I Want to Be a VTuber

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“Please take a seat, so as not to disturb the other guests.”

Rosalyn’s gentle words carried quite a strong weight.

The softness was shattered just moments after Yuina’s entrance.

At Rosalyn’s words, Yuina detached her gaze from her and moved to her designated spot.

There wasn’t much of a response.

It was as if she had an attitude of “You’re not even on my radar.”

“Miss, that girl came too, didn’t she?”

Whispering to Michiko, Yeon Seon-ye was observing Yuina.

The way she spoke sounded quite timid.

“Oh, she will. The item I want today is also pretty important for Yuina.”

“Really? What on earth is it?”

“I told you, it’s a necklace.”

With that conversation, the auction began.

One by one, Rosalyn showcased the items to the crowd, describing each one.

People expressed their admiration for every item, as if they were genuinely valuable treasures.

“Yes, as if they were worth something real.”

The actors present thought so absentmindedly.

“This particular item dates back to 1680. It’s an artifact discovered on a pirate ship that roamed the seas. As you can see, this grand chest is entirely made of gold.”

Shining eyes.

Looking into those blue eyes felt like being drawn in.

Though the prop was quite convincing for acting purposes, everyone knew it was merely a fake.

Yet, listening to Rosalyn speak made one inadvertently gasp in awe, despite knowing it was an act.

“Enough talking. Now that you understand, why not proceed with the auction?”

At that moment, Yuina interjected with a sneer.

She had been quiet until now, but it seemed she wasn’t too thrilled with Rosalyn’s calm explanation.

From the beginning, Yuina had little interest in anything beyond the necklace.

At her words, the people around her inhaled sharply.

However, no one dared to say anything to Yuina.

The Kasugayama family held considerable power.

They ruled the night streets back in Japan, and crossing them would be a grave mistake.

“Oh my.”

Rosalyn’s lips curled into a smile at Yuina’s remark.

Her blue eyes narrowed as she focused on Yuina.

“Your personality must be utterly awful then. Don’t you know what an auction is for?”

“Seon-ye, didn’t you say this was your first time at an auction?”

“I’m not rude like that.”

The conversation between Yeon Seon-ye and Michiko broke the silence that had fallen over the auction house.

Sensitive-eared Yuina shot a glare at Seon-ye as if she had caught the whisper.

“Oh dear.”

Seon-ye quickly shrank back and avoided her gaze, putting on a comical look as if to say she didn’t hear anything.

Up to this point, it was all lighthearted banter.

And then.

“Miss Kasugayama Yuina.”

Leaning on her cane, Rosalyn continued.

The light atmosphere went cold all of a sudden.

“There are rules to auctions. Those who are used to taking what belongs to others might not know, but—”

Soft words, yet with a sharp edge.

As an auctioneer, she shouldn’t act this way, but it was said with a certain audacity after Yuina had dismissed her.

Moreover, Rosalyn was indeed of noble blood.

A merchant, yet not just an ordinary trader who happens to sell items at auctions.

So, it wasn’t unusual for her to speak that way.

Yuina’s actions were extraordinarily rude.

‘That’s the setting in this work.’

Standing beside Yuina, Koto Isamu—Lee Sang-soo—realized that Rosalyn’s performance was intensifying.

A tone much deeper than what she had initially presented.

Perhaps, she recognized that her own acting was being overshadowed by Seo-yeon’s atmosphere during their first meeting.

Thus, she went on the offensive.

‘She realizes she’s not someone to be underestimated.’

It was instantly clear.

Stella was an incredible actress, unmatched among her peers, a talent that seemed gifted from the heavens.

With such innate ability, it was natural for her to look down upon others.

If seen in a good light, it’s consideration.

If she carelessly acts to squash another performer while showcasing her own dense performance, it would skew the entire work; it might even make her own acting seem strange.

So, Stella was trying to adjust to her counterpart.

‘But, Seo-yeon’s performance was even more impactful than expected.’

Without any lines, merely gazing at Rosalyn, she dominated the scene with an overwhelming presence.

That was the kind of intensity allowed because Yuina was a ‘villain.’

Even if she completely overshadowed Rosalyn, the main villain—Yuina—could still afford to do so.

However, that seemed to bruise Stella’s pride.

At this moment, her counterattack was extraordinarily sharp.

“Your tongue is quite long.”

“Well, merchants are known for their loquacity. But it seems the Kasugayama family is unaware of etiquette among nobles.”

“Isn’t excessive explanation something to be avoided by a merchant?”

“Who decides what that is, if not Miss Kasugayama? It’s surely the guests present here.”

Yuina continued to fire off snarky comments, while Rosalyn gracefully brushed them aside.

“Hmph.”

At Rosalyn’s words, Yuina fiddled with the bear figurine in her hand.

The pressure of the offensive tone faltered for a moment.

With that sharp performance, Yuina’s vibrant aura slightly shrank back.

Rosalyn’s words were difficult to counter, and as the color of her acting came flying like an arrow, Yuina couldn’t find the proper response.

To put it simply, the scene and dialogue intertwined and dampened Seo-yeon’s brilliance.

