The entrance to the auction was grand, as if they were trying to impress at any cost. Double ebony doors decorated with intricate carvings opened to reveal a vast, luxurious hall. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, illuminating the space with a soft, warm light. Nobles and important figures were scattered around, conversing in low tones and casting curious glances at the newcors.
Kael followed Adalric and Eva with a tense posture, while Irelia walked beside him, clearly uncomfortable in her formal dress.
Eva, on the other hand, seed perfectly at ease, with a confident smile lighting up her face, despite Kael finding Eva in a dress rather strange to see. Adalric led the group, greeting a few acquaintances with subtle nods, but not stopping for conversation.
"This way," he said, gesturing to a side staircase. A uniford man greeted them, bowing respectfully before guiding them to a more private area. They ascended to the second floor, where a corridor decorated with tapestries and oil paintings led them to an ornate wooden door.
"Welco to the VIP room, Third Sword Queen and Fourth Sword King," the attendant announced, opening the door and allowing them to enter.
The interior was stunning. The room had large windows that offered a privileged view of the main hall below. Dark leather armchairs and a central table with fine snacks and rare wines made up the space. There was an air of exclusivity and power, as if only the most influential had access.
'Considering my previous life, being in a place like this makes question if I really deserve this new life,' Kael couldn't help but feel out of place.
"What do you think? Very beautiful indeed, though I'd prefer to be in a more... private place," Eva said with a mischievous smile, elegantly sitting in one of the armchairs. She crossed her legs with grace, picking up a glass of wine as if she were at ho.
Adalric settled beside her, observing Kael with an amused look. "Don't let her fool you, she's just ssing around. Tonight, you'll see how the real power gas are played."
'The problem is I know she's not joking, Master. That's exactly the problem...' Kael thought as he shook his head in denial.
Irelia, who was clearly uncomfortable, crossed her arms and sat rigidly next to Kael. "I don't know why we need all this luxury. We're not here to compete, right?"
"Wrong," Adalric replied, his tone slightly enigmatic. "Sotis, just being in a place like this is a statent. And... we have more reasons to be here than you think."
Kael looked at him, confused. "What reasons?"
Eva smiled widely, leaning forward as if about to reveal a secret. "The Emperor, darling. He invited us. And whatever's behind it, it will be interesting. So, be prepared."
Before Kael could react, the sound of a knock on the door caught everyone's attention. The attendant entered again, announcing in a respectful tone, "The auction will begin shortly. If you need anything, I'm at your disposal."
Eva gave a casual wave, dismissing him. "Alright then, let's have so fun." She shot a playful glance at Kael, whose expression hardened.
'Why do I feel like this won't be as simple as it seems?' Kael thought, sitting up straighter in the chair as he tried to ignore Eva's mischievous smile.
The main hall was bathed in a soft golden light, and the atmosphere was a mixture of contained tension and excitent. Nobles, wealthy rchants, and influential adventurers occupied their seats, while the auctioneer, a thin man with a perfectly grood mustache, stepped onto the stage with a rehearsed smile.
"Ladies and gentlen," he began, his voice resonating clearly throughout the hall, "welco to our exclusive auction tonight. I hope you're ready to acquire the rarest and most fascinating items this kingdom has to offer."
Adalric relaxed in his chair, observing everything with a slight smile. "The first part is always like this," he comnted casually, turning to Kael and Irelia. "Irrelevant items to warm up the crowd. Don't expect much now."
Kael furrowed his brow, watching the stage. "If they're useless, why auction them?"
Eva let out a low laugh. "Because it's a strategy, darling. It's to gauge the audience's interest and build anticipation. Besides, who knows? Sotis, so fool will pay a lot for junk."
The auctioneer struck the gavel to grab attention. "Without further ado, let's move to the first item of the night: a bronze statue of a golden falcon, carved by an unknown artist from the south of Azalith. A lovely ornant for any collection!"
Kael looked at the statue being brought to the stage. It was small, lacking impressive details, and clearly more decorative than functional.
"We'll start with 50 gold coins! Who gives more?" the auctioneer announced.
"Fifty!" A voice from the back of the hall shouted.
"Fifty-five!" Another person quickly responded.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "They're really spending gold on this?"
"Wait until the next item," Adalric said, looking bored. "This is just the beginning."
The next item was announced with equal enthusiasm: "An ancient ceramic jar, found in ruins near Erath. A unique piece, with stories dating back centuries!"
