The morning sun filtered through the high windows of Alex's study, casting a warm glow over stacks of scrolls, sketches of dresses, and meticulous notes about the upcoming auction. For the past week, Alex had been entirely absorbed—planning, calculating, preparing resources, and studying the list of nobles and royal attendees. Every detail mattered: who could be an ally, who could pose a threat, and how he might acquire the magical heirloom that could boost his mana cultivation.
Hours slipped by unnoticed. The usual clatter of the training grounds, the whirring of practice swords, and the soft hum of mana in the air—Alex had missed it all.
Finally, satisfied with his preparations for the auction, he closed his notes, adjusted his dark tunic embroidered with silver filigree, and made his way toward the training grounds.
"Cupcake!" a familiar voice rang out before he even reached the practice area.
Alex stopped mid-step, looking up to see Riven leaning casually against the edge of the grounds, arms crossed, a teasing glint in his black eyes. His black-and-silver hair caught the morning light, and his purple obsidian nails glinted as he flexed his fingers.
"I haven't seen you here all week," Riven continued, mock exasperation in his tone. "What have you been up to, hiding in your study?"
Alex allowed himself a faint smile. "I've been busy."
"Busy, huh? Busy with… the auction, right, Cupcake?" Riven's grin widened, eyes sparkling with amusement.
Alex raised a brow. "You know about that?"
Riven shrugged, stepping closer, his movements effortless, elegant, and slightly playful. "Word travels fast, even in quiet corridors. That auction—it was supposed to be a secret, only for royal members. But one slip, and now every noble who thinks themselves clever is circling like hawks. Competition is unavoidable."
Alex considered Riven's words carefully. "I'll need allies. Someone reliable by my side."
Riven's smirk deepened. "Ah… I might have someone in mind. Tall, confident, black-and-silver hair—enough presence to turn heads in any room." He clapped Alex lightly on the shoulder. "Could be just the support you need."
Alex chuckled softly. "You make it sound as if he's already on my team."
"Maybe he is… or maybe you just haven't met him yet," Riven teased, his voice low, playful. "The right allies are always worth finding. But remember, Cupcake, skill alone won't win this. Timing, subtlety, and strategy matter just as much."
Alex exhaled, amusement and determination mingling. "I'll keep that in mind."
Riven straightened, giving a final smirk before stepping back. "Good. Now, don't be a stranger on the training grounds again, Cupcake. We both know practice makes precision… and you wouldn't want to fall behind, would you?"
Alex smiled faintly, eyes glinting with resolve. "I won't."
As Riven's figure receded into the morning light, Alex turned back toward the quiet of the practice field. The auction awaited, but so did the sharpening of his skill, the forging of alliances, and the intricate dance of strategy and subtlety that would define what was to come.