Start of Elkom City Grand Auction

 "So, I found myself involved with this city politic, because of a young man who thinks his senior will grant him what he asked for?" Ryker asked incredulously.

 "At least he was trying to charm me with his non-existent charm before resulting in asking for the senior help, not that they could do much as the Duke of Elkom preferred me being independent of the other Noble Family, just to keep the balance of power in check.

 But yes, you got involved because of a young man who could not tell when someone was not interested in him," the two then shared a laugh as they headed back to the manager's office.

 As the door to the office opened, they watched as one of the servants poured more drink into Miriam's cup, who accepted it with a strained smile.

 "I think we should go now, Miriam," Ryker told the blonde, who nodded stiffly before she stood up and almost ran toward him.

 "We will see you after the auction end, Manager Sophia," Ryker bowed with Miriam before they headed to the auction hall.

 The manager looked at the servant with suspicions. "What did you do to that girl?" she asked.

 "Well, I just ask a few things regarding her life, namely how many 'sisters' she has, and she has a lot," the servant told her.

 "Many sisters, why would you be interested in such a thing?" the manager asked, clearly not believing her servant.

 "Sisters, as in fellow lovers, one in love and had done the deed with the young man you seem interested in," the servant said with a deadpanned look.

 "Oh, yes, the young man I am inter-" she spurt out the drink she had before looking at her servant in disbelief.

 "I am not interested in that young man!" she roared at her servant, who merely looked at her tiredly.

 "Yes, and you invite him to the office just to talk about business," the servant exclaimed.

 "That is what we talking about!" her patience started to thin with this servant of hers.

 "Really? And the other time also about business? One happened 5 days ago?"

 "Yes! Why would I be in love with someone I just met 5 days ago?! We merely talking about a possible deal!" honestly, it took only one more mistake before she was going to punish this servant of hers.

 "Oh, so the rumor I spread is wrong then," the servant had the gall the sheepishly laugh, especially when she said something about rumors.

 "What. Rumors." soon, screams echoed from the office as well as pleading to be forgiven, but none shall be given to the foolish servant.

-x-

 "I don't know why, but somehow I sense a rumor happening, and I am somehow involved," Ryker exclaimed.

 "Well, I am not sure about a rumor, but you will get involved with the drama between the Elkom Auction House and the Eletor Family," Miriam told him, prompting him to sigh in pain, massaging his temple in the hope of reducing the headache he was going through.

 "I want to hope nothing happens but with my luck, I will likely get involved with whatever happened between the two forces," he might have Tashirn, but the Spirit Giant Tiger is still a newly ascended Spirit Beast and could not provide much help against experts who had been a Noble realm longer than her.

 "Yeah, true," Miriam could not help but agree. Then again, with everything they, or more specifically, he had gone through, he always came out on top. She did not see how it would be so different now, except for the potential enemy being much stronger.

 "As they arrived at a guarded door, the guards stopped them and asked, "Token," Ryker took out the golden token, causing the guards to have their eyes widen before lowering their heads. 

 One of the servants saw this and promptly went to their side, "Let me see the token," the guard handed it, where the servant looked at it before handing it back to Ryker.

 "Please follow me to your room," they did just that. As they walked to their room, Ryker could tell the size of the room was big, very big.

 Soon, they arrived at their room, A-16 etched on the door. "Use the token to enter the room," the servant told them. Ryker put the token in front of the door and watched as different formations were opened.

 The door then opened, and the two could not help but gasp at the sheer size of the room. "This is the golden room of the Elkom Auction House. Only the rich, the powerful, and influential used this room," the servant told him.

 "But, from your clothes, I will say, you are a traveler, so, to be allowed to have this room, the manager, must have seen something in you, or, she values you that much," Ryker wanted to tell the deal he had made with the manager, but the servant decided to continue speaking.

 "There are snacks and drinks provided. If you want something, you could ring this bell and I will come," the servant said before putting the bell on the table, before leaving the room.

 "The others will be jealous when they hear about this," Miriam exclaimed, and Ryker could not help but agree with her. While Hidden Ancient Mansion is larger, in terms of luxury and decoration, this room alone is more expensive than the entire mansion's decoration, which is non-existent if he said it himself.

 "Let's just sit back and wait until the auction starts,"

-x-

 They waited for half an hour before they heard a voice outside. The two then take a closer seat to the viewing area, allowing them to see the stage.

 Soon, a young woman walked onto the stage, wearing a beautiful red dress similar to the manager. However, there are some differences. Namely, the diamond-shaped cut on her breast, showing a portion of her cleavage.

 Her dress was also sleeveless, showing her creamy white arms, with only transparent veils covering it, allowing them to be seen by the one who came to join the auction.

 Her blonde hair was tied in a loose ponytail, with a red headdress sitting on the crown of her head. She flashed a bright smile, her grass-green eyes seemingly shining as she smiled.

 "I would like to welcome everyone to Elkom City Grand Auction," her voice was loud and clear, yet it was also pleasant to hear.

 "I would cut off the pleasantries as I am sure most of you would like to go to the auction part, am I right?" the entire hall was filled with noises, Ryker could not help but roll his eyes.

 "So, let the Elkom City Grand Auction begin,"