Chapter 22: The Arrogance of a Duke

Chapter 22: The Arrogance of a Duke

"Do you know who that was?" she couldn't help but ask.

"Perhaps?"

What kind of answer was that? She chose to focus her attention on the well-lit hallway instead. It was still daytime, yet the corridor was already lit with beautifully decorated candles that were placed inside iron cages that resembled a bird's cage.

She didn't know whose idea it was, but she immediately noticed that most of the decorations inside were cages and elegant paintings of birds different birds.

The guard then led them to the second floor and then to another floor. This time, the stairs leading to the third floor were covered in a scarlet red carpet that muted their footsteps.

"Please come in the general manager will come shortly. May I offer some cocktails and pastries?"

"Tea is fine. The most bitter one." Duke Lucas answered smoothly. She was guessing this wasn't the first time that the Duke came here. She noticed his burning gaze toward her.

"Oh I I would like whatever he is going to have." Rosalind uttered.

"Very well," the guard bowed before leaving.

"This place is " Rosalind couldn't even begin to describe the extravagance in the room. There were four seats donned with velvet and gold. Jewels that she only saw inside the emperor's throne room were used to adorn the table in the middle of the chairs.

"This isn't an auction place," she said. The walls were decorated with velvet that would mute any sounds and there were no windows or any other methods for them to have access to a public auction.

"No. It's a place to buy stuff."

She snorted. She could only imagine what type of stuff they could buy here. They sat opposite each other. Indeed, the chair was even more comfortable than the chair in that throne room!

Did that make any sense?

However, she had no time to think about the extravagance now. She had more pressing issues, such as the possibility that she may not be able to afford anything that they are going to sell her!

She mentally counted the money that she had and bit her lower lip. nove(l)bi(n.)com

She had about thirty gold coins left.

There wasn't really a lot. One gold coin was already considered a lot at this time. It is equivalent to ten silver coins. One silver coin is equivalent to a hundred copper coins.

Right now, a normal servant was able to earn one silver coin per month, which wasenough for them to survive for the entire month.

Meaning, the normal population already considered one piece of gold extravagant.

Rosalind smiled and opened the booklet.

Then she closed it again. Like a child, peering from behind a tree, she opened the booklet once again.

Then she closed it.

"Is something the matter?" the Duke asked.

In response, she cleared her throat.

"None" Aside from the price of the first item, which was already fifty gold coins, that is. She faked a smile. This time, she opened the booklet and started looking at the prices.

Just as she expected, the next page was even more expensive than the page before it.

It looked like they arranged the items based on their prices and even the cheapest one was more expensive than her entire current fortune.

"If you do not like it, I could ask them to give us another "

"No."

He stared at her, blinking. "So you dislike it?" he asked.

"I mean yes. I like it. There is no need to ask them anything. This this booklet will suffice."

She grabbed one teacup and took a mouthful of tea to calm her nerves.

"Are you worried about the prices? Are you lacking in gold?"

**Cough**

She started coughing. For some reason, the tea stopped moving down her throat. How could he be so direct? Can he at least use some softer words to ask her about her money?

"Here " the Duke handed her something. Seeing it was a handkerchief, she accepted it and used it to cover her mouth as she tried to calm herself down.

"You should be more careful in drinking bitter tea."

It wasn't the tea, she wanted to complain.

"If it was indeed the gold, then there is no need to think about it. Buy what you want. I am certain my life is worth more than any books on this continent."

Speechless, she turned to him. Was this arrogance? Or was he simply jesting?