Prince Leon was about to leave for the auction, planning to drop Joon-Woo back in his room first. But the moment Leon turned away, Joon-Woo padded after him, clearly refusing to stay behind.
Leon noticed and stopped, glancing down with mild surprise.
"…You want to come with me too?" he asked.
Joon-Woo looked up at him, eyes bright and full of expectation.
Leon chuckled softly. "Alright then. Come with me."
And just like that, the prince agreed to take him along.
---
They soon settled into the royal carriage. As it rolled through the city streets, Joon-Woo moved closer to the window, gazing outside with wide, curious eyes.
The capital was alive.
People hurried about their daily work, merchants shouted prices from colorful stalls, children darted through the crowd, and the air buzzed with energy. Everything felt new, vibrant, and exciting.
Before long, the carriage slowed to a stop.
They had arrived.
The auction house stood proudly before them—elegant, grand, and imposing. As the carriage doors opened, murmurs rippled through the gathered crowd.
"That's the royal carriage…!"
Prince Leon stepped down first, followed by Joon-Woo in his fox form. Instantly, all eyes turned toward them. Gazes filled with awe, admiration, and curiosity lingered on the crown prince—and the white fox at his side.
A well-dressed man hurried forward and bowed deeply.
He was Edric Valemont, the Grand Auction Master and chief manager of the auction house—a man of considerable influence within the capital's trade circles.
"Your Highness, welcome," Edric said respectfully. "It is an honor to have you here."
After greeting the prince, he gestured politely and led Leon and Joon-Woo toward the VIP section. Royal knights followed closely behind, their presence firm and protective.
Joon-Woo looked around in amazement as they walked. The auction hall was stunning—grand chandeliers, polished marble floors, and rows upon rows of seats filled with nobles and wealthy merchants. Though beautiful, it was still far smaller than the royal palace.
The royal castle is on an entirely different level…
Soon, they reached their private VIP room.
Moments later, a graceful woman entered. She was the auction's host, dressed in an elegant gown, her voice clear and confident.
"The auction will begin in fifteen minutes," she announced with a polite smile before bowing and leaving.
Prince Leon glanced down and smiled gently.
"Snowflake," he said softly, stroking Joon-Woo's fur with affection.
Joon-Woo relaxed in his arms as the noise outside gradually grew louder.
---
Not long after, the auction began.
The host's voice echoed through the hall as the first items were presented—rare jewelry, enchanted weapons, ancient scrolls, and mysterious artifacts. One by one, bidders raised their placards, calling out prices as tension filled the room.
Gold coins changed hands in numbers Joon-Woo had never imagined.
Then came the fifth item.
A velvet cloth was lifted, revealing a beautiful magical necklace. The gem at its center shimmered with a soft blue glow, pulsing with power.
"This necklace contains powerful defensive magic," the host announced. "It can automatically activate a protective barrier when the wearer is in danger. The starting bid is one hundred gold coins."
Excitement rippled through the hall.
Before anyone else could speak, Prince Leon's calm voice rang out.
"One thousand gold coins."
A stunned silence followed.
No one dared to bid further.
Who would challenge the Crown Prince?
The host raised her hammer.
"Going once… going twice…"
Silence.
"Three."
Bang.
"Sold! To His Highness, Prince Leon."
The necklace was officially his.
Only then did Joon-Woo realize—
It was a birthday gift.
"For Princess Lyra," Leon said softly, almost to himself.
His younger sister.