By the time the last enemy fell and the royal knights fully secured the auction house, the sky beyond the shattered windows had begun to darken.
Evening had arrived.
Smoke still lingered in the air, drifting through broken arches and cracked marble floors. The scent of magic—burnt mana, ice, and steel—hung heavily, yet the chaos was slowly giving way to order.
Around the hall, people began to stir.
Nobles helped one another to their feet. Parents clutched their children tightly, whispering prayers of gratitude. Some wept openly, overwhelmed by relief, while others stood frozen in stunned silence, staring at the destruction they had survived.
Prince Leon stepped forward.
His presence alone brought calm.
His voice carried clearly through the hall.
"Everyone, please remain calm," he said firmly. "Proceed to the main auction area—the location announced earlier. The royal knights will escort you."
Relief rippled through the survivors.
"Yes—Your Highness!"
"Thank the gods…"
Guided by the knights, the crowd slowly began to move.
Amid the movement—
Prince Leon's gaze shifted.
He saw him.
Joon-Woo.
Standing slightly apart from the others, his posture calm yet alert. The silver-haired man was partially hidden by a mask, yet even so, his beauty could not be concealed.
From behind the mask, his striking purple eyes were clearly visible—deep, luminous, and unnervingly captivating.
The mask failed to hide them.
Leon's breath stilled for a brief moment.
There you are.
Without hesitation, the prince began walking toward him.
Joon-Woo noticed instantly.
…He's coming.
For a single heartbeat, their eyes met.
Then—
Joon-Woo turned and slipped into the shadows.
"Wait—" Leon said, quickening his pace.
But Joon-Woo was already moving, weaving swiftly past broken pillars and torn curtains. The moment he reached an open archway—
Flash.
His figure vanished.
Leon reached the spot seconds later.
Nothing remained.
Only fading mana lingered in the air.
"…Teleportation," Leon muttered, his expression tightening.
Outside, beneath the darkening sky, Joon-Woo reappeared briefly—only to vanish once more, teleporting directly back to his VIP room.
This time, he changed forms.
The silver-haired human disappeared, replaced by a small white fox curled calmly atop the velvet cushions.
Moments later, Prince Leon entered the VIP room.
His eyes searched the space carefully.
"The silver-haired man…" he murmured.
But there was no one there.
Only Snowflake looked back at him innocently, tilting his head.
Leon exhaled slowly.
"…So I imagined it?"
He gently lifted the fox into his arms.
At that moment, the auction host's voice echoed magically through the hall.
"Attention, honored guests. Due to today's incident, the auction is now officially concluded. All buyers may proceed with payment and collect their purchased items under royal supervision."
Soon after, the chief auction manager, Edric Valemont, arrived personally, bowing deeply before Prince Leon.
"Your Highness," he said respectfully, "as promised."
Two attendants stepped forward, presenting velvet-lined cases.
One held the magical necklace.
The other contained the mysterious ancient artifact, now sealed within protective runes.
Leon nodded calmly.
"Bring the payment."
At his command, a knight stepped forward carrying a heavy chest overflowing with gold coins. The sound alone drew gasps from nearby staff.
Edric Valemont bowed again, sweat visible on his brow.
"It is an honor to serve the crown."
With all matters concluded, preparations were made to depart.
Outside, a royal carriage awaited.
Prince Leon entered first, Snowflake cradled securely in his arms. Knights surrounded the carriage as it departed, lanterns glowing softly while it rolled through the city streets toward the castle.
---
Castle – Night
Once inside the palace, Prince Leon went straight to his chambers.
He gently set Snowflake down.
Then, after a brief pause, he spoke.
"Come with me."
Joon-Woo hesitated—but followed.
The prince led him to the bath chamber.
It was the first time.
Steam rose gently from the wide marble tub, warm water shimmering under enchanted lights.
Leon rolled up his sleeves.
"I'll help," he said simply.
Joon-Woo froze.
…He's doing this himself?
No servants. No distance.
As Leon carefully poured warm water over him, Joon-Woo felt strangely overwhelmed.
This is the crown prince…
Why is he treating me with such care?
His tail flicked slightly.
Leon's movements were steady, gentle, almost reverent. He avoided roughness, as if afraid of hurting something precious.
Joon-Woo slowly relaxed.
I've fought monsters… survived death…
But this… this feels more dangerous somehow.
After the bath, he felt lighter—clean, calm, strangely safe.
Soon after, maids arrived quietly with dinner.
They ate together.
No tension. No questions.
Just silence and understanding.
When the plates were cleared, a knight entered and bowed.
"Your Highness, the king has summoned you."
Leon's expression hardened slightly.
So Father already knows.
He turned to Joon-Woo.
"I'll return shortly," he said. "Stay here."
Joon-Woo nodded.
Once Leon left, the room fell quiet.
I check the mission reward from the system.
[System Notification]
> Quest Completed
Reward Acquired: 100 System Points
System Shop: Unlocked
Joon-Woo's eyes widened.
"A shop…?"
A glowing interface appeared before him.
Clothes.
Skills.
Weapons.
Artifacts.
So many possibilities.
A slow smile formed.
This… will help me survive.
No—this will help me grow stronger.