Night had fallen, casting a dark velvet curtain over the sky, and the cold wind howled like a wild beast roaming the streets. But even the biting chill of the evening air couldn't dampen the determination of those making their way toward the auction. The anticipation in the city buzzed like static, drawing people out of their homes despite the weather.
"Young master, we can depart now." Nicole said softly, her voice filled with a quiet excitement. Her eyes gleamed almost like stars as she looked Lucas up and down, visibly impressed by his appearance.
Tonight, Lucas was dressed in an exceptionally elegant deep sapphire tunic, finely tailored to fit him perfectly. It was embroidered with silver thread, the designs forming a shimmering constellation of winged lions that stretched proudly across his chest. Draped over his shoulders was a flowing mantle of royal crimson, long enough to brush the floor behind him. It was fastened with an ornate brooch shaped like a radiant sunburst—an ancient, heavy piece that clearly held historical significance. The overall effect was striking; he looked every inch a noble prince. His bearing, his posture, even the way he glanced around—all of it exuded a commanding, regal presence that few could ignore.
"Nicole, you look incredibly beautiful tonight," Lucas remarked, a gentle smile playing at his lips as he took in her appearance. "Just like a princess from a fairy tale."
Nicole was wearing a soft pink gown that fell gracefully to her ankles, adorned with delicate embroidery near the hem that resembled blooming flowers. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, with a few curled strands framing her face, and a luxurious silk scarf wrapped tastefully around her neck. On her hands, she wore sheer silk gloves that shimmered subtly under the light.
With such a poised and graceful appearance, anyone looking at Nicole would easily believe she was of royal blood. The outfit alone made a statement—refined, exquisite, and unmistakably noble.
"Young master, you really do look like a prince tonight." Nicole said with a sweet smile, her head tilted slightly as she met his eyes. Being called a princess clearly touched her deeply; it was perhaps the highest compliment she could receive.
"Then, Princess Nicole, shall we make our way to the auction?" Lucas said, extending his arm to her with a playful yet refined air.
Tonight, they had no intention of hiding. There was no need for subtlety or modesty. Their striking attire was carefully chosen—not just for style, but as a tactic. It was designed to attract attention, to draw eyes, and ultimately, to create distraction. After all, if they went to such lengths and didn't drive up the auction's atmosphere—or the prices—it would all be for nothing.
As for whether anyone might recognize them? That was of little concern. In these clothes, with their composed demeanor and noble grace, few would dare question who—or what—they really were. Lucas would never openly declare, "I am a prince," but he knew the power of suggestion. If others believed it on their own, if they whispered and speculated, that would serve his purpose far better.
And should the truth ever come out in the future, what of it? He had never claimed royalty. Besides, Lucas believed—no, he knew—that one day he would stand above even the highest of princes.
As the two stepped out of the room, Lucas was greeted by the sight of two individuals waiting just outside. They stood tall and imposing in finely crafted steel armor, their visors polished to a gleam. These were not ordinary guards—they were members of the War Wolves, elite fighters loyal to Lucas.
"City Lord," the two knights said in perfect unison, bowing respectfully.
Lucas blinked, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "Weren't the veterans supposed to come? I had asked for two of them from the ship to act as my knights tonight."
Number Five stepped forward, his tone steady and sincere. "The captain was concerned for your safety. He instructed us to take their place."
Lucas sighed, understanding the sentiment behind the change. Loyalty like that was rare. It was already too late to send them back now, and perhaps it was better this way.
"Alright, let's go," He said calmly.
"Understood." Number Five took the wooden box from Nicole with practiced ease. It was a sturdy box, carefully sealed, and filled with coins—copper ones, specifically. Of course, from the outside, it could easily be mistaken for a chest brimming with gold. And that illusion was part of the plan.
With their group assembled, Lucas and Nicole made their way into the main hall of the Blang Tavern. The moment they stepped inside, the lively chatter came to an abrupt halt. Every eye turned to them, wide with awe and curiosity. The room, which moments ago had been filled with laughter and noise, was now filled with silence and tension.
