“Fate will lead you to me eventually, and I am merely extending my finest proposal in advance… You wouldn't refuse me, would you?”
Click, click, click... It is the sound of Carlotta's heels as she walks the streets in the darkness of night. Her footfall is light, but it still draws the crows' attention. Here they are again, these unbashful thieves. Carlotta stares at them with slight frustration and takes a few quick steps away, but the crows swoop toward her, determined to get something from her. They really like my gems, it seems. She taps her chin with her fingertip, weighing her choices. What a... nuisance. Fine. I'll humor them this time. Carlotta waves a hand, and blinking gemstones appear in her palm as if out of thin air. She tosses the gemstones away, and the crows eagerly chase after them, cawing contentedly as they go. A smile lifts the corner of her mouth ever so slightly. "Don't take it for granted. Next time... I won't be so easily persuaded."
Red permeates every aspect of Carlotta's life. It comes in many shades, and no matter how close two shades of red may seem, she can always tell them apart. Red drapes the stage curtains, thick and velvety, offering privacy when it is sorely needed. It is the color of blood, sticky and warm, a threat wielded as an effective final bargaining chip at the negotiating table. It is also the color of fine wine, sweet and mellow, the perfect choice for cementing alliances at a banquet. Different shades of red carry different meanings and should be used accordingly. Carlotta knows which shade of red to choose for each facet of her personality, just as a skilled painter knows which shade to use for a rose or a maiden's blushing cheeks. What will I do today? What won't I? Which shade of red will I embody? For Carlotta, the answers come naturally.
The Montelli family is wealthy, and Carlotta is never stingy with money. Money changes hands over coveted auction items and in deals struck between powerful families. For Carlotta, investment means parting with something now to gain something far more valuable later. To generate more wealth, she knows, one must first set it in motion. Yet Carlotta understands that wealth, though powerful, cannot measure the things that truly matter. While money represents the value of an item, it is not the only criterion. An extravagant banquet doesn't necessarily bring more joy than a pot of thick soup or a citrus pie shared with loved ones. Sometimes, she buys crude paintings from unknown street artists-not for their potential value, but simply because her heart desires it. Other times, she willingly parts with profit well within her grasp for the sake of family or friends, knowing they would do the same if the roles were reversed. To Carlotta, not everything is about business opportunities or financial gain, and not every action carries an ulterior motive. She has a clear idea of what matters the most, and what makes life worth living.
By rough estimates from fellow Montellis, Lady Carlotta is seen with a cup of coffee in hand about three out of ten times she appears. "There's nothing strange about that," one insider said. "As the saying goes, coffee runs in the blood of every Ragunnesi." Another remarked, "Lady Carlotta embodies the essence of grace. The way she sits there sipping her coffee, her posture perfectly upright-very graceful indeed." A third added, "There's a secret ingredient in her coffee: citrus. It gives the coffee a freshly sweet taste. Just the way she likes it." While some of these statements might not be entirely reliable, one thing is certain: Carlotta has a unique taste for coffee. With such a heavy daily intake, however, does she have no trouble falling asleep? Or maybe she prefers it this way-staying alert at night and always dazzling during the day.
As the second daughter of the Montelli family, Carlotta dresses with artistic flair, her elegance accentuated by opals and other adornments. She carries herself with grace and does everything with style, even when secretly getting rid of troubles for her family.
The small bag she carries can be packed with ammunition, and the exquisite perfume bottle can be a hand grenade in disguise... Nothing is what it seems with Carlotta. Hidden beneath her glamorous crimson surface are many decorative yet destructive items of beauty.
Carlotta imbues every aspect of her life with beauty. Looking down at the target with a proud glance, she slowly removes her gloves with her teeth. Then, holding her dress as though about to curtsy, she withdraws a pistol, takes aim, and fires a burst of light, marking a beautiful end for her victim.
