smiled and took a seat on a sofa, keeping some distance.
“You’re modest, my lord. But I like your easygoing humility.”
At that moment, the velvet curtain on the stage slowly began to fall. The next act was about to begin.
Yet, the nobles on the second floor briefly glanced at the stage before resuming their halted conversations.
It was clear their purpose wasn’t just to watch the opera.
“Coming to a theater known as the nobles’ matchmaking ground, I suppose you’re not free from the bonds of marriage either.”
Elise smiled mysteriously and spoke to Claude.
“For a businessman, connections are assets — so in a way, yes.”
“Connections as assets… Indeed. Are you here to find a business partner rather than a lifelong spouse?”
“Why must things be black or white? They can coexist. Like the color gray, for example.”
Claude smiled softly.
Elise chuckled.
“…That’s a good way to put it. When I start my own business someday, I’ll ask for your advice.”
“Of course.”
Claude nodded.
“Lady Elise, are you also searching for a lifelong partner?”
“Hmm…”
Elise gave a vague smile at Claude’s question. She propped her chin up and lightly tapped her cheek with her fingers.
“Not a partner.”
She slowly drew out her words, then smiled mischievously at Claude.
“I’m looking for a slave.”
Taken aback by the unexpected remark, Claude involuntarily furrowed his brows.
“Ha! I know, slavery has been abolished. Shall I say it’s a metaphor?”
“I’m looking for someone who will work diligently.”
Claude responded smoothly, and Elise laughed playfully, narrowing her eyes.
Then, glancing around cautiously, she leaned against the sofa backrest and whispered to Claude.
“There’s a popular story among ladies these days. Have you heard of it?”
“Among ladies? What story?”
“A love tutor.”
At Elise’s words, Claude almost stiffened, but he quickly managed a small smile, nodding and regaining his composure naturally.
“A love tutor… So romance has become a subject of study nowadays.”
“Haha! You’re so innocent. You don’t really think that, do you?”
Elise shook her head lightly.
“I’ll assume not. You seem to know better than me.”
Her gaze traveled from Claude’s face downward.
“If you want, just say so. Anytime.”
She smiled brightly and got up from her seat.
“My father will be picking me up soon. It’s been fun talking. Well then, goodbye.”
Claude gave a light nod in farewell.
As she left, the nobles swarmed Claude like bees.
Claude smiled and accepted their greetings graciously, though in his mind, he thought of Prime Minister Robert.
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