I Want to Be a VTuber

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“Rosalyn, the daughter of a European merchant.”

Her name is quite lavish for just a cameo role.

Of course, there’s no specific backstory for who that merchant is.

Well, originally, it was just a scene where Michiko and Yuina encounter each other at the auction house, competing in a battle of pride.

“To acquire the necklace that is up for auction.”

This is actually an item that Michiko’s mother used to wear around her neck.

A necklace that went missing from the mansion long ago.

And it gets discovered at this auction.

Naturally, Michiko wants to buy it, but Yuina, who also attends the auction, disrupts her attempts.

After all, the heirloom from Michiko’s mother is something that Yuina is not entirely unrelated to.

A loathed woman’s possession.

In other words, she intends to take the necklace to destroy it.

The bidding heats up, reaching ludicrous amounts.

Michiko reluctantly considers giving up, but with Yeon Seon-ye beside her, she bids an amount even Yuina can’t easily call out and wins the auction.

“And that was the content where she gives the necklace to Yeon Seon-ye.”

“Looks like that’s the case.”

“Quite a change.”

Asher Baldwin watched the filming starting alongside the Japanese staff observing the current situation.

The first to appear were Jo Seo-hee and Lee Ji-yeon.

They could be considered the two main characters.

A picturesque building that resonates with echoes of the past.

Though it looks like a traditional Japanese structure, it seems more like something in the middle of Europe.

“Young lady, is this your first auction? Do we just watch?”

“Don’t make a fool of yourself. If there’s something you want, I’ll handle it.”

“Then I’ll stay quiet.”

Michiko lightly frowned at Seon-ye’s awkward nod.

With a look that seemed both distrustful and adorably amused.

Though she’s a greedy child, in moments like this, she appears incredibly innocent.

“But, Young Lady, what is the item we need to get? You came for a reason, right?”

“That is…”

After a brief hesitation, Michiko looked at Seon-ye, aware of her recent suspicious behavior.

No, she was sure it was related to Yuina.

However, Michiko had already somewhat let Seon-ye be.

It was so she could let go without hesitation later, even when she’d have to give up everything.

“It’s a necklace.”

“A necklace?”

“It’s not precious, but it was something valuable to someone dear.”

That was quite an ambiguous statement.

The phrase “not precious” referred to the necklace being up for auction.

Yet, its owner was clearly someone dear to Michiko.

Those complex emotions were expressed in her slightly trembling voice.

Michiko’s demeanor drew faint admiration at the filming set.

“Today, Jo Seo-hee’s giving off quite a vibe.”

“She’s speaking calmly, but her emotions are clearly shining through.”

“Maybe it’s because there are so many people watching?”

The filming crew’s gazes naturally shifted to Asher.

They were curious if even a world-class master would notice her acting.

And indeed, Asher Baldwin’s thoughts were not far off from those of the staff.

“Not bad.”

At least she was better than most actors who strutted around as stars in the West.

That polished aura was built more on effort than mere talent.

Asher really liked that kind of actor.

Though he liked those born with innate talent, he also appreciated those who maximized what they had.

“Among young actors in Korea, she’s supposed to be the best.”

Of course, Asher Baldwin didn’t really know Korean actors well.

Only a handful had made it all the way to Hollywood.

The only actor he recognized among those present today was a man who seemed to regard him with a disapproving expression.

None other than Lee Sang-soo.

“I remember seeing him in the U.S.”

It was probably in a movie by a director he knew.

A director who had quite a controversial reputation.

He was undoubtedly talented, but Asher had a memory of him complaining.

“Why should I use an Asian actor in my movie? Chinese or Korean, what’s the difference?”

Or something to that effect.

Perhaps the investor had something to do with a Korean company, which is how Sang-soo ended up in that film.

But that director, who had grumbled about including Sang-soo, ended up failing spectacularly with that movie.

Asher could only assess that film this way.

“That Oriental stood out.”

Though the director had his controversies, Asher wasn’t about to deny his talent.

Still, that film was serious trouble.

