Chapter 167: The Proposal
Kaelith didn’t leave right away. After the handshake, he gestured toward a quieter adjoining lounge, a well-appointed place, with soft lighting and wine chilled in silver flutes. It was the kind of space meant to keep powerful clients comfortable and talking.
Riku took a seat, settling in without speaking. Sherry chose to remain standing, her arms crossed tightly while her eyes scanned the surroundings.
Kaelith cleared his throat. "I hope you understand we cannot proceed with the auction immediately. Not with an item of this magnitude."
Riku raised an eyebrow. "Too dangerous to proceed without security?"
"Too valuable to rush," Kaelith replied, smoothing his sleeves. "The right patrons need time to be invited. Time to anticipate. We’ll need three days, minimum, to generate the appropriate interest."
Riku leaned back slightly, considering Kaelith’s words. "Alright. That sounds reasonable. However, I have one more thing."
He reached into his cloak and withdrew a pair of familiar scrolls, each carefully bound with old ribbon. Without a word, he laid them on the low table between them.
"I found these recently in a pawn shop not far from here," he said casually. "The owner’s grandfather claimed he’d acquired them from this very auction house."
Kaelith leaned forward, curious. He reached out, then paused. "May I?"
"Please, go ahead," Riku said with a calm nod.
The Magister unrolled one scroll. A soft golden shimmer rose from the parchment, wrapping the air in a light, unfamiliar warmth. His brows furrowed immediately.