The auction hall opened with the soft chime of enchanted bells, signaling the start of the evening's main event.
Yun Jin followed Henrik through the upper corridors, past the velvet-draped walkways that led to the VIP booths.
From his vantage point, he looked down at the vast floor below—rows of cushioned seats arranged in an arc facing the stage, already filling with merchants, nobles, and influential figures.
Here in the VIP section, however, things were different.
Unlike the common guests below, the ones seated here were the real power players.
Many wore elaborate masks, hiding their faces behind finely crafted silver, gold, or gemstone-studded visors. Others, however, chose to show their identities openly.
Yun Jin leaned back slightly, observing the mix of hidden and unhidden faces, before turning to Henrik.
“Why don’t some of them wear masks?”
He gestured slightly at the guests seated across from them. “If I’d known, I would’ve brought one myself.”
Henrik chuckled, adjusting his seat before answering.
“Because this isn’t a grand event.”
He gave a small shrug, speaking with the casual ease of someone familiar with the workings of high society.
“For more prestigious auctions, anonymity is highly valued. But in gatherings like this? Most people don’t care. In fact, some want others to know exactly what they’re bidding on.”
Yun Jin smirked.
“To show off, huh? Got it.”
An Unwanted Guest
Just as he settled into his seat, a sharp, familiar voice cut through the air.
“You! How dare you be here? Have the standards of this place fallen so low?! I will tell my father about this!”
Yun Jin sighed, already recognizing the voice before even turning.
Sure enough, standing at the entrance of the VIP booths was Luthier Veldorne, his face twisted in outrage, and at his side—his ever-present knight, Serra Aegis.
Henrik glanced at the approaching noble and remained calm, his posture unchanged. When he spoke, his tone carried the quiet confidence of someone who wasn’t easily pressured.
“Mister Yun Jin is now an esteemed VIP guest, the same as you, Mister Luthier.”
Luthier froze for a split second, his mouth opening—then closing—as if struggling to process those words.
Yun Jin, for his part, had been about to walk away—but now, watching Luthier’s face turn a deep shade of red, he decided to stay.
He rested his arm against the table and watched in amusement as Luthier’s frustration boiled over.
"You’re just an old man! How dare a mere auction appraiser speak to me this way? Where is the manager?!"
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Henrik didn’t flinch.
Instead, he adjusted his gloves and responded with the same calm, measured tone.
“Apologies, but our manager is currently occupied with tonight’s preparations. The items Mister Yun Jin has provided are too valuable for her to divert her attention to trivial matters.”
Then, with a pointed glance, he added,
“So please refrain from harassing other guests.”
A beat of silence.
Then—
“Or I will be the one to speak with your father.”
Luthier visibly twitched.
“YOU—!”
Just before he could burst into a full tantrum, Serra stepped forward, placing herself between him and the others.
She bowed slightly toward Henrik and Yun Jin.
“Apologies.”
Then, in a quiet voice meant only for her master, she spoke:
“Young Master, there’s no need to waste your breath on them. Let’s focus on the auction instead. The poor will never be able to afford anything of true value, anyway.”
Her tone was soft but firm—not so much advising him, but playing into his ego.
Luthier exhaled sharply, clearly wanting to argue, but in the end, he sighed and straightened his coat.
“Hah! You’re right.”
He gave Yun Jin a mocking smirk before turning away.
“They won’t be able to buy anything anyway. Let’s go.”
As he strode toward his seat, Yun Jin barely moved—but his lips curled slightly.
Just as Serra passed him, he used Voice Transmission, his voice slipping directly into her ears.
“I know you didn’t mean that.”
Serra paused mid-step.
For a brief moment, she hesitated, then glanced at him.
Instead of speaking, she gave a small, almost imperceptible bow before continuing on.
Yun Jin chuckled.
Settling In – A Conversation Over Wine
Yun Jin finally sat down, Henrik taking the seat beside him.
From their vantage point, they had a full, unobstructed view of the auction stage.
As they settled in, a young woman approached, carrying a silver tray adorned with finely crafted glasses.
“Welcome, esteemed guests. Tonight, we offer a selection of rare wines and liquors.”
She carefully set the tray down, revealing a deep red vintage bottle, its label marked with golden runes.
Yun Jin barely glanced at it before waving a hand dismissively.
“Just bring me water.”
Henrik chuckled.
“You do realize that’s a 200-year-old vintage, right?”
Yun Jin shrugged.
“I only drink with one person—my master.”
Henrik raised a brow at that, intrigued.
“Even someone like you has a master, huh?”
He studied Yun Jin for a moment, then glanced toward the auction stage.
So that must be where those items came from.
“Don’t worry.” Yun Jin smirked slightly. “I didn’t steal anything from my master. Everything I sell is mine.”
Henrik let out a tired sigh, feeling as though his thoughts had been seen through completely.
“Well, that’s good to know.”
The Secret Auction Items
As they waited for the event to begin, Henrik leaned slightly toward Yun Jin and lowered his voice.
“Since you just arrived, you may not be aware of tonight’s special items.”
“Special?” Yun Jin’s eyes flickered with interest.
Henrik held up three fingers.
“There are three major prizes being auctioned tonight.”
“The first—a legendary elixir said to cure any illness.”
“The second—an ancient artifact that enhances magic.”
“And the third—a masterfully crafted sword, unlike any seen in decades.”
He gave Yun Jin a knowing smile.
“But a mage like you is probably only interested in the second one, huh?”
Yun Jin paused for a beat, then murmured,
“…Yeah. A mage.”
Technically, Henrik wasn’t wrong.
His expression remained neutral as he leaned back in his seat as the auction was about to begin.