There were plenty of issues that couldn’t simply be brushed off as investor problems.

That’s why, instead of the film itself, the Asian actor’s struggle stood out for Asher.

He could even recall the actor’s name as the credits rolled.

“That guy.”

Asher rubbed his chin.

This film had oddly good luck with actors.

“The Gyeongseong Young Lady.”

I wonder if there’s a distributor in the U.S.?

Probably not.

In the first place, it didn’t seem like a film with a big budget.

But actors were surprisingly solid.

One of those actors, of course, was Lee Sang-soo, but it was Jo Seo-hee who truly stood out.

Jo Seo-hee’s talent surpassed even fully-fledged adult actors.

It wasn’t just through effort.

“No, thinking like that makes it sound like merely effort.”

That child had something.

However, it seemed more like it was all wrapped in hard work.

She probably hadn’t even realized it herself.

“On the flip side, the ordinary one…”

The actress playing the opposing role, Yeon Seon-ye.

Such a curious character.

She clearly lacked skill compared to Jo Seo-hee, yet there was something about her that drew the eye.

Clumsy, yet that clumsiness suited her role very well.

“Indeed.”

But it made Asher wonder just how far that kind of acting would go.

He quietly observed the movie.

The first scene was one continuous take.

Right after was filming taking place inside the auction house.

Extras filled the seats inside the auction house.

In other words, the bustling crowd included Michiko and Yeon Seon-ye.

Lights illuminating the interior brightly continued the filming.

“Young Lady, there are so many people.”

“Please, be quiet. It’s embarrassing enough as it is.”

“I should’ve worn something pretty, like the colored silky dress.”

“Seon-ye.”

Just then, Michiko was trying to stop Seon-ye, who was chattering beside her.

The curtains at the auction stage opened.

Suddenly, everyone froze.

A woman in a dazzling golden bob, wearing a white Western-style dress, stood on stage with a bright smile.

Rosalyn Dvorak.

The daughter of the merchant hosting this auction and the auctioneer for the day.

At the moment she appeared, someone inhaled sharply.

On stage was a shining golden flower.

“Welcome, esteemed guests who have come today.”

Golden bob.

Snow-white skin, with blue eyes.

On top of that, the pure white dress hugging her slender form.

She looked like a painting all on her own.

Delicate but with an intense presence that held everyone captivated.

“My name is Rosalyn Dvorak.”

Her voice was refreshingly in Japanese.

A pleasant tone that delighted the ears, soothing listeners into involuntary smiles.

But that wasn’t the most important thing.

Her appearance standing gracefully on stage drew attention naturally.

So much so that even the very first auction item beside her was overlooked.

“Powerful.”

Michiko.

No, Jo Seo-hee narrowed her eyes.

Even with just a single word spoken, it felt as if she was declaring herself as the person on that stage.

It reminded her of the time Seon-ye had appeared in a Japanese drama and had monopolized the scene with just a few lines.

Right now, Rosalyn was doing just that.

She was a cameo.

A supporting role, or perhaps an extra.

“This auction will last for a total of three hours. There are plenty of items here that will satisfy our esteemed guests.”

Such a seemingly trivial role, yet somehow just standing on that stage, her presence shone like golden light.

The aura of an actress.

The sort of star quality that only a select few possess, defying description.

Her blue eyes surveyed the crowd and eventually landed on Michiko.

Then, a slight crack appeared in her perfectly composed face as a smile of a different sort emerged.

The difference was subtle, but enough for everyone watching to notice.

Ultimately, this scene was acting.

In acting, the audience should be able to pick up on her subtle changes.

Though it was merely a slight change in expression, ‘everyone’ could sense her response.

“Haha, today’s auction looks like it’ll be quite enjoyable.”

That glance wasn’t solely directed at Michiko.

She shot a highly curious look toward Yeon Seon-ye, right next to her as well.

In this newly added scenario, Rosalyn harbored disdain for Michiko.

More precisely, she was someone who had developed feelings of inferiority after meeting Michiko when they were children.

