87

"Do you feel better?"

"I-I think I'm going to live now. Hiccups."

Elena looked pitifully at him, and Khalif turned his head and scratched his cheek.

"Hey, don't look at me."

"Do you think I'm unsightly?"

"No… Oh, I can't get used to this. Why do you make it difficult for people because your original version is uselessly pretty?"

Elena's eyebrows were raised when she saw Khalif, who was rather angry at her for being a red-handed woman.

"So, are you blaming me for this?"

"I don't blame you for everything… but I'm nervous because I'm in the Great House."

Khalif kept his mouth shut while making lame excuses. It was because it seemed impossible to say more here.

"Okay, sit down and talk."

Elena sat down on the sofa, offering a seat. Khalif's face seemed much more comfortable than before, as if the hiccups had completely subsided.

"Sorry."

"Now? Just let me know the progress. I can't talk for long. Leabrick might be suspecting."

Having been indoctrinated through Elena, Khalif was able to understand what a terrifying woman Leabrick was, so he came to his senses.

"I think the main hall of the salon will be completed next week."

"Already?"

"You know, it's because of Randol's unique construction method. It's not an outrageous thing now. Not only did the construction period reduce dramatically, it's overturned that he has implemented a dome, the biggest challenge in building technology."

Elena's face was filled with color.

'It's just what I wanted.'

This was predicted from the time when the salon's construction was entrusted to Randol. Randol's architecture, represented by the peak arch, imperial palace construction method, and double-walled structure, was a revolutionary construction method enough to draw and rewrite architectural history.

"What's the surrounding reaction?"

"It's crazy, I guess. There's still the annex work left, but people who have come to see the construction are disrupting. They're wondering what the salon is about."

Elena nodded satisfactorily. The salon would be reborn as a cultural center that represents a new era. As she could see, the result was successful as she asked the architect of the time, Randol, to build a salon in order to have the appropriate symbolism.

"Only the official salon is left."

It was a time of harvest. It was time to reveal to the world the things that have been sowing and watering breathlessly.

"As you said, I'm already excited to hear that Raphael's next work, 'Yearning' will be released in time for the opening of the salon."

"The art world must have turned upside down."

"Even if they didn't, all the art statues and appraisers would be dead in the face. They say that the value of art will never change, but they struggle to say that there will be no crash, so they are pouring water into a bottomless pit."

This is what Elena expected. The key was how to settle and accept the salon.

"That's right, the salon. Have you got a name yet?"

"Secret Salon."

"Oh, that's good. Everyone's wondering who L, the owner of the salon is these days. It's a secret, so it's nice to have a secret feeling."

Elena nodded. However, the name Secret Salon was not simply named to retain such a secret feeling. Secret, meaning secret, was in touch with the essence of the salon.

"Senior, I have something to announce on the salon's opening day."

"What, tell me."

"The secret salon is accessible only when you hide your identity. To do that, you must wear a mask, and you must not reveal yourself."

"Is it a masquerade? Do you really have to? I don't think that's necessary."

Khalif could not find a reason to hide their identities by wearing a mask and letting them enter the salon.

"I'm going to destroy the walls of status inside the salon."

"What?"

"As part of that, we will hold a discussion after Raphael's work is announced."

What did she mean, a sudden discussion? Khalif could not keep up with Elena's plan, which she is talking about.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"I told you earlier, didn't I? I'm going to break the walls of social status. I'm thinking that everyone who participates in the discussion held in the salon will be given the authority to assert opinions from an equal standpoint."

"Even if you wear a mask, isn't it too unconventional?"

"There's another thing. I'll lower the threshold of the salon and allow them to freely visit the discussions, regardless of their status."

Elena planned to use the salon's debate culture as a watershed for the new era. The commoners have so far been abused and suffered by the nobles, but have not been able to make a loud voice. Even though the common people have been robbed and harassed by the aristocrats, they have never been able to speak loudly. It was unimaginable that they would turn against the aristocrats in an empire where a solid status system is established. Elena intended to make that question.

'There is nothing natural in the world.You're not supposed to be a nobleman, are you?'

If an aristocrat loses their aristocracy, they lose their right to be treated as a noble. Elena wanted to tell them that. Furthermore, she wanted to make them aware that they are not beings who must be persecuted and exploited unconditionally for being a commoner.

'I need to help the people realize it themselves.'

To that end, it will be open to the debate hosted by the salon so that anyone can observe. Of course, she realized that it would be difficult for commoners who are actually chased by life to come to the debate and understand all the words. However, if a small number of common people enlightenmenters, speakers, and writers who have attended the debate gain enlightenment, they will spread it in their own way.

"Not everything, but I know what you mean. So what about the participants in the debate?"

"Ten in total. Five on our side. Encourage masters like Lil Puccini to participate."

