Nostalgia

*Chapter 51*

Ace and I both separated as soon as Mr. Newman announced that they were going to take the paintings so they could have them displayed later for auction. Before he left, I secretly sniffed his perfume.

He really had the same smell as Frederick.

I knew that perfume was limited edition but I just hated the idea that Frederick had the same perfume with another man. It seemed like the uniqueness was gone. It was pretty annoying.

I went to the auction room where all nobles had gathered as soon as I heard the sound of hitting the gavel. I took some refreshments as I settled standing in the corner to watch how things would go right now.

I wanted to see who would bid on my paintings. I might not be able to know their names and from what household they were, I just wanted to know that my paintings would be cherished by the new owner.

"I wonder who would put a bet on Masochist and Sadist..." I murmured.

I placed my lips to the rim of the glass I was drinking. I realized that if Frederick was here and he was also invited, he could bid on that item.

I already assumed that the two paintings named Masochist and Sadist, and Submission would bid starting from five hundred thousand gold pieces.

The face value of my artworks has risen each year. I also started from a small amount which was a thousand gold coins until the amount escalated. It was satisfying since they were looking forward to my artwork.

"Next, Submission. It is made by Noblete."

I snapped back upon hearing the name of my painting. I was curious as to who should take one of the favorite paintings I ever painted.

"A word from Noblete," the auctioneer paused as he opened the letter which I asked Frederick to bestow to Rollins. "This painting is one of my favorites so far. Whoever shall be the winner of this painting, must I ask this person to take care of it for me?" The auctioneer smiled. "It is such an honor from Noblete to receive an honorable message." The crowds applaud for it. I secretly smiled at that. "Now, shall we begin the bidding at five hundred thousand?"

And it went like that. Mostly my paintings would be sold off to a minimum of five million. I also didn't expect that there were a few men who would put their bid. But most women were the ones putting the bid since I knew I piqued their interest.

This bidding... It suddenly reminded me about Frederick. How I put a hundred million so I could have him all for myself. I would never let a male subject that was meant for my pleasure.

It was a good thing I won him because if I didn't, I would regret not experiencing having fulfillment of my sexual desires.

I suddenly frowned when my wolf spoke to me. It was all because Frederick was our mate as to why I had this urge to put the highest bid, that was her reason. I rolled my eyes after that.

"We are at eight million. Who wants to bid on our Submission?"

"One hundred million."

My eyes widened as I immediately turned my head to the upper corner of the room upon hearing that bidding price. I gasped softly upon seeing the man I spoke with earlier holding a paddled number ten.

That was Ace, right? Did he put a hundred million? The hell!

The highest bid I got from the past years of attending the auctions was at least ten million gold pieces. I never got to experience having a hundred million yet.

"Going once? Going twice?" The auction room was enveloped with murmurs as they wondered who the hell this man was. Also, it seemed that no one would dare to put that kind of amount. "Sold!" The auctioneer hit the gavel to mark it as that my painting was considered as sold and no one could ever revoke even if the one who bid the highest amount.

"Not bad..." I murmured, nodding my head. I glanced at Ace's way and saw that there was a man standing beside him and bowing his head at Ace who was wearing a plain white sad mask while Ace's mask was a smiling one.

It must be his butler.

I waited for my other three paintings to be bid. I was surprised when Ace bid at them and won them with the same pricing.

One hundred million.

Looks like this man is a new fan of mine. He didn't bat an eye in lavishing his money. I also didn't expect that I would ever have a hundred million on each painting. I wonder which household he really was and what pack he belongs to since I only knew that he was a feudal lord based on the blue sapphire ring he was wearing.

"Next. Noblete's last masterpiece for this year, Masochist and Sadist. "

I snapped back upon hearing the name of the last painting. I glanced in Ace's direction, already expecting that he would bid on it with the same price.

"One hundred million."

I blinked, shocked. Even the auctioneer had a surprised look. He hadn't mentioned the starting price yet but Ace was already bidding a huge amount.

Just who the hell are you, Ace?

"Consider it sold. That painting is mine," Ace said arrogantly and confidently. His voice sounded like he was grinning.

I felt my heart leap for some reason. Why did it feel like I was having a deja vu? Why, in an instant, was thrown back to the part when I was bidding at Frederick?

The same words I uttered... What an odd coincidence...

I knew it should be this trivial matter since this wasn't the first time I heard the phrases. I already heard this from my fellow nobles which were why I also adapted it.

This suddenly made me want to see Frederick later and make him pleasure me. I bit my inner cheeks, suddenly feeling giddy. Not because of my wolf, but because of the excitement of feeling Frederick's tongue in my cunt.

I exited the auction room as soon as the auctioneer hit the gavel. Ace bid all of the five paintings. I would speak with Mr. Newman tomorrow about the commissions. I was afraid that they would insist on bestowing me since a hundred million to each of my paintings wasn't a joke.