They had known each other since childhood and shared a rather uncomfortable relationship.

“Especially today…”

The moment Michiko and Rosalyn’s gazes locked.

With a jolt, the door at the entrance of the auction house swung open.

Having been a latecomer, all eyes naturally turned toward the door.

As the gazes that had been on Rosalyn began to shift to another person, the tension in the room heightened.

The relaxed expressions that had been drawn toward the beautiful flower became tainted by unease.

Among them were Michiko and Yeon Seon-ye as well.

The eyes that had been on Rosalyn now caught sight of the newcomer.

“Kasugayama Yuina.”

Without thinking, Michiko murmured those words, only to instinctively cover her mouth with her hand.

After all, that line hadn’t been part of the script.

But Michiko—no, even Jo Seo-hee couldn’t help it.

Today, the figure present at that moment was more so than ever, the embodiment of Kasugayama Yuina herself.

A black backdrop with a red butterfly.

A cane in her hand.

Drowsily glowing red eyes.

And her contrasting white skin was incredibly striking.

The people following her appeared rugged, standing out sharply in their demeanor.

Standing right beside her was Koto Isamu.

He took his place next to Yeon Seon-ye, alongside Yuina.

His lethargic gaze swept across the crowd as if searching for someone specific.

Those who caught that gaze involuntarily held their breath.

Rosalyn, standing on stage, seemed completely unconcerned.

Her attention was elsewhere entirely.

The heavy atmosphere around her felt like a flower wielding poison, drawing one in despite knowing the danger.

Inside, Seo-hee thought she really wanted to see this scene again.

Because she firmly believed that the reactions of those present were not mere acting.

“It’s more intense than usual.”

The existing Seon-ye tended to adjust herself to the surrounding colors.

She hadn’t shown the strong image she portrayed as the main villain ‘Cha Seo-ah.’

But today was different.

Today, she was more intense than anyone.

Her eyes, deeper in red than ever before.

It felt as if red butterflies were fluttering around her still figure.

“She’s trying to match tones.”

Jo Seo-hee surmised.

Seon-ye’s biggest strength in acting was her ability to resonate with the emotions of others.

Her immersive method acting was ultimately part of that.

But both Jo Seo-hee and Lee Ji-yeon beside her noticed.

Today, Seon-ye was immersing herself in the role of Yuina like never before.

Why?

The reason was simple.

To match the hue of the actress standing on stage.

“No, it’s not just about matching colors.”

Today, Joo Seo-yeon was more sincere than ever.

“She has an incredibly strong competitive spirit.”

After all, she was well aware that Stella was constantly provoking her.

From the very beginning, participating as a cameo today had almost been a direct assault on Seon-ye.

Just as she had devoured all the leading roles in Japanese drama.

Stella was probably trying to do the same today.

She didn’t know the reason.

Just for fun?

It didn’t seem like that was the case, but Stella’s target was clearly Seon-ye.

Yuina’s gaze, sweeping the crowd, first landed on Yeon Seon-ye.

Then it shifted to Michiko.

Realizing this herself, Yuina’s lethargic eyes changed to disappointment.

And with a brief click of her tongue.

It was as if she felt uncomfortable that she naturally noticed Seon-ye before Michiko.

That complex emotion rippled outwards.

Like a drop of red paint falling into a clear puddle of water.

“…Looks like you’re a little late, guest.”

Unpleasant disdain laced Rosalyn’s words as she addressed the stage.

At that, Yuina’s gaze naturally turned toward the stage.

The refined smile of Rosalyn, noble as an aristocrat, met Yuina’s languid gaze in the air.

Blue eyes and red eyes.

Black and white.

Opposites.

Two stark colors intertwined, causing Rosalyn’s smile to waver slightly.

There was clearly an emotional shift not indicated by the director’s instructions.

Natural, but blended with personal feelings that weren’t Rosalyn’s.

At that moment, it certainly felt like black was encroaching upon white.

The difference was minuscule, yet the two actresses were sharp enough to notice.

Who would be the victor of the first encounter?