Chapter 12
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
NIGHT LAN decided to test her, to see if she was pulling a fast one on her.
If she were caught doing that, wouldn’t she seem pretty dim?
Since coming here, she had to be more alert.
Otherwise, she might end up being scammed and still help count the cash.
Right now, there’s no troupe member or Night Watcher to be her babysitter.
SHARON smiled elegantly.
“Your acting is superb, but it’s no match for my eagle eyes. I’ve been immersed in etiquette since childhood, mastering the proper behavior and speech patterns for noble children. To anyone else, you’d come off as a little lady, but from my perspective, you’re just an amateur mimic.”
NIGHT LAN had an epiphany.
She never expected SHARON to spot her imitation.
It was obviously because her acting was subpar.
Suddenly, NIGHT LAN felt a wave of defeat.
If any other troupe member were here, they definitely wouldn’t make such an obvious mistake.
Seeing NIGHT LAN sink into sadness, SHARON felt a bit sorry for her.
Could it be because she’s too cute?
“Don’t be so downcast. Probably only a handful can spot this, you’re doing quite well at keeping it hidden.”
“Really?” NIGHT LAN suddenly gained confidence.
SHARON nodded gently.
“Of course.”
Actually, ever since NIGHT LAN entered, SHARON has been observing her closely.
There was something intriguing about this girl.
Thus, SHARON’s gaze lingered on her for quite some time.
Without paying attention, SHARON might not have noticed NIGHT LAN’s flaws.
But prolonged observation would make it possible.
SHARON recognized the traits of many ladies in NIGHT LAN’s behavior, suggesting a strong hint of imitation.
Being from high society, she naturally attended many tea parties with numerous ladies and got to know them well.
The manners and habits of these ladies were etched in her mind.
Ironically, the ladies NIGHT LAN was imitating, she knew well.
A casual glance wasn’t enough; with careful scrutiny, SHARON could recognize them easily.
NIGHT LAN lost because she couldn’t resist being alluring.
“Mmh… I’m not from a noble family; I’m just an ordinary girl.”
“Then why are you here? Looking for your dream guy? That’s a bit early for you, isn’t it?”
“No way!” NIGHT LAN immediately objected.
She’s a lolicon!
“However, I am looking for someone.”
SHARON didn’t care about NIGHT LAN’s commoner status and continued to communicate on equal terms.
This little girl was incredibly interesting.
Her gut told her that antagonizing NIGHT LAN was a bad idea.
Plus, bullying such an adorable girl made her feel a tiny bit guilty.
Let’s first determine her stance.
“May I ask who you’re searching for? I might be able to help.”
NIGHT LAN stared at SHARON, puzzled.
“Why would you help me?”
“It’s the right thing to do. Helping people in need is how a true lady should act.”
“I’m a commoner, though.”
“So what? Caring about class is not ladylike at all. All people are equal, at least in my view.”
“That’s awesome!”
Little stars twinkled in NIGHT LAN’s eyes.
SHARON shook her head.
“It’s not a big deal. Many young nobles think like this nowadays, I guess. I’m one of them.”
SHARON quickly changed the subject.
“So, tell me, mysterious person. Who are you looking for?”
“Uh, I don’t know. I usually call him ‘Gentleman.'”
“There are many who go by that name here. Which one are you seeking?”
“I haven’t found him yet. It’ll take some time.”
“Oh, that’s troublesome when you don’t know his name.”
The venue buzzed with noise.
NIGHT LAN and SHARON quickly turned their heads toward the commotion.
A young man walked in, apparently just arrived.
The moment NIGHT LAN saw him, she was taken aback.
That’s THE GENTLEMAN from the troupe!
His appearance and aura were identical!
Her intuition was right—coming here to find him was a smart choice!
SHARON noticed NIGHT LAN’s reaction and swiftly figured out that NIGHT LAN was looking for the young man.
She didn’t expect it to be him…
But it was within her expectations.
“Do you know his name?” asked SHARON.
NIGHT LAN instinctively shook her head.
In the troupe, they called each other by code names.
THE GENTLEMAN hadn’t mentioned his real name either; he might even forget himself.
How could NIGHT LAN know THE GENTLEMAN’s real name?
SHARON started explaining.
“He’s called HUGHES. He’s the most famous gentleman here—many men try to follow his example.”
“Wait, it’s HUGHES?”
NIGHT LAN was stunned.
She naturally knew HUGHES’ name.
Previous intelligence had introduced him.
But she never thought the code name ‘Gentleman’ referred to HUGHES.
To think ‘Gentleman’ became a model for other gentlemen—that’s impressive.
NIGHT LAN cleared her head, determined to approach HUGHES.
Only by interacting with him could she enter a tragic fate.
She had to seize this tragic thread and tear it apart mercilessly!
Later, she’d figure out the consequences.
Regardless, BALLAD CONDUCTOR must perish!
SHARON understood NIGHT LAN’s intention.
“You want to meet HUGHES?”
“Yeah.” NIGHT LAN nodded slightly.
“If he’s approached romantically, he might not accept a young lady like you,” SHARON teased lightly.
NIGHT LAN countered.
“What? I’m a loyal lolicon!”
“What’s a lolicon?”
SHARON was confused.
Though widely versed in various fields, having read many books and grasped various knowledge, she had never heard this term before.
NIGHT LAN had no intention of explaining.
SHARON soon realized her misunderstanding.
NIGHT LAN’s gaze towards HUGHES didn’t resemble those females infatuated with him.
No affection or adoration.
Was it friendship?
“I understand, but going there directly might cause misunderstandings. How about sticking close to me?”
“Will that work?” NIGHT LAN still felt uneasy.
Relying on a stranger always seemed unreliable.
Some wariness was necessary.
SHARON continued, “Maybe you don’t know, but I’m actually friends with Hughes. We see each other often. You could stay close to me.”
“Hm, I see.”
NIGHT LAN sensed SHARON’s sincerity.
She genuinely wanted to help her.
Is this how a lady behaves?
She’s so lovable.
Despite her mysterious identity and unclear intentions.
Instead of questioning her, she’s helping her unconditionally.
Isn’t she rather naïve?
But NIGHT LAN liked it.
“That means I’ll stick with you from now on!”
Although it feels quite dishonest to HUGHES, being with a beautiful girl must be better, right?
Especially if that girl was a loli.
Forget all that.
Approaching the tragic protagonist risked getting noticed by the mastermind.
NIGHT LAN had to hide on the fringes then.
If she couldn’t, so be it.
She wasn’t afraid of any j*rk.