The auction hall gleamed under crystal chandeliers, casting prismatic light across the polished marble floor. Nobles and royals mingled in elaborate attire, their faces half-hidden behind masks of silver, gold, and intricate lace. A low hum of conversation filled the air, punctuated by whispers of bids, alliances, and subtle rivalries.
Alex adjusted the tailored mask covering the upper half of his face. Black silk embroidered with silver filigree traced the contours of his features perfectly, accentuating his eyes and lending him an air of elegance and authority. Kael trailed slightly behind, his own mask simpler but still elegant.
"You made it look… effortless, Cupcake," Riven's smooth voice slithered into his ear as he appeared beside him, black and silver hair glinting under the chandeliers. His purple obsidian nails flexed over a sleek mask, and a grin tugged at the corner of his lips.
Alex arched an eyebrow, suppressing a smile. "Riven. Fancy seeing you here. You're keeping busy, I see."
"Oh, always busy, Snowflake," Riven replied, leaning closer, voice low and teasing. "Observing, admiring, and occasionally creating trouble. But I suppose I saved the best trouble for you." He tapped the side of his mask playfully.
Alex allowed himself a faint chuckle and gestured to Kael. "Keep up. I'll show you how to bid."
The auctioneer's voice rang out, announcing the first lot: a finely crafted mana-boosting heirloom, set in intricate filigree and humming faintly with latent energy. The crowd leaned forward, eager to see who would secure the piece. Alex's eyes flicked to the heirloom.
Kael hesitated beside him, unsure of the procedure. "I… I've never bid at such an event."
"Follow my lead," Alex said, voice calm. "Observe first, act decisively when it counts."
Together, they navigated the sea of masked faces. Alex subtly guided Kael, signaling when to raise his hand, when to counter another noble's bid, and when to hold back. The heirloom's price climbed steadily. Alex remained composed, analyzing every rival's mannerisms.
At a quiet moment, Riven leaned in, his voice soft but teasing. "Cupcake, are you letting him win something already? Don't tell me you're softening."
Alex smirked beneath his mask. "He has potential. I simply… mentor effectively."
Riven laughed, a warm low sound. "Mentoring, huh? Snowflake has a heart beneath that calm exterior." He straightened, glancing at the next lot. "And I… I think I'll try this one."
As the auction continued, Alex observed the Crown Prince from afar. Hidden behind his mask, his gaze lingered on Alex, subtle curiosity dancing in his eyes. Alex noted it, amused, but made no effort to engage. His focus remained on the task: securing the heirloom without drawing undue attention.
Finally, the moment arrived. Alex guided Kael's hand for the final bid, and the item was theirs. He smiled beneath his mask at his protégé. "Well done, Cupcake. Precision and timing."
Riven clapped him lightly on the shoulder. "We make a great team, Cupcake." Then, stepping back, he added, eyes glinting mischievously, "As for me? I took the scroll. Techniques for fire mana wielders. Thought you might enjoy a gift."
Alex turned, genuinely surprised, as Riven handed him the scroll. "For me?"
"Of course," Riven replied, smirking. "Snowflake deserves the best, even if it's just a little friendly competition."
Kael watched in quiet admiration, sensing the playful banter, the unspoken respect, and the ease between the two.
As the auction drew to a close, Alex and Kael moved toward their carriage. Riven's voice called out one last time, teasing, "Don't let this go to your head, Cupcake. Though, I suppose… a little admiration never hurt anyone."
Alex glanced over his shoulder, eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ry, the admiration changes nothing."
With that, they stepped into the carriage. The soft clatter of hooves echoed behind them as the masked nobles began to depart, whispering about the young lord from the Dukedom of Rosetta who had not only outbid many but had left an unforgettable impression.