"For whom?"
This baffling question left Ray momentarily unsure how to respond.
Why was she asking him something like this?
What did it have to do with the performance itself?
With a confused expression, Ray looked at her, vaguely feeling like he wasn't negotiating a business deal but being interrogated by a girlfriend.
"Uh, do you care that much?"
"Of course." Phrolova's expression was placid, but her tone left no room for doubt. "I don't want my musical talent to become a tool for others to profit. I need a reason, a sufficiently legitimate reason."
She leaned forward slightly, her gaze boring straight into Ray's eyes. Though her voice was soft, each word was clear. "Isn't that also why you approached me?"
"In this world where the Order tightly controls secular norms, finding an independent musician who insists on their own style is like searching for a needle in a haystack. And I happen to fit your needs."
"As far as I know, you currently work at Averardo Bank, but recently, due to other reasons, you were transferred to a different position."
"This new job is far removed from your past duties."
"I want to know... why?"
Ray's pupils constricted slightly. "You've been investigating me?"
"Don't be nervous. Isn't it normal to understand who you're dealing with before cooperating?" Phrolova gently intertwined her fingers, her posture composed. "Besides, didn't you also secretly look into my background? Although... you found nothing, right?"
Ray fell silent.
Indeed, as she said, he had tried to investigate Phrolova's origins but came up empty-handed.
Only in some scattered rumors was there mention of a once-renowned musician whose characteristics vaguely matched hers.
"So, your answer?"
"If your reason can convince me, I'll agree to your request and present a highly anticipated performance for Ragunna."
Phrolova's voice brushed past his ear like a feather, carrying a faint hint of enticement.
Ray's heart tightened.
Should he tell her?
Reveal the whole reason to her?
But how would he explain this to the Second Young Miss?
Would she be angry that he acted without consulting her first?
"I'll give you ten minutes to think it over."
Phrolova picked up a pastry, took an elegant small bite, and said nothing more.
Ray hesitated, watching Phrolova before him.
Crimson, dangerous, and unpredictable.
In the end, he chose to trust his intuition.
"Because, I'm carrying out a mission."
"I need your help to attract everyone's attention at the concert."
Phrolova tilted her head slightly, examining him with interest. "Decided so quickly? Aren't you afraid I'm not trustworthy?"
Ray shook his head. "Trust is the necessary foundation of any relationship."
This answer caused a flicker of surprise in Phrolova's eyes. Her tone turned cool, yet a complex curve touched the corner of her lips. "So, you know that principle too. It's just a pity that my past 'trust' has already been thoroughly trampled by someone."
Her words carried an underlying meaning, her gaze deepening.
"That wasn't me." Ray's tone was sincere, tinged with a bit of helplessness. "I understand, perhaps because my face resembles his, it's hard for you to lower your guard. But I'm really not the person you knew, please believe me, I won't let you down."
Phrolova gave him a faint glance. "Hard to say."
"Just trust me this once!" Ray leaned forward, his eyes blazing. "I'll prove I'm more worthy of trust than he is."
The young woman stared at his slightly flustered appearance, a trace of satisfaction quietly flickering in her heart.
She had been waiting for this moment, his anticipation, his plea, even his unease gave her a subtle sense of fulfillment.
"So then," Phrolova unhurriedly lifted her teacup, a faint curve appearing at the corner of her lips, "what exactly is this mission you mentioned?"
"I need to infiltrate Giacomo Fasciaspina's office to find evidence of his involvement in a plot against the Montelli family."
"Feuds between families..." Phrolova tapped the table thoughtfully. "So, you've already joined the Montelli family?"
Ray shook his head. "No, I haven't."
Phrolova's eyes showed confusion. "That's strange. If you haven't joined the family, why take such a risk? While you work at Averardo Bank, this clearly falls outside your job responsibilities."
Her tone paused slightly, as if she suddenly understood something.
"....Unless, it's for someone?"
What other reason could there possibly be?
Ray didn't hesitate, nodding. "That's right. It's for Miss Carlotta."
"Miss Carlotta? Oh, I remember now. The second daughter of the Montelli family." Phrolova snorted lightly, her tone cooling. "Not just a Acolyte from the Order, but you're also aiming for the second daughter of the Montelli family? You've already got two of Ragunna's three major powers involved. What's next? Should you go for the head of the Fisalia family, Cantarella?"
"I've heard... she's also a rare beauty."
For some reason, the young woman's tone was filled with an indescribable, sour resentment.
Listening to this, Ray felt a slight sweat break out on his forehead.
What was all this about?
Setting aside the question of when he ever "aimed" at the Order or the Montelli family, where did the Fisalia family suddenly come from?
He hadn't even met Cantarella.
And this tone of hers...
no matter how you listened, it carried a faint, unmistakable sourness.
This wasn't right, was it?
'Could it be...She really had mistaken me for that familiar person from her past?
Actually... am I a substitute?'
"That's a misunderstanding." Ray corrected. "My relationships with Miss Phoebe and Miss Carlotta are purely innocent. As for the head of the Fisalia family, Cantarella, I haven't even met her."
"Is that so?" Phrolova raised an eyebrow, countering. "If there's nothing between you, then why did you agree to Carlotta's request to carry out this kind of mission?"
"Uh... what does that have to do with us discussing cooperation?" Ray was a bit confused.
Phrolova gave a slight nod, her words carrying a subtle sharpness. "It does. Because I want to know, is that reason enough?"
'More than enough.
Since you put it that way, what else is there to say?
I might as well tell you everything.'
"Because Miss Carlotta trusts me without reservation, and I gave her my promise in return," Ray said seriously. "Any promise I make, no matter what, I will fulfill!"
Phrolova's brow furrowed slightly. "Just because... of a promise?"
"Mhm."
"Bastard..."
She unconsciously clenched her fist, her knuckles turning white, but ultimately didn't lash out. She just glared at him fiercely with eyes brimming with complex emotions.
Just then, a figure pushed open the shop door and walked straight toward them.
"Oh my? Isn't this Ray? And this must be the musician you mentioned, Miss?"
"Ah, Second Young Miss?"
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Bonus Chapter Alert!
If we cross 100 powerstones, there will be a bonus chapter.
Read advance chapters on [email protected]/lost_moon