It would seem odd to get angry here, so her emotional palette was extremely limited.

Yuina’s performance remained fierce, while Rosalyn adeptly handled it as if treating a child.

Yuina narrowed her eyes, staring at Rosalyn.

The recent scene had struck a perfect balance without anyone losing out.

Yet, visually, Rosalyn was emphasized more than Yuina.

If a winner were to be declared, it would likely be Rosalyn.

“Besides, it seems Miss Kasugayama isn’t interested in the objects at all…”

As Rosalyn dropped that line, she briefly directed her gaze toward Yeon Seon-ye, standing with Michiko.

Her previous statement held two significances.

The reason Yuina was after the necklace.

In other words, her aim wasn’t the auction item itself, but rather to gain it to exact ‘revenge’ on Michiko.

Secondly, the moment Yuina entered the auction, her eyes had been fixed on Seon-ye.

Being a merchant, Rosalyn instantly read Yuina’s interests.

Such sentiments were laid bare in her wry smile.

The act of Rosalyn seeing through Yuina’s feelings.

“That’s enough for now. We must continue with the auction.”

Yuina and Seo-yeon shot cool glances at Rosalyn.

As if a storm was brewing inside them.

This wasn’t because they were awed by Stella’s performance, but likely because they resonated with Yuina’s emotions.

It didn’t sit well.

Stella’s acting was every bit how Seo-yeon had envisioned Rosalyn to be.

Just looking at it was disconcerting.

That demeanor.

That fluttering smile.

At the same time, Yuina realized that Rosalyn shared a nature similar to her own.

Someone who wanted to ruin what the other cherished.

A cruel disposition indeed.

However, Seo-yeon knew.

Yuina wasn’t a beast.

She didn’t leap at her opponent to latch onto their neck.

Yuina’s method of hunting was much colder than her personality.

Creating traps and patiently waiting for her opponent to step into them.

Just like she did to Michiko.

And now, with a crooked smile directed at Rosalyn, Yuina understood her nature.

From that realization, predicting her actions became easy.

***

Often, people refer to acting as a ‘performance showcase.’

Everyone in attendance likely shared that sentiment.

The series of scenes.

The acting feast displayed by the young actresses was far different from what they expected.

Countless NGs piled up, with the filming lightheartedly progressing as per usual.

Yet, today’s filming was razor-sharp.

As if one might get sliced if they made a mistake.

The crew observing the acting could sense it, but how about the actors?

They might not have felt a thing at all.

In Japan, performing in this unfamiliar set felt like stepping right into the historical Gyeongseong.

It was as though they became actual characters from the narrative.

Overwhelmed by the atmosphere between Rosalyn and Yuina, they were terribly attentive, fulfilling the role of background actors.

“Is this acting?”

“It’s a bit unnerving, really.”

This shoot wasn’t just staffed by Koreans.

Not merely the usual broadcast crew convened to film a documentary, but real movie staff were present too.

Representatives from the production committee gathered for Asher Baldwin’s film project.

Of course, Stella wouldn’t be part of their film.

She was merely here to follow Asher to Japan.

They were here solely to gauge the colossal director’s attention.

To protect his daughter, Stella.

Just that.

“Sure, there are some slight differences in feeling.”

“I think I understand why Korean dramas and films are gaining traction nowadays. Especially…”

The actress acting alongside Stella, Seo-yeon, matched her without missing a beat.

She had previously left a strong impression in her cameo for the drama starring Koto Reika.

While that was memorable, no one anticipated it would be to this extent.

The performance seen in her cameo had only been a fraction of what she was capable of.

“Seo-yeon is great, but it seems everyone’s colors are so distinct.”

“Those two?”

Jo Seo-hee and Lee Ji-yeon.

Both were performing aptly in their respective roles.

While they didn’t display the same intensity, it wasn’t due to lack of acting prowess but rather the visual context of the scene.

“Hmm.”

“Why do you say that?”

“This would actually make for a fun variety show with those four.”

“Oh, really? It does seem that way. With each of them being unique, a combined appearance could be quite entertaining.”

“More than that, perhaps? It might be worth discussing? <Gyeongseong Young Lady> could benefit from some promotion…”

At his words, the crew for <Gyeongseong Young Lady> trembled as if they were about to faint.

“Well, I’m pretty sure director Baldwin wouldn’t approve.”

“Who knows? I’ve watched Stella act countless times, yet she seems to be enjoying herself the most today. Perhaps it’s because she hasn’t had much experience performing with her peers.”

“Hmm.”

Conversing with the crew shooting the <Gyeongseong Young Lady> documentary felt like a pretty solid plan.

Four colors.

Having four of them on a single variety show would likely produce remarkable results.

As their discussion continued, the ‘auction house’ scene was nearing its conclusion.

The final scene where Rosalyn, a minor character, interacts with Yeon Seon-ye was wrapping up.

***

With Stella’s involvement, the role of ‘Rosalyn’ was newly crafted, but the overarching story remained largely unchanged.

The mother’s necklace surfaced, and Yuina competed with Michiko in the auction, with Michiko ultimately acquiring it for an immense sum.

That much followed the original storyline.

What changed was right from that point onward.