"I'll keep in touch."

"Choose and invite well-known intellectuals from outside. I think about four people would be great, so please explain the rules and get a confidentiality pledge later."

Khalif, who had always remembered what Elena was saying, found something strange.

"Wait a minute. Then isn't there a total of nine participants in the debate? One person is empty."

"It's not empty. I'm coming."

"You?"

Khalif's eyes were wide open when she said she would come in person. Elena smiled meaningfully as if enjoying the reaction and passed over her side hair.

"Look forward to it. The day when the mysterious salon owner L will make their first appearance in the world."

***

"You're going out?"

Elena, who came to Leabrick's office without warning, said, relaxing over tea.

"Yes, it is said that a salon will open in the capital. I want to go there."

Leabrick's expression hardened. Elena's words of going there must have sounded unpleasant, as her relationship with the owner of the salon, L, was not good.

"Is there a reason to go? I think the priority is to get ready before the appointment ceremony for the Crown Princess."

"I was going to do the same, but I heard that painter Rafael's next work, 'Yearning,' will be released in the salon. I'd like to buy it if possible, but I'd like to see it if I can't."

Elena expressed her willingness to visit the salon as an excuse to buy art.

'How much longer do you want to spend? I can't believe you're going to the salon L opened.'

The salon was a popular tourist attraction in the capital even before its opening. They were fascinated by the appearance of the salon, which was built with a new architectural style that emphasized the flexible curves and harmony of the huge dome form, breaking away from the architecture that was mainly composed of pointed and high spires of the past.

In addition, the announcement of Raphael's next work, "Yearning," which turned the art world upside down and instantly rose to the ranks of the great masters of the times, was scheduled in the salon. Even local aristocrats, who were well versed in art, were moving to the capital city after hearing rumors, and collectors showed their willingness to buy paintings with their money wrapped around them.

From Leabrick's point of view, the existence of L and the salon was an eyesore. They were also encouraged to steal the money from the Great House through the sale of slums, and the salon was created, but taking it as if to preoccupy the fame that Noblesse Street should enjoy first, she broke out in agony. Her stomach boiled, but Elena asked for permission to go to the salon on the opening day. Just visiting the salon as Princess Veronica's status was tantamount to adding wings to their fame.

"Go ahead."

"Thank you for permitting, Liv."

Elena quietly put the teacup down. She did not forget to smile and provoke Leabrick's uncomfortable speech and facial expression.

"If you have time later, go to the salon with me, Liv."

"… I'm behind on my work. You can go now."

Elena, who lightly said goodbye to her with a bow, turned around and left the office. Anne asked as the smile didn't go away from Elena's mouth all the way back to the room.

"Did something good happen to you?"

"Something did."

Elena, of all people, was going to be there to chaperone the opening of the salon, but how much more heartfelt would it be to be in Leabrick's position? If Grand Duke Friedrich hadn't granted her the authority to purchase art, she would have used every excuse she could to prevent her from doing so.

Elena, who returned to the room, told the maids to prepare for the visit to the salon.

"Anne, I'm going out the day after tomorrow, so please be prepared. Tell the tailor to bring the new dress without a hitch."

When Elena picked it up and said it, Anne's throat was strained. She wanted to show off how much she is trusted to the other maids. But that depression was shattered by Elena's subsequent remarks.

"May will follow me out, so be prepared."

"Yes, miss."

May answered politely with her head down.

Then Anne, embarrassed by the fact that May, not herself, was accompanying her to go out, was caught up in the prevention.

"Miss, am I not coming with you? There's a lot I can do to help."

"You stay here. May is good enough for care."

When Elena drew the line without leaving room, Anne's face turned pale. It was because a maid who accompanied her when she went out was considered a symbol of love. Elena must know the fact. In her previous life, she used to wear Anne, inside or outside. But now things have changed. She would frequent the salon more, and it was dangerous for any reason for Anne to accompany her. Recognizing that, Elena was trying to tame Anne by discriminating differently.

Two days later. Elena, who finished all the dressing up for the salon visit, put her feet in her shoes. As the height went up, the shape of the slim neckline, arms, and bell line dress was in harmony, creating a sense of enchantment.

"Wow, it's too bright."

"Miss, I'm worried that the opening of the salon will be buried in your beauty."

Today, Misa and Jane especially complimented Elena. Originally, Anne would have played the role, but she was greatly discouraged by the fact that she was not accompanying her on the outing.

"That's all for decoration. I need to talk to Anne alone, so everybody out."

"Yes? Yes, miss."

When Elena pointed out Anne, the other maids felt something was wrong and hurried out of the room.

"M-Miss, why me…?"

Anne was very anxious that Elena might reprimand her for making an unknowingly sulky appearance since two days ago.