Eva sighed, resting her face in her hand. "Ah, of course, the famous 'ancient jar' from every auction. Bet it's not even worth 10 coins."
Irelia looked at the jar being displayed. It was rustic, with visible cracks and a worn pattern that was barely discernible. "This doesn't look very special."
"Forty coins!" soone shouted from the crowd.
"Forty-five!" Another voice responded imdiately.
Kael scratched his head, clearly confused. "I don't understand... these things seem so... useless."
Adalric laughed. "Ah, kid, this is a show. The people here want to show off, spend money to prove they can. It's got nothing to do with the items themselves."
As more equally useless items passed across the stage – including an "enchanted" cloak that only changed color and an ancient book no one could read – Eva started tapping her fingers on the armrest, clearly bored.
"This is getting unbearable," she muttered. "When are they going to bring sothing worthwhile?"
"Calm down," Adalric said, crossing his arms. "The interesting stuff cos later. For now, just enjoy the theater."
Kael glanced at Irelia, who seed equally impatient. "Is this common at all auctions?" he whispered.
"I don't know," she replied, crossing her arms. "But I hope it ends soon. I'm getting sleepy."
The auctioneer struck the gavel again, closing the bidding on the last useless item. "And now, ladies and gentlen," he announced, his voice taking on a slightly more serious tone, "we'll move on to the next section of the auction. Prepare yourselves, for the jewels of the night are coming!"
Adalric smiled slyly. "Now the real fun begins."
"Looks like I arrived at a good ti," they heard from behind them... Then, Adalric and Eva quickly stood and bowed.
"Oh, no need for formalities, we're here as friends, right?" The man said with a warm smile as Kael turned to face him.
He was an imposing figure, a man whose presence seed to dominate the room. His golden hair glead like gold under the soft light, perfectly aligned, and his majestic suit, adorned with gold and red details, scread royalty and power. A rich, imposing black cloak draped elegantly over his shoulders, complenting his stature. Despite the perfection of his appearance, there were signs of wear. Deep dark circles betrayed his sleepless nights, and in his matured gaze, one could see the wisdom and scars of years spent ruling. He appeared to be in his forties, but his presence seed to carry the weight of much more.
Kael tried to absorb the grandeur of the man, but it was another figure beside him that truly captured his attention.
The woman beside him radiated an aura that mixed mystery and fascination. It was impossible to ignore her. Her preference for the color green was evident in her appearance: long, dark green hair, almost black, cascaded like silk, while her light green eyes glead with a hypnotizing intensity. Her skin was pale, almost porcelain-like, further highlighting the elegant features of her face and the contrast of her clothing choices. The black dress she wore hugged her curves provocatively, and the strategically revealing neckline added a touch of boldness to her presence, while a black cloak fell gracefully, lending her an air of authority and mystery.
Kael found himself unable to look away, his mind montarily blank as he tried to decipher the woman. There was sothing about her – it wasn't just her beauty, but the way she carried herself, as if the world around her was just a secondary detail. It was as if she knew exactly the effect she had and was more than comfortable with it.
Adalric, observing the mont, flashed a playful smile. "Kael, let introduce you to Emperor Hadrian Borealis and his personal advisor, Lady Hella Valroth."
Kael quickly composed himself, bowing in respect. "It's an honor to et you, Your Majesty, Lady Hella."
Hadrian let out a soft laugh, the kind of sound that seed deliberately calculated to put others at ease, as he waved his hand to dissipate the tension. "Ah, no need for such formalities, young one. Today, we're here just to enjoy the auction and good company." He tilted his head slightly, his golden eyes fixed on Kael. "And you would be...?"
Kael swallowed, feeling a bit out of place under the Emperor's keen gaze. "Ah... well... Kael Scarlet," he replied, scratching his cheek with a hint of discomfort. His attempt to sound confident was softened by the shyness that naturally escaped him.
Hadrian raised an eyebrow, a curious smile playing on his lips as he repeated the na. "Kael Scarlet, huh?" He seed to savor each syllable, as if trying to recall sothing. "That na... it sounds like..." he murmured thoughtfully, his golden eyes narrowing slightly.
Beside him, the dark-haired advisor leaned in to whisper sothing discreetly into his ear, but her voice, though low, reached Kael's attentive ears like a clear whisper in a quiet room.
"Son of Elion Scarlet... grandson of Eleonor Scarlet. Royalty of the Witches," she inford him...
"Eh? What is soone from the Witch Royal Family doing here?"
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