I was certain that they were astonished by those amounts since it was rare to receive one hundred million gold pieces in five consecutive paintings I had.

I went out to the balcony after getting a refreshment. I leaned to the railings, wondering who the hell was Ace.

I got it that he is one of my fans as Noblete, the erotic painter. However, he bid on five paintings? Was he serious? Did he really take interest in all of my paintings?

But somehow, it made me feel delighted. I would like to meet him and thank him for bidding on my paintings. One of the rare occasions that I would get to see an enthusiast would bid a higher amount. He must have liked my paintings so much so this should be treated as a trivial matter.

I looked up at the starry sky. I suddenly remembered my darling.

"Are you behaving well, darling?" I asked, murmuring as I smiled. But I suddenly frowned and composed myself. "You can come out now. Show yourself whoever you are," I said coldly and spun around to see a dark manly figure lurking in the entrance of the balcony. I just felt that someone was lurking using the sense of feeling.

I was expecting that it was Frederick but I couldn't smell his distinctive smell as my mate. But instead, I smelled the aromatic tobacco perfume that only two men I knew used.

Ace bowed his head before me. "I didn't mean to be a nosy one, Lady Noblete. I am actually looking for you," he said politely.

I curtsied before him. "Yes, my lord? Is there something you wish to speak with me about?"

He walked towards me. I somehow felt overpowered by this man. And I realized something. I was only under his jaw as soon as he halted in front of me. I could almost surmise that he had the same height as Frederick. His hair was sleek like it resulted from the cow's lick.

"Have I told you that I am a big fan of your artworks?"

I looked at him, dumbfounded. Then I snickered. "I have watched the auction, Lord Ace. I am also well aware of how much you also bid on them."

I mean, what kind of dumbass question is that? It was pretty obvious that he had enthusiasm for my artworks based on how much he bid just to get the paintings to be sold to him.

He chuckled. "I wouldn't waste the opportunity. I am also pleased that you have introduced yourself to me. I am honored, Lady Noblete." He bowed his head while I halted him.

"You do not need to bow, Lord Ace. It is fine. I thank you for bidding on my works."

"It is my honor that I can admire your artworks." He took my hand so he could plant a kiss on the back of my palm.

I stepped back a little as I felt my heart race with the familiarity of the way he kissed and held my hand. Why does it suddenly remind me of Frederick? I castigated myself as I drew out a smile.

"Right... Thank you, too," I uttered and was about to unhand my hand from him but he tightened his hold. "Um..." I felt awkward all of a sudden as I looked up where his eyes could see.

The inside of his mask was too dark. I couldn't see the color of the irises of his eyes. But I could tell that he was looking at me with that intimidating stare. I could feel it. No doubt that he was staring at me.

"Lord Ace, my hand..." I smiled wryly as I found it uncomfortable that he was holding it like he didn't want to let go of my hand.

"Oh." He chuckled and stepped backward. "My apologies."

I only nodded and smiled a little. Suddenly, we were enveloped with silence. He was standing in front of me while I was looking up at him. I looked away and reclined to the railings.

"Is there something you wish to say to me, Lord Ace?" I asked when he wasn't saying anything. But I could feel his gaze penetrating my soul.

"I am looking forward to next year's event here at the Art Institute of Selenium. I am looking forward for your paintings again, Lady Noblete. Your paintings match no others."

I curtsied and nodded. "Thank you. You praise me so highly, my lord." I sighed softly. I could have wished he would leave already. This was getting awkward already and I wished to be alone.

I was about to tell him that I would leave now when Lord Ace's butler walked to the balcony and bowed to... his master.

"Your Highness, I have settled the payment for the paintings you bid."

My heart froze upon hearing the familiar baritone voice I only heard after years had passed. I turned my head seeing the man wearing a cutaway coat and a white sad mask. My chest rose up and down seeing the posture and the bow that I only saw from the time I met my demise. The man who was the same age as me.

"S-Sir Caspian?" I parroted as I felt my voice tremble.

I caught him jumping to his feet. He tilted his head. He must have realized who I was when I heard his gasp. "I-Is that you, Lady Novalie?"

My eyes widened. "I-It was really you, Sir Caspian..." I felt my hands fidgeting.

Sir Caspian... He was the attendant and retainer from the certain person I knew and he was the one who bestowed me the pyrope crystal ring. What on earth was he doing here? Did this mean he was with Lord Ace? Was Lord Ace his new employer? Not the other person I knew?

"We must call this a night," Lord Ace said as he chuckled darkly. "I shall take my leave, Lady Noblete." He bowed his head. "It is my pleasure to finally meet my ex-fianceé. You looked stunning as always, *Lady de Carteret*."

"What...?" Ex-fianceé? Did I hear it correctly? Lord Ace called me that? Then that really meant... That was... "Prince Atticus?!" I turned my head when I saw him leaving with a gesture of tipping a hat.

"Until next time, Novalie..." he said before he was gone out of my sight and left me stun on my ground.