Chapter 497 Step Forward
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Unfortunately, no matter how Alexander refused to accept the truth in his heart, it remained a fact that Emilia was chosen as the third guest of honor by the Prime Minister of Phoenix.
Bellatrix smiled as she shook hands with the shy crimson-haired beauty who finally stepped on stage after much encouragement from her blonde companion, and she couldn’t help but tease the girl a little. “After hearing all about your bold and fearless decisions so far, I didn’t think Empress Emilia would turn out to be so shy in person.”
Emilia naturally didn’t expect that the prime minister would actually dare to tease her like this, but she didn’t let it disturb her too much as she responded to her with an innocent smile. “I-I just didn’t expect that I would be here today.”
In reality, she wasn’t actually as embarrassed as she appeared, though her surprise at being chosen was most definitely real.
Luckily, her attitude pacified many people who had been dissatisfied with her being given an honorable position on the Golden Crown. Even if it was the third one, it was still something that most people couldn’t expect to get in their lifetime!
After all, not only did one need to be influential enough to be able to receive an invitation to the Golden Crown, but to become an honorable guest, they had to exceed everyone else in the same position when it came to their contributions to the world.
There was obviously no way to measure such an arbitrary thing, and no one wanted to be the loser who ended up jumping like a fool only to not make any waves in the end.
With the attitude of the current Prime Minister of Phoenix, it was naturally impossible to ‘cheat’ as well, making the whole thing even more troublesome.
Fortunately, the people here were at least disciplined enough to not make a fuss about things just because they were a little dissatisfied, and the prime minister smiled as she continued addressing the audience.
“I’m sure many of you were aware of the situation at Blue Dawn at the time its previous government was towards the end of its cycle. Although Emilia’s actions no doubt worked out well for her side, it cannot be denied that what she did ended up saving hundreds of thousands of innocent lives.”
Bellatrix shifted her gaze over the few ‘top dogs’ who looked most dissatisfied, making them feel like they had been doused with a cold bucket of water. “Often times, we who dominate the world in terms of power and money forget the effects our decisions can have on people who depend on us. I think Emilia serves well as a role model in that regard, as despite her monumental success so far, she has remained compassionate and caring to her people. Hopefully, that will remain the same in the future as well.”
Emilia nodded with a grin. “I cannot promise that all my ideas will work out well, but I can definitely promise that I will always do what I can to take care of those who depend on me.”
She didn’t take the opportunity that the prime minister gave her to say anything else, and only thanked her with a sincere smile. “I’m really flattered that you think so well of me, by the way.”
Of course, the older woman just waved her off. “Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t pick you because of some personal bias or anything, okay? If you mess up in the future, I will definitely denounce you in public, and if you do well, I will continue to commend you.”
As she was already quite satisfied with what she got, Emilia naturally wouldn’t be offended by a few harsh words. “Won’t the prime minister offer me the chance to dine together soon so I can thank you properly, at least?”
Bellatrix hesitated for almost a full minute before she chased her off while mentioning how her secretary would get in touch later ‘if she was free’.
The crimson-haired girl couldn’t help but chuckle in mirth as the prime minister went completely off schedule and immediately announced that the charity auction would be starting early.
Of course, even if people were surprised, there were no real hiccups as all the preparations had been already finished well in advance.
Soon enough, the guests were led through a long hallway, at the end of which was a circular room with a magnificently decorated stage at its center.
A handsome man in a pure white suit bowed to the audience as soon as the last guest filed in. “Welcome to the 78th Golden Crown Charity Auction, everyone! As you might be aware, everyone here will have a chance to put forth one of their belongings to be auctioned off at random, the proceeds of which will then be forwarded to a charity of the owner’s choice.”
Naturally, this meant that the ‘donation’ was considered to be from the person who gave up their belongings for auction, and not the one who made the purchase, but this was already quite well-known to everyone.
He smiled. “Of course, everything is voluntary here, so no need to feel forced. But please be generous, everyone!”
Although he said that, it was also ‘well-known’ that those who were too stingy with their ‘donations’ would become the butt of the jokes at every high-level dinner party for the next few months, and may not even dare to show up in public from fear of being openly mocked.
Needless to say, with such a fate awaiting those who were too stingy, no one had the courage to skip out on the event entirely.
A middle-aged woman in a pale-white gown went forward confidently. “Allow me to go first, please.”
With the event being ‘open’, there obviously wasn’t any particular ‘order’ in which people had to enter their items into the auction, and the host naturally received the ring she presented with a generous smile.
The woman whispered something in his ear, and the auctioneer nodded.
Clearing his throat, he addressed the audience once again with a smile. “Madam Dimitrescu has generously contributed her family heirloom, the Ring of Cassandra!”
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