Some patrons rose to their feet, either to get a better look or out of respect. They watched in reverence as Lucas and his companions passed through, their regal air leaving a trail of whispers in their wake.
"Hey… wasn't that guy a prince or something? Did you see that outfit?"
"He had knights! Real, armored knights! And his clothes—so extravagant, like something from a royal court!"
"And the girl with him… she must be a princess, right? Just look at her..."
The murmurs spread quickly, though none of them reached Lucas's ears. He and Nicole exited the tavern and climbed into the luxurious carriage Chris had rented earlier that day. The vehicle rocked slightly as they settled in.
"Master… Do you think Mina will be alright?" Nicole asked quietly, her voice tinged with concern. Her eyes, though calm, held a trace of worry that she tried hard to suppress. Mina had gone ahead earlier to infiltrate the auction site.
Lucas's gaze turned thoughtful. "She'll be fine," he replied after a moment, his voice low and confident. "We have to trust her. With the secret weapon I gave her, combined with her skills, she'll be able to handle anything that comes her way."
Nicole nodded, clutching her hands together in her lap. "Mm-hmm…"
A few minutes passed in silence, the wheels of the carriage rolling steadily across the streets of Pentos City. Then, a voice came from outside.
"Master, we have arrived at the auction." Number Five reported dutifully.
Lucas stood, brushing down his tunic, and stepped out of the carriage with composed elegance. He took a moment to observe the scene in front of him—carriages lined up along the road, nobles and merchants bustling about in expensive attire, all eager to participate in tonight's prestigious event.
Nicole followed, carefully lifting her skirt to avoid brushing it against the ground. Her graceful movement only added to her noble image.
As they stepped into the open, countless eyes turned toward them. The crowd instinctively parted, some bowing their heads slightly, others whispering with awe. Even from a distance, minor nobles and traders saluted them, clearly mistaking them for royalty.
At the entrance to the grand building, Count Hudson stood, greeting guests. The moment he saw Lucas and Nicole approach, his pupils dilated. He froze for half a second, then hurriedly straightened his attire and rushed forward with urgency.
"Let's go." Lucas said softly, starting toward the entrance—only to be intercepted.
"Honored guests, welcome! I am Count Hudson, the host and organizer of this auction," he said, his voice almost reverent. "To think that someone of your… distinguished status would attend—what a great honor it is for us all."
He didn't ask any direct questions. Instead, he relied on flattery, hoping to learn more from Lucas's response.
Lucas lifted his chin slightly, his gaze indifferent. "Just passing through. I heard something about the Amos' Notes. Thought I'd see if they're real or just a scam."
Count Hudson paled slightly and shook his head. "No, no! Of course not! We would never allow such a thing here. Everything is authentic, I assure you."
The way Lucas spoke, the manner in which he carried himself—it all screamed nobility. Hudson felt a cold sweat trickle down his back. Who is this man? He couldn't place him, but he was certain Lucas must be someone powerful—perhaps the heir of a major noble family, or even a foreign prince.
Could he be a prince from another kingdom? Yes, that seemed very likely. After all, he had heard that princes from other kingdoms often came to court Princess Lucy. Now, to Count Hudson, Lucas seemed like a prince from another kingdom. This was the only explanation that matched the nobility and luxury he exuded. Sometimes, it's the assumptions that are the most dangerous. Count Hudson, trying to justify his thoughts with his own assumptions, had let the social pressures of the time prevent him from asking any questions that might be deemed inappropriate.
"When does the auction begin?" Lucas asked, his tone sharp, brows furrowing in feigned irritation.
"Very soon, my lord—please, this way," Count Hudson said quickly, motioning them to enter. He didn't even dare request an entrance fee. To charge a prince—or what might be one—would be a grave offense.
.
.
.
.
You can read advance chapters and view R-18 images of the characters on pat reon page.
pat reon.com/GreenBlue17
300 Power Stones for 1 extra chapter.
5 New reviews for 1 extra chapter.