On the stage.
Like an old gentleman leading his dance partner onto the floor, he took the girl's hand and bowed to all sides.
"Wonira Salibato... eighteen years old, healthy, free of illness... of noble blood... a collateral descendant of the Salibato Viscount Family..."
"Willing to become an assistant and help the 'Old Count' prepare the pre-dinner fruit."
The host's voice rang out with fervor.
William's hands and feet had turned ice-cold as he watched her join hands with the old gentleman and chant an invisible incantation.
The 'Old Count' once again bowed to the surrounding audience and began reciting an invisible spell.
Crimson mist enveloped the girl, accompanied by the sound of tender shoots unfurling.
Above the blood-red fog, a bizarre plant rapidly grew, its branches hung with enormous... pomegranates?
The sight made William's eyes fly wide open.
She... she's lost her mind, hasn't she? Performing invisible arts openly like this—this is irrefutable evidence that'll definitely bring the Investigation Bureau down on her!
Am I the one who's crazy? Or has the whole world gone mad? Why would anyone be willing to do this?
"The finest delicacies must be claimed by the finest people."
Quentin smiled as he spoke, looking at William. "A maiden who willingly displays the mysteries—purity and depravity, cruelty and kindness, flawlessly fused into one, bearing sweet fruit... Oh, I must say, the 'Old Count' has found a perfect treasure."
His eyes glimmered faintly crimson. "Such a jewel is rarely seen..."
"Urgh... stop talking."
Beside him, William had already dropped to one knee, covering his mouth.
Regret flooded his heart.
Even several vague suspicions had now been strung together in William's mind.
For instance... why had Quentin treated him so well? Why had he even introduced him into the club...? He was nothing but a penniless