The carriage rolled smoothly through the quiet streets, carrying Alex and Kael back to the Dukedom of Rosetta. Alex's mind was a whirl of thoughts—not only about the auction, but about the gifts he now held in his possession. The heirloom, an intricate device designed to amplify mana, gleamed faintly in its velvet case beside the scroll, whose ancient symbols promised techniques for fire mana wielders.
Kael, seated across from him, glanced curiously at the items. "You secured it all without even breaking a sweat," he said, admiration clear in his voice. "Not surprising, though. You make people want to work with you."
Alex allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. "It's about knowing what matters, Kael. And anticipating what others will value."
"Even the crown prince seemed interested," Kael observed carefully, almost as if testing Alex's reaction.
Alex's black eyes narrowed slightly, though the corner of his mouth tilted up in amusement. "Curiosity is harmless… for now." He set the scroll aside and gently unwrapped the heirloom, inspecting the delicate craftsmanship. Every curve, every etched rune, had a purpose. He could already imagine how it would accelerate his cultivation.
"Cupcake," a familiar voice teased from the doorway, breaking his focus.
Alex turned, spotting Riven leaning casually against the frame, his black-and-silver hair catching the late afternoon light, nails glinting purple obsidian. His grin was playful, his black eyes sharp and observant.
"Snowflake," Riven continued, stepping into the room. "I see the treasures arrived safely. Did you enjoy the theatrics?"
Alex's lips curved. "Your scroll was unexpected," he replied, gesturing toward the neatly wrapped package Riven had handed him before he left the auction.
"Gift," Riven said with a wink. "You'll find the techniques inside… invaluable for fire mana. Besides, it was thrilling watching you handle the auction floor. Graceful, precise… unshaken. Very Snowflake of you." He clapped a hand on Alex's shoulder, and the playful pressure made Alex suppress a chuckle. "And Cupcake, don't think I didn't notice how you made that bid look effortless."
Kael's expression softened slightly, noting the easy camaraderie. "It seems he admires your style," Kael commented, nodding subtly toward Riven.
Alex chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Or he enjoys teasing me," he said, eyes gleaming. "Either way… it was generous of him."
Riven leaned closer, lowering his voice in that conspiratorial tone Alex had grown familiar with. "You always see the details, don't you, Cupcake? People underestimate what you notice. I enjoy seeing you in action."
Alex inclined his head slightly, letting the compliment linger without breaking his composed demeanor. "It seems you've been keeping an eye on me, Ry," he said.
"Of course," Riven replied, stepping back with a smirk. "Someone as fascinating as you deserves it. But tell me, Cupcake… will you be attending the next gathering of noble circles? There will be… opportunities."
Kael leaned forward, curious. "Opportunities for what?"
Riven's gaze flicked between them, teasing, unreadable. "For growth. For influence. For… fire." He tapped the scroll Alex now held. "And perhaps for a little fun."
Alex's expression remained calm, though his mind raced with possibilities. "I'll consider it," he said, neatly placing the scroll beside the heirloom.
As Riven departed, the nicknames and teasing still echoing in the room, Alex turned to Kael with a faint smile. "We have much to prepare for," he said. "The auction was just the beginning. The world moves fast, Kael, and those who hesitate… are left behind."
Kael nodded, understanding more than his words could express. He trusted Alex fully—his mentor, his friend, and the one who would always be several steps ahead.
The evening sun cast long shadows across the courtyard as Alex carefully organized the items he had acquired. Every movement was deliberate, meticulous, precise. Secrets and sparks, he thought, not just of fire and mana—but of alliances, of challenges, and of a world that was slowly revealing itself to him.
And somewhere in the distance, he could almost hear Riven's voice, teasing and sharp: "Cupcake, Snowflake… maybe even Bun Bun. I can't decide which suits you best."
Alex allowed himself a small, private chuckle. Some things, he realized, were worth savoring.