Ariadne knew Cesare’s expression very well. It was the look Cesare had when he was slightly interested in a person who wasn’t very significant.

A hardtodescribe shame and anger surged up from the depths of her stomach. These emotions of Ariadne manifested as a determination to obtain the at any cost.

“10 Ducats have been bid! Is there no more?”

Was it the effect of Ariadne glaring at Cesare as if she would kill him, he did not further engage in the bidding race, shrugged his shoulder, and let go.

“5, 4, 3, 2, 1⋯⋯!”

The merchant dramatically stamped a large brown seal onto parchment, pointing at the neatly placed on the table with one hand.

“The bid has been won by the young lady de Mare—!!”

Only then did Ariadne finally take a deep breath and cover her face with both hands.

The next piece was also Bernardo of Urbino’s. As soon as Ariadne bid the starting price of 5 ducats, Cesare immediately followed.

Cesare called the price with a smooth tenor voice that was pleasing to hear.

“10 Ducats!”

This time, Ariadne gave Cesare a cold glance and did not raise her hand any further.

“10 Ducats! The bid has been won by Count de Como!”

With the cheerful sound of the stamp, the second piece went to Cesare.

The third and final piece that came up was something that Ariadne could not give up.

A total of three paintings by Bernardo of Urbino appeared in today’s auction, and while the first two were approached for investment purposes, the last piece had value as a gift or bribe to a specific person.

In order to hook her, this last piece was absolutely necessary for Ariadne.

“The work of a new artist is popular! Good, good! Next is the last work that this artist has put out today. !”

This was a painting that modeled after Catarina, the mother of Bianca of Taranto, who is now deceased.

Bernardo of Urbino had never left Urbino in his life until this point, but the late Duchess of Taranto, Catarina, had stayed in Urbino for several months to visit her cousin, the Duchess of Urbino.

At that time, the young Bernardo, inspired by the sight of the young Duchess of noble birth, completed the .

However, there was no way for Bernardo, who was not an official court painter, to hang the lady’s name on the painting and dedicate it to her or openly chatter that she was the model.

He had nothing to say if asked where and how he saw her, and it could have tarnished the lady’s honor.

So he announced it as a religious painting of the Madonna, named after the place where he saw her. Who the real model of the picture was would become known a few years later.

Although Ariadne had no connection with Bianca of Taranto in her past or present life, she wanted to become acquainted with her someday.

The portrait of her deceased mother, drawn by Bernardo of Urbino, who became a worldrenowned painter, longing for the lady he once saw from afar in his youth, would be a perfect gift.

“Are there any gentlemen or ladies who will bid? We start at 5 Ducats!”

“15 Ducats!”

Ariadne’s husky bass filled the hall of the Duke of Chibo and echoed.

“Is it worth investing that much in a complete newcomer?”

“Didn’t she lose face because of Count Cesare?”

“She’s brave⋯⋯.”

The audience seemed tired of Ariadne’s momentum. Cesare seemed to consider it for a moment. Indeed, 15 ducats (about 15 million won) were too much for a young artist still in his twenties who had not yet outgrown his student phase.

Cesare shrugged his shoulders and did not bid. After all, didn’t he already have one piece by this artist?

“5, 4, 3, 2, 1⋯⋯! The bid has been won by the young lady de Mare!”

Thump!

The sound of the stamp was cheerful.

‘Although there was an obstacle, with this, the purpose of coming here today has been fully achieved.’

Ariadne collapsed in her chair, exhaling. Now, she could just sit back and watch. What had started as a light outing had already turned into a more exhausting day than she expected.

Several artworks by Urbino’s Bernardo and other artists were put up for auction.

A couple of pieces went unsold as no one placed a bid, and a couple sparked a bidding war among the nobles, ultimately being sold at an exorbitantly high price. Some were sold at a reasonable price, and some were sold at a ridiculous price.

And finally, the highlight of the day, the “Victoria Nike,” was brought up on stage.

“Ladies and Gentlemen―!! Here’s the ‘Victoria Nike’!!!”

The nobles held their breath and focused on the statue on stage.

The marble statue, which was painstakingly carried by eight porters on a wheeled pedestal, had an overall pink hue.

It was the color of warm human skin. The statue depicted a young woman with her hair tied up, wearing a wreath made of olive branches, arms spread, taking a dynamic step forward.

“Oh, it’s amazing…!”

“This is the first time I’ve seen a relic from ancient art in such good condition!”