TVCWB Chapter 54

Chapter 054

Curiosity filled Madam Trukisil’s eyes. She wondered about the identity of the guard and his relationship with Perea.

“Oh my, I must have poor eyesight! How could I not recognize such a tall young man?”

“It’s an honor that you remember me,” Ray said, bowing slightly. His posture was so dignified that he could easily match any noble.

Only Perea, standing beside him, looked bewildered.

Ray can have such natural conversations with others… as a beastman?

If Ray had known her thoughts, he would probably have frowned immediately.

Unaware of Perea’s inner thoughts, Ray continued speaking smoothly, keeping a natural conversation going with Madam Trukisil.

Occasionally, he switched topics to include her nephew, Haines.

The spot that was meant for introducing her nephew to Perea turned into a full social scene.

Meanwhile, Perea, who hadn’t participated in the conversation, just stood there, feeling out of place.

From inside the theater, murmurs grew louder, followed by a clear announcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting! Please enter in the order indicated on your tickets.”

The audience checked their tickets and moved forward. The tickets Perea had received from Dia were for the best seats—the Royal Box.

I wonder where the Royal Box entrance is…

Looking around at the multiple entrances, they spotted a sign that said “Royal Box.”

“Ray, I think this is our way in.”

“Yes, Perea. We should go then. Madam, which seat are you in?”

Madam Trukisil looked regretful. She couldn’t sit with them and had to go elsewhere.

Ray and Perea shared her disappointment. They promised to have tea together soon and then found their own line.

Finally alone, Perea tapped Ray’s strong arm. He lowered his head to meet her gaze.

Perea’s curiosity, visible behind the mask, came out in words.

“Which of your sides is real? I thought you were still that prince wearing Ray’s skin earlier!”

Ray’s lips curled into a small smile at her outburst. Even he had felt unnervingly gentle when talking with Madam Trukisil just now.

But if he hadn’t done that, it would have been hard to draw her attention.

He couldn’t just watch Madam Trukisil try to match Perea with someone else.

So he used all kinds of elegant expressions to capture her gaze—something he never even did at the palace.

The same applied to Haines. Normally, Ray communicated more with his fists and sword than words. Talking shyly with another young man wasn’t particularly enjoyable.

Still, it helped ensure Haines’ attention stayed away from Perea—so it wasn’t the worst outcome.

“So… did it feel strange?”

The confident, proud man had vanished, replaced by someone shy and nervous, like a cat caught after causing trouble.

Perea secretly chuckled and shook her head.

“It wasn’t strange. At first, it felt a little awkward, but by the end, I was a bit curious.”

“Hmm? Curious? About what?”

“About what would happen if you always spoke so gently and kindly. I can’t really imagine it.”

Perea shrugged. Ray chuckled quietly and mirrored her shrug.

Even thinking about speaking like that for long stretches, using soft words and fancy gestures, made his whole body shiver.

Disgusted by the thought, he looked away. Perea couldn’t hold back and laughed out loud.

“If you want, Perea… I can speak like that.”

“No, no! Please just keep talking the way you normally do! I don’t understand complicated conversations at all!”

She shook her head vigorously each time, releasing a soft floral scent that floated around them—a light, pleasant fragrance that made the heart feel like it was floating.

Seeing the name of the seat Dia had sent, Perea expected a good spot—but she didn’t realize it would be this nice.

Her eyes blinked at the luxurious banquet laid out before her.

“Welcome to our theater today. The meal is arranged from amuse-bouche to main steak so it won’t interfere with your opera experience.”

“Yes.”

“If you need anything or feel uncomfortable, please pull the cord beside you.”

While Perea was overwhelmed by the hospitality, Ray appeared completely at ease.

After all, as a royal guard, he had experienced similar situations many times.

The Royal Box was like a small balcony attached to a hotel lounge. Colorful flower vines surrounded the area, creating a private space.

The seats were so soft and luxurious that even someone with insomnia could fall asleep instantly.

Perea couldn’t help but exclaim softly in admiration at the touch of the sofa.

On the side table were various drinks and cookies.

Do they expect me not to stop eating throughout the performance…?

The scale of the snacks alone felt like an entire dessert shop had been brought in. Perea felt full before even tasting everything.

Unsure where to start, a plate was suddenly placed in front of her.

“This… tastes good with caviar on it,” Ray said, arranging the appetizer for her.

“Ah, thank you. Ray, please eat as well.”

“Mm.”

Ray nodded silently and scooped the caviar with a mother-of-pearl spoon.

Not knowing the proper use of the spoon, Perea carefully observed Ray and followed his example.

The rich, unfamiliar flavor brought a small smile to her face.

“Wow, it’s so good! The scallops are so tender too!”

“Yes. Eclit seafood really does taste different.”

Ray smiled faintly in satisfaction.

While talking about the food, they watched the stage. Suddenly, the theater went dark.

With deep drumbeats and elegant string instruments, the music reached their ears.

The opera had begun.

Most operas in the Amur Empire were performed in an ancient language. For this reason, one side of the stage displayed translations using a magic stone.

The set looked like a temple, and the actors’ performances fully drew the audience into the story.

As the performance continued, it was finally Dia’s turn. She gracefully descended the high stairs, appearing like a goddess.

Her voice, cutting through the instruments, filled the theater. The audience looked moved and awed.

Perea felt the same emotion. Dia’s gestures seemed to change the resonance of the air itself.

Perea set aside her food and focused completely on Dia’s performance.

The opera told a story of love between a human hero and a goddess. They fell in love at first sight and loved each other passionately. But in the end, the hero died, completing a perfect tragedy.

“Oh my…!”

Dia’s portrayal of wandering in despair over the hero’s death was heartbreaking.

Now Perea understood why children shouldn’t watch this opera—the unfulfilled love felt painfully real.

Even after the performance ended, Dia’s sad voice seemed to linger in her ears.

It was a theater staff, sent at Dia’s request, who finally brought Perea back to reality.

The staff bowed politely and conveyed Dia’s message.

“Miss Dia wishes to meet you. I will guide you.”