The new script started with.

“I’ll give you the auction item, but it seems we’ll need to send for a maid.”

Rosalyn told Michiko that.

Michiko briefly stepped outside, sending only Seon-ye to Rosalyn.

Then.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t give you the necklace.”

Rosalyn smiled at Seon-ye, who approached her.

“Don’t worry, I will ensure the necklace reaches you properly. I sent someone to your lady waiting outside.”

Rosalyn spoke with a gentle smile.

From the beginning, she had been interested in Seon-ye, who was beside Michiko.

“Honestly, I was curious from the start. Who is the maid that the vigilant young lady keeps so close?”

Her wide-open blue eyes took in Seon-ye in one glance.

The gentle face she had shown until now turned false, as the twisted emotions within her eyes overwhelmed Seon-ye.

No, it wasn’t just Seon-ye that felt overwhelmed.

Being subjected to the clearly expressed feelings in Stella’s acting rendered Lee Ji-yeon powerless.

Yet, because of this.

“I also want to ask you something.”

Seon-ye, pinned against the wall with her arms restrained, spoke in a soft voice.

“Why did you have that necklace in the first place? The young lady said that necklace was worn by her mother to a party. And then, it couldn’t be seen afterward.”

The necklace that mysteriously went missing one day.

The time it vanished was probably after the party.

“That time, you…”

“What will you do about it?”

Rosalyn leaned in closer to Seon-ye’s face and spoke softly.

“See, I can’t feel satisfied unless I take away what belongs to others. That little miss from the Amamana family? Honestly, I’ve loathed her since I was young.”

“But, you rarely even met her, right?”

“That’s not really important. What matters is that I don’t like her.”

Seon-ye felt utterly crushed under Rosalyn’s demeanor.

In terms of the atmosphere or the scene.

Her words.

The acting.

Seon-ye realized she couldn’t handle that performance at this moment directly.

However, would someone say this scene felt awkward?

‘No.’

It was still acceptable.

After all, this scene showcased Rosalyn as the ‘villain.’

Such intensity was within permissible limits; it was fine for an ordinary character like Seon-ye to be overwhelmed.

Stella understood that.

That’s why she acted freely, without restraint.

At the same time, her blue eyes seemed to ask Lee Ji-yeon.

‘So, what will you do now?’

Even if asked how to respond, there weren’t many options for Ji-yeon.

There existed a massive gap in acting skills between Ji-yeon and Stella.

So then.

‘Let those who can handle it take over.’

Ji-yeon twisted the direction of her acting.

After all, she couldn’t counter Stella’s performance.

“Wh-why are you doing this to a boy? I’m just an ordinary, ordinary maid?!”

What other method remained?

She simply had to escape.

“What?”

Stella looked at her incredulously.

This was more Stella’s emotions edging out than Rosalyn’s.

Clearly, Seon-ye should be firing back at Rosalyn in this scene.

While the lines were the same, retorting and floundering away were entirely different.

It suited the context, but could it do for a protagonist?

Thanks to Seon-ye’s actions, Rosalyn thoroughly subdued her.

‘Ah.’

At the same time, Stella realized.

Considering the scenes to follow, this direction would work just fine.

‘Next up is Yuina’s entrance.’

In that case, she could leave the response to Yuina.

Stella understood this and glanced at Seon-ye.

The scene had now progressed to her.

Ji-yeon didn’t even look her way.

She had effectively fled.

Yet, this suited Seon-ye perfectly.

Was it improvisation?

That might even be a bit intriguing.

‘…But why isn’t Yuina here?’

As Stella pondered that thought.

“NG! It’s an NG!!”

“What?”

Stella’s startled gaze turned towards Director Baek Min.

Simultaneously, she realized that the expressions of others were odd.

“Ah, it seems Yuina just charged in, pushing past Rosalyn’s bodyguards at the door.”

Stella turned her attention back.

She saw two bodyguards sprawled on the ground.

And beside them, Seo-yeon quickly averted her gaze.

‘I got too immersed in the scene.’

This happened because at the moment the door opened, Rosalyn had been shoving Ramiel aside.

‘Going from Yuina to Seo-yeon, I suddenly tightened up.’

The reason she tossed the security guard to the floor was precisely that.

“…Hmm.”

However, Director Baek Min knuckled his chin.

“No, this is fine.”

“What?”

“Let’s roll with a long take for Yuina in this scene. Instead of at the door, let’s do it in the hallway where she confronts Yuina.”

This meant Yuina would be advancing, pushing through the bodyguards.

“Well, considering the setting change for Yuina to come from a Yakuza family, it doesn’t sound unreasonable. It could work well visually as well. What do you think, Seo-yeon?”

“That’s….”

It’s not that it wouldn’t work.

But would that even be okay?

‘Yuina suddenly became so strong.’

Even Seo-yeon, who liked powerful characters, felt a bit astonished.

Wondering if it was okay for the setup and scene to suddenly shift like this.

And the one who was most taken aback was—

‘…Could it be that I also have to tussle with Seo-yeon?’

The actor playing Koto Isamu, who would later have a showdown with Yuina.

In other words, Lee Sang-soo.