Master Garret stood at the head of the stage, his chest puffed with pride, lips curled into a satisfied smile as the numbers kept climbing.
"Two thousand five hundred gold!"
"Two thousand seven hundred!"
"Three thousand!"
The crowd was losing control, their greed spiraling into frenzy.
Garret could practically feel the weight of coin bags piling up in his vaults.
This was beyond his wildest dreams.
The so-called "extra" mana stone he'd stolen from Kyle Armstrong had not only survived scrutiny—it was making him a small fortune.
He could already picture the expansion of his auction house, the rise in his status, and the nobles begging for his favor.
Just as he was about to slam the gavel and declare the final bid—
"Wait."
A calm, clear voice interrupted.
All eyes turned to a nobleman rising from one of the side seats.
Dressed in simple yet finely tailored clothes and wearing a hood that obscured most of his face, the man stepped forward confidently.
